If you’re looking to advance your career while balancing work, family, or a rural location, an online master’s degree can make graduate education far more accessible. Montana universities now offer a growing number of flexible online and hybrid master’s programs many fields. This guide highlights accredited Montana schools, top online programs, in-demand fields of study, and key considerations for prospective students.
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 Montana
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 Montana
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Details of Montana Universities with Online Master’s Programs
Montana is home to several accredited universities offering online graduate education designed for working professionals and distance learners. Below, we highlight three institutions, their online formats, and one representative master’s program from each.
University of Montana (UM)
The University of Montana is a state leader in distance learning, offering online master’s degrees in education, business, health, and the social sciences. Through UMOnline, students complete asynchronous coursework, making it easier to balance school with work and family obligations.
Programs emphasize academic rigor and accessibility, with online students taught by the same faculty as on-campus learners. Support services mirror the on-campus experience.
Highlighted Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Credits: 32
- Mode: Fully online, with optional campus sessions in Missoula
- Cost: $415 per credit for (MT residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Competitive GPA (3.0+ preferred)
- Foundational business coursework (prerequisites may be required)
- Resume, professional references, and statement of purpose
Montana State University (MSU)
Montana State University is the state’s largest provider of online master’s degrees, offering nearly a dozen online and hybrid programs. Options span education, engineering, agriculture, and environmental sciences, including several programs unique within Montana.
Courses are primarily asynchronous, with some programs offering optional campus visits or summer fieldwork. MSU has removed the GRE requirement for most graduate programs to improve access.
Highlighted Program: Professional M.S. in Land Resources & Environmental Sciences
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $302 per credit (in-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Relevant professional experience recommended
University of Providence
The University of Providence is a private Catholic university in Great Falls known for its healthcare and professional programs. It offers several fully online master’s degrees, primarily in high-demand health and leadership fields.
Many programs combine asynchronous coursework with local hands-on components, such as clinical practicums or short in-person intensives.
Highlighted Program: Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Credits: 36
- Mode: Online coursework with 2-3 short in-person residencies
- Cost: $974 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (healthcare or business background preferred)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (last 60 credits)
- Professional résumé (2+ years of experience recommended)
- Personal statement
- Two references
A Look at the Top Fields of Study in Montana
Certain graduate fields stand out in Montana due to job demand, salary potential, and community impact.
Infection Prevention & Epidemiology
Why it Stands Out: Montana’s healthcare system needs experts in infection control and public health preparedness.
Epidemiologists in Montana earn a median salary of around $78,000, and the field is projected to grow 19% nationally. Graduates help track disease outbreaks, develop prevention strategies, and improve patient safety — especially important in rural healthcare settings.
Read our guide on the top online epidemiology master’s degree programs.
Master of Social Work
Why it Stands Out: Social workers are essential to Montana’s mental health and human services infrastructure.
An MSW prepares graduates for licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) roles, which are in short supply statewide. Programs emphasize integrated practice and prepare graduates to provide counseling, advocacy, and community support.
Read our guides about the best online MSW programs and the most affordable online MSW programs.
Nursing (MSN)
Why it Stands Out: Advanced-practice nurses are critical in Montana’s rural healthcare system.
Nurse practitioners and nurse educators are in especially high demand. Nationally, NP roles are projected to grow 40%, with median salaries around $129,000. Online MSN programs typically include local clinical practicums.
Learn more about the top online MSN degrees and the most affordable online MSN programs today.
Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
Why it Stands Out: Demand for counselors continues to rise as Montana addresses mental health and substance use challenges.
Graduates may pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or rehabilitation counseling roles. National growth for counseling careers is projected at 19%, reflecting urgent workforce needs.
Read our guide to find the best online mental health counseling master’s degrees.
Educational Leadership
Why it Stands Out: Montana schools need experienced leaders who understand local communities.
A master’s in educational leadership prepares educators for principal or district-level roles and supports eligibility for Montana administrative licensure. Graduates move from classroom impact to schoolwide leadership.
Read about today’s top online MEd in Educational Leadership degree programs.
Accreditation Details
Accreditation ensures your degree is recognized and respected.
