Key Takeaways
- Degrees like Cybersecurity, IT, and Accounting lead to strong salaries and job growth.
- Online programs provide practical experience through labs and simulations.
- Studying online enabels you to balance work, family, and other commitments.
- Many fields offer graduate pathways for leadership roles.
- The right online degree can open doors to stable, high-paying, and fulfilling careers.
If you’re exploring college majors or the best online degrees, chances are you’re looking for more than just a diploma. You want a career that pays well, feels rewarding, and offers long-term stability. You’re not alone. Many people are choosing online programs to create new opportunities while balancing busy lives, families, and work.
To make your search easier, we turned to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to highlight the best online degrees to get that consistently lead to strong salaries, steady job outlook, and career satisfaction.
Here are eight of the top online degrees worth considering if you want an education that truly pays off.
Best Online Degrees to Get Today
From teaching future generations to managing global businesses or shaping the digital world, the right online degree can open doors to stable, high-paying, and fulfilling careers.
Below, you’ll find some of the most in-demand degrees you can earn online, along with the jobs, growth rates, and salaries they lead to.
1. Education
Being the person that will help shape young people’s minds is a huge responsibility, but also a very rewarding profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for education, training, and library occupations was $59,220 in May 2024, higher than the overall median of $49,500. If you value education and want to impact the youth, this may be the degree for you.
With classrooms increasingly reliant on technology, studying education online lets you gain both knowledge and practical experience. Learning virtually also builds digital fluency and classroom management skills that translate directly to today’s teaching environments.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you can always advance further with a Master of Science in Education (MSED), opening opportunities for leadership roles and specialized positions.
Jobs you can do with an Education degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Primary School Teacher Teaching Assistant Education Consultant Community Education Officer Education Consultant Special Education Teacher |
Slower than the average | $59,220 |
2. Accounting
Accounting is considered to be the language of business, the lifeline of economics, and a solid career path. If you’re good with numbers and see yourself in a profession where dealing with them is a crucial part of the job, then getting an accounting degree might be the right call for you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in May 2024, with steady job growth expected.
Since most accounting tools are now digital, one of the main reasons to get an accounting degree online is because it mirrors the real workplace. You’ll learn to use the same cloud-based platforms and software that professionals rely on, all while enjoying the flexibility of online learning.
Degrees you can pursue include Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Master of Science in Accounting, both leading to rewrding roles as shown below:
Jobs you can do with an Accounting degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Accountant Financial Analyst Tax Manager Investment Banker Auditor |
5% | $81,680 |
3. Business administration
Business administration is one of the most popular online degrees. The benefits of a business administration degree go above and beying, because not only will you obtain a solid education and a set of highly required transferable skills through an online business degree, but you may also connect with other online students across the world. This networking side of the MBA can be highly beneficial for employment and money-wise. Having to express business ideas and concepts online mostly in writing, can be a great help in your job when drafting business plans and proposals.
However, an undergraduate business degree or a BBA degree it’s not the end of the road. You can further continue your education by earning an online Master of Business Administration (MBA). An online MBA will certainly improve your career prospects and bring you closer to your dream job, and financial stability as you can take on roles that will get you more than $80,000 per year. The demand for Business Administration professionals will continue to grow. However, some of the MBA degrees will see higher job growth than others. It ‘s on your hands to choose the area in which you want to specialize.
Jobs you can do with a Business Administration degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Business Consultant Human Resources Specialist Loan Officer Sales Manager Market Research Analyst Investment Banker Actuary |
Faster than the average | $80,920 |
4. Computer science
Computer science is the engine of the modern world. As a broad field with many job prospects and with a positive job outlook, it’s worth considering computer science for your degree choice. Since the job of a computer programmer involves mainly technology, it would only be fair that one can study and master the skills and knowledge online. Computer science offers a range of courses on design, development, and analysis of both software and hardware and their use in different social and business contexts.
This job might be most suited to computer geeks and people who are chronic problem solvers because computer science is all about solving problems. Through a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or a Master of Science in Computer Science, you can get one of the follwing jobs that offer lucrative salaries:
Jobs you can do with a Computer Science degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Cybersecurity Analyst Data Scientist Software Developer Database Administrator Computer Systems Analyst Web Developer |
Much faster than the average | $105,990 |
5. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical field focused on protecting digital information and systems from threats, from hackers and malware to insider risks and advanced persistent attacks. As more of our lives and business operations move online, the demand for cybersecurity professionals with excellent cybersecurity skills is urgent and growing across every sector, from finance to healthcare to government.
Getting a cybersecurity degree online is especially effective because online labs and simulations provide realistic, hands-on training for real-world threats. By studying cybersecurity you can practice setting up firewalls, testing for vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents in secure virtual environments that mirror the tools and challenges professionals face every day.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Policy was $124,910 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Jobs you can do with a Cybersecurity degree |
Average Salary |
| Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Specialist or Engineer Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker Security Architect Incident Response Analyst |
$124,910 |
6. Information technology
Information Technology (IT) differs from Computer Science by focusing more on applying and managing technology such as networks, systems, infrastructure, hardware/software support, rather than theory or building new algorithms from scratch.
