Best Degrees for Remote Work
Are you one of many employees looking for a rewarding job where you can work from home? Remote work has become very popular in the past couple of years, especially since the Covid pandemic. However, even individuals not directly affected by Covid are choosing to perform remote work.
The great news is that many colleges are now offering degree programs that prepare students for careers where they can do remote work. What’s even better is that many of these degree programs can also be completed at home.
What is Remote Work?
Remote work is where employees do their work at home or any place other than the office or the place of employment typically used by a business. Although many feel that remote working is working at home, that’s not always the case.
It may be a friend’s house, a hotel, or some other shared location. It’s just not at the employer’s place of business. Remote work is done virtually or with the use of the internet and modern technology.
Who is a Good Candidate for Remote Work?
As popular as remote working has become, it’s not for everyone. To be a good candidate for remote working, employees should possess the following skills.
- Knowledge of the latest technology
- A strong internet connection
- Ability to work independently
- Strong motivation to work outside of the traditional office setting
Every year more and more employees are working remotely. As of 2022, approximately 26 percent of U.S. employees are performing remote work, according to Zippia. They also predict there will be more than 36 million remote workers by 2025.
It may be surprising that of the many remote workers, about 40 percent felt they were more productive as remote workers than they would have been if they were at the traditional office. Approximately 68 percent of U.S. workers would prefer to work remotely.
What Are the Best Degrees for Remote Work?
Remote work is not limited to just certain employees and may not require a specific degree, although higher paying jobs are available to those with a bachelor’s or above. Remote workers do not necessarily need any more education than an employee working at the company’s facility.
Aside from the education required, all remote workers need strong internet access and knowledge of virtual learning and the technology required for remote learning. Online bootcamps are a great way for employees to obtain accelerated learning on what they need to know to be successful at their job.
22 of the Best Degrees for Remote Work
1. Information Technology
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
Information technology is a field that offers many jobs and career opportunities. Most of the positions require a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a concentration in the individual’s area of interest. Some students may opt to enroll in online bootcamps as a quicker alternative to the traditional bachelor’s degree program.
Whereas the bachelor’s degree program covers a wide area of information technology, the bootcamps focus on the specific areas of IT the individual will need to perform this job remotely. Employees working areas like project management, cybersecurity, programming languages, and information technology to name a few.
Potential salary: Graduates of information technology bachelor’s degree programs have the potential to earn high wages according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of May 2022, network and computer systems administers earned an average annual wage of $91,250 while network and information systems managers earned about $162,930.
What you need at home for this career: This may be one of the best degrees for remote work because a great deal of the required work can be done from home. You will need a strong internet connection and knowledge of networking.
2. Early Childhood Education
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Daycare Director
- Childcare Provider
- Family Counselor
- Literacy Tutor
Working as an early childhood educator or daycare provider can be a promising career because daycare and childhood professionals are constantly in demand. You don’t have to work in a school setting to perform your job. As directors and leaders, much of the work can be done remotely.
Potential salary: Preschool and daycare directors earned an average annual wage of $47,310 according to a 2021 BLS report.
What you need at home for this career: Most daycare directors and childcare providers have at least an associate degree, but most have a bachelor’s degree, which can also be earned online. All you need at home is a computer with high-speed internet, email access, knowledge of streaming, and networking experience
3. Accounting
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Controller
- Finance Director
Working as an accountant remotely is a very popular choice for accountants today with the most popular accounting specialties being public, management, and government accounting.
Potential salary: The BLS reports that accountants and auditors earned an average annual wage of $83,890 as of May 2021.
What you need at home for this career: Accountants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or financing. Accountants working remotely need a computer with strong internet access, email access, and strong technical and mathematic skills.
4. Communications
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Editor
- Author Writer
- Video or Film Editor
- Public Relations Specialists
- Technical Writer
- News Reporter, Analyst or Journalist
Communication careers are very common among employees who wish to work remotely. In addition to earning an online bachelor’s degree, the individual can also take online communication courses.
Potential salary: According to a 2021 report by the BLS, news reporters and journalists earned an average annual wage of $63,230, while $76,400 was earned by editors.
What you need at home for this career: Access to the internet and a strong internet speed is about all you need at home to do any of these communication jobs.
5. Web Design or Development
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Web designer or developer
- Graphic artist
- Programmer
- Digital designer
Web designers working remotely will be able to perform almost 100% of their job online because it’s all for the web. Some may complete a certificate or diploma program while others earn a bachelor’s degree in web development.
