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 EducationBusiness AdministrationSocial WorkEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
How to Choose the Right Master's Program for You
Read more - 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
Read more
How to Choose the Right Master’s Program for You
You wouldn’t take a job without considering the hours, the commute, and the pay; a master’s program deserves the same scrutiny. Its format, pace, and flexibility determine whether you finish efficiently or end up paying for time you didn’t need to spend. Weigh your options against the personas below.
Pick the Master’s Student Type That’s Like You
The Career Starter
Graduate school is the clear next move after finishing your bachelor’s, though you’re still narrowing down the field, and New Hampshire’s programs are on your list to review.
Weighing several fields simultaneously, instead of researching them individually, surfaces the real differences in admissions requirements, length, and outcomes much faster. Because no work experience is required, all your options remain open, and a hybrid format running at an accelerated pace lets you keep making progress before you’re locked into one field’s typical timeline.
The Career Changer
You’re headed into a career that shares little with your current one, so New Hampshire programs open to students without a related undergraduate degree are your focus.
Seek programs that explicitly welcome career-changers, since a good number of graduate programs otherwise assume an adjacent undergraduate background. Foundational or bridge coursework covers the gap without a second bachelor’s degree, and a fully online format lets you build that foundation while you’re still employed elsewhere.
The Promotion Seeker
You’ve got an established career and want a master’s to move up into a more senior or specialized role, so you’re reviewing New Hampshire programs while weighing whether to stay in your field or pivot nearby.
Studying part-time means you can put lessons to work on the job right away, building a promotion case in real time. A selection of concentration options lets you tailor the degree once your direction is settled, and a hybrid format keeps some in-person connection without demanding a full return to campus.
The Working Balancer
With a full-time job and family obligations to manage, you need a master’s degree built around your schedule, regardless of the field you eventually settle on among New Hampshire’s programs.
There’s no set class time in a fully online, asynchronous format, so coursework adapts to your job and home life rather than the other way around. Part-time pacing keeps the workload realistic, and because that flexibility applies across fields, it’s worth prioritizing before you’ve narrowed down a subject.
The Resident Searcher
You live in New Hampshire and want to compare master’s programs close to home, at a cost that reflects your in-state status.
Public universities generally offer lower tuition to in-state residents than to out-of-state or private students, which can noticeably reduce overall cost. Staying local also keeps in-person or hybrid formats within reach without relocating, preserving the professional and personal network you’ve already built.
The Interstate Researcher
You’re not based in New Hampshire and have no plans to relocate, so you’re researching fully online programs there that you can finish from wherever you currently live.
Since the program is fully online, there’s no need for your location to match the university’s — coursework, exams, and cohort interaction can all happen remotely. Seek out programs that explicitly confirm they enroll non-resident or out-of-state students without residency requirements or in-person sessions, since some public university programs still limit online enrollment by state for certain licensure-track or state-funded degrees.
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.
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Antioch University-New England
Best for: working students
Plymouth State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Best for: advancement-focused students
Saint Anselm College
Best for: advancement-focused students
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Best for: working students
University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law
Best for: working students
Dartmouth College
Best for: working students
