Did you know that in the last five years, 80% of professionals in their 20s said they wanted to change careers, followed by 64% of working professionals in their 40s, and 54% of 40-somethings?
Here at West Virginia University, we understand there are many reasons people want to change careers, and if you're one of the many working professionals trying to figure out how to best prepare yourself to switch careers, you may want to consider enrolling in graduate school online.
Here are several online graduate degrees that are perfect for working professionals thinking about making a career change.
1. Literacy Education
West Virginia University’s College of Education and Human Services offers a Master of Arts in Literacy Education, formerly known as Reading. The Literacy Education (LE) program is an advanced certification and master’s degree program that leads to pre-K through adult learning reading specialist certification in the state of West Virginia. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), this graduate degree is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching license and who are seeking to add a renowned Reading Specialist certification to their current achievements.
These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.
- Education Professor
- Instructional Coordinator
- Tutor
- Literacy Coach
- Academic Coach
- Interventionist
2. Data Marketing Communications
The discipline of Data Marketing Communications (DMC) is often mistaken for the field of data science, or statistical analysis. In fact, DMC is not a heavy-mathematics program, nor is it about a deep analysis of raw statistics involving complicated software programs. Here is the definition of Data Marketing Communications from West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media:
Data Marketing Communications (noun)
[Da-ta | Mar-ket-ing | Com-mu-ni-ca-tions]
DEFINITION: Data Marketing Communications (DMC) is an emerging discipline that takes data and applies intelligence and strategic analysis to provide professional communicators with key insights to develop and refine marketing communications activities.
As the marketing communications landscape increasingly recognizes the need for professional communicators who can apply data and intelligence to marketing campaigns, new careers are emerging and not-so-new careers are seeking marketers who understand the importance of Data Marketing Communications in all facets of marketing communications.
Below are 10 rapidly-growing job titles designed for marketing communications professionals who understand the power of data:
- Content Marketing Specialist
- SEO Strategist
- Digital Transformation Specialist
- Innovation Manager
- New Technology Specialist
3. Social Work
A Master of Social Work program prepares compassionate people for careers that matter, and an MSW program is also available to students without a related bachelor's. Through WVU’s prestigious curriculum, students who are changing careers or changing fields of study are prepared to succeed in purpose-driven careers.
If you want to make a difference, you don’t need to have an undergraduate degree in social work to be admitted to WVU’s MSW graduate program, making social work a graduate degree for those looking to make a career change.
4. Integrated Marketing Communications
Fueled by the academic innovation coming out of West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media, the Integrated Marketing Communications graduate program seeks to prepare both seasoned marketers, as well as aspiring marketing communications professionals with the skills needed to integrate the art of storytelling within all facets of a marketing communications campaign — from content strategy to social media, from sales to advertising, and from public relations to direct marketing.
Ultimately, WVU’s Integrated Marketing Communications graduate program is designed to prepare marketing communications professionals for career advancement by arming them with the sought-after skills needed to develop, refine, and implement marketing campaigns in a unified way across all channels. By equipping IMC students to use the art of storytelling in the context of marketing communications, we prepare the next generation of professional communicators for the emerging and existing challenges in this dynamic, multifaceted marketing landscape.
5. Safety Management
Despite the variety of career backgrounds safety management professionals may come from, they all share the common mission of creating and maintaining a healthy, ethical, and efficient work environment.
WVU’s program will prepare graduates to identify potential hazards in the workplace, create and implement procedures to protect workers, investigate workplace accidents, and lead safety training in their respective fields. With an MS in Safety Management from WVU, graduates can build a bridge to a career in construction, transportation, manufacturing, or emergency management.
Note: This program requires 60+ hours of math and science from an accredited undergraduate degree.
6. Instructional Design & Technology
The Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology, offered by the College of Education and Human Services, prepares students for jobs as technology integration specialists or online curriculum specialists. Teachers looking for a master’s degree may also find this a perfect complement to undergraduate degrees.
The growth in online education and training has created a demand for individuals who can apply cutting edge technologies and instructional design strategies to create quality learning experiences in environments like:
- Public Schools
- Higher Education Institutions
- Corporate Organizations
- Non-profit Organizations
Thus, an advanced degree in IDT is perfect for career changers looking to establish themselves in a specialized educational environment.
7. Master of Business Administration
The College of Business and Economics at WVU offers the Online Hybrid MBA program for working professionals who want the convenience and flexibility of online learning from a nationally recognized university.
