Online masters degree programs in usa

These relationships may lead to career-boosting opportunities. On the other hand, online study can prepare you for remote work , an increasing trend in many sectors of the economy. Importantly, all regionally accredited master's programs — whether in-person or online — provide a high level of academic quality in their curriculum. The decision to enroll in an online master's degree program should be based on your personal, financial, and career goals.

Consider the following factors:. You may choose from online programs nationwide without spending the time, money, and energy that's required to physically move.

From the comfort of your home, you can attend the top schools in your field. By focusing on a specialization within your field of study, you become an expert in your field when you complete an advanced degree. Conversely, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Earning your master's can be challenging and time-consuming because advanced classes are often complex and demanding.

In an online environment, you may find support lacking, especially compared to the strength of in-person peer and faculty groups. Additionally, acquiring a master's degree may cause you to incur more debt, depending on your career path. Even before the remote learning boom that occurred as a result of the COVID pandemic, employers were increasingly accepting of online degrees. In , Northeastern University conducted a study that showed how a solid majority of HR leaders already believed that online learning was of equal quality to traditional degrees.

Accreditation is the key factor in determining whether prospective employers will value and respect your online master's degree. We list accreditation information for all colleges on our site. However, unless you attend an exclusively online college, your employer may not even know you earned your degree online.

For example, many colleges don't distinguish between online and traditional education programs in either their transcripts or diplomas.

Although schools have varying admission procedures, some requirements remain consistent across the board. Earning an online master's degree can be a more affordable route than a traditional advanced degree, whether you attend a nonprofit college or private institution. Many schools charge online students a flat tuition rate regardless of their residency status. However, the cost of an online master's program varies according to the chosen discipline and school. Although tuition makes up the most significant percentage of total college costs accrued, schools charge students a range of other expenses.

Online learners are often expected to pay technology fees. On the other hand, they save money by avoiding moving expenses as well as on-campus costs, such as room and board. Financial aid can lower the total cost of graduate school and leave you with lower student debt. Online learners usually qualify for the same financial aid programs as on-campus students, but you should verify each program's eligibility requirements.

OnlineU has over partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad. Educational Leadership. Learn More. Jill Lawrence, Class of Amanda, Class of Program Overview Program Count : This information can be found on the school's official website here. Francesca Rubino, Class of Anonymous, Class of Admissions Requirements : Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, supplemental essay, additional essays, interview, group interview, recent photo, transcripts, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT.

Madeleine Young, Class of Lyssa, Class of Admissions Requirements : Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, personal essay, additional essays, transcripts, minimum 3. Learn more about how we make money. Matt Jenkins, Class of Naina Sharma, Class of Admissions Requirements : Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, analytical essay, personal statement, additional essays, interview, transcripts, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT, and pre-requisite courses.

Hilary Herron, Class of The faculty are very supportive and accommodating to an educator's demanding lifestyle. Dave E. John's University OnlineU has over partner colleges that advertise on our site. John's University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Joseph Peragallo, Class of Briana, Class of Alex King, Class of Cassandra Abelard, Class of The professors were all in the field that I was interested in and had a lot of life advice.

Elliot Morgan, Class of Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, Class of Morgan Davies, Class of Maren Fulbright, Class of Chelsea Layman, Class of Hannah Nagy, Class of Amanda Cullipher, Class of Channell Kirkland, Class of Jasmine Miller, Class of PaulR, Class of Admissions Requirements : Vary by program and may include min 2.

Michael Hunt, Class of Jay Ho, Class of Q, Class of Charles Russo, Class of The program is very convenient and everything can be done remotely.

Alison Funka, Class of Hamilton, Class of Great online program. Easy to understand and apply concepts. Excellent staff and support system. Clifford Clift, Class of Sarah Como, Class of Stephanie Petta, Class of Simone Khoubian, Class of Jonathan Hromalik, Class of Molly McGowan Gorsuch, Class of The professors are knowledgeable, creative and accessible in the teaching of the courses. Elizabeth, Class of Lee, Class of Typical time to completion: 1.

Experience more choices without relocating You may choose from online programs nationwide without spending the time, money, and energy that's required to physically move. Are Online Master's Degrees Respected? Applying to Online Master's Programs Although schools have varying admission procedures, some requirements remain consistent across the board. Letters of recommendation from professors or managers.

Resume detailing relevant professional experience. GRE test scores within a given range, which is typically In addition to tuition and related fees, it may be helpful to consider future earnings. Our ROI scores can help you weigh a program's upfront cost against the likelihood that it will pay off in the long run. The scores show that a more expensive higher education doesn't necessarily lead to greater earning potential mid-career.

For example, the second- and third-ranked schools on the master's degree list cost less than the fourth- and fifth-ranked schools. This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site. Fordham University 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: MSW.

