Online Master's Degree Programs
A master's degree can lead to more opportunities in today's competitive job market. Graduate degree-holders can also qualify for high-paying careers. According to Payscale data from Dec. 2021, master's degree-holders earn an average salary of $78,000 per year. Comparatively, Payscale reports that bachelor's degree-holders earn an average annual salary of $65,000.
Professionals with a master's degree often become leaders in their field. Master's degree-seekers learn about theories that guide practices and write a thesis. Virtual learning allows learners to earn an advanced degree conveniently. This guide covers the steps to earning an online master's degree.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Master's Degrees
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How many years is a master's degree?
Most full-time students earn a master's degree in about two years. Part-time learners may need four years.
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What's the difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree?
Bachelor's programs take longer than master's programs. Bachelor's curricula focus on entry-level information, while master's students gain a specialized view of their subject.
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Can I get a master's degree in a field unrelated to my bachelor's degree?
Yes. Many master's programs accept students with a bachelor's degree in any subject. Learners pursuing a master's degree in a field unrelated to their undergraduate studies may need to take prerequisite courses.
Featured Online Masters Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Master's Programs 2023
#1 Best Online Master’s Programs 2023
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers 40 master's programs, including 11 that run online. Enrollees at this public institution enjoy a flexible timeline to complete their degrees. Most master's candidates take 2-3 years to complete their degree. Online programs often appeal to working professionals and nontraditional students.
The school accepts about 56% of applicants. Master's candidates need a bachelor’s degree upon enrollment.
The university connects degree-seekers with internal and external financial aid opportunities. Depending on employment, some learners can receive tuition remission from eligible employers. The school reports that 96% of students receive financial aid of some kind.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s Programs 2023
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, is a private university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many of its individual programs also hold relevant programmatic accreditation.
Franklin offers all but one of its 12 master’s programs online. Learners can enroll full time or part time. Students pursuing a master's generally need a bachelor's degree.
Learners concerned about tuition costs can consult with Franklin's financial aid office to get information about internal and external aid offerings. Nontraditional learners such as working professionals should also discuss reimbursement and aid opportunities with their employers. When calculating the total cost of education, students should keep in mind that 95% of enrollees at Franklin receive financial aid.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s Programs 2023
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Brenau University is a private institution in Gainesville, Georgia. The college offers 30 master's programs, with 23 available to long-distance students. Degree-seekers usually spend 2-3 years completing a master's degree. Part-time enrollees may take longer. The flexibility of online and part-time programs attracts learners from all walks of life.
Brenau admits 92% of all applicants. To be admitted to a master's program, applicants need a bachelor's degree.
On average, degree-seekers at Brenau pay $816 per credit. Typically, students manage educational expenses by pursuing scholarships, fellowships, and other means of financial aid. Working professionals should consult with their employers about employer-sponsored tuition plans. Typically, 93% of Brenau students receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Get a Master's Degree Online?
Master's degree-holders often earn more than people with 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 $1,545. Bachelor's degree-holders earn a median of $1,300 per week.
In addition to qualifying holders for higher salaries, a master's degree can lead to more job opportunities. Graduate students learn the reasoning and theories that guide practice in their field. They also conduct research to fill in industry knowledge gaps.
Busy students often pursue an online master's degree. The flexibility of online learning allows students to continue working while earning their 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 state schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students paid an average of $19,792 in tuition and fees for the 2019-20 academic year. However, graduate students attending public institutions paid an average of $12,410 for the same academic year.
Online learners often pay discounted tuition rates and are exempt from paying campus fees. They may also save on commuting costs. The following section highlights additional fees for online students.
Additional Online Master's Student Fees
Many online programs charge a virtual classroom fee. Online students may need to pay for an upgraded video conferencing platform, such as Zoom.
Online students should also budget for books. Learners can save money by purchasing used books, renting materials, or choosing digital versions. Online students also need to purchase and maintain a quality computer, and they need high-speed internet access.
Careers in some fields, such as education and medicine, require certification or licensure. These credentials require additional fees.
Available Online Master's Degrees
Students earning an online master's degree build upon foundational industry knowledge. In addition to practical applications, degree-seekers explore theory and research. Students learn to think critically and make decisions based on best practices. Many master's programs feature lecture-based courses and research assignments. Learners also complete a thesis.
With many options to choose from, graduate students can find a master's degree to fit their career goals. The following list highlights a few noteworthy options. Program availability varies by school, so learners should research their prospective institution for more information.
Education
Professionals in the education field can pursue a master of arts in teaching or a master of education. The latter highlights theory and research. Learners think critically about the state of education. A master of arts in teaching emphasizes practice. Students specialize in an area such as math or English.
The BLS projects employment for education professionals to increase 10% from 2020-2030. A master's in education qualifies graduates to become high-earning teachers, administrators, and college professors.
Nursing
Registered nurses can pursue a master's degree to become nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat ailments, and they write prescriptions. The curriculum covers topics including medical ethics and pharmacology.Information Technology
A master's degree in information technology explores new uses for technology. Degree-seekers explore computing processes and gain problem-solving skills. Graduates often become computer and information research scientists, who earn a median salary of $126,830 per year, according to BLS data.
