If you want to increase your earning potential without stepping away from work, New Hampshire offers flexible online master’s degree programs that make it possible. This guide explores online master’s programs in New Hampshire, highlights top schools, and helps you compare options so you can move forward with confidence — whether you’re advancing in your field or changing direction.
Author: Angela Myers, BA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.BusinessSocial WorkEditor: 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 Hampshire
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
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 New Hampshire
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Inside Online Master’s Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Earning a master’s degree doesn’t have to mean putting life on hold. New Hampshire’s online programs combine flexible formats, respected credentials, and real-world focus, making them a strong fit for working professionals.
Below, we break down three schools offering popular online master’s degrees in NH.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU is a private, nonprofit university based in Manchester, NH, and one of the largest providers of online degrees in the country. It offers 80+ fully online master’s programs across fields such as business, education, information technology, healthcare, and public service.
Courses are fully asynchronous, allowing students to log in on their own time. SNHU is regionally accredited by NECHE, and many programs also hold programmatic accreditation (such as ACBSP for business).
SNHU is also known for affordability and access:
- No GRE or GMAT required
- Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
- Academic advising, career services, and online library access included
Featured Program: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
- Duration: 30 credits | 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
- Mode: Fully online, asynchronous
- Cost: $637 per credit; $19,110 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
UNH is the state’s flagship public university and offers online and hybrid master’s programs through UNH Online and its Graduate School. Programs combine academic rigor with small class sizes and high-touch support.
Available online programs include an MBA, MEd in Educational Studies, Master of Public Administration (MPA), Nursing (MSN), and Cybersecurity Policy/Risk Management.
Many UNH programs run on five accelerated 8-week terms per year, allowing students to move faster or pace themselves. UNH is regionally accredited by NECHE, and online degrees are identical to on-campus degrees.
Highlighted Program: MS in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management
- Duration: 1-3 years
- Mode: Fully online; no residency required
- Cost: $570 per credit (in-state) | $640 per credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
New England College (NEC)
New England College is a small, private institution and a regional leader in online education. NEC offers online master’s degrees in areas such as business and healthcare management, education and human services, data science and analytics, and artificial intelligence.
Programs are designed for working adults, with multiple start terms each year and rolling admissions. Most degrees can be completed in about 18 months, thanks to accelerated coursework and year-round scheduling.
NEC is regionally accredited by NECHE and emphasizes applied learning taught by industry-experienced faculty.
Highlighted Program: MS in Data Science and Analytics
- Duration: 36 credits | 1.5 – 2 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $462 per credit | $16,632 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (related field preferred)
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- 1-2 letters of recommendation (varies by program)
- Personal statement
New Hampshire’s Top Master’s Degree Fields
New Hampshire’s economy and workforce needs make certain graduate degrees especially valuable. The fields below were selected based on job demand, salary potential, and program availability.
Business Administration & Management
Business remains one of the most popular graduate fields nationwide, accounting for about 25% of all master’s degrees.
In New Hampshire:
- Professional and financial services continue to grow
- Employers often prefer master’s-level training for leadership roles
- Management occupations offer a median salary of $116,000
Degrees such as an MBA or MS in Management build advanced skills in strategy, finance, and leadership. Accredited programs at schools like UNH and SNHU are tailored to current industry needs and help graduates strengthen regional professional networks.
Healthcare & Nursing
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in New Hampshire, driven by an aging population and increased demand for services. A master’s degree can support advancement into roles such as:
- Nurse practitioner
- Healthcare administrator
- Public health leader
Nurse practitioners are projected to grow 46% nationally between 2023 and 2033, with a median salary of $126,260. Graduate-trained professionals are especially needed in primary care, mental health, and healthcare leadership roles.
Education & Teaching
Education remains a strong field for graduate study in NH, particularly for K–12 teachers. Key trends include:
- More than half of NH teachers hold a master’s degree
- Salary incentives for advanced credentials
- Shortages in special education, ESL, STEM, and math
A Master of Education (MEd) can lead to roles like curriculum specialist or school administrator (with additional certification). Programs at UNH and Plymouth State University are designed for working educators and offer flexible online formats.
