Online master’s degree programs in Florida combine academic excellence with flexibility so you can advance your career with convenience. This guide will show you what to expect in terms of cost, program formats, and degree offerings as a potential master’s student in FL.
Author: OMD Staff
Expertise:
Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Linda Armstrong, MFA
Expertise:
EditorialGraduate Ed.Online LearningReviewer: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
Expertise:
Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent Success- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in Florida
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
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
Profiling Top Online Master’s Programs in Florida
Florida offers numerous accredited universities with extensive online master’s programs. Below are three leading institutions known for quality online and hybrid degrees.
University of Florida (UF)
UF’s Distance Learning platform offers dozens of online master’s degrees across 200+ programs, including:
- Business
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- And more
Benefits: Same academic excellence as on-campus, flexible formats, multiple start dates for working professionals.
Featured Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $1,208/credit | $59,807 total
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of professional work experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement or essay
University of Central Florida (UCF)
UCF is a national leader in online education with 130+ online programs, including 30+ fully online master’s degrees in:
- Education
- Engineering
- Healthcare
Benefits: Award-winning faculty, dedicated success coaches, virtual library access, flexible schedules for working adults.
Featured Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Duration: 1-3 years
Mode: Online classes + in-person internships
Cost: $487.45/credit | $30,221.90 total
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0+ GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, professional statement, writing sample, immunization form, prerequisites, transcripts
Florida International University (FIU)
FIU offers one of Florida’s largest selections with 100+ fully online graduate degrees spanning:
- Business
- Engineering
- Education
- Healthcare
Benefits: Real-world focused curriculum, engaging faculty, extensive alumni network, dedicated online learning support.
Featured Program: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $600/credit | $27,000 total
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, letter of intent, letters of recommendation, resume, interview
Florida’s Top Master’s Degree Fields of Study
Based on Florida’s job market, salary potential, program availability, and industry growth, these five fields offer the strongest opportunities:
Business Administration
Why Florida? Pro-business economy, large corporate presence, high entrepreneurship rates.
Career Outlook:
- Top executives average $103,840/year
- Open doors to leadership roles across booming industries
- Specializations include finance, management, and more
For those interested in this field, check out our guide to the best online/hybrid MBA programs in Florida.
Healthcare & Nursing
Why Florida? Large elderly population creates surging healthcare demand.
Career Outlook:
- Nurse practitioner roles projected to grow 40% through 2033
- High-demand positions: Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Manager, Public Health Analyst
- Excellent salary potential and job stability
Popular Online Degrees in FL: Public Health (MPH), Social Work (MSW), Psychology, Nursing (MSN).
Information Technology & Computer Science
Why Florida? Rapidly expanding tech sector—fintech hubs in Miami, aerospace tech on the Space Coast.
Career Outlook:
- Strong job demand and high salaries
- Roles in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, IT management
- Faculty engaged in cutting-edge research
Popular Online Degrees in FL: Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology.
Expert Insight
If you’re thinking about a career in tech, but unsure of the specific area you want to pursue, I suggest cybersecurity. The cybersecurity industry is currently suffering an ongoing major shortage in skilled professionals. The result is strong starting salaries, job security, and growth potential for new grads.
Education (Teaching & Leadership)
Why Florida? Persistent teacher shortages create ongoing demand.
Career Outlook:
- Opportunities as instructional coordinators, school administrators, specialist teachers
- Advanced credentials lead to salary increases
- Profound community impact
Popular Online Degrees in FL: Education (MEd), Teaching (MAT), Educational Leadership, Secondary Education
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Why Florida? Tourism is a major economic driver.
Career Outlook:
- Management roles in hotel administration, tourism development, event planning
- Graduate degrees unlock significant career advancement
- Growing field with diverse opportunities
Popular Online Degrees in FL: Project Management, Sports Management, Marketing, Human Resources.
Understanding Accreditation for FL Master’s Programs
Why It Matters: Accreditation validates program quality and is essential for credit transfer, employer recognition, professional licensure, and financial aid eligibility.