According to U.S. News and Reports, an MBA degree is one of the most popular programs to pursue online. This fact may come as no surprise — especially when you think about the skills and versatility of the degree — however, because MBA programs are so common, it helps to find a school with a reputation that helps set you apart from the crowd.
8. Software Engineering
Professionals working in the information technology and computer industries fields can enhance their education and career possibilities by enrolling in the online master’s degree in Software Engineering program offered by the WVU Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.
With Software Engineering being one of the fastest growing professions throughout the government and industry sectors, you will receive your education from top industry experts and executives to tenured research faculty in Software Engineering.
Note: You can read about Herb, a student in WVU's Software Engineering program, and learn about his experience in this online graduate program.
9. Higher Education Administration
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, offered by the College of Education and Human Services, benefits those seeking a career or advancement in higher education by preparing them for executive, administrative, and academic support positions or a doctoral degree.
Graduates of this online program hold positions in:
- Business Administration
- Academic Affairs
- Student Life
- Higher Education Institutions
Using a personalized program of study, students will build particular knowledge and skill sets within a core area of interest in higher ed.
10. Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
West Virginia University's Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling graduate program aims to change society’s view that mental health and rehabilitation are separate fields of study. To be able to fully advocate for these issues, professionals in this field strive to help people overcome the barriers they face in everyday life – whether they are physical, intellectual, or a combination due to past trauma or a battle with substance abuse.
With a degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling, graduates can serve as vocational rehabilitation counselors for local veterans, career coaches, or employment service directors for those who live with a disability.
11. Business Data Analytics
For those seeking a career change, one of the first steps is figuring out what’s most in demand and what will provide the greatest opportunity for work in the field upon graduation. If you’re interested in big data and the rewards that come with a career in technology: WVU’s master’s program in Business Data Analytics might be for you.
By the end of this year-long online program, graduates will be armed with all the tools necessary to become a trail blazer in big data, including data mining, decision sciences and analytics, and ethics and data collection.
Note: Applicants must have a strong analytical background.
12. Forensic and Fraud Examination
The College of Business and Economics offers a specialized Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination to meet the demand for forensic accountants who are needed to combat widespread growth in white collar crime, fraud, and the illegal international movement of money. There are multiple career opportunities in the public and private sectors for those who earn this degree.
This degree combines online learning with two campus visits. This low-residency approach allows students to have the convenience of web courses, and the benefit of face-to-face interaction with both faculty and peers.
13. Communication Studies
The Master of Arts in Communication Studies is offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. This online master's program is designed for working professionals who want to enhance their communications skills to advance in the workplace. Students will learn how to navigate organizational networks effectively, influence clients, co-workers, and administrators, and interact with people from diverse populations.
Improved communication competence in one-on-one and group interactions, along with the proper use of technology and social media to effectively communicate will also be highlighted.
14. Sport Management
Sport management professionals seek to change the perspective of sports in society. Rather than viewing them as purely a spectacle, instructors, managers, and athletes alike dig deeper to see what positive effects sports can have on both the participants and their surrounding communities.
With a master’s in Sport Management from WVU, career changers can chase their dream job of working for a professional sports team or contributing to a university athletic department in fields such as athletic training, event management, marketing, or resource management.
15. Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is designed for individuals seeking to expand their career opportunities by arming themselves with knowledge of the law, legal terminology, and procedures. Employers value individuals who can apply complex legal reasoning to their tasks. Our Master of Legal Studies program provides students with the tools to think critically about the wide range of legal subjects covered in our curriculum.
If you find yourself needing a better foundation for working with and understanding laws and regulations, or if you wish to improve your career prospects by obtaining legal and critical thinking skills, the MLS is the degree for you.
Interested in online graduate school?
Here at WVU, we believe that it's never too late to pursue the career that's right for you.
Some higher education institutions, including West Virginia University (WVU), offer a variety of online graduate programs at the same tuition rates for in-state and non-residents.
WVU Online is its own unit, made up of enrollment coaches that assist students from the point of inquiry through what WVU’s Admissions Team consider a “strong start,” which is the first week of classes. The unit also oversees the registration process for many online programs.
Although an advanced degree can set your career flying, higher education can also crash your bank account if you aren’t strategic regarding financial budgeting. While some programs can be extremely expensive, some online programs allow their students to pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. Keep your career on path by searching for highly-ranked online programs that won’t financially debilitate you.
If you're looking to make a career change and are thinking about using graduate school online to do so, we invite you to request more information today! We can't wait to hear from you!
Check out our digital resource — Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs for Career Changers — and let us help you navigate the process of changing career fields!
