If you’re a Louisiana resident looking to earn your master’s degree, you’re in luck — the state boasts numerous universities offering flexible and affordable online graduate programs. This means you can learn on your schedule while gaining skills for Louisiana’s growing industries. Learn how to boost your credentials and explore degree types, program costs, and more.
Author: Bernard Grant, PhD, MFA
Expertise: DiveristyInclusionDiscriminationEditor: 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 Lousiana
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 Louisiana
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Louisiana Online Master’s Programs: A Comparison
Louisiana is home to several respected universities with robust online master’s offerings. Below, we highlight three accredited schools known for delivering high-quality online graduate programs. Each overview includes a snapshot of the online learning experience and one featured master’s program.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Louisiana State University, the state’s flagship public university, offers an extensive catalog of online programs through LSU Online. With more than 100 online degrees available across its campuses, LSU delivers graduate programs in business, engineering, education, and other high-growth fields.
LSU’s online master’s programs maintain the same academic standards as on-campus offerings and are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Students benefit from LSU’s large alumni network, career services, and global reputation. Multiple start dates and accelerated seven-week terms make these programs especially appealing to working professionals.
Featured Program: Online Flores Master of Business Administration(MBA)
Duration: 36 credit hours | 18 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $1,110 per credit | $39,960 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Three years of professional work experience
- Official transcripts and resume
Tulane University
Tulane University, a private research institution based in New Orleans, brings its academic rigor to online graduate education through several professional schools. Programs are offered through the School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and School of Professional Advancement, among others.
Tulane’s online master’s programs emphasize real-world application and leadership development. For example, the online Master of Public Health (MPH) focuses on community health innovation, while the online Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares graduates for advanced clinical and leadership roles. Students complete coursework online while learning from the same faculty who teach on campus.
Featured Program: Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences
Duration: 45 credit hours | 2 years
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $1,686 per credit | $75,870 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (preferred 3.0 GPA)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Résumé or CV
University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM)
The University of Louisiana at Monroe, known for its “eULM” platform, is one of Louisiana’s leaders in online education. ULM offers more than 35 online graduate degrees across disciplines such as education, healthcare, business, and the sciences.
ULM is widely recognized for affordability and access. Its flat-rate online tuition often makes it one of the most cost-effective options for earning a master’s degree in Louisiana. Despite the lower cost, academic quality remains strong. ULM is regionally accredited and participates in NC-SARA, allowing it to serve online students nationwide.
Featured Program: Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction
Duration: 36 credit hours | 15 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $315 per credit | $11,340 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in education with a minimum 2.75 GPA
- Valid teaching certificate
- Official undergraduate transcripts
Top Master’s Fields in Louisiana
To help you focus your search, we’ve identified five fields that offer strong career prospects, solid ROI, and alignment with Louisiana’s workforce needs.
1. Healthcare & Nursing
Healthcare is one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing industries, driven by provider shortages and an aging population. Graduate degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA), can lead to advanced clinical or leadership roles. Nurse practitioner positions alone are projected to grow rapidly nationwide, and Louisiana continues to face demand in both urban and rural areas.
2. Business Administration
An MBA remains one of the most versatile graduate degrees in Louisiana’s economy. Industries such as energy, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing rely on skilled managers and analysts. Graduates often move into leadership roles with higher earning potential, and Louisiana universities offer several accredited online MBA options.
3. Education & Teaching
Louisiana’s ongoing teacher shortage has increased demand for educators with advanced credentials. Online master’s degrees in education can support career advancement, certification upgrades, and specialized roles such as instructional coaching or administration. Many districts also offer tuition support for teachers pursuing graduate study.
4. Technology & Computer Science
Louisiana’s tech sector continues to grow, particularly in cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT management. Graduate degrees in these fields prepare students for high-demand roles with strong salary potential and increasing access to remote work.
5. Engineering
Engineering online master’s degrees align closely with Louisiana’s core industries, including energy, petrochemicals, and coastal infrastructure. Specializations such as petroleum, chemical, or coastal engineering can lead to advanced technical roles and faster progression toward professional licensure.
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a university or program meets recognized academic standards. In Louisiana, reputable institutions hold regional accreditation from SACSCOC. This matters for employer recognition, licensure eligibility, financial aid access, and future education.
Some programs also carry specialized accreditation, such as AACSB for business or CCNE for nursing. These credentials signal that the curriculum meets industry-specific benchmarks and can strengthen your credentials after graduation.
Which Type of Program Is Right for You?
Online master’s programs in Louisiana come in a variety of formats to suit different needs. Below is an overview of each program type and what to expect, along with examples of master’s programs from Louisiana universities:
Full-Time
Full-time online master’s programs typically mirror the intensity of on-campus study, with students taking a full course load each term. As a full-time student, you can expect an immersive experience. Full-time enrollment is roughly 9 credits per semester, which allows you to finish your degree in around 12 to 18 months for many programs.
However, balancing full-time study with work can be challenging. The study load is significant, requiring strong time management. Many popular online programs include scheduled live sessions or group projects to keep you engaged.
Louisiana Examples:
- LSU Shreveport — Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Tulane University — Master of Public Health (MPH)
Part-Time
Part-time online master’s programs are designed for working professionals and others who need flexibility. Studying part-time typically means taking 1 or 2 courses at a time, so you might complete the degree in 2 to 3 years. A good working balance is a prominent advantage of studying part-time, as you can continue working full-time or manage other responsibilities while in school.
The trade-off to a part-time schedule is a longer timeline to finish your degree. Many Louisiana schools let online students toggle between part-time and full-time, or set their own pace term by term. Part-time students still get full access to faculty, discussions, and support services, just with a lighter load.
