The Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2024 - US News
Experts say colleges are poised to offer even more online degree programs and develop new ones as well. Advancements in technology, course design and high-speed ...
best online master’s degrees
An online degree can be a great choice for students who want to continue their education and have either an associate degree or no postsecondary education.A variety of online bachelor’s programs exist, so prospective students should explore all options before enrolling. Those who want to earn their online degree as quickly as possible may wish to pursue a competency-based program or one with an accelerated schedule. The majority of incoming online undergraduates have previously earned some college credits. Individuals in this group should check early in the process whether the prospective online program will accept those credits.Students with an undergraduate degree also can earn a master’s degree completely online. This path is a great choice for working professionals who want to advance in their career or change fields completely. You can find out more through U.S. News’ <anchor>best online master’s degrees</anchor> rankings and resources.
Best Online Master's Degrees of 2024 - US News
Best Online Master's Degrees of 2024 - US News

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1. Online Graduate Programs
2. [Online Colleges](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education)
3. [Education](https://www.usnews.com/higher-education)

![](/static-atlas/assets/img/education/online/badge-best-online-programs.svg)

# Find the Best Online Master's Degrees

Earning a master's degree online can help professionals get ahead in their career or change fields. Whether an MBA, a master's degree in education or a Master of Science in information technology, online degrees allow students to balance the pursuit of a higher education with a full-time job.

![](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000180-61b9-d187-a5cb-ffbdd70f0000/ali-follman.JPG?update-time=&size=responsiveSquare300)

By[Ali Follman](https://www.usnews.com/topics/author/ali-follman)

![](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000180-61b9-d187-a5cb-ffbdd70f0000/ali-follman.JPG?update-time=&size=responsiveSquare300)

By[Ali Follman](https://www.usnews.com/topics/author/ali-follman)

## Best Online MBA Programs

An online master's degree in business can equip students with the leadership skills vital for career advancement. Many programs offer opportunities to network with classmates and business leaders.

[See the methodology](http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/mba-methodology)

- [#1\
\
Indiana University--Bloomington (Kelley)\
\
Bloomington, IN](/education/online-education/indiana-university-bloomington-OBUS0276/mba)
- [#2\
\
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)\
\
Pittsburgh, PA](/education/online-education/carnegie-mellon-university-OBUS0100/mba)
- [#3\
\
University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) (tie)\
\
Chapel Hill, NC](/education/online-education/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill-OBUS0736/mba)
- [#3\
\
University of Southern California (Marshall) (tie)\
\
Los Angeles, CA](/education/online-education/university-of-southern-california-OBUS0767/mba)
- [#3\
\
University of Washington (Foster) (tie)\
\
Seattle, WA](/education/online-education/university-of-washington-seattle-campus-OBUS0793/mba)

[See the full rankings list](/education/online-education/mba/rankings)

![](/static/img/online-education/online-programs-mba.jpg)

### What Current Online Graduate Students Say

Bonnie Botello, Colorado State University, class of 2026, Ph.D. in systems engineering.

[Brian J. Stumm](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianstumm/), Colorado State University, class of 2027, Doctor of Engineering in systems engineering.

[Cole Brooks](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-brooks-040910158/), Auburn University, class of 2023, master of engineering management.

## Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs

An online master’s in electrical, civil or mechanical engineering can allow students to delve deeper into their field and potentially expand their job prospects.

[See the methodology](http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/engineering-methodology)

- [#1\
\
University of California--Los Angeles (Samueli)\
\
Los Angeles, CA](/education/online-education/university-of-california-los-angeles-OENG0157/engineering)
- [#2\
\
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger) \
\
Urbana, IL](/education/online-education/university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-OENG0179/engineering)
- [#3\
\
Pennsylvania State University--World Campus (tie)\
\
Malvern, PA](/education/online-education/pennsylvania-state-university-world-campus-OENG0100/engineering)
- [#3\
\
Purdue University--Main Campus (tie)\
\
West Lafayette, IN](/education/online-education/purdue-university-main-campus-OENG0108/engineering)

[See the full rankings list](/education/online-education/engineering/rankings)

![](/static/img/online-education/online-programs-engineering.jpg)

## Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs

Thanks to the growth of online nursing degree programs, students can advance their careers in one of the most in-demand health care professions. Many programs include a clinical component, often on campus or at a facility near a student's home.

