We all want the easiest path through school; it’s only natural. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to experience the path of least resistance when getting a degree? So, it’s natural to wonder what the easiest degree to get online might be.
Now, when we say ‘easiest’ to get, we mean easy due to factors that don’t have to do with studying or curriculum at all.
An online degree program’s difficulty is based on things like your personal schedule, financial situation, and the field you’re studying. Schools offer a ton of options for those who want to learn on their own time and dime. Keep in mind, easy degrees doesn’t mean easy in terms of content.
That said, let’s explore some factors that make earning your online degree convenient. Then, we’ll list some of the easiest online degree options.
What Would Make a Program Qualify as the “Easiest Degree to Get Online”?
Let’s take a look at some key factors that make some bachelor degree programs and disciplines easier than others with online learning.
1. Number of Programs
Something that makes some degrees easier to obtain than others is the availability of programs. For instance, it’s much easier to find a good online business program than an online neurology program.
Often, a wide variety of degree programs and majors at a school is a good sign of that school’s quality and reputation (and funding!).
2. Online vs On-Campus
Even before factoring in tuition and textbook costs, earning a degree online saves you money. Consider how much cash you’ll save on gas or other transportation costs. Online students also don’t have to worry about room and board.
You can easily find out if a school offers completely online or even hybrid courses by doing a detailed program and school search. When doing your research, keep in mind that the information provided by schools should be clear, concise and preferably on their own website. If a school hasn’t updated any of the online information in what seems like months, that should be a warning sign.
3. Can You Afford It?
The big question! Finding affordable programs can be a hassle. But finding one that matches your financial resources is key to finding success in an online degree program.
Luckily, many online colleges and online branches of universities offer flexible financial aid and tuition payment plans. A majority of colleges charge significantly higher tuition to out-of-state students compared to state residents.
4. Go at Your Own Pace
A hectic work schedule or family life makes on-campus degree programs a challenge for many. This is where online degrees and even hybrid programs come to the rescue.
Many online degree programs allow for asynchronous learning. This is where the instructor and students interact with each other and the material for class at different times throughout the week.
Asynchronous learning is a valuable resource for those who often return late from busy work days or taking care of the kids. This form of online learning allows for an extreme amount of flexibility.
There is also synchronous learning. But that applies to more specific circumstances, like if a professor wants to address the class once a week at a certain time. Very rarely will there be a strict time limit or period to learn the material. It’s all about freedom.
There are even some accelerated programs offered through online learning platforms. Just be sure that any accelerated program you consider has the proper accreditation to offer legitimate bachelor degree programs.
5. Support Options
This one may be overlooked in the grand scheme of picking out an online program. Many schools and universities offer an impressive array of services to their students and it’s useful to know what you can take advantage of.
First, you should ensure an online program’s IT department is diligent about maintaining the online portion of the school. This is a must that just makes your life a lot easier.
Some schools and courses will even have forums where you can post issues you run into with software or accessing course materials. This in addition to a standard IT help desk is fantastic.
With all the tech out of the way, some schools offer fantastic career coaching services. If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, career services and career counselors may be a huge help.
So, What Is the Easiest Degree to Get Online? There Are Actually Several!
All the aforementioned convenience factors have influenced our school rankings below. We will list and briefly break down the easiest online degrees to earn, along with some great institutions offering them.
Liberal Arts Degree
Liberal arts is the quintessential college degree. It’s offered nearly everywhere in multiple forms. If you’re truly stumped as to what to take as a major and want options, taking a liberal arts program may be for you.
For liberal arts, the main requirements are usually a cavalcade of various courses in English, World History, World Languages, Writing, and other humanities disciplines.
It’s the sheer breadth of options that might just make liberal arts the easiest degree to get online.
Where’s the Best program?
California State University and Arizona State University
Business Degree
Business is a broad range of programs and classes dealing with a ton of topics. These range from accounting, economics, sales and even business ethics.
You can definitely count on many universities having a solid online business degree program. Indeed, it has consistently been one of the most sought after degrees in higher education.
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If you like to crunch numbers, learn about valuable statistics and want to enter the business world, this major is definitely for you.
Where’s the Best program?
The University of Florida and the University of Arizona
English Degree
If you are an avid reader, writer, poet or grammar freak, English is going to be your bread and butter. Online classes in English programs often involve a lot of reading and writing that doesn’t require an in-person presence.
Your options with an English degree are many, as well. It’s a versatile major with a heavy opportunity to join the ranks of countess English educators in the country.
Some courses you’ll be taking in an English online degree program will be American Literature, British Literature, Composition and Poetry.
Where’s the Best Program?
The University of Memphis and Arizona State University
Criminal Justice Degree
If you’re interested in the inner workings of the law, an online criminal justice degree is the way to go. Those majoring in criminal justice can use their degree to join law enforcement, start a path to a legal career and more.
Some classes you’d most likely take in a criminal justice program are criminology, ethics, the criminal justice system and some in political science.
Where’s the Best program?
Colorado State University and the University of South Florida
Nursing Degree
Those who want jobs immediately after graduation should gravitate toward nursing. While the curriculum and subjects are by no means easy in any sense, you basically have a guaranteed career after school.
Some classes nurses will take are biology, anatomy, clinicals, chemistry and more
Where’s the Best Program?
The University of Central Florida and Cleveland State University
Psychology Degree
If you want to learn about the human condition and what makes others tick, psychology is for you. This major can prep you for a career in human resources, counseling or even help you start your own practice.
Some classes in a psychology major will be Intro to Psych, psychological statistics, research methods, human and family development and social psychology.
Often, you’ll need a master’s degree to be competitive in this field. So you might consider further education with an online master’s degree in psychology.
Where’s the Best Program?
University of Florida, Oregon State University and Fort Hays State University
Computer Science Degree
Computer science is a jam-packed major filled with an extreme amount of positive outcomes for students. You could get into programming, coding, web development, cybersecurity, and a lot more. You could end up working for the government as a security expert in online systems or even become a digital marketer.
Where’s the Best program?
The University of Florida and Thomas Edison State University
Conclusion
If you’re interested in an online degree, schools are offering more and more options for different degrees. Those listed above are just some of the most common, more robust programs you can find offered at most universities online.
Year after year, more specific programs are being offered to eager students who are willing to branch out and change their lives. Remember: easy to earn doesn’t mean easy to learn!
And if you’re one of those for whom time is a factor, consider some faster online degree programs available.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
