Online Degree Programs
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250,000 Alumni Worldwide
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Flexible Online Degrees Built for Working Adults
For over 50 years, National University has specialized in flexible online degrees for busy professionals balancing careers, families, or military service. Whether you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degree, or certificate, our programs fit into your life. Explore our programs and find your path today.
Here’s what sets NU apart: you can start a new course every month instead of waiting for a fall or spring term. Most courses run four or eight weeks, so you focus on one subject at a time. That rhythm helps working adults finish faster without falling behind at work or home.
Benefits of Pursuing Your Degree Online at NU
Beyond the convenience of studying from home or your favorite coffee shop, NU’s online degrees are built to offer real, lasting benefits. Online learners typically experience:
- Significant lifetime returns on their educational investment
- Increased earning potential and career advancement
- Opportunities for career shifts or growth
And you’d be in good company. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 61% of all undergraduates, 9.4 million students, took at least one distance education course in fall 2021. Online learning is now how a majority of students earn their degrees.
“Our online learner population now spans from students just out of high school to working professionals and older adults returning to education.
The flexibility of online programs meets learners exactly where they are, balancing education with career and family responsibilities.”
The payoff shows up in the paychecks, too. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings climb with every degree level, while unemployment falls. Here’s what full-time workers age 25 and older earned in 2023:
- Doctoral degree: $2,109 per week
- Master’s degree: $1,737 per week
- Bachelor’s degree: $1,493 per week
- High school diploma: $899 per week
Explore Our Online Degree Programs
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
NU’s bachelor’s programs are structured into four-week courses, so you can concentrate on one subject at a time. Earn your degree without disrupting your work or family life, while positioning yourself for greater career success and earning potential.
Learn More About Our Bachelor’s Programs ➜
Online Master’s Degrees
Gain advanced skills and credentials through NU’s career-focused master’s programs. Our flexible online courses let you balance professional responsibilities and accelerate your career growth, one course at a time.
Learn More About Our Master’s Programs ➜
Online Doctoral Degrees
NU’s online doctoral programs are designed for ambitious professionals aiming to become recognized leaders in their fields. Our flexible format lets you engage in meaningful research and leadership training without sacrificing your professional or personal obligations.
Learn More About Our Doctoral Programs ➜
Online Associate Degrees
Start your educational journey or switch careers confidently with NU’s online associate degrees. Structured with flexible, four-week courses, these programs support busy adults committed to personal and professional growth.
Learn More About Our Associate Programs ➜
Online Certificate Programs
NU’s certificate programs offer focused, career-oriented training that builds your expertise without the commitment of a full degree. Start quickly, advance professionally, and build specialized skills valued by employers.
Learn More About Our Certificate Programs ➜
FAQs About Online Degrees
Absolutely. National University’s online degrees hold the same accreditation and employer recognition as traditional on-campus degrees. Employers value online degrees earned at accredited institutions like NU.
Yes. NU offers monthly start dates for many courses, so you don’t have to wait for a traditional fall or spring semester. Most courses run in focused four-week and eight-week formats, so you can enroll when you’re ready.
The best degree is the one that matches your career goals, and as the earnings data above show, pay rises with each degree level. Among NU’s in-demand areas are business, healthcare and nursing, technology and cybersecurity, and education. Use our online degree program finder to match a program to your goals.
Yes, transferring your credits to NU is straightforward. We maintain transfer agreements with numerous universities, colleges, and community colleges to make the most of your prior achievements.
NU’s online associate degrees typically take about two years and build essential knowledge in fields like healthcare, business, or technology. They offer flexibility for busy adults and serve as pathways toward a bachelor’s degree.
Yes, NU’s online bachelor’s degrees deliver the same rigorous curriculum and quality education as our on-campus programs. Designed for working adults, our courses offer real flexibility.
It varies by program. Research-focused fields like psychology often require a thesis. Programs like business or technology typically feature practical capstone projects or exams built for career advancement.
An online doctoral degree from NU gives you the highest level of academic credentialing and strong career advancement potential. Our programs are built around flexibility, providing rigorous education while fitting your professional life.
