Online master’s programs in Colorado offer flexibility for working adults who want to take their career to the next level, earn more, and advance professional goals. Colorado’s accredited universities deliver top-tier graduate education online, letting you learn anywhere, anytime. Use this guide to discover your options and help you take the next step.
Author: Shannon Daigle
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: 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 in Colorado
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
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 Colorado
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Comparing 3 Colorado Schools with Online Master’s Degrees
Colorado State University Online
Colorado State University offers a variety of online master’s degrees through CSU Online, designed for working professionals. Online students take the same curriculum taught by the same faculty as on-campus learners, with courses delivered primarily asynchronously.
Programs emphasize professional experience and academic performance rather than standardized testing, and GRE/GMAT scores are not required for many programs.
Featured Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration: 42 credits | 21 months (full-time); 5 years (part-time)
Format: 100% online | 8-week courses
Cost: $998 per credit | $41,916 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- 2+ years of professional work experience (full-time)
- Official transcripts, résumé, and statement of purpose
University of Colorado Denver — Online Programs Overview
CU Denver offers many graduate programs in online or hybrid formats across business, education, public affairs, engineering, and more. Programs focus on applied learning and collaboration, with mostly asynchronous coursework and occasional live sessions.
Online students complete the same coursework as on-campus students and earn identical degrees.
Featured Program: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Duration: 36 credits | 2 years (full-time)
Format: 100% online
Cost: $613 per credit (Colorado resident) | $736 per credit (non-resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- 2 letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Current resume
- Statement of purpose essay
Colorado State University Global
CSU Global is a fully online public university focused on adult learners. Programs feature monthly start dates, accelerated 8-week terms, and asynchronous coursework. Tuition is charged at a single flat rate for all students, and rates are locked in at enrollment.
Many programs are designed with industry input, and no GRE is required.
Featured Program: MS in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Duration: 1.5 years (full-time) | 30 credits
Format: 100% online
Cost: $675 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (regional or national accreditation)
- Preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above (conditional admission possible for lower GPAs)
- Official transcripts from previous college coursework
- Personal statement or résumé for some programs
Popular Focus Areas for Colorado Master’s Students
Business Administration (MBA)
Business is one of the most popular master’s degrees in Colorado. Managers in the state often earn six-figure salaries, particularly in the Denver metro area. MBA graduates develop leadership, finance, and strategy skills valued across industries — from aerospace and energy to startups and nonprofits.
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Colorado’s tech sector continues to expand, with Denver ranking among the top U.S. cities for tech careers. Master’s programs in computer science, software engineering, and related fields prepare graduates for roles such as software developer, data scientist, and IT manager. Median salaries for computer and information research scientists in Colorado exceed $130,000.
Education (Early Childhood & K-12)
Teacher shortages have increased demand for educators with advanced training. A master’s in education can strengthen classroom skills or prepare graduates for leadership roles like curriculum coordinator or principal. For career changers, a master’s plus licensure can provide a pathway into teaching.
Nursing and Healthcare (MSN)
Healthcare is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing sectors. An online MSN prepares RNs for advanced practice, leadership, or educator roles, often with significantly higher pay. Nurse practitioners in Colorado earn a mean annual wage of about $122,000 and play a key role in improving access to care.
Sport Management and Administration
Colorado’s strong sports economy — spanning professional teams, collegiate athletics, tourism, and Olympic training — supports demand for sport management professionals. Graduates often pursue roles as athletic directors, event managers, or facility administrators, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to six figures depending on role and organization.
Colorado Accreditation & Online Master’s Programs
Accreditation confirms that a program meets established academic standards. Colorado universities are typically regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Many programs also hold specialized accreditation, such as AACSB for business or NASPAA for public administration.
Accreditation is essential for employer recognition, financial aid eligibility, and transferability.
Types of Online Master’s Programs in CO
Online master’s programs in Colorado come in a variety of formats to fit different lifestyles. Whether you want to study intensively or just one course at a time, there’s an option for you. Choose full- or part-time study or an accelerated schedule for some programs.
Here is an overview of program types and in-state examples of each:
Full-Time
Full-time online master’s students typically take a heavier course load (about 2-3 courses per term) to complete the degree in the standard timeframe of 12-24 months. This option is ideal if you want to finish your degree quickly or are able to dedicate significant time each week to studies.
Full-time programs often mirror the pace of those on campus, but offer flexibility to attend class from anywhere. For example, Colorado State University’s Online MBA can be completed in about 21 months by taking two courses each 8-week term.
Accelerated full-time tracks, like the University of Colorado Denver’s one-year accelerated MPA option, have an intensive course load for students seeking faster time to graduate. Some private programs, like Colorado Technical University’s online MBA, can be completed in as little as 12 months for full-time students
Part-Time
Part-time programs are designed for students who need to juggle work, family, or other commitments alongside school. You might take one course at a time, or just a few courses per year, extending your graduation timeline but making each term manageable.
Many online master’s programs in Colorado allow part-time enrollment and offer schedule flexibility so you can adjust course load up or down as life demands. It’s common to finish in 3 to 4 years part-time (versus 1-2 years full-time).