[See the methodology](http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/nursing-methodology)

- [#1\
\
University of South Carolina\
\
Columbia, SC](/education/online-education/university-of-south-carolina-columbia-ONUR0438/nursing)
- [#3\
\
Saint Xavier University\
\
Chicago, IL](/education/online-education/st-xavier-university-ONUR0327/nursing)

[See the full rankings list](/education/online-education/nursing/rankings)

![](/static/img/online-education/online-programs-nursing.jpg)

### More Online Master's Program Rankings

[![](/static-atlas/assets/img/education/online/online-programs-business.jpg)\
**Online Master's in Business Programs** \
\
By earning a business degree online, working students don't have to put their jobs on hold.](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/business)

[![](/static-atlas/assets/img/education/online/online-programs-criminal-justice.jpg)\
**Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs** \
\
Study criminal behavior, take on leadership roles in the justice system or work on research or policy analysis.](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/criminal-justice)

[![](/static-atlas/assets/img/education/online/online-programs-education.jpg)\
**Online Master's in Education Programs** \
\
Some school districts require their teachers to have a master's degree, so earning it online can lead to career growth.](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education)

[![](/static-atlas/assets/img/education/online/online-programs-tech.jpg)\
**Online Master's in Information Technology Programs** \
\
As demand for employees with skills in programming, designing and sharing technology grows, an advanced online degree may be the best option.](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/computer-information-technology)

### Specialty Rankings

Explore the online graduate specialty areas that U.S. News ranks below, from educational administration to industrial and civil engineering, MBA programs in marketing, and nursing education. Learn about specific programs’ tuition cost, enrollment and school type, among other details.

#### Education

- [Curriculum and Instruction](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/online-curriculum-instruction-rankings)
- [Educational Administration](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/online-educational-administration-rankings)
- [Instructional Media](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/online-instructional-media-design-rankings)
- [Special Education](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/online-special-education-rankings)

#### Engineering

- [Civil Engineering](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/engineering/online-civil-rankings)
- [Electrical Engineering](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/engineering/online-electrical-rankings)
- [Engineering Management](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/engineering/online-management-rankings)
- [Industrial Engineering](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/engineering/online-industrial-rankings)
- [Mechanical Engineering](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/engineering/online-mechanical-rankings)

#### MBA

- [Business Analytics MBA](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/online-business-analytics-rankings)
- [Finance MBA](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/online-finance-rankings)
- [General Management MBA](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/online-general-management-rankings)
- [MBA Programs in Marketing](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/online-marketing-rankings)

#### Nursing

- [Family Nurse Practitioner](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing/online-family-nurse-practitioner-rankings)
- [Nursing Administation](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing/online-nursing-administration-rankings)
- [Nursing Education](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing/online-nursing-education-rankings)

### Online Graduate Degrees

Search the many online graduate degrees from those in criminal justice to info tech. There may be degree options available that you’ve never considered possible to complete online.

