20 Best Degrees for Remote Work

Since the pandemic, more and more people are looking for jobs they can do from home, or from anywhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection. That’s why choosing a degree that opens doors to flexible schedules, digital know-how, and international opportunities matters now more than ever. In this post, you’ll get a clear look at the best degrees for remote work.

• The Best College Degrees for Remote Work Opportunities
• Technology and Computer Science
• Business, Finance, and Management
• Marketing, Sales, and Communications
• Education and Training
• Healthcare
• Design, Arts, and Creative Professions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

The Best College Degrees for Remote Work Opportunities

Remote work has officially moved from a perk to a practice, embraced by businesses and professionals alike. A McKinsey survey revealed that 58% of U.S. employees can work from home at least part of the week, with 35% able to do so full-time.

And this shift isn’t disappearing anytime soon: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, 35% of workers performed some or all of their work at home, up from just 24% before the pandemic. 

As remote setups become more common and accepted, certain degrees are now perfectly poised to help you build a career you can take anywhere. Here’s a list of the best degrees for remote work across a variety of fields:

Explore the categories below to find one that aligns with your lifestyle goals and professional aspirations especially if you’re looking into degrees that allow you to work from home. We collected the average annual salary from sites such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor.com, Ziprecruiter.com, and Indeed.com.

Technology and Computer Science

1. Information technology

Information technology remains one of the best degrees for remote work, and for good reason. Nearly every industry now relies on tech, creating a constant demand for skilled professionals who can build, manage, and protect digital systems.

Careers in IT often involve designing networks, troubleshooting systems, developing software, or securing data, all of which can be done remotely with the right tools and training.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Computer support specialist ($61,550/year)
• Computer network architect ($130,390/year)
• Computer systems analyst ($103,790)
• Network and computer systems administrator ($96,800/year)
• Computer and information systems manager ($171,200/year)

Top schools for information technology, according to the US News:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Arizona State University

2. Software engineering

A degree in software engineering prepares you to design, develop, test, and maintain software systems—from simple mobile apps to complex enterprise platforms. You’ll learn programming languages, algorithms, systems architecture, and software development lifecycles, making this one of the best degrees for remote work with in-demand, flexible skills.

Because most software tasks rely on digital tools and collaborative platforms, software engineering is one of the most remote-friendly careers today. Many professionals in this field work with global teams, often asynchronously, using tools like GitHub, Jira, and Slack.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Software developer ($131,450/year)
• Backend or frontend engineer ($95,380/year)
• Application support engineer ($131,450)

Top schools for software engineering, according to US News:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3. Cybersecurity

A degree in cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from digital attacks. You’ll study topics such as ethical hacking, encryption, risk assessment, network security, and incident response.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity experts who can detect vulnerabilities and implement safeguards, many of whom work remotely using secure access to internal systems.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Cybersecurity analyst ($124,910/year)
• Information security consultant ($124,910/year)
• Penetration tester or ethical hacker ($98,870/year)

Top schools for cybersecurity, according to US News:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Business, Finance, and Management

4. Business administration

A degree in business administration gives you a strong foundation in managing organizations, operations, and strategic decision-making. You’ll cover key areas like leadership, marketing, finance, HR, and organizational behavior.

This versatility makes it one of the best degrees for remote work, especially if you enjoy coordinating people, solving business problems, or scaling operations. With digital collaboration tools now the norm, many business roles can be done entirely from home.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Business operations analyst ($91,290/year)
• Virtual executive assistant ($64,775/year)
• Business development coordinator ($54,920/year)

Top schools for business administration, according to US News:

• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
• Northwestern University (Kellogg)
• Stanford University

5. Accounting

An accounting degree prepares you to organize, analyze, and interpret financial information for businesses, governments, or individuals. You’ll learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and accounting software, making you indispensable in any industry.

Many accounting functions can be done with cloud-based platforms, making this one of the best degrees for remote work, especially for roles that don’t require face-to-face audits or meetings.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Remote bookkeeper ($49,210/year)
• Tax preparer ($49,010/year)
• Accounts payable specialist ($57,316/year)

Top accounting schools, according to US News.

• The University of Texas–Austin
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Brigham Young University

6. Finance

A degree in finance equips you with the skills to manage assets, forecast market trends, and make data-driven financial decisions. You’ll study investments, risk management, financial modeling, and corporate finance. This knowledge translates well to remote careers, particularly those focused on research, strategy, or client advising, where communication and analysis happen online.

Finance is also one of the best associate degrees for remote work, offering entry-level roles in bookkeeping, loan processing, and financial support without requiring a four-year degree.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Financial planner ($102,140/year)
• Investment research analyst ($87,674/year)
• Risk management consultant ($101,190/year)

Top finance schools, according to US News:

• University of Pennsylvania
• New York University
• The University of Texas–Austin

7. Project management

Project management degrees teach you how to plan, execute, and close projects efficiently across industries. You’ll gain skills in budgeting, time management, communication, and using project management software like Asana or Microsoft Project.

