10 Surprising Degrees You Can Earn Online
Explore Your Online Degree Options
Certain disciplines seem better suited to online learning than others, but prospective students might be surprised at some of their degree options.
Those exploring their options may assume it would be difficult to earn an online degree in athletic training or fire science given the physical interaction needed, but it's possible. Still, prospective students should first check to see if there are in-person requirements and whether a program is accredited.
Athletic Training
Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. Given the hands-on nature of the job, many online programs include an in-person component on top of online courses.
Fresno Pacific University, for instance, offers a Master of Arts in Athletic Training with a clinical requirement. The University of South Florida offers a mostly-online postprofessional advanced graduate program.
Fine Arts
Despite the attention to detail and constant feedback required, experts say the fine arts -- whether it's drawing, painting or photography -- are slowly moving online.
The Savannah College of Art and Design, for example, combines asynchronous online courses with videoconferencing options and screen capture applications to share work.
Fire Science
Studying aspects of fire science -- ranging from safety to behavior -- doesn't need to be done strictly in person.
Eastern Kentucky University, for example, offers accredited online bachelor's options in fire science, including fire protection administration and fire, arson and explosion investigation. The for-profit Kaplan University offers associate and bachelor's online degrees in the field.
Medical Assisting
While experts say it's challenging to move the field of medicine to fully online learning, a few online degree programs allow students to train to be a medical assistant.
The online associate degree program at Penn Foster College might be an option, for instance. Beyond degrees, several institutions offer job training and certifications in the field.
Turfgrass Science
The often outdoor nature of a career in turfgrass science hasn't stopped the discipline from shifting, to some extent, to the online classroom.
For instance, Pennsylvania State University--World Campus offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees for those interested in jobs like golf course superintendent or grounds manager.
Culinary Management
Culinary management degrees are offered in the digital space, even though the field requires hands-on interaction.
Johnson & Wales University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh offer bachelor's degrees online related to food service operations. The New England Culinary Institute also has an online bachelor's program in culinary arts and other relevant fields.
Veterinary Technology
Those interested in assisting veterinarians in caring for and treating animals can pursue degrees through online programs.
Purdue University--West Lafayette, for instance, offers an online associate degree with a clinical mentorship component. St. Petersburg College also offers online associate and bachelor's programs.
Construction Management
Students don't need to always be at a construction site to earn a degree in construction management.
Those planning to pursue an upper-level management position in the industry can enroll in online programs like the master's degrees offered through ASU Online at Arizona State University and Drexel University Online, among other institutions.
Agriculture
While agricultural disciplines may explore the science or business behind crops and soil, online students can complete degrees in the field from a location of their choosing at a number of different universities.
Oregon State University's Ecampus has an online bachelor's program in agricultural sciences, and Colorado State University offers an online bachelor's degree in agricultural business.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists who are already working can continue their studies online through a number of degree-completion and master's programs, though some have in-person requirements.
The University of Michigan has a fully online master's degree in dental hygiene, while the University of Bridgeport offers a bachelor's online for those with an associate degree or certificate in the field.
More on Online Degrees
Find more tips on how to be a strong online applicant on the Online Learning Lessons blog, and get our complete rankings of the 2016 Best Online Programs.
For additional advice and information on how to navigate online program admissions, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook.
Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.
