Top ten Best Online Bachelor Degree Programs

Top ten Online Colleges for a Bachelor’s Degree

Are you interested in earning an online bachelor’s degree? Online education is growing exponentially in popularity. The best online bachelor degree programs lead to many opportunities in the professional world. Completing a bachelor’s degree has become increasingly important in today’s competitive business world. The top online colleges for bachelor’s degrees are an excellent way to achieve higher education goals. A bachelor’s degree takes four years of full-time study when taking classes the traditional way. However, at some online colleges, an online bachelor’s degree can be completed on a part-time basis in about the same amount of time as a full-time traditional program. A bachelor’s degree requires 120 semester credits, which equals about 40 college courses.

History

Historically, a college degree has meant a bachelor’s degree although it is actually an undergraduate degree as colleges also offer master’s and doctorate degrees at the graduate level. Bachelor’s degrees are also known as baccalaureate degrees. They are offered at almost every accredited college in the country. They are the standard for many professional careers and are required for attendance in graduate school in most cases.

Time Commitment

For working adults, however, earning a bachelor’s degree can be difficult. Too often work, family and school obligations prevent people from achieving higher education goals. The top online colleges make it much easier to fit higher education into a busy schedule. Online bachelor’s programs are an excellent option for busy individuals. Today’s online degrees are more credible than they were many years ago when they were considered “correspondence courses.” At the top online colleges, students learn in an interactive learning environment. This allows them to work with other students on group projects. It provides them with better access to instructors.

Accreditation and Cost

When choosing the best online bachelor’s degrees, it is important that the programs available be accredited. In many cases, not only does the college have regional accreditation, but many programs at the college may also be accredited by industry-specific organizations and associations. In addition, online degrees are often more affordable than traditional classes. Students are able to obtain the same financial aid for programs offered online as they can for traditional classes, making them even more accessible. There is often no need to purchase textbooks as online degree programs can provide reading materials and resources in an online format. Many online colleges also have a virtual library where students can view online books for research projects.

Convenience

Transportation costs are also lower with online courses as there is no need to drive to school, pay for parking, grab meals on the run, or hire someone to take care of children while attending classes. Courses can be completed anywhere.

Hybrid Options

Another benefit found at the top online colleges for bachelor’s degrees is that many offer hybrid courses. This means that students may be able to attend courses online and in a traditional setting. This is beneficial for students who may struggle with particular subjects, such as mathematics or writing. They can learn in a regular classroom which may provide them with additional hands-on learning. Read on to find the top ten bachelors degrees. These are the best online colleges for bachelor’s degree.

10. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University offers a wide range of hybrid or 100 percent online bachelor’s programs for online bachelor’s degree options. Hybrid degree programs require a portion of the degree requirements are completed in a traditional format. Students may be required to attend a face-to-face meeting or complete a field experience or internship. Online bachelor’s degree programs available at West Texas A&M University include:

  • Applied Arts and Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Clinical Justice Administration Emphasis
  • Emergency Management Administration
  • General Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • RN-BSN

There are also hybrid undergraduate programs available in Criminal Justice with either a Corrections and a Policing emphasis.

Texas A&M University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, programs are accredited by the following organizations:

  • American Chemical Society
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
  • American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
  • American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Texas Board of Nursing
  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association
  • Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
  • Institute of Food Technologists
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education
  • National Architectural Accrediting Board
  • National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • Planning Accreditation Board
  • Society of American Foresters

9. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago’s Extended Campus provides a way for learners of any age to achieve their higher education goals. The online college has been named number one in student engagement by US News and World Report. The publication also ranked the college eighth in the country for its bachelor’s programs. The program has been recognized for its teaching, mentoring, and encouragement of students. UIC’s Extended Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, programs are accredited by the following organizations:

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
  • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council on Education for Public Health

UIC Extended Campus was approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. Students living outside of Illinois may enroll at online programs but should check the college’s State Authorization website to see what distance education programs are available for their state. Online degree programs available at UIC Extended Campus include:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Health Information Management
  • RN to BSN

The school also offers hybrid programs that allow students to take a combination of online and traditional courses to complete their degree programs.

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida online college offers students flexibility in achieving their higher education goals. The programs available provide a rich experience using the same rigorous curriculum that students who attend traditional classes receive. Students are pushed to succeed which provides them with the leadership skills necessary to advance in their current career or move into a new career. The online college has been named the number 11 online bachelor’s program by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks third in both Kiplinger’s Best Values Public Colleges and the Fiske Guide to College. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Tuition for programs offered online is $129.18 per credit hour, compared to $212.71 for traditional courses. Degrees available include:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Biology
  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Fire & Emergency Services
  • Bachelor of Arts in Geography
  • Bachelor of Arts in Geology
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior
  • Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Cell Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Relations
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
  • Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media & Society

7. Pennsylvania State University World Campus

The Pennsylvania State University World Campus offerers some of the top online bachelor’s programs. It is the second largest in the Pennsylvania State University system with almost 18,000 online students enrolled. The program provides a flexible, accessible method for obtaining bachelor’s degrees. It was rated one of the top online bachelor’s degree colleges by U.S. News & World Report and has been providing quality education since 1998. Graduates have become leaders in their fields. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is nationally recognized for its rigorous curriculum. Bachelor’s degrees available at Penn State’s World Campus include:

