Online education has grown dramatically in recent years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 28% of U.S. undergraduates were enrolled exclusively in online courses in 2021. That nearly doubled the proportion of students (15%) who fit the same profile in 2019.
Online learning offers convenience, flexibility, and efficient degree completion. This makes it particularly appealing if you're seeking a graduate degree — a valuable educational upgrade.
Featured Online Master's Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#1 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $637
Out-of-State | $637
Credits to Graduate: 30-48
At Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll choose from dozens of career-focused master’s programs offered in an online format. You can even earn a master’s degree online in as little as one year. You can study psychology, project management, criminal justice, education, or public relations or earn your MBA online.
SNHU ranks as one of the most affordable colleges for out-of-state master’s students. The private university also prioritizes flexibility with asynchronous access to coursework. You’ll also partner with academic and career advisors to reach your goals.
Students Enrolled
145,533
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $782-$1,070
Out-of-State | $782-$1,070
Credits to Graduate: 30-63
It’s one of the most popular public colleges in Ohio. And Ohio State University also offers online master’s degrees. Connect with classmates in open forums and complete coursework on your schedule with primarily asynchronous courses.
Online programs emphasize career-ready skills in diverse fields. You can study plant health management, bioethics, or healthcare innovation in a convenient online format. Or earn your degree in nursing, education, social work, or business.
The online business programs include translational data analytics, business analytics, and an online MBA designed for working professionals.
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $332-$1,137
Out-of-State | $332-$1,137
Credits to Graduate: 32-48
At University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, distance learners can choose from over 150 programs, including fully online master’s degrees. And students at this school, rank their satisfaction with online courses high, with 94.2% rating the overall quality of Illinois as good or excellent.
Choose from programs in accounting, engineering, education, or business. Illinois also offers unique online programs in biomedical image computing, animal science, agriculture, and crop sciences. For example, you can earn a master of veterinary science degree with a major in livestock systems health in a 100% online format.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449-$1,500
Out-of-State | $449-$1,500
Credits to Graduate: 30-48
With over 200 online programs, you’ll have options at this public university. The online master’s programs at the University of Florida span popular fields like business, education, and healthcare. Choose from an accelerated one-year MBA or a two-year MBA, both offered online. Or earn your degree in engineering, computer science, or agriculture.
You’ll benefit from virtual support services, including tech support, library services, and a counseling and wellness center. The career center also offers drop-in, online career coaching to help with mock interviews, career planning, and cover letters.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
Purdue University Global
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420-$485
Out-of-State | $420-$485
Credits to Graduate: Varies
Designed for working adults, the online programs at this public university in Indiana prioritize flexibility. At Purdue Global, you can choose from dozens of master’s programs in business, education, criminal justice, health sciences, and more.
Earn a degree in higher education, educational psychology, or instructional design to advance your career in education. Or you can earn a master’s in nursing to move into advanced practice roles.
Purdue offers multiple terms per year, so you can start your master’s degree quickly.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $456
Out-of-State | $1,002
Credits to Graduate: 30-42
Join a student body of nearly 54,000 while earning your master’s degree online. From its Miami campus, Florida International University offers dozens of online programs. You can earn a master’s in educational leadership, public administration, or criminal justice.
Several programs offer concentration options to customize the degree. For instance, specialize your hospitality management degree with concentrations in mega events, real estate development, or cruise line operations. You need an accredited bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
California State University-Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $782-845
Out-of-State | $782-845
Credits to Graduate: 33-63
Enroll in live classes with on-demand access to course materials at this public institution. California State University, Northridge offers multiple online master’s programs that emphasize advanced knowledge-building and career-focused skills. The synchronous format encourages collaboration and engagement with faculty and classmates.
Industry experts teach programs in engineering management, instructional design, public administration, and social work. Or study communicative disorders, entertainment industry management, or public health. You’ll work with specialists to receive personalized support throughout your degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#8 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
California State University-Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,802 part time; $3,588 full time
Out-of-State | $2,802 part time; $3,588 full time plus $396 per credit
Credits to Graduate: Varies
As a distance learner at this public university in the CSU system, you can join a student body of over 40,000. Cal State Fullerton offers several online master’s programs, including a master’s in software engineering and several online education master’s programs.
