Best Online Masters Degree Programs

Get detailed information about best online Masters degree programs in and their tuition, accreditation, career prospects, scholarships, admission details and much more

Online Masters Degree

A master's degree is the next level of education past a bachelor's degree. You usually pursue a master's degree related to the subject you earned your bachelor's in.

A master's degree in your hand proves that you have in-depth knowledge about a specific subject. This can increase the chances of you getting a job in a higher post right from the beginning of your career.

You can study for a master's degree using either the traditional on-campus method or by non-traditional methods such as a distance, part-time, or online education program.

A master's degree can be acquired in almost any subject, such as physics, marketing, finance, engineering, and psychology.

Some master's degrees don't require that you earn a bachelor's degree in the subject first. However, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree before starting the course of study. For example, to earn a Master in Business Administration (MBA), you can have a bachelor's degree in any subject.

Many master's degree programs let you specialize even further in a subject.

For example, a master's degree in physics has general concentrations like Computational Physics, General Physics, and Material Science. It provides research opportunities also in various areas of science.

A master's degree in marketing has specialized concentrations like International Business, Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Management, etc.

A master's degree in engineering has specialized concentrations in Mechanical, Information Science, Electronics, Civil, etc.

Benefits of earning a master's degree

There are many reasons to consider pursuing a master's degree.

A master's degree program will give you the opportunity to continue your studies or return to school for additional learning. You'll gain even more knowledge about a subject, and you can make use of that knowledge in the future.

A master's degree will also make you more competitive in the job market. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs that require a master's degree increased by 18% between 2012 and 2022. Even if you don't want a job that requires a degree beyond a bachelor's degree, more education won't hurt your chances.

Jobs that require higher levels of education also tend to pay more, so entering an online graduate program and earning a graduate degree can increase your income.
Earning a master's degree will also give you a valuable network. 

Many programs, especially MBA programs, focus on helping you meet people and teaching you how to form connections. You can leverage your network down the road to find more job opportunities or to help your business grow.

Master's degree requirements

While the precise requirements to earn a master's degree will depend on the program you choose, there are a few relatively consistent requirements across schools.

The primary requirement is that you must already have an undergraduate degree. You usually can't skip earning a bachelor's degree and go straight for a master's. 

However, some schools offer combined programs that let you earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at the same time or work toward a master's while finishing your bachelor's degree.

Most schools will also make you take a standardized test like the GRE. You'll have to submit your GRE score with your application.

Once you get into a graduate program, you have to complete a certain number of credit hours to earn your degree. 

For example, Northeastern University requires that students complete 30 credit hours of work and a thesis while maintaining a 3.0 GPA to earn a degree.

Harvard Extension School, Harvard University's online master's degree program, requires that students complete twelve classes (48 credit hours), including a thesis, to earn a degree.

Typically, a master's program only requires that you take courses related to your field of study. You usually don't have to take core courses as you did to earn an undergraduate degree.

Best-paying master's degrees

One of the top reasons to enter a master's program is to improve your job prospects and increase your income

Selecting an online degree program is particularly common for students who want to increase their income as they can keep their current job while pursuing a degree. Once an online student completes their online courses, they can start working toward a promotion or look for a new job.

Prospective students that want to increase their income through online learning might want to consider these degree programs:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is one of the most popular and best-paying master's programs. An MBA program readies you for a management role in many different businesses.

Depending on your interests and previous education, you can use an MBA to find a role managing different aspects of a company, such as a computer science, IT, marketing, or sales team.

It may seem like you will miss out on networking and other things if you choose an online MBA program, but many schools find ways to offer a similar experience both online and in person.

The average median starting pay for a new MBA graduate is $115,000.

Master of Science in Nursing

If you're working in healthcare but don't want the time and expense of becoming a doctor, earning a Master of Science in Nursing is another way to advance your career.

Students often work toward becoming nurse anesthetists, who can assist with anesthesiology, or nurse practitioners, who can take on some of the duties typically reserved for doctors.

Students can expect to earn over $115,800 per year, depending on the specialization they choose.

Master of Engineering Management

A Master of Engineering Management prepares you for more advanced and difficult engineering projects.

For example, students may graduate into a role as an architectural and engineering manager, running a team that's responsible for designing and erecting buildings.

Students can expect to earn $144,830 per year after graduating with this degree.

Master of Science in Finance

If you're working in the world of finance, higher education can help you land higher-paying roles and give you more credibility.

Depending on your interests, this degree can prepare you to work as a manager at an investment firm or to work directly with clients as a financial advisor. You may choose to earn additional certifications to help you draw more clients.

