The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • Using Tech to Make Sure All Students Succeed

  • Product Review of Znanja

  • Product Review of ZipGrade

  • Product Review of ZEROERP

  • Product Review of Zapzapmath

  • Product Review of Yash Math Adventure Game

  • Product Review of Xplor

  • Product Review of XoomPoint

  • Product Review of Xnote

  • Product Review of Xander

Higher EducationOnline Learning & eLearning
Home›Higher Education›The Ever-Expanding List of Online Degree Options

The Ever-Expanding List of Online Degree Options

By Matthew Lynch
June 21, 2017
18287
1
Spread the love

When online education began, students had access to precious few degree programs. Typically, only classes that required little communication and less hands-on training were candidates for digital classrooms. However, as education technology developed — and as interest in online education grew — students found more and more degrees available over the web.

Today, more than 17 percent of higher education schools offer full-time online degree programs, and the options are incredibly diverse. Nearly every student in nearly every field can find courses available online, bringing the world closer to affordable, attainable higher education. To celebrate, here is a brief history of online degree options — and what we can expect from online education in the near future.

First Came Business School

Aside from computer science courses — which only became valuable well after e-learning was established — business degrees seem the most obvious candidates for online education. First, advanced business degrees are sought primarily by adults already employed in full-time careers; thus, the flexibility of online courses is unendingly appealing to business schools’ core audience.

Furthermore, business classes rarely require hands-on attention from professors, so students can be certain of learning the correct material without bothering to journey to a university campus. Concepts like finance and marketing — as well as skills like selling, recruiting, and leading — can be acquired just as effectively through a computer screen as in a physical classroom.

Business school integrated quickly into online education sites. Today, business learning opportunities are seemingly unending; here are a few online degree options for the business-inclined:

  • Business Administration
  • Project Management
  • International Business
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Accounting

Then, Humanities Studies

As for-profit online universities gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they began experimenting with more programs to offer digitally inclined students. In the previous few decades, correspondence courses proved that many subjects in the humanities were well-suited to out-of-classroom students, so degree programs in “soft” subjects like literature, art, history, and religion made their way to the web.

Like business courses, humanities classes rarely require practical instruction; most often, students read materials outside of class and review those materials with peers and professors. Such experiences are easily completed through an e-learning portal. However, unlike most business courses, humanities studies fail to provide students with obvious careers post-graduation. Thus, online schools adapted to the changing needs of its student body by providing a variety of online student services, to include career preparation and placement, course counseling, and even tutoring.

Today, online humanities degree options are extensive, and giving online students access to the cultural degrees they crave, such as:

  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Latin American Studies
  • British Literature
  • American History
  • Music Theory
  • Creative Writing
  • Linguistics

Now, Engineering Courses

On the opposite end of the education spectrum, engineering degrees require extensive applied instruction. Engineers study complex subjects like calculus and physics and must be able to apply theories to the real world. In universities, engineers are seen to build physical projects: catapults, miniature towers, better mousetraps, etc. Yet, many online schools are integrating engineering degree programs into their offerings.

Less than a decade ago, teaching engineering online was impossible, but thanks to advances in e-learning technology, exceedingly complex programs like online biomedical engineering truly exist. The primary breakthrough was in simulations: Once schools could accurately replicate laboratory conditions in a digital environment, online engineering courses could offer legitimate instruction.

Today, all manner of engineering programs can be found online, and some of the most popular include:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Mechanical Engineering

Soon, Unlimited Options

In less than a century, classrooms have moved from chalk and blackboards to digital screens. Some experts envision a future where physical learning environments are unnecessary, and where every student attends classes over the internet. Already, 95 percent of universities offer at least one fully online course, and 17 percent of universities offer entirely digital degree programs — and that number is growing every semester as more students clamor for the flexibility and affordability of online school.

Some experts are taking the online learning revolution even farther. Former MIT dean Christine Ortiz argues that the online schools of the future will not be segmented into colleges and majors; there won’t be classrooms or even a rigid lecture structure. Instead, all information will be available online, and students will gain certifications through completed projects.

