30 Top Online Degree Programs

top accredited online colleges for bachelor's degree programs

You don’t have to get a master’s degree or a doctorate to get a great job. With one of the best accredited online bachelor degree programs, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills that prepare you for a good career, all from the comfort of your own home.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 174 career fields in the U.S. typically require a bachelor’s degree to get a job in the industry. The good news is that projected job growth in those fields is anticipated to be 10% from 2016 to 2026. Do the math, and it’s clear that an accredited online bachelor’s degree can add value to your career!

What Can a Bachelor’s Degree Do for Me?

For starters, a bachelor’s degree can help you make more money. According to the BLS, bachelor’s-level workers earn a median weekly wage of $1,305.00. Compare that with $938 per week for an associate’s-level education and $781 per week for a high school education.

Of course, getting a bachelor’s degree isn’t just about money. Some top online bachelor degree programs can help you transition from high school to collegiate academics and the added rigors of study. Other programs help ready you for the job market in one of today’s leading careers like healthcare, science and technology, or social sciences.

Other bachelor’s degrees provide a traditional education in humanities, such as in languages and the arts, or even general studies, as a start for further academic pursuits. In other words, you can use a bachelor’s degree as a springboard for further academic studies, such as at the graduate level.

What If I’m Too Busy to Get a College Degree?

Many college students serve overseas in the military. Some have health complications that prevent them from attending classes on campus. Yet others have work and family responsibilities that dominate their schedules. These and other issues can make it seem as though getting a college degree is impossible.

Fortunately, online studies offer the flexibility to fit class time and study time into your personal life. Studying online means you can more easily pursue your educational goals with an accredited online bachelor’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree from a liberal arts university usually takes about four years of full-time schooling to complete, whether it’s earned online or on campus. You will need at least 15-20 hours per week to devote to online classes and assignments for your courses throughout the semester.

Some students go to community colleges for their first two years of studies, then transfer to a four-year university. This can be a cost savings for you, as community colleges are often less expensive. Most community colleges also have robust online learning platforms, so you can begin your studies online. In many cases, you can complete your community college studies without having to step foot on campus!

Beginning your online learning at a community college will help you get familiar with the online learning environment. It also serves as a time to figure out a good schedule that works for you to complete your online independent studies. You can then use that experience to find success in your online studies at a four-year school.

Whether you start at a two-year or four-year college, you’ll find that online classes are extremely flexible and that you can work around work and family obligations to stay on top of your studies.

What are the Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degrees?

With so many major and minor study areas to choose from among the 30 accredited online bachelor’s degree programs, the choice of which degree you will pursue is uniquely yours. There are degrees in technical and scientific fields that are rapidly hiring the best college graduates at good salaries. There are degrees to prepare you for graduate studies after your bachelor’s degree, too. Online schools offer many different options!

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics to rank the top online degree programs.

Each program receives an individual score. That score is compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online as ranking factors. To learn more, visit our methodology page.

Let’s get to the list of the best online degrees!

1. Capella University

Capella University delivers a learning experience that blends academic theory with practical knowledge. This unique approach helps you build a solid foundation for your career. Two online learning formats are available through Capella: GuidedPath or FlexPath learning. Either option can be a great fit for your needs and educational goals.

GuidedPath programs are just what they sound like. You get the benefit of a flexible online learning environment, but with additional guidance from your instructors. For example, there are more structured deadlines and weekly discussions than other programs to help you stay on track.

The FlexPath learning format offers flexibility and support to help you fit earning a degree into your busy life. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies and other fees apply. Offered for select programs.

Capella University offers choices of more than 20 specializations, minors, and degree concentrations online. This includes degrees in:

Information technology
Nursing
Health sciences
Business

2. American Public University

American Public University has conferred more than 100,000 degrees since 1995. You can become one of its alumni by pursuing a full range of higher educational opportunities at an affordable tuition rate.

If you work full-time, no worries! With a large majority of its students working adults, APU understands how to build an education that works around your busy schedule.

Online classes begin monthly and are eight to 16 weeks in length. This gives you the power to learn on your time frame. You can take courses when you want, and with short timeframes for each class, you can concentrate on one subject at a time.

The accredited bachelor’s degrees at APU online require 120 semester hours for completion. You’ll need about four years to complete that many credits if you study full-time.

You can earn a degree in one of many subject areas at APU. There’s options including traditional disciplines like philosophy, marketing, or political science. You can also select cutting-edge fields like reverse logistics management, cybersecurity, or emergency and disaster management.

