A bachelor’s of science (BS or BSc) online degree can open many doors for your future. With the right program, you can gain in-demand skills and qualify for exciting career opportunities in growing fields like healthcare, technology, and more. However, with so many online BS programs to choose from, deciding on the best fit can feel overwhelming.
Benefits of Online BS Degrees
One of the biggest advantages of online BS programs is their flexibility. Without being tied to an on-campus schedule, you can complete your coursework anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. This allows working professionals to continue their education while maintaining their career and other responsibilities.
Online programs also expand your options beyond local schools. You have access to a wider range of accredited programs from top-ranked universities across the country, and sometimes internationally. This gives you more choices to find the perfect curriculum for your goals and learning style.
Additionally, many online BS degrees are designed for accelerated completion in less time than traditional on-campus programs. Compressed schedules help you graduate faster so you can start your career or further education sooner. Online degrees are also often more affordable than on-campus tuition at private colleges.
The rise of telecommuting and work-from-home setups during the pandemic highlighted another benefit — many skills gained through online BS programs are directly applicable to the evolving job market. Fields like IT, healthcare informatics and analytics are projected to keep growing, and online education prepares you to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Choosing a Major
As with any bachelor’s degree, the major you choose will have a big impact on the career path available after graduation. Common options for online BS programs include:
Healthcare
Popular healthcare majors include:
- Nursing – Become a registered nurse and care for patients across various medical settings. Many schools offer direct-entry MSN programs for those with a nursing BS.
- Health Informatics – Work with health data to improve systems and patient outcomes through skills like database management, analytics and project management.
- Health Administration – Qualify for management roles in hospitals, clinics and public health by learning operations, finance, policy and leadership.
Technology
Cutting-edge tech fields accessible through online BS include:
- Computer Science – Gain programming, web development and cybersecurity skills for software engineering and IT roles.
- Information Technology – Focus on technical support, networking, infrastructure and core IT functions across any industry.
- Cybersecurity – Safeguard systems and data from online threats as a cybersecurity analyst or manager.
Sciences
Traditional science majors that can open research and lab opportunities:
- Biology – Studying living organisms sets you up for bioinformatics, pharmaceuticals and more.
- Chemistry – Core principles in chemistry applied in quality control, product development and more.
- Environmental Science – Combat climate change through conservation, pollution monitoring and sustainability roles.
The major you choose will determine the specific courses, experiences and credentials you earn, so thoroughly research program details and career outcomes. Talking to academic advisors can help ensure the right fit.
Accreditation Quality
Online bachelor’s degree programs must be accredited by a Department of Education-approved accrediting agency to be considered legitimate and qualify you for professional credentials or further education. This accreditation ensures the school and its programs meet high standards for quality, resources and student outcomes.
The two primary accreditors for online BS programs are:
- Regional accreditors – Six regional commissions accredit entire colleges/universities. Accreditation transfers more broadly than specialized/program accreditors.
- Specialty/programmatic accreditors – Specialized accreditors focus on key fields like nursing, IT and engineering. Their accreditation is essential for licensure in certain careers.
Always check that the program and institution are accredited before enrolling. Avoid any degrees lacking accreditation, as they will not be recognized or credentialed. Regional accreditation from top accreditors like the Higher Learning Commission provide reliable assurance of educational quality.
Program Format and Courses
Most online BS programs have similar curricular structures to on-campus versions, with core general education requirements and specialized major courses. However, they are tailored for digital learning and flexible scheduling. Here are key aspects of their formats:
Asynchronous Learning
Courses are accessed asynchronously online without strict meeting times. Lectures are pre-recorded or in text/ multimedia format. Students engage on their own schedule.
Discussion Boards
Discussions foster student collaboration and analytical thinking. Responses to prompts are submitted online over weekly topics.
Assignments
Common deliverables include essays, problem sets, coding/programming, analyses, presentations and research papers completed individually or in groups.
Proctored Exams
Major tests are administered with online proctoring software to confirm student identity and prevent cheating.
