Online Vocational & Trade Degrees

Online vocational and trade programs provide individuals with the skills needed to practice a specialized job, known as a trade. Those who benefit from vocational and trade programs should be creative, enjoy hands-on work, and wish to enter the workforce quickly. Vocational and trade degrees are available online at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. More popular programs include career diplomas and certificates.

Individuals who obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate from a vocational or trade program may seek employment in industries such as automotive technology, business, healthcare, and computer science. Programs may provide students the opportunity to seek a career as a cosmetologist, mechanic, child development specialist, plumber or a real estate agent.

Available Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete

Online career diploma programs in trade and vocation may provide individuals the skills needed to perform tasks and functions associated with a specific trade. Some trades students may pursue programs in jewelry design and repair, locksmithing, and appliance repair. Possible coursework may include soldering, keymaking, and testing electric appliances.

Online certificate vocation and trade programs may arm students with skills and training in a specific career field, allowing for a quick entry into the workforce. Students may choose to specialize in a number of areas, including accounting, cosmetology, child development and computer programming. Coursework may include child health, accounting principles, and computer database applications.

Online associate-level degrees in vocation and trade may teach particular techniques and functions that individuals need to pursue a professional career. Some programs may provide students with the opportunity to study trades, such as dental hygiene, real estate, marketing, or travel. Select courses associated with these programs include marketing principles, preventative dentistry, and real estate principles.

Bachelor’s degree programs in trade and vocational studies consist of the coursework needed to become a vocational instructor. Programs may provide individuals who are currently employed in a trade or vocation the skills needed to provide educational services to vocational students. Coursework may include principles in teaching and learning, school and work society, and student teaching.

An online master’s degree in trade and vocational studies provides the training needed to teach at vocational schools, community colleges, and corporate training centers. A master’s degree may prepare students to teach in areas such as allied health, construction, culinary arts, and automotive technology. Possible coursework may include foundations of career and technical education, curriculum leadership, and developments in adult vocational education.

Career Options

Online vocational and trade programs are designed to provide students with job-specific skills, preparing them to pursue employment opportunities in many different fields, including auto mechanics, accounting, electronics, information technology, and interior design. Vocational and trade programs may provide students the opportunity to enter the job market fairly quickly due to the specialized course of study. This training may also equip students with the skills needed to own and operate small businesses, allowing individuals to make their own hours.

Possible career fields include:

• Cosmetologist
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Construction Technician
• Vocational Instructor
• Real Estate Agent