30 Top Accredited Online Master’s Degree Programs in the United States

Navigating the countless options to find the right graduate program can be overwhelming and lead to choosing a program that doesn’t meet your needs. We’re listing options for the best accredited online master’s programs to empower you to advance your career, increase earnings potential, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

What Are the Best Online Masters Degrees?

Among the top online master’s programs are Penn State World Campus for its high-ranking business, engineering, and education programs; the University of Florida for its affordable tuition and variety of programs, including business, education, and healthcare; and Liberty University for its Christian worldview and programs in counseling, education, and business.

With the rising costs of quality education and the need for flexibility, more students are turning to online grad school programs. The best master’s programs empower professionals to advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Let’s get to our list of online master’s programs! Also, check out our school rankings for the Top 15 Accredited Online Colleges Without an Application Fee to see if you can save a little money.

See Also: Laptop Tips and Tricks for Online College Students

1. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers more than 50 online and asynchronous master’s programs that ensure academic quality. This school is highly regarded for these online graduate programs, each appearing at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings.

• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Education

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers more than 70 fully online master’s programs. When an online master’s degree in education is your goal, enjoy tech support, library services, and counseling while pursuing graduate studies at UF. These are among its popular tracks:

• Business Administration
• Fisheries and Aquatic Science
• International Construction Management
• Sustainable Design

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a top choice for students who want a graduate-level education grounded in the Christian faith while achieving career goals. Its master’s degree in education online format lets you graduate in just 18 months. Even with low tuition fees, some of Liberty’s most popular online graduate degrees include:

• Master of Divinity
• Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling
• Master of Public Health

4. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University boasts the most graduates, leading the top Fortune 500 companies. At Texas A&M, a distance education degree is any program in which more than half of a semester’s credit hours can be taken online. With financial aid available, you can study any of its graduate degrees, including:

• Engineering
• Education
• Nursing
• Wildlife Science
• Geosciences
• Maritime Administration
• Logistics 

5. National University

National University helps you juggle multiple responsibilities by offering courses that last just four weeks. By covering online program coursework in smaller segments, you can focus on one topic at a time. You can quickly master the material to graduate faster from these master’s programs, including:

• Business
• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Education
• Criminal Justice

6. Washington State University

Washington State University has Global Connections, an initiative that helps distance learners form a close-knit community while getting a master’s degree online. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education evaluates institutions’ levels of research activity. Academic-quality degrees include:

• Agriculture
• Health Promotion
• Molecular Biosciences
• Business Administration
• Engineering  

7. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University’s Course Quality Program follows standards set by Quality Matters, an organization that improves online education across the nation. By partnering with this program, NC State offers training and resources for faculty members to enhance their online teaching skills. In-demand programs include:

• Education
• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Computer Information Technology
• Textile Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Aerospace Engineering

8. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University follows a traditional academic schedule for online learning, with courses starting in the fall and spring semesters. With financial aid options, you can study various online program specializations to reach career goals:

• Criminal Justice (No. 2 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs)
• Education
• Engineering
• Computer Information Technology
• Library Science
• Band Studies

9. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska Online requires 36 credit hours to graduate. The flagship campus at Lincoln combines the latest technology and the most effective distance learning methods to provide a quality curriculum. With institutional accreditation, some of NU’s most unique master’s programs include:

• Business Administration
• Engineering Management
• Education in Special Education
• Architecture with a specialization in Interior Design
• Applied Science in Beef Cattle Production
• Textile History or Quilt Studies

10. Arizona State University

Arizona State University has held the No. 1 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Most Innovative Schools for five years. Many of ASU’s online master’s degrees have earned the No. 1 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s program-specific rankings. ASU has you covered with a well-respected program.

