Did you know that just 13% of 25 to 44-year-olds in North Carolina have earned a master’s degree or higher? This means that by earning your master’s degree online, you can position yourself for better roles and higher pay than 87% of the competition. If you’re ready to get started, this guide can help you navigate the state’s top schools by cost, timeline, program outcomes, learning modes, and more.
Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise:
Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Ginny Gillikin
Expertise:
EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Concentrations
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
Popular Online Master’s Degree Programs: A Comparison
Below are three North Carolina universities with strong online master’s options, each featuring a spotlight program plus key details (duration, format, cost, admissions). All are fully accredited and designed for working professionals.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
UNC delivers a wide portfolio through Carolina Online in areas like business, data science, and health care—taught by UNC faculty and built around the “hallmarks of a Carolina education” (research + public service) in a flexible format. Programs highlighted include online MBAs, public health, and information science—all fully accredited.
Duration: 62 credits | 18 to 36 months
Mode: Fully online | Live virtual class sessions & asynchronous coursework
Cost: $125,589.06 total tuition
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; transcripts; 2 recommendations; essay; résumé/CV; 2+ years work experience; English proficiency for non-native speakers
North Carolina State University (NCSU)
NC State offers dozens of STEM-forward online master’s programs that mirror on-campus quality via interactive platforms and recorded lectures. Most students learn part-time while working and can speed up or slow down as needed. Distance learners get virtual libraries, advising, and active online communities. Popular options include engineering specialties and a highly ranked online statistics master’s. NC State is accredited by SACSCOC.
Online Master of Statistics (MStat)
Duration: 30 credits | 1 year (full-time), 3-4 years (part-time)
Mode: Fully online | Asynchronous
Cost: $546.50/credit (in-state) | $1,700.56/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s with strong math background (e.g., calculus, linear algebra); transcripts meeting Graduate School GPA standards; recommendations; personal statement; résumé
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
UNCG is a leader in online education, with 60+ online degrees spanning education, business analytics, nursing, library science, and more. Online curricula emphasize academic excellence and affordability, and distance learners receive the same support (library, tutoring, career services) as on-campus students.
Master of Science (MS) in Informatics and Analytics
Duration: 30 credits | 2 years (part-time)
Mode: Fully online (option to mix in on-campus elements)
Cost: $298.61/credit (in-state) | $597.22/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (quantitative aptitude important); 3.0+ GPA; 3 recommendations; statement of purpose; résumé/CV
Top Master’s Degree Concentrations in NC
North Carolina’s economy is diverse and growing. These five fields offer strong job demand and earning potential statewide.
Business Administration and Management (MBA)
Charlotte’s banking hub and RTP’s global firms fuel demand for managers and analysts. Management occupations are projected to grow ~10%, adding ~45,900 jobs by 2032, with median pay ≈ $105,000. You’ll find numerous online MBAs and specialized business master’s across the UNC system, letting you advance without stepping out of the workforce.
Technology and Data Science
RTP and statewide tech growth drive roles in software, cybersecurity, and analytics. Computer & mathematical occupations are NC’s fastest-growing, and data scientists/statisticians see ~4% annual growth with median pay ≈ $104,000; information security analysts earn ≈ $120,000. From UNCG’s Informatics to NC State’s MCS, programs align with the state’s innovation push.
Health Care and Nursing
With large systems (UNC Health, Duke Health) and an aging population, health care is among NC’s strongest sectors. Nurse practitioners (master’s required) are the fastest-growing occupation (~4.3%/yr) with median pay ≈ $102,000. NC expects ~55,000 new health-practitioner jobs by 2032, spanning PAs, SLPs, and health administrators.
Education and School Leadership
Master’s degrees (MEd, MAT) lead to salary bumps and roles like curriculum specialist or instructional coach. Teacher pipelines have tightened (e.g., 800 fewer completers in 2024, an 18% decline), increasing demand—especially in Special Ed and STEM. NC rewards advanced credentials and needs leaders to strengthen K–12 outcomes.
Engineering and Applied Sciences
From aerospace in the Triad to biotech in the Triangle, NC requires advanced engineering talent. Master’s degrees enable specialization (e.g., renewables, nanotech) and align with growth in EV/battery plants and research parks. Many working engineers choose NC State and other public options to upskill for promotion.
