List of Accredited Online Master's Degree Programs
Master's degrees are incredibly helpful — and even vital in some cases — when it comes to increasing your expertise in a specific field and advancing your career. Online master's degrees make it easier and more accessible for busy, working professionals as they can often access the program at their own pace. Obtaining an online degree is usually a cheaper option than attending classes on a physical campus, which requires a host of other associated costs, such as housing and transportation.Below, we've provided an index of all our online master's degree programs that range from MBAs and MPAs to MSWs, and everything in between. Explore all of the best options available to pursue your master's degree online.
a | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Accounting | 301 | 560 | $60,410 |
Aerospace Engineering | 35 | 65 | $90,020 |
b | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Biology | 65 | 116 | $41,590 |
c | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Chemical Engineering | 16 | 28 | $76,990 |
Child Development | 53 | 75 | $43,190 |
Civil Engineering | 58 | 123 | $72,070 |
Clinical Psychology | 42 | 63 | $46,460 |
Communications | 230 | 544 | $52,820 |
Computer Engineering | 53 | 96 | $99,440 |
Computer Science | 155 | 340 | $88,310 |
Conflict Resolution | 27 | 37 | $49,710 |
Counseling | 234 | 593 | $42,710 |
Counseling Psychology | 59 | 83 | $46,460 |
Creative Writing | 39 | 58 | $38,460 |
Criminal Justice | 232 | 488 | $50,320 |
Cybersecurity | 213 | 428 | Not reported |
d | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Data Science | 168 | 275 | Not reported |
e | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Early Childhood Education | 171 | 306 | $47,600 |
Economics | 46 | 73 | $73,120 |
Education | 822 | 5,376 | $51,910 |
Educational Leadership | 449 | 884 | $56,370 |
Electrical Engineering | 70 | 148 | $97,790 |
Elementary Education | 188 | 352 | $47,600 |
Emergency Management | 78 | 139 | $68,400 |
Engineering Management | 120 | 232 | $91,560 |
English | 131 | 209 | $42,600 |
Environmental Science | 136 | 298 | $51,840 |
ESL | 157 | 207 | $53,560 |
Exercise Science | 70 | 117 | $43,390 |
f | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Finance | 306 | 516 | $79,940 |
Forensic Psychology | 19 | 41 | $46,460 |
Forensic Science | 51 | 107 | $50,320 |
h | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Health Education | 159 | 213 | $54,960 |
Healthcare Administration | 395 | 758 | $64,490 |
Healthcare Informatics | 158 | 270 | $73,440 |
Healthcare Management | 387 | 654 | $64,490 |
History | 71 | 96 | $40,060 |
Homeland Security | 100 | 230 | $68,940 |
Human Resources | 268 | 482 | $60,780 |
Human Services | 167 | 373 | $43,230 |
i | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Industrial Engineering | 42 | 71 | $84,080 |
Information Technology | 244 | 635 | $85,980 |
l | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Library Science | 103 | 208 | $43,400 |
m | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Management | 749 | 3,240 | $77,290 |
Marketing | 279 | 440 | $63,150 |
Marriage & Family Therapy | 41 | 78 | $42,710 |
MBA (Accelerated) | 689 | 3,471 | $77,290 |
Mechanical Engineering | 57 | 93 | $85,320 |
MFA | 27 | 67 | $30,260 |
MSW | 128 | 242 | Not reported |
n | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | 190 | 359 | $96,070 |
Nursing | 456 | 1,746 | $96,070 |
Nutrition | 115 | 184 | $46,500 |
o | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Organizational Leadership | 509 | 1,256 | $77,290 |
p | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Physical Education | 82 | 130 | $43,390 |
Physician Assistant | 4 | 5 | $100,200 |
Political Science | 36 | 67 | $65,570 |
Project Management | 176 | 326 | $77,290 |
Psychology | 206 | 482 | $45,440 |
Public Administration | 300 | 794 | $57,390 |
Public Health | 225 | 525 | $54,960 |
r | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Religious Studies | 180 | 960 | $44,730 |
RN to MSN | 77 | 176 | $96,070 |
s | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
School Counseling | 98 | 127 | $44,760 |
Secondary Education | 158 | 310 | $47,600 |
Software Engineering | 65 | 98 | $99,440 |
Special Education | 344 | 787 | $52,310 |
Speech Pathology | 14 | 15 | $55,620 |
Sports Management | 194 | 328 | $44,000 |
Statistics | 35 | 52 | $89,330 |
Substance Abuse Counseling | 53 | 70 | $42,710 |
Supply Chain Management | 142 | 200 | $77,290 |
Systems Engineering | 72 | 155 | $104,300 |
t | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Teaching | 451 | 1,429 | $49,050 |
Theology | 94 | 217 | $45,170 |
w | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
Web Design | 15 | 16 | $78,320 |
Overview: Online Master's Degrees
Can You Get a Graduate Degree Online?
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.
An accredited online master's degree demonstrates advanced knowledge of a particular subject and can carry the same prestige as an in-person degree.
How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Master's Program?
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.
- Typical time to completion: 1.5 - 2 years
- Typical credits needed: 30 - 60
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.
Is an Online Master's Degree Worth It?
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:
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. From the comfort of your home, you can attend the top schools in your field.
Potentially increase your earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master’s degree make almost $13,000 more annually than a graduate with only a bachelor’s degree and also experience the lowest unemployment rates.
Build skills in your niche to increase leadership capacity
Not only can you learn industry-specific skills in a master’s program, but you can also learn organizational leadership, such as how to make strategic business decisions. 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. 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.
Are Online Master's Degrees Respected?
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.
Applying to Online Master's Programs
Although schools have varying admission procedures, some requirements remain consistent across the board. For example, applicants typically need to complete their bachelor’s degree before joining a master’s program. Prospective students usually submit the following to their school’s admission office to attend a master’s degree program in any given field:
Official undergraduate transcripts from the applicant’s alma mater that convey a minimum GPA that varies across schools but usually ranges from 3.0-3.5 (an additional review process may be warranted for lower GPAs)
Letters of recommendation from professors or managers
Essay or statement of purpose about the applicant’s goals
Resume detailing relevant professional experience
GRE test scores within a given range, which is typically 310-315
Nonrefundable application fee, often ranging from $75-100
Students should verify the admission requirements of their chosen schools prior to applying.
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?
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.
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. |
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.
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.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 6/12/2023