List of Accredited Online Master's Degree Programs

Yes, you can earn a master's degree online. An accredited online master's degree demonstrates advanced knowledge of a particular subject and can carry the same prestige as an in-person degree. More than 580 accredited colleges offer fully online master's programs in over 100 disciplines, and the number of online degree programs continues to grow as technology steadily improves. In fact, in the fall of 2019, 33% of all postbaccalaureate students took courses exclusively online, including master's and doctoral students. Interestingly, enrollment in online master's programs outpaces bachelor’s programs.

A master's program is designed to take students 1.5-2 years of full-time study whether it's completed in-person or online. Some colleges — mostly for-profit schools — offer accelerated programs requiring 5-6 eight-week terms each year. However, working students may prefer to enroll part-time, which could take three years or more.

Most master's programs are worth 30-60 credits, with full-time students completing 12-15 credits per term. Master's programs don't take as much time to complete as undergraduate degrees because no core courses are required.

Online vs. In-Person Master's Programs

Whereas in-person master's programs require attending a physical campus, online degrees can be acquired through e-learning platforms. These digital classes are often asynchronous, allowing participants to watch pre-recorded lectures, post in discussion forums, and complete assignments around their busy schedules.

While online learning can provide convenience, the main benefit of a traditional campus program is direct engagement with classmates and faculty. 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. A regionally accredited school has been evaluated by authorities to meet the nationally accepted educational standards via a rigorous peer-review process, and this stamp of approval is especially crucial for online learners because it signals a degree’s credibility to potential employers. Students should check if their school’s accreditation is recognized by the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

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:

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. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average debt among master's degree holders is $71,287, which is almost twice as much debt as graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree.

Even before the remote learning boom that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers were increasingly accepting of online degrees. In 2018, 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. In fact, 71% of these recruiters claimed that they had recently hired someone with an online degree or credential.

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.

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. Annual tuition rates range from approximately $7,000-$57,000 on our rankings list of the master's degrees with the highest return on investment.

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.