Explore the Best Online Master's Degree Programs in PA

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle

Author

Holly Riddle is a business journalist, ghostwriter, and content marketer with over a decade of experience and hundreds of published articles. She specializes in career-related topics, including education, gig work guides, and the development of soft skills in the workplace. Her work appears in a variety of national print and digital publications, and her clients span industries such as education, consulting, and insurance. Riddle earned a BA in English literature and creative writing from the University of Kentucky in 2014.

Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningCareers

Graduate Ed.Online LearningCareers

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman

Editor

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Updated: 01/06/2026

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Updated: 01/06/2026

Profiling Online Master’s Degree Program Options

In-Demand Master’s Program Fields of Study in PA

When choosing a master’s program, it helps to focus on fields with strong job demand, solid salary potential, and a clear return on investment. Below are five areas where graduate degrees are especially valuable in Pennsylvania.

Business Administration and Management

Pennsylvania’s economy includes major corporate hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, along with a growing startup ecosystem. Management occupations are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, and the median annual wage for management roles is about $116,880.

An online MBA or specialized business master’s degree can prepare you for leadership roles in finance, marketing, consulting, and operations. Employers across the state value the strategic and analytical skills developed in graduate business programs.

Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Graduate degrees in healthcare administration, nursing, and public health prepare professionals for leadership and advanced clinical roles.

Healthcare administrators are projected to see 29% job growth nationally from 2023–2033, driven by hospital expansion, aging populations, and public health needs. Advanced practice nurses also require graduate degrees and remain in high demand across Pennsylvania’s hospital systems.

Technology & Computer Science

Pennsylvania’s tech sector continues to grow, particularly in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Computer and IT occupations have a median wage exceeding $104,000 and are projected to grow much faster than average.

A master’s in computer science, data analytics, information technology, or cybersecurity can provide deeper specialization and access to higher-level roles. Employers across healthcare, finance, and logistics increasingly seek candidates with graduate-level technical training.

Education (Teaching & Administration)

Pennsylvania places a strong emphasis on advanced training for educators. Many teachers pursue an online Master of Education to deepen their expertise, increase pay, or move into leadership roles.

School administrators typically must earn a master’s degree, and principals in Pennsylvania earn median salaries around $103,000. Specialized fields such as special education, ESL, curriculum design, and school counseling often require graduate study for certification or advancement.

Social Work and Human Services

Graduate degrees in social work and human services are critical to addressing mental health, substance abuse, and community needs across Pennsylvania. Clinical social workers must hold a Master of Social Work and licensure, and demand continues to rise.

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2023–2033, with faster growth in mental health and substance abuse roles as Pennsylvania expands behavioral health services.

Online Master’s Program Formats Available in Pennsylvania

Online master’s programs in Pennsylvania are offered in multiple formats to fit different schedules and goals.

Part-Time Online Programs

These programs are typically one to two courses per term, allowing students to continue working full-time. This stretches the program length to between two and four years for graduation, but offers maximum flexibility. You can balance work, family, and studies, and there’s a less intense workload each semester.

Part-time online students should expect 10–20 hours of coursework per week. Most classes are asynchronous or held in the evenings.

Examples:

• University of Pennsylvania – Online Master of Computer and Information Technology
• Temple University Online – Master of Social Work

Accelerated Online Programs

Accelerated programs condense the curriculum into a shorter year-round period, often 12 to 18 months. You earn the master’s degree faster, which is great if you want to boost your credentials or switch careers quickly.

The schedule is intensive, though; juggling work may be challenging due to accelerated five- or eight-week course formats or multiple courses at once. Expect 25+ hours of coursework per week in a fast-paced environment, so strong time management is a must.

Examples:

• Gwynedd Mercy University – Master of Education
• Albright College – Master of Science in Applied Psychology

No-GRE Admission Programs

Like other master’s programs around the country, many in Pennsylvania do not require GRE scores for admission anymore. Instead, schools focus on undergraduate GPA, work experience, or other factors. This is especially helpful for applicants who have been out of school for a while or who don’t test well. It may mean that admissions weigh other criteria more heavily, such as requiring a higher GPA or relevant experience instead of test scores.

