Online College Degrees That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education

Updated: Dec 18, 2024

Without exploring the available online college programs, individuals struggle to pursue professional goals while managing financial budgets and work and family responsibilities. This article will help you choose from the online degrees you can start now, along with online colleges where you can attend classes based on your available time and resources.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Online Degrees You Can Start Now

Explore transformative online college degrees across diverse fields: business management, construction technology, graphic design, engineering technology, human resources management, manufacturing, computer information systems, and healthcare management. By earning a degree online, you can strategically advance your career path, gaining specialized skills that employers look for in today’s dynamic professional landscape.

While most of these degrees are on the associate level, some institutions also offer them through a bachelor’s degree. Thanks to the continued proliferation of online education and significant advances in the administration of self-paced learning, there are more options than ever before to begin earning your college degree right away…and we mean, right away!

1. Business Management Associate Degree

After getting your high school diploma, you can study a business management degree online to apply for well-paying, entry-level jobs across multiple industries. Even an associate degree online can provide comprehensive training in management, leadership, and critical business skills.

Average salary: $45,906 annual pay
Potential jobs: Sales marketing associate, financial analyst, operations coordinator, business development associate

2. Healthcare Management Associate Degree

Healthcare management is an outstanding online degree opportunity for individuals interested in administrative work across medical fields, specializing in healthcare laws, technology, and regulations. It’s accessible through bachelor’s or associate degrees and requires only a high school diploma to apply to most colleges and universities.

Average salary: $89,000 annual pay
Potential jobs: Surgery scheduler, healthcare administrator, insurance claims coordinator, clinical services associate

3. Construction Technology Associate Degree

An online construction technology degree provides classes in construction materials, building components, and construction technologies. This degree is a strategic entry point into a dynamic industry with robust job prospects, especially in residential and commercial construction projects.

Average salary: $98,000 annual pay
Potential jobs: Project manager, building inspector, construction specialist, construction laborer

4. Computer Information Systems Associate Degree

Computer information systems is an ideal online degree for those seeking robust IT jobs. It has flexible associate and online college degree options providing comprehensive technical training in information technology, programming, and database management.

Average salary: $188,000 annual pay
Potential jobs: Computer support specialist, network administrator, systems analyst, IT support technician

A woman sitting while studying online on her laptop

5. Graphic Design Associate Degree

An online college degree in graphic design offers a creative and technology-driven pathway into diverse industries. Innovative visual communication and tech-savvy professionals can learn illustration and visual design skills.

Average salary: $61,562 annual pay
Potential jobs: Marketing design specialist, digital media producer, freelance creative designer, print publishing specialist

6. Manufacturing Associate Degree

Manufacturing is a promising degree with versatile career paths available through both associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Courses in this online program will prepare you to work in various manufacturing processes, including production management and process safety.

Average salary: $35,100 annual pay
Potential jobs: Warehouse associate, production assembler, quality control specialist, product technician

7. Engineering Technology Associate Degree

An online engineering technology associate degree provides a practical, hands-on approach to technical problem-solving and innovation across multiple industrial sectors. You’ll learn how to work on electric circuits, integrated systems, and microprocessors.

Average salary: $68,400 annual pay
Potential jobs: Engineering technician, equipment maintenance specialist, quality control technician, technical support specialist

8. Human Resources Management Associate Degree

HR management is an excellent online college degree to start now due to the abundance of entry-level HR roles and job openings. Most college classes provide comprehensive training in administrative work and employee relations.

Average salary: $53,000 annual pay
Potential jobs: HR associate, recruitment coordinator, employee relations specialist, training and development coordinator

The Best Online Colleges that Start Anytime

Whether you’re looking for an associate or bachelor’s degree, you can complete an online college degree from any of these top universities. Most have financial aid options and thriving learning environments where students can successfully attain further education.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Degree Online?

According to EdSurge, students over the age of 25 now represent a full 40% of all enrollees in American higher education. With some 8 million working adults in schools today, online degree options have become increasingly popular for their flexibility and accessibility.

Online programs that start anytime make it infinitely more possible for an accounting professional to schedule courses after tax season is over.
Flex degree programs make it easier for teachers to take graduate courses in the summer months. Rolling start dates allow military personnel to schedule courses around tours of duty.
The growing availability of online programs starting at any time means that a wider array of prospective learners can access educational opportunities without disrupting work or personal responsibilities.

Many of the best online colleges will offer a wide range of flexible enrollment and scheduling options. Inquire further with the admissions office at any of these fully accredited online colleges to find out what your options are.

