10 Online Degree Programmes USA

Remote learning is a convenient option for earning a college degree and one that continues to grow in popularity as people seek flexible learning opportunities and access to quality education. The market for online education in India is projected to increase at a 27.17 percent CAGR from 2023 to 2028, reaching a value of nearly USD 6.47 billion by the end of that period [1]. Higher education is the fastest-growing segment in India's online learning industry, and the MBA/PGDM degree remains a top preference for students enrolled in an online programme.

In India, many jobs in high demand require a degree, including data scientist, financial analyst, and DevOps engineer. A degree may not be necessary for some growing jobs, like a digital marketing specialist. However, pursuing one can help you build the skills you need for success in the field and help you distinguish yourself from other candidates. Through remote learning, you can opt for one of the online degree programmes authorised by the University Grants Commission or earn a degree from one of the many US universities offering online degree programmes.

Read on to explore some online degree programmes in the United States, including admission requirements for international students. 

10 US universities offering online degree programs for international students

The United States is a top choice for international students pursuing a degree because of the prestige associated with degrees earned at these well-respected institutions. In addition to a reputation for academic excellence, American universities have world-class faculty on staff and an impressive range of courses.

The universities on the following list accept international students for their online degree programmes. As an online student, you'll have access to the same renowned faculty and coursework as students who attend class in person.

Ball State University

In Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University earned a high rating amongst online colleges and international universities. The school offers online associate, bachelor, and master degree programmes in various majors, including computer and information technology, business administration, and interior design. One notable degree is the Master of Science in Computer Science, which includes courses in programming, data structure, machine learning, data analytics, software engineering, and cybersecurity.

University of California, Berkeley

With a prime location near the heart of the United States tech hub, UC Berkeley's College of Engineering is a premier academic institution consistently ranking as one of the nation's best engineering programmes. Students worldwide can access the top-rated courses and faculty through its Global Studies Institute.  The school offers a Master of Advanced Study in Engineering with four interdisciplinary concentrations so you can customise your learning experience. Choose from the following:

• Advanced manufacturing and materials

• Electronics and systems engineering

• Infrastructure, energy, and the environment

• Robotics and control 

Dartmouth

Dartmouth College (commonly known as Dartmouth) was one of the first schools in the United States to offer professional schools, such as the Geisel School of Medicine and the Thayer School of Engineering. It's a top-ranked school, and its online engineering programme provides access to world-renowned faculty and courses to learners around the world. One such programme, the Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering (MEng: CE) degree, can help you develop and expand the skills needed in artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality. Coursework includes maths, programming languages, and analogue circuit fundamentals. 

University of Illinois

One of three schools that comprise the University of Illinois system, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a respected public university celebrated for its focus on research. It offers many undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate programmes online. For example, you can earn a Master's of Accounting (iMSA) through the school's Gies College of Business. Coursework emphasises analytical thinking and data mining, valuable cutting-edge skills for tomorrow's accountants.

Illinois Institute of Technology

The Illinois Institute of Technology, more commonly known as Illinois Tech, is a private school located in Chicago. Throughout its history, the school has emphasised research and innovation to solve global problems, so it's no surprise the school offers several online degree programmes. One degree you can pursue is the Bachelor of Information Technology, which focuses on information technology and applied technology. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in the Master of Information Technology programme to learn more about current trends and applications in IT management.

Louisiana State University

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University (LSU) stands out as one of the few schools in the United States with a dental, medical, veterinary, and law school and an MBA programme on its campuses. The university has over 150 online degree programmes, including the Master of Science in Analytics. Through this programme, you can explore data-driven methods for improving business operations and making decisions and apply your knowledge of statistics and management skills to solve problems similar to your workplace.

University of Maryland Global Campus

In 1947, the University of Maryland Global Campus created a distance education programme designed to meet the needs of adult learners. Today, the school offers more than 135 degree programmes in data analytics, computer science, business, and more. As a graduate, you have lifetime access to career services and networking programs to help you in your career. If you're interested in cybersecurity, consider the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology degree. Coursework in this degree programme covers tools and techniques for protecting an organisation's infrastructure and information to help you prepare for industry certification exams.

University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global has consistently ranked as a top online school in the United States as part of the University of Massachusetts system. The university offers 16 bachelor's degree programmes in business, information technology, psychology, and more. If you're considering a career in marketing or business, a psychology degree such as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can be a useful starting point. You can choose from one of four concentrations, including industrial/organisational psychology, an area that focuses on the application of psychological principles in a business environment. 

University of Pennsylvania

Located in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania is a top-tier private research university and one of the oldest schools in the United States. Known for its liberal arts and science programmes, the university also offers several online degree programmes in education, social work, and engineering. Penn Engineering's Master of Computer and Information Technology degree connects you to other graduate students around the world as you study computer science fundamentals, including data structures, software development, algorithms, deep learning, and more.  

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is a highly-ranked research university known for its famous faculty and alumni who made important advancements in medicine, technology, and philosophy. Today, learners from 15 countries around the world have access to the same coursework and faculty through Pitt Online. For example, you can pursue a Master of Data Science degree without visiting the campus. In this programme, you can explore concepts like responsible data management, how to design and query relational databases, and predictive modelling.

Admission requirements for international students

Universities in the United States typically ask you to demonstrate your English proficiency level by submitting the results of an English language test. Each school independently determines which exams and scores it accepts, which can include the following:

• American College Testing (ACT)

• Duolingo English Proficiency Test

• EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Pearson PTE

• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Test of Written English (TWE)

You can waive the testing requirement if you have earned a bachelor's degree from a university in an approved country.

In addition to the English proficiency documentation, you will need to submit mark sheets from schools you previously attended. The school may ask you to send your mark sheets to a transcript evaluation organisation that will verify the courses you took and compare them to American equivalents.

How to choose an online degree programme

When choosing an online degree programme, consider how the degree and structure of the programme align with your personal and professional goals. Your answers to the following questions can help you find the right programme.

• How does the school support online students? Find out if the school assigns someone to check in with online students and answer questions as needed. Ask about career advice and placement opportunities for graduates.

• Is the school accredited? An accredited school meets the criteria established by an accreditation organisation. Coursework and degrees from accredited schools are recognised around the world.

• What resources are available for online students? Ask the school about digital resources like access to documents, e-books, and journals. Find out what perks come with your status as a student.

• Does the school ever require online students to visit the campus in person? Before you pursue an online degree programme, read through the curriculum to make sure all required courses are available online. 

• How much will the school cost? Although online schools tend to be more affordable than on-campus options, you still need to make sure the tuition and fees are within your budget. Look into scholarship opportunities for online students to help with costs. 

• How can you engage with other students? Look into opportunities you'll have to connect with other online students. Ask about collaboration tools and virtual meetings where you can arrange study sessions and share your experiences.

Complete your online degree programme from the USA on Coursera

Online degree programmes close the distance gap, making it a convenient and economical way to earn a college degree. They also make it possible to earn a degree from a respected university in another country like the United States.

If you're ready to pursue an online degree from one of the US universities serving international students, explore some of the degree programmes available on Coursera. For example, the University of North Texas has a Bachelor of Science in General Business, through which you can explore topics like business analytics, management, and marketing.