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If you love traveling the world and want to enjoy a global, culturally diverse career, you might want to consider a degree in international business. 

With one of these highly varied degrees, you’ll be able to work in a wide range of sectors and industries. International business majors can be found working for all kinds of employers, including banks, recruitment agencies, technology companies, management consultancies, and more. 

While most of these jobs can be found in large cities, once you earn a degree in international business, you’ll likely find that you can work just about anywhere in the world. Most international business graduates work directly in business, finance, marketing, public relations, sales, or human resources. 

If you’re only just beginning to explore business school options, you might wonder whether an international business specialization is a better choice than a more generalized business degree. There are several advantages to choosing this kind of concentration. 

For starters, you’ll gain a competitive edge when it comes to hiring. As technology evolves and our global economies and governments become increasingly connected, it’s essential that businesses hire employees who have the skills to oversee global relationships. When you earn a master’s degree in international business, you’ll have the cultural understandings and diplomatic skills necessary to work for any government agency or business organization. 

This is because international business is simply business—but with a global perspective. You’ll be able to understand different geographies, markets, and cultures, and you’ll also be able to recognize the big picture when it comes to common issues (and related solutions) in business. Your unique global perspective will help both small and large employers alike understand that big picture, too, and to make important decisions for their businesses. 

To succeed in this fast-paced and ever-changing field, you’ll need to take classes in all the major skills found in core business programs. Your studies will consist of courses spanning topics like marketing, accounting, finance, economics, management, and more. You’ll study these topics, however, from various global perspectives via classes like economics of global behavior and international marketing. 

Not only will you gain proficiency in some of the core content areas mentioned above, but with a degree in international business, you’ll also gain a range of in-demand soft skills in things like teamwork, critical thinking, research and analysis, and problem-solving. 

When you graduate, you will be well-positioned for a multitude of careers. Your cross-cultural knowledge will enable you to pursue in-demand positions. Common job titles held by graduates include management analysts, marketing managers, executives, human resources managers, and policy analysts. 

If you’re already working and wondering what the best way to pursue one of these high-powered (and highly rewarding) careers might be, the answer is simple. You need to consider an online master’s degree. 

Not only will earning a master’s degree give you a leg up on the competition but earning your degree online will also lend you the flexibility necessary to study in accordance with your own busy schedule—and without paying a fortune to do so. 

See Also: Best Online International Relations Masters

Common Application and Admission Questions

Before you can complete a degree in international business, you’re going to need to find the perfect program. That sounds like an obvious step, but once you start delving into the dozens of international business programs out there, it can prove to be quite the daunting task. 

There are all kinds of international business degrees out there, but which one will be best in helping you achieve your goals? 

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is almost always going to be the best and most direct pathway to help you get to where you want to be. However, you might also consider degree titles such as a Master of International Management. The title of the degree you apply for doesn’t matter quite as much as the courses you will take within that program. 

You should look for a degree that enables you to take a variety of classes in language and culture as well as your core business coursework. You might take classes covering topics like international banking and finance, international marketing, global supply chain management, and international strategic management, just to name a few. 

Most MBA programs will allow you to specialize in international business and management, along with other potential tracks. The best program in international business will be those that provide you with hands-on experience solving complex global business problems. 

You may also want to pursue a study abroad experience while you are enrolled. Although this can be challenging if you are studying online and have other life commitments to deal with, studying abroad will give you exposure to other cultures and countries—and this can be incredibly beneficial in this line of work. 

Application requirements vary depending on the school at which you enroll. Every graduate school is different, but in general, most schools like to see a couple of years of business experience along with a relevant undergraduate degree. 

That said, it’s rare to find undergraduate programs in international business, so most schools accept candidates who have any kind of business degree. Others are less stringent, requiring a four-year degree in any subject. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to pay close attention to your grades—most schools like to see a GPA of at least a 3.0 or higher.

Although not all schools require it, taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) can also boost your application. Some schools require a specific score. Other core application requirements you might see include proficiency in a foreign language and the completion of a personal statement or essay. Letters of recommendation are usually required, too, as is a detailed resume or CV.

Spend plenty of time perfecting and polishing your application. You only get one chance to make a good first impression! Most international business degrees are short, lasting only one or two years—so it’s worth taking the extra time now to make your application shine.

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

The cost of earning a master’s degree can, for many students, be intimidating. After all, you’ve already spent thousands (or tens of thousands!) of dollars on a bachelor’s degree—and now you have to fork out more cash to complete a master’s?

Earning an advanced degree doesn’t have to break the bank, though. You have plenty of options that will make getting a master’s degree both easy and affordable.

Your first step is to consider the school you plan on enrolling at. The average cost for a master’s degree program costs an average of $30,000 for an in-state (or public) program. However, this can vary widely, and it’s important that you consider not just the “sticker price” of an institution but also how much financial aid this school awards to its students.

Often, private schools can be just as affordable as public schools (or even more so) because they offer substantial amounts of financial aid. Read beyond the advertised tuition price and do your research to see what financial aid opportunities are available to students. 

Next, make sure you are applying only to accredited schools. Not only is accreditation important if you plan on transferring credits out later on, but it’s also vital if you wish to receive state or federal financial aid. Not all schools are accredited, and those that are not will not grant you eligibility for financial aid. This is a major deal-breaker.

Once you’ve figured out the right school for you, it’s time to consider your options when it comes to financial aid. Although many schools offer admission on a rolling basis, meaning you can start your program at any time of the year or perhaps at one of several times each year, it’s important that you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early in the year as possible.

The FAFSA becomes available in January each year. You will complete it in the year you plan to start school, using information from the prior year’s tax returns to fill out your documentation. For example, if you are applying to begin your degree in 2021, you would use tax information from 2020. You can use estimates if you haven’t filed your taxes yet.

When you complete this application, you will need to have certain documents on hand. Keep copies of your tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements to help you fill out the FAFSA. This application form will help determine your eligibility for state and federal financial aid. It might take the form of grants, loans, and even work-study. 

Although there is generally less federal and state financial aid available to students studying at the graduate level, as compared to what’s available for undergraduates, it is still a helpful way to source funds for your college degree. Don’t hesitate to fill this document out, even if you think you might not be eligible. 

Many universities offer additional awards beyond need-based aid, too. Look into the scholarships and fellowship programs available at your institution. These are usually available to both on-campus and online learners and are usually based on things like academic merit and relevant work experience. 

How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in International Business? 

Earning a master’s degree in international business is a smart choice—and not just because it will give you the skills and technical training necessary to pursue a rewarding career. 

Although there are plenty of intrinsic benefits to earning a master’s in international business, it’s impossible to ignore the more tangible benefits, too. For starters, the pay is excellent. You’ll have access to bountiful career opportunities around the world when you major in international business. 

Job opportunities vary within different industries, including finance, manufacturing, marketing, public relations, and more. Not only will you find yourself unrestricted by the seemingly endless list of potential job titles, but you won’t have trouble finding a job, either. By 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that there will be an 8% growth for new domestic jobs in business. 

The pay for these positions isn’t too shabby, either. The best-paying jobs are usually held by top international executives. You could become a CEO or COO, and although it will take some time for you to work your way to the top, a master’s degree provides you with the perfect amount of leverage. These professionals bring in more than $331,932 per year on average.

According to a Georgetown University study, professionals with master’s degrees earned salaries that were, on average, about $19,000 higher than those who only received bachelor’s degrees. International business majors in the top 75th percentile of earnings brought in well over $118,000 per year. 

Even entry-level jobs in international business hold great potential for graduates. As an international financial analyst, for example, you could bring in an average salary of $72,636. Many of these positions also offer the potential for bonuses, which can allow you to significantly increase or even double your earnings. 

A few other popular job titles? You could work as a general accountant or in international finance, the latter of which will allow you to earn an average annual salary of $103,260. You could also work as an international purchasing and supply chain manager—also a high-earning career with an average annual salary of $111,810. 

Needless to say, earning a master’s degree in international business is a smart way to guarantee high earnings. While you’ll need a fair amount of grit, hard work, and determination to get there, your hard work will undoubtedly pay off. And with all of the financial aid and low tuition options mentioned above, it’s easy to see that you will rapidly recoup the cost of a master’s degree in international business in no time. 

At least, as long as you consider one of the best affordable online masters in international business, that is!

What Are the Best International Business Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

#1. Liberty University

MBA in International Business

With more than 280 online degree programs alone, it’s easy to see why Liberty University is first on our list of the best online master’s in international business. Not only will you be able to take a wide variety of courses in this discipline at Liberty, but you’ll have plenty of classes in other areas to choose from, too.

Liberty is a private Christian university located in central Virginia, where all students are encouraged to follow God’s calling as they develop the skills they need to make a difference in the world. This school is an innovator when it comes to offering online programs. In fact, it was one of the first to do so, having offered online education since 1985 to both domestic and international students. 

With the online MBA in international business at Liberty University, you’ll be able to navigate all kinds of diverse business environments. You will develop a foundational knowledge of business that will prepare you with some of the most insightful international business practices. Through this program and its many hands-on opportunities, you’ll also be able to interact with various global financial markets and develop plans for marketing internationally, too. 

The degree is offered in a flexible online format that consists of 45 credit hours of study and takes most students just two years to complete. This accelerated timeline is due in part to the fact that all courses are chunked into eight-week segments so you can move quickly through the curriculum without getting bogged down in all the minutiae. 

You’ll be supported in your studies by a dynamic online community that emphasizes ethical decision making and Christ-centered business practices. Each student is mentored by a faculty mentor who will provide insight and personal guidance on the next best steps in the curriculum. 

Unlike other programs, this degree will prepare you to sit for the Certified Global Business Professional certification examination. Although this is not a mandatory requirement for international business professionals, it can be incredibly helpful in advancing your career. It will confirm that you have a certain set of knowledge in international trade necessary for you to practice global business at the professional level. 

Before you graduate, you’ll be required to complete the Policy and Strategy in Global Competition capstone course. This class can be completed as an intensive experience on the Virginia campus. You’ll be able to work with other classmates to complete a final project that will boost your confidence in your business acumen and job readiness.

Liberty has a reputation for success not only when it comes to its online program in international business, but across the board. The school is ranked as one of the Best National Universities in the U.S. News & World Report. This is due in part to Liberty’s affordability, but also its academic quality. Here, class sizes are small, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1. 

#2.  The University of Alabama

MA in Management (Global Business Management)

The flagship campus of the state university system, the University of Alabama’s campus in Tuscaloosa is frequently referred to as “The Capstone.” Here, you’ll find all kinds of hallmark programs that have helped the school establish its reputation for academic success that it still has to this very day. 

Just 60 miles from Birmingham, the University of Alabama is home to more than 38,390 students. It has a highly ranked School of Law, School of Medicine, and School of Business. 

The online Master of Arts in management has a concentration in global business management that consists of 30 credit hours of study. Offered entirely online, this program will help you develop the essential skills in management that you need to succeed in global business. 

It’s the perfect fit for administrators, supervisors, coordinators, military personnel, managers, and other professionals who want to advance in their understanding and practice of global issues and management as they relate to a business setting. 

Through this program’s curriculum, you’ll learn how to manage complex global business operations as well as how to lead in an environment that is culturally diverse. You’ll also gain a broad understanding of the areas that are vital to succeeding in a global market, including accounting, international marketing, leadership, ethics, and finance. 

You’ll take a wide variety of courses in subjects such as Global Business, Leadership and Ethics, Effective Quality Management, and more. 

You can also diversify your training by choosing from a broad set of electives in topics like Advanced Import-Export Strategy and Supply Chain Modeling and Analysis. Each student will be partnered with a faculty mentor to help him or her navigate which courses are best for a given career goal. Unlike many programs, this degree does not require a thesis, so you’ll be able to get out into the workforce faster. 

The program is AACSB accredited, a designation that often serves as a benchmark of quality as it relates to business schools. In fact, fewer than 5% of all universities around the world have received this distinction. 

This degree is ranked tenth best in the country among online graduate business programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report. 

The accolades don’t end there. As a whole, the University of Alabama is regarded as a top National University as well as a Best Value School by the U.S. News & World Report. It’s also ranked as a top college for veterans, due primarily to its affordability, flexibility, and academic quality. Nearly half of all students here receive some form of need-based financial aid, with tuition rates at rock-bottom prices for in-state students. 

Tuition starts at just $420 per credit hour. Applications are accepted year-round, so you can apply at whatever time is most convenient for you. 

#3. Southern New Hampshire University

Master of Business Administration (MBA) With a Concentration in International Business

Southern New Hampshire is based out of Manchester, NH—but you don’t have to live anywhere near the Granite State in order to benefit from this school’s diverse course offerings. In fact, undergraduates here alone have more than 100 different degree programs to choose from. In addition to courses offered on-campus, SNHU also offers online degrees and evening and weekend programming. 

The online Master of Business Administration at SNHU is viewed as a “smarter way to your MBA.” Why is that, you might ask? For starters, this MBA has a whopping 20 different career-focused concentrations. Popular options include healthcare management, finance, business intelligence, and of course, international business. 

International business isn’t the only concentration that will prepare you to work on a global scale, though. The SNHU MBA also has concentrations in international finance and international supply chain management, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the degree that meshes perfectly with your ultimate career plans. 

In addition, you can complete his degree in as few as 15 months with no GRE or GMAT test scores required. If you’re a transfer student, you can bring in up to 12 graduate credits, a third of the 36 required total credits. The program is accredited by ACBSP, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, too.

You’ll learn how to lead and operate globally aware and cross-functional teams. You’ll also enhance your business skills and boost your marketability as you learn how to incorporate ethical and legal principles into major business decisions. By the end of your program, you’ll have completed a full business plan for an idea that you can then use to present to employers, investors, and companies. 

Other core courses include Business Environment, Innovations, and Entrepreneurship; Operations Management and Technology; and Government Impact on Business. You will also build vital soft skills, such as those in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. You will be able to complete all kinds of real-world projects that leverage your unique skills and personal experiences. 

As an online student at Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll have access to all of the same support services that you would receive if you were studying on campus. These include academic tutoring, counseling, career guidance, and more.  Classes here are small, too, so you don’t have to feel like you’re just another face in the crowd. In fact, the student-to-faculty ratio is just 13:1. 

Ranked the Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report, Southern New Hampshire University offers some of the best classes in international business along with some of the lowest tuition prices. You’ll pay just $627 per credit hour for tuition in the MBA program.

Nearly three-quarters of all students receive some form of need-based financial aid in addition to these low rates, making SNHU a feasible option if you want to pursue a low-cost online degree in international business. 

#4.  Oklahoma Christian University

MBA – International Business Track

Founded in 1950 by members of the Churches of Christ, Oklahoma Christian University is a private institution located in Oklahoma City, OK. With a reputation for providing high-quality academic programs, the school is also way ahead of its time when it comes to technology. 

Oklahoma Christian offers a wide variety of online programs. In addition, the school was one of the first to provide campus-wide wireless internet service (initiated in 2001) as well as a personal laptop computer to all full-time students. In 2013, the university’s programs were honored as Apple Distinguished Programs. 

Today, Oklahoma Christian offers dozens of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in addition to several semester-long study programs abroad. Regardless of the program you choose or where you choose to study, you’ll enjoy the dedication and attention of more than 94 full-time faculty members. 

The MBA in international business at Oklahoma Christian University is offered by the Graduate School of Business. This school has two different business degrees—the MBA and the Master of Accountancy—along with a handful of graduate certificates. You’re practically guaranteed to find the exact program you are looking for. Most students take just 12 months to complete their degrees.

Class sizes here are small so you can get the most benefit from these instructors, too—in fact, the average student-to-faculty ratio is just 13:1. The Master of Business Administration at Oklahoma Christian University is one of the best. You’ll be able to choose from multiple concentrations, including those in finance, project management, leadership and organizational development, and of course, international business.

The international business track requires core classes in international trade and finance, international marketing, and international management. You’ll join your classmates from other concentrations in core business classes such as strategic management, marketing management, legal and regulatory issues, and business intelligence, too.

By specializing in international business and taking these other broad-based classes, you’ll be ready for anything your career throws at you. You can complete your degree entirely online or by taking night classes on campus.

To apply, you will need to submit your undergraduate transcripts and supporting documents (like a personal essay) for the semester in which you intend to enroll. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline besides business, you may need to complete some entry-level coursework in topics like marketing and the legal environment and accounting and financial resources before you take your specialty courses, too.

Tuition is incredibly affordable. You’ll pay just $625 per credit hour with all books and most fees included. For a total of 36 credit hours, you can complete your MBA with minimal student debt. 

Choose to tack on a graduate certificate, and you’ll only pay an additional $1,000 for every three-credit course. Graduate certificates will add additional experience and credentials to your transcript and they can also apply toward an additional master’s degree, too.

#5. Texas A & M International University

Master of Business Administration in International Business Online

A public university located in Laredo, TX, Texas A&M International University is home to more than 7500 students. The school offers more than 70 degrees spread out among four colleges—no matter where your interest may lie, you’re sure to find the perfect program at Texas A&M. 

The Master of Business Administration in international business at Texas A&M International University offers learners a pathway that is affordable and convenient as they seek management roles in international corporations. You will study not only the many facets of global business environments, but you’ll also learn everything you need to know about international logistics and international management, too.

