Due to the emerging need for highly skilled volunteers in undeveloped nations, some individuals may be in the process of deciding whether they will travel abroad to help these countries, or attend a campus-based or online college.

Fortunately, online college degree programs are making it possible for students to do both. Because these courses of study allow degree seekers to complete their coursework from anywhere they can find an internet connection, students can now further their education while they are working or traveling.

In fact, some campus-based and online schools are creating degree programs that require students to complete volunteer work before they graduate.

For instance, a Minnesota-based school recently announced a partnership with the Peace Corps to create a masters program in civil engineering, The Minnesota Daily reports. Individuals who have completed bachelors programs in civil engineering, math or science can apply for this course of study, which requires degree seekers to serve abroad for the philanthropic association for 27 months.

Similar experienced-based programs could lead civil engineers into lucrative positions, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that professionals in this field who were working in 2008 earned an average of $74,600 per year.