In Idaho, a growing economy means advanced skills are in demand. A master’s degree could be what you need to secure a better position at a new company, or to earn a promotion where you are currently. Many colleges in Idaho offer convenient and flexible online and hybrid master’s programs that can make it easier to earn a degree on your own time.
Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
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 in Idaho
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 - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Idaho
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Popular Idaho Schools with Online Master’s Degrees
Idaho is home to several accredited universities offering master’s programs designed for online and hybrid learners. Below, we highlight three schools known for flexibility, affordability, and career-focused graduate education.
Boise State University
Boise State University offers accredited, career-focused online master’s programs across fields such as business, education, nursing, cybersecurity, and technology. Courses are delivered through interactive online platforms and are often structured in short, seven-week sessions, which can be appealing for working professionals.
Boise State is nationally recognized for innovation in online education. Whether you’re pursuing an MBA or a technical master’s degree, the university blends flexibility with real-world relevance.
Featured Program: Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration: 49 credits | 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time)
Mode: 100% online | No campus visits required
Cost: $750/credit | $36,750 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
- Professional resume
- 3+ years work experience (preferred)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
University of Idaho
The University of Idaho offers a wide range of fully online graduate degrees with a strong emphasis on value and flexibility. Courses are typically asynchronous, allowing students to complete work at convenient times, though some programs include optional live sessions or hybrid components.
Fields of study include environmental science, engineering, education, business, and natural resources. Through its Engineering Outreach program, UI allows students to complete engineering master’s degrees remotely using advanced virtual labs. Notably, all online students pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency.
Featured Program: Master of Natural Resources (MNR)
Duration: 30 semester credits | 1.5 years (full-time)
Mode: 100% online or blended with campus courses
Cost: $601/credit | $18,030 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU)
Northwest Nazarene University is a private Christian university in Nampa offering small-class, personalized master’s programs. Many degrees are available online or in hybrid formats through NNU’s Graduate Studies & Degree Completion division.
Programs span business, counseling, education, nursing, ministry, and social work. Some degrees follow accelerated timelines, such as the 15-month Master of Management. Students often choose NNU for its supportive learning environment and strong job placement outcomes in fields like education and social services.
Featured Program: Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEd): Principal
Duration: 36 credits | 22 months
Mode: Online coursework with weekly synchronous evening classes and a one-week summer institute
Cost: $695/credit | $22,935 to $29,190 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (typically in education or related field)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Valid teaching certificate and at least two years of K-12 teaching experience
- Two professional recommendation letters (including one from a school administrator)
- Statement of purpose
- Interview (via video conference) with the program faculty
Top 5 Master’s Fields in Idaho
What master’s degrees offer the best career prospects in Idaho? These fields stand out for job demand, return on investment, and availability in online or hybrid formats across Idaho.
1. Education — M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D.
Why it’s hot: Advanced education degrees are highly valued in Idaho, particularly in educational leadership, curriculum design, and special education. Teacher and administrator shortages in some regions increase demand for qualified professionals. Education administrators in Idaho earn an average salary of around $85,000 annually.
Boise State, the University of Idaho, and NNU all offer online MEd programs with leadership and instruction specializations.
2. Business Administration & Management — MBA, M.S., MHA
Why it’s hot: Idaho’s economy continues to diversify, creating demand for leaders in strategy, finance, operations, and healthcare management. An MBA or related business master’s can support advancement into higher-level roles and increased pay.
Online business master’s programs are widely available, including Boise State’s AACSB-accredited online MBA, which can be completed in as little as one year.
3. Healthcare & Nursing — MSN, MHA, MPH
Why it’s hot: Healthcare is one of Idaho’s fastest-growing sectors due to an aging population and rural access challenges. The U.S. Department of Labor projects strong long-term growth for medical and health services managers statewide.
Nurse practitioners in Idaho earn a median wage of about $130,000 annually, while healthcare administrators earn around $77,000 on average. Online programs in MSN, MPH, and healthcare administration support career advancement without leaving the workforce.
4. Technology & Engineering — CS, Cybersecurity, Engineering Management
Why it’s hot: Idaho’s technology sector, particularly around Boise, continues to expand. Fields like cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics offer strong salaries and growth potential. Software developers in Idaho earn an average of about $125,000 per year.
Online options include Boise State’s MS in Cyber Operations and Resilience and the University of Idaho’s fully online engineering master’s degrees.
5. Counseling & Social Services — MA in Counseling, MSW
Why it’s hot: Idaho faces a significant shortage of mental health and social service professionals. Master’s degrees in counseling or social work are required for licensure and open pathways to roles such as LPC, LMFT, and LCSW.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers in Idaho earn around $73,000 annually, while Licensed Professional Counselors earn about $68,000. Online MSW and counseling programs are available through schools like NNU.
Accreditation for Online Master’s Programs in Idaho
Accreditation for online master’s programs ensures academic quality and affects financial aid eligibility, credit transfer, and employer recognition. Idaho institutions are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Many programs also hold specialized accreditation, such as AACSB for business, CCNE or ACEN for nursing, and CAEP for education programs.
