Virginia ranks as the 6th most educated state, which means standing out professionally often requires advanced credentials. If stepping away from work or family isn’t realistic, an online master’s degree offers a flexible alternative. This guide highlights Virginia’s top online master’s programs, key fields of study, and cost considerations to help you advance with confidence.
Author: Taylor Cromwell
Expertise: Graduate EducationStudent SuccessMental HealthEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
Finding Your Best-Fit Master's Program
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Program Formats
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Virginia
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Finding Your Best-Fit Master’s Program
A master’s degree represents a long-term commitment, and the format you choose determines how manageable that commitment turns out to be. Programs that don’t account for your job, your family, or your preferred pace tend to run longer and cost more. Identify a format built around your circumstances using the tool below.
Master’s Students: Which Type Is Most Like You?
The Career Starter
Having wrapped up your bachelor’s degree, you’re confident about grad school but undecided on the field, so you’re scanning what Virginia has available.
Putting several fields side by side, instead of researching them individually, makes the gaps in admissions requirements, length, and outcomes stand out. Programs that don’t ask for prior work experience keep every avenue open as you weigh your choices, and an accelerated, hybrid format lets you build momentum without settling into one field’s typical schedule ahead of time.
The Career Changer
You’re transitioning into a career far removed from your current field, so Virginia programs built for applicants without a related background are what you’re after.
Search for programs that explicitly welcome career-changers, given that most graduate programs assume you already hold an undergraduate degree in the same or a nearby field. Bridge coursework covers what you’re missing so you don’t have to go back for another bachelor’s degree, and a fully online format lets you build that base while you’re still in your current job and haven’t committed elsewhere.
The Promotion Seeker
With your career already established, you’re pursuing a master’s to land a more senior or specialized role, and you’re comparing Virginia programs as you weigh staying in your field against shifting to something adjacent.
Because you’re studying part-time, you can apply what you’re learning to your current job as you go, which helps make the case for promotion in real time. A variety of concentration options lets you tailor the degree once you know your direction, whether that means staying put or shifting toward something adjacent, and a hybrid format keeps some in-person contact without requiring you back on campus full time.
The Working Balancer
Full-time work and likely family or other commitments mean you need a master’s program that fits around your own schedule, whatever field you ultimately pick.
Fully online and asynchronous coursework frees you from a set class schedule, letting your studies fit around your job and home responsibilities instead of competing with them. Part-time pacing keeps the workload each week realistic, and since this flexibility isn’t limited to a single field, it’s worth prioritizing in your search before you narrow down a subject.
The Resident Searcher
As a Virginia resident, you want to compare master’s programs close to home, ideally at a cost that reflects your in-state status rather than a non-resident rate.
Public universities in Virginia typically set lower tuition rates for in-state residents, which can noticeably reduce overall cost next to out-of-state or private programs. Staying nearby also keeps in-person or hybrid formats open without a move, and lets you hold onto the professional and personal connections already around you.
The Interstate Researcher
You have no plans to relocate to Virginia, so you’re researching fully online programs based there that you can complete without leaving your current location.
Fully online delivery means you don’t need to live near campus — coursework, exams, and cohort-based work can all be done from home. Confirm that the program specifically enrolls out-of-state or non-resident students without requiring you to establish residency or show up in person, as certain public university programs still limit online enrollment by state for licensure-track or state-funded degrees specifically.
Inside VA Schools with Online Master’s Programs
Virginia is home to many respected universities offering online and hybrid graduate degrees. Below are three accredited schools known for strong online master’s programs, along with a snapshot of one representative degree from each.
George Mason University
George Mason University is a large public research institution in Fairfax, VA, offering 60+ online and hybrid graduate programs through Mason Online. Programs span business, education, health, engineering, and public policy.
Courses are often asynchronous, built for working professionals, and taught by the same faculty as on-campus classes. GMU’s online programs are widely recognized for strong ROI and academic quality.
Featured Program: Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Duration: 16 months (full-time) or up to 3 years (part-time)
- Credits: 48
- Mode: 100% online; optional one-week global residency
- Cost: $1,105.50 per credit | $53,000 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Online application + $75 fee
- Professional résumé
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University, based in Norfolk, VA, is a pioneer in distance education. Through ODUGlobal, ODU offers dozens of online master’s degrees in engineering, business, education, nursing, and more.
Programs are accredited by SACSCOC and taught by ODU faculty. Many include live evening web-conference classes paired with online coursework, providing structure without sacrificing flexibility.
Featured Program: Master of Engineering Management (MEM)
- Duration: 2 years (part-time)
- Credits: 31
- Mode: Online with synchronous sessions
- Cost: $620 per credit | $19,220 total
Admissions Requirements:
- ABET-accredited bachelor’s in engineering or related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Calculus, differential equations, and statistics background
- Graduate application and official transcripts
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private nonprofit institution in Lynchburg, VA, and one of the largest providers of online education nationwide. It offers 300+ online master’s degrees and specializations.
Courses are 100% online, primarily asynchronous, and delivered in 8-week terms. While faith-based, programs are open to students of all backgrounds and accredited by SACSCOC.
