Online Master’s Degrees in Kentucky: Reviewing Top Schools

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Kenya McCullum

Kenya McCullum

Author

Kenya McCullum is a professional writer and researcher with over twenty years of experience. She has authored hundreds of features on master's degree programs and overall college success. With a master's degree herself, Kenya draws on her experience in graduate school to share valuable and relevant information with future and current master's students. She holds a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in English.

Expertise: Graduate Ed.Student SuccessOnline Learning

Graduate Ed.Student SuccessOnline Learning

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman

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Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Updated: 12/22/2025

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Updated: 12/22/2025

Comparing Top Online Master’s Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky is home to several accredited universities offering master’s degrees online or in hybrid formats. Below, we highlight three schools that stand out for flexibility, affordability, and program variety. Each overview includes a snapshot of the online learning experience, followed by one featured master’s program.

Top Fields for Master’s Students in Kentucky

These five fields stand out for job demand, salary potential, ROI, and relevance to Kentucky’s economy.

1. Business Administration & Management

Kentucky’s economy includes logistics hubs, manufacturing plants, and growing entrepreneurial activity — all of which need skilled business leaders. An MBA or master’s in management can lead to roles in operations, project management, or executive leadership.

Management occupations earn six-figure median wages nationally, and Kentucky’s lower cost of living helps those salaries stretch further. Many Kentucky schools offer online MBAs with concentrations in finance, marketing, or supply chain management.

2. Healthcare & Nursing

Healthcare is one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing industries, driven by an aging population and public health needs. Master’s degrees such as the MSN, MHA, or MPH prepare graduates for advanced clinical and leadership roles.

Nurse practitioner jobs alone are projected to grow 38% over the next decade, and Kentucky employers are actively hiring professionals to improve access in both urban and rural communities. Online programs make it possible to step into these roles without leaving your current position.

3. Education & Teaching

In Kentucky, earning a master’s degree is often essential for advancement in education. Teachers who earn a master’s typically qualify for Rank II certification, which can mean higher pay and expanded responsibilities.

Online MEd programs are popular with working educators and help prepare graduates for roles like instructional specialists, special education teachers, or administrators — especially in high-need rural districts.

4. Computer Science & Information Technology

Kentucky’s tech sector is growing, particularly in Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky. Master’s degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, or information technology can lead to strong salaries and long-term job security.

Information security analysts earn around $102,600 annually and see rapid job growth. In response, Kentucky universities have launched online tech programs tailored to working professionals with IT backgrounds.

5. Public Administration & Social Services

Public and nonprofit sectors play a critical role in Kentucky communities. Degrees like the MPA or MSW prepare graduates for leadership roles in government, healthcare, nonprofits, and community organizations.

These programs often include applied learning through internships or capstones focused on Kentucky-specific issues, such as rural healthcare or Appalachian community development. For many students, the ROI is both professional and personal.

Understanding Accreditation for Kentucky Master’s Programs

Accreditation ensures your degree meets recognized academic standards. Kentucky universities hold regional accreditation through bodies like SACSCOC, which is essential for employer recognition, licensure, and federal financial aid eligibility.

Many programs also carry programmatic accreditation, which signals quality within specific fields. Choosing an accredited program protects both your investment and your future opportunities.

Types of Online Master’s Available in Kentucky

Online master’s programs come in several formats, allowing you to choose what best fits your schedule.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online master’s programs typically involve taking a heavier course load each term so you can finish in a shorter timeframe (usually 12 to 18 months for a 30 to 36-credit program). These programs are ideal if you want to complete your education in a timely matter and are able to dedicate significant time each week to your studies.

Full-time doesn’t necessarily mean you quit your job. Many students still work, though it can take careful attention to balance your studies with work and life obligations.

Kentucky Examples:

• The University of Kentucky — Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Murray State University — Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Part-Time Programs

Part-time programs are the go-to choice for working professionals who need to spread out their coursework. In a part-time online master’s, you might take just one course at a time or a few courses per semester, which reduces the weekly workload. The trade-off is a longer time to graduate.

Since it gives you more leeway to continue working full-time, manage family obligations, and study in smaller chunks, the flexibility of part-time study is a major attraction. Kentucky universities recognize this need and offer many online master’s programs with part-time enrollment options. 

Kentucky Examples:

• Eastern Kentucky University — Master of Social Work (MSW)
• University of Louisville — Master of Science (MS) in Health Administration

Programs with no GRE Requirements

Preparing for the GRE or studying for the GMAT can be a barrier for busy applicants, so many online master’s programs have dropped these exam requirements, especially during the past few years. In Kentucky, a large number of online master’s programs are “no GRE required” or offer GRE waivers under certain conditions.