Types of Online Master’s Available
Online and hybrid master’s programs in Idaho come in various formats to suit different needs. Here’s an overview of the most common program types, along with examples of current online master’s programs in Idaho for each:
Full-Time Online Programs
A full-time online program is ideal if you want to complete your studies quickly and can dedicate significant time to studies. Students typically take three or more courses per semester, allowing students to complete all program requirements in as few as 12 to 18 months.
Full-time online programs are intense but efficient. Just be sure you can dedicate 30 to 40 hours each week to your coursework throughout your course of study.
- Boise State University’s Online MBA
- Idaho State University’s Master of Public Administration
- Northwest Nazarene University’s Master of Divinity
Part-Time Online Programs
Part-time programs are tailored for working professionals and those with otherwise busy lives. The key benefit is flexibility: you won’t have to put the rest of your life on hold to earn your degree.
In a part-time online master’s, students typically take one or two courses at a time. The result is an extended program length, but workloads are more manageable, particularly for those employed full time.
- Boise State University’s Master of Educational Technology
- University of Idaho’s MS in Environmental Science
- Idaho State University’s Online MBA
“No GRE” Online Programs
Many online master’s programs have dropped the GRE/GMAT requirement or offer waivers, recognizing that standardized tests aren’t the only predictors of success. In Idaho, a number of programs are “No GRE required.”
This makes the application process easier and faster. “No GRE” doesn’t mean the program is less rigorous. It simply means the school takes a more holistic view of applicants. Often, substantial professional experience or a solid GPA can offset the need for test scores.
- Boise State University’s Online MBA
- University of Idaho’s Master of Natural Resources
- Idaho State University’s MEd in Special Education
Accelerated and Dual-Degree Online Programs
If you’re looking to fast-track your education or earn two credentials together, consider accelerated and dual-degree options. Idaho universities have been creating pathways to help students save time (and money) while earning their master’s.
Accelerated programs typically allow you to begin master’s coursework during your bachelor’s studies or compress the timeframe of a stand-alone master’s. Dual-degree programs allow you to earn two master’s simultaneously.
Accelerated and dual-degree programs are rigorous: you’ll be doing more in less time. But the payoff is efficient career progression.
- Idaho State University’s Accelerated BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering
- Northwest Nazarene’s Dual Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration
Cost of Online Master’s Programs in Idaho
Cost is a key factor when considering grad school. Online master’s programs in Idaho tend to be more affordable than many out-of-state public or private options. On top of that, Idaho universities often offer special benefits like in-state tuition for all online students, regardless of their state residency status.
Nevertheless, Idaho online master’s costs vary from program to program due to factors such as specific field of study, whether the school is public or private, and whether a program charges higher tuition to out-of-state residents. A wide range of financial aid resources are available to qualifying online master’s students to help mitigate their total degree price tags.
| School – Program) | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University – Online MBA | 49 | $750/credit | $36,750 |
| University of Idaho – Master of Natural Resources | 30 | $601/credit | $18,030 |
| Northwest Nazarene University – MBA | 33 to 42 | $695/credit | $22,935 to $29,190 |
Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.
FAQs for Idaho Master’s Students
Q: Do I have to pay out-of-state tuition for an online program if I’m not an Idaho resident?
A: In most cases, no. Private universities in Idaho typically always charge the same tuition rates to all students, regardless of state residency. And Idaho’s public universities often charge in-state tuition for all of their online-only students, whether Idaho residents or not.
For example, the University of Idaho explicitly states that students taking only online courses are charged the resident tuition rate, thus saving thousands by studying online versus on campus. There are exceptions, though, so be sure you have a clear understanding of the specific tuition rate you’ll be charged before enrolling in any degree program.
Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing my online master’s?
A: In many cases, yes. Most online master’s programs in Idaho are designed with working professionals in mind, often offering part-time study options and asynchronous formats. It’s not unusual, therefore, that part-time online master’s students in the state continue to work full-time while pursuing their studies.
Time management is key. You’ll want to set aside specific hours each week for study. But thousands of Idahoans (and out-of-state students) successfully earn their master’s online without pausing their careers.
Q: How do employers view online master’s degrees? Are they as respected as those from on-campus programs?
A: When your online degree comes from a reputable, accredited university, employers in Idaho and beyond respect it just the same as a degree earned on campus. What they care about are the skills and knowledge you bring to the job, not that your degree was earned online.
All the programs discussed in this guide are properly accredited, so their quality is on par with that of their campus-based program counterparts.
Q: Will I ever need to go to campus or attend in-person sessions for my online master’s program?
A: That will depend on the specific program, but many are presented 100% online with no required campus visits. Generally, most online master’s in Idaho do not require travel to campus. And those that do usually keep it minimal (like a short residency).
Some programs, however, do include in-person internships, clinical hours, or field experiences, depending on the specific field of study. And, of course, some are hybrid-formatted, meaning they include both online and on-campus components.
Q: What kind of support will I receive as an online graduate student?
A: Online does not mean you’re entirely on your own. Idaho universities put a lot of effort into supporting online grad students academically, professionally, and personally by providing them access to the same support resources as campus-based students. These services commonly include online library databases, writing centers, tutoring services, counseling (academic, career, financial aid, and emotional support), and more.
The key takeaway: Idaho’s universities are committed to student success for all of their students, online or otherwise.