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Health & Nursing

Courses and certificates.

• Bachelor's Degrees
• View all Business Bachelor's Degrees

Business Management – B.S. Business Administration

Healthcare Administration – B.S.

Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration

• Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration

Marketing – B.S. Business Administration

Accounting – B.S. Business Administration

Finance – B.S.

• Supply Chain and Operations Management – B.S.
• Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree (from the School of Technology)
• Health Information Management – B.S. (from the Leavitt School of Health)

Master's Degrees

• View all Business Master's Degrees
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MBA Information Technology Management
• MBA Healthcare Management
• Management and Leadership – M.S.
• Accounting – M.S.
• Marketing – M.S.
• Human Resource Management – M.S.
• Master of Healthcare Administration (from the Leavitt School of Health)
• Data Analytics – M.S. (from the School of Technology)
• Information Technology Management – M.S. (from the School of Technology)
• Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed. (from the School of Education)

Certificates

• View all Business Degrees

Bachelor's Preparing For Licensure

• View all Education Bachelor's Degrees

Elementary Education – B.A.

• Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure) – B.A.
• Special Education (Mild-to-Moderate) – B.A.

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

• Mathematics Education (Secondary)– B.S.

Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.

• Science Education (Secondary Biological Sciences) – B.S.
• Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)– B.S.
• View all Education Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Education Degrees

Educational Studies – B.A.

Master of Science in Education Degrees

• View all Education Master's Degrees
• Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
• Educational Leadership – M.S.
• Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.

Master's Preparing for Licensure

• Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
• Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
• Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• Teaching, Special Education (K-12) – M.A.

Licensure Information

• State Teaching Licensure Information

Master's Degrees for Teachers

• Mathematics Education (K-6) – M.A.
• Mathematics Education (Middle Grade) – M.A.
• Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• English Language Learning (PreK-12) – M.A.
• Endorsement Preparation Program, English Language Learning (PreK-12)
• Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Biological Sciences) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)– M.A.
• View all Technology Bachelor's Degrees

Cloud Computing – B.S.

Computer Science – B.S.

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.

Data Analytics – B.S.

Information Technology – B.S.

Network Engineering and Security – B.S.

Software Engineering – B.S.

Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree

• Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration (from the School of Business)
• View all Technology Master's Degrees
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
• Data Analytics – M.S.
• Information Technology Management – M.S.
• MBA Information Technology Management (from the School of Business)
• Full Stack Engineering
• Web Application Deployment and Support
• Front End Web Development
• Back End Web Development

3rd Party Certifications

• IT Certifications Included in WGU Degrees
• View all Technology Degrees
• View all Health & Nursing Bachelor's Degrees
• Nursing (RN-to-BSN online) – B.S.
• Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S. (Available in select states)

Health Information Management – B.S.

Health and Human Services – B.S.

Psychology – B.S.

Health Science – B.S.

• Healthcare Administration – B.S. (from the School of Business)
• View all Nursing Post-Master's Certificates
• Nursing Education—Post-Master's Certificate
• Nursing Leadership and Management—Post-Master's Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner—Post-Master's Certificate
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner —Post-Master's Certificate
• View all Health & Nursing Degrees
• View all Nursing & Health Master's Degrees
• Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• MBA Healthcare Management (from the School of Business)
• Business Leadership (with the School of Business)
• Supply Chain (with the School of Business)
• Back End Web Development (with the School of Technology)
• Front End Web Development (with the School of Technology)
• Web Application Deployment and Support (with the School of Technology)
• Full Stack Engineering (with the School of Technology)
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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Online Bachelor's Degrees and Programs

What is a bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study typically lasting two to six years, but that length of time can be shorter depending on the institution and academic discipline. Bachelor's degree programs, both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts, are designed to put students on the path toward their career by educating them in their field of interest and opening them to new ideas through general education courses. Upon finishing their degree, students will have greater access to new job opportunities, higher salaries, and the chance for greater career fulfillment.

Online Business Bachelor's Degrees

Online Education Bachelor's Degrees

Online Health Bachelor's Degrees

Online IT Bachelor's Degrees

What Is the Point of a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor's degree program provides two essential purposes to aspiring professionals. First, these programs are designed to provide a student with a well-balanced education and the skills necessary to pursue a specific career field. With curricula ranging from general subjects to extremely specific coursework, the student can learn about a wide range of topics while gaining a deeper comprehension of their major’s subject matter. 

Second, a bachelor’s degree also shows future employers that the job candidate has the discipline, commitment, drive, and communication skills necessary to commit to completing their education, which translates positively to the workplace. Seeing a bachelor’s degree on an applicant’s résumé gives the employer peace of mind that the candidate has proven credentials in their field of study and that they are already aware of the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the role. For example, if the employer is hiring a healthcare administrator, they will be happy to see that the job candidate has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management  (B.S).

How Much Do People with a Bachelor’s Degree Make?

Americans with a bachelor's degree earn a weekly average of $1,305, which equates to an annual salary of $67,860 per year. This is nearly twice as much as workers who possess a high school diploma as their highest level of education. Not only will you earn more with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll also experience better job security. As of February 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for Americans with a bachelor's degree is 2.2% —but 4.5% for those without a bachelor’s degree.

How Many Hours to Complete a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree program typically takes 120 semester hours, spread over four years, to complete, but that time can vary depending on the program and the student, especially for those pursuing their bachelor’s degree online. at wgu, students are required to complete a minimum course load each term, but there is no maximum. instead, they are encouraged to take as many courses per term as they’re comfortable with and move through the coursework as quickly as they’re able to demonstrate mastery. every student’s journey to graduation is unique, which is why wgu utilizes a competency-based model for our programs. students who already have a solid foundation of knowledge on a certain subject can finish more quickly. with no set class times or log-in times, students can complete coursework and assessments with more flexibility whenever works best for their schedule, potentially finishing their degree faster to save time and money. see how long it takes to complete different bachelor’s degrees, on average., does a bachelor’s degree take four years, a bachelor's degree at a traditional, on-campus school usually takes four years to complete, but there are alternatives that allow you to finish your degree more quickly. wgu’s online bachelor’s degrees empower students to move through their coursework at the pace that works best for their schedules and lifestyles. from enrollment to graduation, wgu students often complete their degrees in less than just two years. see how long it will take to earn your online bachelor’s degree at wgu ., bachelor's degree requirements.

