The Best Degrees for a Work from Home Career in 2022

Working from home has become increasingly popular over the past few years. With advances in technology and more jobs moving online, there are now many high-paying careers you can do entirely from the comfort of your own home.

I’ve done a ton of research on the best degrees for work from home jobs. In this blog post, I’ll share the top degrees and careers you can pursue to start working remotely. Whether you’re currently in college or considering going back to school, this guide will show you the education paths that align with in-demand remote jobs.

Why Get a Degree for a Work from Home Job?

Getting a college degree opens up more opportunities for high-paying remote work. While you can certainly find entry-level customer service and admin roles without a degree, having one allows you to qualify for more advanced positions.

A degree shows employers you have extensive knowledge and training for the field It also demonstrates important soft skills like time management, communication, and perseverance.

Certain careers like engineering, accounting, and healthcare simply require specific degrees to qualify and get licensed Degrees also equip you with technical skills to effectively do remote jobs.

Here are some of the main benefits of having a degree for work from home roles:

• Increased salary potential
• Ability to advance into leadership roles
• Gain knowledge and credentials for specialized remote careers
• Develop skills like analytical thinking and problem solving
• Learn to use industry-specific computer programs and tools
• Build credibility and seem more qualified to employers

Highest Paying Work From Home Degrees

If salary potential is important to you aim for degrees that lead to the following careers

1. Engineering

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Engineering is one of the highest paying fields with abundant remote work opportunities. Electrical engineers earn a median salary of $105,990 while mechanical engineers make around $95,300. Engineering roles involve designing, developing, and testing products like circuits, software, medical devices, and machinery. Most engineers telecommute a few days a week or work remotely full-time.

2. Computer Science

Median Salary: $126,830

Jobs in cybersecurity, software development, data science, blockchain, and artificial intelligence can almost entirely be done remotely with a computer science degree. These tech roles involve designing systems, writing code, analyzing data, and identifying vulnerabilities. The high demand and specialized skills of CS majors allow plenty of flexibility to work from anywhere.

3. Mathematics

Median Salary: $103,010

Actuary is a very lucrative mathematics-related position with mostly remote work. Actuaries analyze statistics to determine the likelihood of events and manage risk. A math degree like statistics, actuarial science, or quantitative modeling provides the needed analytical foundation. Actuaries earn median pay exceeding $100,000.

4. Accounting

Median Salary: $77,920

CPAs and other accounting roles can easily transition to remote with experience. Bookkeepers, auditors, analysts, and tax preparers handle financial data that is accessible from anywhere. Getting a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business management is required to become an accountant.

5. Nursing

Median Salary: $79,730

Many nursing positions transitioned to telehealth and work from home options during the pandemic. Getting a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing allows you to become a registered nurse without having to be on-site. Nurses provide online patient education, counseling, care coordination and health coaching remotely.

Flexible Work From Home Degrees

Beyond the highest paying, these degrees also offer flexibility to work remotely in various career paths:

• Business Administration – Marketing, human resources, project management, data analysis, consulting.

• Communications – Public relations, instructional design, social media managing, copywriting.

• Computer Information Systems – Database administration, web development, IT project management.

• Criminal Justice – Paralegal, cybersecurity analyst, private investigator.

• Education – Instructional design, virtual teaching, e-learning development.

• Healthcare Administration – Medical coding, health information manager, telehealth coordinator.

• Information Technology – Network administration, software testing, technical support, cloud computing.

• Web Design/Development – UX designer, web content manager, front-end developer.

Having a bachelor’s degree in any of these fields qualifies you for versatile remote jobs. Some may require extra certifications or experience too. But they offer good possibilities for fully or partially working from home long-term.

I recommend browsing job boards and talking with professionals in your desired field before picking a major. This can help you select the degree that aligns best with your remote work goals.

Tips for Choosing the Right Work From Home Degree

Here are some important factors to consider when picking a college degree for a telecommuting career:

• Talk to your advisor – They can explain the curriculum and help match majors to your skills and interests.

• Consider your lifestyle – Do you desire a flexible schedule or minimal travel? Need health insurance and retirement benefits? Salary and perks vary.

• Check the remote job demand – Search remote job boards to ensure ample opportunities in your chosen field before committing.

• Make sure required skills are taught – Degrees like computer science and accounting cover specific technologies needed for remote work.

• Select programs with remote internships – Look for degrees offering virtual internships so you can gain relevant experience.

• Learn time and self management – Remote roles require strong organizational and focus skills so find programs that build this.

• Develop technical abilities – Make sure to take courses that provide hands-on training with video chats, collaboration software, project management programs, etc. These are vital for telecommuting.

• Consider certifications – Some remote careers require or prefer additional certifications like project management, medical coding, or Six Sigma.

Make Sure You’re Ready for Remote Work

Transitioning to fully remote work takes some adjustment. Before committing to a work from home degree and job, make sure you have:

• A dedicated, distraction-free workspace
• Self-motivation and discipline
• Time management abilities
• Reliable technology and internet
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to avoid loneliness and isolation

Test out working productively from home during college through remote internships, online courses, or virtual studying with classmates. This will prepare you for the realities of telecommuting long-term.

The shift to remote work means now is an exciting time to pursue a degree tailored for telecommuting careers. With the right degree, you can gain access to well-paying work from home jobs that allow mobility and flexibility.

Just remember to research remote demand for your chosen major, develop self-management abilities, and get hands-on with remote work technologies during school. By picking the right program and building telecommuting skills, you’ll be set up for success in today’s booming work from home job market.