The popularity of online master’s degrees has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade. The internet provides accessibility like never before, which makes it easier for those who need the flexibility to attend school from home or elsewhere as they please.
The ten best online Master’s Degree programs are:
- Fordham University’s Online Master’s Program
- University of California – Berkeley
- Northwestern University’s Online Master’s Program
- Columbia University in New York
- Johns Hopkins University’s Online Master’s Program
- George Washington University’s Online Master’s Program
- Western Governor’s University’s Online Master’s Program
- University of Phoenix’s Online Master’s Program
- Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Master’s Program
- California State University-Northridge
Looking at the top Universities for Online Master’s degrees, ten specific universities are more accessible and popular. This article will discuss the top ten universities to earn a Master’s degree online and what sets them apart.
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Are Online Master's Degrees Recognized?
Some schools offer only an e-learning Master’s degree program. In contrast, others combine the best of both worlds by providing a blended version that features some in-person components along with their distance education option.
Many employers and education institutions recognize online master’s degrees. Many online master’s degree programs offer the same courses and the same degree as their on-campus counterparts.
The National Center for Education Statistics has a study that determined 457 universities and colleges providing distance learning programs within the United States. There were 7,313,623 students taking classes online at degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the fall of 2019. Of those schools surveyed, 37.2% of their students had at least taken some courses online.
What Is the Easiest Master's Degree to Get Online?
Southern New Hampshire University is a nonprofit, degree-granting institution with more than 60,000 online students. SNHU offers online master’s degree programs in multiple fields.
The easiest online master’s degree in an education degree from Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU offers one of the most affordable master’s online degree programs that is tailored specifically to working educators. This degree from SNHU can be earned in as few as 15 months.
SNHU’s online Master of Education degree provides educators with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in their schools. The 36-credit hour program is based on a competency model, meaning students can move at their own pace through material they already know.
SNHU offers one of the best values for an education degree from one of the top universities offering graduate programs online.
Can You Finish Master's in 1 Year?
Several universities offer both one and two-year master’s degree programs. Both programs are intensive and demanding, but both are options for students.
It is feasible to complete a master’s program in a year. To receive a master’s degree, most colleges in the United States require students to finish 30 to 36 credit hours. You’ll need to take more courses than a typical student would register for during a semester to earn a master’s degree in one year.
Western Governer’s University, for example, offers an accelerated one-year master’s degree program for Management and Leadership. This program can be a very intensive option but also a very cost-effective one. WGU provides a ten-course degree program for less than $10,000.
The 10 Best Online Master's Degree Programs
As far as online master’s degree programs, these five universities offer the most comprehensive and convenient ways to get a master’s degree. They are all cost-effective and convenient for students.
1. Fordham University’s Online Master’s Program
Fordham University, located in Bronx, NY, has a variety of online master’s degree programs to offer. The University has countless resources for online students, and the master’s degree online programs are offered in:
- Business
- Education
- Finance
- School of professional and continued studies
- Law
- Social services, and more
Fordham University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching degree has been recognized as one of the best graduate programs for teachers. In addition, the online school provides flexible courses so students can fit studying around their work schedule.
Fordham University’s tuition is relatively affordable compared to other schools that have comparable degrees. Their master’s programs stand out amongst the crowd because of their lower tuition and more fast-paced options.
2. University of California - Berkeley
Online Master’s degrees from the University of California- Berkeley enable students to continue their education without moving or changing jobs. The school offers a wide variety of online degree programs that cover topics such as:
- Business
- Accounting
- Finance
- Health care, and
- Environmental science.
One program focuses on green building technology, which is rapidly becoming the standard for safer communities. The University also provides several resources, so taking an online class from them goes smoothly.
3. Northwestern University’s Online Master’s Program
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, IL, offers online masters and certificate programs that cover a range of academic disciplines. Northwestern online graduate courses and online undergraduate courses combine the advantages of online learning with the interactivity of the classroom in a way that is suited for students’ busy lives.
At Northwestern, students benefit from participating in a prestigious program with no distinctions regarding whether the degree was received online or in-person.
4. Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University in New York offers an array of online master’s degree programs, including:
- Master’s Degree in Journalism
- Master’s in public administration
- Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management.