Online Master’s Program Formats: Which One is Right for You?
Online master’s programs in North Carolina vary by pace (full-time vs. part-time), speed (standard vs. accelerated), and admissions flexibility (e.g., GRE requirements). Below are three common formats to help you match a program to your schedule, learning style, and career goals.
Part-Time
Part-time programs prioritize flexibility so you can study while working or managing family commitments. Most NC options let you take one or two courses per term and plan for 10–20 hours of study per week. You keep your income and can apply new skills immediately, but the degree typically takes 2.5–4 years instead of one to two. Courses are often asynchronous or held in the evenings or weekends, and many schools allow you to speed up, slow down, or pause for a term.
Examples:
- East Carolina University — Online MBA
- UNC Charlotte — Professional MBA Online
- Appalachian State University — Online M.A. in Educational Leadership
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs condense coursework into year-round blocks or 7–8-week sessions, enabling completion in 12–15 months. They suit students who can devote significant time to studies to earn a credential quickly for a promotion or career pivot. Expect 30+ hours per week at full load and minimal breaks. The payoff is earlier graduation and potentially lower overall costs.
Examples:
- UNC Wilmington — Online MS in Business Analytics
- UNC Pembroke — Online MBA
- North Carolina Wesleyan University — MS in Criminal Justice
Programs without a GRE Requirement
Many NC programs waive GRE/GMAT scores and weigh GPA, experience, recommendations, and statements instead. This approach speeds admissions but may place more emphasis on your academic record and résumé if your GPA is lower. Policies vary by school and may tie waivers to a GPA threshold or prior experience.
Examples:
- UNC Pembroke — Online MBA with a Concentration in Finance
- East Carolina University — MS in Health Informatics and Information Management
- North Carolina A&T State University — Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Technology Education
An Overview of Online Master’s Degree Tuition Costs
In-state public tuition is notably affordable compared with national averages. At ECU, an online graduate credit is about $290 in-state versus $1,020 out-of-state. Most master’s programs require 30–36 credits, so an in-state student often pays ~$8,700–$10,500 in tuition, while out-of-state totals ~$30,000–$36,700. Private universities charge more but frequently use a single rate regardless of residency. Online students often save via lower fees and no commuting or relocation costs, though some programs add technology or course-material fees.
The table below compares tuition costs for a specific online master’s degree program at three NC schools.
| Program | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Pembroke — Online MBA in Forensic Accounting | 36 | $268.11 | $11,092.30 |
| UNC Wilmington — Online MS in Business Analytics | 30 | ~$611 | $18,338 |
| Queens University of Charlotte — Hybrid MBA | 30 | $1,265 | $37,950 |
Student Support: FAQs
Q: Are online master’s degree programs from North Carolina schools respected by employers?
A: Yes. Degrees from SACSCOC-accredited NC universities carry the same value as on-campus credentials, and diplomas typically do not indicate delivery mode. Employers focus on accreditation, reputation, and outcomes.
Q: What are the typical admissions requirements for an online master’s degree program in North Carolina? Do I need to take the GRE?
A: Most programs require a bachelor’s degree (often GPA ≥ 3.0), transcripts, 2–3 recommendations, and a personal statement. Many are GRE-optional or waived based on GPA or experience, though some competitive tracks still request scores. Always check the program’s current policy.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree program in NC?
A: Full-time students usually finish in ~18–24 months, while accelerated formats can be 12–15 months. Part-time learners typically take 2.5–4 years. NC State notes that one course per term in the online MStat leads to 3–4 years, while heavier loads shorten the timeline.
Q: Can I get financial aid or scholarships for an online master’s degree program in North Carolina?
A: Yes. Degree-seeking online students can file the FAFSA and pursue university scholarships or assistantships. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, and state options like FELS support high-need fields. Online learners often pay lower fees and save on living costs.
Q: How do I verify that an online master’s degree program in NC is properly accredited?
A: Confirm regional accreditation (SACSCOC) on the university site or via the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA. Also check programmatic accreditation where relevant (e.g., AACSB for business, ABET for engineering, CCNE/ACEN for nursing). Verifying both ensures your degree is recognized and respected.