Build on your classroom teaching skills with a master’s in educational technology or special education. You can even hone your instructional design skills as a distance learner. You’ll benefit from a fully online course format with asynchronous delivery, offering the greatest flexibility for busy students.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $1,076
Credits to Graduate: 30-45
You’ll earn the same degree as on-campus students with the benefit of a flexible format. Florida State University offers online master’s programs in dozens of fields. Study art education, athletic coaching, criminology, or systems engineering. Or earn your master’s in business or education online.
Taught by experienced faculty, the programs emphasize student-centered learning. For example, as an online learner, you can connect in study groups and real-time forums. You’ll also benefit from academic advising, tutoring, online mentoring, and career advising.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024
Rutgers University
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $806-$1,183
Out-of-State | $1,183-$1,741
Credits to Graduate: Varies
The faculty teach both the online and on-campus master’s programs at this public university in New Jersey. Rutgers University offers online master’s programs in business, social work, public administration, and education. You can earn your MBA online or study public health, digital marketing, or finance-wealth management.
Small class sizes and interactive learning technologies encourage students to connect with faculty and classmates. You'll also save on tuition thanks to zero online course fees.
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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Read our detailed methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
Why Get a Master's Degree Online?
Master's degree-holders often earn more than people with just a bachelor's degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a master's degree earn a median weekly income of about $1,661. Meanwhile, bachelor's degree-holders earn a median of $1,432 per week.
In addition to qualifying you for a higher salary, a master's degree can lead to more job opportunities. In a graduate program, you learn the reasoning and theories that guide practice in your field. You also conduct research to fill in industry knowledge gaps.
Busy or working professionals can pursue a master's degree online rather than in person. The flexibility of online learning allows you to work at your own pace and continue working while earning your degree.
How Much Does a Master's Degree Cost?
The exact cost of earning a master's degree depends on a few factors. For example, private institutions tend to charge more than public state schools.
According to NCES, graduate students as a whole paid an average of $20,513 in tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year. In comparison, graduate students attending public institutions paid an average of $12,596 for the same academic year.
As an online student, you often benefit from discounted tuition rates and are exempt from paying campus fees. You can also save on commuting costs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree Online?
The length of time it takes to earn an online master's degree varies among programs and schools. That said, it usually takes about two academic years of full-time study to meet graduation requirements. In most cases, you can complete a master's degree in 1-3 academic years when enrolled full time.
Program structures and your enrollment status can impact timelines. Some schools offer accelerated master's programs. These programs move quickly through material and primarily appeal to students already familiar with the subject matter. Enrollment status can also affect how long it takes to complete your degree — studying part time will take longer.
Use these generalized figures as guidelines for estimating degree completion timelines:
- Accelerated: 12-16 months
- Part Time: 3-5 years
- Full Time: 18-24 months
More Featured Online Master's Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Which Master's Degree Is in Highest Demand?
One of the most in-demand master's degrees includes a master of science in nursing (MSN). An MSN can help qualify you for roles such as nurse anesthetist and practitioner, which are expected to grow 38% from 2022-2032, according to the BLS.
A master of business administration (MBA) is also highly sought-after. Employers often seek MBA-holders to fill executive roles.
Other in-demand master's degrees include healthcare degrees and computer science specializations, such as data science and information security.
Refer to the table below for a list of in-demand jobs that prefer or require a master's degree.
Popular Jobs That Prefer or Require a Master's Degree
| Degree Field |
Most Common Job |
Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
| Nursing |
Nurse Anesthetist or Practitioner |
38% |
| Data Science |
Data Scientist |
35% |
| Health Administration |
Medical or Health Services Manager |
28% |
| Epidemiology |
Epidemiologist |
27% |
| Computer Science |
Computer or Information Research Scientist |
23% |
Source: BLS
How to Choose the Right Online Master's Program for You
To narrow down your master's degree options, begin by prioritizing your academic interests and career plans. You can also let your personal interests guide you as you select a subject to study. Once you've identified your needs and goals, you can research specific programs.
Use this five-step framework to guide your search for the ideal master's program:
- Consider Your Goals: It is best to pursue a master's degree only once you have identified specific career or learning goals. Seek programs that align with those objectives, and consider specializations if they are available or relevant.
