Online master's programs typically feature 30-45 credits and run for 1-2 years, providing advanced and specialized training. Master's students typically research, analyze, and write more than they do at the undergraduate level. They may also receive more practical training and apply their learning more regularly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median weekly earnings for graduates with a master's degree exceeded those of bachelor's graduates by approximately $250 in 2019. This amounts to about $13,000 annually. The BLS also projects 17% growth for master's degree jobs between 2016 and 2026 — faster than all other degree levels.
When thinking about whether you should go to graduate school, consider your short- and long-term career goals and determine if they require a master's degree. Here, we aim to help with that process by exploring different types of online master's programs, the pros and cons of these options, and common career possibilities for graduates. We also showcase the best online master's degrees from the top online schools.
What Is a Master's Degree?
A master's degree is an advanced college degree awarded to students who complete graduate-level coursework. Master's degree recipients can expect to develop theoretical, analytical, and/or professional expertise in their field of study.
Types of Master's Degrees
Master of Arts (MA)
An MA is a humanities-based master's program that provides a theoretical exploration of disciplines like English, communication, and philosophy. Electives in these programs typically relate to humanities disciplines, and a thesis may or may not be required. MA programs often take an interdisciplinary approach to a topic, particularly within non-arts subjects.
Master of Science (MS)
An MS degree is a science-based master's program that focuses on technical training in fields like health sciences and information technology. MS degree programs may conclude with a thesis or a practical capstone project. Electives are predominantly science courses. Many MS programs take a technical approach, equipping students with practical skills.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA degree focuses on management training across the business discipline. Students also boost their leadership, problem-solving, and networking skills. MBA programs typically offer specializations, such as marketing, finance, and business technology. Master's programs often attract experienced business professionals, and many schools provide part-time study options to accommodate working professionals.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
An M.Ed. is a degree for aspiring leaders in the educational field. While this type of online master's program may feature a research component, it emphasizes practical and applicable training. An online master's in education often attracts licensed educators. It prepares learners for leadership positions and advanced educational careers, such as principal and instructional coordinator roles.
Master of Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN programs provide practical training in the nursing field, along with the possibility for a clinical specialization. Accessible by RNs and BSN-holders, these online master's programs can lead to advanced practice registered nurse careers and doctoral programs in nursing. Typically taking 1-3 years to complete, MSN degrees contain significant clinical experience requirements.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
An MPA program examines management processes, practices, and systems in politics and the public sector. Students can graduate with their online master's degree in 1-3 years, preparing for careers in government, community leadership, and nonprofit advocacy. An online master's in public administration equips students with strong communication and critical thinking skills, along with knowledge related to human resources, ethics, and law.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
An MSW is the credential required to pursue clinical social work licensure. These online master's degrees usually take 2-3 years to earn, and students complete significant supervised practical components. An online master's in social work typically accepts applicants with a BSW.
Master of Laws (LLM)
An LLM provides advanced and specialized legal training. Students in these master's programs can concentrate in areas like corporate law, immigration law, and intellectual property rights. In addition to legal leadership roles, the training can lead to policy positions with the government. Graduates may also qualify for some teaching and research careers.
Is a Master's Degree Worth it?
The worth of an online master's degree program is subjective, and it may involve more than a simple calculation of the return on your tuition investment. Some things to consider include:
Cost
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average program tuition and fees for a graduate degree was $19,792 during the 2019-20 academic year. However, some professional programs, such as many MBA options, exceed a total of $100,000. Verifying estimated costs with an admissions counselor is important.
Future Earning Potential
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that master's degree-holders earned a median weekly salary of $1,497 in 2019. In comparison, those with only a bachelor's degree earned a median weekly salary of $1,248. This means that master's degree recipients earned an average of $12,948 more per year than bachelor's degree-holders.
Professional Aspirations
If you wish to pursue a career as a licensed professional, a master's degree from an accredited institution may be mandatory. For example, licensed clinical social workers must hold a master of social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. State licensure requirements can be verified through your state government's website.
Should I Get a Master's Degree Online?
When deciding whether to attend school online or on campus, you should compare things like cost, location, program format, and program schedule. Through online learning, you may be able to access out-of-state programs. However, should you choose online study, you should be prepared for a different type of learning experience.
Online Learning vs. In-Person Learning
The best type of training depends entirely on your individual preferences. Online and on-campus programs each have their benefits and drawbacks. Before enrolling, make sure to compare online and on-campus costs, study schedules, and available courses as you weigh the pros and cons.
Below, we highlight some of the common pros and cons of online and on-campus master's degree programs. Think about how you learn and how each delivery format might meet your needs and goals. master's degree programs offer flexible, affordable options to help you balance the demands of work, family, and your education. Read on to learn more about how you can start your path forward today.
