100% Online Masters Degree Programs

5 Careers That Require A Master's Degree

In addition, there are many different groups that might benefit from the convenience of distance learning. An online Master's Degree program could be a great option for any of the following.

• Undergraduates returning for a graduate degree
• Professionals returning to update skills or change careers
• Working students who want to balance job and study
• Students out of geographical proximity to a masters degree program of interest
• Students returning to finish their degree
• Students who have family duties and demands
• Students who are autonomous and self-motivated
• Working students who travel

Most Common Online Master Degrees Awarded

There are many types of Master's Degrees but some of the most common you may have heard of are; M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.F.A., M.P.H., M.Ed., M.S.N. and M.S.W.

The online master's degree is a “second-cycle” or postgraduate degree that is awarded to students who have demonstrated “mastery” in their academic field (according to BLS.gov). Within this tier of education, you can find different types of online master's degree programs.

Learn more about these types of Master Degrees:

• Online Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Online Master of Science (M.S. or M.Sc.)
• Online Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Online Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
• Online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
• Online Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Online Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
• Online Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Many online master's programs can actually be less expensive as traditional campus setting programs. Learn more about affordable online master degree programs here.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the Fall of 2014 -- 25% of graduate students were enrolled in exclusively online courses!

Try a MicroMasters Program

MicroMasters programs are a set of masters-level online courses that help you earn professional credentials and valuable university credits. If you are a professional and can’t take time off to earn a traditional master's degree, a MicroMasters program may be an accessible and affordable option. And now you can test drive a MicroMasters Program for Free!

What Do I Need to Take A Masters Degree Online?

While each university may define their online masters programs differently, the term “distance-learning” commonly means that the graduate student and the professor are separated by space, or by both time and space. As such, some of the potential features of earning an online master degree could include those listed below.

• Course material delivered online
• Use of digital cameras and other technology
• Use of special software, pre-recorded video, live streaming video
• One-way video and two-way audio for live lectures and class participation
• Assembling on different campus sites to see and hear a lecture transmitted via television monitor
• Using a common web browser to view and listen to pre-taped lectures
• Lecture notes and web pages to complement textbook readings and assignments
• Electronic discussion boards, chat rooms, email, telephone, group projects to facilitate interaction and feedback between classmates and student to professor
• Turn in assignments by mail or online course management system
• Fully online (100%) or partially online (some campus courses)
• Some online masters programs don't require you to take the GRE

Faculty, Curriculum & Course Content

A factor to consider when searching for an online Master's program is how the courses, curriculum, and faculty handle the online delivery method. Often distance learning programs are mirrors of residential ones, but this is a good thing to verify.

Sometimes you have a choice between ‘tracks’ and you should spend some time researching the curricula and possible outcomes of the various online masters programs. This should give you a feel for whether it aligns with your goals. For instance, are you using the Master’s degree as a stepping stone to a Ph.D.? Do you aspire to enter the workplace after graduation? These are some things to consider when comparing online programs and schools.

Technical Support

If you are enrolling in an online Masters program, make sure you understand the technologies involved and that your graduate school has tech support. Sometimes there is an orientation for new students which could be beneficial to you. At the very least, make sure you have all the requirements necessary to study online. This usually includes a reliable computer or laptop, wi-fi or internet connection, and any apps required by your specific graduate program.

Finding Accredited Online Master Degree Programs

One of the things to consider is accreditation. Accredited graduate schools have demonstrated that they meet industry standards. You can look for regional accreditation, national accreditation and professional accreditation.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation are good resources. Online graduate degrees are gaining respect and becoming very popular and widely accepted. The diploma does not usually stipulate how a student earned their degree but employers may look for accreditation.

Sources: bls.gov/careeroutlook/2001/Summer/art01.pdf, nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80, bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-5, bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5, bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm#tab-5

Top 580 Online Graduate Schools with Masters Programs