• General Management and Marketing
• Electrical Engineering
• Curriculum and Instruction 

11. Ball State University

Ball State University’s graduate degrees. combine online coursework with in-person classes on Ball State’s famously friendly campus. Many types of financial aid are available, including federal loans, scholarships, and grants. Quality education degrees include:

• Business
• Nursing
• Education
• Athletic Coaching
• Emerging Media Design and Development
• Nutrition and Dietetics

12. Ferris State University

Industry experts built Ferris State University’s online graduate programs. You’ll have the flexibility to take your online program classes whenever and wherever it’s convenient for your schedule and commitments. Ferris offers master’s specializations in:

• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Nursing
• Healthcare Administration
• Information Security and Intelligence 

13. Florida State University

Florida State University offers low tuition rates and generous financial aid, making education affordable for out-of-state students. Some of FSU’s faculty include Pulitzer Prize winners and Nobel laureates. Take your career path to the next level by taking specializations such as:

• Criminal Justice
• Computer Information Technology
• Business
• Social Work
• Law Enforcement Intelligence

14. Virginia Tech University

Virginia Tech University is part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. This organization helps improve the quality of distance education while keeping costs low. Advance your expertise in the following fields:

• Computer Information Technology
• Instructional Technology
• Aerospace Systems
• Ocean Engineering
• Foreign Languages
• Cultures
• Literature
• Agricultural Science
• Life Sciences
• Political Science 

15. Auburn University

At Auburn University, professionals can advance their education with a specialized master’s program with different areas of concentration. As an online student, you will receive the same quality of instruction and assignments as those on campus. You can pursue a degree focused on:

• Business Administration
• Soil, Water, and Environmental Sciences
• Real Estate Development
• Elementary and Secondary Education
• Cybersecurity Engineering
• Nutrition
• Natural Resources

16. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is part of a state-wide eLearning initiative that invests time and resources into improving its online experience. Contact the financial aid office for scholarships and federal loans. While the College of Education has the most online opportunities for graduate students, you can also cover areas including:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Journalism
• Public Health
• Engineering

17. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis allows you to combine areas of study into a degree plan that fits your specific professional goals. Despite being online, you’ll learn foundational knowledge while having evidence-based instructional practices. Whether you aim to pivot your career path or gain more expertise, you can study these fields in the comfort of your home.

• Music Education
• Business
• Engineering
• Health
• Liberal Studies

18. Colorado State University

Enroll at CSU if you want to conduct research that helps protect the environment. The Rams have the country’s most sustainable campus. By pursuing one of Colorado State University’s more than 30 master’s degree programs, you can further protect the planet by studying from home and avoiding the gas pump.

• Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
• Natural Resource Stewardship
• Tourism Management

19. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota offers online master’s programs with short, in-person classes. These in-person experiences give you opportunities for face-to-face interaction without traveling to campus each week. Expand your professional development as you take an online program specializing in:

• Business Administration
• Clinical Research
• Healthcare Administration
• Health Informatics
• Family Education

20. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is the largest institution of higher education in Oregon, with approximately one-fifth of the students studying online. Its Master of Engineering is one of the country’s top online graduate degrees. Online students can also pursue a specialization in public service areas like:

• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Education
• Rural Policy
• Urban Forestry
• Organic Agriculture
• Organizational Leadership

21. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University is one of six universities with a Quality Matters’ Online Learner Support Certification. Get in touch with Bowling Green’s financial aid office if you need help with funding for an online program. BGSU’s most notable specializations include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Classroom Technology
• Music Education
• Accounting
• Finance
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Communication
• Nutrition

22. The University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus meets the needs of working adults by offering flexible online master’s programs and in-person classes on military bases across the globe. Discounted tuition rates are available for active military, veterans, and their families. About 88% of its faculty have doctoral degrees, which means professors have hands-on experience in these fields.

• Business
• Technology
• Education
• Biotechnology
• Cloud Computing Architecture
• Digital Forensics
• Cyber Investigation

23. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign holds the No. 1 spot in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Programs and the top four spots for industrial and mechanical engineering. Virtual classroom environment technologies were invented on Illinois’ campus. Offset your fees by checking on financial aid opportunities.