Examples:

• Slippery Rock University – Master of Public Health
• Drexel University – Master of Science in Immunology

What Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost in Pennsylvania?

Most online master’s programs charge tuition per credit, with total costs depending on credit requirements and per-credit rates. Public universities generally offer lower tuition, especially for in-state students, while private institutions tend to charge more.

Many Pennsylvania schools offer flat online tuition rates that eliminate out-of-state premiums. Online students may still pay technology fees but often save on housing, commuting, and campus-related costs.

Note: Tuition figures are based on the latest academic year rates for illustration. Always check the latest tuition on the university’s official site, as rates can change, and some programs have flat-rate or tiered tuition structures.

PA Student Help Center: Online Master’s Program FAQs

Will employers recognize and respect an online master’s degree from a Pennsylvania school?

Yes — as long as your program is accredited, employers in Pennsylvania and beyond recognize an online master’s as equivalent to an on-campus degree. Your diploma won’t even state “online”; it will simply list the degree and university. Pennsylvania’s accredited universities maintain the same curriculum and faculty quality online, so the education is on par with traditional programs. 

Employers today are more concerned with the accreditation and reputation of the institution rather than the delivery format. Many working professionals earn their master’s online, so hiring managers are familiar with this route. To ensure credibility, choose a well-regarded PA school, and you can confidently list the degree on your resume.

How can I tell if an online master’s program in PA is properly accredited?

First, check for institutional accreditation. Pennsylvania universities should be accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the regional accreditor for the Mid-Atlantic. This ensures that the overall university meets quality standards. Next, see if there’s programmatic accreditation for your field. Business programs might have AACSB accreditation, engineering programs might be ABET accredited, and education programs could have CAEP accreditation.

Universities usually list accreditations on their websites, often in the “About” or program pages. You can also search the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA databases for the school’s name. Bottom line: Look for Middle States (regional) accreditation and any field-specific accreditor – all reputable online master’s programs in PA will have these credentials clearly stated.

Can I work full-time while pursuing my online master’s, and how much time will I need to dedicate?

Many students do continue working full-time during their online master’s program, as that’s a key advantage of online study. The flexibility of online programs (especially part-time tracks) is designed for people with rising careers. That said, expect a significant time commitment each week for coursework. A common guideline is 15–20 hours per week for a 3-credit graduate course.

Time management for online graduate students and setting a regular study schedule are crucial. Employers are often supportive, and some even offer tuition assistance. Consider informing your employer and negotiating flexible hours if needed. Also, most PA programs are asynchronous or host evening live sessions, which helps accommodate a 9-to-5 job.

Do I ever need to visit campus or be in Pennsylvania for an online master’s program?

Usually not. The vast majority of online master’s programs in PA can be completed 100% remotely, meaning you can live out-of-state or anywhere with internet access. Lectures, assignments, discussions, and even group projects are handled online via learning platforms

However, check the program format: a few programs are labeled “hybrid” or have a low-residency component. Some online MBA programs might have an optional networking residency or a capstone presentation on campus. These in-person sessions are typically short (a few days) and are often scheduled on weekends. If attending is a hardship, many schools provide alternatives or are flexible.

What kind of financial aid or scholarships are available for online master’s students in Pennsylvania?

Online master’s students have access to many of the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. If you attend an accredited PA institution, you can fill out the FAFSA and potentially qualify for federal aid like Stafford loans or Grad PLUS loans. 

Pennsylvania residents might explore state-specific aid, though the PA state grant is usually for undergrads, but there could be programs for graduate study in high-need fields. Universities often offer graduate scholarships or fellowships; some are merit-based, and others are need-based. When researching programs, check the “Tuition & Financial Aid” page and be sure to speak with the financial aid office of your chosen university for more guidance.

Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Pennsylvania