Best Accredited Online Master's Programs 2023

Earning a master's degree can take your career to the next level. A master's provides advanced knowledge and skills, often focused on a specific career path. Accredited online master's programs make it easier than ever to get a graduate degree.

Many top-ranked universities offer online master's degrees. Whether you're working full time or juggling a busy schedule, an online format gives you the flexibility to reach your educational and career goals.

Why Get an Online Master's Degree?

• You can qualify for many high-paying, in-demand jobs.
• A graduate degree can lead to promotions to management-level positions.
• Online master's programs offer flexibility, which can appeal to working professionals.
• You can specialize your skills with a concentration not offered at your local university.
• An online program is more likely to fit your budget and save you money.
• You can attend a prestigious program with a strong alumni network — without having to relocate.

Top 10 Online Master's Programs

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Master's Programs?

As you compare online master's programs, be sure to check each program's accreditation status. Accredited programs meet high standards for academic quality.

Independent accrediting agencies review colleges and universities regularly, measuring their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic missions. Only reputable programs hold accreditation.

Accreditation matters for your grad school experience and career prospects after earning an online master's degree.

Only accredited online master's programs fulfill the requirements for many professional certifications and licenses. And you can only qualify for federal financial aid if you attend an accredited program.

Find out whether an online master's program is accredited before you apply.

How Much Does a Master's Degree Cost?

Here's a breakdown of the average costs of a master's degree in the U.S.:

Broadly speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10,000-$60,000 in tuition and fees on your master's degree.

Many factors affect how much your degree will cost, including:

• Program length — most online accredited master's programs last 1-2 years
• Whether you attend a public or private school
• Whether you qualify for in-state tuition
• How much financial aid you receive

You can save money on your online master's degree by filing the FAFSA and seeing whether you qualify for federal grants and loans, as well as for any institutional or programmatic scholarships.

Note that you may have to pay additional fees as an online student. Some online master's programs require you to pay technology fees that support online class delivery and IT services.

You'll also need to budget for a high-quality laptop and any in-person requirements, like practicums and fieldwork.

Popular Online Master's Degrees by Field

Ready to find the best online master's programs? Start by choosing your field. Here are some of the most popular online master's degrees, along with career paths and earning potential.

Accounting
Business Administration
Business Management
Computer Science
Counseling
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Education
Entrepreneurship
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Informatics
Healthcare Management
Human Resources
Information Technology
International Business
Library Science
Marketing
Nursing
Project Management
Psychology
Public Health
Public Relations
Social Work
Supply Chain Management

Master's in Accounting

A master's in accounting can prepare you for the CPA exam or for career advancement as an accountant. You'll take advanced courses to specialize in areas like public accounting, forensic accounting, and auditing.

After earning your master's degree, you can work as an accountant or auditor. These fields report a median pay of $77,250 per year, according to May 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Master's in Business Administration

An MBA is one of the most popular master's programs. During an online MBA, you can specialize in management, marketing, finance, or another in-demand field.

Put your business skills to work as a manager. Management occupations report the highest pay of any category, with a median wage of over $102,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Business Management

Specialize in leadership with a master's in business management. You'll study project management, organizational leadership, and financial management while earning your master's degree online.

With a master's in management, you can become a financial manager, sales manager, or marketing manager. These fields all report median annual salaries of over $125,000 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Computer Science

Move into high-paying management roles with a master's in computer science. You'll gain advanced technical skills as you advance your education.

As a computer or information systems manager, you can expect a median salary of around $159,000 (BLS, May 2021). Or use your graduate degree to move ahead in software development, network architecture, or another in-demand field.

Master's in Counseling

Want to work in counseling? Many career paths require a master's degree in counseling. By earning your degree online, you can strengthen treatment and counseling skills in a flexible format.

You can become a mental health counselor or a school counselor with a master's degree. School counselors earn a median pay of around $60,500 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Cybersecurity

Become a cybersecurity expert with your master's in cybersecurity. You'll specialize in information assurance, investigative techniques, and cybersecurity administration.

With your master's degree, you can qualify for in-demand information security analyst roles. These positions report a median annual pay of $102,600 and a projected job growth of 35% from 2021-2031 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Data Science

You can become a data scientist with a master's in data science. Whether you have prior experience or not, you can find a master's program to train you in the techniques and tools of data science and analytics.

In this growing field, data scientists make a median annual salary of nearly $101,000 (BLS, May 2021). There's strong demand for data scientists, with a 36% projected job growth from 2021-2031.

Master's in Education

Take your skills as an educator to the next level with a master's in education. You can add to your classroom strengths or move into administrative roles with specialized education leadership programs.

Administrative career paths offer a strong earning potential. School principals, for example, earn a median pay of $98,420 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Entrepreneurship

Ready to launch a new business? Or eager to break into venture capital? A master's in entrepreneurship can give you the skills and knowledge needed for these career paths.

