In a rural state like Vermont, access to graduate education can feel limited — especially if relocating or commuting isn’t realistic. But with 23 colleges and universities, many offering fully online master’s programs, earning an advanced degree close to home is more achievable than ever. This guide helps you explore accredited Vermont schools, in-demand fields, tuition costs, and flexible learning formats so you can find the right fit for your goals.
Author: Ivy Locke
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- 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 Types
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 Vermont
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A Look Inside Vermont’s Popular Online Master’s Programs
Vermont is home to several accredited institutions offering online or hybrid master’s programs. Below are three reputable schools and their online graduate offerings, including program details and admissions requirements.
University of Vermont (UVM)
The University of Vermont is the state’s flagship public university with 20+ years of experience in online education. UVM’s growing selection of online master’s programs includes public health, education, and engineering.
Many programs feature asynchronous coursework and flexible pacing to accommodate working professionals. For example, UVM’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) allows students to study part-time over several years or accelerate to finish in about 15 months full-time.
Duration: 15 months (full-time) or up to 5 years (part-time) | 42 credits
Mode: 100% online; asynchronous
Cost: $692 per credit (VT resident) | $975 per credit (non-resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose outlining public health experience and goals
- TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native English speakers)
Norwich University
Norwich University is a private, military-affiliated institution known for its robust online graduate programs and long history of educating military and civilian leaders.
Norwich offers 100% online master’s degrees in high-demand fields such as business, public administration, cybersecurity, history, diplomacy, and nursing. Courses are delivered in 11-week sessions, one course at a time — an ideal structure for working adults.
Duration: 18-24 months | 36 credits
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $698 per credit | $25,128 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Professional résumé
- Statement of intent
- Proof of English proficiency, if applicable
Champlain College Online
Champlain College Online specializes in career-focused online master’s degrees in fields such as business, cybersecurity, digital forensics, accounting, healthcare administration, and IT.
Programs are designed for working professionals and feature eight-week courses, six start terms per year, and year-round enrollment. Most students study part time and finish in 18–24 months. Champlain does not require the GRE or GMAT and provides personalized academic advising.
Duration: 18-24 months | 30–36 credits
Mode: 100% online; asynchronous 8-week terms
Cost: $595 per credit | $17,850 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) from an accredited institution
- Relevant work experience recommended (preparatory coursework may be required)
- Official transcripts
Vermont’s Top Fields of Study
What master’s degrees offer the strongest payoff in Vermont? Below are the five top fields for graduate study, selected based on job growth, salary potential, and alignment with local industry needs.
1. Business Administration and Management
An MBA or management master’s opens doors across industries — from small businesses to finance and tech. Management roles tend to be high-paying, with financial managers earning a median $156,100 annually nationwide. Job growth is also strong, with 17% projected growth through the next ten years.
Beyond salary, business master’s programs build versatile skills in strategy, finance, and marketing — helpful for advancing into leadership roles or launching entrepreneurial ventures in Vermont’s supportive business climate.
2. Healthcare and Nursing
Healthcare is one of Vermont’s most in-demand sectors, driven by an aging population and rural access challenges. Nationally, healthcare is projected to add about two million jobs, growing much faster than average.
Advanced degrees such as MSN, MPH, or healthcare administration prepare graduates for high-growth, high-impact roles. Nurse practitioners, now recognized as primary care providers in Vermont, are among the fastest-growing occupations, with 40% projected growth this decade. Medical and health services managers earn a median income of about $110,680 nationally.
Master’s degrees in healthcare fields also support licensure for advanced roles and align with Vermont’s emphasis on community health and preventive care.
3. Education and Educational Leadership
Education is central to Vermont’s communities. Master’s degrees in education, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership help educators deepen expertise, qualify for higher pay, and move into roles such as principal or curriculum coordinator.
Teacher shortages, especially in special education and STEM, make advanced credentials particularly valuable. Vermont’s strong commitment to education supports graduate study and leadership development, enabling educators to shape the future of the state’s schools.