No matter what program you choose, you’ll be prepared to enter your career field in stride with a degree from APU.

3. Penn State World Campus

Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers a range of accredited online bachelor’s degrees. These online programs are backed by Penn State’s outstanding reputation for academic excellence. The education and training you get with a Penn State online bachelor’s degree helps prepare you for a future of career growth and success.

At Penn State World Campus, there are many online bachelor’s degrees in diverse areas, including:

Psychology
Nursing
Agribusiness management
Digital multimedia design
Energy and sustainability policy

Alternatively, many online learners pursue an accredited bachelor’s degree as a step toward advanced education in their field. For example, you might pursue a bachelor’s degree in law and society prior to law school or an organizational leadership degree that leads into an MBA program.

With more than three-dozen programs that are 100 percent online, you have the flexibility to get the bachelor’s degree you want and need.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a nonprofit Christian college. Its online programs provide a rigorous and faith-based education that challenges you to learn with purpose and to apply what you learn in your life and work.

You can choose from more than 130 bachelor’s degree programs, all designed to give you the tools needed for professional and personal success. A few of the most popular online bachelor’s programs at Liberty are in elementary education, religion, and social work. Other options include:

Aviation
Health sciences
Criminal justice
Digital Design
History

Most degree programs at Liberty offer the option of fully online learning and come in a convenient eight-week class format. With that flexibility, you can complete your studies amid the obligations of family and work and build a solid future in the career field of your dreams.

5. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus is an entirely online nonprofit school. The Global Campus puts a high-quality education at your fingertips regardless of where you are in the world.

With more than two-dozen online bachelor’s degree programs, UAGC gives you the choice you need to find the best degree program for your future. Popular degree programs include:

Early Childhood Education
Accounting
Healthcare Administration
Marketing
Information Technology

Courses at UAGC are taken one at a time. With 24/7 technical support, you can study with the confidence that help is just a click away.

Applying to UAGC is quick and easy. There’s also no application fee!

6. Washington State University

Washington State University is known for academic excellence and faculty who are respected researchers and experts in their fields. It’s also one of the country’s most lauded institutions of higher learning. With Washington State University Global Campus, the same education is available for you to access remotely.

Employers and other institutions respect a degree from WSU, as it represents a thorough and challenging education from a top university. Best of all, Global Campus graduates who earn a degree online get the same highly-regarded college degree as their peers in on-campus programs. Most online schools offer this same benefit.

Undergraduate degrees are available in areas such as:

Business
Communications
Science and technology
Social and behavioral sciences

You can even pursue an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree that synthesizes diverse subject areas into an excellent foundation for further academic pursuits. This includes social sciences, data analytics, and economics, to name a few. In other words, you can easily find a program that fits your career needs!

7. Temple University

Temple University is a respected institution of higher learning in Philadelphia. The University brings accredited online bachelor’s degrees to the world with remote classes. It should come as no surprise that earning a challenging and thorough education from an outstanding institution like Temple University is a strong start toward a good career.

Temple’s Bachelor of Business Administration program, for example, provides an exceptional opportunity to learn. It’s delivered online by the renowned faculty of the university’s Fox School of Business.

Online learners also have study options in disciplines like accounting, business management, and human resource management to prepare for positions that require a bachelor’s degree.

Best of all, Temple provides multiple program start dates, study schedules, and learning formats to ensure that your online education is as convenient as possible.

8. Walden University

Walden University is yet another online school with academic concepts supported by practical skills to help you develop a strong basis for your career.

Walden offers accredited online bachelor’s degree programs in numerous areas, including education, psychology and counseling, and information technology. A BSN is also available online.

For online learners who are ready to finish a degree they started at another school, Walden accepts a generous amount of transfer credits. In fact, previous college classes can add up to 75% of the credits needed for your online Walden degree.

Helpful online support services are also available as you progress through your classes. You can count on getting the guidance you need throughout the entire schooling process, from application to graduation. This kind of support is invaluable for getting a good education that prepares you well for the next step of your life.

9. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech is one of the top institutions of higher education in the country. With that kind of credential, you can expect Texas Tech to deliver an outstanding educational experience, whether you’re learning online from Texas or beyond.

You can choose from a variety of accredited online bachelor’s degree programs covering the entire spectrum of career and academic pursuits. Texas Tech Online offers programs that include:

Architecture
Renewable energy
Plant and soil science
Education
Sociology

Alternatively, a Texas Tech general studies degree can provide a thorough, traditional education to prepare you for advanced academic pursuits and life success.

