Explore the Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in 2026

Review top-rated, accredited online master’s programs that fit your schedule and help you take the next step in your education and career.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Kathleen Curtis

Graduate Ed.CareersFinancial Aid

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Updated: 12/30/2025

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Are you weighing whether to build on your bachelor’s degree with a master’s? Whether you completed your undergraduate studies recently or several years ago, returning to school can help unlock new career opportunities and increase earning potential. Today’s best online master’s programs combine flexible scheduling with competitive tuition, making it possible to complete graduate coursework without putting your life on hold.

Whether your interests lie in business, education, psychology, engineering, or another field, this guide can help you evaluate your options. Below, we outline what to look for to find the best online master’s programs and highlight real schools that stand out in online graduate education.

The Top 25 Online Master’s Degree Programs in 2026

The “best” online master’s program will vary based on factors like your field of study, budget, and long-term goals. As a starting point, we’ve identified 25 online master’s programs that stand out for academic quality and offer a useful reference when comparing your options.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Private · SACSCOC

Liberty University offers flexible, fully online General Master’s programs across disciplines such as business, education, public safety, and human services, allowing customization through elective courses to align with various career goals in leadership, management, and specialized fields. Programs emphasize practical skills and current industry trends.

Program Highlights:

Liberty University offers a competitive graduate tuition rate of $290 per credit hour, with additional discounts for veterans serving as first responders, ensuring affordable access to advanced degrees.
The program features eight-week courses with eight different start dates annually, providing flexible scheduling without set login times, accommodating diverse student needs.
Liberty provides personalized service and exclusive tuition discounts for military personnel, first responders, and graduates from Liberty University Online Academy, enhancing financial support and community connection.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,740
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 48,639

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Private · NWCCU

WGU’s General Master’s program offers a flexible, fully online experience designed for working adults. Students complete 8-14 courses focused on practical skills like leadership, assessment, and healthcare or education systems, finishing most programs in about 10 to 24 months at affordable tuition rates per term.

Program Highlights:

WGU offers a Master Your Future Scholarship worth up to $3,000, which can be combined with other tuition discounts to make graduate education more affordable.
The university uses competency-based learning that allows students to accelerate their master’s program and potentially reduce time and tuition costs significantly.
WGU maintains strong partnerships with nearly 300 community colleges, providing graduates and staff exclusive scholarships and a 5% tuition discount for up to four terms.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,302
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 49,193

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

Private · SACSCOC

The University of the Cumberlands offers a range of master’s programs across diverse fields like business, education, health sciences, and information technology, delivered in flexible formats such as online and hybrid to incorporate modern, practical, and research-driven curriculum tailored for career advancement.

Program Highlights:

University of the Cumberlands offers accelerated graduate programs designed for completion in as little as one year, allowing students to advance their careers quickly.
Graduate students benefit from flexible learning formats, including modern online and hybrid options, tailored to accommodate working professionals' schedules.
The programs emphasize practical, career-focused instruction with expert faculty and opportunities to network with professionals nationwide, enhancing job-readiness and career advancement.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $4,260
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 14,077

Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Angola, IN

Private · HLC

Trine University’s General Master’s programs offer fully online, flexible graduate degrees, emphasizing career advancement in fields like nursing, information studies, artificial intelligence, and business analytics, with expert faculty, practical curricula, and support such as free textbooks and 24/7 access. Classes start every eight weeks.

Program Highlights:

TrineOnline offers over 200 courses with no textbook fees and the option to take your first course for free, maximizing affordability for students.
The program provides personalized admissions support by reviewing prior schooling and work experience to award every eligible credit and scheduling courses for optimal flexibility.
Students benefit from 24/7 access to academic tutors and expert faculty feedback, alongside comprehensive career services, ensuring strong academic and professional support throughout their studies.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $10,350
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 7,467

University of North Texas

Denton, TX

Public · SACSCOC

The General Master’s program at UNT requires a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, with a structured degree plan developed under faculty guidance. It offers thesis and non-thesis options, includes comprehensive evaluations, and emphasizes specialized study aligned with the major field requirements. Approval by the Toulouse Graduate School is required.