With your master's degree, you can become the CEO of your own company or join an established business. Chief executives report a high earning potential, with median annual wages of $179,520 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Healthcare Administration

Gain management skills specialized for the healthcare field with a master's in healthcare administration. You'll learn about quality improvement, healthcare policy, and hospital financial management.

With your master's degree, you can become a medical and health services manager. These roles report a 28% projected job growth from 2021-2031 and a median annual salary of $101,340 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Health Informatics

Specialize in data analysis for health-related information with a master's in health informatics. You'll learn about data management, database systems, and health information administration.

You'll qualify for management-level roles in healthcare, such as health information manager. These careers report a median salary of over $101,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Healthcare Management

Learn how to lead healthcare departments with your master's in healthcare management. You'll study healthcare delivery systems, financial management for healthcare organizations, and health policy. Use your degree to work as a medical or health services manager. You can expect a median annual pay of around $101,000 in this field (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Human Resources

Earn your master's in human resources to strengthen your organizational management and development skills. You can specialize in recruiting, training and development, or benefits management with a master's in HR.

Human resources managers report a high earning potential. You can expect a median salary of around $126,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Information Technology

Build advanced tech skills with a master's in information technology. You'll add business and management skills to your technical abilities during your online master's program. Then, move into roles like IT manager, which reports a median pay of around $159,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in International Business

Explore global economies and international financial systems during a master's in international business. You'll prepare for management-level roles in marketing, finance, and supply chain management with international corporations and global organizations. Professionals in management report a median salary of $102,450 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Library Science

Become a librarian by earning your online master's degree in library science. You'll learn about information management and user services during your degree.

After graduation, you can work in public, university, law, and medical libraries or manage information for private corporations. Librarians report a median annual wage of $61,190 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Marketing

Strengthen your competitor research and marketing analytics skills with a master's degree in marketing. You'll also build management skills to plan, implement, and evaluate marketing plans.

With your master's degree, you can become a marketing manager. These roles report a median annual wage of around $135,000 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Nursing

Take on more responsibilities as a nurse by earning your master of science in nursing degree. You can specialize in nursing education or nursing leadership or become a nurse practitioner.

An MSN degree can boost your earning potential. Nurse practitioners report a median salary of $121,610 per year (BLS, May 2022).

Master's in Project Management

Add advanced project management skills to your competencies with a master's in project management. You'll learn how to oversee projects from the planning phase to completion. With your degree, you'll qualify for project manager roles. These careers report a median wage of $94,500 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Psychology

Analyze human behavior as a master's in psychology student. You can specialize in areas like industrial-organizational psychology, school psychology, or child and family psychology.

While most psychologist jobs require a doctorate, you can become an industrial-organizational psychologist with a master's degree. These psychologists earn a median pay of over $105,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Public Health

Study public health threats and strengthen your research and health promotion skills with a master's in public health. You'll learn about infectious diseases, population health, and epidemiology.

With your master's degree, you can become an epidemiologist, a field with a median annual salary of nearly $79,000 (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Public Relations

Learn how to communicate brand values and oversee media relations campaigns during a master's in public relations. In the growing field of public relations, a master's degree leads to roles like public relations manager. You can expect a median wage of nearly $120,000 per year in this field (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Social Work

Gain clinical competencies and specialize your training with a master's degree in social work. With an MSW degree, you can become a clinical social worker or specialize in social work policy. Or specialize in healthcare social work, a field that reports median salaries of nearly $62,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Master's in Supply Chain Management

Learn how to oversee complex supply chains during a master's in supply chain management. You can specialize in areas like global supply chains or transportation management with your coursework.

A master's degree can lead to a career as a logistician or supply chain manager. Logisticians earn a median annual salary of $77,000 (BLS, May 2021).

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's Degree Online?

You can qualify for a variety of jobs with a master's degree. For example, nurse practitioners and school counselors must have a master's degree. In other fields, a master's degree can help you advance or get promoted.

This table outlines some of the fastest-growing careers you can pursue with a master's degree.

How to Choose an Online Master's Program: 6 Tips

Trying to narrow down your options? Start by identifying your goals, focusing on a field, and setting a budget. Once you know what you want out of a program, you can begin comparing online master's degrees to find the best fit for you.

1. Identify Your Goals

Are you looking for a higher salary? Or do you want a master's degree so you can change careers? Before looking at programs, carefully consider your goals. Avoid starting a master's program without clear direction, and take time to consider your strengths and interests.

2. Choose a Field of Study

Online graduate schools offer master's degrees in hundreds of subjects. Narrow your interests to one area. If you're torn between two options, research career paths and job growth data to help you make an informed decision.

You might also consider reaching out to alumni to learn more about the paths they took and see whether those options appeal to you.

3. Determine Your Budget

Graduate school can be expensive. Knowing your budget and financial aid options can help you make a decision and save money. Keep in mind that online graduate students at accredited universities typically qualify for federal financial aid.

Once you have a budget in mind, reach out to programs to learn more about institutional and programmatic aid. Don't forget to look for scholarships in your field, too!