- Conduct Research and Evaluate Programs: Confirm the accreditation of each school and program that interests you at an early stage of your research. Next, consider program formats, like asynchronous and synchronous learning, and how they match your goals. Each format has pros and cons.
- Evaluate Program Length and Requirements: Compare program lengths and consider whether accelerated, full-time, or part-time learning best meets your needs. You should also research admission and academic requirements and assess how well they match your learning profile.
- Assess Costs and Financial Aid Options: When looking at costs, consider both the net cost of attendance and the school's financial aid options. If you plan to attend a public institution, check to see if higher out-of-state rates apply to online programs.
- Check for Online Student Support: Some schools do a better job of supporting online learners than others. Consider factors like academic support and tutoring, networking, career services, and recruitment opportunities.
Available Online Master's Degrees
Business, computer science, education, law, nursing, and STEM fields are particularly sought-after subject areas for master's degrees. The sections below introduce options available within each of these disciplines.
Business
The long-established trend of high demand for MBA programs continues to rise. Most MBA programs offer several concentrations you can choose to specialize in, such as business analytics and consulting.
Other popular examples include accounting, marketing, and finance. Master of finance programs, in particular, continue to emerge as a popular alternative to an MBA.
Featured Master's in Business Programs
Computer Science & Information Technology
Master's programs in computer science build advanced, versatile, and readily transferable knowledge bases. Information technology is a popular area of focus, but business needs and technology trends signal strong opportunities in other specializations.
Examples of more business-focused fields include cybersecurity, information security, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Featured Master's in Computer Science & Technology Programs
Education
Master's in education programs offer multiple specialization options. Examples include early childhood education, special education, and education for gifted students.
However, aspiring teachers are not the only learners who pursue online master's in education programs. A master's degree in education can also lead to careers in curriculum development, education policy, and school administration.
Featured Master's in Education Programs
Law and Legal Studies
You can pursue a master's degree in multiple fields related to law and criminal justice. For instance, a master's in legal studies may appeal to you if you're interested in non-lawyer career paths that still require advanced knowledge of the legal system.
Beyond criminal justice, other programs include specialized degrees in criminology, dispute resolution, and compliance-related fields.
Featured Master's in Law and Legal Studies Programs
Nursing & Healthcare
Online master's programs in nursing include standalone MSN degrees and accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs. You can also earn a master's degree focused on public health, healthcare administration, and medical specializations such as family care and nursing education.
Health informatics is another practical field where an advanced degree may help boost your career prospects. Some business schools also offer specialized MBAs in healthcare management and administration.
Featured Master's in Nursing & Healthcare Programs
Psychology and Counseling
Psychology is a broad academic field relevant to career paths in academia, counseling, and social work, among other areas. Online master's in psychology degrees may also appeal to you if you want to become a psychologist or psychiatrist.
A master's degree in counseling can help qualify you for clinical positions, as well as roles in individual and group counseling. A graduate degree also provides the necessary academic training to advance to a doctoral program, where you can pursue a Ph.D. in counseling.
Featured Master's in Psychology and Counseling Programs
STEM
STEM degrees translate well to the online learning landscape. You can review digitally delivered lectures and instructional sessions as you work through challenging material. Some courses in STEM programs may require in-person practical components, like lab or field courses. Some popular degrees in the STEM field include a master's in mathematics, statistics, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
Featured Master's in Engineering Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's Degrees
According to NCES, business, education, healthcare, computer science, and public administration combined to account for 69% of all master's degrees awarded in the United States in 2020-21.
Business led all subjects, with graduate students earning 202,300 degrees to account for 23% of the national master's-level total.
If you're enrolled full time in a traditionally structured program, you can expect to graduate in about 18-24 months. Through an accelerated master's program, however, you can complete a master's degree in as little as one year or even slightly less.
In general, business and education are often viewed as the easiest master's degrees to get as they require the fewest science and math courses, which many students find more difficult. Other master's degrees that require little science and math classes include communication, counseling, and marketing.
You should also check for programs that have no GRE requirements or high admission rates.
Yes, many master's programs accept students with a bachelor's degree in any subject. If you're pursuing a master's degree in a field unrelated to your undergraduate studies, you may need to take prerequisite courses or pass an entrance exam.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best College Reviews. Page last reviewed January 11, 2024.
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