An online bachelor’s degree can help you build the education and skills you need to advance your career, qualify for new opportunities, or complete a degree you started years ago – all without putting your life on hold.
Whether you’re looking for your first bachelor’s degree, want to finish a degree you didn’t complete, or are considering going back to school to change careers, there are hundreds of online bachelor’s degree programs to choose from.
Explore online bachelor’s degrees by subject, program type, and career interest to find programs that fit your goals.
Explore Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Not sure what you want to study? Start by exploring bachelor’s degree programs by subject.
Choose a subject to see online bachelor’s degree programs and schools that match your interests.
Popular areas of study include:
- Business & Management
- Healthcare & Nursing
- Psychology
- Education & Teaching
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work & Human Services
- Communications
- Marketing
- Finance & Accounting
- Engineering
- Public Health
Whether you already know your major or are still exploring your options, comparing programs by subject can help you narrow down the choices.
What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree?
An online bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate degree that can be completed primarily or entirely online. Instead of attending traditional classes on campus, students complete coursework through an online learning platform.
Depending on the school and program, online bachelor’s degrees may include:
- Fully online coursework
- Online lectures and assignments
- Virtual discussions and group projects
- Online exams and assessments
- Flexible or asynchronous classes
- Optional or required in-person components
Many online bachelor’s programs are designed with working adults and other nontraditional students in mind, making it possible to balance college with work, family, and other responsibilities.
Find an Online Bachelor’s Degree by Subject
The best bachelor’s degree for you depends largely on your interests, career goals, previous education, and the type of work you want to pursue.
Explore some of the most popular online bachelor’s degree fields:
Business
Online business bachelor’s degrees can prepare students for careers in management, marketing, finance, human resources, entrepreneurship, and other areas of business.
Popular programs include:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Accounting
- Human Resources
- Entrepreneurship
Healthcare & Nursing
Healthcare is one of the largest areas of study for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees online. Depending on the program, students may be able to complete coursework online while completing clinical or other hands-on requirements in person.
Popular programs include:
- Nursing
- Health Administration
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
- Health Information Management
Psychology
An online bachelor’s degree in psychology can provide a foundation for careers in human services, business, education, social services, and other fields. It can also serve as preparation for students who plan to pursue graduate-level education.
Computer Science & Technology
Technology-related bachelor’s degrees can prepare students for careers in software, information technology, cybersecurity, data, and other growing areas.
Popular programs include:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Information Systems
Education
Online education degrees can prepare students for careers working with children, adults, schools, and educational organizations. Some programs are designed specifically for students seeking teacher licensure, while others focus on areas such as educational studies or administration.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice bachelor’s programs cover topics related to law enforcement, courts, corrections, public safety, and the legal system. Graduates may pursue careers in a variety of public and private-sector roles.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Bachelor’s Degree?
A traditional bachelor’s degree generally requires about 120 semester credits, although requirements vary by program and school.
For a student starting without transferable college credit, a bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years of full-time study.
However, your timeline could be shorter or longer depending on your circumstances.
You may be able to finish sooner if you:
- Transfer previously earned college credits
- Choose an accelerated bachelor’s program
- Take courses year-round
- Take additional courses each term
- Receive eligible credit for prior learning
Students attending part-time may take longer to complete their degree.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s Degree
With so many online programs available, it’s important to compare more than just the degree title.
Before choosing a program, consider:
Accreditation
Look for schools that are appropriately accredited. Accreditation can be important for transferring credits, financial aid, graduate school, and certain career paths.
Program Format
Determine whether the program is fully online, primarily online, hybrid, synchronous, or asynchronous.
Transfer Credit Policy
If you’ve attended college before, find out how many of your existing credits will transfer.
Cost
Compare tuition, fees, financial aid opportunities, and the estimated total cost of completing the program.
Time to Completion
Consider whether the program follows a traditional schedule or offers accelerated options.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements can vary considerably. Some programs have straightforward admissions processes, while others may have prerequisites or additional requirements.
Career Outcomes
Think about what you want to do after graduation and whether the degree prepares you for your intended career or for additional education.
Find an Online Bachelor’s Degree
You don’t have to search through hundreds of colleges on your own.
Use our degree search tool to explore online bachelor’s degree programs based on your area of interest.
[BACHELOR’S DEGREE SEARCH WIDGET]
Choose your subject. Explore your options. Find an online bachelor’s degree that fits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Can I earn a bachelor’s degree completely online?
Yes. Many colleges offer bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed entirely online. However, some programs, particularly those involving healthcare, education, or other hands-on professions, may include in-person requirements.
Are online bachelor’s degrees legitimate?
Yes. Online bachelor’s degrees from accredited colleges and universities can be legitimate and academically equivalent to degrees earned through on-campus programs. When comparing schools, check the institution’s accreditation and the program’s requirements.
Can I transfer college credits to an online bachelor’s degree?
Often, yes. Many colleges accept transfer credits from previously attended institutions. However, the number of credits accepted and which requirements they satisfy varies by school.
Can I earn a bachelor’s degree while working full time?
Yes. Many online bachelor’s programs are designed to accommodate working students. Flexible scheduling, asynchronous courses, and part-time enrollment can make it easier to balance school and work.
What is the easiest bachelor’s degree to get online?
There isn’t one bachelor’s degree that is universally easiest. The difficulty of a program depends on your interests, strengths, academic background, and the subject you’re studying. A degree in a subject you enjoy and understand well may feel more manageable than one outside your area of interest.
Can I get financial aid for an online bachelor’s degree?
Students enrolled in eligible online degree programs may qualify for federal financial aid and other forms of assistance. Eligibility depends on factors including the school, program, enrollment status, and the student’s circumstances.
How do I find the best online bachelor’s degree for me?
Start by identifying your career or educational goal, then compare programs based on subject, accreditation, cost, transfer-credit policies, format, admissions requirements, and expected time to completion.
Use our search tool to explore online bachelor’s degree programs and find options that match your interests.
Start Your Online Bachelor’s Degree Search
Whether you’re starting college for the first time, returning after years away, or looking for a more flexible way to finish the degree you started, an online bachelor’s program could help you move closer to your educational and career goals.
Explore online bachelor’s degrees by subject and find programs that may be a good fit for you.