An online applied sciences degree program provides you with an incredible range of skills for an exciting new career in technology, engineering, healthcare, or another industry. Unlike a traditional classroom-based degree, you learn these skills at home (or anywhere in the world) over the internet. That means all or most of your classes take part online, and you complete coursework, tutorials, webinars, and even exams in a digital environment.
In this guide, learn what to expect from an online degree in applied sciences and the potential employment opportunities available to you.
What Is an Online Applied Sciences Degree Program?
You can now earn an applied sciences degree over the internet. An online bachelor’s in applied sciences, for example, comprises video tutorials, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one lessons with tutors so you can learn the required skills for a new career in a field like engineering or technology.
Like a traditional applied sciences degree, you will apply empirical scientific knowledge to practical applications that develop new technologies and inventions.
During your program, you might learn skills like:
- Applying science to practical contexts
- Solving real-world problems through science
- Technology and engineering
- Scientific investigation
Some schools might require you to take all your applied sciences courses online. Others might combine online learning with hands-on experience at a laboratory or healthcare facility.
When you graduate from your course, you could get a job as a:
- Civil engineer
- Aeronautical engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Radiology director
- Clinical informatics manager
- Educational technologist
Online applied sciences degrees offer multiple benefits over traditional degrees. As all or most of your classes take place online, you can eliminate or reduce the costs of traveling to college or living on campus. You can also learn applied sciences at your own pace from home or anywhere in the world.
Even though tutors might not be physically present during your program, you can still access a support network over the internet. Most schools use a learning management system (LMS) that lets you interact with tutors and other faculty through video, email, and community forums.
An online applied sciences degree provides you with increased earning potential and the possibility of a lucrative new career in technology, engineering, or another related field. Employers often hire graduates from online applied sciences programs because students develop valuable skills such as self-motivation, independence, and critical thinking.
How Much Does an Applied Sciences Degree Cost?
The average online bachelor’s in applied sciences costs $38,496 to $60,593 in tuition fees, according to U.S. News. This estimated cost doesn’t include any exam fees, registration fees, internet costs, or program supplies.
An online applied sciences program could work out cheaper than a traditional degree because you might not have to pay for travel or accommodation. You could also be eligible for a scholarship, grant, or other financial aid to reduce the costs of your online applied sciences degree.
Average Salary for Applied Sciences
The median annual salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences is around $83,700 per year, according to PayScale (as of May 2021). That’s around $27 an hour.
Here are the median annual salaries for jobs associated with an online applied sciences degree:
- Radiology director: $183,000
- Director of operations: $113,000
- Clinical informatics manager: $102,000
- Construction scheduler: $77,000
The median annual salary for someone with an associate’s degree in applied sciences is around $49,132 per year, according to PayScale (as of May 2021.) That’s around $17.56 an hour.
Online applied sciences graduates with specific skills like ICT and mathematical knowledge might earn more than the median annual salaries above. Those with several years of experience in a related job role might also earn higher salaries.
What Is the Job Outlook for Applied Sciences Degree Holders?
The outlook is positive for those with jobs related to an applied sciences degree. There will be a 2.6% increase in employment opportunities for engineering technicians, for example, from 2018 to 2028, according to Projections Central/Department of Labor.
Courses in Applied Sciences
Online applied sciences comprise a wide range of classes related to science, technology, math, engineering, and healthcare. You might find these courses included in one of these degrees:
- Exercise physiology
- Anatomy
- Clinical biomechanics
- Laboratory testing
- Scientific skills
As applied sciences degrees cover a broad range of topics, different schools include different classes in their online programs, so do your research and find the degree that provides you with the best learning and employment opportunities.
Some of the most common courses that people studying applied science take include:
As applied sciences degrees cover a broad range of topics, different schools include different classes in their online programs, so do your research and find the degree that provides you with the best learning and employment opportunities.
FAQs About Applied Sciences
Core Takeaways for an Online Bachelors in Applied Science
- There are two types of applied sciences degrees. You can study for a degree at a traditional college in a classroom-based environment or over the internet in a digital environment.
- Both of the above paths typically take the same time to complete.
- You can study for an online bachelor’s in applied sciences or an associate’s degree in this discipline.
Benefits of online applied sciences degrees include:
- The opportunity to study at home or from anywhere in the world.
- The possibility of balancing work/family commitments while you study.
- The chance to learn soft skills you might not develop in a traditional classroom environment, such as independent learning and self-discipline.
- Online applied sciences degrees cost $38,496-60,593, according to U.S. News.
- Studying for one of these degrees could work out cheaper than an on-campus degree because you might not have to pay for travel or accommodation.
- You can apply for a scholarship or other financial aid for your online applied sciences degree if eligible.