A student generally must complete 120 semester units or credits to earn a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. Students will learn general education topics, including courses in math, the sciences, English, history, political science, and other humanities subjects, as well as lower- and upper-division courses associated with their chosen major.

What Does a Bachelor’s Degree Do?

There are many benefits to getting a bachelor's degree. Holding an undergraduate degree in a field that you’re interested in makes you eligible for higher salaries, increased job options, and new and fulfilling life experiences. Even better, a bachelor’s degree will help you get jobs and networking opportunities that will provide the foundation for the rest of your career and future promotions. If you've already been working for a while, then a bachelor's degree may help you launch a new career or advance in your current one.

Why Earn An Online Bachelor's Degree in 2023?

Is it worth it to get a bachelor's degree? Sometimes it can be confusing to know if a bachelor's degree is the right path for you. However, statistics and research show the great value that a bachelor's degree can add to your life. Some of the many benefits of earning a bachelor's degree include:

More job opportunities. Research shows that 35% of job openings require at least a bachelor's degree. If you don't have a degree, you're limiting yourself to only about 30% of jobs available in the United States. With a degree, your job possibilities more than double.

Higher pay.   Stats  show that when you earn a bachelor's degree you can expect your yearly salary to increase about $29,000 per year. It's hard to argue with those kinds of numbers! Jobs for those with a bachelor's degree tend to be higher paying, and having a degree often qualifies you for a salary increase due to your credential.

Change careers. There are many professions where you won't even be considered unless you have a bachelor's degree, so by completing one of our online bachelor’s programs you're opening the door to more job listings, and entire professions. For example, if you want to become a teacher you'll have to earn a bachelor's degree to be qualified. By earning a bachelor's degree, you'll be ready to enter or change careers, starting something you're passionate about.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs at WGU

Business bachelor's degrees.

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:

• Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
• Tuition:  $3,755 per 6-month term
• Courses : 40 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include: 

• Business communication
• Product development
• Decision making models
• Project management strategies
• Budgeting for business

This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.

A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...

A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:

• Time: 65% of graduates finish within 24 months.
• Tuition:  $3,755 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 41 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:

• Agile project management
• Employment and labor laws
• Recruiting strategies
• HR technology
• DE&I understanding

Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.

For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...

For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:

• Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include: 

• Communication
• Project Management
• Product Management

Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.

Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...

Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?

• Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
• Tuition:  $3,755 per 6-month term
• Courses: 41 courses in this program
• Financial Statements
• Detail Oriented

Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.

IT Management – B.S. Business Administration

IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:...

IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:

• Courses: 40 total courses in this program
• Team Leadership
• Operations Management
• Agile Project Management
• Analytical Techniques
• Information Technology

Key competencies of these online courses align with industry needs: management and leadership, networks and security, and information systems management.

You can become a healthcare industry leader:...

You can become a healthcare industry leader:

Compare with B.S. Health Information Management

• Time: 63% of graduates finish within 17 months
• Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
• Strategic Planning

The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.

This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant...

This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.

• Time: 62% of graduates finish similar programs within 24 months
• Tuition:  $3,575 per 6-month term

Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:

• Spreadsheets
• Financial Analysis
• Problem Solving

The competency-based model at WGU allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key with the B.S. in finance at WGU.

Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.

This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare...

This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.

• Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
• Tuition:  $3,575 per 6-month term.
• Courses:  36 courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Strategic Planning
• Operations:

Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...

Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.

• Time:  61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
• Tuition:  $3,625 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 36 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

• CompTIA A+ 
• CompTIA Network+ 
• CompTIA Security+ 
• CompTIA Project+ 
• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist 
• Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
• ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
• LPI Linux Essentials
• Scripting and programming
• Networking and security
• Systems and services
• Data management
• Business of IT

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.

• Time: Approximately 5 years.
• Tuition : $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
• Courses: 42 total courses in this program.

This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.

A program designed for future leaders in HIM....

A program designed for future leaders in HIM.

• Time:  61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
• Tuition:  $4,085 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 36 total courses in this program.
• Medical Terminology
• Healthcare System Applications
• Health Information Law and Regulations
• Healthcare Project Management
• Data Analytics and Information Governance

This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam. 

Compare with B.S. Business – Healthcare Management

WGU Bachelor's Degrees in Education Leading to a Teaching License

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers....

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

• Time: 68% of students finish this degree within 36 months.
• Tuition:  $3,825 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 38 total courses in this program (39 for Washington residents)

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

• Elementary Reading Methods
• Language Arts Instruction
• Elementary Mathematics Methods
• Elementary Disciplinary Literacy
• Children’s Literature

This elementary education degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online teaching degree program helps you to be eligible for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensure—elementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.

• Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 38 months.
• Courses: 44 total courses in this program (45 for Washington residents).

(Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the  B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate)  online teaching degree. 

• Elementary Social Studies Methods
• Elementary Science Methods
• Language Arts Instruction and Intervention

This special education teaching online degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. 

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math...

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in states that have a middle-grades math teaching license.

Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching licensure in your state.

• Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 29 months.
• Tuition and fees: $3,825   per 6-month term.
• Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this science teaching degree program often include:

• Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently lack a teaching license
• Substitute teachers
• Career-changers with a passion for math
• School paraprofessionals
• Others who feel the call to teach

This science teaching degree program includes requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This science teaching degree prepares you to be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers and high school math teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

• Time:  60% of students finish this degree within 40 months.
• Courses : 42 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
• Trigonometry and Precalculus
• Probability and Statistics I and II
• Calculus I, II, and III
• Abstract Algebra
• College Geometry

This online math teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school science teachers. Leads to teaching license in all states that have a middle-grades general science teaching license.

Specific grade levels you are qualified to teach will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

• Time: 62% of students finish this science teaching degree within 34 months.
• Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 38 total courses in this program (39 for Washington residents).
• Heredity and Genetics
• Ecology and Environmental Science
• General Physics

This science teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers.

• Time:  61% of students earned this online biology degree within 38 months.
• Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents).
• Health Sciences
• Molecular and Cellular Biology

This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers.

• Time: 65% of students finish this online chemistry degree within 37 months.
• Courses : 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Educational Psychology & Development
• Biochemistry

This chemistry teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.

• Time: 62% of students earn this online physics degree within 49 months.
• Educational Psychology 
• Physics: Waves and Optics
• Space, Time and Motion
• Conceptual Physics
• Physics: Mechanics

This physics teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for teaching certification.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth science teachers.

• Time: 63% of students earn this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 33 months.
• Tuition: $3,825   per 6-month term.
• Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
• Physical Geology
• Earth Systems

This geosciences teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This high school teaching degree program prepares you for teaching licensure in any of the 50 states.

Special Education (Mild to Moderate) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single teaching license in K–12 special education.

• Time: 61% of students finish this program within 34 months.
• Courses : 39 total courses in this program.

 If your state requires—or if you're interested in—dual licensure in both elementary education and K–12 special education, consider the  B.A. Special Education (K–12) program .

• Lesson Planning
• Behavioral Support Strategies
• Classroom Management

This online degree program includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Student Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.

WGU Bachelor's Degrees in Education With No Teaching License

These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...

These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.

Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.

• Time:  Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
• This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.

Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:

• Elementary Education
• Elementary and Special Education
• Mild to Moderate Special Education
• Secondary Biology Science Education
• Secondary Chemistry Science Education
• Secondary Earth Science Education
• Secondary Physics Education
• Middle Grades Science Education
• Secondary Mathematics Education
• Middle Grade Mathematics Education

Online Nursing & Healthcare Bachelor's Degrees

Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:

• Locations:  Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
• Tuition:  $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
• Time:  This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
• WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
• If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our  Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
• Community Health
• Women's and Children's Nursing

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

• Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 23 total courses in this program.
• Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
• Healthcare Policy and Economics
• Information Technology in Nursing Practice
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Applied Healthcare Statistics

If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.

An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...

An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.

• Time:  63% of students finish this program in 24 months
• Tuition:  $4,085 per 6-month term
• Courses:  35 total courses in this program
• Epidemiology
• Community and Public Health
• Cultural Awareness
• Pathophysiology
• Healthcare Values and Ethics
• Substance Abuse Support

This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.

An online psychology program for students who want to make a difference in...

An online psychology program for students who want to make a difference in their life, and the lives of others.

• Time:  95% of students finish similar programs in less than 4 years.
• Courses:  34 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé included in this program: 

• Social psychology
• Consumer psychology
• Adult psychology
• Mental health awareness
• Psychopathology

This degree allows you to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the field of psychology and can prepare you for additional certifications or careers.

An online health science program designed for students who want real-world...

An online health science program designed for students who want real-world skills for valuable health careers.

• Time:  63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
• Courses:  28 total courses in this program
• Disease prevention
• Behavioral health
• Substance abuse support
• Health research
• Medical technology

This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your healthcare career.

Information Technology Bachelor's Degrees

Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...

Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:

Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.

• Time:  60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
• Tuition:  $3,985 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 38 total courses in this program.

You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:

• Linux Essentials
• Axelos ITIL Foundation
• Architecture and systems
• Data structures
• Computer theory
• Version Control

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.

• Time:  60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
• Tuition:  $4,265 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 34 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
• ITIL® Foundation Certification
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
• CompTIA Network Security Professional
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
• Secure Systems Analysis & Design
• Data Management
• Web and Cloud Security
• Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:

• Time:  62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
• Tuition and fees:  $3,735 per 6-month term.
• Courses:  39 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner
• CompTIA Data+
• Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
• MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
• Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
• Data wrangling
• Statistical analysis
• Visualization
• Leadership and management 
• Model deployment & storytelling

Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....

Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.

• Time:  61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
• Tuition:  $3,735 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
• Two focus areas: Students can choose between a Cisco or general program, allowing them to learn and gain experience in their chosen specialty.

Certifications:

• CompTIA Cloud+
• LPI Linux Foundations

The Cisco program also includes: 

• Cisco DevNet
• Cisco CyberOps

The general program  also includes: 

• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (Stacked)
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (Stacked)
• CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Stacked)
• CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Stacked)
• Network engineering
• Network operations
• Security management skills

This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.

You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....

You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.

• Time:  60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
• Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:

• CompTIA Project +
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 
• ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
• Web development
• Mobile application development 
• User experience design
• Software quality assurance

A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...

A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.

• Time:  63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
• Transfer:  Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
• Courses : 37 total courses in this program.
• 3 Tracks:  Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.

Certifications at no extra cost, including:

• Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
• Azure Fundamentals
• Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
• Scripting and Automation
• Managing Cloud Security
• Development
• Applications
• Ongoing maintenance and security

What's the Difference between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts Degree? 

Bachelor of Arts degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees are equivalent in most ways, and neither is considered more reputable. In most cases, Arts bachelor's degrees are focused on the social sciences including education, history, foreign languages and so on. In contrast, Science bachelor's degrees tend to more focused on the science and technology fields like math, engineering, and programming. Coursework for Bachelor of Arts degrees can sometimes be more broadly focused while an equivalent Bachelor of Science degree focuses more deeply on a somewhat narrower curriculum.

