2024 Best Online Master’s Programs [Ultimate Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on October 1, 2024
Exploring the world of online master’s programs can be overwhelming, given the multitude of options available today. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you find the graduate program that aligns perfectly with your goals and aspirations.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current career, pivot to a new field, or simply expand your knowledge, an online master’s degree can be a powerful tool to reignite your passion and unlock new opportunities. This guide will walk you through key considerations, from choosing the right program to financial aspects and career outcomes.
By comparing top accredited schools and their diverse offerings, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about your educational future.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
UNC-Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Carolina Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
A master’s degree is an advanced degree that shows you have a “mastery” of a particular subject.
Earning this degree can help open the door to new career opportunities as well as increased earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), full-time working adults with master’s degrees earn on average $240 per week more than workers who hold a bachelor’s degree.
In order to pursue a master’s degree, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree.
Choosing the right type of online master’s program is key to making your educational experience work for you. Depending on your personal needs and schedule, you can find the perfect balance of flexibility and convenience to suit your needs.
When you’re choosing an online master’s program, you’ll find options that are either fully online or hybrid. Fully online programs let you complete all your coursework remotely, giving you maximum flexibility to study from anywhere. Hybrid programs, also known as low-residency, may require you to attend campus occasionally, offering a blend of online and in-person learning.
Another key decision is whether to enroll part-time or full-time. Full-time programs allow you to earn your degree faster, but they can be more demanding on your time. If you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, a part-time master’s program might be a better fit, letting you pace your studies around your life.
As noted by EducationUSA, online learning provides students with the flexibility to study from anywhere, and programs are increasingly designed to accommodate busy schedules. By considering your needs and the structure of these programs, you can find the option that works best for you.
If you don’t want to spend any more time in the classroom than necessary, you can earn your master’s degree online through either an accelerated master’s program or by taking accelerated classes.
Some colleges offer 5 week, 6 week, or 8 week online courses. These accelerated programs are designed to help students complete their degrees more quickly, often in as little as 12-18 months.
Many universities now provide fully online accelerated master’s options across various fields, including business, education, and healthcare, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a master’s degree, you are likely already well established in your career. You may also have a family, own a home and have other adult responsibilities. These are things you can’t just put on hold to go back to school!
Online master’s programs can help you obtain the flexibility to maintain your obligations while earning your degree.
What’s more, some online programs may allow you to speed up the process, helping you complete your master’s program in a fraction of the time it would take on campus. They do this by offering accelerated 6 week to 8 week terms and omitting the traditional thesis requirement.
Online master’s degrees cover a wide range of fields, allowing you to choose a program that aligns with your career goals. Here are some of the most popular disciplines available:
An MBA is ideal if you’re looking to advance into leadership or management roles. Possible careers include business manager, marketing director, or financial analyst.
Specializing in areas like Instructional Design or Educational Leadership can prepare you for roles as a school administrator, curriculum developer, or instructional coordinator in schools or training centers.
Degrees in Computer Science or Information Systems prepare you for technical careers like software developer, systems analyst, or IT project manager. These fields are in high demand across industries.
These programs equip you for leadership roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, or public health organizations. Careers include hospital administrator, public health officer, or healthcare consultant.
These fields are focused on helping individuals and communities. You could pursue careers as a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, or counselor. Fields like nursing or social work may require additional clinical hours.
With such a variety of options, you can pursue a master’s degree that suits your interests and future career plans.
Advancing your education almost always results in increased earning potential. But there are, of course, certain fields in which it’s especially beneficial.
Here are the online master’s degrees that lead to the highest paying jobs:
| Major | Annual Median Salary |
| Computer Information Research / Computer Science | $126,830 |
| Political Science | $125,350 |
| Mathematics / Statistics | $110,860 |
| Economics | $108,350 |
| Education Leadership / Education Administration | $97,500 |
| Sociology | $86,110 |
| Genetic Counseling / Genetics | $85,700 |
| Speech Pathology | $80,480 |
There are also many high-paying fields you may be able to get into without a master’s, but a master’s can potentially lead to faster advancement and increased pay.
When choosing an online master’s program, consider these key factors:
By carefully assessing these aspects, you can select a program that aligns with your professional goals and personal circumstances.
Admission requirements for online master’s programs can vary depending on the institution and field of study, but most programs have some common criteria. Below we’ve listed the typical admissions requirements you may encounter:
It’s important to note that some programs may have additional requirements specific to their field, such as work experience or prerequisite courses. Always check with the individual program for their exact admission criteria, as requirements can change and may differ even within the same institution.
Absolutely! Just like on-campus students, online students have a variety of financial aid opportunities to pursue.
Let’s review the options.
To be clear, as long as you are enrolled in an accredited program, you should have no trouble finding financial aid to help cover the costs of earning your master’s degree online.
Typically, a master’s degree takes about two years to complete, but online programs often offer accelerated options. Some students can earn their master’s degree in one year online, choosing accelerated 8-week terms, taking at least two classes per term, and selecting a program without a traditional thesis requirement.
Most online master’s programs require 36 to 54 credit hours (12-18 courses). The elimination of thesis components in many programs has further shortened completion times. However, the actual duration can vary based on your field of study, course load, and personal circumstances. It’s crucial to carefully consider these factors when planning your educational journey.
The GRE requirement for master’s programs varies widely. While some universities still consider it an important part of the application process, many are moving away from this requirement, offering master’s program with no GRE required or optional. The trend of making GRE scores optional or eliminating them altogether has been growing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, if you have a strong GRE score, it can still be a valuable addition to your application. It’s crucial to check the specific requirements of each program you’re interested in, as policies can differ even within the same institution. Remember, the GRE is just one component of your application, and many schools take a holistic approach to admissions.
The cost of a master’s degree can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of institution you choose. According to the recent survey from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and required fees for graduate programs were as follows:
These figures represent in-state tuition rates. Keep in mind that the total cost of your degree will depend on the program’s length, additional fees, and living expenses. It’s also worth noting that many students receive financial aid, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
When considering a master’s program, be sure to research all potential expenses and funding options to make an informed decision about your educational investment.
When choosing between a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS), it’s important to understand their key differences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which path aligns best with your goals and interests:
| Master of Arts (MA) | Master of Science (MS) |
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While these distinctions are common, there can be overlap between MA and MS programs depending on the specific field and institution. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your career aspirations and personal interests.
Not always! More and more universities are finding ways to offer online masters programs without thesis requirements.
Instead of the daunting thesis, schools may offer alternatives like capstone projects, internship opportunities or other courses or projects that serve as a culmination of the program. You will still need to demonstrate that you’ve “mastered the field” but now you may be able to do it in a way that doesn’t take a year or more!
Online master’s degrees are widely respected, especially if they come from accredited institutions. Many employers now recognize the value of these degrees, as they demonstrate not only expertise but also key skills like self-discipline and time management.
In fact, according to NCES, over 49% of students at public and private non-profit institutions, and more than 91% at for-profit institutions, were enrolled in distance education courses in a recent survey. As long as your program is accredited, an online master’s degree is just as credible as a traditional one.
Earning your master’s degree online will require time, money, and a lot of hard work, but the investment can be incredibly rewarding.
With this advanced degree, you may qualify for promotions, new career opportunities, and higher earning potential. Perhaps the biggest perk is reigniting your passion for your field by learning more deeply about it!
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider exploring accredited universities to ensure a respected and credible education that supports your career goals. Let’s find the perfect master’s program for your goals—just click “Find My Program.”
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