Potential salary: Web designers earned about $95,460 per year on average.
What you need at home for this career: You’ll need a computer, internet access, networking ability and experience as a designer or graphic artist.
6. Graphic Design
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Art Director
Graphic designers do creative artwork by hand or on the computer for clients. They may posters, logos, advertisements, and similar design work. Education ranges from a high school diploma with training to a bachelor’s degree.
Potential salary: The BLS reports that graphic designers earned about $59,970 in 2021.
What you need at home for this career: In addition to computers and internet access, graphic designers need a strong knowledge of graphic design, web design, art, and advertising online. You may also need certain industry certifications.
7. Journalism or English
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Editor
- Writer
- Publisher
- Public Relations Manager
- Content Writer
- English Tutor
- English Teacher
This is an ideal job for remote work because writing can be done from almost anywhere you might be at the time.
Potential salary: As of 2021, editors earned an average yearly wage of $76,400, while technical writers earned $78,060.
What you need at home for this career: Since almost all of this job can be completed online, all you need, other than a bachelor’s degree, is a computer, email, and high-speed internet.
8. Software Engineering
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Game Developer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Web Developer
- Information Systems Manager
Software engineers and developers create and develop the software used to run various programs. This is a very popular remote job.
Potential salary: Software Engineers and Developers earned an average wage of $120,730 per year as of 2021.
What you need at home for this career: Working remotely as a software engineer requires an engineering or computer science degree as well as a strong internet connection, a computer with the latest software, and networking experience.
9. Healthcare Administration
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Customer Service Representative
- Healthcare Staffing Manager
- Account Services Manager
- Mental Health Therapist
- Claims Processor
- Care Navigator
- Psychotherapist
There are too many healthcare remote jobs to mention because healthcare is such a vast field with so many career options.
Potential salary: The salaries for these remote positions vary by the job. The average 2021 annual wage for customer service representatives was $39,070, while therapists earned an average wage of $65,030.
What you need at home for this career: To work remotely at any of these jobs requires a computer with internet, email access, networking experience, and good customer service skills.
10. Social Work
Social work is a field that offers many different options that span in different directions, with most of them being available as remote jobs.
Degree needed: At least a bachelor’s in social work, in many cases a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) is needed
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Social Worker
- Mental Health Counselor
- Social Policy Analyst
- Clinical Supervisor
- Care Coordinator
Potential salary: The salaries for these positions also vary by the job. Social workers earned an average yearly wage of $50,390 as of 2021.
What you need at home for this career: To work as a remote social worker, or a similar position, you’ll need an internet-accessed computer, a telephone, and a degree in social work.
11. Marketing
Marketing is a great career to choose to do online because so much marketing, advertising, and sales take place online. An online marketing specialist can experience great job growth once they develop a large online sector.
Degree needed: Bachelor’s
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Marketing or Advertising Manager
- Online Sales Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Editor
Potential salary: Marketing managers earned an average annual wage of $153,440 in 2021, while sales managers earned $142,390, and market research analysts earned about $76,080.
What you need at home for this career: To successfully complete this job remotely, you need a computer or laptop, high-speed internet, networking abilities, and a strong presence on social media.
12. Counseling
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Family Counselor
- Career Counselor
- Addition Specialist
- Job Training Specialist
- Marriage Counselor
Working remotely as a counselor has become very popular in recent years. It’s often very beneficial for the clients because they may feel more comfortable talking remotely rather than in person.
Potential salary: Mental health and substance abuse counselors earned an average yearly wage of $48,250 in 2021.
What you need at home for this career: In addition to having at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling, you’ll need the ability to network, video conference, and communicate online. You’ll also want an area where you can work quietly. Depending on your state, you may also need certification and licensure.
13. Computer Information Systems
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Database Administrator
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- Computer Programmer
- Market Research Analyst
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
With the increasing number of computers used in the world, a career in computer information systems is a great choice and one that can easily be done remotely. Most of the time you’ll be on your computer looking at your clients’ computer systems, talking with clients, and working through their computer programs.
Potential salary: Computer and Information Systems Managers earned an average of $159,010 as of May 2021, and computer programmers earned about $99,650.
What you need at home for this career: You need a computer, computer information software, printer, networking and video conferencing experience, and a strong internet connection.
14. Data Science
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Computer or Information Systems Manager
- Information Security Analyst
- Computer Network Architect
- Digital Designer
- Web Developer
- Financial Analyst
- Computer Programmer
Most of these positions require at least a bachelor’s degrees, which can be earned online. These positions require knowledge of data science, programming, analytics, and computer science. These can all be done remotely.
