A master’s degree can help you grow your career or even start a new one. Online programs can help you reach your goals while offering flexibility, affordability, and academic quality. Compare top online master’s in Michigan, learn about cost and accreditation, and see what you could earn after you graduate.
Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Aaron Margolis, MS
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Data ScienceOnline Learning- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in Michigan
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 Michigan
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Michigan’s Online Master’s Programs: A Comparison
Michigan is home to many accredited universities offering online and hybrid graduate programs. Below, we highlight three institutions with established online learning options. Each profile summarizes the school’s approach to online education and features one representative master’s program.
The University of Michigan
The University of Michigan, one of the nation’s leading public research universities, extends its academic offerings into the online space through Michigan Online (U-M). The university offers several online master’s degrees that combine rigorous instruction with interactive learning platforms.
U-M leverages educational technology partners such as Coursera to deliver content taught by university faculty. Many programs are asynchronous, making them well suited for working professionals. Online students benefit from the university’s research reputation and extensive alumni network, regardless of location.
Highlighted Program: Master of Applied Data Science (MADS)
Duration: 1 to 3 years (part-time or accelerated)
Format: 100% online
Cost: $1,107 per credit | $37,800 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (quantitative or programming coursework background recommended)
- Professional résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) offers a wide range of online and hybrid graduate programs through MSU Online, reflecting its status as a global research institution. Online master’s degrees are available in business, engineering, education, and related fields.
MSU emphasizes engaged learning through interactive discussions, group projects, and applied case studies led by experienced faculty. Many programs are designed for working professionals and offer part-time pacing with no required campus visits. MSU is consistently recognized for the quality of its online graduate business programs.
Highlighted Program: MS in Management, Strategy, & Leadership
Duration: 15 to 20 months (full- or part-time)
Format: 100% online
Cost: $1,130 per credit | $33,900 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Three or more years of managerial experience
- Online application with $100 fee
- Official transcripts
- Professional résumé
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University (CMU) has a long history of serving adult learners through its Global Campus and online programs. CMU Online offers dozens of master’s degrees in areas such as business, education, health, and administration.
Programs emphasize flexibility, with options for fully online or hybrid study and full-time or part-time enrollment. Online students have access to tutoring, library services, and dedicated academic advisors. CMU’s relatively affordable tuition rates make it a popular option for cost-conscious graduate students.
Highlighted Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration: 1 to 2 years (full- or part-time)
Format: Online or on-campus
Cost: $860 per credit | $30,960 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GMAT scores
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Most Popular Master’s Fields in Michigan
The following fields were selected based on job outlook, salary potential, program availability, and alignment with Michigan’s economy.
Business Administration
Business is one of the most common master’s fields in Michigan. An MBA or related degree supports leadership roles across automotive, manufacturing, and finance sectors. Management analysts earn a median salary of $101,190, with projected national job growth of 9% from 2024–2034.
Michigan’s economy includes major employers such as Ford and General Motors, creating steady demand for professionals with strategic management skills. Many universities offer online MBAs with concentrations aligned to state industries.
Healthcare Administration & Public Health
Michigan’s large healthcare systems and aging population drive strong demand for healthcare administrators and public health professionals. Degrees such as the MHA or MPH prepare graduates for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and public agencies.
Medical and health services managers earn a median salary of about $101,340 with projected job growth of 28% this decade. Michigan universities offer online programs in healthcare management, health informatics, and public health to meet this demand.
Social Work
Social work remains a popular graduate path in Michigan. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is required for clinical licensure and advanced practice. Nationally, social work roles are projected to grow 7% from 2023–2033.
In Michigan, MSW graduates work in hospitals, schools, community mental health clinics, and nonprofit organizations. Median annual pay is approximately $61,3300 with higher earnings possible in urban areas and clinical settings.
Accounting and Finance
Accounting and finance professionals are consistently in demand across Michigan’s business landscape. A master’s in accounting can help graduates meet CPA requirements or specialize in taxation, auditing, or analytics.
Accountants and auditors earn a median salary of around $79,880, with steady job growth. Michigan employers, including large accounting firms and manufacturing companies, actively recruit graduates from accredited master’s programs.
Education
Many Michigan educators pursue graduate degrees to advance professionally. Master’s degrees support roles in administration, curriculum development, and specialized instruction.
Although salary growth is modest, education offers job stability and advancement opportunities. Online MEd programs in literacy, educational leadership, and special education align with Michigan’s workforce needs.
The Role of Accreditation in Online Master’s Programs
Accreditation verifies academic quality and institutional legitimacy. In Michigan, most universities are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Many programs also hold discipline-specific accreditation, such as:
Attending an accredited institution ensures employer recognition, financial aid eligibility, and smoother credit transfer.
Types of Online Master’s Programs in Michigan
Because not all online master’s programs are one-size-fits-all, universities in Michigan offer various formats to suit different student needs. Understanding these formats will help you choose a program that fits your lifestyle and goals. Below, we break down each type and give real examples:
Full-Time Programs
Full-time online master’s programs are structured similarly to traditional on-campus programs in pace. This format is ideal if you want to finish quickly and can dedicate significant time to your studies. If so, plan to dedicate around 40 hours per week. Full-time students can often graduate in about 12 to 18 months, depending on the program.
Many full-time online programs still offer flexibility when you do the work, but you’ll have frequent deadlines and a fast pace. This path works well for those who may be taking a career break or who have the ability to focus primarily on school.
MI Examples:
- Central Michigan University — Online MBA
- University of Michigan — Master of Public Health (MPH)
Part-Time Programs
Part-time programs are geared toward working professionals or those with busy personal lives. You take fewer courses each semester, often only one to two. This extends the program length but makes the workload more manageable alongside a job.
