You want to go back to school, but you’re a busy professional with a full-time job. You need a degree that will fit your lifestyle and work schedule.
In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best types of online graduate degree programs for working adults in 2024.
Top Online Graduate Degrees for Working Adults
The specific graduate degree you choose will depend on your chosen field and career goals. Let’s take a look at some popular online degree options that work well for busy working adults.
1. Business Administration
Obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an excellent career move because it can open so many professional doors.
Not only does this type of degree enable you to advance in your current field, but it can also help you change careers and pursue a new specialization.
There are many colleges and universities that offer this type of degree, so you can choose the school and program that works best for your busy life.
2. Healthcare Administration
A master’s degree in healthcare administration is nearly as versatile as an MBA. It allows you to pursue an array of leadership and management positions within the healthcare industry.
If you are already a healthcare professional, obtaining a healthcare administration degree can help you move up in your career and pursue a higher salary.
Healthcare administration graduate degrees aren’t quite as common as MBAs, but there are still quite a few schools that offer these programs in a flexible online format to fit your schedule.
3. Education
The field of education holds many opportunities, especially if you have an advanced degree.
Depending on your professional goals, you could pursue degrees such as:
- Master of Education
- Master of Science in special education
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in education
Almost all colleges and universities offering online graduate degrees have options in education. It’s just a matter of finding the program that matches your specific goals and interests.
4. Educational Leadership
Educational leadership, sometimes called administration and leadership, is a great program for anyone in education who’s interested in moving into an administrative role.
This type of degree is available at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Such programs will enable you to pursue roles as school superintendents, administrators, deans, and more.
These degree programs are tailored toward busy adults already working in education and various schools offer similar programs you can complete online.
5. Management
Similar to a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in management can prepare you for a range of administrative careers.
Whether you already work in a lower management position or want to move into management from another career, obtaining a graduate degree can open the door to a wealth of new opportunities.
Many schools offer degrees in management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Management is a popular online major for busy professionals.
6. Organizational Leadership
Organizational leadership is another degree that’s similar to business administration and management. It is often available as a Master of Science degree.
Organizational leadership prepares students for a variety of leadership roles within businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and other types of organizations.
Commonly offered as a flexible online degree, organizational leadership is a good graduate degree to pursue if you want to move up in your company or transfer to a leadership position with any company.
7. Nursing
If you are already a registered nurse, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) if you’d like to pursue a management role within your department.
Obtaining an MSN is also a crucial step if you hope to become a nurse practitioner, a midwife, or some other specialized nurse. Depending on your career goals, you may also need to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Most colleges and universities offer these programs, and many of them are in a flexible online format that’s perfect for busy working nurses.
8. Information Technology
If you already have an IT-related degree such as computer science or cybersecurity, you may want to expand your career prospects with a master’s degree in information technology.
IT professions are expected to increase rapidly over the next several years, and holding a graduate degree in the field can help you pursue lucrative management and leadership positions.
Flexible online information technology degrees are available through many colleges and universities.
9. Computer Science
Computer science is similar to information technology, but it is a broader field that offers many opportunities for specialization.
Whether you already work in a computer science field or want to move into the industry, holding a graduate degree can help you get paid more and pursue leadership positions.
Computer science is an even more common degree than information technology. Many schools offer graduate degrees in computer science online.
10. Finance
Careers in finance are diverse and widely available. A master’s or doctoral degree in finance can make you eligible for a greater number of these careers.
Senior roles, such as financial management, generally require a master’s degree and can be particularly lucrative. So, obtaining a graduate degree in finance is a great way to start earning more money.
Online graduate degrees in finance are common and often provide flexible learning schedules for busy working adults.
FAQs About Graduate Degrees for Working Adults
Want to find out more about graduate degrees for working adults? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions.
What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Graduate Degree?
Obtaining a graduate degree can help you advance in your field, pursue a new career, or increase your income. Having a master’s degree gives you a greater range of options career-wise.
How Do I Choose a Graduate Degree?
That depends on what you want to do professionally. If you want to advance in your current career, pursue a graduate degree in that field. If you want to change careers, choose the graduate degree that best matches your desired career.
What Schools Offer Graduate Degrees for Working Adults?
Many colleges and universities offer flexible, affordable online degrees for busy working professionals.
Some options include:
- Grand Canyon University
- Franklin University
- Capella University
- Purdue University
- Southern New Hampshire University
Start Working Toward Your Graduate Degree in 2024
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, consider pursuing one of the graduate degrees for working adults discussed above.