Online master's programs typically feature 30-45 credits and run for 1-2 years, providing advanced and specialized training. Master's students typically research, analyze, and write more than they do at the undergraduate level. They may also receive more practical training and apply their learning more regularly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median weekly earnings for graduates with a master's degree exceeded those of bachelor's graduates by approximately $250 in 2019. This amounts to about $13,000 annually. The BLS also projects 17% growth for master's degree jobs between 2016 and 2026 — faster than all other degree levels.
When thinking about whether you should go to graduate school, consider your short- and long-term career goals and determine if they require a master's degree. Here, we aim to help with that process by exploring different types of online master's programs, the pros and cons of these options, and common career possibilities for graduates. We also showcase the best online master's degrees from the top online schools.
What Is a Master's Degree?
A master's degree is an advanced college degree awarded to students who complete graduate-level coursework. Master's degree recipients can expect to develop theoretical, analytical, and/or professional expertise in their field of study.
Types of Master's Degrees
Master of Arts (MA)
An MA is a humanities-based master's program that provides a theoretical exploration of disciplines like English, communication, and philosophy. Electives in these programs typically relate to humanities disciplines, and a thesis may or may not be required. MA programs often take an interdisciplinary approach to a topic, particularly within non-arts subjects.
Master of Science (MS)
An MS degree is a science-based master's program that focuses on technical training in fields like health sciences and information technology. MS degree programs may conclude with a thesis or a practical capstone project. Electives are predominantly science courses. Many MS programs take a technical approach, equipping students with practical skills.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA degree focuses on management training across the business discipline. Students also boost their leadership, problem-solving, and networking skills. MBA programs typically offer specializations, such as marketing, finance, and business technology. Master's programs often attract experienced business professionals, and many schools provide part-time study options to accommodate working professionals.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
An M.Ed. is a degree for aspiring leaders in the educational field. While this type of online master's program may feature a research component, it emphasizes practical and applicable training. An online master's in education often attracts licensed educators. It prepares learners for leadership positions and advanced educational careers, such as principal and instructional coordinator roles.
Master of Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN programs provide practical training in the nursing field, along with the possibility for a clinical specialization. Accessible by RNs and BSN-holders, these online master's programs can lead to advanced practice registered nurse careers and doctoral programs in nursing. Typically taking 1-3 years to complete, MSN degrees contain significant clinical experience requirements.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
An MPA program examines management processes, practices, and systems in politics and the public sector. Students can graduate with their online master's degree in 1-3 years, preparing for careers in government, community leadership, and nonprofit advocacy. An online master's in public administration equips students with strong communication and critical thinking skills, along with knowledge related to human resources, ethics, and law.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
An MSW is the credential required to pursue clinical social work licensure. These online master's degrees usually take 2-3 years to earn, and students complete significant supervised practical components. An online master's in social work typically accepts applicants with a BSW.
Master of Laws (LLM)
An LLM provides advanced and specialized legal training. Students in these master's programs can concentrate in areas like corporate law, immigration law, and intellectual property rights. In addition to legal leadership roles, the training can lead to policy positions with the government. Graduates may also qualify for some teaching and research careers.
Is a Master's Degree Worth it?
The worth of an online master's degree program is subjective, and it may involve more than a simple calculation of the return on your tuition investment. Some things to consider include:
Cost
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average program tuition and fees for a graduate degree was $19,792 during the 2019-20 academic year. However, some professional programs, such as many MBA options, exceed a total of $100,000. Verifying estimated costs with an admissions counselor is important.
Future Earning Potential
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that master's degree-holders earned a median weekly salary of $1,497 in 2019. In comparison, those with only a bachelor's degree earned a median weekly salary of $1,248. This means that master's degree recipients earned an average of $12,948 more per year than bachelor's degree-holders.
Professional Aspirations
If you wish to pursue a career as a licensed professional, a master's degree from an accredited institution may be mandatory. For example, licensed clinical social workers must hold a master of social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. State licensure requirements can be verified through your state government's website.
Should I Get a Master's Degree Online?
When deciding whether to attend school online or on campus, you should compare things like cost, location, program format, and program schedule. Through online learning, you may be able to access out-of-state programs. However, should you choose online study, you should be prepared for a different type of learning experience.
Online Learning vs. In-Person Learning
The best type of training depends entirely on your individual preferences. Online and on-campus programs each have their benefits and drawbacks. Before enrolling, make sure to compare online and on-campus costs, study schedules, and available courses as you weigh the pros and cons.
Below, we highlight some of the common pros and cons of online and on-campus master's degree programs. Think about how you learn and how each delivery format might meet your needs and goals.
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