Online Degrees in Texas

Online Associate Degrees - Associate programs are generally two-year curriculums that provide students with targeted and focused training, which may allow graduates to enter the workforce more quickly than those pursuing a bachelor’s degree. An online associate degree may help students qualify for growing, associate-degree level positions within the state. Paralegals and legal assistants, for example, are entry-level careers estimated to grow by 30 percent in the 2010-2020 decade according to the TWC. Other careers that that may only require an associate degree and are expected to grow during the same timeframe include social science research assistants and preschool teachers, which are expected to increase statewide by 22 and 24 percent, respectively.

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

Online Bachelor’s Degrees - Online bachelor’s programs can help impart dynamic skill-sets that can benefit an assortment of careers. A bachelor's in nutrition science, for example, may set students up for careers as athletic trainers or nutritionists—professions the TWC reports are slated for statewide growth of 36 percent and 24 percent, respectively, within the 2010-2020 decade.

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

Online Master’s Degrees - Master’s degrees are earned by completing a course of study that demonstrates advanced knowledge of a specific field or applied topic. Students may use master’s degrees to grow in their current profession or gain knowledge that may allow them to switch to a new one. For example, teachers looking to move into administrative roles may want to earn a master’s degree in education leadership to study the collaborative and decision-making aspects of teaching. According to the TWC, statewide employment in education administration careers at all levels is expected to grow by at least 20 percent between 2010 and 2020.

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

Online Doctoral Degrees - Online doctorates typically include two to three years of coursework, followed by a thesis proposal, research and defense. Many individuals pursue doctoral degrees to move into careers as researchers or postsecondary teachers. Teaching at the community college level generally requires a master’s, but those looking to become professors at the university level will need to earn a Ph.D in a relevant subject.  The TWC estimates that Texas postsecondary teaching positions will grow by 21 percent in the 2010-2020 decade. 

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

Public Universities

• Texas Tech University offers several master’s and bachelor’s degree programs in an online format. The Bachelor of Science in Horticultural and Turfgrass Sciences is a unique program that gives students the chance to take their love of nature and the outdoors to earn a degree that may place them at the vanguard of future industries. Eco-focused jobs may become more prevalent, and online programs like this could help address future demand. Most coursework can be completed entirely online, but some lab assignments may require students to come onto campus for face-to-face instruction.  

• The University of North Texas delivers various master’s degree programs as well, including an online master’s in special education with an emphasis in autism studies. A part of Project DART (Distributed Education for Autism Personnel), this program immerses educators in the tools needed to help reach students afflicted with autism. A one-week internship is required at the UT-Denton campus, but the rest of the program can be completed online. 

Private Universities

• Lubbock Christian University is beginning to offer a few online programs, including a Master of Science in Human Services. This degree features two specialization areas: administration and family life education. The administration track teaches students to craft social policies or create plans for social service agencies while family life education option trains students who wish to counsel families in conflict resolution. Students looking to join this program will need to submit a personal statement and a professional resume, along with two letters of recommendation in order to be considered. 

Continue your research by browsing through the list of online colleges below. You can request additional information from any prospective school of choice, and an admissions counselor will contact you to discuss specific program details.

Sources:
Closing the Gaps: REVISED Goals and Targets for 2006-2015
LMCI Employment Statistics, Oct. 2012
LMCI 2010-2020 Employment Projections, Oct. 2010
Lubbock Christian University
Texas, Lumina Foundation, 2012
Texas Tech University
The University of North Texas