Programs are often asynchronous and project-based, allowing you to log in around your work schedule, making graduate education achievable for busy adults.
No-GRE Required
No-GRE programs remove a potential barrier, speeding up your application process and reducing cost (no prep or test fees). Many online master’s programs in Colorado have no GRE requirement, instead focusing on your past academic performance and professional experience.
Colorado State University Global, for example, does not require GRE scores for any of its online master’s degrees, including in tech fields like the MS in AI & Machine Learning. Another example is the University of Colorado — Colorado Springs Online MA in Communication that does not ask for GRE scores for admission.
These programs assess candidates holistically — looking at GPA, letters of recommendation, and work history instead of a test, great for applicants who have been out of school for a while or who feel their strengths aren’t reflected by standardized tests.
Accelerated/Fast-Track
Accelerated programs are perfect if you’re eager to graduate sooner and willing to take an intensive course load or year-round classes. An accelerated online master’s compresses the schedule — sometimes letting you finish in as little as 12-18 months — without sacrificing credits. Schools achieve this through shorter terms or allowing course overlap.
In Colorado, you’ll find several accelerated options including CSU Pueblo’s Online MBA with an accelerated track that can be completed in around one year and Colorado Technical University’s accelerated MS in Computer Science that can be finished in about one year of full-time study
Accelerated programs require you to be focused and organized (expect a lot of coursework in a short time), and may require continuous enrollment through summer. You’ll earn your master’s degree sooner with this intense coursework which can be ideal for a promotion or timely career switch.
How to Pay for Your Online Master’s Degree
Most master’s programs range from 30 to 45 credits and tuition is typically charged per credit, so multiply the cost per credit by the total for a tuition estimate. At public universities, Colorado residents often pay a lower in-state rate than out-of-state students, though many schools participate in the WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program, offering regional students in-state tuition or discounts.
Some institutions, like CSU Global and many private universities, charge one flat rate for all online students regardless of residency.
Beyond tuition, online students should budget for fees, usually a few hundred dollars per term, and course materials like e-books or software. You’ll likely save on relocation or commuting costs by studying online, and many programs allow pay-as-you-go per course. Financial aid and scholarships are available for online students, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA and check for any employer tuition benefits or scholarships through the school.
Here are three examples of Colorado online master’s tuition rates:
| School (Program) | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams State University | 36 credits | $444 | $15,984 |
| Colorado Mesa University | 33 credits | $552 | $18,208 |
| CSU Global | 36 credits | $500 | $18,000 |
Note: Costs above are for illustrative purposes (tuition only) based on 2024–25 rates.
FAQs for Colorado Online Master’s Students
Are online master’s degrees respected by employers?
If your degree is from an accredited university, employers will recognize it as equivalent to a traditional degree.
In Colorado, many reputable universities offer online programs, so it’s common in the workforce. Employers are more interested in the reputation of the school and the skills you bring than the delivery format.
During interviews, talk up the discipline it took to earn an online degree while juggling other commitments demonstrating your time management and dedication, which employers value.
Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s?
You can, in fact, the majority of online master’s students work full-time. Online programs are designed with flexibility for working professionals — you can watch lectures on your own schedule (often evenings or weekends) and usually have a window of a few days to complete weekly tasks.
Many programs offer part-time tracks specifically so you can take one course at a time. Expect to dedicate about 10-15 hours per week per course. Some Colorado employers offer tuition assistance, and it helps to communicate with your employer and family about your study schedule.
Do online students pay in-state or out-of-state tuition for Colorado programs?
Tuition varies by school with public universities in Colorado typically charging in-state residents a lower rate than out-of-state students for online graduate programs. There are many exceptions, though, and some public programs participate in the WRGP/WICHE regional exchange, which allow students in Western states to pay the Colorado resident rate.
Always check the tuition page or ask an advisor about tuition rates and additional fees for your program.
What kind of support will I have as an online student?
Colorado’s universities extend robust support services to online master’s students. You will have access to academic advisors who can help plan your courses and keep you on track to graduate. Faculty have virtual office hours to answer questions one-on-one via email, video chat, or phone, and schools also offer online tutoring, writing centers, and library services. Technical support is usually 24/7 to assist with any platform issues.
You’ll also have ways to network and engage. Many programs organize virtual group projects, discussion boards, and even occasional in-person meetups or optional intensives. Career services are available remotely too including resume reviews, job postings, and virtual career fairs.
The key is to proactively use these resources. Successful online graduate students log in frequently, ask questions, and take advantage of the help offered.
Can I change careers with an online master’s degree, even if my bachelor’s was in a different field?
A master’s can definitely help you change careers, and many online programs in Colorado welcome students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. You may be required to complete some foundational courses if your bachelor’s didn’t include them. In some cases, schools offer “bridge” courses or graduate prep modules online..
An online master’s is a great way to gain expertise in a new field while still working in your current one. The flexibility of online study means you can even intern or volunteer in your target field while taking classes to build experience. Ensure the program you choose is geared toward non-majors and take advantage of offers to connect with internships or mentors in your new industry.