Popular Distance Learning Majors

Before the advent of the Internet, when distance learning was often limited to mail-away, correspondence-style learning, students were limited in which areas of study they could pursue. In this technological age where just about every school offers some amount of online classes and mobile devices make it possible to learn from almost anywhere, the number of available distance learning majors keeps growing.

Instructors can make use of integrated distance learning, streaming video, interactive multimedia presentations, live chats, forums, and more to get across the theories and practices of different subjects when teaching . Students can create projects of a much greater depth and scope than was possible in the mail-away correspondence days, and turn them in instantly online by emailing or uploading the files. Online distance learning is making the most popular distance learning majors available to all students, regardless of location.

Communications and English are two of the easier majors to support via distance learning, but schools also offer Health Care and Criminal Justice degrees as well. A host of distance learning majors in business, such as Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing are available, as are advanced degrees in business such as an MBA program. Even Engineering disciplines and Computer Science programs are being offered as distance courses. Some programs, such as Nursing and Psychology, will require onsite clinical training, but even that can be scheduled at a facility near the student's location. Whatever a student's interests or career goals, there's a very good chance that he or she will be able to find the perfect major through a distance learning program.

Accounting

Accounting is one of the most popular distance learning majors. A program in Accounting starts off by teaching the basic skills of accounting, such as tracking financial records, financial reporting, monitoring and executing payroll, and organizing a billing schedule. An Accounting program expands to give students a strong foundation in financial, managerial, governmental, and non-profit accounting. Students will also develop an understanding of both auditing and taxation. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and an analytical mind are essential in pursuing a degree in Accounting. The number of online colleges offering degrees in accounting is countless.

Accounting is part of a broader spectrum of business programs, and as such, Accounting programs will also include courses in other areas of business. Courses in economics, marketing, corporate finance, business law, and statistics will help round out an Accounting degree. By combining the essentials of accounting with a diverse understanding of business practices, distance learning students can greatly increase their employment opportunities.

Because of the sensitive nature of personal and business finances, students of Accounting programs can expect to be presented with cases of moral and ethical ambiguity that they need to learn to identify and handle appropriately. Critical thinking skills and problem solving will be emphasized to find effective solutions to such issues.

Two important aspects of a program in Accounting are technology and communication. Both of these elements will be integrated into every course. There are various accounting software packages to be learned, as well as spreadsheet applications to analyze financial statements and accounting records. Accountants will be expected to write reports and analyses, and to make presentations of financial data to others on a routine basis.

Students earning a degree in Accounting are presented with a wide range of career choices when they graduate. They can go forward as accountants, working as personal, public, or government accountants, as well as tax or management accountants. They might even consider a position as a forensic accountant, providing financial data suitable for use as evidence in a court of law. They can also branch out in other directions, becoming internal auditors, financial analysts, and tax consultants.

Art & Architecture

Online degree programs in Art and Architecture are structured to develop a student's artistic talent and sense of aesthetics. Art programs are often divided into two tracks, Fine Arts or Design. In both cases, students will build a foundation by learning a discriminating appreciation for art, visual awareness, and the technical knowledge necessary to succeed as an artist in today's world.

Natural talent is required for a degree in the arts, but equally important is a strong educational basis in technique and technical skills. Teachers will interact with distance learning students to work on concept development and establishing a critical eye. Technology and its application in the creative process will also be studied. Students will learn how to plan, create, and enhance their work through the electronic medium.

A degree in Art with a concentration in Design could lead to career opportunities in animation, graphic design, interactive media, fashion design, and interior design. Those more interested in fine arts can work toward careers in painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. Students who are primarily interested in interpreting art and understanding the influences that go into each work can focus their Art degree toward a career in art history. Art historians study both the historical context of a work of art and its cultural significance. Of course, there are also programs for people whose artistic bent is more focused, such as photography schools.

While architecture is itself a form of art, it is considered its own course of study. Architecture is an interdisciplinary program, melding art and science. A program in Architecture encompasses technical, aesthetic, social, and environmental concerns. Coursework is divided between math, physics, architectural theory, the history of architecture, drafting, and project and site planning. Students interested in a degree in Architecture must focus not only on designing buildings, but also on a greater organic whole, considering how those buildings would affect the physical landscape and even society itself. An Architecture program will prepare students for careers in drafting, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning.