This program will also help you hone your soft skills, making you a more marketable candidate in a wide variety of fields. You’ll gain the leadership skills necessary to be successful domestically and abroad. With just 30 credit hours of coursework required, you’ll be able to get out into the workforce in as few as 15 months. 

An AACSB-accredited program, the degree covers the foreign and domestic perspectives that help to shape a global business world. You’ll learn about all of the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that impact global business decision-making, too. 

The program will allow you to expand your understanding of global business ethics, national environmental matters, strategic controls, and legal and regulatory issues. You’ll also learn about things like international transportation and warehousing, too—these unique topics aren’t covered in most of the other international business programs out there. 

You don’t have to have an undergraduate business degree in order to apply. You’ll be able to catch up via a series of helpful pre-module courses. These two-credit hour courses cover basic concepts like economics, finance, information systems, and more. 

Not sure that international business is the right track for you? The MBA at Texas A&M International is also available with tracks in international trade and logistics and international banking and finance, too. 

The program has flexible admissions with six start dates each year. The GMAT or GRE are not required for most students, and each of your courses will be broken down into convenient seven-week chunks. As a result, this program is ideal for working professionals who need to balance their professional and personal obligations.

This school is repeatedly recognized as one of the best by the U.S. News & World Report. It is regarded as a “Best College” as well as a “Top Public Regional University, West.” It’s also highly regarded by the College Affordability and Transparency Center via the U.S. Department of Education, which ranked the school sixth in the country for its low net-price. Tuition for the MBA in international business is just $10,074.

Its rates of financial aid awards aren’t too shabby, either. At Texas A&M International, 87% of all full-time students receive some kind of need-based financial aid. The average award is more than $7,000!

#6.  St. Thomas University

Master of Business Administration in International Business

Although St. Thomas University is now located in Opa-locka North, Miami Gardens, FL, its roots can actually be traced back to Havana, Cuba in 1946. Here, the university first opened its doors as the Universidad Catolica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva. Named after Saint Thomas of Villanova, the school dissolved in 1961, when Fidel Castro’s administration led the priests and faculty to journey to Miami. 

Here, they founded a Catholic college for men named Biscayne College. It became St. Thomas University, the school it is today, in 1984. It is home to 24 graduate programs spread out among the School of Law; the Gus Machado School of Business; the School of Science, Technology, and Health; and the Biscayne College of Social and Human Sciences. 

A member of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities, the school offers a variety of hands-on experiences to students in all majors. Some of the most popular extracurricular activities take place on an international scale—the school has a variety of study abroad experiences in Israel, India, Croatia, Spain, and Italy.

That’s the perfect selling point for students who are interested in studying international business, which is just one of the many concentrations in the Master of Business Administration (some others include ethical leadership, accounting, cyber and information security, and marketing). 

The Master of Business Administration in international business provides students with key benefits, including a broad business education and training in consumer psychology. You’ll also hone your skills in communication, analysis, and decision-making.

The curriculum includes 24 credits of core courses along with 12 credit sign the international business specialization. These core courses are required of all MBA students and cover topics such as Managerial Accounting and Strategic Marketing management.

You do not have to have an undergraduate background in business to be eligible for admission. However, if you do not have a bachelor’s in business, you will be required to take three preparatory courses to catch you up before you begin your core classes. 

Most classes are offered in online and blended formats. Each one is only eight weeks long when pursued online (when classes are taken on campus, they are normally about 16 weeks).

The international business specialization includes all the courses you might expect in a program of this kind, including International Business Law and Global Marketing Concepts and Strategies. However, you’ll also complete a final graduate project and business internship. This internship is a defining characteristic of the international business program—it will provide you with invaluable hands-on experience.

Ready to apply? The admission process at St. Thomas is easy and straightforward. You will need to submit a free graduate admission application and submit transcripts from any colleges you have attended. There is no fee to apply. You will receive a decision on your application almost immediately. 

Financial aid is available to all graduate students as long as you complete the FAFSA. 

#7.  The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Trade Online

With multiple campuses throughout the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, it might be tough for you to find the right location for you when you choose to study at this public research university. If you’re having trouble deciding, consider enrolling in one of the school’s many online programs. 

This university has an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students, making it the ninth-largest university in the state. It’s home to a diverse population of learners spread out among 64 bachelor’s and 49 master’s programs. It’s ranked third in the country when it comes to awarding degrees to Hispanic students, too. 

The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in international trade online is one of the best if you are looking for a program that will provide you with skills in management, finance, and marketing. It can help you succeed in a fast-paced international business environment and is ranked as one of the most affordable MBAs in online international business programs, too. 

The degree features multiple start dates each year and can be completed in just 12 months of study. You’ll complete 36 credit hours of courses, each of which lasts only 7 weeks. The international trade concentration will help you develop the confidence and management skills you need to take your career to the next level.

A cross-cultural training program, this degree covers all the foundational topics of business but with an international lens. You’ll take classes in things like the law governing international sales and customs, trans-border operations, and multicultural marketing. While you’re enrolled, you’ll be supported by a prestigious faculty with extensive industry experience, too.

Core class titles include Advanced Corporate Finance, Production and Operations Management, and Information Systems for Managers. You will also complete a holistic seminar in global topics that address the most pertinent issues in global business today.

A fully online accelerated program, this degree is within reach of all learners. Not only does the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offer a myriad of high-quality programs to its learners, but it also offers some of the most affordable tuition rates, too. For the MBA, tuition starts at just $472.22 per credit hour. 

The school is ranked sixth in the state for the lowest student loan debt, due in part to its generous financial aid distribution and rock-bottom tuition rates. Plus, there are multiple scholarships available for online learners. The $1,000 Graduate Deans’ Accelerated Online Scholarship and the GRE/GMAT Test Fee Scholarship are two to consider.

To apply, you do not need to submit an application fee, but you will need to complete an online application. You should have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and you’ll need to submit the GMAT or GRE prior to admission, too. Official transcripts must be supplied from all universities you have attended. 

#8. Dallas Baptist University

MBA – International Business Concentration

Dallas Baptist University enrolls more than 4,487 students spread out among 73 undergraduate and 32 masters degree programs. Known for its excellent services for commuter students, Dallas Baptist also offers dozens of high-quality online programs, too. 

This private university has a Christian worldview and founded the Institute for Global Engagement in 2015. This non-partisan think tank is dedicated to addressing public issues, bringing together practitioners and experts from a variety of fields to discuss issues with a Christian worldview. 

As a result, this school serves as one of the best destinations for students who are interested in expanding their education in international business. Available entirely online, the international business concentration exists as a track in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

The degree is offered by the Dallas Baptist University Graduate School of Business. The faculty in this school are not only educators but are also practitioners who place a serious emphasis on real-world skills. You’ll learn just as much from interacting with mentors as you will from the textbook material in the classroom. 

You’ll complete 36 credit hours in this program, which examines various aspects of the strategy and management of multinational or global business organizations. You will gain the global understanding of business necessary to compete in today’s complex and ever-changing business world. 

The core MBA curriculum consists of classes such as Managerial Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Management Information Systems. After completing these core classes, you will move on to international business concentration courses like International Economic and Legal Environment and Global Initiatives in Management.

A non-thesis degree, the program prepares graduates to be successful on a professional and personal level. A variety of practical projects are integrated into the curriculum—you will complete a variety of experiential projects and have the opportunity to work with corporate leadership partners. Your work will cover both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. 

There are a number of advanced certificates you can pursue as an alternative to or in addition to your degree. Some of the most popular include those in business innovation strategy, business intelligence and analytics, conflict resolution, and marketing, although there are dozens more available to motivate students.

Dallas Baptist is highly ranked and well-regarded, with U.S. News & World Report designating the school as one of its top National Universities for several years in a row. Although tuition rates are already low, the school prides itself on offering generous financial aid to all students, too. In fact, 63% of all students receive some kind of financial aid. 

To apply, you will need to submit a formal application for admission. You will also need to provide transcripts from every institution you have attended as an undergraduate or graduate student, along with two letters of recommendation from people who are not related to you. A statement of purpose outlining your reasons for applying is also required, as is a current professional resume. 

#9.  Florida Atlantic University

Flexible MBA – International Business

A public university located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University has campuses all over the state. Satellite campuses can be found in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, and Dania Beach. In addition, Florida Atlantic University has one of the most prominent online campuses for distance learners. 

Classified as one of the R2L: Doctoral Universities-High Research Activity ” by the Carnegie Classifications, this school offers more than 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, each of which has an emphasis on hands-on learning. The school prides itself on providing learners with opportunities like lab experiences, work-study, internship placements, and more to help them secure jobs prior to graduation.

Not only that, but Florida Atlantic University has a profound alumni network that supports and uplifts prospective and current students. Since its inception, the school has awarded more than 110,000 degrees. 

Here, you will find one of the best online master’s in international business. This program is an offshoot of the Master of Business Administration program and provides learners with the advanced management training they need to improve their leadership capabilities. As a student in this program, you’ll develop broad managerial skills and expertise in a business discipline of your choosing. 

You will be able to take 12 credits of program electives in international business along with various graduate-level courses in the Department of management. Offered by the Management Program Department, this program will prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities. 

This department is one of seven academic units in the College Of Business and is the largest department in the college. It’s home to more than 1800 students! Here, traditional and nontraditional students alike become business leaders with the skills they need to navigate the demands of a global business world. Other areas of concentration include human resources, management, and small business/entrepreneurship.

Depending on the pathway you select, you’ll take anywhere between 43 and 55 credits, 31 of which are core courses. You can bring in up to 12 credits of undergraduate business courses to help reduce some of these core requirements, too. Other core classes include Business Law and Applied Ethics, Graduate Business Communication, and Global Business Strategy.

You’ll learn from 26 different faculty members, most of whom have doctoral degrees and extensive experience. The curriculum is incredibly flexible and designed to meet the needs of working professionals. 

The MBA is ranked as one of the Best Online Master’s in Business by the U.S. News & World Report. It’s accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International and is also highly ranked by the Financial Times, too. 

You won’t pay an arm and a leg to pursue your dreams, either. This program has Flexible MBA tuition starting at just $369 for in-state students. You’ll pay only $20,340 for a degree requiring 55 credit hours of study! 

#10.  Florida International University

Online Master of International Business

As the largest university in the Greater Miami region and the largest university in South Florida, Florida International University is one of those schools that really lives up to its name. With more than 11 separate colleges and 40 different learning institutes, centers, labs, facilities, and services, the school provides students from all backgrounds with the experiences they need to be successful.

Here, you’ll be able to choose from more than 190 different majors. If you’re looking for a program with a global perspective, the Master of International Business is the perfect fit. Offered by the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business, this program has multiple start dates each year and takes most students just 12 months to complete. 

Each semester is broken down into short eight-week sessions. You’ll be able to progress quickly through the curriculum, taking a total of 30 credit hours. The curriculum takes a multidisciplinary approach to the realities that shape global business and emphasizes things like geopolitics, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, and emerging markets.

In addition to the core classes listed above, you will also have the opportunity to go on an international trip abroad to observe business transactions in a foreign location. 

A highly specialized degree, it is highly ranked and taught by faculty members who are renowned experts in their field. Florida International is one of only 15 schools in the United States to have been awarded a federal grant to operate a Center for International Business Education and Research. 

Even if you choose to study online, you’ll benefit from Florida International University’s pivotal location in downtown Miami. The city is a global trade hub and the bridge between Asia and Latin America, making it a great place to study international business. You’ll be able to develop an extensive network of professional contacts within South Florida’s international business community, too.

This hands-on degree features some of the best experiential learning opportunities. You’ll build specialized international business knowledge as you meet with international business executives and pay visits to cultural sites. You will also be able to interact with a faculty that consists of more than 60% international instructors. As a student in this program, you can also choose to participate in a variety of seminars and workshops through the office of Business Career Management.

Don’t want to stop with the international business pathway? You don’t have to. You can also complete this program as a dual degree and receive an additional master’s from a partner school in the Americas, Asia, or Europe, too. Needless to say, this program will open up dozens of doors for you around the world as you begin your new career.

Tuition here is incredibly low, too. Graduate tuition starts at just $455.64 per credit hour for in-state students. Although costs are somewhat higher for out-of-state learners, you’ll still pay a low overall cost for your degree here. Significant financial aid is available to most students, too. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Tiffin University

Location: Tiffin, OH

Degree: MBA with a Concentration in International Business

Net Price: $20,474

Website

#12. Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Degree: M.B.A. With a Major in International Business

Net Price: $25,867

Website

#13. University of North Carolina

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Degree: Executive MBA with a Specialization in International Business Online

Net Price: $17,771

Website

#14. Webber International University

Location: Babson Park, FL

Degree: International Business MBA (Online)

Net Price: $24,323

Website

#15. University of Scranton

Location: Scranton, PA

Degree: Business Administration, MBA – International Business Specialization

Net Price: $36,725

Website

#16. University of Colorado

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Degree: Masters of Business Administration (MBA) – International Business Emphasis

Net Price: $15,645

Website

#17. Webster University

Location: Webster Groves, MO

Degree: MBA with an Emphasis in International Relations

Net Price: $22,727

Website

#18. University of Wisconsin

Location: Madison, WI

Degree: MBA (Master of Business Administration) – International Business (online)

Net Price: $12,094

Website

#19. University of Delaware

Location: Newark, DE

Degree: Master of Business Administration — Online MBA Focus in International Business

Net Price: $15,883

Website

#20. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, PA

Degree: Flex MBA Program International Business Concentration

Net Price: $26,782

Website

#21. University of North Dakota

Location: Grand Forks, ND

Degree: Business Administration (M.B.A.) Concentration in International Business

Net Price: $15,374

Website

#22. Lynn University

Location: Boca Raton, FL

Degree: International Business Management Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $39,401

Website

#23. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, MA

Degree: Online MBA – International Management Concentration

Net Price: $34,245

Website

#24. National University

Location: La Jolla, CA

Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Specialization in International Business

Net Price: $15,480

Website

#25. Gardner-Webb University

Location: Boiling Springs, NC

Degree: International Master of Business Administration (IMBA)

Net Price: $19,197

Website

#26. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Location: Mequon, WI

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $24,803

Website

#27. Washington State University

Location: Pullman, WA

Degree: Online MBA in International Business

Net Price: $17,297

Website

#28. Campbellsville University

Location: Campbellsville, KY

Degree: Online MBA – International Business

Net Price: $17,843

Website

#29. Azusa Pacific University

Location: Azusa, CA

Degree: Online MBA – International Business

Net Price: $29,152

Website

#30. Benedictine University

Location: Lisle, IL

Degree: International Business MBA Online

Net Price: $25,508

Website

#31. SUNY Empire State College

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY

Degree: Master of Business Administration in Business Management – International Business Track

Net Price: $13,415

Website

#32. Brandman University

Location: Irvine, CA

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $27,446

Website

#33. Ashford University

Location: San Diego, CA

Degree: MBA – Global Management Specialization

Net Price: $19,141

Website

#34. Colorado State University-Global Campus

Location: Aurora, CO

Degree: Online Master’s Degree in International Management

Net Price: $17,797

Website

#35. Indiana Wesleyan University

Location: Marion, IN

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $21,492

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 HIGHEST-PAYING MASTER’S DEGREES & 50 MOST POPULAR ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES!

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Teaching demands a higher level of commitment than many other professions. Those teachers who are ready to take their careers to the next level through a graduate degree program–like from our list of the best Master’s programs in Secondary Education–must be ready to devote themselves fully to the rigors of study and assessed teaching practice. 

As you know, every higher education institution has different admission standards, and so does each individual department and program. Because they are so challenging, graduate programs usually have a very high bar for admittance and competition can be stiff. That’s why it pays to spend ample time on your application. You must not only make sure everything sufficiently meets minimum program entry criteria, but also submit a package that makes the department stand up and take notice! 

Many students like to draft up three columns to write their options in—their dream schools, good chance schools, and safety schools. A safety school is one you’re almost certain to be accepted, whereas a good chance school is one you might prefer but has tougher standards. Those dream schools are the ones you’d love to attend but may be long shots. 

We encourage you to apply for all the programs you’re both interested and qualified for! Our list of Best Master’s Programs in Secondary Education consists of schools which are highly ranked and recognized as leaders in the education field. Some have more stringent requirements than others, and it’s imperative to review all prerequisites and other requirements very carefully. Pay special attention to any listed minimum GPA or test scores. 

There are other critical factors to watch out for, too. If the program asks for a letter of recommendation or resume, read their notes telling you what type of information they want to see on these documents, because they are not always the same. If you’re applying to different programs, odds are you may need to customize your letters and resume for each one. If that’s the case, it can be helpful to let your letter writers know about this in advance. In some cases, it can also be useful to draft sample letters for them, which they can then edit and add to as they wish. 

Perhaps the one document which needs the most custom tailoring is your statement of purpose. A resume or letter of recommendation speaks primarily about your past, whereas the statement of purpose is geared towards how you plan to succeed in—and contribute to—each specific program you’re applying to. You’ll want your statement to match up with what they’re looking for. 

It is beneficial to have colleagues look over your application materials. In fact, finances-permitting, it never hurts to hire a professional editor to review your resume and statement of purpose to catch errors and suggest ways to make them even more compelling! 

