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Online Trade Schools & Colleges

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Today's aspiring college students place more and more value on a program's flexibility and ability to accommodate their needs. Online trade schools and colleges can offer students the freedom to choose when and where they do their coursework. This can truly be the key to success for those with demanding schedules, parenting and caregiving responsibilities, or other limitations in their ability to access a physical campus or attend classes in person. People want to know that if their circumstances change, they will have options to continue their education in a way that works for them.


Online programs are optimized to deliver quality education in a way that values your time and individual needs. And because online trade schools and colleges specialize in distance learning, they can offer supports that can make your life easier, improve your learning, and help you find employment after you graduate.

Online Schools

Platt College logo Platt College logo

Platt College

California Residents Only
  • Veterinary Technology
  • Business Management
Southern New Hampshire University logo Southern New Hampshire University logo

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Digital Photography
  • Game Art and Development
  • Graphic Design and Media Arts:
    • User Experience Design
    • Web Design
  • Accounting
  • Accounting - Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Accounting and Finance - Management Accounting
  • Business Administration:
    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics
    • Customer Experience
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Industrial Organizational Psychology
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Management
  • Finance
  • Finance - Financial Planning
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing:
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
  • Operations Management:
    • Logistics and Transportation
    • Project Management
  • Sport Management
  • Technical Management II
  • Criminal Justice:
    • Corrections
    • Criminology Crime Analysis
    • Cybercrime
    • Homeland Security & Counterterrorism
    • Human Services and Advocacy
    • Police Administration and Operations
    • Security Management
    • Substance Abuse
  • Community Health Education
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Sciences
  • Healthcare Administration:
    • Healthcare Information Management
    • Patient Safety and Quality
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
  • Sociology - Community Health
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Science:
    • Data Analysis
    • Information Security
    • Project Management for STEM
    • Software Engineering
  • Cybersecurity:
    • Data Analytics Fundamentals
    • Project Management Fundamentals
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Analytics - Project Management for STEM
  • Game Programming and Development
  • Information Technologies:
    • Business Management
    • Cybersecurity
    • Software Development
  • Communication:
    • Business Communications
    • New Media
    • Professional Writing
    • Public Relations
  • Creative Writing and English:
    • Fiction Writing
    • Non-Fiction Writing
    • Poetry
    • Screenwriting
  • English:
    • Literature
    • Professional Writing
  • English Language & Literature
  • General Studies
  • History:
    • American History
    • European History
    • Middle Eastern Studies
    • Military History
  • Liberal Arts
  • Anthropology
  • Anthropology - Environmental Sustainability
  • Environmental Science:
    • Data Analytics in Science
    • Natural Resources and Conservation
  • Geosciences:
    • Data Analytics in Science
    • Natural Resources and Conservation
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
  • Human Services:
    • Child and Family Services
    • Gerontology
    • Substance Abuse
  • Political Science
  • Psychology:
    • Addictions
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Industrial Organizational
    • Mental Health
Laurus College logo Laurus College logo

Laurus College

  • Audio Production
  • Audio Video Production
  • Business Administration
  • Business Systems Management
  • Digital Arts & Computer Animation
  • Visual Design and Multimedia
  • Web Design
  • Web Design & Development
  • Medical Billing & Coding
  • Information Technologies & Network Systems
Stautzenberger College logo Stautzenberger College logo

Stautzenberger College

Michigan and Ohio Residents Only
  • Animal Welfare Business Administration
  • Veterinary Assistant and Grooming
  • Accounting & Payroll Clerk
  • Business Administration
  • Human Resource Administration
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Healthcare Sciences
  • Medical Office Billing and Coding
  • Office Addiction Counseling and Social Advocacy
Rockford Career College logo Rockford Career College logo

Rockford Career College

Illinois and Wisconsin Residents Only
  • Animal Welfare Business Administration
  • Veterinary Assistant and Grooming
  • Accounting & Payroll Clerk
  • Business Administration
  • Human Resource Administration
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Medical Office Billing and Coding
ECPI University logo ECPI University logo

ECPI University

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Business Analytics
  • Crime and Intelligence Analysis
  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • IT Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Cloud Computing
  • Cyber and Information Security Technology
  • Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
  • Electronic Systems Mechatronics
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Mobile Development
  • Software Development
Colorado Christian University logo Colorado Christian University logo

