Online Master’s Degrees in Arizona: Finding the Right Program

3 Top Arizona Universities for an Online Master’s

Top Master’s Concentrations in Arizona

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA is one of the most versatile and popular graduate degrees. Earning an MBA provides advanced skills in management, finance, marketing, and strategy — expertise valued by employers across multiple industries. Arizona’s growth in sectors such as technology and healthcare means strong demand for business leaders and plenty of opportunities for advancement. Many Arizona MBA programs allow you to specialize, such as in finance, supply chain management, or healthcare management, to align with local industry needs. Return on your educational investment is a key advantage: MBA holders enjoy substantially higher median salaries and expanded job opportunities. Programs like the online MBA at ASU or UA offer flexibility for working professionals, making this degree a strategic choice for career advancement in Arizona​.

MS in Cybersecurity and Information Technology (IT)

With Phoenix’s emergence as a tech and financial tech hub and major employers like Intel and Raytheon in the state, cybersecurity and IT are among the top fields for a master’s in Arizona. Technology is evolving rapidly, and so is the need to protect data and systems — in fact, information security analyst jobs are projected to grow 33% nationally this decade (much faster than average). A master’s in cybersecurity gives you cutting-edge skills in network defense, encryption, and threat intelligence so you can step into a high-demand role at a bank, healthcare provider, defense contractor, or government agency. The state has invested in initiatives like the Arizona Cyber Warfare Range, which fosters talent through live-fire cybersecurity events and mentoring. Graduates with an MS in cybersecurity can become IT managers, security engineers, or consultants, commanding strong salaries. Arizona’s online cyber programs (such as UA’s MS in Cybersecurity) cater to working IT professionals, allowing you to upgrade your credentials in a booming field​

Master’s in Education (MEd)

Education is a consistently strong field for graduate study in Arizona, especially if you’re looking to move into a leadership or specialized role. A master’s in education, such as in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or special education, can qualify you for roles like curriculum specialist, principal, or instructional coach. These positions often come with higher salaries and allow professionals to shape school programs and policy. You’ll need professional development hours to renew your teaching certificate, and earning your MEd can help meet these requirements. Because many Arizona teachers work full-time, universities like NAU and ASU offer online MEd programs designed for you to study on your own schedule. Graduates benefit from a combination of theory and practical strategies tailored to diverse communities, including Arizona’s significant bilingual and Native American student population. Pursuing your MEd in Arizona can lead to career growth, from mentoring new teachers to moving into administration, while directly impacting the quality of education in the state. OMD’s Top Online Master’s in Education provides deeper insights into this field.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Healthcare is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing industries, and nurses with advanced degrees are in high demand. Earning an MSN is an excellent option for those looking to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or healthcare leaders. Arizona’s aging population and expanding healthcare systems are increasing the need for advanced practice nurses who can provide primary care or specialized services. An MSN (with tracks such as family nurse practitioner, nurse leadership, or nurse educator) equips RNs with deeper clinical knowledge, prepares RNs for leadership roles, and often leads to significantly higher salaries. Arizona is a full practice authority state for nurse practitioners, meaning that they can evaluate patients, order tests, manage treatment, and prescribe medicines, all without needing a collaborative agreement with a doctor. Many Arizona universities offer MSN programs online to accommodate working nurses; any clinical components can usually be completed locally. 

Engineering (MS or MEng)

If you’re seeking a strong return on your educational investment, Arizona’s thriving high-tech manufacturing and aerospace sectors make engineering a top field for master’s students. Major companies like Intel, TSMC, Boeing, and Raytheon have a significant presence, particularly in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, fueling demand for engineers with advanced skills. Earning a master’s in an engineering discipline, such as electrical engineering, systems engineering, or mechanical engineering, can set you up for leadership roles in design or research and development. For instance, a master’s can deepen your expertise in semiconductor process engineering or renewable energy systems — both relevant to Arizona’s economy. Master’s graduates often command higher salaries and have better prospects for promotion than those with just a bachelor’s; they’re also well-positioned to attain professional engineer licensure or move into project management. In response to industry needs, Arizona universities offer online programs like ASU’s MS in Electrical Engineering and UA’s MS in Systems Engineering, which allow working engineers to upgrade their credentials without leaving their job. These programs emphasize technical knowledge, project management, and innovation, making you a great fit for Arizona’s emphasis on tech entrepreneurship.