Regional Accreditation
All major Florida universities should have regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), covering both online and on-campus programs.
Specialized Accreditation
Many programs also hold field-specific accreditation:
- Social Work: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Public Health: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Business: AACSB, ACBSP
- Education: CAEP
Types of Online Master’s in FL
Expert Insight
As you consider the different delivery formats, I strongly advise taking inventory of all of the elements in your life that could affect your academic performance. This includes family and work obligations, as well as your personal study style and preferences.
Full-Time Programs
Timeline: 12-24 months
Best For: Students who can devote most of their time to studies
Pros:
- Quick return on investment
- Immersive experience
- Strong peer and faculty engagement
Cons:
- Intensive workload
- Challenging to balance with full-time work
Florida Examples:
Part-Time Programs
Timeline: 2.5-4 years
Best For: Working professionals, those with family obligations, anyone preferring a slower pace
Pros:
- Greater flexibility
- Immediately apply learning to your job
- Manageable workload reduces stress
Cons:
- Longer time to degree completion
Florida Examples:
No-GRE Required Programs
An increasing number of Florida online master’s programs waive the GRE (or GMAT) requirement, making the admissions process more accessible.
Best For: Applicants with strong qualifications or work experience who prefer not to take standardized tests
Benefits:
- Saves time and money (no test prep or fees)
- Holistic admissions process
- Emphasizes professional experience and undergraduate performance
Florida Examples:
- University of Central Florida — Master of Public Administration
- Florida International University — Master of Public Health
Accelerated Programs
Timeline: 12-18 months
Best For: Motivated students with time to devote to intensive study
Pros:
- Save on tuition
- Advance your career sooner
- Year-round coursework
Cons:
- Requires full-time commitment
- Challenging pace
- May assume prior field knowledge
Florida Examples:
Program Costs: What to Expect
Tuition varies widely by institution and program. Many Florida schools waive campus-based fees for online students.
Below are sample costs:
| School | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida — MBA | 48 | $1,208 | $59,807 |
| University of Central Florida — MSW | 62 | $487 | $30,221 |
| Florida International University — MPH | 45 | $600 | $27,000 |
Note: Costs represent current information at the time of publication and don’t include fees.
FAQs for Florida Online Master’s Students
What financial aid options are available for online master’s students?
Online students have access to various funding sources, including:
- Federal Aid: Loans, grants, work-study programs
- University Aid: Graduate assistantships, fellowships
- Employer Support: Tuition reimbursement programs
- Professional Organizations: Field-specific scholarships
- Veterans: GI Bill benefits, veteran scholarships
Expert Insight
I strongly suggest contacting the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering, as they can fill you in on how to secure funding to help lower your degree’s out-of-pocket cost.
Do I have to pay out-of-state tuition if I’m not a Florida resident?
Usually, no. Most Florida online programs charge in-state or flat tuition rates for all online students, making them affordable for out-of-state learners.
Note: Policies vary by school and program, so always verify tuition details. Even if non-resident rates apply, you avoid relocation costs.
Can I work full-time while pursuing my online master’s degree?
Yes, most students do. Programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering:
- Asynchronous courses (log in anytime)
- Flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends)
- Part-time enrollment options
Time Commitment: Expect 10-15 hours of study per week per 3-credit course.
What support and networking opportunities do online students have?
Online students receive extensive support services:
- Academic Support: Advising, online tutoring, virtual library resources, technical support
- Career Services: Resume workshops, job boards, virtual career counseling
- Networking: Discussion boards and group projects, virtual student organizations, professor virtual office hours, optional in-person meet-ups (some programs)
Will I ever need to visit campus during my online master’s program?
Usually, no. Most Florida online programs are completed entirely online with no campus visits required.
Some programs, however, may have:
- Brief orientation sessions
- Clinical residencies (healthcare programs)
- Practicum requirements (social work, education)
It’s important to confirm these potential in-person requirements prior to committing to your program. Fortunately, any in-person requirements will be clearly specified in the program description so there should be no surprises.