Labs and Clinicals
Some majors like nursing & biotech require hands-on labs completed on-campus during intensive sessions or at affiliated medical/research facilities near students.
Thoroughly research what specific courses are included in each program’s curriculum to ensure a fit with your goals. Reputable online BS degrees maintain the same rigorous academic standards as campus options.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Like all higher education, online bachelor’s programs involve tuition costs. However, online options may be more affordable on average versus private university prices. Here are some factors affecting the price:
- Public vs. private school status – Public schools tend to be cheapest due to state subsidies.
- In-state vs. out-of-state fees – Lower rates for residents of the university’s state.
- Unit costs – Per-course pricing structure is common, so costs rise with additional credit hours.
- Accelerated options – Term-based or year-round schedules impact total time and price.
- Fees – Additional charges vary by schools for technologies, tools, labs, textbooks and proctored exams.
Comprehensive cost data for specific programs must be researched through schools’ financial aid offices and websites. Fortunately, most students qualify for assistance like:
- Federal financial aid – Pell Grants, student/parent loans and work-study available for online students too.
- State grants – Some state scholarships can be used for online enrolled residents.
- Institutional awards – Need-based and merit-based grants from school endowments.
- Payment plans – Monthly installments help budgets costs over time.
Well-regarded schools make financial counseling freely available to help you understand all options. With proper planning, online BS degrees can often be made affordable.
Program Considerations and Factors
When evaluating different online bachelor’s programs, reflect carefully on these key considerations:
Career Services Support
Top schools provide robust resources for career exploration, resume/interview preparation, job/internship boards and industry networking events. Strong alumni engagement also helps graduates succeed.
Technology Requirements
Requires a computer/laptop, reliable high-speed internet, webcam and software like Microsoft Office. Some majors involve additional paid services for software access.
Student Interaction
Introvert-friendly asynchronous courses still build community through discussions, group work and virtual student clubs/organizations. Campus feel depends on involvement.
Class Sizes
Large general-education courses scale better online versus specialized major classes which are typically smaller in student count.
Transfer Credits
Maximizing existing credits saves time and money. Research comprehensive transfer policies for community college courses or past degrees.
Accreditation Renewals
Programs sometimes lose accreditation during renewals if standards slip. Choose schools committed for the long-term with consistent reviews.
Technical Support
Confirm 24/7 help is accessible for login issues, broken learning tools or other tech-related problems preventing progress.
Graduation Support
Degree planning ensures timely completion without delays. Post-graduation networking assists alumni further education & new opportunities.
Weighing these intangible support factors along with hard costs and curriculum is important for student success and satisfaction in online BS programs. Ask detailed questions during information sessions with admission representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about online BS degrees.
How long does an online bachelor’s degree take to complete?
Most online BS programs are designed to be completed full-time within 4 years, similar to on-campus schedules. However, with flexibility, accelerated options can often condense timeframes. Many motivated students finish in 3 years or less with summer courses. Part-time enrollment stretches the timeframe.
What are the admission requirements?
Typical requirements include a high school diploma or GED, minimum GPA, entrance essays, resume, reference letters and standardized test scores like the ACT/SAT for most freshmen applicants. Transfer students need prior college credit in good academic standing. Software skills may also be assessed depending on the program.
Are online degrees respected as much as traditional degrees?
Once skepticism about online education existed, but the reputation of well-designed online programs from accredited schools is now on par with campus-based counterparts. Employers recognize the value of the flexible education model as well as the discipline, time-management skills and self-motivation online students develop.
What kind of student thrives in an online program?
Successful online learners are organized, independent, and able to motivate themselves. They manage their time well and communicate effectively in writing. It also helps to be comfortable learning asynchronously without rigid schedules and learning from written instruction versus in-person lectures. Access to strong internet connectivity and a quiet study space is important too.
Is it hard to make connections without classroom interaction?
Many quality online programs incorporate weekly live video conferences, group chats and messaging boards to foster communication between students and with professors. It takes more effort than F2F interaction initially, but discussion prompts, collaborative assignments and virtual student clubs/organizations help build community. Reach out proactively to stay engaged and connected.