Arizona Master’s Programs: Accreditation Overview

When evaluating an online or hybrid master’s in Arizona, accreditation is one of the most important quality markers. Accreditation means a program or school has been evaluated by an approved third party and meets rigorous academic standards. 

Arizona’s major universities are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that online degrees meet the same standards as on-campus programs. This matters because attending an accredited school is usually a requirement for you to receive federal financial aid and for employers or other institutions to recognize your degree. In addition to institutional accreditation, many Arizona master’s programs hold specialized accreditation. For example, MBA programs might be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, engineering programs by ABET, and nursing programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These field-specific accrediting bodies evaluate curricula and outcomes in their disciplines, which can be crucial for licensure or certification. To be safe, always verify a school’s accreditation status before you enroll.

Online Master’s Program Formats in Arizona

Online master’s programs in Arizona come in many formats to fit students’ needs. You can enroll full-time for an immersive experience or part-time to balance your studies with your other responsibilities. Some programs offer accelerated schedules that allow you to finish in as little as a year, while others let you take a slower pace so you can fit your studies in with work and life commitments. No-GRE options are common, making admissions simpler. Whether you need a program that’s fast-tracked, flexible, or has minimal admission hurdles, Arizona’s universities likely have a format to match your lifestyle and goals.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online master’s programs are designed for students who are prepared to devote the majority of their time to graduate study and who want to finish as quickly as possible. A full-time load typically means taking two or three courses each term. The benefit is an immersive educational experience that, for many programs, allows you to complete your degree in 12–18 months. 

This pace is ideal if you’re eager to advance or switch careers quickly. However, the workload is intense: Expect 30+ hours of study per week, which may working full-time a challenge. You can speed up your studies even more by choosing a school that offers condensed semester schedules and year-round courses.

Examples of full-time online programs in AZ include:

• Ottawa University — MBA in Strategic Innovation
• Midwestern University — Master of Public Health

Part-Time Programs

Part-time online master’s programs are popular for working professionals. These programs let you take fewer courses per semester — often just one course at a time — so you can balance school with a full-time job or other obligations. Part-time study offers greater flexibility and a less intense weekly workload. In many cases, you’ll still get your degree in two to three years. Many students choose this route to avoid burnout and maintain steady progress toward their degree without sacrificing work or family commitments​. Arizona universities typically allow part-time students to switch to full-time if their schedule frees up (and vice versa). Part-time learners have access to the same faculty and resources as full-time and on-campus learners. This format can also be easier on your finances, allowing you to pay as you go.

Examples of part-time-friendly programs in Arizona include:

• Grand Canyon University — MA in Communication​
• A.T. Still University — MS in Athletic Training

Programs with No GRE Requirement

Many online master’s programs in Arizona no longer require the GRE for admission, focusing instead on your academic record and experience. Top no-GRE programs save time and money and remove a common hurdle for application and admissions. Instead, admissions committees place more weight on your undergraduate GPA, professional resume, and letters of recommendation​. This trend is especially prevalent in programs aimed at working adults, where relevant experience matters more than test scores. These programs are still rigorous; they simply recognize that a comprehensive view of a candidate predicts success better than a single exam.

Examples of accredited Arizona master’s programs with no GRE required:

• NAU — Master of Public Administration
• UA — Master of Healthcare Management (MHM)

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online master’s programs allow motivated students to graduate faster by compressing coursework into a shorter time frame. Accelerated doesn’t mean the school is cutting corners; you’ll cover the same material, but in a condensed timeline. These programs move at a whirlwind pace — courses might be five to eight weeks long, with back-to-back terms and year-round study. The reward for these high-intensity programs is finishing your master’s in as little as one year. Arizona universities offer accelerated options for MBAs, MSNs, or other specialized master’s to help fill jobs in high demand. You might even get credit for prior professional experience. Support such as cohort learning or intensive faculty mentoring is common to keep students on track.

Examples of accelerated online master’s programs:

• Trident University International — MS in Health Sciences (12 months)​
• Ottawa University — Accelerated MSN (12 months)​

How Much Do They Cost?

The cost of an online master’s program varies widely by institution and degree. At public universities such as ASU, UA, and NAU, online graduate tuition generally ranges from about $600 to $1,000 per credit, depending on the program. Notably, there’s no tuition surcharge for out-of-state students, who pay the same rate as Arizona residents. 

