Best Online Master's Degrees for 2024

01 August 2024

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Obtaining a master's degree online can help professionals advance in their careers or transition to a new field. Whether pursuing an MBA, a master's degree in education, or a Master of Science in information technology, online programs provide the flexibility needed to balance higher education with full-time work.

Best Online MBA Programs

An online master's degree in business can provide students with essential leadership skills crucial for career growth. Many programs also offer opportunities to network with peers and industry professionals, enhancing both learning and career prospects.

Here are the top online business programs:

Indiana University--Bloomington

Location: Bloomington, IN

Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

University of Southern California (Marshall)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

University of Washington (Foster)

Location: Seattle, WA

Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs

Here are some of the top online master's programs in engineering, known for their academic quality, flexibility, and strong reputations:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Program: Master of Science in Engineering
Specializations: Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, and more
Highlights: UCLA offers a highly regarded program with flexible online options and access to renowned faculty.

Columbia University (Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science)

Program: Master of Science in various engineering disciplines
Specializations: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and more
Highlights: Columbia provides an Ivy League education with a wide range of online engineering courses.

Purdue University

Program: Master of Science in Engineering
Specializations: Aeronautics, Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more
Highlights: Purdue is well-known for its engineering programs, offering a strong online platform with real-world applications.

University of Southern California (USC)

Program: Master of Science in various engineering fields
Specializations: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Architecting and Engineering, and more
Highlights: USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering offers a robust online learning environment and numerous networking opportunities.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Program: Online Master of Science in various engineering fields
Specializations: Aerospace, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and more
Highlights: Georgia Tech is recognized for its innovative approach to online education and high-quality courses.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Program: Master of Science in various engineering fields
Specializations: Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more
Highlights: This program is known for its flexibility and strong emphasis on research and practical skills.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Program: Master of Engineering Management and Master of Science in various engineering fields
Specializations: Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and more
Highlights: Penn State offers a well-regarded online platform with options for working professionals.

Johns Hopkins University (Whiting School of Engineering)

Program: Master of Science in various engineering fields
Specializations: Applied Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and more
Highlights: Johns Hopkins is known for its rigorous academic standards and opportunities for research.

These programs are some of the best in the field and offer a wide range of specializations to cater to different interests and career goals.

How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?

The cost of an online master’s program can vary widely depending on several factors, such as whether the school is public or private, the specific degree you’re pursuing, your residency status, and the availability of scholarships.

In some cases, full-time online students may pay less for their master’s degree than those attending in person. Additionally, tuition for in-state online students is often lower than for out-of-state students.

While online master’s students may save on transportation and on-campus fees, they might still incur additional costs such as distance education, matriculation, or technology fees. These costs differ by institution. Prospective students should also verify if the program has any on-site components, like residencies, that could add to the overall expense. Some schools provide scholarships tailored to certain student groups, such as international students, to help reduce the cost of an online degree.

It’s important for prospective students to weigh the cost of an online master’s degree against the potential increase in earnings over time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with master’s degrees in 2022 had a median weekly income of $1,661, compared to $1,432 for those with a bachelor’s degree. Graduates in STEM, healthcare, and business fields often see significant salary boosts with an advanced degree. Additionally, master’s degree holders tend to have lower unemployment rates than those with only a bachelor’s or high school education.

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