- Regional Accreditation: Most Montana universities are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Programmatic Accreditation: Many programs also hold specialized accreditation, such as CSWE for social work, CAEP for education, and CCNE for nursing.
Always confirm both institutional and program-level accreditation.
Types of Online Master’s Programs in Montana
Montana schools offer several online formats to match different schedules and goals.
Full-Time Programs
Full-time study lets you immerse yourself in grad school and finish sooner. It typically means taking a heavier course load, such as three courses per term, and completing the degree in about 1.5 to 2 years or even less.
Full-time online programs often require a significant time commitment (around 30-40 hours of study per week), but they let you earn your degree and hit the job market faster. This route is ideal if you’re able to take a break from work or have a flexible schedule.
Examples in MT:
- University of Providence — MS Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Carroll College — Master of Accountancy
Part-Time Programs
Part-time programs are the go-to for most working professionals pursuing an online master’s degree. Studying part-time typically means taking one or two courses per semester, allowing you to balance graduate school with a full-time job or family commitments.
Completion times vary — some diligent students finish in as little as 2 years, even on a part-time schedule, while others spread out courses over 4+ years. The flexibility is key: you can often adjust your course load as life demands. Universities often give a window, usually 5-7 years, to finish your master’s so you can proceed at a comfortable pace.
Examples in MT:
- MSU-Northern — MS in Education in Instruction & Learning
- University of Montana — Master of Public Health
No-GRE Admissions Programs
If you don’t love standardized tests, you’ll be happy to know that many of Montana’s online master’s programs have a no-GRE requirement. There’s a strong trend nationwide of grad programs waiving the GRE/GMAT in favor of holistic admissions. Instead, schools look at your undergrad GPA, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
This shift removes a barrier and speeds up the application process. However, always check the latest admissions criteria: if a program lists the GRE as “optional,” submitting a good score could still enhance your application.
Examples in MT:
- Montana State University — M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
- MSU Billings — Master of Healthcare Administration
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs help you finish your master’s quickly — sometimes in 12 to 18 months — by condensing coursework or structuring it to be completed in 2 years or less. In some cases, it might even be a 1-year program. For instance, an accelerated path might involve taking courses year-round, including summer, or doubling up on classes.
Accelerated programs are intense, but they can save you money and get you into that promotion or new job faster. Some programs might label themselves “accelerated” if they allow transfer credits or have eight-week compressed courses. If you’re eager and able to handle a brisk pace, consider these options.
Examples in MT:
- Montana State University — MS in Environmental Sciences (LRES)
- Rocky Mountain College — MEd in Educational Leadership
Costs of Online/Hybrid Master’s Programs in MT
Tuition varies by institution and residency status.
- Public universities often offer lower in-state rates
- Private universities charge a single per-credit rate
- Most programs require 30–60 credits
Online students may pay technology fees but often save on relocation, housing, and commuting. Financial aid, employer tuition assistance, and veteran scholarships are available to eligible students.
| School | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll College — Master of Accountancy | 30 | $626 | ~$18,780 |
| Montana Technological University — MS in Project Engineering Mgmt. | 30 | $280.10 | ~$8,403 |
| University of Montana — MBA | 32 | $415 | $13,280 |
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 About Montana Online Master’s Degrees
Are online master’s degrees from Montana universities respected?
Yes. As long as the program is accredited, online degrees carry the same value as on-campus credentials. Employers focus on accreditation and institutional reputation, not delivery format.
What are the admissions requirements?
Requirements vary, but most programs require:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- 2–3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Some programs also request résumés, interviews, or documented experience.
Can I work full-time while earning my degree?
Yes. Most online master’s programs are built for working professionals.
Students often take one to two courses per term, completing coursework evenings or weekends. Strong time management is essential, but flexibility is a core feature.
How much does an online master’s cost, and is financial aid available?
Total costs typically range from $9,000 to $35,000+, depending on program length and institution.
Online students are eligible for federal aid (FAFSA), scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and military benefits.
Will I ever need to visit campus?
Many programs are 100% online.
Some include short residencies, orientations, or local clinical/field experiences. Montana universities are mindful of geography, and any in-person requirements are usually minimal and clearly disclosed.