Are you or someone you know who was once an ex-offender considering to start a new chapter in life? Consider getting a degree to start a career across a variety of industries. But perhaps the thought of joining a traditional classroom learning is not really the first option. The solution is to get an online degree instead. An online degree can provide the same value of education as that of a traditional classroom learning but with the flexibility of time and location. Here is a list of online degrees for felons by USDegrees. Have a look.
What college degrees are best for felons?
A felon can choose to pursue from a good number of college degrees at different levels. An associate’s degree will help prepare and even open a career pathway towards entry level professions while having a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree can help them to advance further in their line of work.
Have a look at the available degree options that individuals can pursue to help prepare for a career:
| Degree | Credits (may vary) | Duration | General Admission Requirements (may vary) |
| Associate’s Degree | 60 credits | 2 years | GED/Meet GPA Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years | HSE/Official High School Transcripts/Minimum Required GPA |
| Master’s Degree | 30 credits | 2 years | A Bachelor’s degree in a related field. |
Online Construction Management Degrees for Felons
Construction management degree introduces students to coursework in construction fundamentals, planning, coordination and supervision. The coursework also includes topics on budgeting and crew management. Start a career in construction management with these online degrees.
1. Dakota County Technical College
Program: AAS – Construction Management
Tuition: $200.71/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited through the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #318 in Best Community Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 76% of students receiving financial aid.
This program will prepare students for entry-level career options in the construction industry with fundamental coursework in construction management.
2. Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Program: BS – Construction Management
Tuition: $294.59/credit hour (resident); $589.18/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #25 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The bachelor’s degree in construction management blends business and construction coursework with a practical experience to prepare students for a career in construction.
3. Texas A&M University – College Station
Program: MS – Construction Management
Tuition: $250/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #19 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 74% of students receiving financial aid.
The construction management master’s degree provides students with an advance level of coursework that will prepare them to level up in their line of work.
Online Computer Science Degrees for Felons
A degree in computer science helps prepare students for a lucrative career across a variety of industries including – web and mobile app development, virtual reality systems, animation, aerospace system designs, and more. The computer science program coursework is also designed in a way to prepare students in developing effective skills in communication and problem-solving.
1. Scottsdale Community College
Program: AS – Computer Science
Tuition: $253/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited through the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #65 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
The associate’s degree in computer science will help prepare students either for an entry-level career or a four-year bachelor’s degree.
2. University of North Dakota
Program: BS – Computer Science
Tuition: $384.88/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited through ABET. The university is accredited through the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #360 in Best Colleges for Computer Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The fully online computer science degree provides a wide range of opportunity to collaborate with students from other disciplines while also acquiring computing skills.
3. University of North Dakota
Program: MS – Computer Science
Tuition: $498.45/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited through ABET. The university is accredited through the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #360 in Best Colleges for Computer Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s degree in Computer Science offers a more advanced approach at problem-solving with both practical and theoretical exercises.
Online Business Degrees for Felons
An online business degree can launch individuals in a career that is not limited to one or two industries. Business graduates will have the opportunity to learn on areas such as marketing, management, communication skills and accounting to name a few.
1. Ogeechee Technical College
Program: AAS – Business Management
Tuition: $100/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited through the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #6 in Best Community Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The associate’s degree in business program is designed to prepare individuals into entry level career pathways.
2. California State University – Chico
Program: BS – Business Administration
Tuition: $8064/year
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is accredited by the WSCUC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #16 in Top Public Universities in California.
Financial aid: available, with 72% of students receiving financial aid.
Students taking up the BSBA program at CSU will have the opportunity to build crucial skills and knowledge on different aspects of business.
3. California State University – Bakersfield 9
Program: Master of Business Administration
Tuition: $2082/semester
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is accredited through the WSCUC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #35 in Colleges with the Best Professors in California.
Financial aid: available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
Online Culinary Art Degrees for Felons
An online Culinary Art degree teaches individuals on how to build and improve their culinary skills, develop effective techniques for restaurant operations and management and also communication skills. Additionally, a culinary art degree will also provide coursework in business that guides graduates on the fundamentals of operating a food business.
1. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts – Boulder
Program: AOS – Culinary Arts
Tuition: $33,035
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACF. The school is accredited through the ACCET.
Ranking: the school is ranked #3 in Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America.
Financial aid: available, with 54% of students receiving financial aid.
The online culinary arts degree offers a robust learning experience delivered through professional chef instructors that guide students in both culinary art and business.
2. Johnson & Wales University – Providence
Program: BS – Culinary Arts and Food Management
Tuition: $495/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited through the NECHE.
Ranking: the university is ranked #9 in Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America.
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Advance your culinary art and restaurant management skills with an online bachelor’s degree in culinary art at JWU.
