Top 5 Online Degree Subjects You Can Study from Home

The popularity of online education and distance learning opportunities has exploded in recent years. With the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere, fully online degrees allow professionals to advance their education and career without stepping foot in a physical classroom.

There are many online college and university programs to choose from spanning a diverse range of subjects. But some degree areas see more interest and enrollment than others for remote students looking to earn a credential or reskill online.

In this post, we outline the 5 most sought-after online degree subjects that students commonly complete 100% remotely or via blended online learning models:

1. Business Administration and Management
2. Computer and Information Sciences
3. Health Care Administration/Management
4. Accounting and Finance
5. Psychology and Counseling

Whether you’re hoping to upskill to access more job opportunities or make a career change, choosing one of these popular remote-friendly subjects for an online bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree can prepare you for in-demand roles.

Keep reading for an overview of each of the top 5 online degree subjects students are earning from the comfort of home.

Why Get an Online Degree You Can Study from Home?

Pursuing a fully online college degree program comes with unique flexibility and convenience benefits compared to traditional on-campus programs. Here are some of the top reasons remote learning is surging in popularity among today’s students:

• More Affordable – Online programs tend to cost much less in tuition and fees since they don’t require physical facilities, resources and infrastructure. You’ll also save money on transportation, housing, meal costs and more.
• Flexible Learning – With pre-recorded lectures and 24/7 access to course materials, online students can study whenever and wherever works best for them around professional and personal responsibilities.
• Learn on Your Schedule – Fitting classes around your family, job and lifestyle is seamless when you don’t have set in-person class times. Asynchronous online learning means you work at your own pace.
• Accessible from Anywhere – As long as you have an internet connection, you can log into your virtual classes and complete distance learning courses from home or anywhere else!
• Various Learning Formats – From discussion forums to video lectures and remote exams, online delivery features engaging mediums for students with different preferences to succeed.

Getting your degree completely online comes with major advantages. Next let’s compare the most popular subjects students are earning degrees in via e-learning and web-based education platforms.

The 5 Most Popular Online Degree Subjects

Millions of students around the globe are advancing their education through online courses and fully virtual degree programs. But what are the most common subjects they are studying in 2024?

Based on enrollment data from leading online universities and analysis of the most in-demand skills, these 5 subjects stand out as the most popular online degrees currently:

1. Business Administration and Management

Degrees in business remain top choices for remote learners hoping to reach management, leadership and executive-level positions across industries. Common courses in business administration programs cover:

• Organizational Behavior
• Economics
• Marketing
• Business Strategy and Analysis
• Finance and Accounting

This comprehensive curriculum prepares graduates for business analyst, management consultant, project manager, sales director and VP of Operations type roles. You can also specialize further with concentrations in entrepreneurship, HR, healthcare administration, hospitality management, international business and more.

2. Computer and Information Sciences

With technology continuing to transform every industry, degrees in computer science, information technology, and programming remain extremely popular online. Typical courses include:

• Coding Languages like Java, Python
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Operating Systems and Networking
• Web Development and UX/UI Design
• Cloud Computing and Database Management

This skill set allows remote learners to pursue careers as software engineers, web developers, computer systems analysts, network architects and cybersecurity professionals – all very lucrative fields.

3. Health Care Administration/Management

As healthcare systems and hospitals focus more on efficiency, productivity and patient satisfaction, skilled administrators and managers are in high demand. Online coursework covers:

• US Healthcare Policy and Delivery Systems
• Healthcare Facility Operations and Services
• Population Health Management
• Healthcare Accounting and Budget Planning
• Health IT and Analytics

With this diverse skillset, graduates can seek leadership roles as medical office managers, clinical directors, hospital administrators and more.

4. Accounting and Finance

For remote learners interested in numbers, money and business, degrees in accounting and finance are very popular online options. Some key concepts covered include:

• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Managerial Accounting
• Tax Strategy and Planning
• Auditing, Analysis and Control
• Investments and Securities
• Corporate Budgeting and Finance

With expertise in quantitative analysis, strategic financial planning, and reporting, graduates can pursue careers as public accountants, financial analysts, chief financial officers, budget analysts, and more. An accounting or finance degree develops high-income skillsets that all types of organizations need.

5. Psychology/Counseling

Finally, psychology and counseling also see heavy remote enrollment as students prepare for careers focused on human behavior, relationships and mental health. Courses explore concepts like:

• Human Development and Growth
• Social and Cultural Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience
• Research Methodology and Statistics
• Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis

This scientific training qualifies graduates to go on to become psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and school counselors (after meeting license requirements).

Resources To Get More Information On Online Degree 

E-Learning Industry Resources:

• For more on online education trends, see the eLearning Industry 2024 Outlook Report.
• Read this for tips on succeeding in remote degree programs.

Choosing the Right Online Program:

• Use this online degree finder tool to explore programs by subject area.
• Check out The Princeton Review’s rankings for reputable online colleges.

Financial Aid & Scholarships:

• Get guidance on applying for financial aid as an online student from Edvisors.
• Review these unconventional online degree scholarships.

Earn an Online Degree from the Comfort of Home

As remote and digital learning continues accelerating, more students are realizing the flexibility and convenience benefits of 100% online college degree programs.

And whether you hope to advance your business leadership skills, pivot your career with a technical degree, or build expertise to work in healthcare management, you can access highly-ranked online degrees in the subjects above from leading universities while studying on your schedule from home.

So if you’re considering advancing your education and skills to open up new career opportunities, an online bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral program allows you to study a top degree field from anywhere at your own pace.

What online degree subjects are you most interested in studying from home? Let me know in the comments below!

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