Despite the similarities between the two types of degrees, one of them may fit your needs better. For example, the admissions departments of colleges accepting students into some types of advanced degrees may consider one of them to be preferrable. Many colleges offer the choice between earning a BS or a BA even for the same type of degree with only slight differences between the two programs. For instance, at WGU, some teaching programs are bachelor of arts degrees while others are bachelor of science degrees.

Ranking the Best Online Degree Program for You

Which online bachelor's degree is right for you? You can create a ranking system to help you determine which online bachelor's degree is the best fit for you. While it's tempting to try and find an existing degree ranking system that will tell you what degree to earn, in reality every person will have a unique online bachelor's degree program that will be best for them. Create your own ranking system to determine the best degree program for you by following these steps:

• Narrow down your field of interest. Do you want to be a teacher? Do you want to be a nurse? Are you more interested in business or technology? Evaluate the kind of work you want to do to help you choose the right college, which can help you find the right degree programs.
• Ask yourself what your dream job is. What is your dream profession? Is it to become a high school principal, or to design video games? Knowing what the end goal is will help you rank degree programs.
• Research educational requirements for your dream career. If you want to be a teacher, you'll need to pursue teacher licensing programs. If you want to become a marketing manager, you'll need a business degree in marketing! It's important to get specific. For example, if you want to be a teacher, what kind of subject and grade do you want to teach? This will influence your options available for relevant degree programs. If you want to go into information technology, do you want to be doing the coding or managing teams? Knowing these details will help you determine the right educational requirements.
• Make a list of possible degree programs. Take time to look at all the degree options available for you and make a list of the ones that would potentially work well for your dream career.
• Talk to professionals. Spend some time talking to people in your dream field to determine which degree programs can be most valuable for you.
• Make a ranking list. Create a list of the best degree programs for your dream career, ranking them from your top pick down. This will help you determine which online bachelor's degree you should pursue!

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree

Why should i do an online bachelor's degree.

For many students, an online bachelor's degree is the best option to further their education. An online bachelor's degree like those available at WGU offer many advantages for students including:

• Flexible schedule. A flexible schedule allows students to work on their courses on their timeline. For some students that will mean studying during nights or weekends after their full-time job, for others it will be during the day while their children are at school. You don't have to log in to class at a certain time, and there aren't due dates for your assignments. You're in charge of your education.
• More affordable. Online bachelor's degrees are often more affordable that traditional degrees because online schools don't have to pay for large campus buildings, sports teams, and other things that traditional schools need to pay for. This makes it a more affordable option for many students.
• Individual support. When you do an online bachelor's degree program, you don't have to feel alone. You'll have individualized support—for example WGU has dedicated program mentors who are responsible for helping you from the day you start, up until graduation day. 

How much does an online bachelor's degree cost?

The amount you'll pay for an online bachelor's degree will depend on where you choose to attend. Different schools will have different tuition and fee amounts. WGU is one of the most affordable options for an online degree program, with each program costing between $3,475 and $3,625 in tuition fees for a six-month term. Tuition charged per term means that you won't pay more if you take extra classes, so if you finish faster you'll pay less! 

How do I get an online bachelor's degree?

Start by applying to WGU today! You'll work with your Program Mentor to pick your courses, you'll watch videos or read to learn, and you'll prove you understand the material with tests and papers. 

Can I earn my bachelor's degree online?

Yes! Online bachelor's degrees can present an obtainable and effective route to professional and educational advancement. There are many different degrees offered fully online, and the majority of them can be fully completed from anywhere in the world. Online degree programs are especially popular among working professionals and busy adults. At WGU you can earn a fully accredited degree in business, IT, education, or health from the convenience of your own home using competency based education.

What is the easiest bachelor's degree to get online?

No bachelor’s degree program is necessarily easy—you get out of your degree program the amount of work you put in! However, business degrees are largely considered to be some of the easiest bachelor’s degrees to complete online. There are several reasons for this, beginning with the suitability of the curriculum to the online learning environment. The format works well because business degrees typically have a high number of lecture style classes that are highly adapted to realities of online education. Online colleges also typically offer accelerated learning programs, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities with other students and business professionals which can be a big benefit to your eventual career.

Can I get a bachelor's degree in 1 year online?

A  bachelor's degree  is a postsecondary, undergraduate degree. It is the degree you earn after you get your high school diploma, and before you earn a graduate degree. Most graduate and doctoral degree programs, including law and medicine, require you to graduate with a bachelor's degree before enrollment. These bachelor's degree programs are sometimes called baccalaureate degrees.

Is an online bachelor's degree less valuable?

Not at all! A degree earned online from an accredited university has the same weight as a degree earned in a more traditional college setting. Rigorous coursework, recognized credentials, and job skills are the same for a quality in-person and online degree. It is important to make sure however, that the institution offering the degree is accredited and in good standing with the accrediting body.

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What's the difference between a Masters by Coursework and a Masters by Research?

A  Masters by Coursework  is a professional qualification involving the study of a specified set of core units and a selection of eligible elective units. Undertaking a coursework program will mean that you will attend classes, complete assignments and sit exams where applicable. Some Masters by Coursework also require the completion of a minor thesis as part of the course. Dependent on the course, part-time and online study options are available. For more information, please see our  Postgraduate Study at ECU  web page. A  Masters by Research  involves the submission of a completed thesis based on an independent research project. Students studying a Masters by Research work independently with the support of a supervisor and the School. Students may be required to attend units to help expand skills in the area of research. For more information, please see our Research Degree  web page.

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Published: 4 Sept 2023

4 Sept 2023 • Knowledge

Question & answer, related articles.

