Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024
Earning a master’s degree can lead to unique opportunities and upward mobility in your current position. It can also prepare you to switch fields or embark on an exciting professional journey — especially if you earn an in-demand master’s degree. Many high-paying jobs require applicants to hold a master’s degree, including a variety of roles in healthcare and IT.
Online master’s programs can offer additional benefits, such as increased flexibility. For example, many top programs feature asynchronous classes that let you schedule coursework around your job or family obligations.
Are Online Master’s Degrees Worth It?
A May 2023 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that U.S. workers with a master’s degree earned a median salary of $1,661 per week in 2022 — about 16% more than professionals with only a bachelor’s degree. This figure suggests earning a master’s can increase your financial stability and help you save for the future.
Although earning a master’s degree can be expensive, you can reduce your student debt burden in many ways. Some online master’s programs offer departmental and institutional scholarships. You may also qualify for federal aid by submitting the FAFSA.
Additionally, use your online graduate program’s academic and career resources to make the most of your time in school and prepare for a job hunt after graduation.
Did You Know…
- People with a master’s degree earn about $230 more per week than those with just a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS.
- Master’s degree-holders have lower unemployment rates than both bachelor’s and associate degree-holders.
- A Georgetown University report found that the median lifetime earnings for master’s degree-holders is $3.2 million — about $400,000 more than bachelor’s degree-holders.
- The number of people with a master’s degree more than doubled between 2000 and 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Explore Our Featured Online Master’s Programs
Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs of 2024
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.
We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.
Popular Online Master’s Degrees by Field
Although there are hundreds of options to choose from, many of the most popular online master’s degrees can be found in the business, education, healthcare, and computer fields.
1. Business Administration
Online MBA programs may feature general business coursework or offer concentrations like data analytics or entrepreneurship. Some graduates go on to work as chief executive officers or chief financial officers. You can also put your business skills to work as a people manager. Management occupations report the highest pay of any category, with a median wage of over $116,000 per year (BLS, May 2023).
2. Education
Earning an online master’s in education can help you transition into a teaching role. Concentrations may include secondary education, special education, or teacher leadership. You can add to your classroom strengths or move into administrative roles with specialized education leadership programs.
3. Healthcare
Healthcare managers and administrators make hospitals run smoothly and efficiently. You can choose from different master’s concentrations, such as healthcare management and administration or health informatics.
4. Computers and Technology
Online master’s programs in computer science can help you learn the skills necessary for a top-paying position, such as a computer and information research scientist. Additionally, computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of around $169,000 (BLS, May 2023). Graduates can also use their degrees to advance in software development, network architecture, or other in-demand fields.
How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?
Broadly speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $13,000-$60,000 in tuition and fees on your master’s degree.
Many factors affect how much your degree will cost, including:
- Program length — most online accredited master’s programs last 1-2 years
- Whether you attend a public or private school
- Whether you qualify for in-state tuition
- The amount of financial aid you receive
You can save money on your online master’s degree by filing the FAFSA and seeing whether you qualify for federal grants and loans, as well as for any institutional or programmatic scholarships.
Note that you may have to pay additional fees as an online student. Some online master’s programs require you to pay technology fees that support online class delivery and IT services.
You’ll also need to budget for a high-quality laptop (or look at colleges that offer free laptops to students) and consider any in-person requirements, like practicums and fieldwork.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Master’s Degree?
You must hold a master’s degree to qualify for a variety of jobs. For example, nurse practitioners and statisticians need a master’s degree. In other fields, a master’s degree can help you advance or get promoted.
The following table outlines some of the fastest-growing careers that require a master’s degree.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | $121,610 | 45% |
| Statisticians | $98,920 | 32% |
| Epidemiologists | $78,520 | 27% |
| Physician Assistants | $126,010 | 27% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $136,620 | 23% |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $84,140 | 19% |
| Genetic Counselors | $89,990 | 16% |
| Curators | $60,380 | 11% |
| Mental Health Counselors | $51,240 | 11% |
How to Choose an Online Master’s Program: 6 Tips
Trying to narrow down your options? Start by identifying your goals, focusing on a field, and setting a budget. Once you know what you want from a program, you can compare online master’s degrees to find the best fit for you.
- Identify Your Goals: Are you looking for a higher salary? Or do you want a master’s degree so you can change careers? Avoid starting a master’s program without clear direction. Take time to consider your strengths and interests.
- Choose a Field of Study: Online graduate schools offer master’s degrees in hundreds of subjects. Narrow your interests to one area. If you’re torn between two options, research career paths and job growth data to help you make an informed decision.
- Determine Your Budget: Graduate school can be expensive. Knowing your budget and financial aid options can help you make a decision and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind that online graduate students at accredited universities typically qualify for federal financial aid.