• International Education Administration
• Global Studies
• Diversity and Equity in Education

24. Iowa State University

Iowa State University is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA). This consortium of colleges enhances the effectiveness of online programs by pulling resources from member schools. Develop advanced skills and professional development by mastering these fields:

• Family and Consumer Sciences in Dietetics
• Family Financial Planning
• Gerontology
• Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
• Agricultural Education
• Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

25. The University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina ranks at No. 2 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs. In fact, 100% of USC’s Master of Science in Nursing graduates pass the exam for the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification. To provide you with several flexible pathways to earn your degree, you can also specialize in:

• Psychiatric Mental Health
• Administration
• Informatics
• Public Health in Health Education
• Aerospace Engineering 
• Nuclear Engineering
• Information Science 

Along with ranking high on the U.S. News & World Report, Jerome L. Rekart, Ph.D. a former Vice President of Research and Insights at Southern New Hampshire University, would recommend the University of South Carolina as his top pick on this list:

“All things being equal, I would recommend the University of Southern California (USC) for an online master’s above the others on the list. Though the list includes some “heavy hitters” and notable names, USC offers the best name recognition across programs. That being said, the “best” for a student will ultimately depend on the specific program that they want to pursue, their budget, and their timeline.”

26. University of Michigan- Flint

The University of Michigan provides personalized attention and the flexibility to earn your degree online with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UM-Flint also has several hybrid programs that require in-person classwork every few weeks. Programs include:

• Liberal Studies
• Education
• Business
• Nursing
• Arts Administration
• Data Science
• Supply Chain Management

27. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers the lowest tuition rates among Kansas’ public institutions of higher education, with students paying approximately $287 per credit hour. The multidisciplinary grad school programs let you combine disciplines to customize your studies. Its online Master’s in Education degrees include various areas of emphasis, including:

• PreK
• Student Affairs
• Math
• Reading
• Library Media
• School Counseling

28. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California‘s alumni lead across industries, most famously in Hollywood. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission, USC lets you tailor your studies to suit your lifestyle, whether you study full-time or part-time. Master’s Degree in Education and Science options include:

• Business Administration
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Oral Medicine
• Geriatric Dentistry
• Community Oral Health

29. Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University offers online and hybrid-format degree programs with in-person classes. Check on graduate funding opportunities with Golden Gate’s financial aid office. Many of the school’s business programs focus on areas that require a strong knowledge of corporate law, and these span multiple disciplines:

• Accounting
• Taxation
• Business Administration with a Juris Doctor joint-degree concentration
• Advanced Financial Planning
• Counseling Psychology
• Human Resource Management

30. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin ranks as Kiplinger’s No. 9 Best Value Public College. Despite a flexible online learning environment, the school fosters personal engagement between students and instructors. With approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the rigorous program can expand your expertise in the following areas:

• Nutritional Sciences
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science

Why Should I Earn an Online Master’s Degree?

Enroll in one of our top 30 accredited online master’s programs, and your resume will thank you! Online learning gives you access to some of the country’s most respected institutions of higher education. You can learn no matter where you live!

Is Online Education Worth It?

Aside from advancing your education after completing a bachelor’s degree, you’ll also be able to join a network of esteemed alumni. Bonded together by school spirit, your alumni connections might prove invaluable to your career goals.

According to the U.S. Census, more Americans than ever are earning bachelor’s degrees after high school. Higher-paying jobs with distinguished titles are more competitive as the workforce becomes more educated. Having a master’s degree on your resume is an excellent way to set yourself apart and get a full-time job.

Pursuing an online program can be a worthwhile investment for career advancement. However, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully. Realistically assess whether the potential long-term benefits outweigh the costs based on your circumstances.

• An online master’s provides opportunities for upskilling and increased earnings potential. On average, master’s graduates earn about $12,000 more per year than bachelor’s holders.
• However, specialized programs may not improve employability, and completing a master’s workload can be difficult to balance with work and family obligations.
• While a graduate degree helps candidates stand out and enhances competitiveness, it does not guarantee career advancement or higher pay, especially in saturated job markets.
• The higher debt burden of graduate studies is another potential downside.

Why Should I Enroll in One of the Best Online Master’s Programs?

As an online learner, you’ll receive the same degree diploma as traditional students. And, in most cases, you won’t need to study in person like you did in high school.

Most graduate students are already well into their professional careers. Taking time off from school isn’t always an option. An online master’s degree helps you and other grad students get to the next level on your schedule. 

