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.

SDA Bocconi IMB Admissions 2026

Applications Deadline - 22nd January 2026 | Offers full-time PGP in International Master in business (IMB) Equivalent to MBA under following specializations Marketing, HR, Operations, and many more

IFMR Graduate School of Business MBA Admissions 2026

Application Deadline 15th Jan’26 | UGC Approved Programs | Near 100% Placement Record | Up to 100% Scholarships | Highest CTC 21.32 LPA

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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Highest CTC 51.38 LPA | Median CTC 10.32 LPA | Top 25% Average CTC 14.32 LPA

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Partnerships with diverse assortment of global organizations and industry leaders | Industry-driven curriculum

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

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

Hello

You have scored 234 (QA: 78, VA: 84, LR: 72), you have a higher chance of getting a call from the NMIMS Mumbai MBA Core call, as it is the nearest score to the 235 cutoff. You have a good score in the verbal subject and have a decent score in QA/LR, which makes a call quite possible. It also depends on the final year's cutoffs and the specific section requirements. Around 230-250 marks are considered a good score. I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Hello

Yes, it is possible to pursue an MBA again, even if you have already completed your first MBA from a state university. Many students can do an MBA course twice for skills enhancement, a stronger network and significant career growth. It helps to grow the work experience to show a real need for the second degree. If you need any information regarding the MBA course, please read the article List of B-School Exams in India which was published on our official website, careers360.

Thank you.

MBA colleges Admissions are usually based on entrance exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, or CMAT.
Some MBA colleges in India offer direct admission without entrance exams. These colleges usually admit students based on graduation marks, basic eligibility criteria, and document verification.
It is important to check UGC approval, accreditation, faculty quality, and placement support before choosing any college offering direct MBA admission.

Some Top Colleges in North:
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, XLRI Jamshedpur, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research Delhi NCR, IMT Ghaziabad

Some Top Colleges in South:

IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad, Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai, PSG Institute of Management Coimbatore, LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration) Chennai, XIME Bangalore, SDMIMD Mysore

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree offers a wide range of specialized fields, allowing professionals to focus their expertise on specific industries or business functions. Choosing the best specialization depends heavily on your prior work experience, career goals, and the industry you wish to target. You can explore a detailed list of all MBA types and specializations here: Choosing the best specialization depends heavily on your prior work experience, career goals, and the industry you wish to target. You can explore a detailed list of all MBA types and specializations here: Types of MBA Courses and Specializations .

Hello,

Here are Types of MBA Scholarships in India:

  • Merit based scholarships
  • Need based scholarships
  • Corporate sponsored scholarships
  • Institute specific scholarships

Now, here Popular MBA Scholarships:

  • Aditya Birla Scholarship

  • OP Jindal Management Scholarship

  • IIM Scholarships

  • Government Scholarships

For more details access below mentioned link:

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/scholarship-for-mba-students-in-india

Hope it helps.