- Compare Online Master’s Programs: Consider factors like flexibility and delivery format. Would you rather take classes synchronously (which features live sessions) or asynchronously? Do you want a fully online program, or would you prefer a hybrid option with some in-person classes?
- Confirm Accreditation: Be sure to choose an accredited university. Attending an unaccredited school can impact your financial aid options and career prospects. You can confirm a school’s accreditation status before applying. To do this, refer to the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
- Talk to Current Students, Faculty, and Alums: Ask students about their experiences in the program. And talk to faculty about advising and career support. Finally, you can ask graduates about the program’s reputation on the job market. Use these conversations to find online master’s programs that align with your needs and goals.
Q&A With Real Online Master’s Students and Grads
Q: Why did you choose an online master’s program?
“I chose to pursue my MBA online because I needed a way to balance grad school work with my day-to-day life. As a mom who also works full time in a demanding, busy job, I knew that getting out of the house and attending classes in person somewhere just wouldn’t work for my schedule. Online courses allow me to fit my school work in when it makes sense for me.”
— Cassie Viau, Director of Marketing, CoreMedical Group
“An online master’s degree allowed me to continue my education while on active duty in the Air Force. … My school and program offered me the flexibility to get my master’s in education while continuing to serve in my full active duty capacity, including on two deployments to Afghanistan.”
— Gina Smith, Air Force Officer (name has been changed upon request to protect the interview participant’s privacy)
“I chose this specific program because it had synchronous meetings weekly for each course. This allowed me to travel and complete my coursework and meetings from all over the world. I attended class while in a car in Ireland, at the beach in Spain, and in the middle of a refugee camp in Jordan!”
— Emma Cole, Nurse Practitioner
Q: What surprised you most about earning your master’s degree online?
“I found it to be more work than I expected. … [The instructors] wanted to see that I was keeping up with the work and engaging with the material and with my online classmates, so I had to post a lot in the portal about my thoughts on the material and respond to all the responses my classmates posted.”
— Marie Coughlin, Associate Director, The New York Public Library
“My program was physically located on the East Coast, but I was able to complete my clinical education in my local community. This allowed me to create connections locally for post-grad employment but also allowed me to learn how to navigate the specific challenges of clinical care in my area.”
— Emma C.
“The thing that has surprised me most about earning my MBA online is how much I’m enjoying all the independent reading and research. I’m genuinely enjoying reading the books and articles that are assigned!”
— Cassie V.
Q: What advice would you give to students considering online master’s programs?
“Compare schools, programs, and tuition assistance options. Choose a school that is accredited, and ask your employer about tuition assistance.”
— Gina S.
“Never expect it to be a cakewalk because it’s online. I am glad I had the experience of doing an online master’s program because it really did hold me accountable to do the work. There were several undergraduate courses where I could reasonably skate by; not so in online grad school!”
— Marie C.
“Put together a schedule for yourself at the start of the semester that you can stick to and keep yourself accountable. Mapping out assignments and deadlines up front on the calendar makes it feel much more manageable when life starts to get busy.”
— Cassie V.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Programs
Are online master’s degrees credible?
Yes, online master’s degrees from accredited schools are reputable. In fact, many online graduate programs use the same course materials and instructors as in-person programs. Online graduate students typically receive an identical degree as on-campus students. However, be sure to look for accredited colleges and universities — these schools meet certain academic standards outlined by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Can you get a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree?
In general, you must earn a bachelor’s degree before you can pursue a master’s degree.
That said, some specialized programs, such as ADN-to-MSN pathways, admit applicants with just an associate degree. However, such programs often require additional undergraduate coursework or professional experience before you can get started on the graduate curriculum.
How long does it take to get a master’s degree?
Most master’s programs take about two years of full-time study. For example, online master’s in social work programs typically feature two-year timelines.
However, some programs offer accelerated options, such as a one-year master’s in education or an accelerated MBA. Because the length of online master’s programs varies, check with individual programs before applying.
Can I get a master’s degree entirely online?
Yes, you can earn certain master’s degrees entirely online. Many programs require no in-person classes or campus visits, although some may include minimal on-campus experiences.
Some programs may incorporate hands-on components in your local area. For example, master’s in nursing and master’s in counseling programs include supervised clinical experience. Distance learners typically complete these requirements at a hospital or clinic near their homes.
Do employers look down upon online master’s degrees?
Accredited online master’s degrees typically have a strong reputation. These programs meet the same academic standards as in-person programs.
Many employers do not consider the delivery format of your degree when assessing you as a job candidate. In fact, your diploma likely will not list whether you took classes online or in person. As a result, you can benefit from earning a master’s degree without taking in-person classes.
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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed April 16, 2024.