International prospects should take note of English language proficiency requirements, and keep in mind that certain programs deal with diverse linguistic environments. All applicants should be fully prepared to handle the academic workload of the programs they’re applying for. Sometimes students focus so much on getting accepted that they don’t recognize the full scope of what they’re getting into! Most programs are clear about the time-commitments needed to be successful, but if not, we suggest contacting a department advisor. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering 

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

Graduate degrees often lead to higher salaries but paying for those degrees is an obstacle for many students. Many teaching programs have such hefty time requirements that students can’t work during the programs. When your income is put on hold, this can obviously make funding even more difficult!

Student loans and need-based grants are offered through Federal Student Aid. They have a handy Financial Aid for Graduate or Professional Students brochure outlining the various programs offered, and their Who Gets Aid page list many of the specific eligibility requirements. 

The most crucial aspect of applying for any funding is to meet deadlines! It can help to create a tracker of some kind, using a notebook or spreadsheet, so you never miss a cutoff date. The Federal Student Aid site also has a handy Graduate School Preparation Checklist which lets you check off your “To Do” items.  

Graduate students may qualify for unsubsidized federal loans of up to $20,500. But before going that route, we recommend seeing what grants are out there before borrowing money, since grants don’t have to be repaid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) site let’s prospective grad students apply for the options they’re eligible for and the schools they’re interested in applying to. After the FAFSA is submitted, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is sent to you showing your Expected Family Contribution, if applicable. Look this over and contact them immediately if you spot an error. 

All information is also sent directly to the prospective schools you listed, and they should assemble financial aid packages on your behalf for any federal aid you qualify for. Do not take this for granted! Call their financial aid offices and speak to them directly, to verify they received your information and to ask questions about any further actions you may need to take. Financial aid officers are beehives of activity, so be patient but persistent and proactive. Always take notes on who you spoke with and what they said. When possible, emails can sometimes be better, since there is a trail of communication and you may have a chance to work with the same individual, versus having to reintroduce yourself and your situation every time. 

It is recommended to ask about school-administered Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), as well. Every little bit helps! 

Federal Student Aid Pell Grants are mainly for undergraduate students, but there are Fulbright Grants, TEACH Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants available. 

Most universities have dedicated pages outlining college-based financial aid options. And, specific for teachers, there are numerous scholarship opportunities offered by individual states and organizations, such as: 

• Funds for Teachers
• The Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship
• The Maley/FTEE Scholarship
• The Mathematics Study & Professionalism Grants for Teachers Grade PreK-6
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
• James Madison Memorial Foundation
• Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
• Teacher Professional Development Grants Grades 6-8
• ITEEA/FTEE Scholarships
• The NEA Foundation

Veterans and their eligible dependents can take advantage of their GI Bill to pay for college, and should contact their prospective school’s Veterans Affairs benefits program manager for assistance. If the university is part of the federal Yellow Ribbon Program, there could be zero out-of-pocket expenses for those on the Post 9/11 GI Bill!  

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH A MASTER’S IN EDUCATION? 

Now that we’ve looked at how to pay for going back to college, let’s consider how much it pays to go back to college! Not all degree paths will lead graduates to the exact same careers, naturally, so there is going to be a wide range of income opportunities to students who complete a Master’s in Education. We can gain some insights on average salaries from sources such as Glassdoor, which bases their figures on reported data: 

Per Glassdoor, the average salary reported by K-12 teachers is $40,795 per year, with a high end reported as $49,000. A Virtual Teacher may earn an average of $39,607 a year, up to $47,000. Special Education Teachers report an average income of $39,459 a year, up to $44,000, and Language Teachers reported $61,015, up to $80,000. 

PayScale establishes a salary range of $34,000 to $75,000 for secondary school teachers, based on 1,273 reportings. 

Again, these numbers represent reported salaries and do not breakout teachers holding advanced degrees, but it may be assumed that such teachers will earn within the higher end of the brackets. Salaries will greatly depend on the state and district where graduates work, since geographic location is a huge factor impacting salaries. Other factors include years of experience and the scope of responsibility and specific duties. 

The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is another great resource for examining salary and other employment-related metrics. Their online Occupational Outlook Handbook listings for High School teachers states that the 2018 Median Pay is $60,320 per year, but this is with a bachelor’s degree. Per BLS, the highest paid 10% made over $97,500. Interestingly, it also notes that local secondary schools earned an average of $61,040, whereas private schools paid an average of $54,150. 

In 2018, there were 1,072,500 High School teachers, and BLS predicts a 4% job growth, which is roughly the same as the average for all other careers. However, they also note that teachers qualified in math, science, English as a second language, and special education will be in higher demand than others. 

The highest number of employees were in the states of California, Texas, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The highest concentration of employees were in Missouri, Ohio, Maine, Arkansas, and Connecticut. New York and California teachers had the highest salaries, with averages of $85,300 and $80,510, respectively.

In 2018, there were 615,700 Middle School teachers, and they earned a Median Pay of $58,600 per year. The job outlook for this area is 3% growth through 2028. The highest number of employees were in the states of Texas, California, New York, Ohio, and Florida. The highest concentration of employees were in West Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, and Maine. New York Middle School teachers earned the most, at $83,490, followed by Massachusetts at $79,030 a year. 

The BLS Occupational Employment Statistics pages for each category feature specifics on state and metropolitan area profiles, employment numbers, and annual mean wages.

NOTABLE STATISTICS

A University of Pennsylvania study “Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America’s Teachers” revealed that 33% of teachers quit their job within three years. The rate goes up to 46% within the first five years. 

According to the Chicago Tribune, surveys showed that the military and teachers contribute the most to society’s well-being.

The pay gap between genders was once essentially bragged about, when the Littleton School Committee in Massachusetts proclaimed it was “poor policy to pay a man” to be a teacher when women were not only better at it but worked at “one third of the price.” Granted, this was back in 1849, but still!

Teachers across the nation continue to pay out of pocket for classroom supplies which are necessary but not funded by their respective schools. As one middle school teacher in New York noted to Business Insider, they paid “at least $500 to $1000 on supplies.” 

NeaToday noted that 94% of teachers used their own money, with an average of $479 spent per year for supplies. 

In terms of demographics, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of female public school teachers has increased from 75% in 2000 to 77% by 2016, and the number of White teachers dropped from 84% to 80% percent, while the number of Black teachers also dropped from 8% to 7%. Hispanic teachers increased from 6% to 9%. 

During the same period, the number of teachers with a post baccalaureate degree rose from 47% to 57%, showing a significant trend in advanced degree attainment.

Pupil/teacher ratios since 2008 have increased at public schools and were at 16.0 as of 2015. The private school ratio was 11.9 in that year. The average public secondary school class size in 2012 was 26.8 pupils.

There are many misconceptions about teachers, including working hours. When classes let out, this is not the end of the workday! Most teachers come early to prepare, work late, and take assignments home for grading. 

Per NECS, the average teacher in a public school has 14 years of experience and works ~53 hours a week. 

55% of teachers said they were unsatisfied with their salaries. Teachers in unions or education associations were significantly more likely to be satisfied.

During an interview with NPR, Linda Darling-Hammond, the president of the Learning Policy Institute, discussed the institute’s report which noted that half of all schools and 90% of high-poverty schools struggle to find qualified special education teachers. 

Darling-Hammond further noted that, “…1 in 5 teachers in high-minority schools and high-poverty schools is unprepared for teaching.”

Corporal punishment in schools is prohibited in most states, but still legal in 19 of them. 

Now that your mind is filled with notable statistics and trivia related to the world of education, and you’ve reviewed the application tips, notes on funding, and employment stats, it’s time to move on. So get out those notebooks and prepare to dive into our list of the Best Master’s Programs in Secondary Education in the nation! 

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

We have a time-tested four-part formula designed for ranking the best colleges in the nation that we’d love to share with you. We prioritize four major factors: Earnings Potential, Affordability, Student Satisfaction, and Selectivity. Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success. We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions, or financial incentives. Our revenue and content are completely separate, and sponsored schools have no impact on our rankings. The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program! 

WHAT ARE THE BEST MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:

40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni 

30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year 

30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.

#1. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING IN ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

A relatively new member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the University of California, Irvine, offers a dynamic and practical Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary and secondary education (M.A.T.) via their School of Education. With an emphasis on “Learning to Learn from Teaching,” grad students in UCI’s program explore exactly how their teaching methods can affect their own future K-12 students in the classroom. 

The 14-month M.A.T. can be completed with either a Single Subject Credential, for those wishing to teach math, social science, English, science, or art at the middle/high school level; or a Multiple Subject Credential, which preps candidates to teach across the range of elementary subject areas. 

Per the M.A.T. program’s homepage, applicants must complete certain steps before admission, to include: passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test, passing California Subject Matter Tests or a subject-matter preparation program in the content area, and obtaining a valid California-issued Certificate of Clearance or Substitute Teaching Permit. Lastly, applicants must have proof of a recent, negative tuberculosis (TB) test result.

The Program of Study offers options for Single or Multiple Subject Credentials. It doesn’t lay out the exact course load per quarter but does list a breakout of courses held. All classes must be passed with a grade of at least a B. 

An example of the dozens of course offerings throughout the academic year include: 

• Children’s Sense Making in Science
• Outcomes of Schooling/Student Assessment
• Culture, Diversity, and Educational Equity
• Teaching Physical and Health Education in Elementary School

• Curriculum and Methods for Elementary School Reading

• Teaching the Visual and Performing Arts in Elementary School
• Supervised Teaching in Bilingual Education, Elementary

UCI’s General Catalogue features full descriptions of each course. 

After coursework is finished, students must pass a comprehensive exam in their second Summer quarter, via EDUC 248 Understanding Teacher Agency. 

For students in the Multiple Subject option – during the first quarter of student teaching, they must complete full days, four times a week. During the second quarter, they’ll do five days a week. Single Subject candidates teach five days a week for the duration of a public school semester. 

To qualify for student teaching, candidates will be assessed by the quality of their academic output, professional conduct, and potential for success. Those unable to advance to student teaching will be considered for removal from the M.A.T. program.

To acquire a California Credential, candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, hold a CPR certificate, and pass a Teaching Performance Assessment. Once the basic credential is obtained, students can add more teaching authorizations later. 

Admissions requirements for UCI’s rigorous M.A.T. program include submission of the following: 

• official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (see notes on the program’s page for important details)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation showing ability to pursue graduate-level studies, ability to work with children, and fitness for the teaching environment

At the University of California, Irvine, students have ample opportunity to decompress after putting in a hard day of student and teaching. The Claire Trevor School of the Arts offers an abundance of art, music, theater, and dance options to partake in. 

There’s also a wide range of men and women’s athletics programs, including basketball, baseball, volleyball, water polo, track and field, tennis, soccer, and more! UCI prides itself in strong alumni networks as well, including the Anteater Network and Student Alumni Association. 

#2. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – PLATTEVILLE

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION 

The University of Wisconsin in historic Platteville is a comprehensive university belonging to one of the country’s largest public education systems! By combining a small college town atmosphere with the financial resources of a renowned educational behemoth, UW-Platteville can stand truly unique among peers as an educational leader!

Their Master of Science in Education gives students the foundation necessary to craft practical lessons while learning how to engage in diverse school environments using modern instructional methods. Students also dive into research methodology as well as practicing leadership and mentoring. 

With small student/faculty ratio averages—20:1—learners are given the individualized attention they need to succeed as they progress through the milestones of the program. Courses can be taken in the evenings, on weekends, and over the summer, allowing for maximum flexibility for those with hectic schedules. 

Degrees may be customized to the desires and career goals of every student through three area focuses: 

• K-12 
• Adult education
• Counseling

The first option, K-12, focuses on the development of skills in research, instruction, and leadership for those planning to teach at elementary, middle, or high schools. This emphasis can lead to licensure in categories such as educational administration, reading, or cross-categorical special ed.

The second choice is adult education, which homes in on abilities such as designing, delivering, and assessing adult learning programs. 

Finally, students selecting the counseling focus area can learn about jobs within the realm of mental health diagnosis and treatment, substance abuse, and human services. This option is approved through the Department of Safety and Professional Services for the Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training program. 

Applicants interested in any of the above options must submit a request for more information directly to UW-Platteville to receive full details about the degree program. For admissions, applicants must send in transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.75. International degrees are considered on a case-by-case basis. No more than twelve transfer credits with a grade of B- or higher will be considered. 

Campus life at UW-Platteville is lively, with over 80 annual events and 200 clubs and organizations. The school is also home to 16 NCAA Division III sports and the Pioneer Activity Center. 

Under the Division of Diversity and Inclusion are several offices dedicated to ensuring students from all walks of life are well taken care of. These include the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, International Programs section, Student Support Services, Services for Students with Disabilities, the Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students, and the Doyle Center for Gender and Sexuality. And with an alumni network of over 44,000 Platteville Pioneer spread out around the nation, the school keeps up strong ties with students long after graduation. 

Always highly ranked across the spectrum, one of UW-Platteville’s proudest claims to fame is its No. 1 in the state ranking for best Return On Investment. It also comes in at an impressive No. 24 in Top Public Schools on U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings for 2020! 

#3. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

As the No. 1 school in innovation rankings from U.S. News & World Report, ASU continues to set the pace for others to follow! So what better place to learn about innovative educational techniques than here? 

Students ready to tackle an advanced degree to boost their teaching careers should strongly consider ASU’s Master of Education in secondary education (MEd). Taught by the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, the program is for individuals who want to teach in Grades 6-12, and is offered at ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus, Polytechnic campus, Tempe campus, and West campus. 

The program ties theory together with hands-on practice, allowing students to build a rock-solid foundation in teaching and content knowledge, learned from ASU’s expert faculty. Grad students should expect to complete diligent research via a culminating action research applied project, as well as finish clinical experiences and/or field placements which help develop a thorough grasp of how to take what they’ve learned and apply it in actual school settings.

The MEd in secondary education offers a teacher certification through one of three formats to select from:

• Master’s and Arizona Certification – the traditional format, where students attend class twice a week at night and finish field experiences once a week for two semesters, plus a full-time teaching experience in their last semester.
• Induction, Master’s and Arizona Certification – for students working on a teaching intern certificate and who have a full-time teaching job. Students will take classes once a week in this option, while enrolled in apprentice teaching coursework.
• Robert Noyce Teacher Scholars program – for U.S. residents holding a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree and wanting to teach middle school math or science. 

ASU’s MEd degree requires 33 credit hours in total, including:

• 18 credit hours of required core classes
  • RDG 507 – Content Area Literacy 
  • SED 501 – Introduction to Effective Instruction
  • SED 522 – Secondary School Curriculum Development 
  • SED 544 – Creating Classroom Climates 
  • SPE 555 – Inclusive Practices for Diverse Learners 
  • TEL 505 – American Educational Policy 
• 12 credit hours in the students’ chosen track (students are requested to contact the department for a full list of track course options)
• Culminating Experience of three credit hours, during which time students work with their instructor to develop an action research cycle and to evaluate educational research related to a problem
• SED 593 – Applied Project (three credit hours)

The Program Handbook offers details regarding program of study specifics, as well as details related to the individual campus offerings since the degree is offered in more than one location. 

Many engineering students take advantage of ASU’s accelerated program, which lets students work on a bachelor’s and Master’s at the same time through any of the following ASU engineering degree plans: Automotive Systems, Electrical Systems, Humanitarian Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Systems, or Robotics.

To apply for admission to ASU’s MEd, students need to submit:

• official transcripts showing a bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any field, from an accredited institution
• minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work or 3.00 cumulative GPA in a Master’s (if applicable)
• three letters of recommendation from individuals who can explain the applicant’s potential for success 
• a personal statement outlining the student’s reason for applying
• a resume
• proof of English proficiency, for students whose native language isn’t English 
• no GRE scores required

Renowned as one of the top 100 universities in the world for research and teaching by Times Higher Education, ASU has been dubbed as their “New American University” for good reason. Apply and find out why!

#4. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – ​MADISON

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

If you’re passionate about diversity and learning and ready to effect real change as a teacher, then you’ve got something in common with the UW-Madison’s Master of Science in curriculum & instruction program! 

Graduates of this secondary education degree program will be certified in one subject area plus teaching English as a second language (ESL). This dual certification degree was crafted so graduates can go out and make the world a better place. By gaining skills and tools to become savvy classroom and community leaders, students will be ready for the challenges ahead in their future careers! 

The coursework is combined with amble community and classroom fieldwork, which necessitates full commitment over the course of an academic year plus two summer periods. As such, the school advises on their FAQ page that students pursuing the degree will likely not have time to work full-time while fulfilling the necessary, time-intensive program requirements. 

The four subject areas offered in the UW-Madison MS program are: 

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

Please visit the pages associated with the subject areas you’re interested in, to review the prerequisites, as well as pertinent, teaching related certification topics. These pages also state the unique criteria which UW-Madison’s School of Education uses to assess each application. 

For example, one assessment question is, “Does the applicant show a genuine commitment to working with all children, not just the privileged or highly motivated?”

Sample course topics within the program include: Inclusive Education in Secondary Schools, Learning Second Languages and Literacy, Professional Launch Workshops, Digital Media & Instructional Technology, Legal Rights and Responsibilities, and Adolescent Development in Educational Contexts, among others. 