No matter which program you choose, at Texas Tech University, you can enroll in one of the best online bachelor degree programs with the convenience and flexibility of distance learning.

10. Florida International University

Florida International University is one of the best online colleges, thus its ranking at #10 on this list!

The school educates the community and prepares adult learners for career advancement. FIU Online provides the same education that’s taught by the excellent instructors who are available on campus. Wherever you have an internet connection, you can fulfill your desire for an education at FIU.

The flexible scheduling at FIU Online allows you to attain the skills and practical knowledge you need to enter a new career field or advance further in your current job. Study programs are offered in dozens of subject areas to prepare you for a career or to enrich your life skills.

Unique degree programs at FIU Online include a Bachelor of Science in the Internet of Things, a BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and Recreation and Sport Management.

There are dozens of other subject areas to get you ready for the rigors of many rapidly growing career fields in the coming decade as well. These include:

Information Technology
International Relations
Finance
Crime Science
Spanish

11. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is one of the nation’s leading research and educational institutions. It’s also one of the best online colleges, according to our metrics. At OSU, you have the opportunity to get an education on your schedule with the flexibility of distance learning.

As Oregon’s largest university, OSU attracts students from all over the U.S. and beyond. In fact, its student body represents more than 100 countries. More than 27,000 students study at the university’s main campus in Corvallis. However, more than 10,000 people benefit from the same educational opportunities wherever they are with online courses.

OSU delivers learning to you with a selection of online bachelor’s degree programs to fit your career goals. Choose from options including:

Public Policy
Marketing
Sociology
Biohealth Sciences
Digital Communication Arts

OSU online also has unique programs that include Rangeland Science, Botany, and Sustainability.

12. The Ohio State University- Columbus

The Ohio State University is among the top universities in the country. It has world-renowned faculty and a reputation for educational excellence.

With an online bachelor’s degree from Ohio State, you can carry a highly respected education into the job field. You can bring along with you the skills and knowledge needed to work on some of the critical issues of our time.

Available programs include:

Health Sciences
Nursing
Dental Hygiene
Radiologic Sciences

Ohio State has earned some impressive rankings in key areas, too. U.S. News & World Report ranks OSU as:

#16 among top public schools
#22 among learning communities
#26 among the most innovative schools
#49 among national universities

So, if you want to experience these accolades, check out Ohio State Online’s bachelor’s programs.

13. University of Iowa

As one of the nation’s outstanding public research universities, the University of Iowa serves more than 31,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries worldwide. The University has one of the top medical centers in the country and is renowned for its Iowa Writers’ Workshop. It’s also among the best online universities in the United States.

With the distinction of having dozens of faculty and alumni who have won a Pulitzer Prize, UI stands out for academic excellence. Best of all, the online bachelor’s degrees you can earn from Iowa deliver the same knowledge and training that students have access to on campus.

Through UI’s Distance and Online Education, you can choose from accredited degree programs in areas like:

Enterprise leadership
Political science
Sport and recreation management
Political sciences

Likewise, you can choose degree programs in nursing, liberal studies, or applied studies, to name only a few of the solid options available.

14. University of Oklahoma

The College of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Oklahoma provides you with an opportunity to earn an accredited online bachelor’s degree from a top-tier university. OU delivers an accessible education that serves as a foundation for a strong career. Likewise, an undergraduate degree is a good first step toward a graduate degree in your area of study.

With an intuitive and accessible learning management system, online students at OU interact with instructors and peers in class from wherever they might be. Classes are available in entirely online, hybrid, or on-site formats. Choose among several degrees, including:

Criminal justice
Aviation
Organizational leadership
Lifespan care administration

Enrollment at OU online includes the support of a network of individuals committed to your success. Remote students have access to guidance from student services advisors, a technical support team, and a specialized distance-learning librarian. All of these resources are available to answer your questions and help you with your academic journey.

15. Utah State University

The main campus of Utah State University is based in the scenic Cache Valley town of Logan in northern Utah. If you can’t make the stunning commute, don’t worry – Utah State now serves students far and wide with remote learning. Through USU, you can earn an accredited online bachelor’s degree in one of more than a dozen study areas on your own schedule.

What’s more, all of the accredited online bachelor’s degree programs combine Utah State’s experienced faculty and challenging classes with a flexible learning format through the school’s online learning management system.

