Online Degrees in Indiana

Online Associate Degrees - Students in an online associate degree program can usually expect two years of study, after which they could be ready to enter an entry-level position in the workforce. For example, an online associate degree in labor studies may prepare students for assistant roles in labor relations, which is usually a part of a company’s human resources department. In this position, they might help senior HR managers handle labor contracts, pensions, grievances and other related issues. Students can expect topics in labor laws, workplace discrimination, and union organization during their studies. Employment of human resources assistants in Indiana is expected to rise about 10 percent between 2010 and 2020 according to the Indiana Department of Workplace Development (IDWD).

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

Online Bachelor's Degrees - Those who pursue a bachelor's degree can generally expect four years of study in their chosen field. Many information technology (IT) careers, including a computer systems analyst, require a bachelor's degree. Computer systems analysts review a company’s existing computer setup and make recommendations to senior management on what can be improved. An online bachelor’s degree in IT may feature coursework in topics such as database structures, network security, server technologies, and advanced software training. Computer specialist positions in Indiana are expected to increase by 20 percent between 2010 and 2020 according to the IDWD.

To browse schools offering online bachelor's degree programs in Indiana, click here.

Online Master's Degrees - Students pursuing a master's degree can expect to put in one to three years of education beyond the bachelor's degree. During the master's program, students learn much more in-depth information about their chosen field. Marriage and family therapists, a fast-growing segment of Indiana's workforce, usually require a master's degree in addition to state licensure to begin practice. These therapists work with families and couples to help them through emotional or mental difficulties. Due to the nature of the work, those who pursue their master's degree can expect to take many psychology and sociology courses. Job growth in this field is expected to reach 48 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the IDWD.

To browse schools offering online master's degree programs in Indiana, click here.

Online Doctoral Degrees - Earning a doctoral degree often requires two to three years of coursework, followed by intense research and a dissertation, then a defense of the dissertation before an academic committee. Those who pursue this degree usually have extensive experience and want to either advance to a higher position in their field or become a college professor. For instance, a public health social worker might choose to pursue a doctorate in order to teach at the postsecondary level or research how different segments of the community can benefit from public health programs. The IDWD estimates job growth of medical and public health social workers at 37 percent statewide from 2010 to 2020.

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

Public Universities

• Ball State University has many associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs to choose from, most of which are offered in an entirely online format, such as the master's degree in elementary education. U.S. News and World Report ranked Ball State 17^th in the nation in student services and technology as part of its Top Online Graduate Education Programs report in 2012. Ball State offers numerous focus areas for targeted study, including autism and educational technology, as well as accelerated program options that are designed to be completed in 18 months or less.

• Indiana University East offers several bachelor's degree programs online, including a bachelor's completion program in criminal justice. Available to those who have already finished their general education requirements (whether online or in person), this program features 20 online courses which can typically be completed over a span of two years. Students can expect courses in corrections, public affairs, criminal courts, constitutional law, statistics and more.

Private Universities

• Bethel College has recently launched online business degrees for those who need flexibility in their college education experience. Bethel College offers both associate and bachelor's degrees in business. Those who pursue the bachelor's degree can expect courses in psychology, sociology, management, law, finance, marketing and more. This accelerated program offers qualified students credit for prior learning experience.

Online degree programs in Indiana are available to students who prefer a non-traditional college experience. To learn more about which colleges and universities in Indiana offer online degrees, browse through the list below. A counselor can help you choose which higher education options might be right for you.

Sources:
Ball State University
Bethel College
Biomedical Engineers, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer Systems Analysts, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
Human Resource Specialists, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Indiana Economic Digest
Indiana University East
Indiana University Labor Studies Courses
JCOnline
Lumina Foundation
Marriage and Family Therapists, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physical Therapy Assistants, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. News and World Report, Online Education Program Rankings