In an NU online course, you’ll view the syllabus, complete assignments, join threaded discussions, and review instructor feedback. Plan to log in on the first day and check your course several times a week. You’ll need a reliable internet connection and computer.
Current minimum system requirements for the Brightspace (D2L) platform include:
- Windows users: Windows 10 or 11, high-speed internet, 1280 x 1024 resolution or better, and a current version of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Mac users: macOS 10.13 or later, high-speed internet, 1280 x 1024 resolution or better, and a current version of Safari, Firefox, or Chrome.
- Mobile users: Android 11 or later or iOS 16 or later, a secure high-speed connection, and Chrome or Safari.
Windows Users
- Secure High-Speed Internet connection (e.g., DSL, Cable, etc.)
- Soundcard & Speakers
- Screen Resolution: 1280 X 1024 or better
- Recommended Browsers: Firefox, Chrome
- Supported Browsers: Chrome 126+, Edge 126+, Firefox 126++
- Headset with microphone using USB/wired connection
Mac Users
- Secure High-Speed Internet connection (e.g., DSL, Cable, etc.)
- Soundcard & Speakers
- Screen Resolution: 1280 X 1024 or better
- Recommended Browsers: Firefox 126+, Safari 14+, Chrome 126++
- Headset with microphone using a USB/wired connection
Mobile Users
- Recommended OS: Android 13+, IOS 16+, Chrome OS 90+
- Supported OS: Android 11+, IOS 16+
- Recommended Browsers: Chrome, Safari
- Secure High-Speed Cell Service, Mobile Hotspot, or Wi-Fi Connection
- Headset with microphone
Satellite & Cellular Internet Connections: If this is the only connection you have access to, please note that you may experience sporadic issues while working in your online courses. If you report these problems to the IT Helpdesk, we will attempt to address them with your Satellite or Cellular connection provider.
Wireless Routers/Connections: While working in your online courses via a wireless router or wireless connection, you may experience problems such as various error messages. If you contact the IT Helpdesk, please be aware that part of the troubleshooting process may be to have you bypass your wireless router or connection. If bypassing the wireless router resolves the problem you are experiencing, you will either need to continue to bypass the router or contact the router’s manufacturer’s support to further diagnose the source of this problem.
Notes:
The web browsers listed have been validated with the online course platform. A student risks running into problems with the course software if they choose to use a non-supported browser.
National University maintains a Technical Requirements web page that is updated frequently with Windows and Macintosh hardware and software requirements, including both recommended and supported web browser software.
Why Choose National University for Online Education?
At National University, you’ll join over 150 accredited online programs designed with your success in mind. NU offers:
- Fully Accredited Programs: Quality education that employers trust.
- Personalized Attention: Interactive courses and direct support from experienced faculty.
- Monthly Starts & Flexible Formats: Classes starting every month with four-week and eight-week options.
- Dedicated Student Services: Personalized advising, technical support, and career counseling.
Accreditation Matters
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Accreditation means you receive quality education, essential resources, and credible degrees that employers recognize and respect. Learn more about how NU’s accreditation works.
Meaningful Connection with Faculty and Peers
NU fosters an engaging, collaborative online environment with direct access to instructors and classmates. Through personalized feedback, real-time interaction, and ongoing dialogue, you’ll build essential skills like critical thinking and team-building that prepare you for professional success.
Experienced, Dedicated Faculty
Our faculty bring deep professional expertise to their courses and are trained specifically for effective online instruction. They focus on your learning experience, keeping education engaging, meaningful, and designed to advance your career.
Support Every Step of the Way
From your first inquiry to graduation, NU’s student support network, academic advising, technical support, career counseling, and mentoring, means you’re never on your own. Resources like Career Services and alumni mentoring further support your professional journey.
Flexibility for Working Adults
NU’s commitment to your success means more than flexible scheduling. Our personalized approach supports your goals alongside your work, family, and personal life. That support helps you finish your degree and build lasting career success.
Request Information
Ready to take the next step? Connect with our advisors to discuss your goals, explore flexible online degree options, and learn how National University can help you succeed.
Complete the form and an NU enrollment advisor will reach out shortly with personalized support and answers to your questions.