New MS students are only admitted during Summer term. The general Grad School application process involves submitting: 

• Transcripts showing proof of a relevant undergraduate degree (note, the relevance of the degree depends on which of the above subject areas the candidate selects to pursue. For example: for the science area, students should possess a degree in biology or a life science-related major, environmental science, geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, etc.)
• GRE scores (waived if GPA is 3.0 or more on the last 60 credits of undergrad work)
• A one-page statement of purpose 
• A Resume/CV citing academic and professional experience
• Two, but up to three, letters of recommendation 
• For international applicants, submission of TOEFL score 92/120, plus proof of funding

Note, UW-Madison’s program is highly competitive and offers in-depth specifications related to each of the above on the Applications Requirements page. The information is extensive, so we encourage you to review everything in detail. 

The 936-acre campus enjoys the spectrum of four seasons, with an abundance of indoor and outdoor opportunities for students to keep busy. The school, founded in 1848, has had 41 Pulitzer Prize winners and receives a truly breathtaking $1.2 billion a year for research expenditures. Both the school and town of Madison receive top reviews from students who love the area. In 2018, UW-Madison was the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers, and holds the No. 13 in Top Public Schools for 2020, per U.S. News & World Report. 

#5. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION (ELEMENTARY EDUCATION)

The University of Southern Mississippi, also known as Southern Miss, was founded in 1910 as a teacher training institution and has been a leader in that arena ever since! To help spread their reach, the school’s College of Education and Human Sciences has created an entirely online Master of Education in educational curriculum and instruction (elementary education). This part-time, 30-credit hour program is made to be finished in just three short semesters, allowing for an expeditious path to an advanced degree while also offering the flexibility needed for working students. 

To be admitted into the Southern Miss M.Ed. program, applicants should hold both a degree in elementary education and a current elementary education teaching license.

Students work with faculty and other students on action research projects which will benefit local classrooms and school districts in the state. Topics covered in the curriculum include learning about trends and policies in education, disciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge, advanced practices, and enhanced communication techniques which improve relations with coworkers, parents, administrators, and even the media. 

Graduates leave well-equipped with the skills and experiences to succeed in teaching across a range of educational situations. Listed career options for holders of this degree include AA licensed teacher, teacher leader, and literacy coordinator/coach. 

The Southern Miss M.Ed. meets state requirements for advanced licensure and provides an optional endorsement in gifted education. Out-of-state licensure inquiries may be sent using the school’s Professional Licensure Form.

Courses necessary to complete the degree include: 

• CIE 606 – Teaching Language Arts in the Elementary Grades 
• CIE 691 – Research in Reading (up to 16 hours)
• CIE 724 – Elementary Mathematics Methods 
• CIE 725 – Social Studies Education in Elementary School 
• CIE 728 – Curriculum in the Elementary School 
• CIE 776 – Seminar in Early Childhood Education
• Plus twelve hours of advisor-approved electives 

To be considered for admission, students must submit the following: 

• Proof of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
• GRE or Praxis II Subject Assessment Examination scores
• Three letters of recommendation from education professionals able to assess the applicant’s suitability
• A statement of purpose outlining professional experience and goals
• A resume/CV
• Copy of current educator license (those without this license may be considered for admission on a conditional basis)

The General Academic Information for all Graduate Students page outlines the various criteria for staying in good standing, including the continuous enrollment policies, the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement for courses, integrity assurance training, the grading system, transfer credit policy, and several other useful tips relevant to Southern Miss grad students. 

Online students have access to several resources for online learners, including a full range of academic services, technical support with the Canvas learning platform, financial aid, and assistance with licensure, admissions, and class enrollment. Southern Miss has a proud alumni association, with amble career services and opportunities to connect with peers. 

The school is also home to the Golden Eagles and competes in 17 different Division I sports, and has been granted the prestigious status of being a Carnegie R1 research institution, meaning they have some of the highest research activity. That’s one more reason why the school lives up to its motto: “Southern Miss to the Top!”

#6. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF ARTS IN STEM EDUCATION

The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education has been a forward-thinking leader in the field since 1891. With a motto to “Reimagine Education,” the college is greatly invested in the pursuit of equality and the elimination of educational disparities as they seek to determine unique individual needs and build upon existing strengths. 

Their Master of Arts in STEM education (which also comes in a Master of Education option) offers students a chance to explore STEM education from an academic research angle, working alongside faculty to investigate current issues in the field. Students can select to do a 36-credit hour thesis option or 33-credit hour non-thesis option. 

The general course breakdown includes twelve hours of core courses, nine hours of STEM-specific courses, six hours of research methodology, and three to six hours of supporting courses, depending on if the student is doing a six-hour thesis or not. 

Core courses are: 

• STM 385 – Knowing and Learning in STEM Education
• STM 386 – Curriculum History in STEM Education

Plus two classes from below: 

• STM 390-1 – Equity in STEM Education
• STM 390-2 – Research on Teaching and Teacher Development in STEM Education
• STM 390-3 – Systemic Reform in STEM Education
• STM 390T – Advanced Topics in STEM Education 

STEM classes must be taken at the upper division undergraduate or graduate level. Research methodology classes will cover design or quantitative/qualitative research, as approved by an advisor. The supporting classes are meant to both broaden and deepen understanding of work being done. The thesis, if selected, covers two semesters and will be completed in accordance with the school’s Format Guidelines. 

Students can view a sample Plan of Study with Thesis or Plan of Study, Non-Thesis online. 

As mentioned, a Master of Education option is available. To qualify, students must be certified to teach at the elementary or secondary level.

Admission requirements for UT Austin’s graduate program are:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA during the last two years of undergraduate work (note: teaching experience may be considered if GPA is less than 3.0). 
• GRE scores
• A statement of purpose between one to three pages, discussing applicant’s current roles, desired area of specialization, and future goals 
• A resume/CV
• Three letters of reference
• International students will submit TOEFL scores showing at least 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT), or IELTS scores with an overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination. There may also be a brief, no-cost English language evaluation 

UT Austin’s College of Education currently has 969 graduate students and is ranked No. 13 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Schools list for 2020. It’s also No. 4 in their Curriculum and Instruction rankings for public schools! 

The diverse faculty department is filled to the brim with numerous fellowship recipients and prestigious award winners. And as for the University of Texas at Austin itself? The home of the Longhorns is cited as the No. 7 Best U.S. Public College by Business First (2019) and was Kiplinger’s No. 8 Best Value Public Colleges in 2018. There’s always something big happening at UT Texas!

#7. INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

At 200 years old, Indiana University is doing better than ever! With over 94,000 students, including 8,500 international students, the institution is one of the most welcoming in the country, with over a 79% admissions rate! But hospitality isn’t its only special feature. IU stays on the cutting-edge of innovation, hauling in an eye-popping $604 million in external funding for research and other activities in 2018 alone. 

IU’s promise is to contribute towards the goal of building a brighter future for all. One of the leading ways it works towards that goal is through teacher education. The IU campus at Bloomington is host to several graduate programs in the field, including a Master of Education in elementary education (early childhood education track). Offered by the School of Education, this is currently a 36-credit hour, in-residence program for those with a teaching license in the same area and who want to advance their career. It’s also expected that applicants should hold a degree in early childhood or elementary education.

The M.S.Ed. builds upon existing experience to facilitate learning to administer early education programs, design curricula, and increase understanding of child development. 

Degree requirements include: 

• Major core classes in:
  • E505 – Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs 
  • E506 – Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
  • E508 – Seminar in Early Childhood Education 
  • E525 – Advanced Curriculum Study in Early Childhood Education 
  • J500 – Instruction in the Context of Curriculum

There is also a Foundations requirement of P515 – Child Development, plus an additional course in the history or philosophy of education. 

Next come nine to twelve electives which may or may not come from within the School of Education but do need to have a “unified focus” and advisor-approval. Suggested electives are in the fields of: sociology, library science, psychology, folklore, and language education. 

Lastly, students must complete their thesis in education and a practicum/Internship. 

Admission requirements for Indiana University’s M.S.Ed are: 

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 
• Transcripts
• A personal statement
• 2 letters of recommendation
• GRE scores are required from:
  • domestic students will a cumulative GPA under 3.0
  • all international students
• For international students: a resume and TOEFL score from last two years

Grad students will appreciate the school’s wide range of educational research centers which strive to serve educators throughout the state and beyond, as well as acting within the local communities by offering various important services to those in need. There is also an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) program designed to help individuals with severe language or communication challenges.  

IU Bloomington features countless student resources for academics, student affairs, international services, tutoring, military students, and IT resources. Cream and crimson-clad Hoosiers can enjoy over 750 diverse student organizations and 70+ clubs and intramural sports. And graduates can reap the professional rewards of being plugged into a massive global alumni network with over 690,000 members!

U.S. News & World Report ranked the School of Education at No. 28 on their Best Grad Schools in Education list for 2020, as well as No. 12 in Elementary Teacher Education and No. 13 in Secondary Teacher Education. With nearly two centuries of experience, it’s no wonder IU Bloomington is so far ahead of the pack! 

#8. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PA GRADES 7-12 CERTIFICATION

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania (also known simply as Penn) is a private Ivy League institution with historically tough admissions standards. But for those up to the challenge, it’s well worth it! 

The University of Pennsylvania’s M.S.Ed. in secondary education with PA Grades 7-12 certification may be a mouthful, but its unique Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program (UTAP) is an invaluable means of learning the ropes in a practice-based format. Participants will discover the most student-centered techniques and innovative tools to use within urban environments, building on prior coursework while engaging in genuine field experiences. 

The 10-month, cohort-based teaching apprenticeship covers a whopping 800 hours of fieldwork – nearly double the amount of typical programs. Grads of UTAP can expect to come out empowered with the knowledge and skills to impact their students and schools while increasing educational equity. Certifications are generally done within the fields of English, math, social studies, and science. The student’s chosen focus area will dictate which of two concentrations they’ll be placed in – STEM Inquiry or Active Learning in the Humanities.

The first Summer term will focus on learners, neighborhoods, and community in Philadelphia. Classes will include:  

• EDUC 544 – School, Society & Self
• EDUC 554 – Building and Managing Collaborative Learning Environments in Urban Contexts 
• EDUC 540 – Introduction to Teaching Diverse Learners 

In addition, there is a requirement to complete 20+ hours of fieldwork in local summer programs. Sample programs and locations include: 

Neighborhood – Site

South Philadelphia – Migrant Education

Center City – Philadelphia Free Library

West Philadelphia – White Rock Church Community Summer Enrichment Program

Kensington – Gear-Up

The Fall term dives into curriculum and pedagogy within various disciplines. Courses include topics such as Developmental Theories & Applications with Adolescents; Teaching and Learning in Student-Centered Classrooms; methods in Math, Science, Social Studies and English; and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. There is also more fieldwork, in the form of a year placement at a local public school during the mornings, serving as a student-teaching apprentice in Grades 7-12. 

Spring term focuses on PRAXIS or putting educational theory into practice as they build their Inquire Portfolio of projects. Courses during this term cover more STEM Field Methods for Inquiry in Secondary Schools, or Humanities Field Methods for Inquiry in Secondary Schools, plus courses in Advanced Methods for Math, Science, Social Studies, and English, and Teaching Diverse Learners. In addition, fieldwork at this point requires teaching five days a week. 

UTAP Students may seek to acquire dual certifications such as math and science, or English and history. They can also obtain additional certifications after graduation in language diversity or special education, by doing apprenticeships and working with partner schools, taking a specialty seminar, and finishing extra coursework during the first year of teaching, in some cases. 

After finishing UTAP, fully qualified students are eligible to receive program faculty recommendation for Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Instructional 1 certification. Please view the program site for a full list of requirements. 

To apply to the University of Pennsylvania’s competitive program, students should submit: 

• Transcripts
• A statement of purpose 
• A resume describing education objectives, interests, and background
• Letters of recommendation from persons who can discuss the applicant’s professionalism, values, character, and interests
• Note, this specific program isn’t listed as requiring GRE test scores, but double check with the Graduate School
• For international students whose native language isn’t English: TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS scores are required of applicants whose native language is not English.

University of Pennsylvania is ranked No. 6 in National Universities (tie) and No. 15 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in America. 

#9. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH TEACHER LICENSURE

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been a breakout leader in education since its earliest days when John Milton Gregory, the first president, chose to root the institution in liberal arts traditions rather than strictly agriculture and industry. That spirit of intrepidness continues within the College of Education, through which Illinois offers several graduate programs, including a secondary education master plus teacher licensure (EdM). 

The program leads to a Master’s as well as initial licensure in English/language arts, science, mathematics, or social science/history in grades 9-12. The program main page lists breakouts for each available EdM option: 

• English Plus Teaching Licensure Master of Education
• Mathematics Plus Teaching Licensure Master of Education 
• Science Plus Teaching Licensure Master of Education 
• Social Studies Plus Teaching Licensure Master of Education

The English option, for example, has a content area courses requirement of either an undergrad major in English or 32 semester hours of specific language arts topics. Applicants’ transcripts will be reviewed to ensure these criteria are met. 

Admitted students will complete a professional sequence plan of study to include: 

• CI 401 E – Introductory Teaching in a Diverse Society
• CI 473 – Disciplinary Literacy
• CI 403 E – Teaching a Diverse High School Student Population
• CI/EPSY 485 – Assessing Student Performance
• SPED 405 – General Educator’s Role in Special Education (SPED) or SPED 517 – Disability Issues in SPED
• CI 404 E – Teaching and Assessing Secondary School Students
• EDPR 442 – Educational Practice in Secondary Education (Student Teaching)

Note: before beginning the student teaching portion, students must first pass Illinois-approved test of basic skills (i.e. the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency, ACT, or SAT), as well as the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) English language arts content area test.

The Illinois program also maintains a strict GPA requirement of 2.5 for all content and professional education work and a Graduate GPA of 3.0. No classes with a grade lower than C can be used towards licensure, endorsement, or approvals. One final state requirement is the edTPA assessment. 

In addition to completing the above, EdM students will take two or three 500-level courses in education (depending on whether SPED 517 – Disability Issues is taken), and one four-credit hour foundational course on Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. 

Advisors can assist to ensure the plan of study includes necessary teaching licensure courses in Psychological Foundations in Educational Psychology and Philosophical and Social Foundations in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership (if not already built into the specialization curriculum). 

Application requirements include: 

• Selection of a specialization
• A personal statement describing professional experiences and prior academic work (minimum 500 words) 
• A Resume/CV
• Three letters of reference from persons with knowledge of the applicant’s academic/professional performance and potential for success in the program
• Transcripts showing at least a 3.0 GPA
• A content test in the appropriate area (note: it’s recommended to submit scores with the application) 
• International students have various criteria to meet, including English proficiency exam score minimums and proof of funding

Illinois is ranked No. 48 in National Universities for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report. Check out the College of Education’s 2018 Impact Report to see stats and goals specific to the department and read up on the faculty bios and latest research developments!

#10. UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

MASTER’S OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATION, CULTURE, & SOCIETY WITH SECONDARY LICENSURE

The University of Utah is the oldest higher ed institution in the state, and home to Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes Scholars, Nobel Prize recipients, Turing Award winners, MacArthur Fellows, and a pair of astronauts! U of U faculty consistently garner some of the highest honors and achievements in the world because of the total commitment to excellence! 

This same dedication is offered from their Department of Education, via a secondary teacher education program which gives students both the foundation and experience to excel in increasingly diverse classroom environments within the region. The program combines the secondary licensure program in the Urban Institute for Teacher Education (UITE) with a Master’s of Education in education, culture, & society (ECS).

Emphasis is placed on how to manage family and community partnerships, understanding urban contexts of teaching and learning, linguistic diversity, and creating equitable, challenging learning opportunities. The curriculum includes 58 hours towards licensure and six hours of approved elective credit towards the advanced graduate requirement (taken once licensure is finished), for a total of 64 program hours.  

Admissions criteria are listed on the program’s supplemental packet and on the Grad School admissions page. Requirements include: 

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (see notes on the application page, if GPA is below 3.0)

• Official copies of transcripts from all colleges 
• A personal statement (note: there will be specific questions to address, such as, “What are some of your goals, aspirations, and research interests, and how will these help develop, enhance, and define the ECS department?” and “How do you envision contributing to and affecting social justice in education?”)
• A resume showing relevant experiences in equity and diversity in educational settings
• Letters of recommendation
• No GRE required

The UITE also offers graduate degrees in educational leadership and policy and world languages. Check out their faculty, honors faculty, and graduate assistants pages to learn more about the amazing department personnel you could be working with! The Teacher Education Licensure Data 2019 Annual Report offers valuable insights into the program’s impacts and success outcome rates! 

The campus is dedicated to safety and support, and runs several programs built to ensure all students are able to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. The University of Utah has a vibrant, diverse range of arts organizations for students to participate in and enjoy, such as the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, UtahPresents and Pioneer Theatre Company). In fact the Arts are so popular, they’ve created an Arts Pass to offer student discounts to the literally hundreds of art experiences around the campus each year. Sports fans have plenty to root about, too! U of U is also home to several men’s and women’s sports and Utes Pac-12 athletics. 