#### Business

- [Accounting](/education/online-education/accounting-masters-degree)
- [Accounting (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/accounting-doctorate-degree)
- [Business Intelligence](/education/online-education/business-intelligence-masters-degree)
- [Communications](/education/online-education/communications-masters-degree)
- [DBA](/education/online-education/business-administration-doctorate-degree)
- [Digital Marketing](/education/online-education/digital-marketing-masters-degree)
- [Economics](/education/online-education/economics-masters-degree)
- [Entrepreneurship](/education/online-education/entrepreneurship-masters-degree)
- [Executive MBA](/education/online-education/executive-mba-degree)
- [Finance](/education/online-education/finance-masters-degree)
- [Finance MBA](/education/online-education/finance-mba-degree)
- [Human Resource Management (Graduate Certificate)](/education/online-education/human-resources-graduate-certificate-degree)
- [Human Resources](/education/online-education/human-resources-masters-degree)
- [Human Resources (doctorate)](/education/online-education/human-resources-doctorate-degree)
- [Industrial-Organizational Psychology](/education/online-education/industrial-organizational-psychology-masters-degree)
- [Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/industrial-organizational-psychology-doctorate-degree)
- [International Business (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/international-business-doctorate-degree)
- [International MBA](/education/online-education/international-mba-degree)
- [International Marketing Management](/education/online-education/international-marketing-management-masters-degree)
- [MBA](/education/online-education/mba-degree)
- [Management (doctorate)](/education/online-education/management-doctorate-degree)
- [Marketing](/education/online-education/marketing-masters-degree)
- [Marketing (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/marketing-doctorate-degree)
- [Marketing (Graduate Certificate)](/education/online-education/marketing-graduate-certificate-degree)
- [Negotiation and Conflict Management](/education/online-education/negotiation-conflict-management-masters-degree)
- [Nonprofit Management](/education/online-education/nonprofit-management-masters-degree)
- [Organizational Leadership and Management](/education/online-education/organizational-leadership-management-masters-degree)
- [Project Management](/education/online-education/project-management-masters-degree)
- [Project Management (doctorate)](/education/online-education/project-management-doctorate-degree)
- [Public Relations](/education/online-education/public-relations-masters-degree)
- [Sports Management](/education/online-education/sports-management-masters-degree)
- [Supply Chain Management](/education/online-education/supply-chain-management-masters-degree)
- [Supply Chain and Logistics (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/supply-chain-logistics-doctorate-degree)
- [Sustainable Tourism](/education/online-education/sustainable-tourism-masters-degree)

#### Criminal Justice

- [Criminal Justice (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/criminal-justice-doctorate-degree)
- [Criminal Justice Master's Degree](/education/online-education/criminal-justice-masters-degree)
- [Criminology](/education/online-education/criminology-masters-degree)
- [Forensic Psychology](/education/online-education/forensic-psychology-masters-degree)
- [Forensic Science](/education/online-education/forensic-science-masters-degree)
- [Forensics](/education/online-education/forensics-masters-degree)
- [Homeland Security](/education/online-education/homeland-security-masters-degree)
- [Law Enforcement Administration](/education/online-education/law-enforcement-administration-masters-degree)

#### Education

- [Adult Education](/education/online-education/adult-education-masters-degree)
- [Child Development](/education/online-education/child-development-masters-degree)
- [Coaching](/education/online-education/coaching-masters-degree)
- [Curriculum and Instruction](/education/online-education/curriculum-instruction-masters-degree)
- [Curriculum and Instruction (doctorate)](/education/online-education/curriculum-instruction-doctorate-degree)
- [Doctor of Education](/education/online-education/education-doctorate-degree)
- [ESL](/education/online-education/english-language-learning-masters-degree)
- [Early Childhood Education](/education/online-education/early-childhood-education-masters-degree)
- [Education Administration](/education/online-education/education-administration-masters-degree)
- [Education Administration (doctorate)](/education/online-education/education-administration-doctorate-degree)
- [Education Leadership and Administration](/education/online-education/education-leadership-administration-masters-degree)
- [Education Specialist](/education/online-education/education-specialist-degree)
- [Educational Leadership (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/educational-leadership-doctorate-degree)
- [Educational Technology (Doctorate)](/education/online-education/educational-technology-doctorate-degree)
- [Elementary Education](/education/online-education/elementary-education-masters-degree)
- [Gifted and Talented Education](/education/online-education/gifted-talented-education-masters-degree)
- [Higher Education (doctorate)](/education/online-education/higher-education-doctorate-degree)
- [Higher Education Administration](/education/online-education/higher-education-administration-masters-degree)
- [Instructional Technology](/education/online-education/instructional-technology-masters-degree)
- [Master of Arts in Teaching](/education/online-education/teaching-masters-degree)
- [Master of Education](/education/online-education/education-masters-degree)
- [Math Education](/education/online-education/math-education-masters-degree)
- [Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology](/education/online-education/educational-psychology-doctorate-degree)
- [Online Teaching](/education/online-education/online-teaching-masters-degree)
- [Reading and Literacy](/education/online-education/reading-literacy-masters-degree)
- [School Counseling](/education/online-education/school-counseling-masters-degree)
- [Science Education](/education/online-education/science-education-masters-degree)
- [Secondary Education](/education/online-education/secondary-education-masters-degree)
- [Social Studies Education](/education/online-education/social-studies-education-masters-degree)
- [Special Education](/education/online-education/special-education-masters-degree)
- [Special Education (doctorate)](/education/online-education/special-education-doctorate-degree)

