Online master’s degrees are a convenient way to gain advanced skills while balancing life’s responsibilities. As the first program rankings list to factor in student outcomes, such as salary and debt, we’ve uncovered which online schools provide the best overall return on investment (ROI). Online master’s programs in business, computer science, and education are often offered by top-ranked schools. In the following section, we provide a summary of online master’s degrees, including a comparison of in-person and online degree programs, as well as an analysis of whether enrolling is worthwhile in the long run.
The following are the best online master’s in education degree programs. Rankings are determined by factors such as student-instructor access, graduation rates, and instructor credentials. They offer career and financial support to distance learners as well.
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Fordham University
Fordham University is a Jesuit research institution that offers 23 fully online master’s degrees. Graduate programs are available in global finance, strategic marketing communications, management, social work, teaching, corporate compliance, pastoral studies, and Christian Spirituality. The majority of the programs are 30 credits and can be completed in one year. One exception is the master’s degree in education, which requires 36 credits and can be completed in two years.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,497
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Program Count: 23
Admissions
- Application Fee: $70
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a personal statement, interview, transcripts, minimum 3.0 or 2.5 GPA, resume, work experience, letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT
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Online classes at Fordham can follow either an asynchronous or synchronous format. Students in asynchronous courses will interact with classmates through discussion boards, blogs, and wikis, while synchronous learning allows students to engage with instructors and peers in real-time. Financing and aid options are available through loan programs, grants from graduate schools within the university, and payment plans. The Veterans Initiative provides aid through scholarships and the Yellow Ribbon program to veteran students. Graduate students are offered comprehensive support services, such as academic advising, field placement assistance, access to Handshake (a job and internship database), invitations to industry events, and notifications of new or trending research in their field.
Fordham’s graduate admission requirements will vary for each program. In addition to submitting an online graduate application with fee and official transcripts, master’s programs may also require prerequisite courses, work experience, or professional certifications.
University of California – Berkeley
The University of California – Berkeley offers eight online master’s degree programs in information and data science, cybersecurity, and public health. The 27-credit, fully-online data science program can be taken in an accelerated, standard, or decelerated path, taking twelve, twenty, or thirty-two months, respectively. The Master’s in Public Health offers several concentrations, such as epidemiology/biostatistics and health policy and management, and can be completed in twenty-seven months.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 864
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Cost per Credit: $1,277.00
- Program Count: 6
Admissions
- Application Fee: $120
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, work experience, letters of recommendation, and prerequisites
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The format of online classes at Berkeley is dependent on the program. For example, the data science and cybersecurity program is synchronous and requires that students participate in weekly Zoom meetings with instructors and peers. Additionally, there is an opportunity for students to participate in an in-person immersion experience. The Master’s in Public Health program requires some on-campus components. Online coursework follows an asynchronous format. UC-Berkeley offers tuition payment plans and various program-specific fellowships, scholarships, and awards like the Dean’s Health Equity and Leadership Award. Students have access to career services through the I School, which offers support and guidance in career planning, connects students with networking opportunities, and builds resume writing and interview skills. Additionally, students can participate in career-oriented webinars and face-to-face leadership sessions.
UC Berkeley’s online master’s degree programs have three start dates throughout the year, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Generally, prospective graduate students must submit an online application with a fee, official transcripts, statement of purpose, two professional letters of recommendation, current resume, and TOEFL score (if applicable). GRE/GMAT scores are not required. Applicants should review any additional admission requirements for their program of interest.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers a total of 67 online master’s degree programs. Degrees available include a Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Public Policy and Administration. Students can choose from a range of different concentrations within each of these degrees. Some of these programs are conducted entirely online, while others include in-person requirements as well. The length of time to complete a degree depends on the track chosen and the degree requirements. Some programs can be completed in six quarters of full-time study.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 418
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Cost per Credit: $1,076.33
- Program Count: 67
Admissions
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, supplemental essay, additional essays, interview, group interview, recent photo, transcripts, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT
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Northwestern University uses Canvas, an online learning management system that provides students with access to lectures, discussions, readings, and other materials they need for class. Students may also use Canvas to take quizzes and exams. Northwestern’s online master’s degree programs may require both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Online students in Northwestern’s graduate programs may qualify for federal loans. A limited number of scholarships are also available. Northwestern also has high job placement rates of 80 percent or more for many programs.