That’s why so many universities have master’s programs that meet the unique needs of grad school degree students who want to earn a degree online. Many online graduate programs let you earn a paycheck while you study.

See Also: Accredited Online Colleges That Offer Laptops

Will a Master’s Online Diploma Lead to a Higher Salary?

A master’s diploma can unlock higher wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the further you take your education, the higher your earning potential becomes. Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Master’s level occupations will grow by almost 17% by 2026, faster than any other education level.

What if I Change Careers? Will a Grad School Degree Boost My Pay?

While a graduate school degree is a great way to earn more money, you might not see a salary increase right off the bat if you change careers.

Careers take your experience into account when determining your wages. So, even if you have a master’s degree in education online, without some measure of relevant work experience, your salary will need time to grow.

See Also: 9 Tips For Balancing Work, Life, and Academics: Navigating the Challenges of Pursuing an Online Master’s Degree

How Should I Choose the Right Online Master’s Program?

When selecting a legitimate online master’s program, Dr. Jerome Rekart also recommends doing thorough research before making a formal decision:

“Doing your homework ahead of time will save you a lot of potential grief down the road. One thing to think about is what your expectations are for the program, meaning are you looking to maximize the return on your investment? If you are, then you’ll want to look at any number of evaluators online to determine how the programs you’re considering rank against one another and whether the amount you’ll be spending will be recouped sooner rather than later.”

Thoroughly researching these aspects can help you choose the best online master’s program. You should weigh in several key factors, including:

• Accreditation: Make sure an approved organization accredits the school and program to validate the quality of education.
• Program format: Online programs offer synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid learning formats. Consider which format best suits your learning style and schedule.
• Identify goals: Clarify your reasons for pursuing a master’s before applying. This will help you choose the right field of study.
• Field of study: Select a field that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. Research job outlook and salary data for insight.
• School type: Compare nonprofit versus for-profit schools in terms of cost, degree options, and eligibility for federal financial support.
• Budget: Factor in tuition costs and financial assistance options to minimize costs. Accredited online programs qualify for federal aid.

See Also: Mastering the Virtual Classroom: 8 Tips for Success in Your Online Master’s Program

How Much Do Graduate Online Programs Cost?

Overall, tuition costs and fees for an accredited online master’s typically range from $13,000-$60,000. Carefully evaluating program options and financial support can help you maximize affordability. The cost of education online depends on several factors:

• Public versus private school: Public schools are typically less expensive than private institutions. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate tuition and fees at public schools were $12,596 for 2021-22, compared to $20,513 across all institutions.
• Residency status: Some public schools charge less for in-state residents. However, many schools now offer the same online tuition rate regardless of residency.
• Full-time vs. part-time enrollment: Full-time students may pay less per credit yet have higher overall costs. In contrast, part-time learners pay less per term, although it might take longer to graduate.
• Program length: Most online education takes one to two years to complete.
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and scholarships can significantly lower out-of-pocket expenses. You need to complete the FAFSA to qualify.

Who Accredits Colleges and Universities?

There are two types of institutional accreditation: national and regional. 

National accreditation is the lesser of the two. It’s usually applied to for-profit and online institutions. However, national accreditation is certainly a step up from no accreditation at all.

What Agencies Are Responsible for Regional Accreditation?

The preferred institutional accreditation is regional. According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), there are seven collegiate accrediting bodies:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

While these agencies have their own set of accreditation standards, there is reciprocity between the agencies.

Suppose you attend a school that has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and transfer to a school that’s accredited by WASC. The chances are good that your credits will transfer. This is true for each agency in the list above.

Are There Other Types of Accreditation?

Yes, individual master’s degree programs might have professional accreditation.

For example, if you’re getting your master’s degree in counseling, your graduate program might be accredited by CACREP or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Registered nurses pursuing a graduate degree might enroll in a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Note that not every program has professional certifications. Suppose you pursue a master’s degree in education – your school might be accredited, yet your graduate program might not.

What Programs Usually Have Professional Accreditations?

