Online Degrees in Massachusetts

Online Associate Degrees - Most associate degree programs require two years of study and are designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in a wide variety of fields, including social and human services. Social and human service assistants help social workers and other more experienced professionals provide care to the elderly, disabled and other groups who need assistance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov, 2013). Students in human services degree programs may learn how to handle unexpected difficulties with patients, often through hands-on training, and how to effectively develop and implement treatment plans. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) expect employment of social and human service assistants to grow by over 23 percent statewide from 2010 to 2020.

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

Online Bachelor's Degrees - Bachelor's online degree programs generally require four years of study. One of the fastest-growing occupations that require a bachelor's degree is a personal financial advisor according to the EOWLD. These professionals help individuals plan and manage their financial portfolio through investments and other strategies (bls.gov). An online bachelor’s degree in finance may lead to entry-level positions in financial advising, and can teach students about financial planning, investment strategies, risk management, how to examine and authenticate records, and best accounting practices. The EOLWD predicts statewide job growth of nearly 77 percent for personal financial advisors from 2010 to 2020.

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

Online Master's Degrees - Master's degrees usually require one to three years of education beyond the bachelor's degree and offer deeper insight and knowledge into a chosen field. For example, a master’s degree in risk assessment might have students investigate new arithmetical theories and statistical models. Graduates may have the opportunity to move into a variety of jobs, such as that of an actuary. Actuaries are risk assessors who use their mathematical prowess to help determine the likeliness a certain event will happen along with the potential costs associated with it. They often work for insurance companies. The EOLWD predicts statewide job growth of around 80 percent for actuaries from 2010 to 2020.

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

Online Doctoral Degrees - This degree usually requires two to three years of coursework, research and a dissertation, then a defense of the dissertation before a committee. This degree is often sought by those who already have extensive experience in their field and want to move into postsecondary teaching or research positions. For instance, a seasoned sociologist might choose to earn his or her doctorate in order to teach at the college level and conduct independent research projects. The EOLWD estimates a 16 percent employment growth statewide for postsecondary sociology teachers from 2010 to 2020.

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

Public Universities

• Massachusetts Bay Community College offers both blended and online-only programs, including an associate degree in business administration. With courses in accounting, marketing, history, macroeconomics and social sciences, this two-year program can help students attain a well-rounded introduction to the world of business management. Students are also able to take advantage of MassTransfer, a state-sponsored initiative that allows students to transfer their community college credits to four-year schools. In addition, qualified students may possibly receive a tuition discount at their new school.

• University of Massachusetts offers over 100 degree programs online, including certificates, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees, including a master's program in mental health counseling. With a rigorous requirement of 60 credits, this program can allow students to earn all the academic credentials necessary for state licensure through the MA Board of Allied Health Professions. Students must go to the UMass campus for two weeks during the first summer to complete their clinical requirements.

Private Universities

• Boston University offers an undergraduate completion program for those who have earned some undergraduate credits and want to obtain the rest through an online format. The university also offers graduate programs entirely online, including a master's degree in criminal justice. This program consists of 10 seven-week courses (two per semester) that are taken progressively one after the other. The format is designed with distance learners in mind, as students may not have time to take a large course load all at once.   
• Northeastern University offers over 60 online degree programs, including associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting and finance, communication, business, criminal justice and more. An online master’s in project management trains students in cost and risk estimation, scheduling, negotiation, and budgeting. Students can choose a concentration in many different areas, including clinical trial design, construction management, information security management, or organizational communication. Full-time students may be able to complete this degree option in single year of study.

To learn more about online degrees that might suit your educational needs, browse through our list of colleges. When you are ready to learn more, a counselor can help you decide which educational path might be right for you.

Sources:
Actuaries, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
Boston University
Financial Examiners, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
Lumina Foundation
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
MassTransfer
Northeastern University
Personal Financial Advisors, OOH (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics
University of Massachusetts