This trend recognizes that undergraduate GPA and work experience can often predict success better than a standardized test. For prospective students, it means one less hurdle to overcome.

Kentucky Examples:

• University of Louisville — Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Eastern Kentucky University — MS in Safety, Security, & Emergency Management

Accelerated Programs

“Accelerated” online master’s programs are designed to speed up your time to a degree, either by shortening course lengths, allowing heavier course loads, or combining degree levels. One common accelerated format is the four-plus-one program (also called dual-degree or combined degree programs), in which you start taking graduate courses during your undergraduate senior year and then complete a master’s with just one extra year.

These are great for current undergraduates in Kentucky who know they want a master’s and want to save time and tuition.

Kentucky Examples:

• University of Kentucky — Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Murray State University — Master of Business Administration (MBA)

What Will It Cost? Master’s Program Tuition in Kentucky

Finding an affordable master’s degree is often a major factor when choosing your program. The good news for online students is that Kentucky’s programs are generally affordable compared to national averages, and many schools offer flat online tuition rates that are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

On average, for public universities in Kentucky, online graduate tuition runs about $600 to $700 per credit for standard programs (approximately $18,000 to $25,000 for a 30-36 credit master’s).

Keep in mind that programs with specialized accreditation or high-demand fields (such as nursing or business administration) might have slightly higher rates or bundled pricing. For example, the University of Louisville lists a standard online graduate rate of $830 per credit, but its online MBA is a bundled $38,500 for the whole program.

Always check if the posted rate includes fees or if any course-specific fees apply.

Student Help Center: Online Master’s FAQs

Q: Are online master’s degrees from Kentucky universities respected by employers?

A: As long as your degree comes from an accredited institution, it will typically be viewed as equivalent to an on-campus degree. Kentucky’s universities make no distinction on diplomas or transcripts that a degree was earned online; you earn the same degree as any other student. For example, the University of Louisville notes that whether you study online or on-campus, you get the same renowned education and degree.

What matters most is the school’s accreditation and reputation, and all schools we discuss here are properly accredited. Many employers in Kentucky actively encourage their staff to pursue online graduate education and may even offer employer tuition assistance, showing high regard for these programs.

Q: Do I have to pay out-of-state tuition if I’m not a Kentucky resident?

A: In many cases, no. A big benefit of online programs is that universities often charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state online students. For instance, the University of Louisville explicitly states that fully online students pay the same rate regardless of residency.

Eastern Kentucky University similarly allows out-of-state online learners to pay the standard online tuition, which is close to the in-state rate. In such cases, there’s no huge surcharge for non-residents. Some schools call this an “e-rate” or flat online tuition.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s program in Kentucky?

A: The timeframe can vary depending on the program structure and whether you study full-time or part-time. Generally, a master’s degree requires around 30 to 36 credits (more for some fields like social work or healthcare). Here are typical timelines:

• Full-time: 1-2 years
  
• Part-time: 2.5-4 years
  
• Structured Cohort: Some online programs have a set pace where you progress with a cohort. The University of Louisville’s MSW, for instance, is a 20-month lockstep program.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s in Kentucky?

A: Absolutely! Most online master’s students do work full-time. These programs are built with working professionals in mind. The curricula are often designed so that you can study during evenings, weekends, or whenever fits your schedule. Many courses are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have set log in times, which provides maximum flexibility.

That said, balancing work and grad school requires good time management. A typical workload for one three-credit graduate course might be around 10 to 15 hours of study per week. If you work 40 hours each week and take one course at a time, that’s usually very manageable.

If you attempt full-time school while also working full-time, it can be challenging but doable if you’re disciplined and establish good study and organization habits. It’s all about finding the right balance and techniques that work for you.

Q: What are the admissions requirements for Kentucky online master’s programs?

A: Admissions criteria for online master’s programs in Kentucky are typically similar to on-campus programs. Generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, a certain minimum GPA (often around 2.5 or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale), and application materials like letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a résumé. Make sure to spend adequate time on these documents, as features such as a strong admissions essay can help your application stand out. 

Many programs do not require GRE/GMAT scores nowadays, especially if you meet the GPA threshold or have relevant work experience. However, a highly competitive program or one in a specialized field might ask for a GRE if your GPA is lower. Always check the program’s website for admissions requirements before beginning the application process.

Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Kentucky