U of U comes in at No. 104 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings. The school’s prime location in Salt Lake City guarantees that students will always have plenty of activities to engage in—from skiing, access to national parks, urban venues and shows, and NBA games, the city’s got something for everyone! 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California

Degree: Master of Arts in Education and a preliminary California Single Subject Teaching Credential Secondary

Net Price: $16,695

Website          

#12. University of Virginia 

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Degree: Master of Teaching Social Studies Education

Net Price: $15,945

Website

#13. University of Alabama in Huntsville

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Degree: Master of Education in Secondary Education

Net Price: $14,190

Website

#14. University of Illinois at Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Degree: Master of Science in Teaching in Secondary School Mathematics

Net Price: $11,571

Website

#15. University of Washington – Seattle

Location: Seattle, Washington

Degree: Master of Teaching in Secondary Teacher Education

Net Price: $10,068

Website

#16. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Degree: Secondary Teacher Education Preparation

Net Price: $13,265

Website   

#17. University of Mississippi

Location: University, Mississippi

Degree: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Net Price: $14,678

Website

#18. Montana State University

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Degree: Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education

Net Price: $14,953

Website      

#19. University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Degree: Secondary Education Teacher Education

Net Price: $14,161

Website

#20. Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Degree: Teacher Education Program

Net Price: $16,205

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS & BEST ONLINE MASTER’S OF HEALTH EDUCATION!

As the world becomes increasingly digital, opportunistic criminals find new ways to exploit our data and wreak havoc on business and daily living in the online space. 

How can these criminals be stopped? It isn’t easy, but it starts with staying ahead of them at all times, knowing exactly what their next moves might be—and how to intervene before they make those moves. 

When you earn a master’s degree in information assurance, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to protect the integrity and confidentiality of our most important asset—data. Companies in just about every industry rely on computer networks, the internet, and digital systems. While these systems can be a godsend, allowing companies to conduct business with other corporations all over the world, they also put sensitive information at risk. 

As an information assurance professional, your job will be to create a safe environment for businesses and individuals to access information. You’ll help companies learn how they can leverage their data without exposing themselves to unreasonable amounts of risk. 

Information assurance refers to protecting both digital and nondigital data, records, and information. It is incredibly broad, allowing you to work with organizations of all kinds to help them assess their security risks and potential solutions so they can safeguard their information from potential attacks.

A truly one-of-a-kind field, information assurance didn’t really exist as a discipline until recent years. The growth of computer hackers and cyber threats has dramatically increased the demand for information assurance and security professionals among government agencies and companies. 

When you earn a master’s in information assurance, you’ll not only gain the education and credentials you need to intervene, but you’ll also develop strong leadership skills that will enable you to pursue the best-paying and most top-ranked positions. 

Information assurance is often confused with cybersecurity. While the two fields are incredibly similar, there are a few differences. While both involve data and data security, information assurance is a broader program that involves the creation of large-scale strategies (while cybersecurity usually focuses on the installation of protective systems).

The good news? Earning a degree doesn’t have to be expensive, especially not when you choose to enroll in one of the 20 Best Affordable Master’s in Information Assurance. These degrees pair affordable tuition with generous financial aid opportunities, making it possible for students of all backgrounds to gain the credentials they need to get ahead in the fast-paced world of information assurance.

Most master’s degrees in information assurance take around two years to complete, although some offer accelerated pathways that make it possible for you to finish up in as little as 12 to 18 months. There are even part-time options you can pursue, helping to make your degree not only more affordable, since you can continue to work, but also more convenient. 

Ready to get started? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the best information assurance degrees, from how to apply to how much money you might expect to make. 

See Also: 30 Best Online MBA in Information Systems

Common Application and Admission Questions

The courses you might take as part of your affordable master’s in information assurance will vary depending on where you choose to go to school and which (if any) concentrations you decide to pursue. You might take classes in things like network security, cybersecurity, computer forensics, database management, and legal and ethical issues in information assurance.

You’ll want to carefully consider the courses you might want to take, along with how long it will take you to earn your degree, as you begin narrowing down the list of schools to which you’d like to apply. Most master’s degrees require between 30 and 40 credit hours of coursework, with some available on both a full- and part-time basis. There are accelerated programs available, too, so most programs make it possible for you to complete your degree in as little as one year or to take up to six years to finish your degree, if you choose. 

You will also want to look for a program that offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. An internship is often the best way to do this. Even if you decide to pursue an online master’s in information assurance, look for a degree that includes an internship so you can gain some real-world experience. 

When you’ve narrowed down the list of schools to just a handful that you’d like to apply to, it’s time to dust off that resume and begin working on your applications. Admissions requirements vary between schools, but in general, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to information assurance in order to apply.

For example, you might be asked to have complete coursework in things like cybersecurity, data security, or computer programming. All of these classes will help provide you with the foundational skills you need to be successful in information assurance. Similarly, you may be asked to have completed undergraduate coursework in statistics, calculus, and algebra.

You will need to provide transcripts from any undergraduate coursework you have completed, often meeting certain minimum GPA requirements. Usually, the minimum GPA required is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but this can vary depending on the competitiveness of the university to which you choose to apply. 

In addition to transcripts, you will also need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, in most cases. Though some universities no longer require these examinations, they serve as a good gauge of a student’s readiness to attend a graduate-level program.

These documents show your academic readiness, but the list of requirements typically does not end there. You will likely also need to submit things like a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Sometimes an interview with the admissions department is required as well. All of these documents showcase your professional readiness as well as how much work experience you have, two criteria that can be helpful as you complete your studies in information assurance.

See Also: Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Earning a degree is no small task—but that doesn’t mean your student loan debt has to be astronomical. Instead, look and apply for all the financial aid and scholarships you can find.

When searching for the best affordable master’s in information assurance, look for a degree that couples low tuition rates with generous financial aid. Don’t panic if a school’s “sticker price” seems high. Often, private schools have higher tuition and fees but wind up being much more affordable for students to attend because they offer more extensive financial aid packages. 

Closely compare the costs and financial aid offered by each school to which you are accepted. Read the fine print! 

Of course, your first step in receiving financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA. This form can be completed in the year in which you plan to attend school and takes a close look at your financial standing to determine your financial aid eligibility. You may be asked to submit documents like your W2s, tax returns, and other proof of your financial background. 

Both the federal and state government will use this information to determine whether you might qualify for grants, loans, and work-study. Even if you don’t think you will be eligible for any financial aid, it’s important that you take the time to complete this document. That’s because many universities use the information provided therein to determine your institutional aid eligibility. 

Most universities offer financial aid to graduate students in the form of grants and assistantships. Assistantships, in particular, can be extremely valuable. Not only do these awards provide you with a generous stipend and tuition reimbursement (often the full cost of the program) but they also will grant you access to work experience in your field. As a graduate assistant, you may work in a research or teaching capacity, lending you a new level of expertise that will serve you well as you begin to search for jobs.

Of course, you don’t have to rely solely on the college you wind up attending in order to receive financial aid. There are many outside scholarships you can apply for, too. These don’t require repayment and are typically awarded by third-party entities such as charitable organizations, employers, and religious affiliations. 

There is a misconception that earning a graduate degree is more expensive than pursuing an undergraduate degree. That is simply not the case. While graduate tuition is generally pricier than undergraduate tuition, there are plenty of ways to lower your cost of attendance. If you already maxed out your budget while earning a bachelor’s, don’t assume that earning a master’s is out of reach financially. 

By exploring some of the options listed and described above, you may be able to earn a master’s degree for a fraction of the cost of what an undergraduate degree cost you. 

See Also: 25 Best Affordable Online MBA in Information Systems

How Much Can I Make With an Affordable Master’s in Information Assurance? 

Earn a degree in information assurance, and you’ll open up the door to a wide variety of careers. Some of the most common include those as chief information assurance officer, chief risk manager, chief technology officer, information security analyst, and IT security manager. 

Become a chief technology officer and you could earn an average wage of up to $146,360 per year, depending on where you live and for whom you work. In this kind of job, you’ll plan and direct all technology and computer-related activities in an organization, typically working full time to lead a team of fellow professionals. The growth rate for this career field is high, with anticipated growth in job creation by 10% before 2029. 

What’s interesting about the salary potential for this career is that the wages vary widely, with the lowest 10% bringing in around $87,480 (still a figure that’s nothing short of impressive!) and the best-paid professionals earning well over $208,000. 

As an information security analyst, you will be tasked with planning and carrying out security measures to safeguard an organization’s computer systems and networks. Although you’ll only technically need a bachelor’s degree in order to pursue one of these positions, you’ll have much better luck finding a high-paying job if you have a master’s degree and a bit of work experience. 

You’ll likely find work for a consulting firm, financial or business company, or a computer company. The average worker in this industry earns around $99,730 per year, or an impressive $47.95 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth rate for this career is also high, with an estimated 31% growth by 2029—or roughly 40,900 new jobs created in that time period. 

While earning a master’s degree in information assurance is one of the smartest ways to boost your potential career earnings, there are other ways you can improve your success when it comes to finding a job, too. 

For example, in addition to earning a master’s, you might pursue an additional certificate in a related area, such as cybersecurity. You should also take any and all opportunities you can find to participate in hands-on learning opportunities, such as research, internships, and cooperative learning experiences. 

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to join a few professional organizations, both before and after you complete your degree, too. Some of the most important organizations for information assurance professionals include the Information Systems Security Association International and the EC-Council. Joining one or both of these organizations will allow you to network with other professionals and stay on top of developments in the field—both of which can be incredibly valuable when it comes to finding and keeping a job.

See Also: 50 Best Online Cybersecurity Degree Masters

What Are the Best Information Assurance Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

#1. Sam Houston State University

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security

Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University is one of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi River. Named after Sam Houston the barrier-shattering politician, himself, this school continues to set records and make a solid impression even many years after its inception.

Here, the school has a motto of, “the measure of a life is its service,” something that rings true among the school’s more than 21,500 students. As an SHSU student, you’ll be able to explore all kinds of hands-on learning opportunities as you develop your skills and build your future career. 

First founded as a teacher’s college, Sam Houston State now offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in well over 100 different disciplines. Many of these are even offered exclusively online, helping students attend school in a more convenient and affordable manner without ever stepping foot on campus. 

Among these is the award-winning Master of Science in information assurance and security. This degree is one of the many top-ranked graduate degrees here—Sam Houston State is top-ranked by Forbes, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News & World Report.

This degree is perfect for graduates of computer science who are interested in increasing their earning potential and building their career networks. It consists of 36 credit hours of study and enrolls new groups of students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters alike. 

In this program, you will take core classes such as Operating System Security, Network and Cyber Security, Business Continuity Management, and Principle and Policy of Information Assurance. It is available both on-campus and online, with both programs fully accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. You can transfer in credits from other institutions to make your degree more affordable—but you’ll appreciate the low tuition rates and generous financial aid offered by this school regardless.

The degree is offered by the Department of Computer Science, a division that is known for offering a variety of scholarships and other financial aid. You will be automatically considered for some awards while applications are available online for others. 

Best yet, when you graduate from Sam Houston State, you’ll join an extensive alumni network of thousands of other graduates who know exactly what it means to be an SHSU grad. You’ll have access to ample job opportunities, regardless of whether you choose to earn your master’s in information assurance online or on campus.

To apply, you must submit a graduate application and an application fee. You will need to submit transcripts, an updated resume, official GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation. Although this program doesn’t technically have a minimum GPA cut-off, students with undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or higher will be given preference. Furthermore, you may qualify for a GRE requirement waiver if you already have another master’s degree or at least five years of work experience. 

#2. Iowa State University

Master of Science in Information Assurance 

A public land-grant research university, Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA. The largest university in the state, Iowa State is part of the Big 12 athletic conference, one of its most prominent claims to fame. The Cyclones complete Division I and have won numerous NCAA national championships. 

Chances are, though, that as an aspiring information assurance professional, you’re probably more interested in the winning nature of the school’s graduate degrees. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for in that regard, here, too. Iowa State offers graduate degrees within eight different colleges, including the Graduate College, with more than 112 different master’s degrees to choose from. 

The Master of Science in information assurance at Iowa State University is a multidisciplinary program that will provide you with the opportunity to become a professional in the field of information assurance. Uniquely offered by the Department of Political Science, the degree can be completed by itself or as a co-degree with a master’s degree in political science. 

You’ll take courses built around the electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, and computer science frameworks, allowing you to explore both the software and hardware aspects of computer security and cryptography. 

All in all, you’ll complete 30 credit hours of study including core and supplemental courses such as Computer Network Architectures, Business Process and Systems, Computer Security, Ethical and Legal Issues in Computer Security, and Fundamentals of Computer Programming. You may also choose to pursue a minor in a related field, such as cybersecurity. 

As a student in this program, you will learn how to design the next generation of cybersecurity protection devices and procedures as well as how to both prevent and solve cybercrimes. You’ll work closely with industry partners to help them develop solutions to ensure the safety and privacy of their data online. 

Before graduation, you will have the option of choosing between a thesis research project or a creative component that will allow you to bring together everything you have learned in one final project. The faculty who teach in this program are some of the best in the world, both nationally and internationally recognized for their teaching and research. 

You don’t have to pay a premium for that kind of quality, either. Iowa State is one of the most affordable universities in the country. Tuition is affordable, billed at a rate of $10,990 per year, not including books and supplies, personal expenses, or room and board. There are plenty of financial aid opportunities available, too.

To apply, you will need to have an undergraduate degree in a related field. You’ll submit official GRE scores, but this requirement is waived if you have at least five years’ worth of work experience. You’ll also need to submit three letters of recommendation and a personal statement. 

#3. Nova Southeastern University

Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity 

Nova Southeastern University is a private research university with a main campus in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL. with more than 18 different colleges, schools, and centers with 150 programs of study, this school is known as being one of the most accessible and affordable in the country. With more than 170,000 living alumni, the school offers full degrees, courses, and certificate programs that couple convenience with cost savings—many programs are available entirely online.

With hundreds of majors to choose from, this school is ranked by Washington Monthly as a top national university. It’s also highly regarded by the U.S. News & World Report for its diversity.  As a student in the Master of Science in information assurance and cybersecurity, you’re sure to find everything you’re looking for—and more.

This 30-credit hour degree is offered online as well as on-campus in South Florida. Designed for individuals who want to focus on the field of network security engineering, the program is certified by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The university offers a related program in cybersecurity management as well as in security policy development and compliance.

You can complete this program in as little as 12-14 months as a full-time student, or take as many as 24 months if you want to continue to work while you earn your degree. It consists of 30 credit hours of study, or ten core courses. You will learn from instructors who are all educated at the top levels of their field. All hold Ph.D.s and are considered experts in their fields of research. 

The courses you will take will vary depending on your interests and career goals. However, most students will take classes such as Database Systems, Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, Applied Cryptography, Computer Networks, and Operating Systems. Before you start your core courses, you will need to complete prerequisite classes in subjects like data structures and algorithms and computer organization and architecture.

By the time you graduate from this program, you will have the skills you need to pursue work in cybersecurity research, security policy development, and network security engineering, along with other related fields. An affordable program, it will prepare you for future opportunities as an information systems security officer,a cyber defense analyst, and much more. Tuition is incredibly low, with inclusive annual rates starting around $32,000. Of course, there are plenty of financial aid opportunities available, too, including grants and student loans. 

To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application and a $50 application fee. You’ll provide transcripts evidencing that you earned a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 and submit official transcripts from all institutions you have attended. You should also provide a resume. In some cases, an interview with a member of the faculty or admissions team may be required. 

#4. Norwich University

Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance

Located in quiet Northfield, VT, Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States. You don’t need to be interested in military service in order to attend this top-ranked school, of course—but it does offer pathways for students interested in ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps).

Norwich is a small university of around 4000 students, nearly half of which study in online programs. It offers just 29 majors spread out among six academic divisions. Unsurprisingly, the most popular major here is criminal justice, but the school’s other academic programs are also highly ranked (many of which receive top marks by U.S. News & World Report). 

The Master of Science in information security and assurance is one such degree. It has a concentration in computer forensics investigation as well as one in information assurance management that makes it stand out among its peers as a truly groundbreaking degree. It will help you develop the skills you need to obtain leadership in the competitive information assurance industry. You’ll take coursework covering everything from governance to business to policy decisions so that you can become the professional you’ve always dreamed of being. 

Offered by the Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Computing Department within the College of Professional Schools, Norwich University is within the top 7% in its return on investment, according to a Georgetown University study. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it’s easy to understand why that’s the case. You’ll have access to a rigorous academic environment, interactive classes, close mentoring relationships with your faculty, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. 

Available online as well as on-campus, this program provides students with access to the Center for Cybersecurity and Forensics Education and Research. This specialist learning environment fosters research and offers all kinds of outreach activities to help you develop in-demand skills. 

You’ll take core classes in the liberal arts, sciences, management, mathematics, and more, choosing a concentration in either information assurance management or forensics in your second year of study. Your classes will cover topics like counterterrorism, cybercrime infestation, malware analysis, penetration testing, threat analysis, and more. You will even be able to participate in a practicum that will give you practical skills in the concepts you learned in your courses, too.

From day one of your studies, you’ll work with a dedicated faculty advisor who will help you develop an individualized program based on your career goals. You’ll work in the classroom, the computer labs, and in the real world to build your skills. An affordable degree, it has an average net price of just $25,581 for most students. There are plenty of scholarships and other kinds of financial aid available.