Program Highlights:

The University of North Texas offers 100% online master's programs with accelerated 8-week sessions starting five times per year, enabling faster degree completion for working professionals.
Graduate students benefit from strong industry and employer partnerships that fuel professional growth and provide networking opportunities across North Texas.
Several programs provide diverse financial assistance including Teaching Assistantships, Tuition Benefit Programs, and departmental scholarships that notably reduce the cost of graduate education.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,160
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 7,851

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

Public · SACSCOC

The General – All Master’s program at the University of Florida requires a coherent, focused study plan, completion within seven years, and passing a comprehensive examination covering the field of concentration. Specific requirements vary by college but follow Graduate Council standards.

Program Highlights:

UF Online students save 40% on tuition costs while earning the same University of Florida degree taught by the same faculty as on-campus students.
The Free Seat Program waives tuition and fees for one online bachelor's course in the first term for eligible veterans, active-duty military, Florida National Guard members, and nontraditional students.
UF Online offers a range of tuition waivers and military student benefits, including special aid programs for active duty members, veterans, and their families to further reduce education costs.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $10,770
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 10,217

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL

Public · HLC

UIC’s General – All Master’s program offers diverse interdisciplinary graduate degrees, requiring at least 32 semester hours beyond a bachelor’s, with emphasis on advanced coursework, research, and career preparation across various fields, including education, engineering, public health, and business. Completion within 5-6 years is expected.

Program Highlights:

The UIC Aspire program offers new, first-time undergraduate Illinois residents with household incomes of $75,000 or less a financial aid package that covers 100% of tuition and fees, enabling a debt-free, tuition-free four-year degree experience.
UIC Tutorium students can combine up to three distinct discounts—including referral, continuing registration, and social media ambassador discounts—for a maximum 20% tuition reduction per semester, directly decreasing out-of-pocket costs.
Graduate College students at UIC who secure fellowships, grants, or external training grants may qualify for tuition and fee waivers that significantly reduce financial burden during their graduate studies.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $14,108
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 8,019

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN

Private · HLC

The General – All Master’s program at Indiana Wesleyan University offers a flexible, Christ-centered graduate education across various fields, delivered online or on campus. It equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional growth, tailored to individual career goals within a supportive community.

Program Highlights:

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Transcultural Nursing Practicum requiring students to engage in diverse cultural healthcare experiences locally or abroad, including a semester in Zambia.
The program features the Fortune Simulation Lab with cutting-edge VR technology, providing a safe, immersive environment to develop clinical skills across specialties.
IWU integrates faith and mentorship with expert faculty actively engaged in clinical practice and research, fostering a Christ-centered learning community that supports spiritual growth.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $9,731
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 6,457

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

Private · NECHE

Southern New Hampshire University’s online master’s programs offer over 80 career-focused degrees with flexible pacing, no GRE requirement, and options to specialize across fields like business, education, health, and technology. Programs emphasize practical skills, leadership, and advanced knowledge tailored to career goals.

Program Highlights:

Southern New Hampshire University offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation as a private, nonprofit institution prioritizing student success.
Students can complete their master's degree in as few as 15 months with no GMAT or GRE required, allowing for accelerated program completion tailored to busy schedules.
Faculty with industry expertise teach courses, giving students practical insights and skills aligned with employer expectations.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $19,467
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 23,644

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY

Private · SACSCOC

Campbellsville University offers a flexible, 100% online Master’s program designed to fit busy schedules, combining expert faculty support and personalized advising. It prepares students for career advancement through accredited coursework in various fields, emphasizing convenience, quality, and career-focused education.

Program Highlights:

Campbellsville University Online offers significant tuition discounts, including a $1,500 scholarship for KCTCS transfer students and reduced tuition rates for active-duty military members.
The university provides numerous scholarships and grants, such as merit-based academic awards and last-dollar scholarships, to substantially reduce students' overall tuition debt.
Their 100% online degrees include accelerated options like the M.S. in Cloud Computing, which can be completed in about one year depending on transfer credits.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $9,620
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,841

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL

Public · SACSCOC

The General – All Master’s program at USF offers flexible online graduate studies tailored for diverse fields, enabling students to advance careers through interdisciplinary coursework, mentorship, and access to top-tier resources. It combines academic rigor with convenience, supporting both full- and part-time learners aiming for professional growth.

