Taking into consideration the current situation our economy is in,you might want to kick-start your education with a degree that is most likely to offer you the opportunity to pursue maximum financial benefits in the years to come.Additionally, the option of pursuing a degree online has not only made education more convenient, but relatively cheaper as well. And so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best degree programs you can pursue online to kick-start your education in 2012.

Bachelor’s in Nursing

For registered nurses (RNs) who are looking to broaden their scope of employment options and for those who are simply looking to start their nursing education, a bachelor’s in nursing program can offer great opportunities. A bachelor’s program teaches nursing students the business aspect of the profession that prepares them for management positions, while delving deeper into study of nursing. These degrees are usually four-year degrees, but some colleges allow their students to complete them in less than the standard time.

Degree for advancement: Master’s in Nursing, or any other nursing profession, that can also be pursued online.

Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

People with a flair for business and an interest in the healthcare industry can pursue a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a similar field, such as health services management, that will prepare you for medical and health services manager occupations.Medical and health services managers can work in hospitals and nursing homes, outpatient care centers, rehabilitation centers, mental health organizations, state public health agencies, and more.

Degree for advancement:

Master ’s degree in healthcare administration or any other health services administration profession, that can be pursued online.

Bachelor’s in Accounting

Accounting is one field that is not only currently in-demand, but is also growing consistently is spite of our economic climate. A bachelor’s degree in accounting offers a wide range of courses such as statistics, tax law, accounting fundamentals, payroll accounting, and a lot more.Equipped with this degree, graduates can go on to pursuecareers as accountants, corporate bookkeepers, and financial consultants in companies of all sizes.

Degree for advancement:

Master’s of Accounting (MAcc) followed by taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

Bachelor’s in Computer Science

A bachelor’s degree in computer science will teach you programming fundamentals, the use of major operating systems such as Windows and Linux, networking, computational theories and algorithms,and more. The skills you acquire will prepare you pursue jobs such as software designer, software engineer, computer programmer, systems programmer, and network systems and data communication analyst.

Degree for advancement:

Master’s in Computer Science or any other computer science major you’d like to specialize in.

The right online college…

The right online college would be one that fits your needs and requirements. It can be very easy to get caught up in fancy names and the idea of a prestigious college. But the best thing you can do for yourself is to narrow down your options based on what YOU think will work best for your education. Let’s take an example of an online college: Independence University. Independence University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Independence University offers associates, bachelor’s, and masters’ degree programs in in-demand fields such as healthcare and business. Read some of their reviews to see whether the college makes a good match for you.

At a time when the economy is shaky, the best thingyou can do for yourself is to make smart, well-informed decisions about your education in order to help you lead a happier life.

Author's Bio: 

Bruce Locke is an avid reader and an Educational Consultant having rich experience of more than 10 years. His areas of expertise include Educational Planning, Career Planning & student counseling. In his spare time, he loves to participate in online literature forums and promote reading for youth.