Online Schools in Louisiana

Despite hurricanes Katrina and Gustav in 2005 and 2008 and the Gulf oil spill in 2010, Louisiana's economy is remarkably resilient. The state Department of Labor reports that employment was up by more than 12,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the previous year, and more than 160,000 jobs are projected to be added between 2008 and 2018.

Despite hurricanes Katrina and Gustav in 2005 and 2008 and the Gulf oil spill in 2010, Louisiana's economy is remarkably resilient. The state Department of Labor reports that employment was up by more than 12,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the previous year, and more than 160,000 jobs are projected to be added between 2008 and 2018.

As a major port city, New Orleans was one of the largest shipping centers in the U.S. until 2005. Today, the port of South Louisiana (between New Orleans and Baton Rouge) is considered the largest shipping port in the Western Hemisphere, accounting for billions of dollars of trade and thousands of jobs. According to the Miami Herald, the seafood industry alone created over 16,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in sales in 2010.

New Orleans and Shreveport are hot spots for the film industry, supported by state financial incentives that bring in film experts and tourism. Louisiana is widely known for its arts, culture and soulful music. Meanwhile, continued efforts to rebuild and recreate New Orleans make this city a hub of architecture, design and engineering expertise.

Why students choose a Louisiana online degree

Louisiana has numerous state schools and universities as well as community colleges, technical colleges and propriety schools on campuses scattered throughout the state. Although these institutions remain a popular choice for applicants graduating from high school or returning to college for a career change or continuing education, they're no longer the only option and may not be the best one for every student.

The state of Louisiana aims to increase post-secondary enrollment by 11 percent from 2009 to 2015, according to the state's strategic plan for higher education. One strategy the state is using to increase enrollments is promoting more online education throughout the state. Louisiana online degrees may be more accessible for working students or students with a family since online colleges in Louisiana offer the options of accelerating your degree or scheduling your classes around your other commitments.

Career and salary opportunities in Louisiana

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports that the private sector is expected to create roughly 10,300 new non-farm jobs in 2011, and 5,900 were added between February and April of that year. The majority of these jobs are found in business, education, health, hospitality, information, manufacturing, mining, transportation and utilities.

The Louisiana Department of Labor lists the careers in the state projected to experience the fastest growth between 2008 and 2018. Take a look at some of those careers, along with their 2010 average wage in the state, projected growth and most common education requirements:

• Network systems and data communications analysts: 44.7 percent growth. $55,026. Bachelor's degree required.
• Respiratory therapists: 23.7 percent growth. $48,767. Associate degree required.
• Instructional coordinators: 22.9 percent growth. $48,032. Master's degree required.
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: 17.5 percent. Master's degree required.

Louisiana online schools provide a solid educational background on which to build, and graduates of these schools enter a labor market that has shown remarkable resilience over the years. With promising job projections for the future, students in Louisiana have a lot to look forward to.