University of California - Berkeley 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: Master of Public Health. Northwestern University 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: Master of Science in Global Health.

Columbia University in the City of New York 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Johns Hopkins University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. California State University-Northridge 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: Master of Public Administration. George Mason University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the graduate level.

John's University Learn more about how we make money. University of Maryland - College Park 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: Master of Chemical and Life Sciences. Seton Hall University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level.

University of Washington - Seattle 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: Master of Education in Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis.

Duke University 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: Master of Environmental Management. Saint Joseph's University 's annual tuition was collected using the following degree as a representation of the school's overall tuition rate: MS in Education - Special Education. Norwich University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. University of Massachusetts - Amherst 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level.

National University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Georgia Institute of Technology 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level.

University of Michigan-Flint 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Washington State University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the graduate level.

Mercy College 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. California State University-Dominguez Hills 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Purdue University - Main Campus 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Boston University 's annual tuition was collected using the tuition rate at the master's level. Aerospace Engineering. Chemical Engineering. Christian Counseling.

Civil Engineering. Computer Engineering. Computer Science. Conflict Resolution. Counseling Psychology. Creative Writing. Criminal Justice. Data Science. Not reported. Electrical Engineering. Elementary Education. Emergency Management. Engineering Management. Environmental Science. Exercise Science. Forensic Psychology. Forensic Science. Health Education. Healthcare Administration. Healthcare Informatics. Healthcare Management. Holistic Medicine. Homeland Security. Human Resources. Human Services.

Industrial Engineering. Information Technology. Library Science. Mechanical Engineering. Medical Office Administration. Nurse Practitioner NP. Organizational Leadership. Personal Training. Physical Education. Political Science. Project Management. Public Administration. Public Health. Religious Studies. RN to MSN. School Counseling. Still, it may be one of the most prolific graduate schools in the nation for distance education degrees.

Many of these programs have been nationally ranked by U. Popular degree programs include:. Here, prospective students have nearly 90 different graduate degree programs to choose from, all offered via distance education. These programs allow students to keep their day jobs or raise their children while earning the credentials they need to begin or advance their careers. According to the latest research from the National Center for Education Statistics NCES , over 3 million students in the United States are expected to be enrolled in a post-baccalaureate degree program i.

This is because cost is a major factor for choosing a degree program, online or otherwise. Some students desire a relaxed course load, even with the understanding that it may take longer to finish their degree plans. Luckily, there are programs available that will fit just about any schedule. The answer to that question depends primarily on whether you enroll in asynchronous or synchronous online courses.

To distinguish between the two, you need to understand that asynchronous classes enable students to work at their own pace, logging in and out of their virtual classrooms as they please while synchronous courses occur in real-time and therefore require specific log-on times. As you can imagine, there are advantages and drawbacks to each of these content delivery methods. Also, keep in mind that some programs combine elements of both asynchronous and synchronous content delivery. However, you should know that other programs are also available that blend online learning with traditional in-person instruction.

These are commonly referred to as hybrid programs. You may also see them labeled as partially online or low-residency programs. There are those students who desire some face time with professors and classmates, though.

If the latter describes you, then you may want to consider a hybrid program. You need to ask yourself before doing your due diligence in researching these programs: Can I get in? Still, you should be prepared to submit other documentation and requirements with your completed application, such as:. The details of your degree plan will be contingent on what field of study you choose for your advanced degree. However, you may be required to take some prerequisite or foundational courses, depending on the program and your specific academic background.

These classes are intended to level the playing field, so to speak, for all students enrolled in the program and give them the background knowledge they need to succeed throughout their remaining classes.

The most popular fields of study are less intriguing but still full of potential. Texas Tech University— Texas Tech University made our list of the top ten most affordable graduate schools. Many of these offerings are nationally ranked, including those in engineering and business. Some hybrid degree programs are also available. Several online graduate certificate programs are also available. Partially online degree plans are also available. This includes top-ranked programs in engineering, education, business administration, and computer information technology.

Makes sense, right? Keep in mind that the information provided is general in nature and not intended to replace information from an admissions counselor or other school representative. A: Yes. In the MA in education programs, students choose from completing a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam. Students in the water resource management master's program must complete a relevant internship and capstone project.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum 2. Students applying to the water resource management program must also demonstrate proficiency in geographic information systems. American University offers 22 online master's degrees in disciplines such as business administration, strategic communication, healthcare management, and legal studies.

These programs accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Enrollees can also pursue a graduate certificate in healthcare management, human resource management and analytics, project monitoring and evaluation, or sports analytics and management.

The school's master's programs require 30 credits and take less than two years to complete. Some programs offer concentrations that allow enrollees to further specialize in the field. For instance, in the master's in strategic communication program, students choose from a concentration in advocacy and social impact, or digital communication strategies and analytics.