Available programs include:

Psychology
Technology systems
Journalism
Economics
Management

USU has an outstanding reputation for agricultural studies. If agriculture is your passion, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. There are many graduate programs and doctoral degrees at Utah State, too. Your undergraduate studies will prepare you for continuing your education at the next level.

16. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is known for rigorous education and an active campus in Fort Collins, CO. With online bachelor’s programs ranked No. 39 in the country by U.S. News & World Report for 2022, CSU offers much-needed and highly regarded college degrees that can be accessed on your schedule.

Some of the degrees available through Colorado State Online include:

Anthropology
Computer science
Horticulture
Human development and family studies
Natural resource tourism

These online degrees have with the same challenging course materials and necessary academic information as a degree earned on campus. Thus, an online bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University is an investment in yourself and the promising trajectory of your future career.

17. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is known for providing affordable college degrees to students in the northern Arizona area. With GCU online, a well-rounded education is within your reach, wherever you are, and can help you to advance your career or continue your academic pursuits.

You can earn your online bachelor’s degree and prepare to step into the workforce in a number of growing fields. GCU online degrees are available in healthcare, education, and criminal justice. Many other fields are available in science, technology, and engineering.

What’s more, accredited online bachelor’s degree programs at GCU include full access to resources and support that students on campus enjoy. For example, you can get in touch with student counselors, get technical assistance, and access the extensive collections of the GCU library.

And in case you’re wondering, GCU online accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission, one of several regional accrediting agencies in the United States.

18. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global offers an outstanding education designed for the specific needs of busy adults who want to earn a degree. With the flexibility to fit classes and coursework into your own schedule, you can pursue college studies with less stress.

Purdue University Global offers dozens of degree and certificate programs online. The accredited online bachelor’s degree programs available include a broad range of traditional subjects that enable you to pursue a distance education.

Many of the most popular degree programs are targeted toward growing career fields, including:

Nursing
Information technology
Criminal justice
Fire sciences

No matter what program you choose, though, a bachelor’s degree earned through Purdue University Global prepares you to enter the workforce. You’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to take on today’s toughest problems.

19. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida provides exceptional higher educational opportunities to the communities surrounding Orlando. Even if you can’t enjoy the sunshine of Orlando, you have remote access to the same respected faculty who teach classes on UCF’s campus.

UCF Online students have access to all the resources and support that a university student needs to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. And since UCF ranks #64 among U.S. News & World Report’s top public schools, you’ll get a high-quality education.

There are more than 20 bachelor’s programs to choose from at UCF Online. With options like the following, you can find the educational path that best fits your career:

International and Global Studies
Legal Studies
Religion and Cultural Studies
English
History

UCF Online accepts transfer credits from students who have already started an accredited college degree. The school also allows you to launch your college career from the beginning, offering all the support and resources of a respected institution of higher learning.

20. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is respected as a leading institution of higher learning in the country. It’s also a fierce competitor in NCAA Division-I sports.

For students like you who need an accredited bachelor’s degree from a top-ranked university, ASU Online provides remote, flexible, and convenient learning opportunities.

Prospective students at ASU can choose from a full range of accredited online bachelor’s degrees in subjects like:

Women and gender studies
Digital photography
Biochemistry
Business administration
Electrical engineering

Additionally, there are dozens of other wide-ranging major topics to build a foundation for the future. You can rest assured that you’ll learn from the same leading faculty who provide ASU’s on-campus education. These professors take great care in preparing you for the first step into your career field.

21. Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University educates the next generation of aviation professionals and leaders from its campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ. Embry-Riddle offers various degree programs that are unlike what’s available at typical universities.

For example, Embry-Riddle’s BS degree in Unmanned Systems Applications prepares you to work in the developing field of drone vehicles. You’ll learn about unmanned systems across all domains, such as air, space, ground, and maritime applications.

With Embry-Riddle’s online education, you can learn about major industry issues in emerging new fields, like:

Airspace integration
Interoperability
Propulsion and power
Regulation

Best of all, you’ll study with instructors who have experience and knowledge about the technologies entering wide use in many industry-related and military applications.

22. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University educates tomorrow’s community leaders with rigorous academic instruction from outstanding faculty.

Nationally recognized for academic excellence on campus, WTAMU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a variety of remote formats.

Accredited bachelor degree programs from West Texas A&M are available either fully online, online with several in-person requirements, or in a hybrid format wherein a majority of the program is online. More than a dozen degrees are available in the 100% online format.