Information Technology & Cybersecurity
New Hampshire’s growing tech sector is driving demand for advanced IT skills. Technology occupations in the state are projected to grow rapidly, with some estimates exceeding 30% growth over a decade. Graduate degrees in:
can prepare students for high-paying roles. For example, data scientists earn a median salary of $108,020, and cybersecurity professionals are increasingly needed for leadership and strategy roles.
Public Administration & Human Services
Graduate degrees in public service fields prepare students to work in:
- Local and state government
- Nonprofit leadership
- Social and community services
Degrees like an MPA, MPP, or MSW are often required for leadership or clinical roles. Nationally, social and community service management roles are projected to grow about 8%, and New Hampshire continues to need trained professionals in areas like substance abuse counseling and community health.
Types of Online Master’s Programs in New Hampshire
Online master’s programs in NH are offered in multiple formats to fit different schedules and goals.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs
Best for: Students who want to finish quickly and can commit significant weekly time.
- Completion time: 12–18 months
- Workload: ~30+ hours per week
- Accelerated pacing
Examples in NH:
- University of New Hampshire – MS in National Security Intelligence Analysis
- Southern New Hampshire University – MS in Project Management
Part-Time & Flexible Online Master’s Programs
Best for: Working professionals balancing school, career, and family.
- Completion time: 2–3 years
- Workload: ~10–15 hours per week
- Pay-per-credit flexibility
Many programs allow students to pause and resume if needed.
Examples in NH:
- New England College – Master of Business Administration
- University of New Hampshire – Master of Public Administration
Online Master’s Programs with No GRE Required
Many NH programs no longer require GRE or GMAT scores. Instead, admissions decisions focus on GPA, experience, and application materials. Benefits include:
- Less test-related stress
- Faster application process
- Lower costs
Examples in NH:
- Southern New Hampshire University – Master of Science in Data Analytics
- Antioch University – Master of Environmental Studies
Tuition Costs for Online Master’s Programs in NH
Tuition varies by institution and residency status, but NH programs are competitively priced. Typical ranges include:
- Public universities: $570–$640 per credit
- Private colleges: $600–$700 per credit
Most master’s degrees require 30–36 credits, putting total tuition between $15,000 and $25,000+.
| School | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University —MBA | 30 | $637 | $19,110 |
| University of New Hampshire — MS in Cybersecurity | 30 | $570 | $17,100 |
| New England College — MS in Data Science and Analytics | 36 | $462 | $16,632 |
Costs typically increase a bit each year. Students should check the latest tuition rates on their school’s website.
FAQs From NH Master’s Students
Are online master’s degrees from New Hampshire colleges respected and accredited?
Yes, as long as the school is accredited. Employers generally respect accredited online degrees, and NH’s major universities (including UNH, SNHU, and NEC) are regionally accredited by NECHE.
Many programs also hold programmatic accreditation (such as ACBSP or CCNE), which adds another layer of credibility.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s degree in NH?
Most students finish in 1–2 years, depending on pace.
- Full-time study: 12–18 months
- Part-time study: 2 years (sometimes longer)
Many programs allow flexible pacing, letting students adjust their course load each term.
Can I work full-time while earning an online master’s degree?
Yes, and many students do. Most programs are asynchronous and designed for working adults. Taking one course per term is common and helps keep workloads manageable.
Some employers also offer tuition assistance or flexible scheduling, making it easier to balance work and school.
What support services are available to online students?
Online students receive access to robust support services, including:
- Academic advising
- Virtual tutoring and writing centers
- Digital library access
- Career services and alumni networks
- 24/7 technical support (at many schools)
Programs also use discussion boards and group projects to build community.
How can I pay for an online master’s degree?
Financial aid is available for accredited programs. Options include:
- Federal student loans (via FAFSA)
- School-based scholarships
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- External scholarships
Because online students can continue working, many choose to pay course by course to limit debt.