Most master’s degrees require 30 to 45 credits, so total tuition ranges from $18,000 on the low end to $40,000+ for higher-credit or higher-priced programs. Public schools tend to cost less per credit; tuition at NAU, for example, is around $635​/credit. Private universities and specialized programs may charge more per credit; tuition at UA is as high as $1,332/credit for certain programs​. 

Keep in mind that schools charge additional fees beyond tuition. Online programs may have added technology fees, but in some cases they also avoid certain campus fees. Many Arizona schools offer the same financial aid for online and on-campus students. You can use federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. Also, if you continue working while studying online, your income or your employer-provided tuition assistance can offset costs. Always check the tuition rate for your specific program, as some programs have their own pricing. 

Below is a sample of program costs at a few Arizona institutions:

(The above estimates are for illustration. Actual tuition may vary by program; always confirm current rates.)

Arizona Master’s Students FAQs

Q: Are online master’s programs in Arizona flexible enough for working professionals?

A: Yes, flexibility is a hallmark of Arizona’s online programs. Typically you can choose part-time enrollment (taking one course at a time) and access coursework on your own schedule. For example, ASU and NAU offer multiple start dates and eight-week course blocks so you can plan around work and family conflicts. Additionally, many programs allow you to slow down or speed up as needed. This means you can keep your job while earning your degree, studying in the evenings or weekends. The key is time management — expect 10-15 hours of study per week, per course for a typical graduate class. But with discipline and a supportive employer and family, thousands of Arizona students successfully complete their master’s degrees online every year.

Still not sure if you can fit a master’s program into your schedule? Evaluate the pros and cons with OMD’s guide to figuring out if an online master’s degree is right for you.

Q: Will I ever need to visit campus during my online program, or can I earn my degree 100% remotely?

A: In most cases, you can earn your online master’s 100% remotely with no on-campus requirements. This means all coursework, discussions, and projects are done via the online platform, and you won’t be asked to come to campus for orientation or exams. If you need to take a proctored exam, it will be handled online or at a local testing center. There are a few exceptions, as certain specialized programs might have short in-person intensives or practicums. For instance, an online MSN nurse practitioner program could require a few days on campus for clinical skill evaluation. However, such cases are clearly communicated in advance. Always check the program details. If you’re out-of-state, also verify state authorization, as Arizona schools must be authorized to offer online education in your state.

Q: Do online students pay out-of-state tuition, or are costs different from on-campus programs in Arizona?

A: One big advantage of Arizona’s online programs is that you won’t pay an out-of-state tuition upcharge at a public university. Schools including ASU and UA charge all online graduate students a flat per-credit rate, which can save nonresidents tens of thousands of dollars compared to on-campus out-of-state rates. In some cases you may pay additional fees for tech support or database access, and in other cases you may pay fewer fees for libraries and student activities. A few specialized online degrees (say, an executive track) could be priced higher due to their niche offerings. It’s crucial to get the exact figures from your program’s site.

Q: Is the quality of an online master’s from an Arizona university the same as an on-campus degree?

A: Yes, in terms of curriculum and credibility, online master’s degrees from accredited Arizona universities carry the same weight as on-campus degrees. In fact, your diploma typically won’t even specify “online” — it will simply state the degree and school (for example, Master of Science from Arizona State University)​. Arizona’s public universities ensure online students learn from the same professors who teach on campus and follow the same learning outcomes. The coursework and rigor are equivalent. These days, employers are very familiar with online education. What they care about is that your school is accredited and well-regarded. If anything, completing a degree online while juggling other responsibilities showcases your time management and self-motivation to employers.

Q: Can I get financial aid or scholarships for an online master’s program in Arizona?

A: Absolutely. Because Arizona’s universities are regionally accredited, their online programs qualify for federal aid — there’s no distinction between online vs. on-campus in the eyes of the Department of Education.

Start by submitting the FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for federal student loans. Graduate students primarily get unsubsidized Stafford loans and, in some cases, Graduate PLUS loans. Federal loans can cover tuition and living expenses for online study. Beyond loans, many schools have scholarships and grants specifically for graduate students or online learners. Look for scholarships based on your field, academic merit scholarships, or even tuition discounts if you’re an alum of the university. Some employers in Arizona also offer tuition reimbursement if the degree is job-related — it’s worth checking with your human resources department. If you’re an Arizona resident, explore state programs or Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education agreements for certain master’s fields that provide tuition reciprocity.

Learn more with our OMD guide to the most affordable master’s degrees across the country.