For adults juggling jobs and family commitments and earning a degree can seem like an extraordinary task.

Other than it does not have to be. By joining the millions of Americans pursuing online education, it is possible to get ready for the next great job opportunity from the comfort of the couch.

"Online learning can do two things- It can make possible advancement in an existing profession, or it can lead to a completely new profession," says Leah K. Matthews, executive director of the Accrediting Commission of non-profit Distance Education and Training Council. "It spans almost every field now."

The following jobs were pulled from U.S. News & World Report's 100 Best Jobs of 2014 rankings. They earned good marks for employment salary, opportunity, work-life balance and job security, among other factors.

Nurse practitioner (ranked No. 4 out of 100 best jobs)-

For people concerned primary with job security, a career as a nurse practitioner could be the definitive elixir. Employment of nurse practitioners is growing, with an estimated employment increase of 94%, according to a study published in Medical Care, a journal of the American Public Health Association.

Aspiring nurse practitioners need a graduate degree to enter the profession that they can earn throughout completing an online Master's in Nursing or an online Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Medical University of South Carolina and University of Massachusetts Amherst is among the top online accommodate nursing programs ranked by U.S. News.

Computer systems analyst (ranked No. 2 out of 100 best jobs)-

This one is not a job for a socially awkward computer hurtle. The ideal computer systems analyst possesses a passion for knowledge and great personal skills. These professionals liaise between the IT department and a client and are involved with both budgetary and technical considerations of a project.

To land this job, you will need as a minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Arizona State University and Colorado State University, Global Campus both offer an online bachelor's degree in information technology.

Students wanting to further improve their earning power can pursue an online master's degree in computer information technology. University of Southern California, Sam Houston State University and Virginia Tech are just some of the top programs ranked by U.S. News.

Market research analyst (ranked No. 15 out of 100 best jobs)-

A superior market research analyst knows what people like and why. Pepsi or Coke? And Mac or PC? These professionals are the definitive observers, watching people to find out their habits and preferences. Their advice helps clients package, brand and sell products correctly.

Entering the field requires as a minimum a bachelor's degree and many who join the profession come from disciplines focusing mainly on math or business.

Those interested in market research might think about an online bachelor's degree in business administration from a program for instance Daytona State College or St. John's University. Earning an online MBA from Washington State University, Arizona State University or another top program could be helpful to those with an unrelated bachelor's degree or for candidates looking to make impression employers with their advanced subject knowledge.

Cost estimator (ranked No. 59 out of 100 best jobs)-

Earlier than the ground is ever broken in a construction project, a cost estimator helps coordinate its technical, fiscal and mechanical requirements. The role requires a person with an analytic, prepared mind, who is at effortlessness working with engineers, architects and construction managers.

Although a four-year degree is not required to enter the field, a bachelor's degree in construction management or building science and connected work experience in accounting, finance, business or economics would give applicants a leg up.

If this career piques an interest, think about an online bachelor's degree in business from Central Michigan University, Pace University or one more highly ranked online bachelor's program.

Public relations specialist (ranked No. 85 out of 100 best jobs)-

Those with the gift of gab are in luck. The requirement for public relations specialists is expected to grow nearly 23 percent between 2010 and 2020, in accordance to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To excel in this field, professionals must have brilliant written and oral communication skills and understand art of the sell.

It is possible to land a public relations job right out of college. To do so, think about enrolling in a reputable online bachelor's program in communications. Pennsylvania State University, World Campus, for in case, offers an online bachelor's of arts in advertising or public relations. Pace University also offers an online bachelor's of science in professional communication studies.

Speech-language pathologist (ranked No. 35 out of 100 best jobs)-

Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, help people grappling with communication and swallowing disorders tied to stroke, brain injury, hearing loss and a series of other causes.

The majority of speech-language pathologists work full-time and almost 50% work in schools, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The profession that requires a master's degree has seen a pay spike in recent years.

Students can get an online master's degree in speech-language pathology at Idaho State University and University of Northern Colorado, amongst other schools.