Program Highlights:

USF's online graduate programs offer in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students, providing significant cost savings and accessibility.
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) online master's program features a verified course sequence delivered fully online in only five semesters with scholarship opportunities available.
USF’s Health Informatics online master’s program boasts 85% employment post-completion and is accredited by CAHIIM, ensuring workforce competitiveness and employer recognition.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,350
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 5,373

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL

Public · HLC

The General – All Master’s program at Illinois Online enables students to advance their careers through diverse master’s degrees in fields like computer science, bioengineering, health, business, and education. Programs emphasize flexibility, professional skills, and practical experience, often delivered fully online for working professionals.

Program Highlights:

The University of Illinois online graduate programs provide access to world-class faculty recognized for innovation and expertise, delivering rigorous coursework equivalent to on-campus standards.
Many programs offer accelerated course structures with shorter 6- or 8-week sessions, enabling students to complete degrees faster while focusing intensively on one subject at a time.
Students benefit from robust virtual support services including academic advising, career services, and online networking opportunities, enhancing professional development and job market readiness.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $15,545
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 11,179

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Public · SACSCOC

Lamar University’s General MBA online program offers a comprehensive business education with core courses in finance, accounting, marketing, and management, plus leadership and strategic skills development. It features an accelerated format with flexibility to tailor studies through concentrations and culminates in a strategic management capstone.

Program Highlights:

Lamar University offers graduate scholarships that include up to $10,000 per academic year in tuition assistance and an out-of-state tuition waiver for eligible international and out-of-state students, significantly reducing financial burdens.
The online programs provide flexible tuition payment options by the course, including coverage of university fees through financial aid, making the program affordable and adaptable to students’ budgets.
Active military members and veterans have access to specialized scholarships and tuition assistance, promoting education affordability for service members enrolled in online graduate programs.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,471
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 8,900

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

Public · SACSCOC

George Mason University’s General Master’s programs offer flexible pathways combining core business skills with customizable certificates. They are designed to align with diverse career goals through a mix of online and in-person courses, fostering broad perspectives, professional networks, and applied expertise across disciplines.

Program Highlights:

George Mason University’s online graduate programs offer tuition discounts and scholarships, enhancing affordability for prospective students.
The programs feature flexible, part-time study options designed for busy professionals to balance work, family, and education without compromising quality.
Mason Online guarantees the same rigorous academic standards and degree recognition as on-campus programs, ensuring full credibility and transferability of qualifications.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $13,726
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 6,811

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, PA

Private · MSCHE

Harrisburg University’s online master’s programs offer flexible, 36-credit curricula across STEM fields, blending technical expertise and real-world skills. Students can tailor concentrations to career goals, engaging in project-based learning that prepares them for leadership roles in data analytics, healthcare informatics, project management, and more.

Program Highlights:

Harrisburg University’s online program provides each student with a dedicated personal admissions counselor and adviser ensuring individualized support throughout the entire degree journey.
The program offers accelerated, seven-week online courses designed for working adults, enabling timely degree completion alongside career and life commitments.
Harrisburg University is popular for its Day 1 CPT eligibility for international students, flexible scheduling, and strong post-graduation employment outcomes in STEM fields.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $14,940
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 2,782

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Public · SACSCOC

Georgia Tech’s General – All Master’s program offers flexible, interdisciplinary graduate study designed to enhance STEM expertise and leadership skills. It provides online and hybrid Master of Science degrees catering to professional advancement without disrupting life, emphasizing applied learning and technical depth across diverse fields.