It should come as no surprise, then, that WTAMU’s online programs rank among the best programs for distance learners, according to U.S. News & World Report.

23. University of North Carolina- Wilmington

Supported by a reputation for educational excellence, the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers bachelor’s degrees in many areas to prepare you for a career or graduate studies.

Ranked No. 26 (tie) in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for its online bachelor’s programs, UNCW’s dedication to academics is evident. Additionally, online undergraduate degrees at UNCW are available in diverse subject areas across the academic spectrum. You can choose from programs in:

Criminology
Elementary education
International studies
Clinical research
Respiratory therapy

There’s also an RN-to-BS nursing program for nurses who want to further their education.

24. University of Illinois at Springfield

At the University of Illinois at Springfield, you can start a college degree or transfer credits you’ve earned previously to continue on the path toward your educational goals. There are dozens of online programs designed to help you advance toward your degree in many specialties. You will be ready to enter the workforce in a new field or build on the career you already have.

UIS is proud to provide you with accredited online bachelor’s degree opportunities that are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Plus, by taking UIS courses online, you gain a flexible and affordable way to earn your education while balancing life’s responsibilities.

If that isn’t enough, all students who enroll in one of UIS’ online degree programs, whether they are in- or out-of-state, pay the e-tuition rate. This is significantly lower than the traditional rate paid by students from out-of-state.

25. Lone Star College

Lone Star College aims to make higher education accessible and affordable, so the benefits of a college degree extend to everyone willing to make an effort to learn.

There are several bachelor’s degree programs available, in addition to many associate’s degree and professional certificate programs. Lone Star College has a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity that prepares you for work in the information technology field. As an accredited degree, it provides you with the knowledge needed to pass many industry certification exams in cybersecurity.

Additionally, Lone Star College offers an online BS in Nursing that allows Licensed Registered Nurses to develop further professional qualifications to add to their knowledge and resume.

A third bachelor’s program available online through Lone Star College is in energy, manufacturing, and trades management. This degree provides a path for students with an AAS in a related area to build upon their education and further develop their career qualifications.

26. Western Kentucky University

Located roughly halfway between Louisville and Nashville and with regional campuses in other communities throughout Kentucky, Western Kentucky University is a regional provider of high-quality higher education.

On the WKU campus on a hilltop in Bowling Green, KY, students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of subject areas. WKU reaches far beyond its geographic region, too. The school offers accredited online bachelor’s degree programs that are accessible to distance learners wherever they have a computer and an internet connection.

WKU offers bachelor of arts degrees in criminology and sociology. There are bachelor of science degrees in nearly a dozen different specialties, as well. This includes dental hygiene, health care administration, and organizational leadership.

27. Webster University

All of the online courses in the bachelor’s degree programs at Webster University meet the same academic standards as the school’s traditional, on-campus classes. As a remote learner, however, you get the additional advantage of 24/7 access to your college courses from anywhere in the world.

Whether you are a full- or part-time student, a graduate, or an undergraduate, you will benefit from Webster’s educational excellence.

Entire degree programs are available online in many areas that are in demand, such as criminology, psychology with an emphasis on mental health, and data analytics. Additional options include:

Media studies
Education
Management
Nursing
Scriptwriting

28. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus brings education to you with ease. UMGC provides ample opportunities to pursue a degree or professional certificate online and on your schedule.

Offering accredited online bachelor’s degrees in subject areas such as computer networks and cybersecurity, a UMGC education prepares you to enter the cutting-edge field of information technology security.

Or, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies that may lead to a graduate degree. Alternatively, you can earn a BS in Gerontology and Aging Services that equips you for the challenges of a growing niche in the healthcare field. At UMGC, the educational pathways are numerous, so you’re sure to find a degree program that matches your professional goals.

Your studies at UMGC will be of high quality, too. UMGC accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

29. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is widely known for exceptional athletic programs and stellar academics. There are also many online options for students whose military, work, or family responsibilities keep them from attending a traditional degree program on campus.

The University of Alabama Online offers more than a dozen bachelor’s programs spanning various academic disciplines. The educational programs have the same challenging and thorough academic coursework as their on-campus equivalents. Non-education programs are also accredited and held to the university’s high standards.

Other online degrees include human environmental sciences, food and nutrition, and consumer sciences. Hospitality management, criminology, and business are further degree options.

30. University of Arkansas

Even if you are far from the University of Arkansas’ Fayetteville campus, you can still pursue a bachelor’s degree from this esteemed institution. The U of A provides helpful flexibility for busy adults who want a four-year degree from a top public research university. Arkansas presents a wealth of unique programs spanning its different schools and colleges.