Colorado Christian University

  • Applied Psychology - Biblical Studies
  • Biblical Studies
  • Christian Ministry
  • Accountancy
  • Business - Entrepreneurship
  • Business - International Business
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Human Resource Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Organizational Management in Project Management
  • Communication Studies
  • Creative Writing
  • Applied Psychology - Clinical Counseling
  • Applied Psychology
  • Early Childhood Education - Licensure
  • Early Childhood Education - Non-Licensure
  • Elementary Education - Licensure
  • Elementary Education - Non-Licensure
  • Special Education, K-12 Generalist -Licensure
  • Special Education, K-12 Generalist - Non-Licensure
  • Health Care Administration
  • Computer Information Technology:
    • Cyber Security
    • Data Engineering
    • Database Management
    • Networking
  • Computer Science
  • Data Analytics
  • Information Systems Management:
    • Cyber Security
    • System Analyst
  • Applied Psychology - Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice
Bryan University logo Bryan University logo

Bryan University

  • Applied Exercise and Fitness
  • Exercise Science, Fitness, and Nutrition Management
  • Personal Trainer
Abilene Christian University logo Abilene Christian University logo

Abilene Christian University

  • Child and Family Services
  • Child and Family Services - Child Life Specialist
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Exercise Science
  • Healthcare Administration:
    • Change Management
    • Public and Community Health
  • Psychology
  • Applied Communication - Healthcare Communication
  • Applied Communication - Organizational Change
  • Christian Ministry and Spiritual Formation
  • Organizational Communication
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Business Management:
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Operations
  • Criminal Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Media
  • Information Technology Administration
  • Integrated Studies
  • Marketing
  • Marketing - Analytics
Columbia Southern University logo Columbia Southern University logo

Columbia Southern University

  • Accounting
  • Business
  • Business Administration
    • Finance
    • General
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Technology
    • International Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Sport Management
    • Supply Chain Management
  • Communication
  • Finance
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Sport Management
  • Strategic Leadership
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Homeland Security
    • Intelligence
    • International Management
    • Marketing
    • Space Management
    • Supply Chain Management
  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice Administration
    • Communication
    • Criminology
    • Arson Investigation
    • Forensics
    • Forensic Psychology
  • Forensic Investigation
  • Forensic Investigation - Communication
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Emergency Medical Services Administration
    • Emergency Medical Services Education
    • Mobile Integrated Health
  • Health Care Administration - Emergency Medical Services
  • Emergency Management
    • Environmental Science
    • Fire
    • Homeland Security
    • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Environmental Management
    • Energy and Land Use
    • Sustainability
  • Fire Administration
    • Communication
    • Fire Investigation
  • Fire Science
  • Health Care Administration - Emergency Medical Services
  • Health Information Science - Health Care Administration
  • Health Information Technology - Medical Coding
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Homeland Security
    • Criminology
    • Forensic Psychology
  • Information Systems and Cyber Security - Homeland Security
  • Military Studies - Homeland Security
  • Business Administration - Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Criminal Justice
  • Health Care
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction
  • Business Administration - Information Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Systems and Cyber Security
  • Information Systems and Cyber Security - Homeland Security
  • Information Technology
  • Information Technology - Data Analytics
  • Military Studies
    • Criminology
    • Cybersecurity
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Homeland Security
    • Intelligence
    • International Management
    • Leadership
    • Logistics
    • Space Operations
    • Supply Chain Management
  • Occupational Safety and Health
    • Construction Safety
    • Energy and Land-Use Management
    • Fire Science
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Oil and Gas
    • Sustainability
  • Psychology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Criminology
    • Forensics
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Industrial Organization
    • Mental Health
Carrington College logo Carrington College logo

Carrington College

  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Pharmacy Technology
Grand Canyon University logo Grand Canyon University logo

