With the recent pandemic, most classes have had to shift online. Although this form of learning used to be viewed as a substitute for campus-based learning, recent events have reshaped the perspective on online education for both students and employers. Traditional universities are even moving away from pure in-person classes to online lectures, or at least blended learning, opening up the space for more growth. With more focus on qualifications rather than the study location, more people have signed up for online degrees, especially those wanting to raise their credentials for a bigger salary. Here are some of the best online degrees you can work for:

Cybersecurity

Despite advancements in technology, there is a big gap in cybersecurity. A r eport on security breaches notes that 8 in 10 businesses have suffered a breach recently due to a lack of cybersecurity skills or awareness. Without professional management, an organization’s critical assets are put at risk for malware and hackers. As such, cybersecurity degrees are an ideal choice for tech-minded individuals who are interested in high-earning potential. Cybersecurity professionals tend to enjoy salary premiums as high as $118,000 a year, because of the current competitive demand across the industry. In fact, the number of jobs available for information security analysts is expected to grow a whopping 33% from 2020 to 2030, compared with the 8% average growth across all occupations. When studying cybersecurity, you may be expected to at least know the basics of programming, IT systems components, and even system administration. These can be the building blocks for you to specialize in more complex topics and systems, which can be invaluable for you and your future employer.

Healthcare administration

With the demand for healthcare still at record levels, qualified managers and executives continue to be a high-in-demand career. Healthcare administrators take on a holistic approach to overseeing business side for healthcare providers, including the organization of patients, staff, and healthcare facilities. They are also required to have a basic understanding of medical treatments and techniques, so they can correctly integrate emerging technologies that may improve health services’ efficiency. It’s essential that healthcare administrators are good leaders — encouraging teamwork while supervising multiple departments and groups simultaneously. As a very task-heavy role that never goes out of business, the average salary can rightfully go beyond $90,500 a year. Being knowledgeable and active can ensure the hospital or clinic runs as smoothly as possible.

Marketing

Considering the influx of users on social media and digital channels, marketing specialists have plenty of areas to engage potential consumers. Marketing requires a great deal of research, creativity, and business skills to identify a customer’s demographics, needs, and preferences; these insights allow marketers to maximize the return on investments in their campaigns. High-ranking positions in the marketing field comprise valued employees who have mastered a company’s branding and direction, with manager positions easily earning more than $100,000 on average per year. No matter what your marketing specialty is, you need to stay updated with market trends and popular culture to ensure the business you’re promoting stays relevant and known.

Conclusion

Aside from quality education, online programs tend to be cheaper than traditional college degrees. Although online programs do provide flexibility, they can sometimes be socially isolating, as most of your work and communication is done via digital devices. If you’d like to maximize the college experience, you can opt to enroll in a community college instead to enjoy the benefits of lower expenditures while studying on-campus. No matter where you study, learning can enhance your knowledge and open up greater work opportunities in the future.

Specially written for Shamrck
By: Raine Jocelynn

Raine Jocelynn is a freelance writer. She enjoys writing a variety of topics, but particularly enjoys articles on family and education. When not writing her next piece, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children at home.