Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults [2023]

Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

You can qualify for in-demand jobs with competitive salaries by completing an accelerated online degree program. Check out the top accelerated online degrees for working adults below.

1. Advertising

Advertising degree programs provide training in the areas of marketing and advertising strategies, customer behavior evaluation, digital advertising development, and social media marketing. As a graduate, you can pursue roles such as social campaign manager, marketing coordinator, account executive, and sales representative.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031.

2. Accounting

Accountants perform vital roles for individuals, organizations, and governments alike by managing finances. A bachelor's degree in accounting covers foundational topics such as managerial accounting, accounting information systems, and auditing. Accountants and auditors earned median salaries of $77,250 per year (BLS, May 2021).

3. Biology

Earning a bachelor's in biology can open doors to entry-level careers as well as continuing education opportunities, making it a popular major. Common coursework includes statistical biology, chemical biology, biophysics, and microbiology. If you decide to become a microbiologist, you can expect to earn a median salary of just under $80,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

4. Business Administration

If you want a degree that leads to a wide variety of jobs, a bachelor's in business administration offers many options. With a curriculum focused on topics like business communications, human resource management, economic principles, and business statistics, you can take your career in countless directions. After working in the field for a few years, you can also pursue an MBA.

5. Computer Science

Computer and information tech jobs are projected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031, creating a variety of opportunities for graduates (BLS, May 2021). Plus, a bachelor's in computer science program easily translates to online learning and includes courses such as computer programming, artificial intelligence engineering, computer hardware, and software engineering.

6. Computer Informations System

Computer information systems bachelor's degrees focus on providing training in areas of systems analysis and design, infrastructure technologies, management of information systems, and data analysis for decision-making. As a graduate, you may qualify for work as a computer systems analyst — and earn a median annual salary of $99,270 (BLS, May 2021).

7. Criminal Justice

Earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice opens up career paths in areas of law enforcement, cybersecurity, forensics, and criminology. Programs commonly cover topics such as corrections in the United States, criminal law and evidence, criminal behavior, and criminal procedure.

8. Education

Whether you plan to work in primary, secondary, or adult education, a bachelor's in education can put you on the path to teaching others. You'll select a concentration based on your educational interests, but core coursework typically includes instructional technologies, curriculum and instruction research, and classroom management. Aside from student teaching, you can complete this degree fully online.

9. Finance

If you want to qualify for high-paying jobs, an online bachelor's in finance provides a great pathway. After studying topics such as financial markets and institutions, intermediate corporate finance, and financial derivatives, you can qualify to work as a budget or financial analyst, portfolio manager, or financial planner. Plus, all business and finance occupations earned a median annual wage of $76,570 — significantly above the median for all occupations (BLS, May 2021).

10. General Studies

A bachelor's in general studies allows you to customize your studies, creating a degree that works with your personal and professional needs. Most programs include a core curriculum in liberal arts topics while allowing for plenty of electives. The types of jobs you can qualify for after graduating depend on the kinds of classes you take.

11. Healthcare Administration

With healthcare occupations projected to grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031, working adults who earn a bachelor's in healthcare administration can find many different jobs after graduating (BLS, May 2021). Some of the coursework you can expect to complete includes principles of healthcare administration, healthcare communications and marketing, and leadership skills for healthcare professionals.

12. Information Technology

As more individuals and companies rely on information tech — the need for jobs grows. A bachelor's in information technology focuses on building skills in systems administration, robotics and artificial intelligence, computer networks, and software development. In 2021, information security analysts earned a median pay of $102,600 (BLS, May 2021).

13. Legal Studies

A bachelor's in legal studies is a good degree for those who want to work as paralegals, law office managers, probation officers, or court reporters. Four-year legal studies programs cover topics such as legal research and writing, fact identification, and American civil and criminal law. They also provide a great foundation for earning a law degree.

14. Liberal Arts

Bachelor's in liberal arts programs are interdisciplinary, covering topics in sociology, psychology, history, English, literature, and other creative arts. If you want to work in areas of writing and editing, project management, human resources, or public relations, a liberal arts degree could help get you started on the path.

15. Management

Typically provided through business schools, a bachelor's in management program offers training in organizational behavior, strategic business management, corporate finance, and economics. Management roles are projected to grow by 8% between 2021 and 2031, and professionals in these roles earned a median wage of $102,450 (BLS, May 2021).

16. Marketing

A popular degree, a bachelor's in marketing can open plenty of professional doors. These programs emphasize studies in consumer behavior and marketing communications, marketing research, social media campaigns, and data analytics. Plus, marketing managers earned a median annual salary of $133,380 (BLS, May 2021).

17. Political Science

If you enjoy the world of politics and government, a bachelor's in political science can help you enter the field. These programs cover topics such as governmental powers and the law, public opinion, legislative processes, and international relations. Common jobs for graduates include campaign manager, press secretary, and legislative aide.

18. Psychology

A bachelor's in psychology won't qualify you to work as a psychologist, but it does open many professional doors. Graduates can find work as market researchers, psychiatric technicians, health educators, and community service managers. Common coursework includes cognitive processes, lifespan developmental psychology, and research methods for psychology.

19. Public Health

Public health is a vitally important and growing field. And if you enjoy helping others, a bachelor's in public health can get you there. You can choose to work as a health education specialist, public health researcher, environmental health officer, or community health worker. Common classes include public health law, health policy, and public health practice.

20. Supply Chain Management

If you enjoy logistics and organization, a bachelor's in supply chain management can help you break into this growing field. Common roles you can pursue after graduation include logistician, purchasing manager, or distribution manager. You can expect to take classes in managerial accounting, service and manufacturing operations, and advanced logistics.