Guide to Online Master's Degrees

Overview of Online Master's Degrees

Can You Earn a Master's Degree Online?

Yes, you can earn a master's degree online. An accredited online master's degree demonstrates advanced knowledge of a particular subject and can carry the same prestige as an in-person degree. More than 1,000 accredited colleges offer fully online master's programs in over 100 disciplines across the U.S., and the number of online programs continues to grow as technology steadily improves. In fact, in the fall of 2019, 33% of all postbaccalaureate students took courses exclusively online, including master's and doctoral students. Interestingly, enrollment in online master's programs outpaces bachelor’s programs.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Master's Program?

A typical online master’s program takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete for full-time students, whether it's completed online or in person. Some institutions, particularly for-profit schools, offer accelerated options with shorter terms, such as 5-8 week sessions, which can shorten the completion time. For working professionals or those with other commitments, part-time study is available, but this may extend the program duration to three years or more.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?

There are plenty of affordable online master's degrees, with many schools offering flat tuition rates regardless of residency. Costs vary widely by program, ranging from $7,000 to $57,000 annually. While tuition is the largest expense, online students may also face fees like technology charges but save on costs like room and board. Evaluating programs based on return on investment (ROI) can help ensure the degree pays off in future earnings, and financial aid is often available for online students just as it is for on-campus learners.

Are Online Master's Degrees Respected?

Yes, online master's programs — and online degrees at all levels — are widely respected. Even before the remote learning boom that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers were increasingly accepting of online degrees. Way back in 2018, Northeastern University conducted a study that already showed how a solid majority of HR leaders believe that online learning is of equal quality to traditional degrees. In fact, 71% of these recruiters claimed that they had recently hired someone with an online degree or credential.

According to an even more recent study by Wiley in 2020, 78% of online students who have also learned in a face-to-face setting feel their online education experience was the same or better than their classroom experience. This highlights the strong value of online education from the students' own perspectives.

One crucial factor in determining whether employers will respect your online degree is regional accreditation.  A regionally accredited school has undergone a rigorous peer-review process to meet nationally accepted educational standards. We make it easy by only listing accredited online schools on our site, and you can always verify a school’s accreditation through the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

Finally, unless you're attending an exclusively online college, your employer may not even know your degree was earned online. Most diplomas and transcripts don’t differentiate between online and traditional programs, as many colleges don’t see the need to make that distinction.

Is an Online Master's Degree Worth It?

The decision to enroll in an online master's degree program should be based on your personal, financial, and career goals. Consider the following factors:

Potential Pros:

• Flexibility: Online classes are often asynchronous, allowing participants to watch pre-recorded lectures, post in discussion forums, and complete assignments around their busy schedules.

• Increase earnings: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those with a master’s degree make almost $13,000 more annually than a graduate with only a bachelor’s degree and also experience the lowest unemployment rates.

• More choices: You may choose from online programs nationwide without spending the time, money, and energy that's required to physically move. From the comfort of your home, you can attend the top schools in your field.

• Expertise: By focusing on a specialization within your field of study, you become an expert in your field when you complete an advanced degree. Plus, online study can prepare you for remote work, an increasing trend in many sectors of the economy and desired role for many. 

Potential Drawbacks

• Networking: While online learning can provide convenience, the main benefit of a traditional campus program is direct engagement with classmates and faculty. These relationships may lead to career-boosting opportunities.

• Support: Earning your master's can be challenging and time-consuming because advanced classes are often complex and demanding. In an online environment, you may find support lacking, especially compared to the strength of in-person peer and faculty groups.

• Debt: Additionally, acquiring a master's degree may cause you to incur more debt, depending on your career path. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average debt among master's degree holders is $64,668, which is almost twice as much debt as graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree.

Deciding whether an online master’s degree is worth it depends on your personal and career goals. To explore these pros and cons further, visit our detailed guide on whether a master’s degree is worth it.

Applying To Online Master's Programs

While admission procedures vary across schools, several requirements are commonly expected for most master’s degree programs. Applicants typically need to have completed a bachelor’s degree before applying, and they are usually asked to submit official undergraduate transcripts that show a minimum GPA, often ranging between 3.0 and 3.5, though lower GPAs may undergo additional review. Other common requirements include letters of recommendation from professors or employers, an essay or statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s goals, an application fee (generally between $75 and $100), and a resume detailing relevant professional experience. And while some schools still require GRE scores, this requirement is increasingly being waived or made optional, depending on the program​. 

Elevating Your Career with an Online Master’s Degree

Pursuing an online master’s degree can be a pivotal step in advancing your career. With numerous accredited programs available in high-demand fields — like business, psychology, technology, and healthcare — students can gain specialized knowledge without compromising their personal or professional responsibilities. Whether you're aiming for career growth, a change in industry, or advanced academic achievement, an online master’s degree opens doors to new opportunities. Choosing the right program ensures not only enhanced skills and earnings potential but also prepares you for leadership in an increasingly competitive job market.