These roles are among the best degrees for remote work, since coordinating teams across different time zones and locations has become increasingly common.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Agile project manager ($128,568/year)
• Scrum master ($127,983/year)
• Technical implementation coordinator ($62,800/year)

Top schools for project management, according to US News:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
• Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller)

Marketing, Sales, and Communications

8. Marketing

A marketing degree equips you with the skills to understand consumer behavior, create compelling campaigns, and promote products or services across digital platforms. You’ll learn branding, analytics, advertising, and content strategy—all of which translate well to a remote setup.

Today’s marketers work extensively with data tools, content management systems, and social media platforms, making marketing one of the best degrees for remote work and allowing professionals to collaborate virtually and execute campaigns from anywhere.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Digital marketing specialist ($71,223/year)
• Email marketing manager ($87,236/year)
• Brand strategist ($118,841/year)

Top schools for marketing, according to US News

• University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
• University of Pennsylvania
• Indiana University–Bloomington

9. Communications

A degree in communications teaches you how to convey messages effectively across different media and audiences. You’ll study public speaking, media writing, crisis communication, and digital communication tools.

These skills are valuable in both internal and external communication roles, making this one of the best degrees for remote work, as many companies now hire remotely for positions involving employee messaging, brand communication, and external PR.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Corporate communications coordinator ($80,788/year)
• Public relations consultant ($69,780/year)
• Internal communications specialist ($113,828/year)

Top schools for communications, according to US News

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Northwestern University

10. Journalism

A journalism degree focuses on gathering, analyzing, and reporting information in clear, ethical, and engaging ways. You’ll learn investigative reporting, editing, fact-checking, and multimedia storytelling. In today’s digital-first media landscape, many journalists work remotely for online publications, manage their own newsletters, or freelance across different media outlets.

It’s also worth noting that media and communications are among the best associate degrees for remote work, offering pathways into roles like content writing, social media coordination, and digital publishing without needing a full bachelor’s degree.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Freelance investigative reporter ($74,047/year)
• Digital content editor ($75,000/year)
• Newsletter writer ($81,001/year)

Top schools for journalism, according to US News:

• Northwestern University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

Education and Training

11. Early childhood education

A degree in early childhood education focuses on the developmental needs and learning processes of young children, typically from birth to age eight. You’ll learn how to create age-appropriate lesson plans, manage classroom behavior, and support early literacy and social development, making it one of the best degrees for remote work in online education or virtual learning support roles.

While often associated with in-person teaching, this degree also opens up remote opportunities in educational support, especially with the rise of virtual learning for preschoolers and early elementary students.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Virtual preschool teacher ($35,981/year)
• Early childhood education consultant ($180,804/year)
• Parent education coach ($56,260)

Top schools for early childhood education, according to US News:

• Vanderbilt University
• University of Virginia
• University of Florida

12. Curriculum and instruction

A degree in curriculum and instruction prepares you to design, evaluate, and improve instructional materials and teaching strategies. You’ll study learning theories, assessment methods, and educational technology, often with a focus on specific grade levels or subjects.

This degree is ideal for educators who want to work behind the scenes, shaping what and how students learn; it’s also one of the best degrees for remote work, with many roles done using collaborative tools and digital platforms.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Instructional designer ($90,076/year)
• K–12 curriculum developer ($73,000/year)
• Online learning standards coordinator ($48,503/year)

Top schools for curriculum and instruction, according to US News:

• Teachers College, Columbia University
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Michigan State University

13. English / ESL

An English degree or ESL (English as a Second Language) degree helps you develop advanced skills in reading, writing, and language instruction. ESL programs often focus on teaching English to non-native speakers, both domestically and abroad.

With a global demand for English teachers and the growing popularity of virtual learning platforms, this is one of the best degrees for remote work, offering a strong foundation for remote education and content creation roles.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Online ESL instructor ($56,698/year)
• English language assessment rater ($62,998/year)
• Content writing coach ($63,359/year)

Top schools for English, according to US News:

• University of California–Berkeley
• University of Chicago
• University of Pennsylvania

Healthcare

14. Nursing

A nursing degree provides the clinical knowledge and patient care skills needed to diagnose, treat, and support individuals across the healthcare spectrum.

While traditionally hands-on, the rise of telehealth has created new opportunities for nurses to work remotely in advisory, case management, and patient education roles. Remote nursing jobs often involve reviewing patient data, guiding care plans, and consulting via video or phone.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Telehealth triage nurse ($94,938/year)
• Remote nurse case manager ($98,869/year)
• Clinical documentation improvement specialist ($96,996/year)

Top nursing schools, according to US News:

• Emory University
• Duke University
• University of Pennsylvania

15. Healthcare administration

A degree in healthcare administration trains you to manage the business side of healthcare, including policy, finance, operations, and organizational leadership, making it one of the best degrees for remote work in telehealth and administrative roles.

