Online Degrees in Georgia

Online Associate Degrees - These are generally two-year degrees conferred by junior, community or technical colleges, and may open the door to basic, growing positions in the state. For example, an online associate degree in early childhood education can help individuals develop the foundational skills needed for preschool teaching. Typically, all coursework can be completed online, but students may be expected to acquire field experience in a classroom setting, along with earning state-mandated teaching credentials. Georgia’s Department of Labor (DOL) estimates preschool education positions in Georgia will grow by about 24 percent between 2010 and 2020.

To browse schools offering online associate degree programs in Georgia, click here.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees - Bachelor’s programs can offer a more in-depth education than an associate degree, often providing graduates with highly adaptable skills useful in a variety of careers. A bachelor’s degree in information technology, for example, provides students with fundamental instruction in core IT functions, including database design, application development and network infrastructure. Specific concentrations in Web development and information security, among others, can better prepare graduates for entry-level positions as Web developers and information security analysts. According to the DOL employment of Web developers, information security analysts, and computer network administrators is expected to grow 14 percent statewide between 2010 and 2020. 

To browse schools offering online bachelor’s degree programs in Georgia, click here.

Online Master’s Degrees - Master’s programs range from one to two years in length, and can be used to advance a career or transition into a new one. The scheduling flexibility of an online master’s program can help working professionals retain a normal work schedule and study during off-hours. A database administrator, for example, may earn a master’s in technical management in order to attain the skills needed for more senior or supervisorial positions within his or her current company.

To browse schools offering online master’s degree programs in Georgia, click here.

Online Doctoral Programs - Online doctorates can take two to three years to complete, and curriculum requirements include a thesis proposal, research and defense. Doctoral degrees are often used to prepare for careers in research or university teaching, but they can also be used to help graduates move into other professions. For example, for those interested in clinical work, a doctorate in addiction psychology, along with proper state licensures, can qualify individuals for various counseling positions. According to the DOL, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling is expected to grow by over 28 percent statewide between 2010 and 2020.

To browse schools offering online doctoral degree programs in Georgia, click here.

Public Universities

• University of Georgia has a handful of distance learning programs, mostly granting master degrees and certificates. One of these is an online master’s in regulatory affairs. The coursework trains students to oversee approval for new pharmaceutical and biomedical product lines and manage compliance with policies and procedures. This program is part-time, allowing working professionals to maintain their schedule while taking classes online. Students interested in this degree will need a bachelor’s, preferably in science, health care, or engineering, three letters of recommendation, and a professional resume.     

• Georgia State University offers a unique opportunity for distance learners to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree concurrently. A Bachelor of Arts/Juris Doctor, one of the dual-degree offerings from GSU, allows students to complete a law school curriculum in six years instead of the traditional seven. For someone seeking a career working in the judicial system, lawyer positions in the state are estimated to grow about 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the DOL.

Private Universities

• Mercer University has a few online options under the umbrella of its “Working Adults Program.” The Master of Science in Software Systems, for example, can help students enhance their professional experiences as an application developer or a systems software developer, helping lead to managerial or supervisorial positions within their companies. This program trains students in Java, C++, or C#, the ability to use design patterns to explain solutions to problems, and how to re-factor code to make it easier to manage.

For more information on degree options, please browse through the online colleges below. A counselor will contact you to discuss specifics and answer any questions you may have.  

Sources:
Board of Regents discuss HOPE-The Signal, February 2011
Georgia Labor Market Explorer, 2012
Georgia ONmyLINE
Georgia State University
Mercer University
TAG-State of the Industry, 2011
U.S. Census Bureau-Educational Attainment
University of Georgia