Want to pursue a well-paying career without spending years in school? Online education has revolutionized the way we learn, offering convenience and flexibility. Among the options available, 2-year degrees have gained popularity for their efficiency.
In this article, we'll explore a variety of online programs that can be completed in just two years and have the potential to offer great salaries in 2023.
By highlighting these options, you'll gain valuable insights into the fields that are thriving and discover accessible educational paths that can help you achieve your goals in the near future.
Advantages of Obtaining a 2-Year Online Degree
Whether you're looking to advance your career or explore new opportunities, understanding the benefits of 2-year online degrees can help you make informed decisions about your education.
Obtaining a 2-year online degree offers several advantages:
- Saving time
- Flexibility
- Saving money
- Career-focused education
- Easy access or availability
- Personalized Learning Experience
- Transferable Credits
Check out these 2-year online degrees that offer great pay in 2023:
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Logistics
- Radiation Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Criminal Justice
- Nuclear Power Technology
- Web Design
- Dental Hygiene
- Computer Science
- Registered Nurse
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Annual Salary: ~ $90,000 – $108,800
The healthcare industry offers a wide range of rewarding careers that also come with high earning potential. If you want to enter healthcare without spending several years in school, consider pursuing an online associate's degree in nuclear medicine technology.
As a nuclear medicine technologist, you would play a crucial role in performing and analyzing nuclear medicine procedures in hospitals, private clinics, or imaging centers.
Currently, nuclear medicine technologists enjoy average salaries between $90,000 and $108,000.
This online associate's program provides comprehensive training in the following areas of study:
- Radiation Safety Procedures
- Nuclear Medicine Physics
- Pharmacology
- Instrumentation
By completing this program, you can take the first step toward a well-paid career in this field.
After graduation, you'll have the opportunity to seek certification and obtain the necessary state licenses, further improving your career prospects.
Logistics
Annual Salary: ~ $64,000 – $120,600
By obtaining a logistics and supply chain management degree, you'll be well-prepared to contribute to the efficient flow of goods and services. This field offers exciting career prospects and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the economy and the world of business.
The economy relies on the production, transportation, and disposal of goods, which makes it a crucial aspect of our daily lives. If you're interested in playing a vital role in managing this process and improving its efficiency, consider pursuing a logistics and supply chain management degree.
An associate degree in logistics can serve as a stepping stone toward further education. Many associate degree programs offer the flexibility to transfer credits to a bachelor's degree program, allowing you to continue your education and expand your opportunities.
Here are a few career options available to those with an associate online degree in logistics:
- Sales Manager
- Industrial Production Manager
- Logistician
- Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or Purchasing Agent
- Freight Broker
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Financial Clerk
Radiation Therapy
Annual Salary: ~ $80,570 – $92,900
A radiation therapist is an important part of the healthcare team who uses radiation treatments to help patients with cancer and other illnesses. Unlike many high-paying online associate degrees that typically require separate hands-on training, an online Associate Degree in Radiation Therapy includes the necessary clinical training as part of the program.
Radiation therapy focuses on providing radiation treatment to patients with cancer, combining technical expertise in radiation technology with ongoing patient care. While practical training is important for this program, there are flexible online options available that provide the required curriculum courses.
The online associate degree program in radiation therapy offers a variety of courses, including:
- Anatomy
- Ethics
- Computer and Information Processing
Occupational Therapy
Annual Salary: ~ $63,900 – $90,200
One of the great advantages of most associate degrees is their hands-on and practical nature, allowing students to complete their degrees in two years or less. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, offering various potential career paths with attractive salaries. High-paying online associate degrees are particularly appealing as they combine technical training and the flexibility of online learning.
This program provides online coursework covering important topics such as:
- Therapy Practices
- Physiology
- Technical Equipment
- Healthcare Industry.
Upon completing the theoretical part of the degree program, students start the supervised fieldwork to gain practical experience and prepare for exams and certifications.
Occupational Therapy professionals play a crucial role in providing individualized attention to patients, offering support and necessary tools for their journey to recovery.
Criminal Justice
Annual Salary: ~$81,000
Consider a two-year online degree program in criminal justice to help you reach your goals in law enforcement or the legal field. The degree program in criminal justice includes a large variety of subjects.
Some of the most common include the following:
- Criminal Law
- Policing
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
- Ethics in criminal justice practices.
While these degrees do not replace the specialized training required for state licensing in police and peace officer academies, they provide valuable knowledge and a broader perspective, especially for those aiming for supervisory roles.
By pursuing either of these online associate's degrees, you'll gain the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a rewarding career in law enforcement or the legal field, all while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of online learning.
Web Design
Annual Salary: ~ $50,000 – $77,200
An associate degree in web design obtained online provides a solid foundation for a career in the field of web design and development. This program focuses on teaching students the essential skills needed to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
Through a combination of coursework and hands-on projects, students learn about the following study topics:
- Web Design Principles
- Coding Languages
- Graphic Design
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Responsive Design
This online degree program allows students to gain practical experience and build a strong portfolio of web design projects, which can be valuable for showcasing their skills to potential employers or clients.
Furthermore, the flexibility of online learning enables students to balance their studies with other commitments, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals seeking to enter the field of web design.
Dental Hygiene
Annual Salary: ~ $76,200
This 2-year online degree program is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of patients. Dental hygienists play a vital role in maintaining optimal dental hygiene by assisting dentists and performing essential duties. Some of these duties include examining patients for oral diseases like gingivitis and providing preventive care through oral hygiene practices.
Over the next 10 years, the job outlook for dental hygienists is exceptionally promising. This makes it an opportune time to pursue a career in this field. After completing the 2-year online degree in dental hygiene, graduates are eligible to take the national and state licensing examinations to become licensed dental hygienists.
They can work in various settings, including the following:
- Dental Offices
- Public Health Clinics
- Educational Institutions
- Research Facilities
Pursuing a 2-year online degree in dental hygiene offers the convenience and flexibility of online learning while providing the necessary education and skills to embark on a fulfilling career focused on improving oral health and overall well-being.
Computer Science
Annual Salary: ~ $73,800
By obtaining a 2-year online degree in computer science, you will improve your tech skills. This field of study is constantly evolving, and the job market is continuously asking for experts in the field. So, an online degree in computer science is one of the most in-demand professions in the current job market.
Some of the most common subjects that you will study when acquiring an associate degree in computer science include:
- Computer Architecture
- Networks
- Databases
- Skills in numerous programming languages: C++, Java, and HTML.
If you plan on pursuing further education in this field rather than entering the workforce after graduation, you should consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree program in computer science. As a graduate student of computer science, you will gain numerous skills required for a successful career.
Registered Nurse
Annual Salary: ~ $70,000
Registered Nurses (RNs) are essential caregivers who provide patient care, coordinate healthcare, and educate individuals and the public about various health issues. They work in diverse settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Doctor's offices
- Home Healthcare Services
- Nursing Homes
- Outpatient Clinics
- Schools
By pursuing a two-year online nursing program, you can begin a career that combines compassion and scientific knowledge to promote optimal health for individuals, families, communities, and society.
After completing the program, you will become eligible to take the state licensure examination and become a Registered Nurse, opening doors to numerous rewarding opportunities in the healthcare field.