Online Video Game Design degrees for Felons
The video game industry is perhaps one of the biggest markets that has seen a lot of innovative products over the years. If you are someone that has a keen interest towards designing and video games, this career pathway degree might just be the right pick for you.
1. Academy of Art university
Program: AA – Game Development
Tuition: $1,072/per credit hour (domestic students); $1,156/credit hour (international students)
Accreditation: the program is accredited through the NASAD. The university is accredited by the WSCUC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #58 in Best Colleges for Design in America.
Financial aid: available, with 88% of students receiving financial aid.
A degree in video game design includes engaging coursework in 3D art, concept art, and level design that can help individuals to start a career in the video game industry.
2. George Mason University
Program: BFA – Computer Game Design
Tuition: $408.15/credit hour (resident); $1,415/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: The program is accredited through the NASAD. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #120 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: Available, with 79% of students receiving financial aid.
A bachelor’s degree in computer game design is the next step for students to advance their skills and knowledge in computer science, visual technology, music, art and game design.
3. West Virginia University14
Program: MA – Game Design
Tuition: $667/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited through the NASAD. The university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #89 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 95% of students receiving financial aid.
The program includes advanced coursework in game production, game design and game theory while helping students to develop advanced set of skills in these areas.
Online Graphic Design degrees for Felons
A degree in graphic design includes coursework in learning how to use software such as Photoshop to edit images, communicate a story through images, tapping into User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) for websites and more. Through this degree, graduates can also acquire skills in building a graphic design portfolio, communication and bring about creative visual content.
1. Rasmussen University – Ocala
Program: Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design
Tuition: $260/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the HLC.
Financial aid: available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
The online degree in graphic design consists of coursework that helps build fundamental skills in graphic design portfolio, web design and image manipulation.
2. University of Florida
Program: BA – Digital Arts and Sciences
Tuition: $129.18/credit hour (resident); $552.62/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the university is accredited through the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #13 in Best Value Colleges in Florida.
Financial aid: available, with 91% of students receiving financial aid.
A degree in digital arts and sciences will prepare graduates to start a future career as concept artists, game designers, UI/UX designers, character modeler and more.
3. Academy of Art University
Program: MFA – Graphic Design
Tuition: $1,279/credit hour (domestic student); $1,404/credit hour (international)
Accreditation: the university is accredited through the WSCUC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #98 in Best Colleges for Design in America.
Financial aid: available, with 83% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s degree in graphic design emphasizes on enhancing an individual’s design skills through an innovative coursework.
Online History degrees for Felons
Taking up a degree in history allows individuals to study about past events and how it has, in one way or the other, shaped and contributed towards the present. History is broadly classified into three periods which includes – ancient history, medieval history and modern history. Moreover, history students will have the opportunity to dive into the past events of each period and learn about the development and growth of human society across the globe.
1. Austin Community College
Program: AA – History
Tuition: $67/credit hour (resident); $335/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the college is accredited through the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #22 in Best Community Colleges in Texas.
Financial aid: available, with 65% of students receiving financial aid.
The associate’s history program at ACC covers vital aspects of history and also prepares students for a bachelor’s degree as well.
2. University of Central Florida
Program: BA – History
Tuition: $179.19/credit hour (in-state); $715.80/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: the university is accredited through the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #8 in Best Colleges for History in Florida.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
A bachelor’s degree in history provides the opportunity for students to expand their comprehension of societal forces that influences change over throughout the years.
3. Liberty University
Program: MA – History
Tuition: $565/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited through the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #16 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The history program introduces a broader perspective on past events, while helping students to enhance their historical research skills.
Online Digital Marketing degrees for felons
The objective of a digital marketing degree is to provide students the opportunity to learn and acquire marketing skills through the use of technology. The goal of digital marketing is to make use of various channels such as ads, emails, social media, etc., to improve the growth of a business, organization or agency. In order to accomplish certain goals, digital marketing professionals leverage market trends and come up with innovative strategies to help grow a business.
1. Northcentral Technical College
Program: Associate Degree in Digital Marketing
Tuition: $143.45/credit hour (resident); $215.18/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The college is ranked #22 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: Available, with 76% of students receiving financial aid.
The associate’s program in digital marketing helps students to build skills in marketing, analysis and research.
2. Florida International University
Program: BBA – Marketing (coursework in Digital Marketing)
Tuition: $228.81/credit hour (in-state); $345.87/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AASCSB. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university ranks #44 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The accredited BBA program at FIU provides students with a robust and engaging coursework designed to enhance both their digital marketing and business skills.
Online Music degrees for Felons
Start a career in music with online music degree that covers a wide range of study including music production, scoring, composition, music theory and performance. Additionally, students also get to learn music editing, use of virtual instruments and how to make use of music creation software.
1. Academy of Art University
Program: AA – Music Production
Tuition: $1,072/per credit hour (domestic students); $1,156/credit hour (international students)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the WSCUC.