Business

A distance learning program in Business prepares students to operate in the business world today on all levels, from global corporations to small, start-up, self-run businesses, which makes it one of the most popular distance learning majors. A Business degree provides the knowledge, values, tools, and skill set necessary to effectively and successfully apply business principles in an organizational setting. This is a very actionable degree that focuses primarily on practical, real-world applications within the workplace and economy.

A Business program teaches distance learning students how to approach the many challenges of today's business world by looking back to previous business examples. Researching and analyzing case studies of both successes and failures in the business world is a standard part of the curriculum. Students can expect to work in teams and groups in simulated business environments throughout the program. Projects such as designing a marketing campaign and running a mock business help to bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical.

Business is itself a broad topic of study. As part of their degree program, students will gain an understanding of the areas of accounting, economics, finance, business law, management, marketing, research, technology, human resources, and decision making. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside of the program. This helps to shape their career path by giving them a deeper understanding of a particular subject, such as science or technology.

Students who choose to pursue a degree in Business may go into marketing, accounting, management, or entrepreneurship.

Communications

One of the most common distance learning majors is Communications. At its very basic level, a distance learning program in Communications is designed to teach students to write clearly, speak effectively, and think critically. Communications is the study of crafting and delivering messages. By understanding the fundamental concepts and principles of communications, students learn to design, evaluate, and implement communication strategies that most effectively get the desired message across.

Distance learning students will learn to identify their intended audience and the best way to communicate with them. A program in Communications explores all of the contemporary media channels - television, the Internet, radio, newspapers, etc. - and how to use each effectively to achieve a variety of practical goals. Communication is a valuable commodity and essential in every job market. A degree in Communications is very adaptable, providing skills that allow graduates to change with the climate in the information industry.

Typical coursework for a Communications degree would include classes on mass communication research, oral presentation, persuasion and public opinion, and general theories and practices of communicating. Students can often choose to focus in specific areas of communications such as advertising or public relations. Some careers that might appeal to graduates of a Communications program are advertising, public relations, marketing, health communications, employment relations, media research, and sales promotion.

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is rapidly becoming one of the most popular distance learning degrees. A program in Criminal Justice teaches the fundamentals of the criminal justice system in the United States. It explores the definition, function, and limitations of the three separate branches of the justice system - law enforcement, the courts, and corrections - as well as how they affect each other and work together. It also focuses on an understanding of crime and crime prevention. Students participating in a Criminal Justice online learning program will develop an understanding of the social and behavioral sciences that shape crime and justice in America.

A Criminal Justice program looks practically at enforcement, crime prevention, the application of justice in the court system, and corrections. The enforcement side of a Criminal Justice degree explores the scope of power any enforcement agency has over criminals and suspected criminals. Distance learning students discuss the most effective use of that power, and how to balance enforcement with individual rights. Crime prevention is a critical part of the enforcement process. Classes on the causes of crime, the mental health of offenders, and crime statistics help inform enforcement officers and improve community policing. These aspects of a Criminal Justice program will appeal to students looking to work as police officers, detectives, FBI or CIA agents, or criminologists.

A Criminal Justice degree focuses not only on law enforcement but on the laws themselves. Students can gain a foundation in criminal law and policy, the workings of the legal system, and just punishment. Those intending to go into law, either as defenders or prosecutors, and those interested in advocating changes to the current laws will find this degree particularly useful. In addition, the methods by which criminals are punished will come under investigation.

Corrections is an essential aspect of the criminal justice system, relying in part on social and behavioral sciences. A Criminal Justice program explores the imprisonment, probation, parole, and rehabilitation of criminals. Students interested in these aspects might go into careers as parole officers, prison guards, or social workers.

Education

Degree programs in Education prepare students to teach at several different levels, making it one of the popular majors for distance learning. Distance learning programs in Education may focus on any learning stage, from early childhood education through secondary education. As role models and educators, teachers help to shape the futures of the children they teach. They will spend a significant amount of time with their students and help them learn not only academic subjects but also valuable social skills and the confidence needed to succeed in the world.

Distance learning students can expect to spend a portion of their time studying the theoretical aspects of education. They will study different educational models and research the ever-evolving nature of teaching. They will also be exposed to hands-on training where they can learn to put the different teaching methodologies to the test in practical applications. Training as a student teacher is a requirement of almost all Education programs.