The University’s online bachelor’s degree programs are offered through the School of Professional Studies, which offers students an opportunity to create their program based on career goals.
5. Johns Hopkins University’s Master’s Degree Program
Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers online master’s degree programs in areas such as:
- Health Sciences
- Education
- Applied Psychology
- Economics
- Government; and
- Organizational leadership.
The Master of Science in Leadership program is offered online to provide students with all the tools needed to be influential leaders within a company and community. You can get a Johns Hopkins University’s Master’s degree or certificate in a part-time or full-time setting.
6. George Washington University’s Online Master’s Program
George Washington University, located in Washington D.C., offers online master’s programs for those looking to further their education without stopping working. Instead, the University focuses on providing more practical experience through internships, with an aim to help prepare students for real-life situations after graduation.
GWU offers Master’s Degree Programs in fields like:
- Accounting and Finance
- Biomedical Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Business
- Applied Computer Science and More!
GWU also provides free career counseling services throughout degree completion, including job search assistance upon graduation day. George Washington University has a master’s program that stands out as one of the most practical and helpful for working students.
7. Western Governor's University’s Online Master’s Program
Western Governor’s University is located in Millcreek, Utah. Western Governor’s University’s online master’s degree programs offer students the chance to obtain a quality education from accredited professors and institutions.
Several different options are available for graduate studies, ranging from business administration to health care management. It is best known as one of the most affordable fully online universities in America, with tuition rates on par with some of its top universities.
WGU allows you to graduate ahead of schedule and with less debt, even with a master’s program. Because most programs have tuition set at less than $10,000 per year, you could earn your degree without taking on any additional student debt.
8. University of Phoenix
Located in San Diego, California, The University of Pheonix offers online master’s degrees programs designed to emphasize applied learning and engagement opportunities, including practicums, seminars, and workshops so students can gain hands-on experiences before graduating.
UOP is committed to providing students with the highest quality educational experience for a reasonable price. For instance:
- The average tuition cost at the University of Phoenix comes in at an average of $395 per credit hour.
- They offer 150 different degree programs from which you can choose.
- UOP provides individual tutoring services and free online resources such as classroom chats, so students have constant access to their instructors.
UOP prides itself on offering courses 24 hours a day, meaning more flexibility than any other school out there! This is perfect for those individuals looking for alternative schedules or those who are parents.
9. Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Master’s Program
Southern New Hampshire University is an accredited university that offers students the opportunity to take accelerated online degree programs. At SNHU, you can earn an affordable education without sacrificing quality in your coursework.
SNHU is a well-respected university that offers students the opportunity to take accelerated online degree programs. Tuition at Southern New Hampshire University is very affordable, making it a popular choice for students who want to earn their degree without breaking the bank.
Southern New Hampshire University is a nonprofit, regionally accredited institution with an 80-year history of providing high-quality education to students through online and on-campus programs. They also provide low-cost, accessible degree programs to over 135,000 people worldwide through their online learning platform.
10. California State University-Northridge
As one of the nation’s first providers of online education, California State University has the knowledge and technology to provide courses and programs to professionals worldwide.
California State University-Northridge offers online master’s degree programs in the areas of:
- Public administration
- Criminal justice
- Accounting
- Early childhood education, and more.
The University’s online courses provide students with the same quality course content as in-person learning, without requiring them to leave home or work. Students who take advantage of California State University Northridge’s online classes will be able to complete an entire master’s degree program while staying at their current job.
It is difficult for many adults to attend traditional classes because they cannot take time away from their jobs. However, the University offers flexible class schedules that meet during weeknights and weekends. These busy professionals can continue working full-time while earning a graduate degree part-time at CSUN Online.
Conclusion
Online master’s degrees are a great way to pursue your education and work full-time or raise children. You can get an online master’s degree from anywhere in the world, as long as it meets the requirements of the school that offers them. The internet has made it easier than ever for those who need the flexibility to attend school from home or elsewhere as they please.
All programs will vary by school, but many offer classes with live video lectures and discussion boards to post questions about course material. These are just a few examples of how online learning is made easy at these universities.
