The 2015 Survey of Online Learning by the Babson Survey Research Group shows that nearly six million students take at least one course online. Just over one-fourth (28%) of students in higher education are taking at least one online course. While the number of online learners has fallen slightly since 2011 (nearly 33%), more of the students are taking online courses at major, public non-profit universities.

Students all over the world are taking online degree programs in an array of fields including business, information technology, engineering, healthcare, criminal justice, political science, and more.

If you’re thinking about getting an online degree to enter a new career or to advance at your workplace, which online degree program should you choose?

For some people it’s not an easy decision. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 25 best online degree programs. The list includes a variety of degree programs leading to rewarding careers.

We based our selections on many different factors, including salary, employer demand for the degree, employment growth in fields relevant to the degree, interesting subject matter, and job satisfaction for jobs associated with the degree. We’ve included online master’s and bachelor’s degree programs and a couple of associate’s degree programs.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

2016 beginning median salary: $44, 489.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration prepares graduates for a variety of responsible management positions, domestically and internationally, in an array of industries. Bachelor’s degree programs in business administration provide a broad-based business education. The programs review all business areas, as well as behavioral factors common to all organizational structures. They also cover the quantitative aspects of decision-making. Some online bachelor’s degree programs in business administration can be completed in 36 months.

Typically, students have the opportunity to select a concentration in a field such as human resources, finance, management, information systems, marketing, operations, or supply chain management.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration prepares students for a variety of careers in business and industry, including finance, banking, product development, human resources, manufacturing, and business analysis.

Online Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)

2016 beginning median salary: $54, 435; many industries report significantly higher beginning salaries (U.S. News & World Report).

According to the 2012 Corporate Recruiters Survey and the Graduate Management Admissions Council’s 2012 Global Management Education Graduate Survey, 62% of recent MBA graduates have job offers upon graduation.

An MBA degree often provides career advancement opportunities, a more rewarding career, and a larger salary. Online MBA programs typically include core courses in subjects such as economics, finance, information systems, accounting, marketing, and management.

MBA programs also cover management skills, human resources management, and leadership. The programs usually include case studies. Typically online MBA programs take two years to complete, but some programs can be completed in just one year.

MBA specialties include computer and information security, health administration, marketing, applied computer sciences, information systems management, engineering and technology management, environmental management, and international business.

Online Master’s Degree in Finance

2016 median salary for Financial Analysts: , 985 (with a Master of Finance); employment growth rate from 2010 to 2020 is forecast to be 23% (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS]).

A master’s degree in finance gives graduates a competitive edge in areas such as investment management, corporate finance, commercial and retail banking, and financial management of companies and nonprofits, as well as analysis and brokerage.

Financial Analysts evaluate investment opportunities for businesses and individuals. They evaluate the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments. Some Financial Analysts evaluate the feasibility of a deal and create a plan of action based on financial analysis.

Many employers seek candidates with a master’s degree in finance or an MBA. Those with experience have an opportunity to become a Portfolio Manager and supervise a team of analysts. Portfolio Managers choose the mix of investments for a company’s investment portfolio.

They work for banks, mutual funds, pension funds, securities firms and other types of businesses. Successful financial analysts often become senior financial analysts or associates after three to four years.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel & Hospitality Management

2016 median salary for Lodging Managers: , 863; and for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners: , 985.

The program prepares graduates for management positions in companies in the rapidly growing hospitality industry, such as hotel management, restaurant and food service management, conventions and meeting management, tourism management, and other areas.

The programs incorporate practical business knowledge with management theory. Students gain the skills and expertise required to excel in a management, operations, or marketing position in the hospitality industry.

Hospitality Managers work in a variety of sectors, including amusement parks, associations, colleges and universities, country clubs, cruise lines, convention centers, conference centers, hotels, motels, resorts, and more.

Most large, full-service hotels require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, whereas many small hotels accept applicants with an associate’s degree or a certificate in hotel management or operations. Many Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner positions require a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related degree.

Job titles include:

• Banquet Director
• Catering Director
• Conference Coordinator
• Event Planner
• Food/Beverage Manager
• Operations Manager
• University Food Service Manager
• Club Manager

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources

2016 median salary for Human Resources Specialists: $46, 191; employment growth rate from 2010 to 2020 is forecast to be 21% (BLS).

Human Resources Specialist is the #25 ranked job in the 25 Best Jobs list for 2012 by U.S. News & World Report. Employees are the most important asset of just about all businesses. Human resources personnel help keep them happy, trained, and efficient.

Companies place a strong emphasis on human capital development, as well as the leadership initiatives developed by human resources professionals to deliver, develop, and retain employees. They’re regarded as the most vital and competitive factors in business.

Source: www.thebestschools.org