Grand Canyon University

  • Digital Design with an Emphasis in Animation
  • Digital Film with an Emphasis in
    • Editing and Visual Effects
    • Production
    • Screenwriting
  • Game Design
  • Social Media
  • Accounting
  • Applied Business Analytics
  • Applied Business Information Systems
  • Applied Cybersecurity Management
  • Applied Entrepreneurship
  • Applied Human Resources Management
  • Applied Management
  • Business Administration
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Information Systems
  • Cybersecurity Management
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Finance
  • Finance and Economics
  • Finance with an Emphasis in Financial Planning
  • Fire Science
  • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • Professional Sales and Marketing
  • Risk Management
  • Sports and Entertainment Management
  • Supply and Logistics Management
  • Early Childhood Education - Licensure
  • Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education - Licensure
  • Educational Studies - Non-Licensure
  • Elementary Education - Licensure
  • Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major) - Licensure
  • Elementary Education with an Emphasis in
    • Christian Education - Licensure
    • English as a Second Language - Licensure
    • STEM - Licensure
    • Teaching Reading - Licensure
  • English for Secondary Education - Licensure
  • History for Secondary Education - Licensure
  • Mathematics for Secondary Education - Licensure
  • Applied Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Technology
  • Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity
  • Software Development
  • Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in
    • Childhood and Adolescence Disorders
    • Family Dynamics
    • Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
    • Substance Use Disorders
    • Trauma
  • Communications with an Emphasis in
    • Broadcasting and New Media
    • Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
  • Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
  • Professional Writing for New Media
  • Psychology
  • Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
  • Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Health Care Administration
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Sciences
  • Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N)
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Public Health
Keiser University logo Keiser University logo

Keiser University's Online Division

Florida Residents Only
  • Accounting
  • Automotive Dealership Fundamentals
  • Business Administration:
    • Finance
    • Human Resources Management
    • International Business
    • Marketing
    • Transportation and Logistics
  • Business Analytics
  • Public Administration
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Forensics and Incident Response
  • Information Technology
  • Management Information Systems
  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Legal Studies
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Services Administration
  • Medical Administrative Billing and Coding
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Health Science
Full Sail University logo Full Sail University logo

Full Sail University

  • Computer Animation
  • Game Art
  • Graphic Design
  • User Experience
  • Digital Marketing
  • Entertainment Business
  • Game Business and Esports
  • Music Business
  • Sports Marketing and Media
  • Creative Writing
  • Media Communications
  • Sports Marketing and Media
  • Sportscasting
  • Computer Animation
  • Creative Writing
  • Digital Cinematography
  • Game Art
  • Game Business and Esports
  • Interactive Technology with Game Design Concentration
  • Audio Production
  • Music Business
  • Music Production
  • Game Business and Esports
  • Sports Marketing and Media
  • Sportscasting
  • Computer Science with AI Concentration
  • Computer Science with Mobile Dev Concentration
  • Cybersecurity
  • Game Development
  • Information Technology
  • Web Development

The Growing Value of Online Learning

Many Americans lead full lives with demands and considerations that affect their ability to attend school. Online programs offer the opportunity to work toward a degree, diploma, or certificate from basically anywhere you can use a computer connected to the internet. This makes education accessible to so many more aspiring students.

Distance education has played an especially important role throughout the pandemic, as schools have had little choice but to adapt their programs to an online format (when possible). Fluctuating public health guidelines on in-person classes and physical distancing have created a much more urgent need for the availability of online program options.

A 2022 Global Market Insights (GMI) report projects that the e-learning market in the U.S. will grow 14% between 2023 and 2032. Access to 5G and high-speed internet is improving across the country, which means more people can access their courses when and where they need to. Additionally, emerging technology is making e-learning more immersive and interactive, which better simulates the classroom instruction experience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Cloud-Based Learning Management Systems (LMS) are rapidly emerging and growing in the education sector. This is significantly transforming the future of online learning by helping students to feel more engaged with their learning, communicate more efficiently with instructors and classmates, and collaborate on projects effectively from a distance.

Major Benefits of Online Programs

Flexibility and convenience

Enrolling in trade school online makes it possible to get your education while holding down a full-time job, raising a family, or keeping up with other responsibilities. Many people enjoy skipping the commute and focusing on their studies when it fits their schedule.

Many students choose to study online because it is the best option for their work-life responsibilities. Others choose online education because they simply prefer it. Of course, online learning may be the only option when public health concerns do not allow for in-person classes. That could be a significant factor in students' enrollment choices.

