You already know a master’s degree can boost your earning potential — in Washington, it can mean around 16% more per week compared to a bachelor’s. Washington state’s colleges and universities offer flexible, high-quality online and hybrid master’s programs that don’t require relocation or personal sacrifice. This guide will show you the top in-state schools to get your education and what to expect as an online student.
Author: Mikala Lugen
Expertise:
Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Kari Scare
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 Fields
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
Inside Online Master’s Programs in Washington
Washington State University (WSU)
Washington State University delivers 100% online master’s degrees through WSU Global Campus, giving students statewide access to a top public research university.
The Global Campus features 13 online graduate programs across business, engineering, communication, education, and more. Online learners earn the same WSU diploma as on-campus peers, with courses taught by the same WSU faculty.
Programs emphasize flexible, asynchronous learning with part-time and full-time pathways, making it practical for working professionals. Students stay connected through advising, tech support, and full library access. WSU’s breadth of offerings and respected accreditation make it a popular choice for Washington students looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.
Example Program: Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration: 22 months | 36-52 credits
Mode: Fully online, asynchronous; optional international field study trip
Cost: $898/credit | $32,328-$46,696 total tuition
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s (3.0 GPA preferred), transcripts, resume/CV, GMAT/GRE scores if GPA is below threshold, one recommendation, statement of purpose
Eastern Washington University (EWU)
Eastern Washington University is known for affordable, accessible online master’s programs, with particular strengths in education and business.
Students can complete multiple MEd specializations fully online (e.g., curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, special education) as well as an MBA with concentrations such as accounting, finance, global business, and healthcare.
Courses run in accelerated six- or seven-week terms, enabling faster completion and frequent start dates. EWU’s flat online tuition applies equally to in-state and out-of-state students, aligning with its mission of inclusivity and predictable costs.
Example Program: Online Special Education MEd
Duration: 12 months (full-time) | 50 credits
Mode: 100% online; accelerated 6-week courses; no campus visits
Cost: $325/credit | $16,250 total tuition
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s (regionally accredited), 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits preferred (sub-3.0 considered with experience), valid teaching certificate for endorsement track, official transcript
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University (Spokane) offers online and hybrid master’s programs known for high quality and personal attention. Options span business, health care, and engineering.
The university’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — the only fully online MSN in Washington — prepares RNs for Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health roles. Other offerings include a master’s in organizational leadership, an online MBA, and a master’s in transmission and distribution engineering.
Programs blend asynchronous coursework with targeted live sessions and emphasize close faculty mentorship. Most are designed for working professionals and can be completed part-time; a few offer accelerated pacing.
Example Program: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Duration: 2.5-3 years (part-time) | 9 semesters | 47 credits
Mode: Didactic coursework 100% online; no campus residency; 660 clinical hours arranged locally with faculty guidance
Cost: $1,170/credit | $55,000 total tuition
Admissions Requirements: BSN from an accredited program, active RN license, one year RN experience recommended, GPA 3.0+, professional résumé, personal statement, two recommendations
Most Promising Fields of Study for WA Master’s Students
Technology and Computer Science
Washington’s tech economy, anchored by Amazon, Microsoft, and aerospace leaders, consistently outpaces national growth. Master’s programs in CS, software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud offer excellent ROI and frequent six-figure outcomes.
Universities meet this demand with options like WSU’s Online MS in Software Engineering and UW’s evening Professional Master’s in CS.
Related Online Master’s Degrees:
Business Administration and Management
With Fortune 500 firms such as Starbucks, Costco, and Microsoft, Washington’s economy rewards graduate-level business skills.
An MBA builds strength in strategy, analytics, and leadership and is widely offered in flexible formats (e.g., WSU and Gonzaga online MBAs; Seattle University hybrid/part-time). Graduates benefit from strong networks and above-average salaries in the Seattle metro.
Related Online Master’s Degrees:
- Business (General – Master’s)
- MBA (General)
- Business Analytics (MBA)
- Operations Management (MBA)
- Project Management (MBA)
Healthcare and Nursing
An expanding population and provider shortages drive demand for advanced clinicians and administrators.