You can also find an accounting program that will prepare you for higher-level roles as an accountant.

Depending on the role you choose, you can expect to earn up to $129,890 per year after earning this degree.

Online vs. in-person master's degrees

An online program has many advantages over in-person master's degree programs, but you might worry about missing out on some essential aspects of in-person learning.

While it's true that it can be hard to replicate the classroom experience online, the flexibility and cost-savings offered by an online master's program are significant.

Harvard, one of the top universities in the world, is a great example of this.

The tuition for a single year of study at the Harvard Graduate School of Education is $51,904. This is before other costs such as room and board and transportation.

At the Harvard Extension School, online learners must complete twelve courses to earn their degree. Each course costs $2,900 for a total cost of $34,800. The entire degree from Harvard's online program costs less than a single year of study for the in-person program.

Students in an online program also can avoid costs such as room and board in a dormitory. 

Often, they can keep their jobs and study part-time, which means they won't lose income, making the effective cost of an online degree program even lower.

Online programs have other advantages to consider. 

Often, an online graduate student will have the flexibility to watch lectures when they have the time, rather than having to stick to a set schedule. 

Because many people pursue a master's degree after they've already started a career, this additional flexibility can be a major benefit of online programs.

Conclusion

A master's degree is a great way to make yourself more marketable to employers and increase your income. 

If you're thinking about working toward a master's degree, consider an online degree program. They're often cheaper and more flexible than in-person classes while providing the same benefits.

If you're considering an online degree program and want to know how to pay for it, check out The College Monk's list of the best student loans.


Masters Degrees in Design

Master of Science


Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 34,000

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,508

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $31,604

Graduation Rate: 90%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Design (2)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 38

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,385

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $31,116

Graduation Rate: 92%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 12,325

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,233

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $12,832

Graduation Rate: 43%

Specializations Offered: Technology Management


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 28,050

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,920

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,434

Graduation Rate: 94%

Specializations Offered: Architecture


Total Programs in Design (2)

Request Info

View More Colleges

Master of Fine Arts


Design Accreditation: NASAD

Avg Credits: 65

Avg Tuition: $ 63,679

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,752

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,889

Graduation Rate: 40%

Specializations Offered: Fashion , Game Design +4 more


Total Programs in Design (13)

Request Info
Brenau University

Brenau University

Gainesville, Georgia


Design Accreditation: CIDA

Profit Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,916

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $16,802

Graduation Rate: 45%

Specializations Offered: Interior Design


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: Request Info

Profit Type: Public

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,578

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $4,395

Graduation Rate: 54%

Specializations Offered: Communications


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: NASAD

Avg Credits: 60

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,381

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,090

Graduation Rate: 54%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

View More Colleges

Master of Arts


Design Accreditation: NASAD

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 35,352

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,752

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,889

Graduation Rate: 40%

Specializations Offered: Fashion , Game Design +4 more


Total Programs in Design (11)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: CIDA

Avg Credits: 45

Avg Tuition: $ 37,530

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,969

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $11,226

Graduation Rate: 67%

Specializations Offered: Fashion , Graphic Design +2 more


Total Programs in Design (6)

Request Info


Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 21

Avg Tuition: $ 17,850

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,920

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,434

Graduation Rate: 94%

Specializations Offered: Architecture


Total Programs in Design (2)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: CIDA

Avg Credits: 24

Avg Tuition: $ 14,476

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,750

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $9,256

Graduation Rate: 58%

Specializations Offered: Architecture , Interior Design


Total Programs in Design (2)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 42

Avg Tuition: $ 19,337

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,081

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $5,381

Graduation Rate: 44%

Specializations Offered: Architecture


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 39,600

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,436

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,567

Graduation Rate: 17%

Specializations Offered: Sustainability Management


Total Programs in Design (2)

Request Info

Master of Professional Studies


Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 34

Avg Tuition: $ 29,019

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,137

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,942

Graduation Rate: 25%

Specializations Offered: Architecture


Total Programs in Design (2)

Request Info

Design Accreditation: NASAD

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 36,220

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,044

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $15,540

Graduation Rate: 73%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Master of Education


Design Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 41,324

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,475

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,464

Graduation Rate: 77%

Specializations Offered: Teaching


Total Programs in Design (1)

Request Info

Masters Degrees in Paralegal Studies

Master of Legal Studies


Paralegal Studies Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Paralegal Studies (1)

Request Info

Master of Professional Studies


Paralegal Studies Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 32

Avg Tuition: $ 33,920

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,673

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $24,653

Graduation Rate: 84%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Paralegal Studies (1)