When you are ready to apply, you can do so online by using the Common Application or the Norwich App, the university’s in-house form. You’ll need to send in supplemental items like your transcripts, an admissions essay, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Test scores are optional and there is no application fee required. 

#5. Regis University

Master of Science in Information Assurance

Regis University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Weston, MA. Originally founded as a women’s college in 1927, the school is now coeducational. A small university, Regis is home to just 3000 graduate and undergraduate students. 

Since it is so small, you’ll enjoy a small, close-knit learning environment here, with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 9:1. You’ll enjoy access to degrees within four schools along with numerous on-campus projects, centers, and programs to enhance your degree. Because of these hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll likely have no problem finding and securing a job after graduation. Regis has an employment rate of 97% within just six months of graduation!

The Master of Science in information assurance is a classic program at Regis that is ABET-accredited and offered both online and on-campus. It’s designated as a National Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since 2007. 

Because of this, as a student here, you’ll have unparalleled access to some of the best opportunities for hands-on learning and you’ll benefit from a more experiential approach to the discipline, too. Regis has partnerships with some of the top industries and agencies so you’ll be able to engage in all kinds of internships and cooperative learning experiences.

This program will teach you how to help keep technology and information safe and secure for organizations of all types and sizes. You can choose from multiple specializations to complete your degree. It consists of 36 credit hours in fields such as risk management, information systems management, security consulting, network forensic analysis, and more. 

Each class is taught in a convenient eight-week format with classes offered online and on-campus during the evenings. Most students take just one or two years to complete their degrees with start dates in January, March, May, July, August, and October. If you want to take classes exclusively on campus, you’ll start with the rest of the cohort in August.

Core classes include things like Information Technology Concepts, Computer Forensics, Network Forensics, and Legal Basis in Cyber and Information Security. You can choose from a specialization in information assurance policy management or cybersecurity. In addition, you can choose to add an additional graduate certificate in one of these two topics as well.

With this program, you’ll pay just $845 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable ways to earn your degree. Regis also offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and other programs to help you pay for school. 

To apply, you will need to submit a completed online application, a transcript, resume, and personal essay. You may qualify for prior learning credit for other life experiences, such as military service and previously earned course credit, too. Before starting your core courses, you will need to complete two prerequisite courses in Statistical Computing and Systems Analysis and Design. 

#6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance

A private university located in Daytona Beach, FL (with additional campuses in places like Prescott, AZ), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the largest accredited university system in aviation and aerospace in the United States. You don’t have to be interested in aeronautics to study here, though. The school also has programs in related fields like technology and engineering as well. 

Of course, Embry-Riddle is also well-regarded in terms of its affordability. With all course content taught by industry experts, this university offers numerous programs online as well as those offered at satellite campuses. In most cases, you don’t have to come to Embry-Riddle—Embry-Riddle will come to you.

The Master of Science in information security and assurance is available online, making it a convenient option for students with other commitments to attend to. You’ll enjoy its unique focus on business and organizational life in the Information Age. Not only will this degree allow you to strengthen your grasp of modern information systems, but you’ll also learn the risks that faulty design, bad data, improper use, and hostile forces can pose to these organizations.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors who hold terminal degrees along with fellow classmates who can relate firsthand professional experiences, enhancing the learning environment for everyone involved. You’ll work and learn in a large network of peers and be able to tap into unparalleled resources. 

With an additional specialization area in information systems security, this broad program is relevant for just about any career. You’ll take classes such as Assured Business Systems: Managing and Protecting the Information Systems Enterprise; Informatics: Security Implications of Cross-Disciplinary Computing; and Cyber Law, Cyber Compliance, and Information Assurance.

With this degree, which consists of 30 credit hours, you can customize your degree with relevant specializations such as information assurance in a global context, information systems security, and protecting business intelligence. An interdisciplinary degree, it will prepare you to excel as a decisionmaker and grants you the flexibility to study at any time and from any location. 

An affordable program, it features low tuition starting at just $2192 per course. Most classes are just nine weeks long, allowing you to move quickly through the curriculum. There are significant financial aid opportunities available, too, including grants and student loans. Embry Riddle is ranked as one of the top universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report, which has named it a Top Regional University in the South as well as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans. 

When you are ready to apply, you can do so online via Embry Riddle’s website. You will need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or a 3.0 if you already hold a master’s degree or have completed some graduate-level coursework). Plan to provide your official transcripts along with any evidence of work experience, like your resume or CV. Test scores are not required.

#7. Western Governors University

Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance

A private university located in Millcreek, UT, Western Governors University has a unique learning model that makes it a great choice for aspiring graduate students seeking an affordable, convenient way to earn a degree. The school offers a majority of its courses online in a competency-based learning model. 

Rather than the traditional learning model you’ll find at most colleges, in which you’ll move with a cohort of other students as you move through the same course material, Western Governors allows you to work at your own pace so that you only move on to the next chunk of instruction once you’ve mastered the current content. Because of this, you can complete your courses as quickly or as slowly as you like.

This is the ideal method of course delivery for students who want to learn at a slower pace, have other life commitments (like a job or a family to care for), or who want to save a little bit of money. The Master of Science in information security and assurance is one of more than 30 master’s degrees that is offered in this format here.

The master’s in cybersecurity and information security at Western Governors is designed for industry professionals who are ready to take their careers to the next level. It is an easy degree to complete if you are interested in being able to work full-time. Plus, you’ll be able to learn all kinds of valuable industry certifications as you complete your degree.

Available online, this program can be completed in as little as 24 months. Tuition is affordable, starting at just $3895 per term. Since tuition is billed per term rather than per credit hour, you’ll be able to control the ultimate cost of your degree. By finishing your studies faster, you will pay less for the overall cost of your degree. Plus, you’ll be able to earn those valuable industry citations we mentioned at no extra cost to you. 

Some examples? You can earn top certifications such as EC-Council certified ethical hacker, EC-Council computer hacking forensic investigator, and more. Information assurance is just one potential area of specialization within the cybersecurity degree, with other areas of study including secure software design, cybersecurity architecture and engineering, cybersecurity management, ethical hacking, and more. 

Of course, all students will complete a final capstone project as part of their studies here, too. In your capstone, you’ll demonstrate your abilities to create a project that deals with a major real-world problem in cybersecurity. 

You’ll build your skills in relevant, up-to-date concepts as you learn best practices in networking and security, systems and service, data management, the business of IT, scripting and programming, and more. There are no set class meeting times so you can learn at your own convenience.

There are multiple start dates each year so you can apply whenever you are ready. In fact, you can start as soon as the 1st of any month. You will need to submit an online application along with official transcripts. That’s all there is to it! 

#8. National University 

Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance

With a main campus in La Jolla, CA, National University was founded in 1971 and is one of the country’s top providers of distance education programs. Although you can opt to take classes on campus or at one of the school’s many satellite campuses, many students will instead complete courses online or in a blended format. 

Take classes online at National, and you’ll be able to access material in both asynchronous and real-time settings. The hybrid format of online and on-campus instruction lends itself nicely to students who are seeking a degree program that is both convenient and affordable. 

The Master of Science in information security and assurance at National is a cybersecurity program that is meant to serve as a terminal professional degree for students interested in technical or managerial fields. It has required core and required specialization, which has plenty of room for customization depending on your interests and skillsets. 

It is available both on-campus as well as online and will allow you to explore the many threats to computer infrastructures and digital assets. You can pursue specializations in Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing as well as in Enterprise Cybersecurity Management. The program is offered by a department that is designated a National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

With monthly starts and accelerated courses, this program is one of the most convenient (and affordable!) for students who have other life commitments to attend to. You’ll take a total of 58.5 graduate credit hours including core courses such as Cybersecurity Technology, Wireless and Mobile Security, and Cloud Security. There are several project-based courses required as part of this degree’s curriculum as well. 

For example, you’ll be able to conduct in-depth research into a cybersecurity topic of your choice and practice your critical thinking skills in team-based projects and oral presentations. You will also be able to do things like produce a pen test authorization and prepare and process specifications of a Blue Team defense for a Red Team attack.

Each class lasts just four weeks so that you can focus on just one subject at a time, one month at a time, allowing you to complete your degree much faster. You can enroll at any time and you’ll have access to generous financial aid. National offers courses online as well as on more than 20 campus locations around Nevada and California and is also designated as a Yellow Ribbon school, with steep tuition discounts to servicemembers and their dependents. 

Tuition is priced low, with rates starting at just $442 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for most students as well, with options including scholarships, grants, work-study, and student loans.

Ready to apply? You will need to submit an online application and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.0 or higher. You’ll submit transcripts and that’s all—it’s as easy as that.

#9. Davenport University

Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance

A private university located in Grand Rapids, MI, Davenport University was founded in 1866 and has grown to offer dozens of programs both in Grand Rapids as well as in countless other locations around the state. You can pursue all kinds of degrees here, from associate to master’s, post-graduate certification programs and more.

The Master of Science in information security and assurance at Davenport is available online through the innovative Global Campus as well as on-campus in Detroit and in Grand Rapids. You do not have to have a background in technical fields or in cybersecurity in order to apply. Most students can finish their degrees in two years or less.

The program will walk you through the most pressing ethical and legal issues in cybersecurity, like data protection, on both the domestic and international levels. You’ll explore the art of protecting devices, data, and networks from unlawful or criminal use while also helping organizations identify their risks.

The curriculum of this program is nicely aligned with industry certification tests and exams so that you will be prepared for success in a wide variety of jobs in cybersecurity. A 34-credit hour program, it includes industry-specific electives like banking and financial security and healthcare security. 

You’ll take core classes in things like Applied Cryptography, Legal/Ethical Security Topics, Project Management and Risk Mitigation, and more. The program includes hands-on case studies in high-tech labs and provides you with extensive opportunities to practice what you’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. The degree blends management and technology so that you will be poised for any kind of career in this in-demand industry. 

This program is also remarkably budget-friendly, too. You might qualify for full-tuition Department of Defense or National Science Foundation scholarships when you choose to complete this program. In fact, CyberCorps and other organizations offer multiple full-tuition scholarships to Davenport students. 

It’s registered as a Cisco Networking Academy. Not only that, but Davenport is one of only 13 schools in Michigan that is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, meaning your degree will have a higher return on investment, too. 

This results-oriented degree has a curriculum that is based on employer input and includes multiple opportunities for formal and self-assessment. Of course, you’ll also complete a master’s thesis (or capstone project) prior to completing your degree, too.

Ready to apply? The admissions process for Davenport is relatively straightforward. You will need to submit an online application as well as transcripts and a resume. No GMAT or GRE scores are required. Be sure to submit evidence of past work experience and earned professional certificates, as these might reduce your cost and the overall number of courses you need to take. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#10. Dakota State University 

Location: Madison, SD

Degree: Master of Science in Information Assurance and Computer Security 

Net Price: $16,863

Website

#11. Wilmington University

Location: New Castle, DE

Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems Technologies

Net Price: $13,814

Website

#12. Colorado Technical University

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Degree: Master of Science in Management (MSIM) degree with a concentration in Information Systems Security online

Net Price: $15,478

Website

#13. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, AL

Degree: Master of Science in Management (MSIM) in Information Systems

Net Price: $16,636

Website

#14. DePaul University 

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: Master of Science in Computer, Information, and Network Security

Net Price: $30,584

Website

#15. Penn State World Campus

Location: University Park, PA

Degree: Masters of Science in Cyber-security and Information Assurance

Net Price: $23,428

Website

#16. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, MA

Degree: MS Degree in Information Assurance

Net Price: $53,506

Website

#17. Stratford University

Location: Falls Church, VA

Degree: Master’s Degree in Information Assurance and Security 

Net Price: $21,436

Website

#18. Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, VA

Degree: Master of Science in Cyber Security Online

Net Price: $27,432

Website

#19. University of Maryland

Location: College Park, MD

Degree: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology

Net Price: $13,672

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 BEST ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS AND THE 50 BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION!

If you are planning on starting a business, sure—you can “wing it.”

Lots of entrepreneurs decide to try and “figure it out” as they go—and while this can work, you’re going to be taking a serious gamble. Why risk it? Instead, consider earning a degree in entrepreneurship. 

A master’s degree in entrepreneurship will give you the skills, tools, and mindset that you need to launch and grow your own business. You’ll not only become informed of the best ways to grow a company, but you’ll also be equipped with the skills and roadmaps you need to help turn your dreams into a successful business. 

Not all master’s degrees in entrepreneurship are built alike, however. You will need to find a degree that will provide you with the exact right skills you need to advance your career, regardless of whether you are building it from the ground up or growing an existing endeavor. 

An online master’s in entrepreneurship will prepare you with courses in financial management, marketing management, and startup venture tips. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills necessary to manage a team of creative, impassioned thinkers and to challenge yourself with the ever-changing demands of the marketplace.

Whether you want to start a small business or design products or other new ventures for an existing company, a degree in entrepreneurship is the best way to skillfully launch your new career.  You could also launch a startup or work in consulting, recruiting, research and development, fundraising, and more. There are endless opportunities in a wide array of industries, from education to healthcare. 

Once you earn a degree in entrepreneurship, the choice is yours as to what you choose to do with it.

When choosing a program, it’s essential that you consider your career goals, the state of your business, the level of experience you already have, and even your lifestyle. Each master’s degree will have its own unique requirements and design, which makes it even more essential that you take the time to find the program for which you are most qualified—and more importantly, that meets your needs. 

For many students, an online master’s in entrepreneurship is the perfect choice. You’re busy—you’ve got a business to run! Likely, if you are considering a degree in entrepreneurship, you are probably already working full-time and juggling other life commitments. Fortunately, there are plenty of degrees out there that not only will offer you the training you need and deserve, but that won’t require you to relocate, either.

Online programs are integral for busy learners. Not only will you be able to study at the times that are most convenient for you, but you won’t have to leave your current commitments and obligations behind, either. Many online programs are designed with the working professional in mind. 

But not all online master’s in entrepreneurship are built alike. Each school will have its own unique curriculum and required components. You can rest assured, however, that there is a program out there that’s perfect for you.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know in order to find the best affordable online master’s in entrepreneurship for you. 

Common Application and Admission Questions

It can be tough to find a degree in entrepreneurship that will best meet your goals. Ultimately, all of the degrees on this list will give you a solid foundation in the fundamentals of business, as well as in specialized areas of business such as venture capital, private equity, social branding, digital marketing, and much more. 

Each school varies in terms of what it requires for admission—and for you to graduate. These degrees are offered fully online so that you can advance your education—and advance your career. 

Before you start filling out applications, carefully consider exactly what you want to get out of your program. Most programs will require a minimum of one year of study, so you need to be prepared to commit to a substantial chunk of time when it comes to completing your degree. Luckily, most degrees are set up so that they can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis, which will give you a bit more flexibility.

Although all of these degrees are offered online and can, therefore, be completed from essentially anywhere, you may want to choose a program located close to home. Why, you might ask?

Very few online master’s degrees in entrepreneurship have residency requirements. However, you may find that it’s helpful being located closer to campus for purposes of financial aid, enrollment, and networking. While an online program offers many of the same resources as a program that’s offered in a more traditional format, you may be able to “double-up” by taking classes online but reaping the benefits of a traditional campus, such as attending in-person career events or going to an in-person graduation ceremony.

Ultimately, though, the choice is yours, and all of the programs on this list can be completed entirely online. You can usually complete all aspects of your application online, too. Try to narrow down your college search to just a handful of schools, even if you want to keep your options open. After all, most colleges charge application fees, and those can really add up over time! 

When you’re ready to apply, research each individual school’s admission requirements so that you can ensure you are checking off all the right boxes. In general, you will be expected to submit an online application as well as copies of transcripts from any university you have attended in the past.

Many schools request that you meet certain benchmarks when it comes to your GPA and test scores. You will need an average GPA of 3.0 or higher, in most cases, and some schools require you to submit GMAT or GRE test scores, too. If English is not your first language, you might have to submit results from the TOEFL examination, too. 

Some other admissions requirements you might be expected to fulfill? Don’t be surprised if you are asked to send in letters of recommendation, a personal essay, or even a resume/CV. Some schools like to see that you have work experience, ideally in a business-related setting. You likely won’t need to have an undergraduate degree in business or a related field, although again, this can vary depending on the institution you choose. 

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

When you enroll in a master’s degree in entrepreneurship, you will likely take one to two years of courses. During the first year, you’ll likely study core business principles, like marketing, finance, accounting, and management. After that, you’ll be able to explore more specialized coursework in areas like venture capital and social branding. 

In some cases, you may be able to participate in optional hands-on experiences like business competitions, networking events, research programs, and study abroad excursions. 

These opportunities and courses all offer you a wonderful way to boost your understanding of entrepreneurship and to get a leg up on the competition after you graduate. However, they also require one valuable commodity that you might not have enough of as it is: time. 

For many students, quitting a full-time job to attend college simply is not practical. That’s why online master’s degrees are so flexible. Not only will you not have to worry about quitting your current job, but you can work your classes around your already jam-packed schedule. What could be more convenient?