With much of the healthcare system now digitized, remote work is increasingly common in roles that involve data reporting, scheduling, insurance processing, and administrative oversight. This healthcare degree is ideal for detail-oriented professionals who prefer strategic and managerial responsibilities over direct patient care.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Medical billing supervisor ($69,000/year)
• Remote patient access manager ($88,565/year)
• Healthcare compliance analyst ($72,853/year)

Top schools for healthcare administration, according to US News:

• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
• Johns Hopkins University

16. Public health

A Public health degree focuses on population health, disease prevention, health education, and policy advocacy. You’ll learn how to collect and interpret data, create outreach programs, and design health interventions for communities.

Remote roles in this field often center around research, communication, and health policy analysis, making it one of the best degrees for remote work for those who want to contribute to public wellness from anywhere.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Public Health Research Analyst ($99,685/year)
• Health Communications Specialist ($86,526/year)
• Epidemiology Data Coordinator ($75,000/year)

Top schools for public health, according to US News:

• Johns Hopkins University
• Emory University
• Harvard University

Design, Arts, and Creative Professions

17. Graphic design

A degree in graphic design teaches you how to communicate visually using typography, color, layout, and digital tools. You’ll master design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, while also learning branding, user experience (UX), and visual storytelling.

Because graphic design work is digital and often project-based, it’s one of the best degrees for remote work, easily translating into freelance or full-time remote roles with design agencies and marketing teams.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• UX/UI designer ($94,000/year)
• Brand identity designer ($108,211/year)
• Digital ad designer ($72,920/year)

Top schools for graphic design, according to US News:

• Rhode Island School of Design
• Yale University
• Art Center College of Design

18. Visual arts

A visual arts degree focuses on developing creative expression through various media such as painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. In addition to studio practice, you’ll explore art history, theory, and contemporary issues in art.

With the shift to online galleries, virtual commissions, and e-commerce platforms, visual arts has become one of the best degrees for remote work, allowing artists to build careers from home while reaching a global audience.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Freelance illustrator ($59,345/year)
• Art licensing coordinator ($59,931/year)
• Online gallery curator ($76,262/year)

Top schools for visual arts, according to US News:

• University of California–Los Angeles
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Yale University

19. Music

A music degree provides training in theory, composition, performance, and audio production. You can specialize in areas like music education, sound engineering, or music business. With digital tools and platforms for teaching, producing, and performing music online, music has become one of the best degrees for remote work, supporting careers in both creative and instructional roles.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Online music instructor ($54,498/year)
• Soundtrack composer for digital media ($92,713/year)
• Remote audio engineer ($95,654/year)

Top music schools, according to US News:

• Juilliard School
• Curtis Institute of Music
• Manhattan School of Music

20. Game design

A game design degree blends storytelling, coding, and art to teach you how to create interactive gaming experiences. You’ll study level design, user experience, animation, and programming, often working on team-based projects.

As much of the gaming industry operates in digital spaces, game design is one of the best degrees for remote work, especially for roles in development and creative direction.

Remote job opportunities you may get:

• Game level designer ($90,270/year)
• Narrative designer ($103,039/year)
• Quality assurance game tester ($89,334/year)

Top schools for game design, according to US News:

• University of Southern California
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Stanford University

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a specific degree to work remotely?

Not necessarily, but certain degrees, especially those in tech, design, business, and education, make it easier to access remote-friendly roles.

2. Is a remote job guaranteed with these degrees?

No degree guarantees remote work, but having one aligned with in-demand, tech-enabled industries increases your chances significantly.

3. Are online degrees accepted for remote work roles?

Yes, most employers care more about your skills and experience than whether your degree was earned online or in person.

4. Do employers pay less for remote positions?

It depends. Some companies offer location-adjusted pay, while others pay the same regardless of where you work. High-skill remote roles still offer competitive salaries.

5. What degree should I get to work from home?

Get a degree in information technology, computer science, marketing, accounting, or graphic design. All are highly compatible with remote work.

Takeaways

Remote work has transformed the modern job market, and the degree you pursue plays a major role in how easily you can take advantage of that shift. While there’s no one-size-fits-all path, the best degrees for remote work are those that equip you with digital skills, creative independence, or strategic thinking.

• Tech degrees dominate remote opportunities.
• Creative and communication-focused degrees are also remote-friendly.
• Business-related degrees offer flexibility and range.
• Choosing the right degree makes remote work easier but not automatic.
• If you’re aiming for a remote-friendly future, an admissions expert can help you choose a degree that not only fits your interests but also aligns with current job market trends.