4. Compare Online Master's Programs

Once you have a clear idea of your goals, field of study, and budget, it's time to look at online master's programs.

Consider factors like the delivery format. Will you take classes synchronously (which includes live sessions) or asynchronously? Do you want a fully online program, or would you prefer a hybrid option with some in-person classes?

Don't forget to research online student services. Look into academic advising, online library access, and career services for distance learners. These services can shape your experience during grad school and your transition into the workforce.

5. Confirm Accreditation

Be sure to choose an accredited university. Attending an unaccredited school can impact your financial aid and career prospects.

You can confirm a school's accreditation status before applying. To do this, refer to the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

6. Talk to Current Students, Faculty, and Alumni

Looking at tuition rates and job placement rates can help you identify which programs are a good fit. But make sure you talk to students, faculty, and alumni as well.

Ask students about their experiences in the program. And talk to faculty about advising and career support. Finally, ask alumni about the program's reputation on the job market. Use these conversations to find online master's programs that match your needs and goals.

Q&A With Real Online Master's Students and Grads

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Q: Why did you choose an online master's program?

"I chose to pursue my MBA online because I needed a way to balance grad school work with my day-to-day life. As a mom who also works full time in a demanding, busy job, I knew that getting out of the house and attending classes in person somewhere just wouldn't work for my schedule. Online courses allow me to fit my school work in when it makes sense for me."

 — Cassie Viau, Director of Marketing, CoreMedical Group

"An online master's degree allowed me to continue my education while on active duty in the Air Force. … My school and program offered me the flexibility to get my master's in education while continuing to serve in my full active duty capacity, including on two deployments to Afghanistan."

 — Gina Smith, Air Force Officer (name has been changed upon request to protect the interview participant's privacy)

"I chose this specific program because it had synchronous meetings weekly for each course. This allowed me to travel and complete my coursework and meetings from all over the world. I attended class while in a car in Ireland, at the beach in Spain, and in the middle of a refugee camp in Jordan!"

 — Emma Cole, Nurse Practitioner

Q: What surprised you most about earning your master's degree online?

"I found it to be more work than I expected. … [The instructors] wanted to see that I was keeping up with the work and engaging with the material and with my online classmates, so I had to post a lot in the portal about my thoughts on the material and respond to all the responses my classmates posted."

 — Marie Coughlin, Associate Director, The New York Public Library

"My program was physically located on the East Coast, but I was able to complete my clinical education in my local community. This allowed me to create connections locally for post-grad employment but also allowed me to learn how to navigate the specific challenges of clinical care in my area."

 — Emma C.

"The thing that has surprised me most about earning my MBA online is how much I'm enjoying all the independent reading and research. I'm genuinely enjoying reading the books and articles that are assigned!"

 — Cassie V.

Q: What advice would you give to students considering online master's programs?

"Compare schools, programs, and tuition assistance options. Choose a school that is accredited, and ask your employer about tuition assistance."

 — Gina S.

"Never expect it to be a cakewalk because it's online. I am glad I had the experience of doing an online master's program because it really did hold me accountable to do the work. There were several undergraduate courses where I could reasonably skate by; not so in online grad school!"

 — Marie C.

"Put together a schedule for yourself at the start of the semester that you can stick to and keep yourself accountable. Mapping out assignments and deadlines up front on the calendar makes it feel much more manageable when life starts to get busy."

 — Cassie V.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Graduate Programs

Are online master's degrees credible?

Yes, online master's degrees from accredited schools are reputable. In fact, many online graduate programs use the same course materials and instructors as in-person programs. At many schools, online graduate students receive an identical degree as on-campus students.

Always look for an accredited university, as these schools meet high academic standards.

Can you get a master's degree without a bachelor's degree?

In general, you must earn a bachelor's degree before you can pursue a master's degree.

That said, some specialized programs, such as ADN-to-MSN programs, admit applicants with just an associate degree. Such programs usually require additional undergraduate coursework before you can get started on the graduate curriculum.

How long does it take to get a master's degree?

Most master's programs take two years for full-time students. For example, you can earn an online MBA or a master's in social work in two years.

Some programs offer accelerated one-year options, such as a one-year master's in education. Because the length of online master's degrees varies, make sure to check with programs before you apply.

Can I get a master's degree entirely online?

Yes, you can earn a master's degree in a fully online format. Many programs require no in-person classes or campus visits, while others may require minimal on-campus experiences.

Some programs may incorporate hands-on components in your local area. For example, master's in nursing and master's in counseling programs include supervised clinical experience. Distance learners typically complete these requirements in their area at a nearby hospital or clinic.

Do employers look down upon online master's degrees?

Accredited online master's degrees have a strong reputation. These programs meet the same academic standards as in-person programs.

Many employers do not consider the delivery format of your degree when assessing you as a job candidate. In fact, your diploma likely will not list whether you took classes online or in person. As a result, you can benefit from a master's degree without taking in-person classes.

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