  • Accounting
  • Advertising/Public Relations – Strategic Communications Option
  • Agribusiness Management
  • Biobehavioral Health
  • Business
  • Criminal Justice
  • Digital Multimedia Design
  • Economics
  • Energy and Sustainability Policy
  • Finance
  • Health Policy and Administration
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Information Science and Technology
  • Integrated Social Science
  • International Politics
  • Labor and Employment Relations
  • Law and Society
  • Letters, Arts and Sciences
  • Marketing
  • Nursing
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Security and Risk Analysis
  • Software Engineering
  • Turfgrass Science

6. Arizona State University

Arizona State University online programs have been ranked in the top one percent in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are almost 18,000 online students enrolled in online programs, learning from the same rigorous curriculum that traditional students are required to complete. There are six start dates throughout the year. Online students can enroll at any time. This also allows them to complete degrees faster while still attending part-time. Undergraduate tuition ranges from $490 to $633 per credit hour with no additional program fees. The online program has been named a best buy by the Fiske Guide to Colleges. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Arizona State University works through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement to ensure that online students who may need licensure or authorization are able to seek those licensures regardless of where they live. Undergraduate programs available in a totally online format include:

  • Anthropology
  • Art History
  • Business Administration
  • Business Communication
  • Business – Data Analytics
  • Business – Food Industry Management
  • Business – Global Leadership
  • Business – Global Logistics Management
  • Business – Retail Management
  • Business – Sustainability
  • Business – Tourism
  • Communication
  • Community Advocacy and Policy
  • Community Health
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Educational Studies
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • English
  • Family & Human Development
  • Film – Film & Media Studies
  • Geography
  • Global Health
  • Graphic Information Technology
  • Health Care Coordination
  • Health Education and Health Promotion
  • Health Sciences
  • Healthy Lifestyles Coaching
  • History
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Information Technology
  • Integrated Health
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Internet and Web Development
  • Justice Studies
  • Liberal Studies
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mass Communication and Media Studies
  • Nursing – RN to BSN
  • Nutrition
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy – Morality, Politics, and Law
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Service and Public Policy
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Software Engineering
  • Spanish
  • Sustainability
  • Technical Communication
  • Technical Entrepreneurship and Management
  • Urban Planning
  • Women and Gender Studies

5. Oregon State University

OSU has many best online bachelor’s degree options. OSU delivers a wide range of programs online with classes developed by Oregon State’s world-renowned faculty. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and students are able to study from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection. Online students receive the same degree that traditional students receive and study the same curriculum. Traditional tuition is $200 per credit hour while online courses cost $80 per credit hour, a significant savings. Undergraduate programs available include:

  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Anthropology
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Environmental Economics and Policy
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
  • French
  • German
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Human Development and Family Sciences
  • Liberal Studies
  • Natural Resources
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Rangeland Science
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Sustainability
  • Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

4. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University has some of the best online bachelor’s programs. OSU’s online bachelor’s degree programs focus not only on the classroom experience but also on the experiences students gain outside the classroom. The university offers a flexible environment that allows students to explore and prepare for career success. The same faculty that teaches students in the classrooms teach the online undergraduate programs, so students know they are getting a quality education. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students can complete coursework at their own pace anytime and anywhere. Bachelor’s degree online programs include:

  • Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

3. Temple University

Temple University offers some of the best bachelors degree programs. The Office of Digital Education at Temple University offers a Bachelor in Business Administration designed to help working adults achieve their higher education goals. The top online college for bachelor’s degrees offers the same courses online that students in traditional classes must complete. Students are also provided outstanding academic support through advisors who not only teach about their area of expertise but have actually worked in the industry. The program cost is $821 per credit hour for in-state residents and $1,426 for out-of-state residents. The program combines quality, convenience, and opportunity through the Fox School of Business’ nationally ranked program. Students who complete the program are able to continue their studies online at the graduate level through Temple’s Master in Business Administration program.

2. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University is committed to helping people reach their educational goals which is why they offer online programs that allow for flexibility. Students are provided support throughout their educational career and the support services at Western Kentucky are nationally recognized. U.S. News ranks Western Kentucky University as one of the top online colleges for bachelor degrees and the online undergraduate programs are ranked one of the “Best for Vets 4-year Colleges” by Military Times Edge. WKU is one of the top 4 year online colleges. Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, specific programs are accredited by the following organizations:

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • Association of University Programs in Health Administration
  • Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board
  • National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) Commission on Accreditation
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
  • The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

Online degree programs available from Western Kentucky University Online include:

  • Computer Information Technology
  • Criminology
  • Family & Consumer Sciences, Child Studies
  • Family & Consumer Services, Family Studies
  • Health Care Administration
  • Health Sciences
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Sociology

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers some of the top bachelor degrees. Since 1971, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been offering distance learning. It was one of the first in the country to do so. Today, it is a private, not-for-profit accredited university that offers flexible scheduling and over 20 online programs. Students are provided outstanding support and advising throughout their education at Embry-Riddle. It has been ranked the top online bachelor’s degree college by U.S. News and College Choice. Online School Center has ranked it the top technologically savvy online school. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Online bachelor’s degree programs include:

  • Aeronautics
  • Aviation Business Management
  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Aviation Security
  • Communication
  • Emergency Services
  • Engineering
  • Engineering Technology
  • Homeland Security
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Project Management
  • Safety Management
  • Technical Management
  • Unmanned Systems Applications

Conclusion

Working adults often have career, family, and social obligations that can make it difficult to achieve their higher education goals. This can lead to difficulties in moving into a new career or advancing in a current career. These best online colleges for an online degree can help individuals achieve their goals and advance their careers with flexible, online courses and online degrees. These flexible online colleges are the best online colleges for bachelor degree programs.

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