There's no need to completely disrupt your life if you need to go back to school to earn an advanced degree. You can keep working, and most importantly keep earning while you study, thanks to the fantastic range of master’s degree programs that top schools now run online.

Aren't Online Degrees Dubious?

No, not all! Ten years ago, if you searched for an online degree, you would definitely come across degree mills churning out worthless certificates, but all that has changed now. The online degree space is now populated with courses from leading colleges and universities.

You'll get the same high quality education that you would receive on campus, and as long as you stick with accredited schools, your degree will have the same status as one received in the traditional way.
The number of online students is growing each year while traditional campus enrollments continue to drop. Schools have put a lot of effort into delivering their online courses so that they meet the needs of students and of their future employers. You don't have to worry about receiving substandard tuition.

Which Subjects Can Be Studied Online?

You've got some really great options open to you for your master’s degree when you take an online course. For those interested in management roles, you can study for a master’s in business administration (MBA). If you want to progress along a financial career path, you can take an online master in taxation degree (online MST degree), which can lead to your CPA certification. Options in healthcare include a master in social work (MSW) and a master of health administration (MHA).

If you're looking for excitement, you can study for a masters in computer science (MSC) and learn how to thwart the hackers that threaten everything from personal bank accounts to the electricity supply grid.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Degree Program?

As an average, you can expect your degree program to take around two years. Some courses can be completed a little more quickly, while others will take longer. For example, the aforementioned online master in taxation program takes a minimum of 16 months to complete.

While you're studying for your degree, you should expect to spend around 15 hours per week on your coursework. If you're a highly organized person and able to motivate yourself effectively, you might find that you can shave several hours off that estimate.

Before you begin your course, it's a good idea to make sure that you have an undisturbed space at home where you can work, and that your computer has a fast internet connection and any necessary note taking apps and productivity suites. You should also set up some to-do lists to help you prioritize your daily workload and see if some tasks and errands can be eliminated or taken on by someone else in your circle.

Online courses gives you so much choice and flexibility, and these programs are affordable too, so if you've been considering taking a degree, but couldn't afford to take a couple of years out to do it, then why not explore your options with an online degree program?