Washington is among the highest-paying states for nurse practitioners ($145,400). Master’s degrees (e.g., MSN, MPH, MHA) lead to roles in primary care, mental health, public health, and clinical leadership—many delivered fully online to reach working professionals statewide.
Related Online Master’s Degrees:
- Health Science
- Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing (MSN)
- Public Health (MPH)
Education and Teaching
Washington continues to invest in K–12 improvement, special education, and multilingual learning. A master’s (e.g., MEd) supports salary steps for teachers and pathways into leadership, curriculum, or specialized roles.
Programs like EWU’s 100% online MEd tracks are designed for working educators with flexible schedules.
Related Online Master’s Degrees:
- Early Childhood Education (MEd)
- Education – General (MEd)
- Educational Administration (MEd)
- Health Education
- Teaching (MAT)
Online Master’s Program Formats in WA
Part-Time
Many Washington programs are intentionally part-time so students can keep full-time jobs. Typical pacing is one to two courses per term, extending graduation to two to four years while maintaining manageable weekly hours. Most courses are asynchronous, and pacing can adjust as life demands.
Washington Examples:
- Eastern Washington University – Part-Time Hybrid MSW
- University of Washington – Professional Master’s in Engineering
- City University of Seattle – Online MBA
Accelerated
Accelerated tracks compress curricula into 12–18 months through shorter terms and year-round schedules. EWU’s back-to-back six-week modules can yield 10–12 month timelines for prepared students (e.g., EWU Online MBA with waived foundations). Gonzaga’s Online MBA can be completed in one year with heavier loads and summers.
Expect an intensive workload and careful time management.
Washington Examples:
No GRE/GMAT Required
Many programs waive entrance exams and review GPA, experience, recommendations, and statements instead. This speeds applications without lowering standards, especially for working professionals.
Washington Examples:
- Washington State University – Online MS in Software Engineering
- University of Washington – Master of Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Eastern Washington University – Online MBA
What It Costs: Online Master’s Tuition in Washington
Public universities may charge resident and nonresident rates, but some online programs use flat e-tuition. Private universities typically have one per-credit rate for all students. Online learners often save on housing, commuting, and certain campus fees, though technology fees may apply.
| School & Program | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington University — MEd in Special Education | 50 | $325 | $16,250 |
| Washington State University — Online MBA | 36–52 | $898 | $32,328-$46,696 |
| Gonzaga University — Online MBA | 33 | $1,245 | $41,085 |
Note: Estimates only; verify current tuition and fees with each university.
What Prospective WA Master’s Students Want to Know
Q: Are online master’s degrees in Washington accredited and respected by employers?
A: Yes. Washington institutions hold regional accreditation (NWCCU), and many programs carry specialized approvals like AACSB (business) and CCNE (nursing). Diplomas typically do not indicate delivery mode, and employers value accredited degrees from recognized schools.
Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s program?
A: Most online graduate students do. Plan for 10–15 hours per course per week and lean on advising, coaching, and employer tuition benefits where available. You can pace up or down as your schedule allows.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree?
A: Timelines range from ~12 months (accelerated) to ~24 months (full-time) to 2–4 years (part-time).
For example, EWU’s Online MBA can be 10–12 months for prepared students, while WSU’s Online MBA averages ~22 months.
Q: Can I get financial aid or scholarships for an online master’s program in Washington?
A: Yes. Accredited online programs qualify for FAFSA-based aid, federal loans, and school scholarships. Washington residents can explore the Washington College Grant; major employers (e.g., Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft) often offer tuition assistance.
Q: What career outcomes can I expect after earning my master’s online?
A: Master’s degrees correlate with higher earnings and lower unemployment.
In Washington’s job market, graduates commonly see promotions, role changes, or salary growth across tech, healthcare, education, and business. Outcomes vary by field, but demand for advanced credentials remains strong statewide.