Online Schools in Louisiana

Louisiana's economy is on the rebound: BusinessWeek magazine named New Orleans and Baton Rouge among the top 10 recession-proof cities. The technology, health care, education, and hospitality sectors of the economy are back on their feet and offering career opportunities for qualified workers. The traditional and alternative energy sectors show economic growth, and the tourism industry employs a robust 87,000 workers.

These growing industries often require formal training for entry-level or managerial positions. You can get that training from one of the many online schools in Louisiana. Whether you have family commitments that keep you home or a job that keeps you busy during traditional classroom hours, you can complete your degree online without compromising your other commitments.

Why Choose Online Education in Louisiana

Online colleges and schools in Louisiana offer many of the same associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs as their campus-based counterparts--without the rising tuition, student activity fees, parking, and dormitory housing charges.

When you attend online degree programs, you have 24-hour access to registration, course materials, multimedia lectures or streaming presentations, class bulletin boards, chat, and email. But you won't work in a vacuum. Online students work collaboratively with their peers, with professors and instructors, mentors, and course advisors.

With limited or capped enrollments at traditional, campus-based programs, online schools in Louisiana offer an exceptional alternative way to boost your credentials.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn from Online Schools in Louisiana

Accredited Louisiana online schools offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of career-oriented fields. If you're looking to gain employment in an entry level position, a focused certificate program or associate's degree can help you gain the skills you need quickly.

If you want to broaden your knowledge base, a bachelor's degree program can offer the mix of general education and degree-specific courses that many of today's employers are looking for. Students aspiring to management positions may benefit from an online master's degree program.

Benefits of Attending Louisiana Online Schools

As Louisiana continues to grow, you may find that your employment opportunities rise with ongoing education. The U.S. Census Bureau has mapped the $20,000 to $30,000 difference in earnings depending on your degree. Compare the annual national average wages of individuals with various levels of education:

• $27,448 a year for high school grads
• $34,484 for associate degree holders
• $47,853 for bachelor's degree recipients
• $63,174 for students who complete a graduate or professional degree.

Job Opportunities for Degree-Holders in Louisiana

The State of Louisiana has predicted that the following careers should enjoy solid growth through 2016:

• Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture: Projected 10-year growth: 65.5 percent. Average annual wage: $31,244. Minimum required education: Some career training and on-the-job experience.
• Network systems and data communications analyst: Projected 10-year growth: 59.8 percent. Average annual wage: $51,745. Minimum required education: bachelor's degree, but a master's degree may be required for management positions.
• Dental hygienists: Projected 10-year growth: 42.4 percent. Average annual wage: $58,872. Minimum required education: associates' degree.

The mean annual wage in Louisiana in 2009 was $36,610.

Louisiana online schools can help you get the training you need to take advantage of the growing industries in Louisiana.