Early Childhood Education programs focus on teaching children from birth to age five. Students interested in teaching children this young should have a very deep well of patience, the creativity to design projects that are both fun and educational, and the flexibility to change plans on a whim as needed. Early Childhood Education students learn how to help children develop intellectually, physically, psychologically, and socially. They study ways to help children gain independence and self-esteem through their daily activities. A degree in Early Childhood Education can lead to a job working in a private or public day care program, in a Head Start program, or as a kindergarten teacher.

Elementary Education programs focus on teaching children who are of elementary school age. This is an ideal program for students who want to directly help shape children's futures. Education received in the early years has a dramatic effect on children's success in both school and their careers down the line. Typical coursework for an Elementary Education program might include studying children's literature, the cognitive learning process, and assessment and evaluation in elementary schools. Students with this degree might become elementary school teachers or go on to receive an advanced degree and become school administrators or curriculum experts.

Students of a program in Education have many options. They might choose to specialize in secondary education, teaching high school students specific subjects such as chemistry or American literature. They could also study middle school education, special education, or even educational administration.

English

An online degree in English will provide distance learning students with a comprehensive understanding of literature, rhetoric, and writing. Students are provided with a strong foundation in the history of the English language, and also the history of American and British literature. Their core courses will include poetry topics, writing essentials, analysis of literary classics, a study of linguistics, and also technical and professional writing. English is one of the most common distance learning majors.

Typically, students enrolled in an English program will focus on either a writing or literature specialization. Students specializing in writing will study the basics of effective communication. Beyond grammar and correct punctuation, they'll study voice, style, point of view, audience, and analysis, as well as the common forms of writing. They'll practice writing short- and long-form fiction, poetry, educational material, promotional brochures, and technical manuals. A significant portfolio can be built from school assignments alone, which can help in landing that first writing job.

Students who choose to specialize in literature will focus on the classic and contemporary works of American and British literature. There is a large dose of history included within a literature specialization. Through the study of literature itself, students gain an understanding of different societies and eras. They immerse themselves in the authors' experiences and see the world as it was in different times and places. Taking the literature concentration will help sharpen a student's critical thinking and reasoning skills through the analysis of creative works.

Earning a degree from an English program can prepare students for careers in a wide variety of fields. Some become artists, writing literary and popular fiction to be published and stocked on the bookstore shelves. Some might turn their writing skill toward journalism, becoming news reporters. Others take a more academic route, parlaying their love of literature into a teaching position. Because a degree in English develops students' communication skills and their understanding of human nature, English majors are well suited to the fields of marketing, public relations, and advertising. They are also well prepared to go on to a future in law.

Engineering

Online degree programs in each of the Engineering disciplines seek to provide students with a basis in theoretical knowledge and technical competence, allowing them to design and create components and systems that address the needs of our society. There are as many engineering disciplines as there are majors at any university. Aerospace engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering are all available as possible courses of study. Many of these degrees can be obtained via distance learning; in fact, they are some of the most popular distance learning majors.

In pursuit of a degree in Engineering, distance learning students will acquire knowledge of the mathematics and sciences basic to engineering, such as calculus, differential equations, chemistry, physics, and computer science. They will learn to solve problems by designing, executing, and analyzing experiments. Despite the heavy emphasis on math, science, and technology, design plays a large part in an Engineering program as well. Students will develop their creativity and spirit of innovation while learning to apply engineering methods.

Communication and teamwork are also important aspects of becoming an effective engineer, and Engineering students can expect to take non-technical courses as well in order develop a broad perspective and understanding of the world. Socio-humanistic concerns are introduced in an Engineering program to place the science of engineering within its proper social context. Cost and value of technology is considered, along with ethics and the societal impact of engineering.

Finance

A distance learning degree in Finance prepares students for the world of financial management, making it one of the more popular degrees for distance learners. Financial management is the management of the finances of a business or organization in order to achieve financial objectives. These objectives might be to generate wealth or earn an adequate return on investment.

A degree in Finance will appeal to students who have strong math skills, a very analytical way of thinking, and a desire to be involved in tactical and strategic decision making. A program in Finance will focus on three key elements: financial planning, financial control, and financial decision making. Financial planning involves the management of resources so that funds are available at the right time to meet the needs of the business or client. Financial control addresses concerns such as whether or not assets are being used efficiently and are secure. Financial decision making involves decisions about funding investments, when to make capital expenditures, and when to distribute profit to the shareholders.

