Review top-rated, accredited online master’s programs that fit your schedule and help you take the next step in your education and career.
Author: Kathleen Curtis
Expertise: Graduate EducationCareer DevelopmentFinancial AidEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
Which Master's Program Track Fits You Best?
Read more - Top Schools
Top 25 Online Master's Degree Programs for 2027
Read more - Best Programs by Subject
Find Top Online Programs by Subject
Read more - Program Similarities
5 Things the Best Online Master’s Programs Have in Common
Read more - Reasons
Best Reasons to Earn an Online Master’s Degree
Read more - Popular Programs
Popular Online Master's Degree Programs
Read more
Which Master’s Program Track Fits You Best?
Master’s programs aren’t one-size-fits-all: full-time, part-time, online, accelerated, and hybrid formats all lead to the same credential through very different paths. Pick the wrong one and you risk a longer timeline, more debt, or a schedule that never quite works. Hold your own schedule up against the personas below before you pick a format.
What Kind of Master’s Student Are You?
The Career Starter
You’ve recently finished your bachelor’s degree and know you’re ready for a master’s, but you haven’t settled on a specific field or program format yet.
Comparing programs across multiple fields side by side, rather than researching one subject at a time, makes it easier to see how admissions requirements, program length, and typical outcomes actually differ. Programs that don’t require prior work experience keep every option open while you’re still deciding, and an accelerated, hybrid format lets you make real progress toward a decision without locking into a single field’s typical schedule too early.
The Career Changer
You’re moving into a new career from a field that has little to do with where you want to go next, and you’re not yet sure which master’s program is built to take students like you.
Look for programs that explicitly admit career-changers, since many graduate programs assume an undergraduate degree in the same or an adjacent field. Foundational or bridge coursework fills in what you’re missing without sending you back for a second bachelor’s degree, and a fully online format lets you build that foundation while you’re still working in your current field and haven’t committed to a new one yet.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re established in your career and want a master’s degree to move into a more senior or specialized role, but you haven’t decided whether that means staying in your current field or pivoting into something adjacent.
Part-time pacing lets you apply what you’re learning directly to your current job while you study, which can make a promotion case easier to build in real time. Programs with a range of concentration options let you tailor the degree once you’ve settled on a direction, whether that’s staying the course or shifting into something new, and a hybrid format keeps some in-person connection without requiring a full return to campus.
The Working Balancer
You’re working full-time, and likely managing a family or other responsibilities, and need a master’s you can complete on your own schedule, regardless of which field you ultimately choose.
A fully online, asynchronous format means you’re not tied to a set class time, so coursework fits around your job and home life rather than the other way around. Part-time pacing keeps the weekly workload realistic, and since this kind of flexibility isn’t unique to any one field, it’s worth prioritizing in your search before you’ve even narrowed down a subject.
The Field Undecided Explorer
You know a master’s degree is the right move, but you’re not locked into any one field — you want to compare potential paths, and their real costs and outcomes, side by side rather than deep-diving into a single subject.
Comparing fields against each other on cost, typical time to completion, and reported career outcomes is a different research task than comparing programs within one subject, and that comparison gets lost once you land on any single field’s page. Resources and schools that publish career-outcomes data by program, rather than only promoting one discipline, tend to be a more objective starting point, and a hybrid format is a safe default to plan around since delivery norms vary meaningfully from field to field.
The Format First Searcher
The subject matters less to you than how the program is delivered — you want something fully online and built around your existing schedule, whatever field you ultimately choose.
If format is your primary filter, it’s worth starting there instead of picking a field first — narrowing to fully online, asynchronous programs immediately rules out anything requiring a fixed class schedule or an in-person residency, regardless of subject. Many graduate programs across fields have also dropped standardized testing requirements in recent years, which is worth filtering for directly if a lengthy admissions process is part of what you’re trying to avoid.
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.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Business
- California
- Colorado
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Connecticut
- Construction Management
- Counseling
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Delaware
- Economics
- Education
- Emergency Management
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Science
- Find the Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs
- Finding Online Master's Programs for Career Changers for 2027
- Finding Self-Paced Online Master's Programs for 2027
- Florida
- Georgia
- Grad Schools with No Application Fees
- Graphic Design
- Hawaii
- Health Education
- Health Informatics
- Health Science
- Healthcare Adminstration (MHA)
- Healthcare Management
- History
- Homeland Security
- Human Services
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Information Systems (MIS)
- Information Technology
- International Relations
- Iowa
- Journalism
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Legal Studies
- Library Science (MLIS)
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Mathematics
- MBA Programs
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- No Gre
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nursing (MSN)
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Part-Time Online Master's Programs: Exploring Schools & Fields
- Pennsylvania
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Public Health (MPH)
- Public Policy (MPP)
- Religious Studies
- Rhode Island
- Social Sciences
- Social Work (MSW)
- Sociology
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Top Online Combined Bachelor and Master Degree Programs
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Top 25 Online Master’s Degree Programs for 2027
Newberry College
Best for: advancement-focused students
Kairos University
Best for: working students
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Dickinson State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Maranatha Baptist University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Spring Arbor University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Georgia Southwestern State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
University of Northwestern-St Paul
Best for: working students
Cumberland University
Best for: working students
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Best for: advancement-focused students
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.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Business
- California
- Colorado
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Connecticut
- Construction Management
- Counseling
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Delaware
- Economics
- Education
- Emergency Management
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Science
- Find the Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs
- Finding Online Master's Programs for Career Changers for 2027
- Finding Self-Paced Online Master's Programs for 2027
- Florida
- Georgia
- Grad Schools with No Application Fees
- Graphic Design
- Hawaii
- Health Education
- Health Informatics
- Health Science
- Healthcare Adminstration (MHA)
- Healthcare Management
- History
- Homeland Security
- Human Services
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Information Systems (MIS)
- Information Technology
- International Relations
- Iowa
- Journalism
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Legal Studies
- Library Science (MLIS)
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Mathematics
- MBA Programs
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- No Gre
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nursing (MSN)
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Part-Time Online Master's Programs: Exploring Schools & Fields
- Pennsylvania
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Public Health (MPH)
- Public Policy (MPP)
- Religious Studies
- Rhode Island
- Social Sciences
- Social Work (MSW)
- Sociology
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Top Online Combined Bachelor and Master Degree Programs
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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:
- Combating Loneliness as an Online Master’s Student
- Developing Digital Literacy for Online Master’s Students
- How to Prevent Plagiarism & Cheating in an Online Master’s Program
- Mastering Online Communication in Graduate School
- Online Teamwork & Collaboration in an Online Master’s Program
- Study Techniques for Online Master’s Students
- Using ChatGPT Responsibly
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.
