Online Degrees in Indiana (IN)
Between 1999 and 2009, the number of people in the U.S. who have earned at least a bachelor's degree climbed 34 percent. This growth is expected to continue as more adults return to school to expand their skills and improve their career prospects--particularly in this recession.
Yet, public colleges are facing difficult budget cuts that may lead to eliminating some programs, freezing enrollments, and raising tuition. All of this is why you should consider online degree programs in Indiana.
Get the 411 on Indiana Online Degrees
There are about 12 million college students taking at least some of their courses online today, and that number is projected to grow to 22 million in the next five years, according to a report . Online education is appealing for many reasons, including the increased choices it offers students as traditional educational institutions are struggling to balance their budgets.
Indiana's cuts to higher ed have the potential to drastically affect its colleges' offerings; one university alone laid off nearly 100 employees this year. This means that many classes or class sections will not be available to students, and in some cases enrollment caps will be instituted.
Yet Indiana online degrees can be completed at students' convenience, and aren't constrained by such factors as space, available faculty, or time.
Online Degree Programs in Indiana: Which Degree Levels Do They Offer?
Indiana online degree programs can be found at any level, whether you want to take just one class for personal enrichment or continuing education, or you want to earn a certificate or a degree at the associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral level.
If educational quality is a concern for you, consider that a recent report by the U.S. Department of Education says that students who took at least some of their courses online performed better than students in the same courses who received face-to-face instruction.
Which Benefits Can Indiana Degree Programs Offer You?
Completing one of Indiana's degree programs can benefit you in a number of ways. In addition to convenience and choice, there are financial rewards. For example, the U.S. Census Bureau says that the average person with only a high school diploma earns $31,283 per year, while bachelor degree-holders earn $58,613.
Some of Indiana's biggest and most important industries are in emerging fields whose jobs heavily feature technology. Completing Indiana online degrees prepares you to work in a computerized environment. Plus, online programs are often better at responding to occupational shifts, and continually offer new programs and industry-relevant courses.
Which Jobs Are Available in Indiana Once You've Earned Your Degree?
Indiana's largest and fastest growing industries are:
- Agriculture: Includes food production and biofuel development
- Energy: Indiana is the fastest growing state for wind energy development. Geothermal and clean coal are also prominent here.
- Life Sciences: Indiana is one of the nation's top four life sciences leaders
- Automotive: The state is home to major assembly plants for Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and General Motors, as well as hundreds of vehicle parts manufacturers.
- Information Technology: Indiana's investment in broadband and fiber optics makes its IT infrastructure one of the nation's best.
- Manufacturing and Logistics: Indiana is within a day's drive to 80 percent of the U.S., and contains more than 11,000 manufacturing plants.
Production, Transportation and Material Moving, and Office Administration are the largest occupational groups in Indiana.