Typically, professional accreditations are for programs that lead to certain careers, like:

• Business: Business degrees like MBAs and Masters in Finance remain very popular due to the wide range of concentrations available to specialize in. These include business analytics, consulting, accounting, marketing, and finance.
• Law and legal studies: Students with a master’s degree in education related to legal studies gain advanced legal knowledge without becoming lawyers. This can lead to careers in fields like criminal justice, criminology, dispute resolution, and compliance.
• Nursing and healthcare: Nursing and healthcare degrees like MSNs and accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs offer opportunities to advance nursing careers or transition into new specialties. Other options include public health, healthcare administration, health informatics, and specialized MBAs in healthcare management.
• Education: Master’s in education degrees open doors to careers in teaching, curriculum development, education policy, and school administration. Other accredited specializations include a master’s in education, majoring in early childhood or gifted education.
• Psychology and counseling: Psychology and counseling degrees lead to becoming psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Even a master’s degree in education specializing in counseling can help qualify you for clinical positions as well as roles in individual and group counseling.
• Computer science and information technology: Computer science and IT degrees build skills for technology careers in areas like cybersecurity, data science, AI, and information security, which are in high demand. Professional accreditation in these fields is common because the degrees directly prepare students for business-focused fields, including cybersecurity, information security, data science, and artificial intelligence.

How Did We Pick the Best Online Graduate Programs?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics to determine these school rankings. We consider various factors when ranking schools.

This includes affordability, the student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of master’s programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more, visit our methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Master’s Degree?

Most online grad school programs consist of 30 to 60 credits and take about two years to complete through full-time study. In some cases, you can finish it quickly through accelerated coursework or in one to two years if you’re studying part-time.

What Are the Most Popular Online Master’s Degrees by Field?

The most popular online master’s programs tend to be in the business, education, healthcare, and computer fields. They allow professionals to upskill in high-demand career areas with strong job prospects, higher salaries, and advancement opportunities.

Which Master’s Education Online Is in Highest Demand?

A graduate school degree in nursing is in particularly high demand because it qualifies nurses for advanced roles like nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner, which are projected to grow 38% over the next decade per the BLS. Other popular and in-demand master’s programs include MBAs for executive roles and specialized degrees in healthcare and computer fields.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Education Online?

A master’s degree in education qualifies graduates for various professional roles like nurse practitioner, physician assistant, statistician, epidemiologist, computer scientist, speech language pathologist, genetic counselor, curator, and mental health counselor. Such programs provide the advanced skills and credentials these in-demand careers require.

Can You Get a Master’s Degree Even Without a Bachelor’s Degree?

You generally need to earn a bachelor’s degree before pursuing a master’s. However, some specialized programs, like ADN-to-MSN pathways, allow students with an associate degree to enroll on the condition they complete additional undergraduate prerequisites or have relevant professional experience.

Why Is Online Learning Becoming More the Norm?

Online students are no longer outliers. In 2000, just 5% of graduate students studied online. Fast forward six years, that percentage jumped to more than 30%. In 2019, that number was 37.2%.

What Makes Accredited Graduate Programs Better Than Other Programs?

Accreditation shows you’ve received a quality education in your master’s diploma. Accredited online schools and programs must demonstrate that they meet educational standards. These standards hold colleges and universities accountable for the education their students receive.

Does Accreditation Make Transferring Credits Easier if I Change Schools?

The chances of your credits transferring are much less when you begin your studies at a school that is not accredited because accreditation isn’t in place to guide the curriculum’s development and delivery. Meanwhile, if you start a degree program at an accredited university, the chances that those credits transfer to another university are high.

Does Having a Degree From an Accredited School Help Me Get a Job?

In some cases, employers might require that your degree be from an accredited institution. You might need an accredited degree to sit for the exam if you work in a field that requires a competency exam.

Conclusion

An accredited online program from a reputable institution can provide immense value by expanding your knowledge, skills, and opportunities. Identifying and enrolling in the right online graduate program for your goals and interests can yield tremendous professional and personal growth.

Want more information? Check out the Best Accredited Online Graduate schools. The Cheapest and Easiest Masters Degrees Online is another ranking worth your time!