A part-time online master’s might take about 2 to 3 years to complete, instead of the usual one to two, but the key benefit is flexibility. You can continue earning an income and apply what you learn in real-time at work.
MI Examples:
- Michigan State University — MS in Customer Experience Management
- Wayne State University — MS in Community Health Education
No GRE-Required Programs
Standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT can pose significant barriers for busy applicants. Thankfully, many Michigan online master’s programs waive these exams. “No GRE required” means admissions focus on undergraduate GPA, professional experience, essays, and recommendations instead of test scores.
This trend has grown, as studies show little predictive value of GRE scores for graduate success. The upside is you can apply faster and save the stress and cost of prepping for an exam. This mode of admissions review is especially common for online MBAs, IT, and education programs.
MI Examples:
- Michigan State University — MS in Accounting & Data Analytics
- University of Michigan–Flint — Online MA in Educational Administration
Accelerated Online Programs
Accelerated programs are all about speed. They utilize shorter terms, year-round courses, or heavier course loads to let you graduate sooner. For instance, an accelerated online master’s might use 7- to 8-week courses instead of 15-week semesters, allowing more course sessions per year.
In an accelerated program, you still learn all the content, but in a compressed timeline. This means you’ll be fully immersed in your studies, with little downtime between modules. However, the commitment pays off when you earn your master’s in as little as 12 to 18 months, even for programs that typically take two years.
MI Examples:
- Eastern Michigan University — Online MS in Cybersecurity
- Oakland University — Accelerated Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL)
Cost of an Online Master’s Degree in Michigan
If you’re wondering how much you can expect to pay for your online Michigan degree, the answer is not so straightforward. The cost of an online master’s in Michigan can vary widely by school and program. However, there are some significant factors that may affect your tuition costs and expenses.
Tuition is often charged per credit hour, and online students usually pay similar base tuition as on-campus students. Michigan public universities typically have lower in-state rates and higher out-of-state rates, so your residency may have a large impact. However, a few online programs charge in-state tuition for all graduate students, regardless of residency.
Apart from tuition, budget for online fees, textbooks or course materials, and any required on-campus visits (most fully online programs have none or very short orientations). Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance or reimbursement can offset costs, so be sure to explore those.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan — Master of Applied Data Science | 34 | $1,107 | $37,823 |
| Central Michigan University — MBA | 36 | $860 | $30,960 |
| Eastern Michigan University — Master of Arts (MA) in Curriculum & Instruction | 30 | $986 | $15,360 |
FAQs from Master’s Students in Michigan
Q: Are online master’s degrees from Michigan universities respected by employers?
A: Your degree should be respected as long as the program is accredited. An online degree from a Michigan school carries the same weight as an on-campus degree. Employers typically don’t distinguish that your degree was earned online, and your diploma likely won’t state it.
For example, an MBA from Michigan State University is respected nationwide, whether completed online or in person. Michigan’s major universities are well-regarded and recruit heavily from their online grads. In fact, many employers appreciate the dedication it takes to earn a degree while juggling other responsibilities.
Q: Can I work full-time while earning my online master’s degree?
A: Many online master’s students in Michigan are working professionals. Because of this, part-time online programs are designed with full-time workers in mind, offering flexible scheduling with evening and weekend courses that will allow you to work a standard nine-to-five job.
Universities like Eastern Michigan and Wayne State often structure online courses asynchronously, meaning you can watch lectures and complete work during off-hours. Balancing work and study requires effective time management. Students commonly note that establishing a strong support network, a consistent study routine, and communicating with your employer about your school commitments can help make working full-time and studying feasible.
Q: Do online students pay in-state or out-of-state tuition at Michigan universities?
A: This depends on the particular university and program you attend. Many public universities in Michigan still differentiate tuition between in-state and out-of-state students, but some online programs charge a single rate for all. For instance, the University of Michigan’s online master’s programs have separate in-state and out-of-state rates, whereas some programs at Michigan State or smaller regional schools might offer in-state tuition to everyone online to remain competitive.
Private institutions and certain public programs often use one flat rate regardless of residency. Always check the program’s tuition page or ask an admissions counselor.
If you’re a Michigan resident, attending a Michigan public university online usually means you’ll get that lower in-state price, which is a great cost advantage. Even if you’re out-of-state, don’t assume you’ll pay more. Check your chosen program rates, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Q: Do I have to attend live sessions as an online master’s student, or can I study on my own time?
A: Online classes can vary in format. The two main modes are asynchronous, in which you study at your chosen time, and synchronous, in which you attend live sessions.
Many Michigan programs use primarily asynchronous delivery. In these, you’ll log in to a learning platform (like Canvas or D2L), watch recorded lectures, complete readings, and submit assignments by deadlines, but you decide when to do the work. This is convenient if you have an irregular schedule.
That said, some courses include live elements such as weekly evening Zoom discussions or live office hours. These are typically scheduled after work hours if the program targets working adults. Fully synchronous online programs are less common, but a few exist (often in cohort-based executive programs). In most cases, you can expect a blend of asynchronous and synchronous classes, so it’s a good idea to brush up on your netiquette and prepare to attend live meetings and engage in forum discussions.
Q: What kind of support can I expect as an online master’s student in Michigan?
A: Similar to on-campus students, online students at Michigan universities have access to comprehensive support services. You can expect academic advising to plan your courses and career advising to help with job searches or internships.
Most schools provide online tutoring or writing centers. You’ll also typically have access to the university’s library resources electronically, meaning you can download research articles or request books. Technical support is usually available all day to help with any platform issues, which is crucial when you’re trying to make an assignment deadline or take a test. Professors will also often hold virtual office hours, so you can drop in on a video call to ask questions.