4. Information Technology and Cybersecurity
While Vermont’s tech sector is smaller than in some states, it’s growing — especially in cybersecurity.
Information security analyst roles are projected to grow 33% and offer median salaries of $120,360 nationally. Vermont employers across finance, healthcare, and government need IT leaders to protect data and systems, especially as remote work expands.
Tech-focused online master’s programs combine flexibility with hands-on projects, supporting strong ROI and remote-friendly career paths.
5. Public Administration and Policy
Vermont’s civic-minded culture and strong public sector create steady demand for professionals trained in governance, budgeting, and policy analysis.
An MPA or public policy degree prepares graduates for roles in municipal management, nonprofits, and state government. Median pay for social and community service managers is around $77,000, with higher earnings for certain government leadership roles.
Beyond salary, these careers offer the opportunity to directly impact the public good, particularly in environmental stewardship and social services.
Online Master’s Program Formats: A Breakdown
Vermont’s online master’s programs come in several formats to meet different needs. Three of the most common are outlined below.
Part-Time Online Programs
Part-time study is widely available and ideal for balancing work and family.
- Typically one course at a time
- Completion may take up to four years
- Same curriculum and faculty access as full-time students
Examples in Vermont:
- UVM Online MPH — Flexible pacing, up to five years
- Norwich University Master’s Degree for Motivate Professionals — One 11-week course at a time
- Champlain College Online Programs — Six entry terms per year; adjustable pacing
Programs Without GRE Requirements
Many Vermont online master’s programs waive the GRE or GMAT. Admissions decisions instead focus on:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Professional experience
- Résumé and letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
All three schools highlighted above waive standardized test requirements, broadening access while maintaining academic rigor. Some programs may expect higher GPAs or relevant experience in lieu of test scores.
Accelerated Master’s Programs
Accelerated programs allow faster completion, sometimes in 12–18 months. Options include:
- UVM’s Accelerated MPH Pathway, which lets undergraduates begin graduate coursework early
- Norwich’s accelerated tracks, enabling completion within one year post-bachelor’s
- Champlain’s option to take two eight-week courses per term for near full-time study
These programs require a heavier workload and may limit the ability to work full time, but they offer a fast track to graduation and career advancement.
Pricing Out Vermont’s Online Master’s Programs
Tuition varies by institution and residency status.
- Public universities (e.g., UVM) typically charge lower in-state rates
- Private institutions (e.g., Norwich, Champlain) charge a flat online rate
Most master’s programs require 30–36 credits, though some MBAs or counseling degrees may require more.
Online students often save on housing, commuting, and campus fees. Funding options include federal loans, employer tuition assistance, scholarships, and military benefits.
| School – Program | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Vermont — Online MPH | 42 | $692 | $29,064 |
| Norwich University — Online MBA | 36 | $799 | $28,764 |
| Champlain College — Online M.S. in Information Security | 30 | $595 | $17,850 |
Questions Prospective Vermont Master’s Students Often Ask
Q1: Are online master’s degrees from Vermont respected by employers?
Yes. Degrees from accredited Vermont institutions carry the same academic weight as on-campus degrees. Employers focus on accreditation and institutional reputation — not delivery format — and diplomas typically do not indicate “online.”
Q2: How do I know if an online program is properly accredited?
Check for regional accreditation. Vermont schools are accredited by NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education). Some programs also hold specialized accreditation (e.g., CEPH for public health). Accreditation ensures quality and employer recognition.
Q3: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s?
Yes, and many students do. Most programs are designed for working professionals, often requiring 10–15 hours per week per course. Part-time pacing and asynchronous formats make it manageable with strong time management.
Q4: Do online master’s programs require any campus visits or in-person components?
Usually no. Many programs are 100% online, though some offer optional residencies or require local practicums for licensure fields. Always confirm program-specific requirements in advance.
Q5: What support services can online master’s students expect?
Extensive support is available. Online students typically have access to academic advising, virtual office hours, digital libraries, tech support, career services, and online communities — comparable to on-campus resources.