Potential salary: Computer or Information Systems Managers earned about $159,010, while information security analysts made around $102,600 in 2021.
What you need at home for this career: In addition to the degree, you may also need certain industry certifications as well as strong internet access, a technology-driven computer, a printer, and very good communication skills.
15. Mechanical Engineering
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineering Technologist
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Mechanical Designer
- Drafter
Your job will consist of building, designing, and inspecting machines and mechanical parts so they meet the client’s approval.
Potential Salary: Mechanical Engineers earned about $97,000 in 2021, and mechanical engineering technologists earned $60,460.
What you need at home for this career: To work remotely as a mechanical engineer, you’ll need an engineering degree, internet access, and a computer equipped with engineering software.
16. Human Resources
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Human Resources Manager
- Human Resources Assistant
- Human Resources Specialist
Your job will include payroll, doing insurance forms, completing performance reviews and making sure the facility is running smoothly. You will also deal with employee issues and complaints.
Potential salary: Human Resources Managers earned an average annual wage of $126,230 in 2021, while human resources specialists earned $60,720.
What you need at home for this career: You will need at least an associate’s degree, but may advance more with a bachelor’s degree. In addition to a computer with high-speed internet, you’ll also need specific job-related software as well as good interpersonal skills.
17. Finance
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Actuary
- Financial Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
A career in finance usually requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, but some positions may be obtained with an associate’s degree and relevant work experience. A great deal of your day will be spent working on budgets, balancing accounts, and helping clients handle finances.
Potential salary: Actuaries earned an average wage of $125,300 yearly, and budget analysts earned $84,240.
What you need at home for this career: You’ll need a computer, finance software, a printer, and high-speed internet access.
18. Legal Studies
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Consultant
- Mediator or Arbitrator
- Attorney (must have advanced degree)
Working in the legal field not only pays well but also offers excellent job growth. These positions require different levels of education. Legal assistants may have a high school diploma, but a paralegal requires a training program.
Potential Salary – As of May 2021 report by the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants earned an average yearly wage of $58,330.
What you need at home for this career: A large portion of your day is spend on the phone with clients, video conferencing, or doing emails, so your biggest needs will be a computer with legal software, internet access and a printer.
19. Game Design
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Video Game Producer
- Illustrator
- Animator
- Web Developer
- Programmer
A bachelor’s degree in game design prepares students to create video games at work or remotely from home. They learn about game design, animation, illustration, and interactive gaming.
Potential salary: According to a 2021 BLS report, video game producers earned about $79,000 yearly on average, while $96,650 was earned by programmers.
What you need at home for this career: A computer with internet access is the most important thing you’ll need. You also need knowledge of art, programming, and graphic design.
20. Music
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Music Directors and Composers
- Performers
- Teacher
- Producer
- Engineer
A remote job in music offers various options, including composing, instructing and teaching music.
Potential salary: Music directors and composers earned average wages of $65,080 in 2021, and producers earned about $79,000.
What you need at home for this career: All you really need is the internet, a computer, good speakers, and interpersonal skills.
21. Hospitality and Tourism
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Travel Agent
- Event Planner
- Online Booking Agent
- Travel Coordinator
- Rental Property Manager
Employers with bachelor’s degrees in hospitality and tourism have careers dealing with lodging, travel, amenities, and events. This is a great remote job because so much of the hospitality industry is done online.
Potential salary: Travel agents saw average annual wages of about $43,810, while event planners earned about $57,850 as of 2021.
What you need at home for this career: What You Need at Home to Do This Job – About all that is needed to work remotely in the hospitality industry is a computer, internet access, a pleasant attitude, and good communication skills.
22. Nutrition and Dietetics
Remote jobs you may get in this field:
- Nutritionist
- Dietetic
- Personal trainer
Nutritionists and dietetics help people live healthier lives by eating healthier. They offer help with exercise, eating, and weight loss. This career also offers several areas of specialization.
Potential salary: The BLS 2021 wage report states that nutritionists and dietetics earned an average annual wage of $61,650.
What you need at home for this career: Most nutritionists have a degree in kinesiology. They need good communication skills, a computer with the internet, and the desire to help others. This position may also require certification and/or licensure.
Next Steps
Working remotely is a great way to save on commute times, maximize your time with your family, and have improved focus and work output. Explore one of the many best degrees for remote work and start your new career at home.