Online Master’s Degree Programs

You can boost your career by earning a fast and focused online master's degree. An online degree can offer greater accessibility and affordability than an in-person program. Perks may include accelerated courses, set or in-state tuition rates for all learners (regardless of residency status), and generous transfer credit policies.

Students should consider a multi-faceted approach when it comes to finding and applying to schools. Choosing the right program requires research and organization. Our guide will help you understand what to expect from distance learning. We also review some of the top online master's programs in U.S.

How We Rank Schools

In order to create the Best Online Degree Programs ranking, the BestColleges Rankings Team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics.

To qualify for our ranking list, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution offering an online master's degree program. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (50%), affordability (25%), and the availability and popularity of online programs (25%). Read more about our rankings methodology.

How to Choose the Right Online Master's Program

Students should consider a variety of factors when choosing a master's program, including accreditation. Schools commonly offer accredited online master's degrees in diverse majors and concentrations, which may be ideal for students looking to level up their skills in a particular career field.

Applicants can often choose from several delivery methods, depending on which learning style suits them best. Students should consider whether they prefer a live online learning environment or self-paced, pre-recorded courses. Hybrid programs may suit students looking to blend online and in-person learning.

Program Format

Schools may deliver the curriculum of a master's degree through various course formats. Most online programs offer remote learning options geared toward improved flexibility.

Students may choose a part-time program if they want to complete coursework around existing work and family obligations. Alternatively, they can pursue a full-time degree and/or accelerated coursework to graduate faster.

Online master's programs deliver course content using one or more of the following methods.

• Synchronous: These live courses require active participation from students at a set time online. This format may appeal to students who prefer remote learning but thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Asynchronous: Asynchronous courses involve pre-recorded lectures and on-demand content, which students can access at their own pace. This format may suit students who need more time to digest the course material or require minimal active support to complete coursework.
• Hybrid: Hybrid programs combine online and in-person courses. This format may be ideal for students looking to incorporate occasional hands-on learning projects and teamwork skills into their master's degree. Hybrid degrees often require or recommend on-campus attendance for labs or workshops.

Accreditation

Students looking at online master's programs should make sure their target schools have the appropriate accreditation. Awarded by third-party organizations that hold approval from the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, accreditation signifies that a school is legitimate and provides a quality education. Students should only apply to accredited schools.

Beyond institutional accreditation, some online master's programs receive programmatic accreditation for their specialized curriculum. Examples include MBAs, which may be accredited by agencies such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Additionally, master's in education programs often hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Schools

For-profit and nonprofit colleges may appeal to different types of students seeking a master's degree. Nonprofits, which include state-run public institutions, often cost less than for-profit schools. Students who attend nonprofit schools can also qualify for federal financial aid. Additionally, public schools typically offer a wider variety of master's degrees in traditional subjects.

For-profit universities tend to maintain higher acceptance rates. These schools are more likely to emphasize technical or vocational training through specialized online master's degrees in subjects like culinary arts or medical coding.

Best Online Master's Degree Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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Is a Master's Degree Worth It?

Students considering a master's degree should weigh the costs and benefits to determine if this is a worthwhile endeavor for their career. An online master's option may offer an affordable, convenient path toward career advancement and higher-paying jobs. Each student must decide whether they can incorporate the workload of a master's program into their work and family life.

The table below highlights some pros and cons of earning an online master's. The increased earning potential and ROI of a master's are among its benefits. However, higher earnings and career advancement are not guaranteed.

How Much Does an Online Master's Cost?

Online college costs vary for master's courses. Some schools — especially public universities — maintain differential tuition rates for students who reside in or out of state. While some colleges still charge in- and out-of-state tuition for online programs, many degree levels set a universal per-credit rate, regardless of residency.

Students may enjoy lower overall costs by enrolling on a full-time basis. However, part-time learners may have lower costs per term. Select master's programs may allow students to transfer in some credits, which can help decrease costs and expedite graduation.

Fully online programs can save students the cost of commuting to or living on campus, and even hybrid programs may be less expensive than a traditional option. Earning a diploma online can also help students avoid hidden costs and fees related to physical textbooks, campus facilities, and in-person technology support.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's?

Most consist of 30-60 credits and take roughly two years to complete. They tend to offer more flexible scheduling options than a traditional program, including full- or part-time enrollment. Programs with accelerated coursework can typically be completed in less than two years. Additionally, some programs accept transfer credits.

Explore Subject-Specific Degrees

Schools typically offer several types of traditional and online master's degrees. The most common degree programs include the master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), and master of business administration (MBA). Each degree offers unique majors and concentrations.

Majors in fields like art, English, and the social sciences typically award an MA degree, while MS programs tend to offer majors in technical disciplines or physical/natural science. MBA programs are also popular, especially in concentrations like IT management, marketing, and finance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's Degrees

How do I pay for a master's degree?

Students pursuing an online master's degree may qualify for many types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal aid. They may also apply for private loans to help cover the cost of their degree.

Which master's degree is the most in demand?

The MBA remains one of the most popular master's degrees among career-focused college students. Other in-demand master's degrees are related to topics like computer science, accounting, and nursing. Earning a master's degree can qualify graduates for management-level roles in lucrative technology, business, and healthcare sectors.

MBAs continue to attract students with the promise of high salaries after graduation. Management occupations, which many MBA graduates pursue, often earn more than $100,000 a year. Master's degree-holders can also earn six-figure salaries as computer and information research scientists or nurse specialists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do people take online master's degrees seriously?

Yes. Employers do not typically differentiate between candidates educated on campus or online. Since many schools have spent decades developing their remote learning platforms, employers increasingly view master's programs online as equivalent to traditional ones.

In some cases, an online degree might even be considered superior to an in-person degree. For example, employers might appreciate candidates who have experience with online learning management systems.

Can I finish a master's degree online in one year?

Some accelerated programs allow students to graduate with an online master's degree in just one year. Schools may offer MBAs and other master's degrees that condense an entire graduate education into one year of study. Most one-year master's degrees require full-time enrollment and may require a minimum number of transfer credits.

One-year online master's degrees help students advance or switch careers more quickly than a traditional two-year program. Some accelerated online master's degree programs give students the option to enroll in shorter courses or attend school throughout the year. Others, such as an executive MBA program, might include coursework specially designed for an abbreviated program.

Featured Master's Degree Resources

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