Learners must complete a capstone course, project, or thesis. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Some programs require candidates to have a minimum 3. UConn offers online master's degrees in several subject areas, including accounting, educational technology, engineering, and neonatal nursing. These programs allow working professionals to earn advanced credentials while working full time. For example, the master's in accounting is designed for working accountants who need additional credits to qualify for CPA licensure or those who want advanced credentials to apply for a senior-level position.

Each master's program at UConn provides flexibility for working professionals. The engineering master's program runs asynchronously or synchronously in the evenings, while the master's in educational technology program features condensed online courses over two summers. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some programs, such as the master's in engineering program, require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in a specific field and to have a minimum undergraduate 3.

Students should verify their program's admission requirements. UT's Extended Campus provides several online master's degrees in disciplines such as business administration and technology commercialization. UT offers a master's in electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and nutritional sciences entirely online.

Other programs feature flexible formats to accommodate distance learners and full-time employees. For instance, the executive master of business administration program requires one weekend of classes per month in Austin for 20 months.

UT's online master's degrees require 30 credits and take two years to complete. Students in the master of science in nutritional sciences MSNS program can choose from two concentrations: health promotion and disease prevention or biochemical and functional nutrition. The engineering program is a non-thesis program while the MSNS requires a thesis.

The mechanical engineering program also requires 12 months of industry experience. IU offers 43 online master's degrees , most of which run entirely online. However, some master's programs require in-residence commitments.

The MBA program includes two weeks of on-campus workshops and networking activities. The MHA program requires an on-campus health economics course. Most of IU's online master's degrees require credits and take two years to complete. Some master's programs require credits. Students complete a combination of core and elective courses. Depending on the specific program and degree, students then complete a capstone project, thesis, practicum, or exam.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some programs list GPA and work experience criteria. Sacramento State offers two fully online master's programs : a master of science MS in accounting and a master of arts MA in curriculum and instruction. The school also provides several hybrid degrees in business administration, education, and nursing. The hybrid programs vary in delivery format but include in-residence lectures and online courses. The executive master of business administration program, for example, holds every third week of classes online.

The MA in curriculum and instruction and the MS in accounting both require 30 credits and take less than two years to complete. MA students must complete a culminating experience consisting of a written exam and oral defense. MS in accounting students complete a culminating experience project in accounting and ethics. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2. USD offers various online or hybrid master's degrees , including a master of science MS in cybersecurity operations and leadership, a master of education M.

The MBA program delivers courses in a hybrid format that requires students to meet on campus for one weekend per month. The other two programs run entirely online.

The latter two take 20 months to complete while the MBA takes longer. Students enroll in a combination of core and elective courses. The master's curricula culminates in a capstone course.

Specific admission criteria and application materials vary depending on the program. JBU offers 10 online master's degrees in fields of business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education. Bachelor's students can take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework, which count toward both a bachelor's and master's degree.

These programs prepare students for more senior-level positions or for licensure. For instance, graduates from the master's in counseling program are eligible for licensure as a licensed professional counselor. These master's degrees require credits and take years to complete. Students take a combination of core courses and electives, culminating in a capstone project, thesis, or exam. Some programs offer emphasis areas for students to specialize further.

Counseling students can choose from concentrations in marriage and family therapy, play therapy, and adventure therapy. Admissions criteria vary depending on the specific program, but applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. CSU in Fort Collins offers a variety of online and hybrid master's degrees in subjects such as the agricultural sciences, arts and music, business, education, and health and human services.

Many programs run entirely online but some include an in-residence requirement. Some of the music, arts, and education programs require students to complete an on-campus summer session.

The master's in communication and management program operates on a blended learning format that requires enrollees to meet in person once a week. These online master's degrees require credits and typically take two years to complete.

Online students take the same courses as their on-campus counterparts. Professional programs, such as the master of business administration, do not require a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam. Additional GPA or testing criteria varies by program. Florida Tech offers online master's degrees in organizational leadership, business administration, information assurance and cybersecurity, and supply chain management.

The school's master of business administration MBA program provides several specialization options, including cybersecurity, healthcare management, information technology management, and project management. These master's degrees require credits and take two years to complete. Florida Tech delivers courses for these programs entirely online. In the MBA program, students take core courses, specialization courses, and a capstone course in strategic management.

For the capstone course, learners conduct case analyses of industries and their competitors. Other programs require core courses with no capstone requirement. To apply, prospective students submit an application and undergraduate transcripts. IIT offers a variety of online master's programs in areas including engineering, computing, and business. Some online programs require in-person appearances for lab courses or practicums. Course delivery combines asynchronous online materials with some synchronous video conferences and discussions.

IIT's online master's degrees require 30 credits and take two years to complete.