Coursework in a Finance program can vary widely. Students will study commercial and investment banking, forecasting, accounting, financial markets, risk management and insurance, financial services, mortgage markets, and investment analysis. A degree in Finance offers many employment opportunities. Common career options for Finance graduates are commercial banker, corporate finance manager, investment analyst, stockbroker, financial examiner, and loan officer.

Healthcare

Health care is a very general umbrella term that encompasses a wealth of distance education programs. While a student's major might fall under the category of health care, it likely won't be called Health Care, it will be something more specific. Some of the more popular distance learning degrees in the health-care field are Pharmacology, Nursing, Health-Care Administration, Medical Billing, EMT, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy.

A program in Health-Care Administration combines both health-care and business aspects of a degree program together. Distance learning students of this program would learn about the treatment and prevention of disease, various health and wellness programs, and how to run and maintain a successful business. The areas of finance, corporate structure, health-care law, and personnel management would all be explored.

Medical billing is the procedure of submitting claims to health insurance providers in order to receive payment for medical and health-care services provided to patients. Students can earn certification in this area of health care, which requires a strong understanding of insurance company rules, the legal forms involved, and the medical billing process.

EMTs, or emergency medical technicians, work as first responders at accidents and medical emergencies. They assess the nature of the situation, provide immediate care, and transport patients to the nearest medical facility. Becoming an EMT requires a certification process. Students can get certified at three different levels: EMT-basic, EMT-intermediate, and paramedic. Formal coursework is paired with time spent in an emergency department or ambulance.

IT & Computer Science

A degree program in Computer Science studies the development and use of computer programs. It provides distance education students with a solid understanding of the underlying technologies that shape today's software systems. A computer science curriculum will teach students how to identify problems that are best solved using a computer, and how to design and implement efficient, cost-effective solutions. It is important that students gain a working knowledge of current programs and programming languages, as well as the computer technologies involved as the field of computer science is constantly evolving. Naturally, in today's high tech world, these are becoming popular distance learning degrees.

A Computer Science degree uses both classroom and hands-on computer work to expose students to a variety of programming languages and software-scripting and database-creation techniques. This program is well suited to logical thinkers and students who like to solve problems creatively while working on complex details. Typical coursework for a degree in Computer Science might include studying programming in C++, data structures and algorithms, operating systems software, and artificial intelligence. A degree in Computer Science prepares students for careers as a systems software engineer, computer programmer, Web site designer/developer, or database administrator.

A degree program in Information Technology (IT) focuses on the support and management of computer-based information systems, including both hardware and software components. IT is inevitably linked with business and industry, and is critical to running a successful organization. A degree in IT can be based on the business side of things, such as deciding on the best, most strategic use of information technology to remain competitive. Students leaning toward this aspect of IT would take courses in project management, network administration, and human-computer interaction, along with standard IT courses.

Students could also choose to focus on the more technical elements of information technology. Several certificate programs are available in IT specialties, such as computer networks, Microsoft systems, and Internet security. These certifications are given as a series of tests, some requiring only one test and others requiring up to 38 exams to complete. Students who specialize in one or more of these certifications can expect to earn more money and land better, more exciting projects.

Law & Paralegal

Paralegal programs are offered at several distance learning colleges. Schools offer both associate and bachelor's Paralegal degree programs, which combine legal courses with general education courses. A popular option are the various Paralegal certificate programs across the country, which can range anywhere from 18 to 60 credits to complete. Distance learning students in a Paralegal program will take courses such as introduction to law and the legal system, fundamentals of paralegal practice, legal research and writing, civil litigation, and law of contracts. Paralegals work in various law-related settings under the supervision of a lawyer. Students could work in a law office, corporate office, government agency, insurance agency, or legal assistance agency. This is a popular choice among distance learning majors.

Despite both being involved in the legal profession, a degree program in Law and a Paralegal degree program are very different. The difference becomes clear even as a student begins researching degree programs. Currently, paralegals are not required to be licensed by any licensing board. Because of this, there is no standard of job performance and no state or federal standard of education. Law schools, on the other hand, have very high standards, and the bar exam is designed to maintain a professional standard in the industry.

A degree program in Law is typically an advanced degree; students gain bachelor's degrees in almost any subject they wish, then apply to law school afterward. A program in Law examines the legal system, its workings and strictures, and the intricacies and nuances of laws. Students learn effective legal writing techniques, how to construct an argument, and valuable critical thinking skills. Core courses in the program would be constitutional law, contracts, property law, torts, civil procedure, and legal writing. After taking those, students would choose to focus on a more specific area of law.

