Over the past few years, many students have used their campus-based or online college degrees in business to launch socially conscious careers. Consequently, many schools of management are beginning to integrate community service into their course offerings.

For instance, a group of MBA candidates from a South Carolina-based school recently completed a project that resulted in the improvement of a local church.

Two years ago, students who participated in the initiative visited the mission church - which works to help homeless people - to brainstorm the ways they could improve the facility. The degree seekers decided that a computer lab would be most beneficial to the church, as it could help homeless individuals search for jobs and improve their technical skills.

In addition to updating the facilities, the students designed a computer training curriculum that introduced attendees to topics ranging from typing to using Microsoft Excel.

Even if they choose to enter the philanthropic or nonprofit sectors, MBA holders can still expect to earn high salaries. According to PayScale.com, a research company, holders of this degree can make between $50,000 and $200,000 per year.