Some U of A Online programs provide a solid foundation for higher academic pursuits. Others tailor to the needs of a career track. For example, the online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Supply Chain Management educates distance learners on the fundamentals of industrial production and delivery. This knowledge is essential for entering the field in stride.

Alternatively, you can pursue a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies that’s perfect for customizing your ideal higher education. Other options include accounting, marketing, and management.

Whatever your goals may be, U of A Online aims to help you reach them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Earn More Money in My Job With a Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes. As noted earlier, research consistently shows that workers with a four-year college degree from an accredited university have higher salaries than those with less education.

However, statistics and averages do not give you a guarantee of any exact result in your unique case. Many variables factor into the final result, such as the type of degree you get and the school you get your degree from. Likewise, how much time you put into learning and succeeding in your academic and professional efforts can impact how much you earn.

Having an accredited bachelor’s degree is a good idea if you want a higher-paying job. In some cases, employers won’t even consider an applicant that doesn’t have a degree from an accredited institution. By choosing a program like the ones listed in our rankings, you’ll take a step in the right direction toward making more money.

Is an Online Degree as Good as a Traditional Degree?

Yes. Employers recognize that universities with accredited online bachelor’s degree programs provide the same challenging and rigorous educational opportunities to all students, whether fully on campus, in a hybrid online format, or 100 percent online. Plus, schools generally make no distinction on your degree or transcript to indicate that your are a remote learner.

Of course, modern times are rapidly changing the world of education. Even in early 2020, most schools and universities have transitioned their students to online learning formats in response to COVID-19 concerns. It is becoming an undeniable fact, regardless of the future of on-campus education, that online learning is as effective and valid as traditional, classroom-based learning.

With that being said, not every college degree is equal to others. Employers and graduate school entrance officers pay attention to things like the university’s reputation and its faculty. They also look at the accreditation of the school. The program’s courses and requirements are also reviewed to ensure that you get an education equivalent to a residential degree program.

Are Online Degrees Offered in Different Fields?

Most likely, there is an online bachelor degree program in the specific career field that interests you. Among the 30 top accredited online bachelor’s degree programs on this list, there are Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees in all the traditional subjects available at any top-tier university. You’ll also find some subject areas that may not have existed in a college course catalog just a few years ago.

Online bachelor’s degree programs are designed to prepare you for jobs in technical and scientific fields, education, and healthcare. You can also study criminal justice, business and management, psychology, and many more fields. Many schools also offer minors or emphasis areas within bachelor’s degree programs. Adding a minor to your major enables you to focus your studies more precisely on the topics you need to master for job success.

Many students earn a bachelor’s degree as a first step toward a graduate degree, whether that be an MBA, JD, or one of many online master’s degrees in other subject areas essential for career training. It’s important to think about your goals after college before you enroll in an undergraduate program. Doing so enables you to map out your education for the next few years and beyond.

How Long Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Take?

For new university students who don’t have any previous college credits, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of study. Online learning is very flexible and fits around your life and work, so it’s possible to finish an online degree in four years, too. However, it may also take longer than four years to earn your degree if you study part-time.

If you have enough time in your schedule to fit a full-time degree program, it’s possible to earn a degree in a shorter time. Most schools consider the four years of a bachelor’s degree program to include summer breaks between each academic year. If you’re motivated, you could take classes throughout the year and finish an undergraduate degree in three years or less.

What is an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree?

Colleges and universities that offer accredited college degrees go through regular audits and assessments of their classes, faculty, and school policies. This ensures that schools maintain the highest educational standards and help you reach your learning goals.

Accreditation also helps colleges and universities agree to accept transfer credits from other institutions of higher learning. Regionally-accredited schools, for example, accept credits from all other regionally-accredited schools. This type of accreditation is the most rigorous to get, and is the most prestigious. Additionally, regional accreditation is the most common type – public, nonprofit schools, for example, are often regionally accredited.

Accreditation also ensures that the education you get online is as good as a student that studies on campus. Likewise, accreditation gives schools across the country similar benchmarks for success, even though accreditation is regionally-based for most schools. Nevertheless, with high educational standards required for accreditation, you’re sure to get a quality education no matter if you study online, on the west coast, the east coast, or somewhere in between.

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out the Top 30 Fastest Accredited Online Graduate Colleges and the Top 12 Accredited Online Colleges With Low Tuition!

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