• Can I apply to exit from my Master of Teaching with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching?
• How do I change from a Master by Coursework to a Master by Research?
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• Can I study a Doctorate or Master by Research online?
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国外授课型硕士 VS 研究型硕士: 有什么区别？该怎么选择？

在留学申请的时候，许多同学都会纠结于到底应该选 研究型硕士（Research Master） 还是 授课型硕士（Coursework Master） 。

而对于研究型硕士市面上的信息又比较少，今天这篇文章就来看看这两者有什么不同，并且详细介绍一下关于大家口中“研究型硕士”。

01 授课型硕士（Coursework Master）

大部分学生在留学申请时都是直接申请授课型硕士。授课型硕士是教育产业化国家的产物，是以授课为主的学习方式。通过学生对课程的学习，完成学科作业和考试来完成学位的。

授课型硕士不单单要学习课堂知识，还涉及到讨论、讲座、实践等课程模块，完成这些课程模块后，你将获得所学技能和知识的评估。评估是通过课程作业，考试，小组项目和论文进行的。在课程结束时，根据学习的专业，你将被授予文学硕士（MA）或工商管理硕士（MBA），理学硕士（MSc）等学位。

目前中国留学生有百分之九十都是选读硕士型研究生，它的原则是“用最少的资源赚最多的钱”

通常，我们所熟知的授课型硕士有英国、新加坡、香港等一年制硕士项目。

关于一年制硕士具体情况可以参考： DIY飞跃计划：一年制硕士，英国、中国香港、新加坡，到底哪个性价比更高？

授课型硕士学制短、申请难度低（相对而言，申请授课型硕士比较容易，但如果是一些热门课程，入学难度也是比较高的）、毕业难度低（修满学分即可毕业）、大班化、基本没有奖学金、与教授的互动时间非常有限、高学费。

如果学生打算硕士毕业就马上就业的话，最好选择授课型硕士，因为授课型硕士培养的是学生团队合作和公开演讲或调研的能力，更符合就业的需要。

02 研究型硕士（Research master）

研究型硕士项目申请难度较授课型硕士项目来讲会高很多，因为学校要根据你所提交的申请材料来判断你是否适合从事学术研究工作，同时也会评估你之前本科或者其他研究生阶段（有些申请者会专门读一个Taught master之后再申请Research master）所学课程以及有过的学术研究经历来判断你的学术水平。

如果你想要的就读研究型硕士，那你就要做好充分的准备，你的一天可能都被花在收集和分析数据上，基本上工作目标就是让科研论文在领先的研究期刊被发表。最后是通过提交论文、论文通过并口头答辩，来获得硕士学位的。

研究型硕士最大的优势是：有奖学金、有与教授做科研的机会、至少半年时间的科研、硕士论文有发表的可能。

如果学生想在所学专业方向进行深入研究或打算进入博士阶段的学习，那么研究型硕士是最佳之选。如果你是个超级学霸，自主学习能力强，想深入探讨某个领域，天生乐于研究，学术背景优秀，也可以考虑研究型硕士。

同时，research master在不同国家也会有不同的情况：

在英国研究型硕士一般分为：MRes和Mphil. 它们都是以研究为重点的硕士。

其中MRes是典型的研究型硕士，一般只有理工科才会开设，并且每个项目招收的人数也就是个位数，课程设置一般是30%授课+70%的研究。

而MPhil全称Master of Philosophy。在英国，MPhil可以作为进入博士课程的一个途径，或者作为一个较短的独立学位认证，NFQ将MA、MSc和MRes，MPhil这些硕士学位同时列为level 7。

在英国，研究型硕士学位受到越来越多的罗素集团和其他精英大学的欢迎，如格拉斯哥大学，东英吉利大学，爱丁堡大学，卡迪夫大学，英国伦敦大学学院，帝国理工学院，布里斯托大学，曼彻斯特大学，纽卡斯尔大学，利物浦大学，南安普顿大学，约克大学和伦敦大学; 以及拥有优秀艺术和设计系的大学，如布莱顿大学、伦敦艺术大学和皇家艺术学院。

澳洲高校主要包含了2种研究型硕士学位，

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)，这是国际认可的研究硕士学位，要求完成3w-4w字的论文；Masters by Research, 与MPhil不同的是，它还提供部分授课型的课程内容，同时要求完成约3w字的论文。

澳洲大学提供的研究型硕士奖学金往往比授课式硕士多，一般由各个学院，研究中心以及企业赞助三方联合提供，先分配给导师或教授，再由导师或教授发放给学生。Engineering, IT, Science 等理工科方向的研究项目比商科类项目拿到奖学金的机会更多。

在学校的选择上，大家熟知的澳大利亚国立大学、新南威尔士大学、墨尔本大学、悉尼大学、莫纳什大学等诸多院校都设有研究型硕士。

在欧洲（除英国外），纯研究型学位在“第二周期”（硕士）水平上很少见。

硕士（第二周期）和博士（第三周期）课程之间的差距明显，大多数大学都希望学生通过课程型硕士获得高级学科知识，然后再攻读博士，进行独立研究。

香港的研究型硕士（Research Programme ）一般是两年学制，采用申请制，第一年的时间拿来来上课，另外一年的时间来从事学术上的研究工作，或者研究课题。

有的专业申请有面试的要求。并且两种研究生课程每年的招生专业是不一样的。

详情可以参考各学校官网公布的当年的研究生招生专业来申请。

A Guide to Different Types of College Degrees

From associate degrees to doctorates, options are plentiful for prospective higher education students.

College Degree Levels Explained

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There are numerous higher education options, from credentials such as badges and certificates to a range of college degree levels.

Earning a college degree leads to higher lifetime earnings and lower unemployment rates than those with just a high school diploma, research indicates. There are also nonmonetary advantages, including gaining transferable workforce skills and being more active citizens, experts say.

There are numerous higher education options, from credentials such as badges and certificates to a range of college degree levels. But different jobs or fields strongly encourage or require varying credentials, so students must do their research.