This vision might seem far-fetched, but as more and more degree programs become available online, students have more options than ever for their educations. Soon enough, online learning will be limited only by students’ time and imagination.

 

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningscreen mediascreen timeSTEM
Previous Article

11 Amazing Tools and Games That Teach ...

Next Article

How Can Technology Be Used to Decrease ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • EdTech FuturesPersonalized Learning

    Edtech aims to save time, combine resources

    June 14, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Higher Education EdTech

    Implementing Blended Learning in Higher Education

    April 7, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    No room for sloppiness in online classroom

    September 26, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Kiko Labs Adds New Games and Desktop Access to Help Early Learners Build the Foundational Cognitive Skills Necessary for School ...

    June 8, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Students Should Learn to Code Because it is the Language of the Future

    March 15, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Personalized Learning

    Using Gamification in Teacher Professional Development

    January 19, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch

1 comment

  1. 3 Types of People Who Should Consider Online College | GT 28 July, 2017 at 02:03 Reply

    […] Earning your degree while working fulltime doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By going the online route, you’ll give yourself the freedom to attend lectures and complete coursework on your schedule. On the flipside, attending a traditional college or university often requires students to work around their professors’ schedules. This often entails quitting jobs and reducing work hours, both of which can negatively one’s financial situation. Earning your degree online ensures that you’ll be able to get the education you seek without seeing your personal finances take a hit. Anyone eager to enhance their knowledge of online education can understand more here. […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • Online Learning & eLearning

    How Cloud Computing Makes Remote Learning Possible

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechFeaturedFresh

    Want Technology-Literate Students? Start with Their Parents

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How to Overcome 10 Digital Learning Challenges

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Using Tech to Make Sure All Students Succeed

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • Product Review of Znanja

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • Product Review of ZipGrade

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • Product Review of ZEROERP

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • Product Review of Zapzapmath

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • 4 Ways EdTech Companies Can Involve Faculty in Research - WGU Labs | Advancing Innovation in ...
    on
    May 17, 2022

    25 Ways that EdTech Benefits Teachers and Students

    […] EdTech products can ...
  • What is a professional learning network? - What Type Degree
    on
    May 16, 2022

    What is a Personal Learning Network?

    […] What is a ...
  • Digital Branding is Key for Everyone In Education | Edtech Magazine
    on
    May 15, 2022

    Tips To Conduct A Gap Analysis For Your LMS Marketing Strategy

    […] How do you ...
  • 7 Ways to Approach Financial Decluttering in Your Life - Amida Wealth
    on
    May 15, 2022

    The Best External Hard Drives Of 2022: All The Best Options For Backing Up Your Device’s ...

    […] and updating your ...
  • Top 18 g suite for education là gì mới nhất năm 2022 - tophoidap
    on
    May 15, 2022

    What is G Suite for Education?

    […] https://www.thetechedvocate.org/what-is-g-suite-for-education/ […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    How to Teach Kids to Communicate in This Digital Age

    Spread the loveWhen even the youngest children are spending the equivalent of a full work day looking at screens, it is perhaps no surprise that parents are wondering how to ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...
  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of AptaFund

    Spread the loveAptaFund is a business management software that provides essential functions to educational institutions, such as web access to educators, parents, and learners. It allows elementary schools and other educational ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech Startups & BusinessesTeachers

    Top 5 Things to Consider When Designing an LMS

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has changed many things in our world, and education is one of them. More students lean toward using online schooling. Therefore, learning management systems (LMS) are becoming ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...
  • Digital Equity

    How OER Can Help Overcome the Higher Education Equity Barrier

    Spread the loveThe cornerstone of the American dream is the ability to succeed in life regardless of one’s family of origin. And, for most people, that requires a college education. ...

EdTech Futures

  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...
  • Adult EducationEdTech & InnovationEdTech FuturesEducation LeadershipEducational LeadershipHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechThe Future of Education

    Education Technology and the Future of Higher Ed Leadership

    Spread the loveEducation Technology (EdTech) has had a more significant impact on education than anyone expected. Now its effects are reaching into the field of higher education. In this article, ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.