A degree in Law offers students entry to many different legal fields. Students might enjoy corporate, environmental, criminal, international, tax, or patent law. They might become trial lawyers, law librarians, corporate investigators, or mediators. The kind of communication, research, writing, and presentation skills that law students develop makes them very valuable in many government positions as well.

Management

A degree program in Management provides distance learning students with the knowledge and skills managers need to deal with contemporary management challenges. Students will develop their interpersonal skills and abilities, gaining experience in leading and motivating people of different ages and backgrounds, developing strategies for competing in the global economy, and balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders in a complex legal, political, and ethical environment. While management skills are useful in every field, a degree program in Management typically focuses on business administration and management. This is also considered to be the generic Business degree, so students interested in a career in management should look for programs under the heading of Business as well as Management, both of which are near the top of the most common majors for distance learning.

Students enrolled in a Management degree program will get a thorough grounding in the theories and principles of accounting, finance, marketing, economics, statistics, human resources, and decision making. Their initial courses will provide the fundamentals of business, but later on in the program students will have the choice to specialize in a few areas of management. Some examples of specialties are risk management, operations management, and human resources management. Students can expect a large amount of group work throughout their education in the program. Group work is a key component in learning to effectively manage workflow, projects, timetables, and employees.

Distance learning students who graduate with a degree in Management have a wealth of opportunities available to them. Every business requires good management in order to grow and prosper. Students could pair their interest in a specific industry, such as mobile technology or chemical engineering, with their Management degree and enter the field in a managerial capacity. They might also go into the fields of contract management, human resources, project management, and risk management.

Marketing

An online degree in Marketing might sound limited to simply learning how to advertise and sell products and services, but in reality there is much more to it, and this versatility is one of the reasons marketing is such a popular distance learning major. A degree in Marketing addresses how to identify customer needs, how to communicate information about products and services to customers and potential customers, where to market and how to price products and services, and how to respond to growing demands in different countries and cultures.

While a Marketing degree might be offered on its own, many schools offer it as a concentration or as part of another major. For example, some schools offer it as part of their Communications degree. They offer a concentration of marketing and sales communications, which focuses on the humanistic interaction in marketing and sales. Schools might also offer it as part of a dual-major course in business administration and marketing. This program is designed to improve a student's management skills and illustrate how those can be used most effectively in a marketing organization.

A typical curriculum for Marketing majors would contain many business courses. The fundamentals of accounting, finance, and economics would all be taught. Beyond that, students might take courses in public relations, marketing research, integrated marketing strategies, and mass-market communication. Distance learning students with Marketing degrees can go into fields such as marketing management, sales management, advertising, marketing research, retailing, public policy, and consumer affairs.

MBA

An MBA or Master of Business Administration is an advanced degree program pursued after a distance education student has already attained a bachelor's degree. MBAs are typically sought for one of two reasons: increased knowledge of the field the student is currently in, or a career change.

An MBA is applicable in just about every field, and schools offer MBAs with a variety of different concentrations. There are traditional concentrations, such as accounting, finance, marketing, and information systems; industry-specific concentrations, such as energy management, health-care administration, and non-profit organizational management; and new concentrations being formed based on today's business trends, such as e-commerce, marketing intelligence, and insolvency and restructuring.

An MBA program is designed to teach students to identify and solve organizational problems using a systematic decision-making approach. The program focuses on developing the managerial skills necessary to be effective in a rapidly changing business environment. While this means that students will need to learn to apply critical analysis of alternatives under conditions of uncertainty, they will also have to evaluate their own values and ethics, and understand how that value set will affect their organizational decision making.

Nursing

A degree program in Nursing prepares online college students to enter the field of patient care, which can take place in a variety of settings. Except at the highest level of study, nursing is a very professional, hands-on field rather than a purely academic discipline. Nursing is one of the fastest-growing fields, and nurses will continue to be in demand in the coming years. Nursing is also one of the more flexible fields, which might suit a distance learning student's already-complicated schedule. Students will be able to choose from shifts that run around the clock and locations that vary widely, from a hospital emergency room to in-home patient care.

