Best Online Degrees for the Future

The rise in the number of online degrees available means that students are more prepared than ever to face the future by studying in the fastest-growing and most promising fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted which occupations will grow the fastest through 2018, and you can find great online degree programs to take you toward these careers:

• Biomedical engineers: A biomedical engineer combines principles of technical design and human physiology to design health systems and products. The occupation is expected to have a 72% growth through 2018 with 11,600 new jobs. An online bachelor's degree in engineering is a great way to jump into the field.
• Network systems and data communications analysts: These professionals analyze, design, and implement network systems including Internet/intranet and other data communications systems. An online degree in computer science is a solid entry into a field expected to see 53% growth and add 155,800 jobs through 2018.
• Home health aides: These aides provide health care and living assistance to elderly, convalescent, or disabled people, either in their homes or in a residential care facility. A b.s. in nursing is not an uncommon way to start a career as a home health aide. The field should add 460,900 jobs for 50% growth over the next few years.
• Personal and home care aides: This position is largely similar to that of home health aide; one of the main differences is that home health aides often work for government-funded agencies, while personal care aides tend to work for public and private groups that provide such services. The BLS predicts the occupation will grow 46% through 2018, adding 375,800 jobs.
• Financial examiners: A financial examiner is charged with enforcing compliance with the rules governing financial and other institutions. An online degree in accounting is a great way to begin working in the field that's set to add 11,100 jobs and grow by 41% over the next few years.
• Medical scientists (excluding epidemiologists): These medical professionals conduct research on diseases to find cures and advance the cause of health. There are many online degrees that can act as doorways into the occupation, like biology or chemistry. The area is expected to grow by 40% and add 44,200 jobs through 2018.
• Physician assistants: A physician assistant works with a physician to provide diagnostic and preventive health care. A degree in the field and certification are needed to begin practicing. The BLS expects a 39% growth in the field, with 29,200 more jobs on the way.
• Skin care specialists: A skin care specialist provides treatments designed to improve a client's skin health. You can usually get into the field with an associate's degree or even certificate, though you'll also need to be licensed by the state. It's expected that skin care specialists will grow by 38%, or 14,700 jobs.
• Biochemists and biophysicists: An online degree in chemistry or biology is a smart way to begin a career as a scientist devoted to studying the chemical and physical properties of living organisms. The field anticipates a 37% growth through 2018, adding 8,700 jobs.
• Athletic trainers: Not to be confused with personal trainers, athletic trainers prevent and treat injuries and work as health professionals with a variety of clients. It's predicted that the occupation will grow 37% (6,000 jobs) through the next few years, and students who hope to enter the field major in areas including anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.