Best Online Degrees With No Proctored Exams

Why Choose an Online Degree Without Proctored Exams?

Here, we’ll discuss the best online degrees with no proctored exams. Then, you’ll also learn about the alternative assessment methods used. We’ll also talk about the pros and cons of these online degrees.

How do proctored exams work in online programs in the first place? Proctored exams ensure that students meet the standards of academic integrity. Students undergo monitoring during their timed exams and quizzes, among other assessments.

In online programs, proctored exams are usually conducted through:

• Live proctoring, where a human proctor oversees students in real-time. The proctor uses a webcam and microphone to keep track of students. 
• Recorded proctoring where students taking the exams are recorded. The video footage is reviewed afterward for signs of cheating and other misconduct.
• Automated proctoring where an AI-based software detects suspicious behaviors and screen activity.

You’ll agree that proctored exams have their challenges. As such, you’ll want to consider online programs without proctored exams.

Take a look at these benefits:

• Increased flexibility since you can take exams at your own time and place
• Decreased anxiety because you’ll do away with the stress of proctored exams
• Reduced risk of technical issues, such as hardware and software malfunctions
• Improved accessibility for all students

What do programs offering online degrees without proctored exams use instead? Open-book exams, portfolios, and research papers are popular.

Contrary to popular notions, these aren’t an easy way out of academic integrity and excellence. In fact, you’ll still study your course materials and meet degree requirements.

Indeed, there’s nothing easy about earning an online degree. The only thing that you’ll skip are the proctored exams. The rest takes effective time management and study habits.

How Do Online Degree Programs Assess Students Without Proctored Exams?

No-proctor online college programs use alternative assessment methods to track their students’ progress. The types and scope of these methods differ between programs. Your program may place more value on project-based learning than on open-book exams.

So, before choosing a no-proctored exam online program, ask about learning expectations first. What are the alternative assessment methods used? What criteria are used to determine your academic performance (i.e., grades)? This way, you can set realistic expectations about the no-proctored exam policy.

With that said, here are the four major alternative assessment methods used:

Project-based Learning

In project-based learning, students focus on applying their knowledge to real-world issues. There’s no rote memorization involved, meaning less exam anxiety.

Students complete practical projects based on their course and major. You can, for example, create business plans, mobile apps, or educational projects. Doing so also means demonstrating your mastery of the course concepts.

Open-book Exams and Take-home Assignments

In these methods, students learn more about course concepts than with rote memorization. You’ll learn to research, analyze, and summarize concepts in such a way that you can explain them.

Open-book exams aren’t as easy as they sound. You’ll answer essays and problem-solving questions that highlight your academic skills.

Take-home assignments provide more flexibility since you can complete them at your own pace. But don’t be complacent, as you must produce quality results.

Portfolio Assessments

With portfolio assessments, you’ll complete a collection of your work. Your portfolio can include creative works, business plans, essays, or coding samples. Again, what’s in your portfolio depends on the course and your major.

Professors use portfolios to determine your skills, achievements, and growth. You can also use your portfolio for internship and job applications.

Research Papers and Case Studies

These are among the most challenging because you must give them ample time and effort. With research papers, you must explore topics in more depth than in class discussions. Then, there’s the formal structure (i.e., review of literature, methodology, and main body).

With case studies, students tackle hypothetical and real-world scenarios. You must analyze the case problem, propose solutions, and justify them. In doing so, you’ll demonstrate your decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Top Accredited Online Degrees With No Proctored Exams

Here are the best online degrees with no proctored exams in our opinion. Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all with these programs.

Bachelor’s in Business Administration

Did you know that business occupations have a faster-than-average projected growth rate? These workers also earn well, with $79,050/year in median wages (BLS, May 2023). In contrast, the median wage for all occupations is $48,060/year.

Plus, you can earn a business degree in an online program without proctored exams. You’ll learn the basics of management, finance, and marketing, among others.

Being a business student means preparing for success in the business world. You can either be an employee or an employer (i.e., a business owner).

No-proctored exam business programs use alternative assessment methods like:

• Business case studies
• Group projects and discussions
• Project-based assignments
• Strategy development projects
• Business simulations
• Internships

You’ll gain practical skills through these experiential learning opportunities, too.

Bachelor’s in Psychology

If you want to become a psychologist, start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Then, you must earn a master’s degree or a doctoral degree, as well as a license. Psychologists earn $92,740/year in median wages but can earn over $151,880/year (BLS, May 2023).

But you can pursue many rewarding careers with a bachelor’s degree, too. Think case managers, human resources specialists, and youth counselors.

In an online no-proctored exam psychology program, common courses include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology

Instead of traditional exams, students are evaluated based on these methods:

• Case studies
• Research papers
• Applied psychology projects
• Discussion forums

Effective communication skills are vital to your success.

Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts

Students in bachelor’s in liberal arts programs receive an interdisciplinary education. You’ll tackle a wide range of subjects, including:

• History
• Literature
• Philosophy
• Social sciences

As a student, your skills will be tested through alternative assessment methods, including:

• Long-form and short-form essays
• Reflective writing assignments
• Academic writing samples
• Creative work like poetry and digital blogs
• Senior thesis or capstone project
• Research and analysis work

You’ll then compile your work into a portfolio for submission.