#### Engineering

- [Biomedical Engineering / Bioengineering](/education/online-education/bioengineering-masters-degree)
- [Civil Engineering](/education/online-education/civil-engineering-masters-degree)
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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to Select the Right Online Master’s Program

Selecting an online master's program is a decision you shouldn’t make lightly. As you’re evaluating programs, consider how each school’s resources, reputation and value line up with your career interests and goals. [Graduate programs can be highly specialized](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2019-02-15/what-graduate-school-is-and-who-should-consider-attending) and enable students to get deep into a specific subject. Before you decide on a program, make sure you’re passionate about the topic and want to become an expert in it.

##### Step 1: Research online master's programs.

Whether you want to build on your undergraduate area of study or go in a new direction, like [business administration](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/business-administration-doctorate-degree), you can narrow down your program choices with the help of academic advisers at institutions of interest. Past professors and connections from your undergraduate alma mater are another good source for program recommendations. Also, check out the many U.S. News rankings of accredited online master’s programs and specialties to further your search.

##### Step 2: Check for accreditation.

When choosing an online master’s program, prospective students should [ensure the school is accredited](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/accreditation-of-online-college-degree-programs-what-to-know) by an organization recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These organizations monitor programs and schools and renew their accreditation every few years. Accreditation is a process that an outside authority conducts to ensure a school or degree program – either on campus, online or a combination of both – meets certain quality standards. Attending an accredited institution is important for your career, as employers favor certain accreditations over others.

##### Step 3: Watch out for scams.

Prospective students may come across for-profit and nonprofit online schools in their search. For-profit schools are privately owned entities that, for years, have rehabbed their image as high-acceptance, low-graduation and higher debt colleges. To do this, for-profit schools began emphasizing things that nonprofit schools are known to prioritize, including student support services and the use of entrance exams to gauge students’ college readiness.

Be aware that for-profit schools' priority is to make money. Watch out for [online degree scams](https://www.usnews.com/higher-education/online-education/articles/7-warning-signs-an-online-degree-is-a-scam) and red flags. If a school’s website suggests you can earn a degree in a very short time period or at an extremely low or abnormally high cost, conduct further research.

##### Step 4: Find your preferred course format.

Once you narrow down what programs you’re interested in, make sure the courses are in your ideal format. There are various program and course structures in online learning.

- **Asynchronous:** Courses are self-paced with weekly deadlines.

- **Synchronous:** There’s a preset schedule of classes and conversations, typically via videoconference.

- **Hybrid:** Activities are a mix of online and in person and combine synchronous and asynchronous methods.

- **Open-schedule:** This asynchronous format lets students complete assignments based on their course start date.

- **Fixed-time:** In this synchronous format, students must log on to attend class at specific times virtually with no in-person meetings required.

##### Step 5: Review program details.

Before applying, review admission requirements and application fees and compare the availability of financial aid. Look into details about the school, like competitiveness, what fees you have to pay on top of your tuition – including book, course material and online delivery fees – and information about student services and the faculty.

### How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?

The cost of an online master’s program varies based on a number of factors, including whether the school is public or private, what degree you’re pursuing, whether you’re in-state, and if you can [secure a scholarship](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-find-scholarships-for-graduate-school).

At some institutions, full-time online students pay less for a master’s degree than their in-person counterparts. In addition, tuition for in-state online students can be lower than for those out-of-state.

Online master’s students may save on regular transportation costs and on-campus fees but could incur [distance education, matriculation or technology fees](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/slideshows/10-things-to-consider-before-paying-for-an-online-degree), among others. These vary by institution. Prospective students should check whether a program has any on-site components. Some online graduate programs have requirements, like a residency, that could add to the cost. Schools may offer scholarships for specific types of learners, like [international students](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/slideshows/10-ways-international-students-can-pay-for-us-graduate-school), to help cut the cost of an online degree.

Prospective students must [weigh the costs](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/paying/articles/is-graduate-school-worth-the-cost) of an online master’s degree with the potential for increased earnings over time. Those with master’s degrees in 2022 earned a median of $1,661 per week, compared with bachelor’s degree holders who took in a median of $1,432 per week, [according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/data-on-display/education-pays.htm). Professionals in STEM, health care and business fields have some of the most notable salary increases after earning an advanced degree. In addition to more money, graduate degree holders have lower unemployment rates than those with only a bachelor’s or high school education.