To be an air traffic controller, for instance, an applicant needs at least an associate degree , while a candidate pursuing dentistry must earn a professional degree, such as the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.).

Students "should go into college knowing that there are opportunities to move on and that learning is a lifelong process," says Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, an organization focused on advancing equity within higher education.

"Rapidly changing technology means rapid obsolescence," she says. "Circumstances in peoples' lives change, as we saw with COVID-19. There's always an opportunity to use the education that they've earned as a foundation for more education and greater career opportunities, or just for a more fulfilling life."

The guide below offers a look at college degree programs, from associate to professional degrees.

Associate Degrees

Commonly offered at community colleges and some universities, a full-time student can earn an associate degree – which typically requires 60 credit hours or more – in two years. Colleges that offer associate degrees have fewer or no residential options on campus.

Some degree options include Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.).

"Often individuals are working toward an associate degree with the long-term goal of earning a four-year degree," says Brian Troyer, dean of undergraduate admissions at Marquette University in Wisconsin. "But associate degrees are often degrees that lead to a successful career in a particular field. They provide outstanding training in a very specific discipline."

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , 49% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 had an associate degree or higher in 2021. American workers age 25 and over with an associate degree earned a median weekly income of $963 in 2021 compared with $809 for those with a high school diploma and no college, per figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Associate degrees are "usually a very good return on investment because they are inexpensive to begin with" and "targeted toward career preparation," Pasquerella says.

Bachelor's Degrees

A full-time student can expect to finish a bachelor's degree within four years, though that length of time varies by program. A bachelor's degree – which is offered at four-year institutions and a small number of community colleges – typically requires 120 credit hours, sometimes more and occasionally fewer.

Colleges that offer a bachelor's degree are often associated with the more "traditional" residential setting. But that's not always the case, as there are options to commute or attend an online bachelor's program .

Bachelor's degree types include Bachelor of Arts ( B.A. ), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and other specialty designations.

"You get more of a broad-based approach in taking classes in different subject areas, building both knowledge and skill, as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills," says Joe B. Whitehead, Jr., provost and senior vice president of academic and student affairs at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. "Some are more professionally oriented, like a degree in business or engineering."

According to NCES, 39% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2021. In 2019, a bachelor's degree was worth nearly $2.8 million in median lifetime earnings, a 2021 report from Georgetown University 's Center on Education and the Workforce found.

Unemployment rates in 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, were much higher for American workers age 25 and over with a high school diploma and no college – 6.2%, compared with those with a bachelor's degree, 3.5%, per BLS figures.

Master's Degrees

A master's degree follows a bachelor's degree for many continuing their postsecondary education. But enrolling directly into a master's program after graduating with a bachelor's degree is not always necessary.

Experts advise students to first ask themselves what steps are required to achieve their career goals and why they want to earn a particular degree.

If an advanced degree is required to meet job qualifications, a student may want to consider an accelerated combined degree program , often known as 4+1 programs – an option to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years rather than six years separately.

Going straight into a master's or doctoral program may cause less of an interruption in the life of a student already focused on academic pursuits, says Mildred García, president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

But in other cases, it may be better for a student to enter the workforce first in a field of interest before committing to a master's degree.

"Waiting some time to go back to school to earn a master’s or doctorate can allow the prospective student to gain or deepen their professional experiences, further increase their maturity level and appreciation of the profession they want to enter, and have a higher understanding or focus on the need and use of an advanced degree," García wrote in an email.

Credit hour requirements vary by graduate school , but most require at least 30. A master's degree typically takes an average of two full years to complete, and students often need to submit a final project or thesis to graduate.

Common master's degrees include the Master of Business Administration ( MBA ), Master of Fine Arts ( MFA ) and Master of Science (M.S.). An MFA is considered a terminal degree, the highest degree available in that particular field.

Nine percent of Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 had a master's degree or higher in 2021, according to NCES data. Average lifetime earnings for a master's degree recipient in 2019 were $3.2 million, Georgetown's CEW research shows.

Doctorate Degrees

A doctorate is a research-based degree "intended to develop specific academic skills, like how to design, conduct and analyze research activity," García says.

Earning a doctorate degree – the highest traditional academic degree – can be an arduous and lengthy endeavor, taking anywhere from three to seven years, or more, of study. Candidates can choose from various types, most commonly Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy ( Ph.D. ).

Doctoral candidates also are expected to conduct research and write a dissertation, although some programs do not require the extensive research paper.

"Dissertations are publications that showcase a body of work over the students' graduate career," Pasquerella says. "So to get a Ph.D, you often have to pass comprehensive exams – which test you over the first two years – and qualifying exams to qualify to write a thesis. And then you have the thesis itself, where you have to demonstrate that you are making unique and distinctive contributions to the field through your research."

Georgetown's CEW found that average lifetime earnings for doctoral degree holders were $4 million in 2019, with median weekly earnings of $1,909 in 2021, per BLS data.

Professional Degrees

To become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law, students need to earn professional degrees.

Aspiring attorneys generally attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which typically take three years of full-time study to complete. To become a licensed lawyer, graduates must also pass the bar exam in their jurisdiction.

On the other hand, prospective doctors attend medical school to earn a degree such as Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or another degree more specific to their field of study.

Medical degrees typically take four years to complete in addition to a residency program – a period of training for graduates to practice first-hand what was taught in the classroom. The length of residency programs varies by specialty but can last between three and seven years.

Those who completed a professional degree have lifetime earnings of more than $4.7 million, Georgetown's CEW found, with average annual earnings of $117,500 – 68% higher than pay for workers with a bachelor's degree.

Deciding on the Right Degree

To find the right degree fit, students should consider several factors, including their professional and personal goals, program costs , salary expectations – both at the beginning and long term – and employment rates of graduates with the same degree, García says.

Troyer advises students to meet with or shadow a professional in their field of interest to learn what it took for that individual to earn their particular degree and job position.