Being able to work while you are taking classes is ideal, but are there other ways to pay for your education? Absolutely. When you start researching the best affordable online master’s degrees, you should also start looking into the affordability and total cost of a school. 

Don’t be afraid of private schools. Although many students gravitate automatically toward public schools, thinking they will be cheaper just because the “sticker price” on tuition is lower, that’s not always the case. In fact, many private schools offer tuition that, when combined with scholarships and other steep discounts, is less than or equal to that of public schools.

It is essential that you fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as soon as possible in your college admissions journey. This form determines your eligibility for state and financial aid based on your income and assets from the prior year. You’ll have to submit evidence of this, such as tax returns, W2s, and other documents.

The list of options doesn’t end there. You should also take the time to complete any required forms that your school of choice requests of you. You might be eligible for institutional financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. 

Don’t forget about the dent that work study and graduate assistantships can put in your overall tuition bill! If you aren’t already working, this can be a viable way to both pay for your degree and gain valuable experience that will look great on your resume.

And if you are already working, don’t despair. Some schools even offer partnerships with various employers. You can often get much of your degree paid for through things like employer tuition reimbursement plans. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to paying for college. A master’s degree is a serious investment, but you don’t have to go it alone.

How Much Can I Make With an Entrepreneurship Degree? 

Once you earn a degree in entrepreneurship, you will not only be perfectly situated to launch your own startup or another type of business, but you’ll also be prepared for various careers at the managerial level. You could work in a variety of settings, so it can be tricky to provide an estimate for how much you would make with one of these degrees.

That said, the salaries for this field are, as a whole, quite lucrative. If you are a marketing director, for instance, you could make more than $110,000 per year, according to Payscale. As a CEO or CFO of a company, you could make more than $142,000 each year—potentially more, if you are in charge of a large or highly lucrative organization. 

Some other average salaries that might interest you? As a product manager, you could earn over $101,961 per year, but as a business development director, that salary is increased to $111,000 per year. As the president of a company, you could earn well over $122,829 per year. 

As you can see from the salaries lister drive, numbers of which are all garnered from the major reporting authority, Payscale, salaries for graduates of entrepreneurship programs tend to be quite a bit higher than the national average. 

Of course, these salaries can vary depending on other factors, such as your chosen career path, as well as where you live. The best paying states for graduates include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, and California, with top cities including New York City, Chicago, Denver, Boston, and San Francisco. 

Without a doubt, the best way to increase your earnings as a budding entrepreneur is to continue building your knowledge, skillset, and professional network. Only a master’s degree in entrepreneurship will enable you to do all three. Once you build your resume, your wages will increase dramatically. Across the board, workers with bachelor’s degrees earned about $17,000 per year less than those with graduate degrees—the investment really will pay off. 

Since a degree in entrepreneurship is so varied and customizable, you’ll also have plenty of job opportunities available to you. It’s up to you to decide where and how much you want to work, and in what niche or industry. Rest assured, there are plenty of ways you can increase your potential career earnings, too.

Earning a generalized master’s degree is a great place to start, but take it one step further. What courses and specializations can you pursue to further hone your expertise? Does your degree offer any customization options? Are there campus branches of professional organizations you can join, like the National Association of Women Business Owners, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, or the Young Entrepreneur Council?

Look for opportunities wherever they might be found. Reach out to local employers for work and volunteer opportunities, and don’t be afraid to network. The more you know—and the more people you know!—the higher your earnings with a masters in entrepreneurship can ultimately be. 

What Are the Best Entrepreneurship Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

#1. University of Houston – Victoria

Global MBA 

The University of Houston, located in Victoria, TX, is the third-largest university in Texas. With more than 46,000 students, this school has a simple motto that, when translated from Latin, means “in time.”

There’s a lot of truth to that statement. When you earn a degree from the University of Houston, good things are sure to come to you— in time.

Luckily, when you choose to pursue one of the school’s online degree programs, you won’t have to wait very long to see some extremely rewarding results (and a return on your investment, to boot). 

This school has one of the largest MBA programs in the city of Houston, housed in the Victoria School of Business. The degree can be completed both online and face-to-face, with both options accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 

In this program, you will learn from faculty who work full-time and are highly trained in business management. The degree is one of the most affordable in the country and allows learners to collaborate and learn from fellow students. Because the degree doesn’t have a certain prerequisite when it comes to undergraduate learning, you’ll find a diverse body of students from industries like healthcare, engineering, IT, banking, accounting, and more. 

This diversity lends itself well to online learning, where classes are discussion-based and require students to draw from past and present experiences on the job. There are two separate programs, depending on your goals and preferences.

The Strategic MBA is perfect for students who want to be able to interact closely with their fellow students and professors. A traditional program, it is offered with a blend of online courses and face-to-face instruction. Classes meet only once a week for maximum convenience. The global MBA, on the other hand, is perfect for learners who want a 100% online program. Classes are offered online in eight-week chunks. All classes are accelerated to help you move quickly through the program.

There is even a bridge program for learners who have already completed three years of a baccalaureate degree. This “fourth year” strategic MBA is perfect for students who want to get out into the workforce as quickly as possible. 

Want to add on to your growing list of credentials even more? The school offers a range of graduate certificates for learners who want to improve their business skills in certain niches. These can be pursued as stand-alone degrees or in conjunction with the MBA. Options include marketing management and corporate finance and investments. 

This program even comes with the option for a study abroad program. The university provides all students, both online and on-campus alike, opportunities to learn and discover business opportunities all over the world, including in places like London, China, Spain, Taiwan, and Mexico. 

#2.  Messiah College

MBA – Strategic Leadership

Messiah College is a private Christian school located in rural Pennsylvania. This school has a quaint setting and a charming origin story. Built on farmland, the school, originally known as the Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home, was founded in 1909. It was home to a school offering several Bible programs and an extensive high school curriculum. 

In less than two decades, the school became a junior college and started offering four-year degrees by 1951, which was when it changed its name to Messiah College. The school expanded rapidly, adding multiple liberal arts programs as well as more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations in a variety of professional areas.

The school is divided into four separate schools—the School for the Arts; the School of Science, Engineering and Health; the School of the Humanities; and the School of Business, Education, and Social Sciences. It is this latter school in which the online MBA is housed.

This program is designed to educate leaders with the skills they need for a lifetime of service, influence, and success. The MBA comes with numerous concentrations, including those in digital marketing, management, strategic leadership, dietetics, and healthcare management. There are also certificates available in most of these areas, a great feature for students who want to specialize in several content areas at once. 

The curriculum of the MBA is designed and administered with adherence to the top professional and academic standards for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Not only will you gain the skills you need to create and improve new products and services, but you’ll be mentored by faculty who have real-world experience and relevant credentials along every step of the way, too.

You can take just one eight-week course at a time, or choose to take courses that last only six weeks in the summer. All the courses are asynchronous, meaning you will be able to work according to your own schedule. 

Courses offer a blend of work, including videos, readings, lectures, assignments, discussion boards, presentations, and more. In most cases, you’ll be able to complete the degree in as few as 18 to 24 months—and most certificates can be finished in just a year. Sample classes include Managerial Account and Finance, Decision-Making with Data, and Leading Leaders. 

Before you even graduate, you will become part of a diverse community of leadership-minded professionals in a variety of industries. Class sizes are kept intentionally small so that you can develop lasting, meaningful relationships with your professors and peers. This school has an extensive alumni network that is conducive to many collaboration, personal networking, and career opportunities, too. 

Believe it or not, you can access all of these benefits without having to pay an arm and a leg, too. Tuition is incredibly affordable, with rates starting at just $710 per credit hour. You will pay less than $26,000 for the entire program, and all graduate students can apply for financial aid. Best yet, the cost per credit is what you pay—there are zero hidden fees. 

#3.  University of South Florida

MBA in Entrepreneurship

Ranked highly in a variety of fields and industries, the University of South Florida has a solid reputation for both its academic programs and its high research activity. The school is located in Tampa and is one of the largest research universities in the country. 

You won’t be pressed for options, either. The school has more than 200 academic programs to choose from, spread out among its many schools and colleges. Many of these are offered online, including the MBA in entrepreneurship. 

Offered by the Muma College of Business, the MBA in entrepreneurship is one of the best for students who want to learn ways they can bring their fresh entrepreneurial ideas to life. In addition to a common required course, New Venture Formation/Technology Venture Strategies, all entrepreneurship students are required to take two elective courses from a long list of options. Sample courses include New Product Development, Business Plan Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and more. 

This professional program is nationally ranked and is designed to support students as they hone their analytical and creative skills. It encourages collaboration with diverse classmates, allowing learners to interact with world-class guest speakers, faculty, and industry leaders. With a curriculum focused on data analytics, the program helps students develop skills in creativity, research, and leadership. 

Not only can it be completed fully only, but it’s also available on campus in both Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee, too. Entrepreneurship is not the only individualized area of study you can pursue. Other electives and discipline areas are available in topics like sustainable business, digital marketing, healthcare management, accounting, and more. 

The program offers extensive opportunities for students to collaborate in teams to carry out research, deliver presentations, and analyze case studies. All students are required to complete a final capstone course, Integrated Business Applications, which require them to produce an in-depth consulting project for an actual company. 

Students will be able to network with employers and classmates on a daily basis. There are two corporate connections events held on campus each year. These networking events connect students with corporate recruiters from companies like Coca-Cola, Tribridge, and more. 

Before you graduate from this program, you can request placement with an alumni mentor. You’ll learn all about how you can balance your work, life, and study obligations and discuss career paths you might take. You’ll also be granted a personal MBA coach to help consult you on the best steps for your program and your career. 

The school’s programs in business are some of the best in the country, with the school ranked highly by Washington Monthly and other publications. Despite its reputation for excellence, this program at the University of South Florida remains one of the least expensive on this list. For in-state students, the comprehensive cost for the entire program is just $17,000. For out-of-state students, the cost is slightly higher, but still extremely affordable at $32,000. 

There are extensive financial aid and scholarship opportunities available. In addition, many employers have corporate tuition assistance policies. These are all honored by the University of South Florida to help lower the cost of attendance even further.

#4.  Oklahoma State University

MBA Concentration in Entrepreneurship

Established on Christmas Day more than 129 years ago, Oklahoma State University is one of the oldest and most prestigious land-grant universities in the country. Founded under the Morrill Act, the school was originally known as the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, or Oklahoma A&M. 

Now considered the flagship school of the Oklahoma State University system, this school is one of the largest and most prestigious in the state, with thousands of alumni all over the world. The school has more than 200 degrees spread out among six colleges. Of these, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the Spears School of Business is one of the best. 

This program is perfect for aspiring leaders. It is equipped with multiple opportunities for concentration, including those in global marketing, energy business, economics, data science, and of course, entrepreneurship. 

The concentration in entrepreneurship requires 33 credit hours of online study. It is a well-rounded program that combines training in entrepreneurship with professional preparation in core business areas, like business analytics, finance, marketing, accounting, and more. 

Your studies won’t take place solely inside the classroom, either. You’ll be given the opportunity to test your new skills in a real-world setting, too. Core classes in the concentration include Ideation, Creativity, and Innovation and Launching a Business the First 100 Days. You’ll also take a “super core” and “functional core” of courses that include classes like Marketing Management and Organizational Behavior and Leadership.

The degree is loaded with opportunities for students to develop their professional skills. Not only are there built-in courses that are meant to acquaint students with the basics of etiquette, networking, and professional speaking, but there are also plenty of field study, trips, too. One hallmark feature is a trip to the SXSW Interactive Conference in Austin, TX. Here, students have access to new business launch events, a business plan competition, networking, tours, and more. 

Not only that, but the Spears School of Business has a full-time career coordinator who works to help students with their resumes, interviews, job searches, and other aspects of career placement, too. 

The entrepreneurship MBA at Oklahoma State is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, however, you don’t have to pay champagne prices for this kind of excellence. The Spears School of Business offers dozens of scholarships exclusively for business students.  Tuition is affordable, too, with lower rates available for in-state students and military personnel. 

Ready to apply? You’ll need to submit an online application and submit the GMAT exam for admission. Unfortunately, the GRE cannot be used in its place. You will need to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation when you apply as well. There are several start dates per year and you can choose to study either full- or part-time, depending on your needs and goals.  

#5.  Southern New Hampshire University

MBA in Entrepreneurship

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the best schools you can attend if you want a degree that works for you and with you—instead of against you. The school is considered one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, a growth that has been spurred in part by the fact that SNHU uses an open enrollment policy. 

What does this mean? To apply to an undergraduate program, all you need is a GED or high school diploma. Applying for a graduate degree is just as simple. In most cases, you just need to fill out an online application and submit transcripts for any schools you have attended in the past. 

You don’t have to submit an application fee, and most of the time, you won’t have to submit any supplemental materials, either (although this varies depending on the program). No GMAT or GRE scores are required, either. 

At  SNHU, you’ll be able to choose from dozens of high-quality online programs. One of the best is the MBA in entrepreneurship. This degree will enable you to explore the models and strategies you can use to launch and operate a consultancy business—as well as ways to evaluate existing business you might want to invest in.

It’s a great program for aspiring and current business owners, budding entrepreneurs, and top-tier corporate executives alike. With a curriculum that can be completed in just over a year, the program is relevant and well-suited to addressing a range of real-world challenges. 

In this degree, you will learn from business professionals who have specialized experience in their fields. Many of them are adjunct instructors who teach in addition to running their businesses full time. 

These courses are offered with maximum flexibility and convenience. You can attend class when it’s convenient for you. You will have 24/7 access to your coursework and can take as many or as few classes as you would like during a ten-week term. 

Some classes you’ll take as an MBA student? You’ll cover content like consulting, franchising, entrepreneurship, and small business management, just to name a few core pieces. 

The curriculum is designed and accredited with the approval of multiple governing agencies and industry patterns. You’ll learn from dedicated faculty members as you complete your degree in as little as 15 months. You will also receive extensive support from dedicated career and academic advisors who are uniquely specialized in your area of study. 

Tuition at SNHU is some of the lowest in the country. Tuition rates seldom increase, a rarity when it comes to universities around the nation. You’ll pay just $627 per credit hour, with substantial discounts available for military personnel.

With a reputation for success spanning more than 70 years—and an MBA program that has been setting records for more than 40— this program is clearly one of the best. 

#6. California Lutheran University

MBA in Enterprise Innovation and Entrepreneurship

California Lutheran University might be a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but you don’t have to practice the Lutheran faith to be admitted. This college is nonsectarian and has a reputation as being one of the top four-year private colleges in Ventura County, CA. 

The school has a gorgeous campus in Thousand Oaks, CA that has served as the backdrop for many films, including Wuthering Heights, Gunsmoke, Lassie, and Spartacus.  However, you don’t have to be studying on this university’s picture-perfect campus to benefit from its high caliber reputation. 

The academic programs at California Lutheran, or “Cal Lutheran,” as it is often called, are some of the best in the nation. 

When you earn an MBA from Cal Lutheran, you’ll gain the insight, experience, and inspiration you need to succeed in your career. The program is perfect for students who want both the general instruction of a broad-based MBA program along with a rigorous, in-depth curriculum in an area of interest. 

Enterprise innovation and entrepreneurship is not the only concentration you can choose in this degree. Other professional tracks include human capital management, finance, IT management, marketing, and international business. You can also pursue a general track, if you so choose.

The degree is offered fully online, fully on-campus, or as a hybrid of the two. You can take classes on a full- or part-time basis, with most students taking 12 to 24 months to complete their degrees. 

Choose to study online, and you’ll take five terms, each of which consists of eight weeks. You can study on the weekends and evenings if you so choose, completing 15 courses that lead to 45 credit hours of study. 

You’ll be given a great deal of flexibility when it comes to designing your curriculum. You will have to take eight core courses that are required of all MBA students, such as Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, and Business Ethics and Law. However, you can then move on to courses that align with your professional concentration. 

For the enterprise innovation and entrepreneurship track, you will take classes that build your skills and motivation as an entrepreneur, such as Agile Product Development and Entrepreneurial Marketing and Selling. 

With tuition that starts at just $855 per credit hour, you can’t beat the value of this school. Financial aid is available, and applying for admission is easy. Cal Lutheran has an assured admission program for the MBA, which guarantees that all Cal Luthern seniors and alumni are offered guaranteed admission into the MBA as long as a 3.0 GPA was maintained. 

You can apply for admission at any time of the year, as applications are considered on a rolling, year-round basis. You can start at the beginning of any term. To apply, you’ll send in a completed application and official transcripts. You will meet with an admission counselor to discuss your career plans prior to admission, and you’ll also be asked to submit a personal statement and two professional letters of recommendation. 

The GMAT is required, but you can waive this requirement if you show an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or at least one credits of graduate coursework completed to date. 

#7.  Post University

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship

Believe it or not, Post University first opened its doors in 1890 as the National Shorthand School. Offering training in business writing, bookkeeping, and typing, the school was later renamed Waterbury Business College before it was named Post in 1931. 

Although its programs today are a far cry from those of the past—the university currently offers more than 25 undergraduate and graduate programs in online, day, and evening courses, with satellite centers all over the state of Connecticut—it remains one of the top business schools in the state. 

It’s also a top pick for distance or nontraditional learners. In fact, Post first rose to notoriety when it began offering accelerated degree programs in the late 1970s. These Programs were geared specifically at helping Vietnam veterans earn their college diplomas. Today, Post continues to offer a large variety of online programs. 