Featured Program: Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- Credits: 36
- Mode: Fully online; no residency
- Cost: $430 per credit | $15,840 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA)
- Online application (fee often waived)
- Official transcripts
- English proficiency documentation if applicable
Top Fields for Graduate-Level Learning in VA
Virginia’s economy, job market, and proximity to Washington, D.C. make certain graduate fields especially valuable.
Information Technology & Cybersecurity
Virginia has the 2nd-largest cybersecurity workforce in the U.S., with 88,000 professionals. Between 2023–2024, employers posted 51,000+ cybersecurity job openings statewide.
Master’s degrees in information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science often lead to high-paying roles in government, defense contracting, and private tech firms.
Healthcare & Nursing
Healthcare and social assistance are projected to add 97,000 jobs in Virginia.
Advanced degrees such as an MSN, MPH, or MHA prepare graduates for leadership, clinical specialization, and public health roles — especially in rural and underserved areas where demand is highest.
Education
Educational services remains one of Virginia’s highest-growth sectors.
Online Master’s in Education programs support salary advancement and are often required for roles such as instructional coordinator, librarian, or principal. Virginia’s strong K–12 and higher education infrastructure creates diverse career pathways.
Business Administration & Management
Virginia is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, including Capital One, Northrop Grumman, and Mars Inc.
An online MBA or specialized business master’s can lead to leadership roles in consulting, finance, operations, and project management — particularly in Northern Virginia’s corporate and government-adjacent economy.
Public Administration & Policy
Government employs 770,000+ workers across Virginia.
Degrees such as an MPA or MPP prepare graduates for careers in public service, nonprofit leadership, and policy analysis. Programs near D.C. benefit from strong networking and internship opportunities.
Different Program Formats for Online Master’s in Virginia
Virginia universities offer multiple formats to match different schedules and career goals.
Full-Time Online Programs
- Heavier course loads (3+ classes per term)
- Completion in 12-18 months
- Best for students able to reduce work commitments
Examples in VA
- George Mason University
- Liberty University
- University of Virginia
Part-Time Online Programs
- One or two courses per term
- Completion in 2.5-3 years
- Designed for working professionals
Examples in VA
- Old Dominion University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Tech
Most Virginia online learners choose this route due to flexibility and strong support services.
No GRE/GMAT Required Programs
Many Virginia programs now waive standardized tests, focusing instead on GPA and experience. Common evaluation criteria
- Undergraduate academic record
- Résumé or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Examples include GMU’s online MBA and most master’s programs from Liberty University.
What Do Online Master’s Programs in Virginia Cost?
Costs vary by institution and program type.
- Public In-State Tuition: $500–$900 per credit
- Private Universities: Flat-rate tuition
- Specialized programs (e.g., MBA, engineering) tend to cost more
Online students often save on housing and commuting but should budget for technology or program-specific fees.
| University | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University Online MBA | 48 | $1,105.50 | $53,064 |
| Old Dominion University Online MEM. | 31 | $620 | $19,220 |
| Liberty University Online MEd | 36 | $430 | $15,840 |
Tuition rates are based on the latest published costs for Virginia residents. “Total Tuition” does not include fees or textbooks. Always consult the university’s official tuition page for the most up-to-date figures.
Questions Prospective Virginia Master’s Students Ask
Q: Are online master’s degrees from Virginia universities respected by employers?
A: Yes. Virginia universities hold SACSCOC regional accreditation, and diplomas do not list delivery format. Employers value accreditation and institutional reputation over modality.
Q: How can I verify a Virginia online program’s accreditation?
A: Check the school’s website for its accrediting body or search the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA databases. Look for programmatic accreditation where relevant (e.g., AACSB, CCNE, CAEP).
Q: Will I need to visit campus or attend classes at set times?
A: Most programs are fully online. Some may include:
- Optional residencies
- Synchronous online sessions
- Local practicums (education, counseling, nursing)
Any required in-person components are clearly disclosed.
Q: Can I work full-time while earning my master’s online?
A: Yes. Many online master’s students work full-time and enroll part-time, taking one or two courses per term. Asynchronous coursework makes balancing responsibilities manageable.
Q: What kind of support will I have as an online student (academic or career services)?
A: Online students typically receive:
- Academic advising
- Tutoring and writing support
- Online library access
- Career services and networking tools
Faculty also offer virtual office hours, and many schools host online orientations and career events.
Q: What financial aid is available for online master’s students in Virginia?
A: Online students may qualify for:
- Federal loans via FAFSA
- University scholarships or grants
- Employer tuition assistance
- Military and veteran scholarships and other benefits
Private-school students may also be eligible for Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) funding.
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Virginia
Liberty University
Best for: in-state students
Bluefield University
Best for: in-state students
Divine Mercy University
Best for: in-state students
Regent University
Best for: in-state students
Eastern Mennonite University
Best for: out-of-state students
Radford University
Best for: in-state students
Mary Baldwin University
Best for: in-state students
Old Dominion University
Best for: in-state students
Marymount University
Best for: in-state students
Norfolk State University
Best for: in-state students