Program Highlights:

The program offers a unique two-year Faculty Executive Leadership Academy (FELA) with immersive six-month rotations shadowing top Georgia Tech executives, providing hands-on leadership experience and mentorship from senior leaders.
Fellows in the FELA program receive a total of $30,000 in salary supplements and up to $5,000 in professional development travel funds, supporting both financial and career growth during the leadership training.
Participants engage in two high-impact, year-long projects that influence strategic goals of the Institute, ensuring direct contribution to meaningful organizational outcomes alongside leadership development.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $14,064
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 20,575

Florida International University

Miami, FL

Public · SACSCOC

FIU’s General Master’s programs offer over 190 graduate options across diverse fields, blending advanced study with flexible on-campus and online formats. These programs emphasize professional growth, research, and practical skills, preparing students for impactful careers through rigorous curricula tailored by each academic unit.

Program Highlights:

Florida International University’s programs feature flexible 100% online degree options taught by award-winning instructors, enabling students to earn degrees conveniently from anywhere.
FIU offers a Global First Year program for international students, combining credit-bearing courses with tailored academic, language support, and career accelerator services to ensure successful transitions and career readiness.
FIU’s faculty includes highly qualified experts, with 97% holding terminal degrees and 50% tenured, providing students with strong mentorship and research opportunities across diverse fields.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,119
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 4,798

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Public · HLC

The General – All Master’s program at Ohio State offers a coherent curriculum combining coursework, examinations, and often a thesis, requiring a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours primarily completed at OSU. It serves diverse fields and aims to prepare students for advanced knowledge and practical applications.

Program Highlights:

The Ohio State University offers substantial graduate fellowships and associateships that provide full tuition coverage (including non-resident fees), stipends, and subsidized health insurance, reducing financial burdens for master’s students.
Its fully online Master of Science in Nursing program accommodates students with or without a nursing background, providing flexibility and accessibility for career changers or advancing nurses.
Graduate students benefit from diverse paid research, teaching, and administrative assistantships awarded by individual programs, enhancing professional experience while supporting tuition and living expenses.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $12,515
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 5,321

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

Public · SACSCOC

Georgia State University’s General Master’s programs offer flexible study options with thesis or non-thesis tracks, emphasizing coursework and capstone projects. Students gain skills through real-world projects and assistantships, preparing for professional careers across diverse fields, including STEM, arts, counseling, and business, with online or in-person formats available.

Program Highlights:

Georgia State Online students are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, offering substantial merit-based tuition assistance for Georgia residents meeting academic requirements.
More than 92% of Georgia State students with demonstrated financial need receive tuition assistance, reflecting the program’s commitment to affordability and access for all learners.
Georgia State waives all mandatory fees for specific student groups, including late registrants, employee tuition remission students, and certain off-campus or study abroad programs, reducing overall cost burdens.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,164
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,306

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Public · SACSCOC

Florida Atlantic University’s General Master’s program offers flexibility through fully online courses, designed to accommodate diverse schedules and learning styles while providing world-class education and strong student support. It emphasizes practical knowledge, interaction, and accessibility to advance professional skills across various disciplines.

Program Highlights:

Florida Atlantic University offers the Online Free Seats program, providing eligible online baccalaureate students a tuition waiver covering one course fully and a 25% discount on remaining courses, making education more affordable.
The Online MHA program includes guaranteed scheduling for the entire program, 1:1 faculty mentoring through the Faculty Ambassador Program, and lifetime discounted rates on professional development courses, enhancing student support and career readiness.
FAU's Scholarship Universe platform streamlines scholarship applications by matching students with both internal and external scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and specific criteria, increasing access to financial aid opportunities.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $5,467
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,648

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

Public · SACSCOC

The UCF General Master’s program allows students to create a personalized interdisciplinary degree by selecting concentrations across various departments, combining flexibility with academic rigor to meet diverse professional and academic goals. Admission requires transcripts and may need GRE/GMAT scores depending on the track chosen.

Program Highlights:

UCF Online offers a $200 tuition support scholarship to select graduate students based on strong academic performance, helping reduce education costs significantly.
Students enrolled in UCF Online programs receive waivers for several campus-based fees, such as health and athletic fees, lowering overall expenses while maintaining high-quality education.
UCF Online provides a dedicated team of student success coaches to help students navigate their programs and find the best path to degree completion and career achievement.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,916
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 5,106

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ

Public · HLC

ASU offers over 160 accredited online master’s programs across diverse fields, enabling flexible, high-quality graduate education with options for accelerated study and interdisciplinary focus. Students receive support from faculty and graduate services throughout their academic journey.