Reliability

You need a computer and a good internet connection to access your online program content, and often that's all you need for much of your studies. Attending classes on-campus and on a schedule involves many more uncertainties, from day-to-day issues like a missed bus or doctor's appointment to more significant issues like pandemic-related shutdowns.

If you are already accustomed to learning online, you will likely be far less affected by any future restrictions on in-person instruction. And when it comes to education, knowing what to expect is extremely important.

Comfort

When it comes to learning, many people thrive in environments that feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Feeling free to wear what you want, eat your own food, use your own bathroom, and hang out with your pets can remove unnecessary stressors from your daily routine. Here are just a few examples of the many reasons someone might be more comfortable learning from home:

It's worth noting, however, that many people learn best within the more structured format of the classroom. And many people value the in-person social interaction that training on campus provides.

Savings

Working on your schooling from home can save you substantial money on things like transportation, parking, coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience food.

Woman with short hair using laptop on white sofa in a bright room with large windowsA wide range of online trade school programs is available, including in areas such as, artificial intelligence, psychology, skilled trades, medical billing and coding, and more. Here are the breakdowns of online undergraduate students who completed different programs based on a 2023 report:

The same report indicated that while most online students enroll in degree programs, 20% of undergraduate students and 31% of graduate students choose to enroll in certificate and licensure programs.

How Employers View Online Education

Online degrees and other credentials have gained a lot of mainstream acceptance. A 2018 Northeastern University survey of hiring managers found that:

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online School

Woman working on laptop with calendar on screen, glasses and notepads on desk in a home office settingHere are four suggestions to keep in mind as you focus your search:

1. Look Into How the Courses Are Structured

Streaming video and virtual classrooms are popular tools. But different online schools may take advantage of other formats. So, when doing your research, look for tutorials or "test drives." Many schools and colleges, through their websites, offer students the chance to preview their online educational experiences.

A preview might be especially important for particular fields of study. For example, business administration programs may rely heavily on group projects. That means the school should make it easy for students to contact each other via email or live chat to divide coursework quickly.

Delivery is another important word to remember. Try to find out whether programs are delivered exclusively online or through a combination of media like print, video conferencing, or podcasts. Ask about the nature of group work, too, since some online vocational schools may encourage students to meet in person.

2. Go Over the Technical Requirements

Technology can change quickly, so ensure that you have the hardware and software required for a particular online program. It's also good to ensure that round-the-clock technical support will be just a click or call away.

Compare the specs of your home computer with the technical requirements listed on school websites. That way, you'll know whether you need any upgrades. And remember: many powerful software applications and technologies are free. So a school that uses them will help you stay up-to-date without needing to spend a bundle. LibreOffice for word processing, VLC Media Player for video, and Adobe Acrobat for document sharing are just a few basic examples.

3. Determine How Accessible the Staff and Resources Are

College student using laptop on sofa at homeFind out how easy it is to reach the people who will be evaluating you. Look for instructor email links, toll-free phone numbers, and scheduled office hours. Many professors and instructors have set hours to answer questions, engage in group discussions, or chat online.

That goes for teaching assistants too. Many professors and instructors enlist assistants to grade assignments and lead discussion groups. You'll want access to those essential resources.

And since online schools allow you to study during day or night, it's helpful to take advantage of support resources at times that fit your schedule. You may not be able to speak with an instructor at 3 a.m., but access to online libraries might make completing your assignments easier.

4. Make Sure You Have the Commitment

Are you disciplined enough to thrive? Online vocational training allows you to learn at your own pace and avoid commutes. But you still have to do your part by ensuring that you have enough time in your week to complete assignments before you enroll.

Also, make sure you can create a good learning environment at home or wherever you'll choose to study. Family and friends need to know that you require alone time with no distractions.

The Number of People Who Take Online Courses

About 9.4 million post-secondary students were enrolled in at least one distance education course in the fall of 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). That represented 61 percent of all undergraduate students at degree-granting institutions.

Online Trade Schools Make Vocational Education More Accessible

Learning remotely offers greater convenience and flexibility than attending on-campus classes, which can significantly increase your chances of success.