Missouri Online Education

Higher education in Missouri has hit by several budget cutbacks recently, and a number of degree programs have been axed in favor of a balanced budget. However, students can find a potential solution in online colleges in Missouri, as they are still expanding their programs and avoiding state funding cuts.

Higher education in Missouri has hit by several budget cutbacks recently, and a number of degree programs have been axed in favor of a balanced budget. However, students can find a potential solution in online colleges in Missouri, as they are still expanding their programs and avoiding state funding cuts.

How Missouri Online Schools Can Help You

Online schools in Missouri offer an excellent opportunity to enhance your education and increase your income. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, individuals with bachelor's degrees earn close to $53,000 annually in the U.S. Compare that to Missouri's per capita income of $35,676 and it's easy to see a degree can boost your earning potential. Across all occupations, the annual mean wage in the state is $39,250, or $18.87 per hour.

Those with higher education are also less likely to be unemployed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2009, the unemployment rate for individuals with bachelor's degrees was just 5.2 percent. Compare that with 8.6 percent for those with some college and 9.7 percent for those with only high school diplomas.

Online Schools in Missouri Offer Wide Range of Degrees

Online schools in Missouri offer everything from associate degrees through bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, plus various professional certifications for careers like paralegal. Degrees are offered in a wide range of majors and specializations. You can study in fields like:

• Art and design
• Education
• Law and criminal justice
• Information technology
• Engineering
• Business
• Education

Online Degrees in Missouri Have Several Advantages

Attending online schools in Missouri allows you to dictate your own schedule. You don't have to rearrange your work schedule for class. Instead, you attend class when it is convenient for you. You don't need to get a babysitter to watch your kids while you are in class--you can attend class during naptime or after they are in bed. You don't have to commute to school and pay to park. With online classes, you park in your own driveway. At Missouri online colleges, you aren't sacrificing large chunks of time and money before you even get to class, but you're getting a quality education from the convenience of home.

Online Degrees in Missouri and Career Prospects

Missouri is home to several large companies that offer a wealth of job opportunities for degree holders. Companies like Emerson Electric, Express Scripts, and Monsanto Company, are all Fortune 500 companies located in the state.

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, the industries that should see the most growth between 2008 and 2018 are:

• Individual and family services
• Home health care services
• Child day care services
• Outpatient care centers
• Scientific research and development services

Between 2009 and 2011, biomedical engineers, financial examiners, home health aides, and network systems and data communication analysts should lead the fastest growing occupations. Several Missouri online schools offer programs for these fields, such as engineering, health, business, or information technology.