Request Info

Masters Degrees in Homeland Security

Master of Science


Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 52

Avg Tuition: $ 30,420

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,324

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,236

Graduation Rate: 20%

Specializations Offered: Cyber Security , Public Health


Total Programs in Homeland Security (3)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 39

Avg Tuition: $ 15,210

Graduation Rate: 67%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 39

Avg Tuition: $ 26,910

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,236

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $16,833

Graduation Rate: 68%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 40

Avg Tuition: $ 20,400

Avg Federal grant awarded: $3,777

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,542

Graduation Rate: 33%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

View More Colleges

Master of Arts


Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 41

Avg Tuition: $ 14,280

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,546

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $825

Graduation Rate: 36%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management , Biblical Studies +1 more


Total Programs in Homeland Security (5)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 17,250

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,834

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,797

Graduation Rate: 76%

Specializations Offered: Security Management


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 17,850

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,607

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $15,272

Graduation Rate: 58%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info
Regent University

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia


Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 23,400

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,629

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,209

Graduation Rate: 30%

Specializations Offered: Cyber Security , Security Management


Total Programs in Homeland Security (4)

Request Info

View More Colleges


Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 37,260

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,673

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $24,653

Graduation Rate: 84%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 16,488

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,275

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $3,272

Graduation Rate: 36%

Specializations Offered: Security Management


Total Programs in Homeland Security (2)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 16,200

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,074

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,782

Graduation Rate: 39%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Profit Type: Public

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,934

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,886

Graduation Rate: 16%

Specializations Offered: Security Management


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

View More Colleges

Master of Professional Studies


Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 41,679

Avg Federal grant awarded: $7,155

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,784

Graduation Rate: 94%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 28,446

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,137

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,942

Graduation Rate: 25%

Specializations Offered: Cyber Security , Public Health


Total Programs in Homeland Security (3)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 9,405

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,351

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $3,422

Graduation Rate: 55%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,224

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $30,973

Graduation Rate: 83%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Master of Business Administration

Wilmington College

Wilmington, Ohio


Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 17,741

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,062

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,244

Graduation Rate: 56%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)

Request Info

Masters Degrees in Political Science

Master of Arts


Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 12,600

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,546

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $825

Graduation Rate: 36%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (2)

Request Info

Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 35

Avg Tuition: $ 25,910

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,191

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $22,268

Graduation Rate: 58%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (2)

Request Info

Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 28,200

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,354

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,998

Graduation Rate: 13%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info
Regent University

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia


Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 19,500

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,629

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,209

Graduation Rate: 30%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (3)

Request Info

View More Colleges

Master of Science


Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 39

Avg Tuition: $ 24,453

Avg Federal grant awarded: $3,159

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $15,429

Graduation Rate: 58%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info

Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 12,639

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,564

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $3,422

Graduation Rate: 42%

Specializations Offered: Public Policy


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info

Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 18,648

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,766

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $4,234

Graduation Rate: 46%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info

Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 46

Avg Tuition: $ 31,786

Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,700

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $31,383

Graduation Rate: 86%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info

View More Colleges


Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 31

Avg Tuition: $ 8,703

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,289

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,505

Graduation Rate: 37%

Specializations Offered: Liberal Arts


Total Programs in Political Science (2)

Request Info

Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Profit Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Graduation Rate: 33%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info

Master of Professional Studies


Political Science Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,673

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $24,653

Graduation Rate: 84%

Specializations Offered: Public Policy


Total Programs in Political Science (1)

Request Info

Masters Degrees in Safety

Master of Science


Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 48

Avg Tuition: $ 25,440

Avg Federal grant awarded: $1,227

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,594

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 48

Avg Tuition: $ 23,760

Graduation Rate: 11%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 10,800

Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,235

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $473

Graduation Rate: 31%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Safety (2)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: ABET

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 21,636

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,712

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $4,843

Graduation Rate: 57%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

View More Colleges


Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 30

Avg Tuition: $ 59,850

Avg Federal grant awarded: $7,155

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,784

Graduation Rate: 94%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 11,784

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,646

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,797

Graduation Rate: 69%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 36

Avg Tuition: $ 21,168

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,649

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,752

Graduation Rate: 59%

Also See: Programs & Tuitions


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Profit Type: Public

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,200

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,802

Graduation Rate: 61%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

View More Colleges

Master of Professional Studies


Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Avg Credits: 33

Avg Tuition: $ 41,679

Avg Federal grant awarded: $7,155

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,784

Graduation Rate: 94%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info

Safety Accreditation: Request Info

Profit Type: Public

Avg Tuition: Request Info

Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,822

Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,074

Graduation Rate: 38%

Specializations Offered: Emergency Management


Total Programs in Safety (1)

Request Info