Program Highlights:

Arizona State University offers a Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) tuition discount, providing reduced tuition rates to qualifying non-resident graduate students, making education more affordable.
ASU Online provides comprehensive career services and free job support, including resume reviews, virtual interview practice, and personalized advising, enhancing job placement prospects after graduation.
The program features flexible online graduate degrees designed for working professionals, allowing part-time enrollment, multiple annual start dates, and access to success coaches and wellness resources to balance work, life, and study.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $10,170
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 16,752

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Public · HLC

Cleveland State University offers a flexible, 100% online General Master’s program taught by expert faculty. Designed for busy professionals, it combines rigorous coursework with asynchronous scheduling, enabling students to advance careers across various fields without campus visits, balancing study, work, and life commitments seamlessly.

Program Highlights:

Cleveland State University offers personalized field placement services for 900 experiential learning hours in the community, enhancing practical career readiness for graduate students.
The university provides full-time and part-time options with 100% asynchronous online coursework and no campus visit requirements, allowing students to balance education with professional and personal commitments.
CSU maintains competitive tuition rates and supports about 70% of its students with financial aid, including federal and state grants, loans, university grants, and scholarships, making graduate education more affordable.

School Type Public
Application Fee No
Tuition $10,840
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 2,575

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO

Public · HLC

CU Denver’s fully online master’s programs offer flexible, career-focused education with expert faculty and personalized support. Designed for working professionals, they provide real-world skills across diverse fields, combining academic rigor with accessible formats, financial aid options, and a commitment to student success.

Program Highlights:

CU Denver’s online master’s programs offer affordable tuition coupled with financial aid and scholarships specifically for online students, enhancing accessibility.
Students benefit from expert faculty who bring real-world industry experience and research recognition, fostering an engaging, career-focused learning community.
Flexible asynchronous courses provide students the ability to customize their education and complete degrees on their own schedules without attending any in-person classes.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,100
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 4,657

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

Public · WSCUC

San José State University’s General Master’s program offers an individualized 30-unit interdisciplinary curriculum from at least two departments, allowing flexibility to design a personalized study plan. Options include thesis, project, or creative culminating experiences, requiring a minimum 3.25 GPA and approval by advisors. Courses exceed half graduate level.

Program Highlights:

San Jose State University offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,250 specifically for new and continuing students in online programs, significantly reducing tuition costs.
The university provides fee waivers covering state tuition for up to two courses or six units per semester, benefiting eligible faculty, staff, and their qualified dependents.
SJSU Online bachelor's programs include regular academic advising and access to campus resources like the Career Center and Student Success Center to support student achievement and career readiness.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,176
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 5,610

Find Top Online Programs by Subject

Whether you already know the field you want to pursue or are still exploring what’s available, online master’s programs span a wide range of disciplines. Use the menu below to explore the top online master’s programs in your subject of interest.

5 Things the Best Online Master’s Programs Have in Common

When comparing programs, several key factors consistently separate strong online master’s degrees from the rest. Here’s what to look at before committing to a program:

1. Proper Accreditation

Accreditation affects credit transfer, licensure eligibility, and employer recognition. Look for institutions with regional accreditation from one of six approved accrediting bodies. Some fields also require programmatic accreditation, depending on licensure or certification goals.

You can use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to help verify accreditation status.

2. Reasonable Costs

Graduate education should not lead to unmanageable debt. Review both tuition and fees, as hidden costs, like required textbooks and technology fees, can significantly affect the total price. If a program appears expensive, ask about institutional scholarships, tuition discounts, or employer partnerships that may help reduce costs.

If cost is your top priority, take a look at our guide to the most affordable online master’s degree programs.

3. Robust Online Student Support

Strong online programs provide academic and personal support services, such as virtual tutoring, writing and math help, digital libraries, student success coaches, and career services. Disability accommodations and technical support are also important to confirm.

