Strategically located with access to international and domestic air, rail, road, and marine transport and travel, Portland, Oregon boasts a reputation for industry, technology, and "green" living. Online schools in Portland can provide you with the education you may need to enhance your career opportunities in this City of Roses.
In-Depth Information about Portland Online Degrees
The first step to take when choosing an online school is to find out if the program is accredited. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Oregon is one of 43 states that have cut operational funding and state-supported financial aid to higher education, but accredited Portland online schools offer access to federal financial aid options that could make the difference between your graduating in two years or six years. Accreditation is also key to determining whether or not you're receiving a quality education -- accredited online schools in Portland have been reviewed and approved by an independent body to ensure effective teaching methods.
Online Degree Programs in Portland: Which Degree Levels Do They Offer?
Online schools in Portland offer certification and degrees at every level and in a wide range of subject areas. Available degrees include:
- Associate degree: Two-year degree that meets some employment requirements
- Bachelor's degree: The standard entry-level four-year diploma
- Master's degree: A graduate degree useful for management and research positions
- Doctoral degree: The highest degree available, held by doctors, professors, and experts
In addition to the sense of accomplishment of attaining a degree or landing the right job, online schools in Portland offer a few other perks.
Portland Degree Programs: What Are the Benefits?
Online education brings many rewards for diligent and motivated students. Portland online schools offer a number of options that aren't available from traditional classroom-only education, including hybrid programs that combine classroom and online experiences to allow you to work around your schedule and interact with students and instructors. Other benefits include the following:
- Attending class when it fits into your schedule
- Access to valuable online research databases and libraries
- Studying at home, a park, or the library--anywhere with an Internet connection
Which Jobs in Portland Can You Get After Earning Your Online Degree?
Portland, an early logging and trading town, has become a leading city in many industries, including:
- Energy
- Commerce
- Tech manufacturing
- Transportation
- Health care
Another industry that has continued to surge in Portland is construction--the latest recession has not stopped the city's population from exploding, creating a huge demand for homes and facilities.
In May 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following annual mean wages for these jobs in Portland:
- Architects: $69,770
- Civil Engineers: $79,700
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $118,050
- Registered Nurses: $85,450
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: $92,470
Jobs like these typically require a college degree--and Portland online schools can provide you with a great way to acquire the education you need to begin a new career, or to move up in your current one.