How To Choose an Online Degree That Matches Your Career Goals

Since so many accredited colleges offer online degrees, it may be wiser for you to earn your degree online than in person. If you're wondering which online degree matches your career goals, we've listed out steps that you can follow to determine which degrees will help with your career and then how to find the best online degree.

The steps will work for any career you have in mind, whether it's in healthcare, business, education, the arts, or something else. Keep reading to explore valuable tips on selecting an online degree program that best suits your career aspirations.

Choosing an Online Degree for Your Career Goals

Choosing an online degree that aligns with your career goals can feel like a big task, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. Your education is a key step toward your future success, so it's important to select a program that supports your goals. Below, we will walk you through the steps to find the best online degree for your needs.

1. Define Your Career Goals

Choosing the right online degree begins with understanding what you want for your future. Take a moment to think about where you see yourself in the next five or 10 years. What kind of work excites you? What do you imagine yourself doing each day?

These questions might seem overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller parts can help you find clarity. Ask yourself these specific questions to figure out your career goals.

• What industry excites me the most? Think about fields you've always been curious about or jobs you admire. Maybe you're drawn to technology, education, healthcare, or business.
• What kind of job do I want to have? Picture a typical day in the role you want. Do you see yourself in an office, working remotely, or interacting with people face-to-face?
• What level of education is required? Some jobs, like nursing or engineering, require specific degrees or certifications. Others, such as entrepreneurship, might offer more flexibility.

The more detailed you get in answering these questions, the easier it will be to narrow down your options.

2. Research Job Requirements

Once you've identified your career goals, it's time to research the job market to understand what employers are looking for. Job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can be excellent starting points, offering thousands of listings across industries.

By reviewing several job postings for roles you're interested in, you'll start to notice trends in the degrees, certifications, and skills that employers frequently require. Professional association websites, such as the Project Management Institute for project managers or the American Marketing Association for marketers, can also provide valuable insights.

These sites often include detailed career guides, information about industry-recognized certifications, and advice on how to break into the field.

Many large employers post specific qualifications on their career pages, making it easier to see exactly what they expect from candidates. As you gather this information, keeping a list of recurring educational requirements, such as specific degrees or certifications like PMP or CPA, can help you plan your next steps.

Understanding the skills most valued in your desired field, whether it's technical abilities like coding or soft skills like leadership and communication, ensures that your degree program aligns with the expectations of potential employers.

3. Explore Online Degree Options

With your career goals and job requirements in mind, begin exploring online degree programs by researching schools that offer programs aligned with your interests. Start by visiting the websites of colleges and universities known for strong programs in your field. Many schools have detailed online catalogs that provide information about degree options, course offerings, and program structures.

Another helpful step is to use Learn.org and College Navigator, which allows you to filter degree options by subject, format, and accreditation. These tools make it easy to compare programs side by side. Look for details like curriculum content, availability of specializations, and the program's overall focus.

Don't hesitate to request information directly from schools. Most universities offer free resources, such as virtual open houses or downloadable brochures, that provide a deeper understanding of their online offerings.

Speaking with program coordinators or admissions counselors can also clarify whether the degree fits your career needs. They can answer questions about course flexibility, workload, and faculty expertise, which might not always be obvious from a school's website.

4. Confirm Accreditation

Accreditation is a crucial factor in choosing an online degree. Accredited programs meet established academic standards, and most employers only recognize degrees from accredited schools. Check if the program is accredited by a trusted agency, such as one recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

There are two main types of accreditation to consider when choosing an online degree: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized and is commonly associated with traditional universities and colleges. Regionally accredited degrees are highly respected by employers and are often required for graduate programs or professional certifications.

On the other hand, national accreditation typically applies to vocational or technical schools. While these programs can be a good fit for specific career paths, their credits and degrees may have limited transferability to other institutions or programs.

5. Evaluate Program Flexibility

Online programs vary widely in terms of flexibility. Some are highly structured, while others allow self-paced learning. Consider your current commitments and learning preferences:

• Full-time vs. part-time: Decide if you can dedicate full-time hours or if a part-time schedule works better.
• Asynchronous vs. synchronous: Asynchronous programs let you study on your schedule, while synchronous programs require live attendance.
• Start dates: Some programs have rolling admissions, while others follow a traditional academic calendar.

Choose a program that fits your lifestyle and allows you to balance education with work, family, or other responsibilities.

6. Compare Tuition and Financial Aid Options

Online degree costs vary greatly depending on the school, program, and level of education. Research tuition fees and create a budget to determine what you can afford. Don't forget to explore financial aid options as well:

• Scholarships: Many schools and organizations offer scholarships for specific fields of study or student demographics.
• Grants: Federal and state grants can help reduce costs for eligible students.
• Work-study programs: Some schools offer work opportunities to help students offset tuition expenses.

Use tools like the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see what financial aid you qualify for. Contact the school's financial aid office to learn about payment plans or additional funding opportunities.

7. Investigate Career Services and Support

Strong career services can make a big difference in your job search after graduation. Look for online programs that provide resources such as:

• resume and cover letter help
• career counseling
• networking events and job fairs
• access to alumni networks

Some programs also offer internships or job placement assistance. These services can help you transition smoothly from school to your chosen career.

8. Read Student Reviews and Alumni Outcomes

Before committing to a program, check reviews from current students and alumni. Pay attention to feedback on:

• course quality
• instructor responsiveness
• access to support services

You should also look into alumni outcomes. Look at the school's data on graduate employment rates, average starting salaries, and job placement success. Programs with strong alumni networks and proven career success are a good sign of quality.

9. Speak With Admissions Advisors

Admissions advisors can provide valuable information about the program. Reach out to ask questions about:

• admission requirements
• application deadlines
• typical course workloads
• graduation rates

Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to make the most of your conversation. Speaking with advisors can help you clarify details about the program and decide if it's the right fit for your goals.

Find an Online Degree Program

Learn.org has many different resources you can use to find an online degree program that aligns with your career goals. Reach out to the colleges that have programs that will help you with your career for more information.