Nursing programs offer degrees at a variety of educational levels. One of the most common ways to become a registered nurse (RN) is to earn an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). An ADN program is a two- to three-year program that gives students access to entry-level jobs in nursing and prepares them to take the RN licensing exam. An ADN program also forms a good base for students looking to earn a bachelor's degree in Nursing.

A program in Nursing requires a solid foundation in the biological sciences. Aside from biology, students can expect to take microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Typically, a psychology course is required, since forming relationships with patients on some level is part of the job. Beyond that, students will take courses in the fundamentals of nursing care and clinical assessment, and courses in specific types of nursing, such as geriatric, pediatric, adult, and medical-surgical. Clinicals will be required as well, but most distance learning programs allow those to be completed at a facility close to the student's location.

Psychology

A distance learning degree program in Psychology delves into the intricacies of the correlation between mental processes and individual and social behavior. Of special interest are the physiological and neurological processes that underlie certain functions and behaviors. Distance learning students can expect to study such concepts as perception, cognition, attention, emotion, motivation, brain functioning, personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. Psychology is a popular distance learning major.

Psychology is considered a social science, and as such makes use of the scientific method and research procedures to generate and test hypothesis about patterns of behavior. Where Psychology differs from other majors such as Sociology is that Psychology concerns itself mainly with the individual and how the individual's behavior is affected by external and internal variables. In an undergraduate Psychology program, students would be able to take courses to sample the different fields of psychology, such as experimental, developmental, social, community, personality, and clinical psychology.

Psychology degree programs combine theoretical study and scientific research methods with practical application through coursework, field studies, and supervised independent research. While distance learning students can do their coursework from home, the program will require some clinical hours in various settings such as mental health offices, schools, and private practices. These hours can be completed at facilities located in the student's area, as long as the school approves.

Psychologists apply their knowledge to a wide range of endeavors, including health and human services, management, education, law, and sports. Having a strong understanding of human behavior makes them very adaptable to different working environments and career choices. Students wishing to stay in a pure psychologist career could choose to become cognitive psychologists, counseling psychologists, developmental psychologists, research psychologists, or school psychologists.

Real Estate

In essence, an online college degree in Real Estate is a business program with business practices and theories being applied to the real estate industry. Distance learning students enrolled in a Real Estate degree program can expect to take foundational courses in statistics, accounting, finance, law, ethics, marketing, and research. After students have developed their knowledge of business practices, there is still much to learn in the field of real estate. Students will take courses to refine their understanding of the real estate field, such as land-use planning, environmental issues and hazards, contract management, customer relationship management, and real estate finance. In spite of the housing downturn, Real Estate is still a popular distance learning program.

Beyond that, Real Estate programs will get more into the nuts-and-bolts aspects of the field such as real estate terminology, equity and debt financing, property and land development processes, appraisal and valuation techniques, and varying approaches to handling commercial real estate. When possible, students will interact with real estate professionals in the working environment, shadowing them to get a sense of the client management side of things. Students interested in real estate should be ready to interact with clients on a daily basis. Being personable and sociable is a large part of the job, as is knowing how to cater to clients' needs.

For students with degrees in Real Estate, career opportunities exist in real estate agencies, consulting, corporate and residential development, mortgage brokerages, and property management.

Vocational & Technical Programs

Vocational and technical distance learning courses prepare students for jobs that are based on manual or practical applications, rather than being strictly academic. These programs are typically centered on a specific trade or occupation, and students learn a well-defined, tighter scope of techniques. Because of this, the name of each program tends to correspond exactly with the name of the career a degree or certificate in that program would lead to. Not surprisingly, vocational and technical courses are among the top distance learning majors.

Vocational or technical programs might be taught at an institute of technology, a local community college, a career training college, or a trade school. Traditionally, vocational programs were taught in an apprenticeship style, with the student learning from a certified or licensed professional in the trade. Nowadays that kind of direct one-on-one learning is not as possible, but instructors still maintain a hands-on, involved approach to teaching.

While some of the staples of vocational programs, such as carpentry, auto repair, and cosmetology, do not lend themselves as well to the distance learning style of education, many other programs are very adaptable. Students might enroll in a program for medical transcription/billing, Web design, administrative assisting, bridal consulting, or floral design. Students who aren't interested or ready for a college degree might consider enrolling in a vocational or technical program to graduate and gain employment quickly. Increasingly, some colleges are allowing credit from vocational and technical programs to be transferred if the student decides to attend a two- or four-year college.