"These educational opportunities exist for individuals who are arriving to this post-secondary journey perhaps in different stages of their own life, with different priorities and different needs," he says. "So I'm a firm believer that there's no particular degree or there's no specific institution per se that's perfect for any given student. What really matters is what matters to the student and what they are looking for."

It's always advantageous to formally gain more knowledge, depending on "when one does it and when they can do it," Whitehead says.

"Students should aspire to be the best they can be," he adds. "We're becoming a highly technical world, an information economy. So with that said, the more knowledge one can acquire will be beneficial going forward."

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Lead technology centered organizations

M.S. in Engineering Management

The M.S. in Engineering Management program empowers those seeking to advance into leadership roles within technical-centric organizations. Through our core and elective courses, you will gain strategic thinking and visioning skills, develop fluency and competency in the basics of business operations beyond your technical knowledge, and learn about critical processes and tools necessary for managing complex technologies within a variety of companies. Our program will help you build your skills and expertise in life-cycle management from solution conception to sunsetting to maximizing revenue and profitability, while gaining the confidence to act decisively and with sound social and ethical decision-making to excel in today’s tech-driven, fast-paced, disruptive environment.

Why choose a Master of Science in Engineering Management at the University of St. Thomas?

• Our educational approach provides you with an immersive, hands-on experiences, and employs industry leaders who bring their present-day real-world expertise into the classroom.
• You will become a technical management expert with the ability to integrate engineering and business acumen to address tactical and strategic challenges and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Our interdisciplinary courses, all rooted in real-world applicability, teach you how to excel in diverse, collaborative, cross-functional team environments and gain effective communication skills to confidently address multi-disciplinary organizations.
• You will have the opportunity to engage with a network of peers, faculty, alums and speakers that will enrich the learning experience.
• Request Information
• Attend an Online Information Session
• Admission Requirements
• Tuition and Fees

Brad Reinboldt

Program Advantages

Collaborative, cross-functional focus, applications oriented, industry-focused curriculum, instructors with extensive industry experience.

The program’s approach is integrative and designed to provide you a holistic perspective to bridge the organizational gap frequently found between technology and business. We emphasize a collaborative view with a team-centric perspective to multi-disciplinary problem solving. Courses span all critical functional silos, providing a framework by which students gain valuable insights into all critical functional areas, allowing them to develop professionally and meaningfully contribute to the organization’s market success while also providing for the world’s greater common good.

Our program is industry-based and structured to be applied to solve the real-world obstacles today’s businesses face. We expect you'll bring your own work experiences to class and apply what you learn on the job to course lectures, making for an academic environment richer and more productive for all. Likewise, we want you to use your course assignments and research projects to address real workplace issues, enabling you to quickly apply your learning to your current career challenges.

Faculty members in our program bring considerable academic credentials and many years of industry experience to the classroom. These executives, managers, and engineers share a passion for teaching and improving the professional success of students and the market attainment of the organizations and businesses for which they work, whether local or globally. To that end, they emphasize hands-on learning, promote interaction among students, and encourage the free exchange of ideas.

Graduate Programs That Work for You

Our evening class schedules allow both industry professionals and career changers to achieve their educational goals. And each class meets just once per week.

Streamlined Admissions Process

A bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) and a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required. The GRE/GMAT is not required.

See requirements for International Students.

Convenient Schedule

Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. You choose how quickly you move through the curriculum. And you may start in any of our three starts: fall, spring or summer.

Get Started

Start your application today.

Coursework and Degree Requirements

To complete the requirements for the M.S. in Engineering Management, students must successfully complete 10 graduate courses (30 credits) and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7.

All students in this master's program are required to complete eight (8) required courses and two (2) related electives.

Students with a bachelor's degree in areas of study other than engineering (or similar)  are required to consult closely with the program director before selecting their two related electives.

See course descriptions in our course catalog.

STEM approved program.

Required Courses (8 courses = 24 credits):

• ETLS 525 Engineering Economics
• ETLS 551 Organizational Performance Excellence or ETLS 640 Lean Six Sigma
• ETLS 552 Supply Chain Synchronization & Forecasting
• ETLS 601 Program/Project/Team Management
• ETLS 660 Engineering Leadership
• ETLS 657 Product Lifecycle Management
• ETLS 755 Strategic Engineering Management
• ETLS 858 Engineering Capstone

Related Electives (2 courses = 6 credits.)

After consulting with the program director, choose two elective courses . The electives listed below are suggested to best fit to this master's degree program. Contact the program director if a different graduate engineering course best fits your goals.

Examples of elective courses recommended for M.S. in Engineering Management students include the following:

• ETLS 504 Excellence in Operations
• ETLS 506 Statistical Methods for Manufacturing Quality
• ETLS 611 Foundations of Sustainability
• ETLS 671 Human Aspects of Technical Management
• ETLS 853 Managing Intellectual Property

Attend an Information Session

Attend an online information session to learn program details. Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. Set your own pace and start fall, spring or summer. Classes are offered in the evenings. We look forward to meeting you.

Brad Reinboldt is the current program director of the M.S. in Engineering Management program at St. Thomas. Brad has over 20 years experience in the information systems arena with expertise in the computing, networking, and storage sectors. He has held development and technical management roles in companies ranging from start-ups to multi-billion-dollar organizations. This includes high-speed memory subsystem designer for IBM mainframes, product engineer at Seagate Technology in disk drive head design, and more.

Kathleen Holmes

Kathleen Holmes is a learning professional with over 20 years of experience in leadership development and coaching. Much of her career has been spent working with high-potential leaders and executives around the globe. She spent 14 years at Microsoft developing leaders across engineering and other functional organizations at all levels in their career.