Financial aid: available, with 88% of students receiving financial aid.
The online music associate’s degree helps prepare students to enhance their knowledge in music composition and production using software and equipment.
2. Liberty University
Program: BS – Commercial Music
Tuition: $390/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by through the NASM. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #98 in Best Colleges for Music in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The program coursework explores topics on songwriting, recording, mixing, conduction, improvisation techniques and entrepreneurship to name a few.
3. Liberty University
Program: MA – Ethnomusicology
Tuition: $565/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by through the NASM. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #98 in Best Colleges for Music in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s degree in ethnomusicology provides the opportunity for students to explore and experience music from different cultures.
Online Health and Fitness degrees for Felons
Health and fitness programs are primarily focused at three broad aspects – proper nutrition, community and individual health, and disease prevention. The program guides students to learn and also apply effective steps and techniques that can help keep communities and individuals healthy and free from diseases. Additionally, the program also includes coursework that allow students to enhance their skills in positive reinforcement, setting goals and also positive psychology.
1. Harrisburg Area Community College
Program: AAS – Wellness and Health Promotion
Tuition: $7134/year
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the MSCHE.
Ranking: the college is ranked #12 in Best Community Colleges in Pennsylvania.
Financial aid: available, with 73% of students receiving financial aid.
This program is a good fit for students that are looking to start a career that helps promote healthy lifestyles in communities and other people.
2. Arizona State University
Program: BS – Health Sciences (Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science)
Tuition: $714/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited through the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #4 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Arizona.
Financial aid: available, with 93% of students receiving financial aid.
The program focuses on topics such as environment, community health, food security, exploring and understanding why some diseases occur on a large scale to name a few.
3. Arizona State University
Program: MS – Nutritional Science
Tuition: $844/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACEND. The university is accredited through the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #4 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Arizona.
Financial aid: available, with 93% of students receiving financial aid.
The nutrition science program focuses on the importance of proper nutrition requirements that help keep the body healthy and safe from diseases.
Online Accelerated Degrees for Felons
| School | Program | Tuition | Accreditation | Financial aid |
| Southern New Hampshire University | BS – Sport Management (Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Pathway Option) | $320/credit hour | ACBSP-accredited program. NECHE-accredited university. | Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid. |
| California State University | BS – Business Administration (accelerated) | $550/credit hour | ACBSP-accredited program. WSCUC-accredited university. | Available, with 82% of students receiving financial aid. |
| South Dakota State University | Mass Communication (M.M.C.) | $470.45/credit hour | ACEJMC-accredited program. HLC-accredited university. | Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid. |
Free Online Courses for Felons
1. University of Virginia
Course title: Advanced Business Strategy
Cost: Free (on completion, a certificate can be acquired for a fee).
Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
A beginner-friendly certificate course that helps to advance an individual’s analysis and strategic skills in business.
2. Harvard University
Course title: CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
Cost: Free (on completion, a certificate can be acquired for a fee).
Duration: 11 weeks.
Individuals taking up this course will have the opportunity to acquire a robust understanding of computer science.
3. Oxford Home Study Centre
Course title: Construction Management (Short Course)
Cost: free (on completion, a certificate can be acquired for a fee).
Duration: 20 hours.
The CPD-accredited construction management certificate course introduces individuals to construction industry.
4. Great Learning Academy
Course title: Intro to Graphic Design with Photoshop
Cost: Free.
Duration: 1 hour.
Individuals will get to acquire basic knowledge and skills on how to manipulate images, create graphics and motions using Photoshop.
5. Google Digital Garage
Course title: Fundamentals of digital marketing
Cost: Free.
Duration: 40 hours.
The IABE-accredited free course by Google offers engaging coursework on digital marketing with extensive exercises.
Best Careers for Felons
There are various career options that felons can pursue across industries. The chances for landing a good career can also be increased if the individual pursues a degree. Here are some options for careers that felons can consider getting into:
- Construction Management
- Business
- Culinary Art
- Digital Marketing
- Computer Science
- Graphic Design
- Music
Also, have a look at the top salaries from across different industries:
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
| Construction Manager | $82,034 |
| Computer Programmer | $69,571 |
| Video Game Designer | $67,961 |
| Historian | $58,235 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $53,808 |
| Nutritionist | $52,515 |
| Head Chef | $51,609 |
| Music Teacher | $46,986 |
| Fitness Specialist | $40,572 |
Source: payscale.com
Is an online degree as good as a regular degree?
Yes, an online degree can provide the same value of education as that of a regular degree. It is, in fact, quite an effective way to earn a degree if you are someone that is unable to attend traditional classroom lectures due to circumstances. There is also the flexibility of location and time when it comes to getting an online degree which makes it a good choice even for felons that are considering of starting a new chapter in their life.
