Since distance learning ramped up (and students settled in) during 2020, online formats have become a mainstay in higher education. As of 2021, more than 60 percent of undergraduate college students were enrolled in online courses. More than one-quarter of students in postsecondary institutions were taking online courses exclusively, earning their college degrees fully online, according to new research from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
It’s no wonder why more students are moving online to advance their college education. After going remote during the global pandemic, many students have found it difficult – or simply inconvenient – to transition back to a fully in-person model. Some students are enjoying a more hybrid approach, which includes both online courses and on-campus experiences, to make the most of their time in college.
Why are Students Getting Their Degrees Online?
The benefits of online learning are vast, especially as they pertain to busy college students. Online degrees translate directly to flexibility. Students have the option to take classes in the comfort of their own home, on the go, and at their own pace. This flexibility allows students to balance school and life obligations, like taking care of a family, as well as balance their career on top of school work.
In fact, many students at Goodwin University work full- or part-time while completing their degree online. This allows them to maintain professional connections and continue to grow their career trajectory, while still earning the college education they need for long-term success.
Another, perhaps lesser known, benefit of getting a degree online is the level of skills developed in doing so. Online students have the unique opportunity to perfect their time management skills, refine their technical aptitude, and develop strong virtual communication skills – which are vital to today’s workforce. While some people may assume that an online degree is not a stand-out for employers, the opposite is true. Online degree holders have this proof of concept, that they can self-motivate and succeed in today’s hybrid workforce.
Which Types of Degrees Can I Get Online?
Online degree offerings vary by institution, but typically fall into categories like business, liberal arts, and professional studies, where hands-on experience is not as essential in preparation for a career. However, this is not to say that healthcare and degrees in other, hands-on industries cannot be fulfilled online! At Goodwin University, for example, we offer a range of comprehensive and career-focused online degree programs, that can be completed exclusively online or in a hybrid format.
Below are 10 online degree options you can pursue at Goodwin today.
1. General Studies (associate degree)
After completion of college-level English and math courses, you can enroll in the fully online General Studies degree program. This associate degree is designed to prepare students for a variety of career outcomes, by homing in on the development of critical thinking skills, effective communication, and adaptability to multicultural environments in the modern workforce. This is an excellent online degree option for those who want to carve their own path in college, as the courses can be customized to meet your interests and professional goals.
2. Business Administration (bachelor’s degree)
Do you dream of climbing the corporate ladder, or running your own start-up? A Bachelor’s in Business Administration is a foundational asset in achieving these milestones. And, at Goodwin, this degree can be completed online.
Our online business degree program is largely focused on entrepreneurship, helping students develop the tactical and professional skills needed to stand out in a competitive business arena. Students learn how to conduct market research, manage customer relationships, build teams, and develop strategic marketing strategies in their online coursework.
Similar to the General Studies degree, the Bachelor’s in Business Administration at Goodwin is available in a fully online format, after the completion of college-level English and math.
3. Professional Studies (bachelor’s degree)
The Professional Studies degree at Goodwin is an opportunity for students to finish their bachelor’s degree in a fast and flexible format. Offered entirely online, the Professional Studies degree can be completed in 12-months full-time, and be customized to align with your passion areas. Those who get their bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies online are well-prepared to take on advanced leadership roles in any organization.
Not all healthcare degrees require in-person training, and the RN-to-BSN program at Goodwin is a great example. The RN-to-BSN is an entirely online program that enables registered nurses (who have already undergone training and licensure) to pursue an advanced, bachelor’s level education. Because these nurses already have experience under their belts, they can benefit from the flexibility of online learning – and continue to work their day-to-day nursing jobs. Online BSN courses cover topics like pharmacology, nursing research, healthcare policy, and leadership, preparing nurses for career growth after graduation.
5. Public Health (bachelor’s and master’s degrees)
At Goodwin University, public health students benefit from a fully online, flexible degree format. There are two different levels offered, depending on your entry-level education and your professional goals. The online bachelor’s degree in Public Health is geared towards those just starting out and looking to make an impact as community health workers, public health advocates, health educators, and more. The Master’s in Public Health (MPH) is an advanced online degree designed for those looking to fulfill even larger-scale, advanced leadership titles like Epidemiologist, Public Health Director, and Biostatistician.
6. Master’s in Education (M.Ed.)
Master’s degrees are often attainable online, due to the fact that graduates students already have a lot of experience and classroom knowledge under their belts. The Master’s in Education is a great example. After earning an undergraduate degree in a relevant course of study, and gaining experience in teaching or the school systems, students often decide to pursue an M.Ed. to grow into leadership roles. The M.Ed. at Goodwin is focused on Teacher Leadership, preparing degree holders to make an impact in educational administration, educational consulting roles, curriculum development, and more.
On the topic of leadership, a Master’s in Nursing is another type of online degree you can get at Goodwin University. Nurses applying for this program have a wealth of experience in patient care, and have developed the skills needed to be successful as a healthcare provider. The online MSN degree is designed for those who wish to level-up their career, and enter leadership and management roles in the nursing field. Upon completion of an MSN, graduates can fulfill roles as nurse administrators, nurse leaders, and nurse managers, as well as population health nurses and specialists. This is due to the comprehensive nature of topics covered in the MSN, which cover healthcare quality, leadership practices, theory, and more.
8. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Master’s Degree
The advanced degrees in Nursing span beyond general leadership. For example, those who wish to become advanced registered nurse practitioners (APRNs) require a master’s degree in their dedicated specialization. At Goodwin University, one degree option for these prospective practitioners is the FNP degree, which is offered entirely online. Covering topics from Pathophysiology to Differential Diagnosis, this online degree option prepares students to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and provide primary care to patients across the lifespan.
9. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master’s Degree
Another area of advanced practice preparation, the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree at Goodwin is also offered in an online format. In just seven semesters, students gain an in-depth understanding of mental health care and assessments for patients of all ages. With an ongoing mental health crisis affecting our communities, the need for PMHNPs is high. And, with a short and online master’s degree, the trajectory from RN to PMHNP is more straightforward than ever.
10. Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)
For those students who wish to make an impact in organizations, and gain executive titles in leadership, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) is a great option that can be completed entirely online. An MSOL is a modern-day MBA, with many benefits that will prepare you to facilitate change in companies, manage teams effectively, and lead organizations towards their strategic goals. The MSOL is offered in an accelerated format, can be completed in 20 months part-time, and is offered online (or in hybrid format, depending on your preference).
On top of these 10 types of online degrees, Goodwin also offers a range of online certificate programs, for those seeking postsecondary education without the commitment to a multi-year degree. For example, our medical billing and coding program offers classes on-campus, online, and in hybrid formats. Additionally, our medical assisting certificate program offers online classes, with only clinical components needed on-campus – so you can advance your career while working or taking care of your family.
At Goodwin, we are all about convenience. We believe that students deserve a schedule that works for them, rather than a schedule they need to work around. For this reason, most of our degree programs have online components. Many courses are offered online, recognizing the value of a hybrid education, on top of this list of exclusively-online degrees. If you are interested in getting a degree online, and looking for more information on how to start, we are here for you.
Contact Goodwin University at 800-889-3282 to learn more. You can also learn more about our strive for flexibility – and the various types of online degrees we offer – by following this link.