Thomas Becker

Mr. Becker has been an adjunct faculty at St. Thomas since 2001. Tom is responsible for courses in Supply Chain Synchronization, Lean Manufacturing and Logistics. He developed and implemented graduate-level courses relating to Total Quality Management, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance, Quality Function Deployment and others. Tom is an experienced financial analyst and realtor.

• See All School of Engineering Faculty

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• M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering
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A Guide to the Bachelor of Health Science Degree 

Students interested in a health care career have a range of majors to consider, including the newer discipline of health science

A Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) typically combines the study of biological, physical, and social sciences, health care-related subjects, and hands-on training, all of which introduce students more fully to the principles—and practice—of health care. 

Some BHS degree holders pursue entry-level administrative roles in health care, such as an assistant clinic administrator or program coordinator. However, many go on to earn their professional degree —such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)—after graduation. In fact, some BHS programs have a pre-med track for students who know they want to be health care practitioners.

A Bachelor of Science in Health Science can provide a foundational education to begin a career in health care, a field expected to grow by at least 16 percent in the next decade [ 1 ]. Let’s go over more about the BHS degree, the type of coursework you can expect, and how you can evaluate which program is best for you. 

Learn more: What Should I Major In? 5 Things to Evaluate

What is a BHS degree?

A bachelor’s degree in health science is usually designed for students interested in working in health care in some way, be it as a medical practitioner, administrator, or researcher. Many health care-related roles require an advanced degree, such as a professional or master’s degree , and studying health science can lay a useful foundation before you pursue graduate education. With health science, you’ll also complete a practicum or internship to apply what you’ve learned and gain more practical skills for your career. 

Types of courses 

During the first two years of your program, you can expect to complete a number of general education requirements that all bachelor’s degree programs tend to require . However, during that time, your program may want you to focus more on science and math courses, such as biology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics. 

Once you begin the coursework for your major, classes may include: 

Global health

Epidemiology

Medical ethics 

Health care policy

Health equity 

Anatomy and physiology 

Health care management

Developmental psychology 

Endocrinology

Neuroscience

Specializations

Because a degree in health science leads to many career possibilities, programs tend to offer several specializations, or concentrations, so you can tailor your studies to meet your larger career interests. While each school is different, you may find specializations such as: 

General health science

Occupational therapy 

Pre-professional or pre-med 

Pre-physical therapy

Emerging health technologies

Patient care

Health care leadership 

Global public health 

Practicum or internship

In addition to learning in the classroom, a BS in Health Science often expects students to complete a practicum or internship and apply what they’ve learned in a clinical setting. You may be able to choose from organizations focused on public health, area hospitals or medical clinics, or even international health sites. Typically, you’ll complete your practicum in your final year. 

Length of time + cost

As with other bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science takes between four and five years when you attend full-time. The cost depends on several factors, including whether you study at a four-year public institution or a private institution. During the 2019-2020 academic year, average tuition and fees cost $9,400 at public institutions and $36,700 at private institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) [ 2 ].

If you are a US citizen or eligible non-citizen and plan on attending an accredited institution, you can apply for FAFSA , which may help you qualify for financial assistance. Learn more about important deadlines .

Which BHS degree program is right for me? 

Health science is still a newer area of study at the undergraduate level, so you may find that not every school offers a health science program. As you look for colleges and universities that do, use the following parameters to determine the best program for you. 

What you want to do with a BHS can often help determine where you should apply. For example, if you want to go into health care leadership, it’s a good idea to look for schools that offer that concentration within their health science program. 

However, if you’ve already enrolled at an institution that doesn’t offer health science, meet with an academic advisor to discuss your career goals and the best majors to help you achieve them. You can pursue a career in health care with many other majors, such as public health, health care administration, or even nursing. 

Practicum placement

Each school has connections with different local and national organizations, so it may be beneficial to speak with a program advisor before applying and find out your practicum options. Your time as an undergraduate student will ideally help prepare you for life after graduation both through your coursework and the internships you may be able to pursue.  

Online vs. in-person 

Online options for a BHS degree are not as abundant as other majors, but it is still possible to earn your degree virtually, and doing so can provide greater scheduling flexibility. However, given the lab-based nature of your coursework, you may find that a virtual program still expects you to come onsite to fulfill certain components. 

Learn more: 10 Surprising Benefits of Online Learning  

What can you do with a BHS? 

There are three primary tracks you can pursue with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. Let’s go over each one: 

Entry-level roles: Many BHS graduates go on to work in entry-level roles at hospitals, community agencies, public health agencies, pharmacies, or even research laboratories. Their work may pertain to health services, health care administration, health care information management, or public health. 

Master’s degree: For students interested in health care administration or health care policy, you can find many options with graduate programs such as the Master’s in Public Health (MPH) , Master of Health Administration (MHA), or Master of Science in Health Information Management. Each type of degree is tailored to a specific area of study, and with that advanced education, you may find that you qualify for more advanced roles. 

Learn more: What Can You Do with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)?

Professional degree: Students interested in tending to the needs of patients can explore professional degree programs to become a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, physician assistant, physical therapist, or another type of practitioner.

Learn more: Your Guide to Nursing Degrees and Certifications

Next steps 

Learn more about health- and science-related topics with leading universities on Coursera. Enroll for free in the University of Michigan’s Impact of the Environment on Public Health , the University of Chicago’s Understanding the Brain , or Duke University’s Introduction to Chemistry . The University of Michigan also offers a Master of Science in Population and Health Sciences , where you can learn from world-class faculty at your own pace. 

Related articles

How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree

A Guide to Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Your Guide to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

10 Popular Medical Majors for a Career in Health Care

Your Guide to Nursing Degrees and Certifications 

Article sources 

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Occupational Handbook: Healthcare Occupations ,   https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm.” Accessed April 19, 2022

2. National Center for Education Statistics. “ Tuition Costs of Colleges and Universities ,  https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76.”  Accessed April 19, 2022.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.