By obtaining a quick and targeted online master’s degree, you can advance your profession. An online degree may be more accessible and affordable than a traditional one. Accelerated degrees, fixed or in-state tuition rates for all students (regardless of residency status), and lenient transfer credit regulations are a few examples of benefits.
When looking for institutions and submitting applications, students should think about a variety of options. Finding the best degree needs planning and research. You can learn more about what to anticipate from distant learning by consulting our guide.
We’ll be looking at the following issues in today’s blog post:
- Finding the Best Online Master’s Degree.
- Does a Master’s Degree Pay Off?
- What Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?
- How Long Will It Take Me to Get a Master’s?
- Should I Pursue an Online Master’s Degree?
- 6 Best Master’s Degree Programs Online.
- How can I afford to get a master’s degree?
- Can I complete an online master’s degree in a year?
Finding the Best Online Master’s Degree.
When selecting a master’s degree, students should take into account a number of variables, including accreditation. Schools likewise give approved online master’s degrees in a range of majors and concentrations, making them the perfect choice for learners wishing to advance their expertise in a particular sector of work.
Applicants frequently have a variety of delivery options to select from, depending on their preferred learning style. Students should consider whether they prefer self-paced, pre-recorded courses or a live, online learning environment. Students wishing to combine online and in-person study may benefit from hybrid degrees.
Does a Master’s Degree Pay Off?
When deciding whether to pursue a master’s degree, students should examine the costs and advantages to their career. A cost-effective, practical route to professional development and higher-paying positions may be provided by an online master’s degree program. Each student must determine whether they can balance their career and family obligations with the demands of a master’s degree.
The pros and downsides of earning an online master’s degree are shown in the table below. A master’s degree has advantages such as greater earning potential and returns on investment. Higher salaries and career growth are not assured, though.
What Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?
The cost of master’s degrees at online colleges varies. Some institutions, particularly public universities, maintain differing tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students. Many degree levels set universal per-credit pricing, regardless of residency, but some universities continue levies in- and out-of-state tuition for online degrees.
Enrolling full-time may result in cheaper overall costs for students. Part-time students might, however, pay less per term. Students may be able to transfer credits into certain master’s degrees, which can lower fees and speed up graduation.
How Long Will It Take Me to Get a Master’s?
Most take about two years to finish and have between 30 and 60 credits. They frequently provide full- or part-time enrollment alternatives, as well as more flexible schedule possibilities than a typical degree. Accelerated coursework degrees can usually be finished in less than two years. Some degrees also allow transfer credits.
Should I Pursue an Online Master’s Degree?
For prospective students, online degrees have a number of benefits and drawbacks. In the end, choosing between an on-campus or online master’s degree must therefore be based on your needs and preferences. Employers often do not distinguish between job candidates with traditional degrees and those with online educations because online degree choices are already popular at institutions.
6 Best Master’s Degree Programs Online.
1. Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franciscan, which is based in Steubenville, Ohio, continues to be Roman Catholic. The university offers various six online master’s degree programmes in the following disciplines: business administration, education, theology and Christian ministry, catholic leadership, and catechetics and evangelism.
Through the Blackboard learning management system, Franciscan’s online students can access recorded lectures and complete coursework at their convenience. A completed application and certified transcripts from any former schools attended are required of prospective students.
100% Online | Flexible Scheduling
Cost per credit on average
In the state| $525-$550
External | $525-$550
Credits needed to graduate
36–39
Program Specifics
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission for Institutions.
2. Campbellsville University
More than 30 master’s degree programmes are available online through Campbellsville University (CU), including degrees in sociology, business, English, nursing, criminal justice, education, and ministry and theology. The majority of the online coursework is delivered asynchronously by the university, which largely caters to working professionals. Classes are entirely online, with no on-campus attendance requirements.
Military personnel are eligible for a sizable tuition discount from the university, as well as a number of scholarships that are open to online students.
100% Online | Flexible Scheduling
Cost per Credit Average
In-State | $299-$559
External | $299-$599
Credits Required for Graduation
30-75
Program Specifics
Institutional Accreditation | Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
3. University of Northwestern-St Paul
With its headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, UNW offers seven online master’s degrees, including ones in theology, business administration, education, human services, and ministry leadership. Each of these degrees can be completed totally online, however, some degrees also offer blended learning alternatives for students who choose to take some of their courses on campus.
An application, a CV, two essays, and proof of a “new birth in Jesus Christ” are requirements for all prospective students. Additionally, applicants must have a least 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Self-Paced | 100% Online Courses
Cost per Credit Average
In-State | $499–$550
From Other | $499-$550
Credits Required for Graduation
30-76
Program Specifics
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission for Institutions.
4. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Total online course offerings at UA Little Rock exceed 450. The institution is in charge of 11 online master’s degree programmes in disciplines like professional and technical writing, mass communication, criminal justice, and health education and promotion.
There are typically no on-campus prerequisites for degrees. Through the Blackboard network, professors deliver asynchronous coursework, giving working professionals more flexibility. The criteria for admission differ depending on the degree.
100% Online | Flexible Scheduling
Cost per Credit Average
From State | $383
External | $383
Credits Required for Degree
27-60
Program Specifics
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission for Institutions.
5. Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia-based Brenau University provides more than 40 online master’s degree programmes in subjects like business, nonprofit leadership, conflict resolution, education, and healthcare. Most of these degrees use the Canvas learning management system to provide coursework asynchronously. The normal class size in these degrees is roughly 20 people, and courses typically run seven weeks.
An application and official post-secondary transcripts must be submitted by candidates for Brenau’s online master’s degrees.
100% Online | Flexible Scheduling
Cost per Credit Average
In-State | $755
External | $755
Credits Required for Graduation
30-42
Program Specifics
Institutional Accreditation | Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
6. Marquette University
Marquette University, which has its main campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has eight online master’s degree programmes in subjects like business administration, Christian doctrine, clinical mental health counselling, and computing. Master’s degrees in corporate communication, healthcare data analytics, management, and supply chain management are also available to distance learners.
The other seven degrees are all online, with the exception of the logistics management degree, which requires an on-campus residency. Each degree has distinct entrance requirements, so research them on their website before applying.
100% Online | Flexible Scheduling
Cost per Credit Average
Within the State | $500–1,220
External | $500–1,220
Credits Required for Graduation
30-60
Program Specifics
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission for Institutions.
How can I afford to get a master’s degree?
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are just a few of the financial aid options open to students pursuing an online master’s degree.
For the purpose of determining their eligibility for federal help, applicants must complete the FAFSA. To assist pay for their degree, they can also apply for private loans.
Can I complete an online master’s degree in a year?
In just one year, some expedited degrees enable students to get their online master’s degree. Schools may provide MBAs and other master’s degrees that require only one year of full-time study.
A minimal number of transfer credits and full-time attendance are required for most one-year master’s degrees.
In comparison to a conventional two-year degree, one-year online master’s degrees enable students to develop or change careers more swiftly. In certain accelerated online master’s degree programmes, students can choose to take fewer courses or go to class all year long.
Some degrees, like an executive MBA degree, may have coursework created specifically for a condensed degree.