To be admitted to an online master’s degree program at Northwestern, students must meet general requirements, such as showing evidence of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA. Students may also need to submit letters of recommendation, resumes, and test scores. Specific requirements vary by program. Resources available to online students at Northwestern include technical support and career services. Students are also assigned an academic advisor to provide ongoing guidance.
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University offers more than 20 online master’s degrees in computer science, engineering, social work, business, applied physics, developmental disabilities, and more. The average master’s degree student completes the program within 3.5 years. Students have up to five years to earn their degrees.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 655
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Program Count: 52
Admissions
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, personal essay, additional essays, transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, and letters of recommendation
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Online courses at Columbia can include both asynchronous and synchronous elements, such as live sessions through Zoom. Students will participate in discussions and take online exams and quizzes through the Courseworks learning platform offered by Canvas. Columbia provides a payment plan that allows students to pay tuition interest-free over a couple of months. As a renowned university, Columbia promotes experiential learning to prepare students for careers once they graduate. Students may participate in various professional development and leadership opportunities, including virtual sessions that focus on workplace skills, life management, communication, job search, leadership, and cultural/educational topics.
Applicants to Columbia University Online can submit an online graduate application with fee, personal/professional statement, and official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (3.3 for Computer Science). GRE/GMAT scores are not required.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers one of the most extensive online learning programs in the nation for graduate studies, with a total of 227 graduate degrees available. This institution offers an online Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master in Business Administration, and more. Students can also obtain dual master’s degrees. Online graduate programs at this institution require at least 30 credit hours to complete.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 18,312
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Program Count: 232
Admissions
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, analytical essay, personal statement, additional essays, interview, transcripts, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT, and pre-requisite courses
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Johns Hopkins University’s online learning management system was developed by the institution’s Center for Technology in Education. Students participating in online programs will use this system to access lectures, readings, activities, exams, and other course materials. Programs may require synchronous activities, but many activities are asynchronous. Online students may receive federal financial aid. This institution also accepts veteran education benefits.
To be admitted to an online master’s degree program at this institution, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They must also submit past transcripts with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applications must be submitted online. Individual programs may have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses. After being admitted to a program, students will have access to an academic advisor, career guidance resources, and technical support.
California State University-Northridge
California State University-Northridge provides students with 18 online master’s degree options. Some of the graduate degrees available include a Master of Arts, Master of Public Administration, Master of Knowledge Management, Master of Science, and Master of Social Work. This institution follows a traditional semester-based schedule, with two to three start dates throughout the year. Programs will generally require between 30 and 36 credit hours to graduate.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 917
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Program Count: 18
Admissions
- Application Fee: $70
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a personal statement, bachelor’s (minimum 2.5 GPA) or master’s, resume, work experience, letters of recommendation, Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE), and pre-requisite courses
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Students can access course materials through the Blackboard online learning management system. Learning is primarily asynchronous to allow students to complete coursework on their schedule. Classes may include lectures, videos, reading, projects, discussions, and tests. California State University offers scholarships and financing plans to qualifying students. Federal aid may also be available. Student resources include academic advising and technical support.
Admissions requirements for California State University’s online graduate programs vary. Most require that applicants have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA, and official transcripts. Resumes, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GRE or GMAT test scores may also need to be included. Applications can be submitted online.
George Mason University
At George Mason University, students have access to 34 online master’s degree programs. Degrees available include a Master of Science, Master of Education, Master of Arts, Master of Public Health, Master of Law, and Master of Health Administration. Most online master’s programs at this institution require 30 to 36 credit hours of study. Some programs can be completed in 11 months with full-time study.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,865
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Cost per Credit: $887.00
- Program Count: 35
Admissions
- Application Fee: $75
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a personal/goals statement, portfolio, writing sample, interview, transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, and GRE
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George Mason University’s online courses are delivered via the Blackboard learning management system. Learning may be synchronous or asynchronous. Depending on the program, students may watch lectures, participate in discussions, complete lab work, take tests, or work on group projects. In some cases, online programs require occasional in-person meetings or exams. Loans, scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial aid may be available, depending on the program.
