Top 6 Online Degree Programs for Career Change & Salary Hike

Top 6 Online Degree Programs for Career Change & Salary Hike

#MBA
Atul AdeUpdated on 28 Apr 2025, 03:42 PM IST

Online degree courses are gaining more popularity in 2025, offering flexibility and accessibility to working professionals. Online programmes help candidates make a career transition in the mid-level of their professional journey without quitting their current jobs. Online degree courses provide industry-relevant skills and knowledge and open lucrative opportunities with high-paying salary packages.

Top 6 Online Degree Programs for Career Change & Salary Hike
Top 6 Online Degree Programs for Career Change & Salary Hike

An online degree is offered in a variety of fields such as management, computer science, computer application, and arts and humanities. Graduates and working professionals from diverse backgrounds can easily make a career transition in their preferred fields. Online degree programmes provide specialised knowledge while paving the way for rewarding career opportunities.

Switching careers through these in-demand online degree programmes helps participants get a handsome salary. This article will explore the top online degree programmes that help you make a career transition. Also, you will know the popular job profiles and average salaries in relevant degrees.

Top Online Degrees for Career Switch and Salary Hike

Here are some popular online degree programmes that help candidates switch their careers and get high salary packages.

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Online MBA in Digital Marketing

An online MBA in digital marketing equips students with a strong foundation in marketing strategies and their applications in the digital age. Individuals who plan to switch their careers to digital marketing will gain in-depth knowledge about content strategy, social media marketing, SEO, and advertising. This course helps them get leadership roles with high earning potential.

Average Salary: Rs 7.0 LPA - Rs 12.0 LPA

Top Job Profiles:

  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • SEO Specialist
  • Social Media Strategist
  • PPC Analyst
  • Content Marketing Manager
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Also Read: Online Learning in 2025: What to Expect?

Online MBA in Business Analytics

An online MBA in business analytics helps career changers get in-depth knowledge of business administration principles with advanced data analysis skills. It provides expertise in AI applications, predictive analytics and data visualisation to make career enhancements in various sectors. This online MBA course offers lucrative job opportunities and competitive salary packages.

Average Salary: Rs 9.0 LPA - Rs 13.0 LPA

Top Job Profiles:

  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Strategy Consultant
  • Analytics Manager.
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Online MBA in Data Analytics

An online MBA in data analytics is another best option for career changers to learn advanced data analysis techniques to get leadership opportunities in data-driven industries. It equips candidates with expertise in machine learning and statistical analysis to get higher positions with competitive salaries in the healthcare, e-commerce, and finance sectors.

Average Salary: Rs 10.0 LPA - Rs 15.0 LPA

Top Job Profiles:

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Engineer
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Big Data Consultant

Also Read: Is Online Degree Valid Abroad From Indian Universities?

Online MCA in Artificial Intelligence

An Online MCA in Artificial Intelligence is ideal for career changers who want to work in automation, finance, and healthcare sectors. This online MCA course provides comprehensive knowledge about neural networks, artificial intelligence, and deep learning. The course also opens higher-level job opportunities with great earning potential.

Average Salary: Rs 10.0 LPA - Rs 14.0 LPA

Top Job Profiles:

  • AI Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • AI Research Scientist
  • Robotics Engineer

Online MCA in Cyber Security

An Online MCA in Cybersecurity provides job stability and promising career opportunities in the IT sector. Participants will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in protecting data, networks, and digital systems against cyberattacks. The programme also provides them with high-paying salary packages.

Average Salary: Rs 6.0 LPA - Rs 12.0 LPA

Top Job Profiles:

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Ethical Hacker
  • Security Consultant
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Incident Responder

Also Read: Can Online Degree Outpace Regular Degree?

Online MCA in Full Stack Development

An online MCA in full-stack development is ideal for those candidates who want to excel in the field of web development. Participants will gain industry-relevant skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical exposure to web development fields. This online MCA course helps learners become a proficient full-stack developer with high earning potential.

Average Salary: Rs 9.0 LPA - Rs 16.0 LPA

Top Job Profiles:

  • Full Stack Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Web Developer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Application Developer

Also Read: Online M.Sc or Online MCA: What To Pursue in 2025? Know Here

Choosing the right online degree course to make a career change requires thorough research. Candidates are advised to choose the right online degree course according to their interest area and career goals. Each online degree programme has its uniqueness and provides in-demand skills and knowledge, offering lucrative career opportunities with competitive salary hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make a career transition by pursuing an online degree course while continuing my current job?
A:

Yes, online degree courses are the best option for working professionals. They offer flexibility and accessibility; graduates can balance their studies and jobs at the same time.

Q: What are the highest-paying online degree courses at the PG level?
A:

Some of the top highest-paying online degree courses at the PG level are Online MCA in Artificial Intelligence, Online MBA in Digital Marketing, and more.

Q: What are the benefits of pursuing an online degree in 2025?
A:

An online degree provides various benefits such as flexibility, quality education, accessibility, and affordability. Anyone from anywhere in the world can pursue online degrees.

Q: Do online degree courses provide the same value as traditional courses?
A:

Yes, online degree courses provide the same quality of education as traditional courses. Online programmes are more effective with a variety of interactive tools, flexibility, and personalised learning.

Q: Do employers accept online degree courses?
A:

Many employers accept online degrees from recognised universities. Students must check the recognition and accreditation of the respective college and programme before admission.

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Questions related to MBA

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Hello dear  student,

For Best colleges for online MBA in marketing you can visit you link below for a detailed explanation about everything related to this.

https://www.careers360.com/courses/online-mba-in-marketing

Hello, the MBA in Finance at Andhra Mahila School of Informatics is a 2 year program where you’ll study subjects like accounting, financial management, and strategy along with projects and internships. The total fee is around 90,000. Placements are decent, with an average package of about 3.5 to 4 LPA, and companies like Deloitte, Infosys, and ICICI visit the campus. If you stay focused and build skills, you can get good opportunities through the placement cell.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Yes Anil, after completing GNM with 4 years of experience, you are eligible to pursue MBA or PGDM. It’s a good option if you want to grow into hospital administration, healthcare management, or pharma management roles. Institutes like Goa Institute of Management (Healthcare PGDM), Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, or even General MBA programs in reputed B-schools can be considered. Your professional experience will add strong value during admission and placements. I would personally suggest going for a Healthcare/Hospital Management specialization to align with your background.

The best MBA courses in India are mostly offered by IIMs, ISB, FMS Delhi, XLRI, and also by IITs that run management schools.

According to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, IIM Bangalore is the top MBA institute in India, followed by IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta. ISB Hyderabad also ranks high in both Indian and global rankings. The Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2025 place ISB Hyderabad at 27 worldwide, IIM Ahmedabad at 31, and IIM Bangalore at 57. These show that Indian business schools have a strong global presence.

The IIRF 2025 ranking puts IIM Ahmedabad in first place overall. FMS Delhi is ranked second and is known for being affordable with very good placements. IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore are also among the best. For executive MBA programs, ISB Hyderabad is considered the top school in Asia.

IITs also run respected MBA programs. IIT Delhi (DMS) and IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) are considered the best among them. They are good options especially for those interested in operations, analytics, and technology management.

In summary, the most recognized and best courses for MBA in India are at IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and ISB Hyderabad. FMS Delhi is also an excellent option if you want strong placements with very low fees. IIT business schools like IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay also provide very good opportunities, especially if you want to combine management with a technical background.