### How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master’s Degree?

The length and pace of an online master’s degree depend on whether you choose a full- or part-time program. Full-time students can take more classes per term, but a part-time program may be easier to manage on top of other obligations. Programs take [one to three years](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2019-03-13/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-masters-degree) to complete and require 30 to 50 credits. Part-time programs might cap students to around five years, depending on the area of study.

### How Will Potential Employers View an Online Master’s?

Potential employers will view an online master’s degree in a similar light as a degree earned in-person, since in many cases, online programs award students the same degree as its in-person equivalent. Hiring managers and employers generally care about the degree itself – not the format through which it was earned – as well as a school’s reputation and accreditation.

Though in the hiring process, candidates shouldn’t shy away from discussing their online master’s degree. It can be a good opportunity for online learners to showcase commitment to their career field and discuss their time-management skills.

### How to Apply to an Online Master's Program

##### 1\. Note important deadlines.

On top of the application deadline, online master’s programs will have due dates for financial aid and test score submissions. Deadline information is generally available on a school’s website. Creating a calendar of deadlines for your list of schools can help you stay organized.

##### 2\. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Prospective students must [fill out the FAFSA](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/completing-the-fafsa) to be eligible for federal loans, grants and work-study jobs. Generally, the financial aid process for online master's students is similar to that at the undergraduate level. The biggest difference is that master's students almost always apply as independents, regardless of their age and whether they live with their parents. Therefore, parents’ information isn’t needed for the FAFSA.

Nearly all students who apply for financial aid qualify for some form of it. Because of the complex nature of the FAFSA and financial aid, many schools have advisers who can guide prospective students through the process.

##### 3\. Fill out program applications.

Online master’s degree applications are usually tied to a specific program in a school, so the application students need to complete depends on the discipline. Follow instructions carefully and double-check the information you report.

##### 4\. Write a great essay.

Applicants likely have to submit an essay or personal statement. Because online students often have some work experience, many experts recommend they emphasize their professional skills as part of their application and explain how their experience has prepared them for the program. Admissions officers also appreciate anecdotes and creativity in essays. It might be helpful to have a friend, colleague or someone in your desired field read over your essay before you submit.

##### 5\. Ask for recommendation letters.

Letters of recommendation are often required from online master's students. These may come from professors and current or previous employers who can speak to a student’s qualifications and best attributes. To get the best letters of recommendation, request them from people who know you well academically, like a professor who sparked your interest in your area of study.

##### 6\. Submit transcripts and test scores.

Applicants likely need to submit their college transcript with an overall and a major GPA. Students who earned a certificate outside of school can include it on their resume as well. Whether the GMAT or GRE entrance exam is required depends on the school and area of study. [Some programs allow students to waive test requirements](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/2017-06-05/what-mba-applicants-should-know-about-test-waivers-test-optional-programs) if they have a certain amount of work experience in a related field. How competitive it is to receive a waiver varies.

Admissions requirements for master’s degrees vary depending on the discipline and school. Consult an admissions officer at schools of interest to determine the exact requirements.

### Featured Online Graduate School Content

Whether you are on the fence about enrolling in an online master’s degree program, need advice on ways to pay for school or seek postgraduate employment opportunities, you aren't alone.

[**Explore the Top Online MBA Programs** \
Learn about tuition, deadlines and more before applying.](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/slideshows/us-news-best-online-mba-programs)

[Ally Sorrells](https://www.usnews.com/topics/author/ally-sorrells) Jan. 24, 2022

![](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/0000017e-2b0a-df41-ad7f-abbfb4670000/onlinebadge1.png?update-time=1641399652437&size=responsiveSquare150)

[**Explore Online Degree Costs** \
Prospective students should check whether a program has a technology fee or travel requirements, experts say.](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/slideshows/10-things-to-consider-before-paying-for-an-online-degree)

[Jordan Friedman](https://www.usnews.com/topics/author/jordan-friedman) and [Emma Kerr](https://www.usnews.com/topics/author/emma-kerr)Jan. 26, 2021

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