To be admitted to an online master’s degree program through George Mason University, prospective students must submit an application online. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate study. Individual programs may have other admissions requirements. Advising, career services, technical support, and library resources are available to support enrolled online students.
St. John’s University
St. John’s University offers 25 online Master of Art, Science, Business, or Professional Studies degrees. Students can pursue graduate-level studies in business administration, accounting, library and information science, taxation, and homeland security. The majority of programs range from 30 to 69 credits and can be completed in one to two years.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 596
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Cost per Credit: $1,305.00
- Program Count: 25
Admissions
- Application Fee: $70
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a personal statement, interview, transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT
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St. John’s online classes are asynchronous with set assignment deadlines and exam dates. Coursework is completed on Blackboard, where students can review lectures, post assignments, and participate in discussion boards with classmates. Students may choose to enroll in interest-free tuition payment plans. As a Yellow Ribbon school, St. John’s provides tuition benefits to veteran students. Additional resources and support are offered to students to prepare them for their careers beyond graduation. Career Services hosts the Career Peers and Johnny’s Journey programs to help students stay on track and develop career readiness skills. Studies have the opportunity for leadership development through services, workshops, mentorships, and conferences. According to St. John’s website, graduation outcomes for the Class of 2019 reflects 94.4% job placement, and 75.8% are employed in their desired field.
To apply to St. John’s graduate programs, students must have completed the necessary prerequisites before submitting an online application. Additional application requirements including submitting official transcripts with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.25, a resume, two letters of recommendation, a statement of professional goals, relevant work experience, and GMAT/GRE scores (waivers are available).
University of Maryland – College Park
The University of Maryland’s College Park campus offers 39 online master’s programs. Degrees available include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Engineering, Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Professional Studies, Master of Public Health, and Master of Science. The number of credit hours needed varies, but most programs require a total of 36 credits.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 938
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Cost per Credit: $580.00
- Program Count: 39
Admissions
- Application Fee: $75
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, essays, bachelor’s in a relevant field, transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, resume or CV, work experience, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT, and course prerequisites
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Online master’s degree programs at the University of Maryland utilize the Canvas learning management system. All online courses are asynchronous so that students can log into their classes at their convenience. Students may be eligible for scholarships and federal financial aid. This institution also provides digital textbooks at no additional cost to make learning more affordable. Students at the University of Maryland have access to CareerQuest, which provides students with online academic advising, career services, and support.
Graduate programs at the University of Maryland may have different admission requirements, such as prerequisite courses. However, general admission requirements include submitting an online application and submission of past transcripts. This institution does not require GMAT or GRE scores.
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University offers 28 online master’s degree programs with options including Master of Jurisprudence, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts, and Master of Law. Most of these degree programs require between 30 and 40 credit hours of study to complete. The duration will depend on whether students choose full-time or part-time study.
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School Overview
- Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,034
- School Type: Non-Profit
Program Overview
- Cost per Credit: $1,286.00
- Program Count: 29
Admissions
- Application Fee: $75
- Requirements: Vary by program and may include a statement of purpose, resume or CV, and contact for references or letters of recommendation
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This Blackboard learning management system is used to deliver course content to online students. Most learning activities are completed asynchronously, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace. However, assignments will still have specific deadlines. Class activities may include lectures, reading, discussions, papers, and exams. Financial aid is available to online graduate students in the form of loans and graduate scholarships.
The specific graduate admissions requirements at Seton Hall University will depend on the program. However, most will require at least a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA. Students may also be asked to submit an online application, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other documentation. After being admitted to a program at Seton Hall University, online students have access to career services, student coordinators, and technical support.