Louisiana Examples:
- Tulane University — MS in Cybersecurity Management
- Louisiana Tech University — MS in Engineering
No GRE Requirement
Many online master’s programs in Louisiana no longer require the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission, focusing instead on your academic record and experience. These “no GRE” master’s programs are ideal if standardized tests aren’t your strength or if you’re applying on short notice.
These programs otherwise maintain the same rigor, so omitting the GRE doesn’t mean easier coursework; it simply means admissions committees take a more holistic view of your potential. Often, schools will waive the GRE for applicants meeting certain criteria. Choosing a “no GRE” program can reduce stress in the application process, but be prepared to highlight your accomplishments through recommendation letters, statements of purpose, or interviews.
Louisiana Examples:
- LSU — Online MBA
- University of New Orleans — MS in Health Care Management
Accelerated Timelines
Enrolling in an accelerated online master’s program means you can earn your degree faster than the traditional timeline by compressing courses or maintaining a year-round schedule. In Louisiana, these programs often feature shorter terms (five to eight weeks) with back-to-back course sequences or allow heavier course loads.
Keep in mind that an accelerated format is intense. You’ll be focusing on one or two subjects at a time. but at a rapid pace — sometimes completing a full course in under two months. This is perfect if you’re motivated and need the credential quickly for a promotion or career shift. However, accelerated programs require excellent time management skills and may not allow much breathing room.
- LSU Shreveport — Accelerated Online MBA
- McNeese State University — Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Cost of an Online Master’s in Louisiana
The costs for online master’s programs in Louisiana vary widely based on the institution and program, but overall the state offers affordable options compared to national averages. Public universities typically have lower per-credit rates, especially for Louisiana residents, and many charge a flat online rate that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
For example, ULM’s online graduate tuition is about $500 per credit for all students. Private universities like Tulane are more expensive at around $1,600 per credit but often come with strong reputations and networking opportunities.
When budgeting, consider the number of credits required and any additional fees. Some programs include all fees in the per-credit cost, while others add technology or program fees. Online learners can often save on expenses like commuting or campus housing, and many Louisiana schools provide the same financial aid for online students as on-campus students.
To give a better picture of what you may pay for your chosen program, the table below displays three online master’s programs in Louisiana and their associated costs:
| School Name | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University — Online MBA | 36 | $1,110 | $39,960 |
| LSU Shreveport — Online MBA | 30 | $479 | $14,370 |
| Tulane University — Online MPH | 45 | $1,686 | $75,870 |
FAQs from Prospective Louisiana Master’s Students
Q: Do I need to live in Louisiana to enroll or get in-state tuition for an online program?
A: Most Louisiana online master’s programs accept students from anywhere in the U.S., regardless of their residency. In many of Louisiana’s online programs, you can complete coursework 100% remotely. While Louisiana residents might qualify for certain local scholarships or lower public tuition, many online programs are competitively priced for out-of-state students, too.
Q: Are online master’s students in Louisiana eligible for financial aid and scholarships?
A: Yes, accredited online master’s programs qualify for federal financial aid just like on-campus programs. As long as you’re enrolled in a degree-seeking program and meet credit hour requirements, you can apply for federal student loans by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is also a variety of scholarships for online master’s students you may qualify for, so be sure to research these.
Louisiana universities also extend their institutional scholarships and grants to online graduate students. For instance, Tulane offers merit scholarships to online MPH and MHA students. Some schools have scholarships specifically for online or adult learners.
The key to graduating without debt is to explore all options: talk to your school’s financial aid office and search their website for graduate scholarship opportunities.
Q: What support services can online students expect from Louisiana universities?
A: Online students at Louisiana schools have access to comprehensive support, comparable to on-campus services. You can expect academic advising, financial aid counseling, library access, and tutoring or writing help delivered virtually.
Most programs also provide a dedicated online coordinator or success coach to assist with course scheduling, tech issues, and staying on track. For example, the University of Louisiana Monroe emphasizes its caring community and support network for online learners.
Career services for your post-graduation job search are typically available remotely too. Taking advantage of résumé reviews, virtual career fairs, and alumni mentoring can all help land you that job you’re striving for.
Don’t forget the support of your peers. Online classes often use discussion boards or group projects so you can build your network and collaborate with classmates. Some programs even have online student organizations or honor societies. For instance, LSU Online students can join the Omega Nu Lambda honor society for online learners.
Q: Will my diploma or transcript indicate that my degree was earned online?
A: In most cases, no. Your diploma will look the same as any other. Louisiana universities generally do not distinguish online degrees from on-campus degrees on transcripts or diplomas, so your degree will not say “online” on it. For example, ULM confirms that the same degree is granted for online programs and it does not specify that coursework was completed online.
In most cases, employers and others viewing your credentials will simply see the degree and the graduation date. The only exception might be if a program has a unique title (like “Online Executive MBA” as a specific program name).
Of course, you can always discuss your online learning experience in job interviews as a positive, highlighting skills like time management and digital collaboration. However, your actual documents won’t likely out you as an online student.
Q: What are the career prospects for graduates of Louisiana’s online master’s programs?
A: Graduating with a master’s degree from a Louisiana online program can significantly boost your career opportunities. Many fields, such as the education, healthcare, engineering, and business fields covered earlier in this guide, often require or prefer a master’s degree for higher-level roles.
Universities often report strong job placement rates for their online graduate programs. For example, Tulane’s School of Public Health notes that 99.7% of its graduates (including both online and on-campus learners) are employed, volunteering, or pursuing further education within one year.
Louisiana’s tight-knit professional communities also value local degrees, so earning your master’s from a known Louisiana institution can tap you into alumni networks in the region. Additionally, the flexibility of an online program allows many students to keep working and advance in their current jobs even before graduating.