Getting an IT degree online is very practical since many of the skills you learn can be used immediately in tech roles. Tasks like network configuration, system administration, cloud services, or cybersecurity basics can often be practiced on the job while you study.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology earned around $180,720 annually. Here are some of the careers with an Information Technology Degree, you can explore:
Jobs you can do with an Information Technology degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
| IT Manager
Network Administrator Systems Analyst Interested in pursuing a degree?Fill out the form and get all admission information you need regarding your chosen program. Computer and Information Systems Manager |
Positive | $180,720 |
7. Healthcare administration
There is more than one way to care about patients other than being a nurse or a doctor. However, your position is still within healthcare but in other capacities and mostly behind the scenes, yet meaningful. One of the main duties of a healthcare administrator professional is to make sure healthcare organizations are running smoothly by managing the staff, offering excellent patient care experience, and monitoring financial aspects of the organization. All those aspects that make a healthcare administrator professional can be mastered virtually because many online schools offer degrees in this major.
The skills required for jobs with a healthcare administration degree including leadership, management, communication, and strategic planning, can be effectively mastered online. Finishing this degree online is the perfect choice because students can immediately apply what they learn in their current jobs, benefit from flexible scheduling, and gain experience with digital tools increasingly used in healthcare management.
Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration are eligible for entry-level positions within healthcare. However, if you see yourself in higher positions, then you should consider a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
Jobs you can do with a Healthcare Administration degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Health Services Manager Nursing Home Administrator Clinic Administrator Hospital CFO Insurance Contract Negotiator Manager of Healthcare Staffing |
4% | $106,880 |
8. Human resource management
Human resources as a field has its focus on maintaining a solid work environment by carefully monitoring every aspect of work life. Among many skills you’ll get as a student of human resources management are leadership, decision making, interpersonal and speaking skills.
Getting into HR and finishing this degree online is the perfect choice because it allows you to balance coursework with your current professional responsibilities, immediately apply what you learn in real-world settings, and gain familiarity with digital HR platforms and tools that are increasingly used in modern workplaces. Knowledge of business acumen, risk management, negotiation, metrics, and analytics are also gained during the studies, all of which prepare you to become a successful human resource manager.
Jobs you can do with a Human Resources Management degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Human Resources Specialist Compensation and Benefits Manager Labor Relations Specialist Arbitrator Office Manager Training and Development Officer |
5% | $140,030 |
9. Psychology
If you are interested in dealing with human behavior and mental processes, you should definitely consider majoring in psychology. Psychology students learn the fundamentals of psychological research, reasoning, and problem-solving.
As one of the best online degrees that pay well, psychology prepares students for graduate studies in psychology, education, law, medicine, and business. It is a very adaptable major that can lead to a variety of occupations.
Studying psychology online also offers the flexibility to gain real-world experience while you learn. Many online programs allow students to complete internships, research projects, or volunteer opportunities in their local communities, giving you hands-on experience that complements your coursework and strengthens your resume.
Jobs you can do with a Psychology degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Substance abuse behavioral disorder counselor Human resources School psychologist School and community service manager |
6% | $94,310 |
10. Marketing
Marketing is another great degree you can get online. A marketing degree provides students with knowledge in product branding and advertising using specific demographics. Marketing students will be knowledgeable in advertising, communications, consumer behavior, public relations, and marketing strategy and research.
Marketing identifies a consumer demand and develops products or services to meet that need, all while promoting the brand’s or company’s purpose. In addition, this major requires its students to have a broad set of skills, including critical thinking, creativity, media trends awareness, and analytical abilities. Thanks to these skills, marketing majors understand how firms sustain relationships with their target audiences through specific actions such as creating, communicating, and delivering offerings to them.
Studying marketing online provides a native environment for learning modern marketing. Students gain hands-on experience with digital tools, social media platforms, and online analytics software that dominate today’s marketing landscape, allowing them to practice strategies in the same digital spaces where consumers interact with brands.
Jobs you can do with a Marketing degree |
Growth Rate |
Average Salary |
|
Marketing assistant Market research analyst or data scientist Sales manager or sales representative Social media manager or Digital marketer Public relations specialist Fundraiser Brand manager |
6% | $159,660 |
How to Choose the Best Online Degree
Choosing the right online degree can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into practical steps makes the process manageable. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Start by reflecting on your passions, strengths, and long-term career objectives. Consider what subjects excite you and how a particular degree aligns with your desired profession. Understanding your motivations ensures you pick a program that keeps you engaged and sets you up for success.
- Identify the skills you already possess and those you want to develop. This will help you select a degree that complements your abilities while challenging you to grow.
- Check for accreditation, which is crucial for ensuring your degree is recognized by employers and other educational institutions. Review the curriculum to see if it covers the topics and practical skills you want to learn. Investigate the faculty’s expertise to ensure you’re learning from experienced professionals in the field.
- Online programs vary between synchronous (live classes) and asynchronous (self-paced) formats. Determine which style fits your schedule and learning preferences.
- Compare tuition and fees across programs, but also look at available student support services, such as tutoring, career counseling, and technical help. Strong support can make a significant difference in your online learning experience.
Conclusion
The best online degrees are those that balance market demand with your personal interests and career goals. Whether you’re drawn to technology, healthcare, business, or the social sciences, an online degree offers a flexible and effective path to achieving your professional aspirations.
Ready to take the next step? Explore Potomac University’s accredited online degree programs today and find the perfect fit for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paid online degree?
Degrees in fields like Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Computer Science often lead to the highest salaries, with median wages exceeding six figures for experienced professionals.
Which online degree is the highest in demand?
Cybersecurity, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, and IT are among the most in-demand online degrees, driven by rapid industry growth and ongoing digital transformation.
What is the fastest degree to get online?
Business Administration, Marketing, and Human Resources programs can often be completed more quickly online, especially with accelerated courses or credit for prior learning and professional experience.