Student Submitted Questions on Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education

Caroline asks, “I’m a little bit worried about my time management skills. Is self-paced learning right for me?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The suitability of self-paced learning for you will primarily depend on your unique learning preferences and situation. This is a fantastic option for people who need flexibility and like self-paced learning. It is also suitable for people who like to take charge of their education and feel more at ease learning independently.

Self-paced learning is probably not the best option for you if you perform best in a controlled learning environment and value teacher direction and support. In terms of time management, my suggestion is to find some sort of accountability either with a system you set up or with someone you know.

Ryan asks, “What are some potential pitfalls of self-paced learning that I should try to avoid?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: One of the major issues students in online programs face is time management problems. For many students, taking online classes is only one priority out of many. Because students are able to complete courses at their own pace, this can lead to a false sense of having enough time later on to complete their work.

Another potential problem online program students face is a lack of motivation. Especially for those who choose an asynchronous style of learning, students might not be as interested or engaged if they are not actively connecting with professors and fellow classmates.

Ainsley asks, “Are there specific types of courses that are best suited for self-paced learning?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The range of courses suitable for self-paced learning is impressive. While this will vary based on the institution, program, student, and a variety of other factors, subjects that consist primarily of memorization and repetition are usually easier for self-paced learning.

Subjects that largely consist of practical application or collaboration, such as biology or social work, might be a little harder for students to master in an asynchronous learning format.

A student looking at his papers while studying online

What Exactly Does It Mean to “Start Anytime”?

While you may not be able to start certain college degree programs at any date, there are typically enough start dates throughout the year to match the needs of most schedules. For instance, some “start anytime” programs will offer a monthly start date (as opposed to the biannual start dates available in traditional two-semester formats).

What Is Self-Paced Learning?

Self-paced learning usually employs asynchronous methods of education — that is, learning opportunities that can be accessed at any time, regardless of time and place. Students may view pre-recorded lectures online, complete online educational units and testing modules on their own schedule, participate in classroom discussions through online message boards, and more.

Can You Get an Online Degree if You Work Full-Time?

Online degrees are designed for professionals with work and family responsibilities, so these online programs suit those with full-time employment commitments. Flexible scheduling, asynchronous learning, and part-time options enable you to balance work, personal life, and education. Many online programs offer evening, weekend, and self-paced courses.

Do Employers Care if Your Degree Is Online?

Employers are increasingly recognizing online college degrees as legitimate credentials. With accredited programs matching traditional education standards, many companies consider hiring online graduates with the right skills. A reputable online degree can significantly enhance your professional marketability and career advancement opportunities.

Conclusion

Whether you have family responsibilities or work commitments you can’t let go, online college degrees are great for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree with minimum disruption. To get you started, find each state’s best degree programs and learn the college admissions process with our complete guide.

You can also go through our student resource homepage for study tips and advice on adjusting to campus life.

Learn more about the college admissions process with a look at our complete guide.

Or get valuable study tips, advice on adjusting to campus life, and much more at our student resource homepage.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Online College Degrees That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education

Featured Programs

Online Degrees You Can Start Now

1. Business Management Associate Degree

2. Healthcare Management Associate Degree

3. Construction Technology Associate Degree

4. Computer Information Systems Associate Degree

5. Graphic Design Associate Degree

6. Manufacturing Associate Degree

7. Engineering Technology Associate Degree

8. Human Resources Management Associate Degree

The Best Online Colleges that Start Anytime

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Columbia University

What Do We Love About Columbia University?

Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What Do We Love About the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

Career Outlook for Education degree at Arizona State University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of the Arizona State University

What Do We Love About Arizona State University?

Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Oklahoma

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of the University of Oklahoma

What Do We Love About the University of Oklahoma?

Career Outlook for Education degree at Colorado State University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Colorado State University

What Do We Love About Colorado State University?

Career Outlook for Education degree at University of North Dakota

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of the University of North Dakota

What Do We Love About the University of North Dakota?

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Liberty University

What Do We Love About Liberty University?

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Southern New Hampshire University

What Do We Love About Southern New Hampshire University?

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Overview of Upper Iowa University

What Do We Love About Upper Iowa University?

Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Maryland Global Campus

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of the University of Maryland Global Campus

What Do We Love About the University of Maryland Global Campus?

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Degree Online?

Student Submitted Questions on Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education

Caroline asks, “I’m a little bit worried about my time management skills. Is self-paced learning right for me?”

Ryan asks, “What are some potential pitfalls of self-paced learning that I should try to avoid?”

Ainsley asks, “Are there specific types of courses that are best suited for self-paced learning?”

Related Questions

What Exactly Does It Mean to “Start Anytime”?

What Is Self-Paced Learning?

Can You Get an Online Degree if You Work Full-Time?

Do Employers Care if Your Degree Is Online?

Conclusion