If you haven’t studied online before, the transition can present unique challenges. Use the following guides to set yourself up for success:

4. Established Online Education Track Record

Programs with strong graduation and job placement outcomes can indicate long-term success. If outcome data isn’t publicly available, admissions counselors may be able to provide it. Alumni profiles on platforms like LinkedIn can also offer insight into career outcomes.

5. Reliable Learning Technologies

Online students rely heavily on learning platforms to access coursework and communicate with instructors. Schools that regularly invest in their learning management systems and digital tools tend to offer a smoother experience. Some institutions allow prospective students to preview their platforms before enrolling.

Best Reasons to Earn an Online Master’s Degree

Balancing graduate school with work and personal responsibilities can be demanding. Understanding the benefits of earning a master’s degree can help clarify whether the investment is worthwhile.

Ability to Specialize

Many of the best online master’s degrees provide concentrations within the more extensive subject, making it easier to develop specialized knowledge.

For instance, at Georgia Tech, pursuing a master’s in computer science means you can choose from specializations in machine learning, interactive intelligence, computing systems, or computational perception and robotics.

Expanded Career Opportunities

A master’s degree can support advancement within your current field or help you transition into a new one. Graduate education can open doors to leadership roles that may not be accessible with a bachelor’s degree alone.

Higher Salary Potential

Spending thousands of dollars on a master’s degree should result in higher earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master’s degree brought home weekly median earnings of $1,840. In contrast, their counterparts with bachelor’s degrees earned $1,543.

The same report also showed that advanced degrees are associated with lower unemployment rates.

Flexible Program Structures

One of the best benefits of online learning is the flexibility it provides. Whether you need multiple start dates, asynchronous coursework, and full-time or part-time enrollment options, top schools can help you fit the program into an already busy schedule.

Some schools, such as Walden University, allow you to complete classes at your own pace by showing subject competency.

Popular Online Master’s Degree Programs

Business

MBAs may be the first type of advanced business degree you think of, but you can also find other professional degrees focused on essential topics such as finance, marketing, accounting, leadership, healthcare management, and other relevant subjects.

Discover the best online master’s in degrees in business.

Counseling

Earning a master’s in counseling or related subject qualifies you to take on roles such as marriage and family therapist, a sports psychologist, health psychologist, school counselor, and organizational counselor.

Get an inside look at the best online master’s degrees in counseling.

Engineering

Engineering covers a vast and ever-evolving discipline. Whether you want to work with electronics and computers, project management, mechanics, or even leadership, you can find plenty of online master’s in engineering.

Explore today’s best online engineering master’s degree programs.

Education and Teaching

Education and teaching master’s degrees, in concert with licensure, provide the opportunity to take on myriad roles in administration, teaching, instruction coordination, counseling, and digital learning.

Lean more about top-rated online master’s in education programs.

MBA

Today’s MBA programs offer tons of specializations to help you work in high-paying leadership roles across many industries. Each school offers different options, but common ones include management, finance, entrepreneurship, human resources, operations, and supply chain management.

Discover this year’s best online MBA programs.

Psychology

To work as a psychologist, you’ll need a doctorate, but a master’s in psychology opens up roles as social service managers, survey and market researchers, research assistants and project managers, and human resource managers.

Learn more about top-ranked online master’s in psychology programs.

Today's Best Colleges for Online Master’s Degrees

The Top 25 Online Master’s Degree Programs in 2026

Methodology for OMD’s “Best” Colleges Rankings

Step 1: Create a Universe of Eligible Universities

Step 2: Assign Weightings and Rank Universities Based on Scores in Key Areas

About Our Rankings Data

Accreditation Glossary

Find Top Online Programs by Subject

5 Things the Best Online Master’s Programs Have in Common

1. Proper Accreditation

2. Reasonable Costs

3. Robust Online Student Support

4. Established Online Education Track Record

5. Reliable Learning Technologies

Best Reasons to Earn an Online Master’s Degree

Ability to Specialize

Expanded Career Opportunities

Higher Salary Potential

Flexible Program Structures

Popular Online Master’s Degree Programs

Business

Counseling

Engineering

Education and Teaching

MBA

Psychology