Bachelor’s in Information Technology

If you want to work in one of the fastest-growing industries, consider earning an IT degree. Computer and IT occupations earn impressive median wages, too – $104,420/year (BLS, May 2023).

But even without proctored exams, earning an online IT degree is a challenge. You must have effective math and science skills, for starters. Then, you must develop your logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As a student, your courses can include:

• Operating systems and system administration
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Computer networking
• Programming and software development
• Database management systems

Instead of traditional exams, your assessments are made through:

• IT project development and management projects
• Coding and programming assignments
• Case studies and problem-solving exercises

You may also be required to submit a portfolio of your best works. Plus, an internship in your area of specialization boosts your practical skills.

Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

Yet another high-return, no-proctored exam degree you can earn is in health administration. There’s a 29% projected job growth rate for medical and health services managers (BLS, 2023-2033). These workers also earn an impressive $110,680/year median wage; the highest income is over $216,750/year.

As a healthcare administration student, your coursework includes:

• Healthcare management
• Healthcare finance
• Healthcare information systems
• Health policy and law
• Medical terminology

Since there are no proctored exams, your academic performance will be evaluated through:

• Case studies
• Discussion boards
• Research papers
• Capstone projects
• Recorded presentations

An internship may also be a graduation requirement.

Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs

If you’re not yet ready for a bachelor’s degree, consider associate’s degree and certificate programs. These are shorter programs that enable students to gain practical skills, too.

Consider these fields of study that are in high demand across diverse industries.

• Accounting, finance, or business
• Early childhood education
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity
• Digital marketing

You won’t take proctored exams, but practical skills assessments are common.

Finding an Affordable Online Degree Without Proctored Exams

But proctored or not, earning an online degree can be costly. You can spend between $40,536 and $63,185 in total tuition for it. So, it’s crucial to find affordable online degrees without proctored tests.

Here’s what you can do to find quality yet affordable online degree programs:

Compare the tuition and fees for all programs you’re interested in.

Consider the tuition per credit, compulsory fees, and program-specific fees. Being an in-state student in a public school is usually more affordable. Out-of-state students and private school students usually pay more in direct fees.

Consider the financial aid options.

Don’t judge online programs based on their tuition and fees alone. Be sure to consider the financial aid options and their impact on cost. Then, apply to as many financial aid programs as you can.

Federal and state aid programs are a given. Apply for scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursements, too.

Go for work-study opportunities.

Yes, online students are eligible for work-study programs. Remote work, freelancing gigs, and internships with allowances are common.

Finding the best affordable online programs takes time and effort. But when you’ve found the right one, you’re more likely to earn your online degree. With less financial stress, you can focus more on your academic progress.

How to Verify the Credibility of Online Programs With No Proctored Exams

Not all online degree programs with alternative assessments are credible. You must exercise due diligence in verifying the credibility of online programs. Otherwise, your online degree may be of little worth (i.e., prospective employers won’t recognize it).

Here’s how to avoid such an unfortunate event:

Check the regional and programmatic accreditation.

Programs offering accredited online degrees with no proctored exams are the best.

To check for regional accreditation, go to the U.S. Department of Education’s DAPIP. Look for the regional accreditation of the online colleges you’re interested in.

Programmatic accreditation is either recommended or required for specialized disciplines.

• Business administration – AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE
• Psychology – APA
• Information technology – ABET
• Healthcare administration – CAHME

Accredited online colleges with open-book exams are just as credible as on-campus colleges.

Understand the employers’ perception of alternative assessment methods.

Nowadays, more employers look beyond traditional testing methods. Instead, there’s a greater emphasis on practical skills and job fit. But it also pays to choose an online program that:

• Feature robust industry partnerships for internships and other experiential learning opportunities
• Have high alumni employment rates
• Offer students skills-focused activities

Graduates of online degree programs with project-based learning are in demand, too. This is particularly true for IT and healthcare administration programs.

Beware of unaccredited schools and diploma mills.

If an online college has no physical address, contact information, or accreditation, don’t consider it. This is also true for self-paced online degrees without proctored exams with unrealistic time frames. If it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.

Pros and Cons of Earning an Online Degree Without Proctored Exams

Here are their pros and cons for a balanced perspective:

Pros:

• Flexible scheduling and access
• Reduced stress from the scrutiny of proctored exams
• Greater emphasis on real-world applications and practical skills
• Encourages independent learning and thinking

Cons:

• Some employers may question the degrees’ credibility
• Demands self-discipline for program completion

Final Thoughts: Is a No-Proctor Online Degree Right for You?

If you’re looking for flexible assessment methods, keep these things in mind.

• Flexibility comes at a price. You must exercise self-discipline in meeting the standards of the alternative assessments. Many of them are more challenging than traditional exams.
• Accreditation is key to employer acceptance.
• Ask relevant questions about student expectations, learning outcomes, and graduate outcomes. Determine the quality and scope of student support services. Talk to current students and alumni about their experiences.
• Check with government regulatory agencies and industry organizations for more information.

You may be the right fit for a no-proctor online degree program if you like flexibility, quality, and affordability in education.