Offered both online as well as on campus in Waterbury, CT, the Master of Business Administration in entrepreneurship includes a core curriculum of courses that will help students lay the foundation for a specialty and capstone of choice. In addition to entrepreneurship, students can choose from concentrations such as corporate innovation, healthcare systems leadership, finance, marketing, leadership, project management, or multidisciplinary. 

The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business School and Programs. You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience through real-world activities like engaging with franchise case studies, writing business plans, and developing new services and products. You will work closely with attentive faculty and staff as well as esteemed industry partners as you navigate your way through the rewarding curriculum. 

You will take a total of 39 credit hours before you graduate, with a bulk of these courses required regardless of specialty. For example, all students are required to take classes such as Project Management and Business Strategy and Planning. However, when you choose to specialize in entrepreneurship, you’ll also gain experience in new venture creation, operational financial management, and acquisitions. 

Whether you are hoping to open your own business or want to add value to your existing enterprise, this concentration could be right for you. 

To apply, you will need to submit an online application as well as an official transcript with a conferred bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. You should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher along with two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. 

The program is highly affordable, with online tuition starting at just $730 per credit hour. Significant financial aid is available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The school also has several programs in place for veteran and active-duty military personnel and their families, too. 

#8.  Everglades University

Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship

Everglades University may be located way down in the swamp, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in the Panhandle State in order to receive an exceptional business education. 

This university, located in Boca Raton, FL, educates more than 2,000 students per year—many of whom choose to attend online. The school has more than a dozen online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. 

To complete the master’s in entrepreneurship, you’ll need to complete a total of 36 credits, with core courses covering all kinds of topics in the industry like business strategy, venture creation, and organizational behavior. You’ll gain deep insight into both the theory and practical applications of business, and you’ll also learn how to weigh the risks and rewards that are involved with potential new business ventures.

If you’re a transfer student, this degree is one of the best you can choose. The school accepts a large amount of transfer credits (on a case by case basis, of course) and most students are able to graduate in as little as 48 weeks of study. 

The degree, which is offered both online and on campus, will not only allow you to pursue later doctoral coursework but will also prepare you for a rewarding and fulfilling career as an entrepreneur. You’ll learn the attributes, skills, and behaviors you need to be successful in an entrepreneurial environment.

Although this program is challenging, it is flexible and convenient enough for online students to complete independently from any location. You’ll take 33 core credits of entrepreneurship courses like Leadership Skills for Managers, Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage, and New Venture Creation. 

Before graduating, you will also be required to complete a final capstone course. This course, consisting of three credit hours, will enable you to synthesize everything you have learned in your courses, bringing your training together into a final, relevant, real-world project. 

Ready to apply? You can do so almost entirely online. For starters, you will need to complete an online application for admission and provide an official transcript of your bachelor’s degree. A specific major or certain business coursework are not required, with the exception of coursework in accounting and basic statistics. You should possess a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

It’s Important to note that this program does also require submission of GMAT test scores. You will need to have at least a 500 on this exam, but you can substitute a score of 290 on the GRE. You will also be expected to pay a nonrefundable application fee. 

This program is one of the most affordable, with the financial aid department providing plenty of services to help reduce the cost of attendance.  The average tuition rate is just $800 per credit hour, charged on a semester basis. Each semester lasts just sixteen weeks (or four months) and you can take up to 18 credits per semester as long as you are in good academic standing. 

#9. University of North Carolina

MBA Entrepreneurship Concentration

If you are planning on pursuing an MBA, you might as well get it from one of the best—the University of North Carolina is a highly ranked university that is ranked as the best value in public education. 

This accolade comes from both Kiplinger’s as well as The Princeton Review, two publications that agree that UNT offers a great return on investment. You don’t have to sacrifice convenience for quality in this case. Instead, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a public research institution at a so-called “Public Ivy” without having to leave your job or home. 

Although the MBA is extremely popular, the entrepreneurship track is an even better option for learners who plan on starting their own businesses. You’ll be able to take classes in everything from entrepreneurial finance to venture capital, social entrepreneurship, business plan analysis, and much more. This concentration has several additional “sub-concentrations” for you to choose from, too.

For example, the founder track is a great option for learners who want to start their own companies or joint start-ups. The funder track, on the other hand, is great for students interested in learning more about professional investing. The final track, the “intrapreneur” track, is for students interested in managing private ventures. 

In the entrepreneurship program at UNC, offered via the Kenan-Flagler Business School, you’ll learn everything you need to know to develop a thoughtful and successful business. You will enhance and refine strategies to help you secure funding, produce business plans, and develop your business vision. You will take a variety of courses with other MBA students along with core courses in enterprise such as Managing Innovation, Pricing, and New Ventures Discovery.

All courses are taught by faculty members who have extensive experience in launching new business ventures. Courses are not only practical, but they’re collaborative and relevant, too. The curriculum is developed with the assistance of notable alumni who have been playing a role in natural ventures for many years. 

In fact, alumni have worked with (and in some cases, founded!) major companies such as Hulu, Uber, Goldman Sachs, Cisco, Lonerider Brewing Company, and more. Students are continuously supported by these executives and business professionals, who work closely with current students and recent alumni to help pair them with professional opportunities and learning experiences. 

The end result? Career success. No matter where your interests lie, you are sure to find what you are looking for at this flagship school. 

To apply, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university along with two years of professional experience. You must submit a transcript, two letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and two personal essays. Official GMAT or GRE test scores are required, but these can be waived if you have more than five years of professional experience. Interviews and an application fee are also required. 

Tuition for this program isn’t the most affordable you’ll find, but substantial financial aid is available. You’ll be able to apply for various resources like student loans, scholarships, and tuition assistance from employers. The school also partners with several professional organizations to offer scholarships just for MBA students, too. 

#10. University of Arizona

MBA with Entrepreneurship Concentration

Located in Tucson, AZ, the University of Arizona is considered a flagship university with a total enrollment of more than 43,000 students.

Despite that booming population, you will never feel as though you are just another face in the crowd one you enroll here. The school has the designation of being a very high research institution, and with that reputation comes an attention to detail and to student success that cannot be overlooked.

Here, you’ll be able to take all kinds of classes that will enhance your business expertise—all while you are working alongside faculty members who are some of the best in their field. You can specialize in a variety of areas, including startup capital and venture capital, as you take core courses that will build your general expertise in business. 

The MBA  at the University of Arizona is a top-ranked program that is perfect for learners who have schedules that would make on-campus programs difficult to maneuver. You’ll be able to take your classes from anywhere and access course materials 24/7. Plus, there are six start dates per year, so you don’t have to worry about arranging your life to start your classes at a certain time. 

In this program, you will learn how to become a true leader. You’ll gain the same skills as full-time MBA students studying on campus do, but you won’t have to relocate in order to do so. You’ll complete 45 credits before you graduate. You may take as long as two and a half years or as few as 14 months to complete your studies.

Entrepreneurship isn’t the only concentration you can choose, either. The degree has five other options to choose from, including privacy and security, marketing, management and organizations, health care management, and finance.

Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll take core classes like Survey of Finance as Analyst, Managing Ethics in Organizations, and Market-Based Management. The curriculum is rigorous and analytically-oriented. You’ll have access to all kinds of experiential learning, business communication, and managerial activities to help build your skills.

The program even comes with numerous built-in opportunities for hands-on learning. For example, you can choose to attend a “global business experience” trip that will open your eyes to the ways of business in other corners of the world. 

This school is one of the top-ranked schools by multiple publications, including U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, Forbes, and more. It’s ranked highly across the board, but especially for its value and its programs in business management and entrepreneurship. Tuition is affordable, with the total cost coming in at just $45,000 for the entire program. Scholarship and financial aid are also available (for instance, the school has a 10% tuition scholarship for all military personnel and veterans) to help offset the cost of attendance. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Temple University

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Degree: MBA Entrepreneurship degree

Net Price: $23,192

Website

#12. Fayetteville State University

Location: Fayetteville, NC

Degree: MBA with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $5,685

Website

#13. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Location: Durant, OK

Degree: Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $8,490

Website

#14. University of West Florida

Location: Pensacola, FL

Degree: Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $9,091

Website

#15. University of Massachusetts

Location: Amherst, MA

Degree: MBA with a Focus in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $18,257

Website

#16. Western Carolina University

Location: Cullowhee, NC

Degree: Master of Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $15,021

Website

#17. University of Arkansas

Location: Fayetteville, AR

Degree: MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $13,256

Website

#18. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Location: Clarion, PA

Degree: MBA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Concentration

Net Price: $19,297

Website 

#19. Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Degree: MBA With a Major In Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $25,867

Website

#20. Cedarville University

Location: Cedarville, OH

Degree: MBA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Concentration

Net Price: $23,360

Website

#21. Concordia University

Location: Austin, TX 

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $23,606

Website

#22. National Louis University

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $14,285

Website

#23. East Texas Baptist University

Location: Marshall, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurial Leadership

Net Price: $21,850

Website

#24. Lindenwood University

Location: St Charles, MO

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies

Net Price: $18,654

Website

#25. California University of Pennsylvania

Location: California, PA

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $18,780

Website

#26. University of Illinois

Location: Champaign, IL

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $12,248

Website

#27. Suffolk University

Location: Boston, MA

Degree:  MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $33,197

Website

#28. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, MA

Degree: MBA in Innovation Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $34,245

Website

#29. Endicott College

Location: Beverly, MA

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $35,472

Website

#30. Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Degree: MBA – Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $16,779

Website

#31. Azusa Pacific University

Location: Azusa, Ca

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $29,152

Website

#32. Peru State College

Location: Peru, NE

Degree: Master of Science in Organizational Management – Entrepreneurial and Economic Development

Net Price: $14,846

Website

#33. Benedictine University

Location: Lisle, IL

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship and Managing Innovation

Net Price: $25,508

Website

#34. Brandman University

Location: Irvine, CA

Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $27,446

Website

#35. Samford University

Location: Birmingham, AL

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $30,594

Website

#36. American Military University

Location: Charles Town, WV

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $33,034

Website

#37. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Location: State College, PA

Degree:  MBA in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $26,151

Website

#38. Bellevue University

Location: Bellevue, NE

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $9,635

Website

#39. Colorado Technical University

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Degree: Master of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $15,478

Website

#40. Independence University

Location: Salt Lake City, UT 

Degree: MBA with an Entrepreneurship degree

Net Price:  $12,201

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 40 BEST NO-GMAT ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS & 50 MOST POPULAR ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES!

Are you ready to gain the theoretical and practical knowledge you need for a career with the American government?

Perhaps you’re interested in working for local agencies to stop crime. Maybe you want to protect people and their civil liberties. Or you’re just interested in finding potential solutions to current topics and issues within the homeland security enterprise.

Whatever the case may be, a homeland security degree program can help you accomplish it all.

This kind of degree is meant to help prepare students for work with the local, state, and federal government. It trains the next generation of students to deal with issues of public safety. That might be anything from terrorist attacks to natural disasters.

There are many types of degree programs available. So which one is right for you? And is a degree in homeland security worth it?

Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Homeland Security Degree Program?

First up – what is a Master of Science in homeland security? Why do you need to pursue higher education in this area?

If you have an undergraduate degree in homeland security, know that an online master’s in homeland security degree goes one step further.

Program coursework lets students engage with potential solutions and threats to homeland security close-up. These advanced study opportunities in your online courses will let you explore problems we’ll face in the next decade.

Students may get work experience via research or a capstone project. They’ll gain the advanced skills and professional experience they need to work for government agencies and more.

If you want to pursue careers outside of the government, an online master degree can help with that, too. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of everything from border protection to international cooperation. Prospective students interested in disaster management can benefit too.

This kind of graduate degree is unique. No two programs are alike. Some might offer more preparation for the private sector or nonprofit organizations. Others may focus on decision making in public safety.

Each of the graduate degree programs we’ll tell you about in this post provides a comprehensive understanding of core topics. However, do your own in-depth program evaluation to decide which has the required courses you need for your career goals.

Nevertheless, this degree is rewarding and lucrative. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $76,730 for emergency services directors. Not bad!

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security?

First, keep in mind that domestic and international students engage in different requirements for the admissions process.

In general, students interested in applying will need official transcripts. You should have taken required courses in criminal justice or a related field. Prospective students may also need to submit test scores or essays.

Applicants must make sure the program is a regionally accredited institution. This might be from an organization like the Middle States Commission. Also look at what financial aid is available and whether tuition is billed per credit or semester.

This is important when it comes to how many credits you must take and how much it will cost.

See Also: Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Software Engineering

40 Best Online Homeland Security Masters Degrees

1. Trident University International

Masters in Homeland Security

Trident University International offers the Masters in Homeland Security (MSHLS) program. It is in a 100% online format.

This graduate degree is hands-on. It aligns with the mission objectives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It helps students excel in homeland security professions. These might be at the federal, state, and municipal levels.

Students gain advanced knowledge and skills. The curriculum provides training how to:

• respond to emergencies and disasters
• mitigate the catastrophic consequences of natural disasters or terrorist acts
• collaborate with fellow students and faculty members on research and coursework

Trident’s MSHLS has several concentration options in the areas of:

• cybersecurity
• leadership
• emergency and disaster management
• logistics

See Also: Top 50 Highest Paying Masters Degrees

2. American Public University/American Military University

MA in Homeland Security

American Military University offers the Master of Arts in Homeland Security. This online masters in homeland security has 36-credit-hours. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years.

The program’s courses provide an understanding of:

• homeland defense
• intelligence methods
• terrorism
• weapons of mass destruction
• consequence management
• interagency government issues
• emergency management
• public health
• information security

This masters of homeland security has experienced and credentialed instructors. The program’s curriculum follows industry trends.  

3. Wilmington University

MS in Homeland Security

Wilmington University offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security. It’s through its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

This is a dynamic master’s degree. It is customizable and designed by industry experts.

The program includes field experience. It provides students with hands-on learning. It will enhance their mastery of homeland security competencies.

This program has accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is 100% online in a convenient, flexible format. It allows working professionals to complete the degree on their own schedule.

Admissions

4. George Washington University

MPS in Homeland Security

The George Washington University offers a great degree. It’s the Master of Professional Studies degree in Homeland Security. This is through its College of Professional Studies.

The master of homeland security is on-site at George Washington University. It’s offered via the Arlington Graduate Education Center or online. It focuses on:

• counter-terrorism
• intelligence analysis
• emerging security threats
• relevant legislation
• critical infrastructure in homeland security
• transnational crime

5. Mississippi College

Master of Social Science

Mississippi College offers the Master of Social Science degree. This program is available online. It includes training in administration of justice. There are also electives focusing on homeland security issues.

The program advances professionals’ anti-terrorism career. The Master of Social Science is online. This allows working adults to balance their various responsibilities.

The curriculum has a Christian perspective. It includes coursework that covers the various aspects of homeland security. This includes:

• legal aspects
• grant writing
• special issues
• domestic terrorism
• international terrorism
• cyber terrorism
• information security management
• community resilience

6. Angelo State University

MS in Homeland Security

Angelo State University is another one of the best schools for homeland security. This public school has an MS in Homeland Security.

The program combines theory with practical studies. It concentrates on the key areas of:

• critical infrastructure protection
• terrorism and counterterrorism
• law and associated constitutional issues
• drug and human trafficking
• cybersecurity
• emergency management

The degree is 100% online in an eight-week course format. ASU recognizes military service. It will maximize training and career experience.

7. Endicott College

MS in Homeland Security Studies

Endicott College offers the MS in Homeland Security Studies. This is through the Van Loan School. The program is on-site in the evenings and weekends are online.

The MS in Homeland Security Studies addresses all kinds of issues. These are complex, multi-disciplinary and strategic-level issues. They’re the kind that often occur in the public and private sector. It is a 36-credit-hour program. It takes as little as 18 months. There are specializations within the fields of Cybersecurity or Emergency Management.

This school is another pro-military institution. Endicott College is a Yellow Ribbon School. Benefits of the program also include:

• a collaborative learning environment
• access to seasoned practitioners from the FBI, DHS, and military branches
• personal student advising
• networking opportunities
• job placement support

8. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

MS in Homeland Security

Northwestern State University of Louisiana has the MS in Homeland Security through ENSU. This is the University’s Global Campus.

This master’s program covers:

• transnational security issues and its global implications
• international and domestic terrorism
• the identification and inter-organizational characteristics of transnational organized crime and terror groups
• network security, cyber warfare, cyber forensics, and countermeasures
• counterterrorism, advanced criminal investigation, and covert operations
• intelligence analysis, executive leadership, diplomacy, rationality, and ethics
• conflict resolution, intervention strategies, and de-escalation

9. Sam Houston State University

MS in Homeland Security

Sam Houston State University has an MS in Homeland Security. It is either a traditional on-campus or internet-based program.

The online degree is in the University’s global campus, SHSU Online. They have a recognition as the #1 most productive researchers. That’s according to the Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

The degree is consistent with the Homeland Security Enterprise model. It is accredited. The master’s program is a 36-credit-hour degree.

10. Thomas Edison State University

MS in Homeland Security

Thomas Edison State University offers the MS in Homeland Security (MSHS). This is one of the best schools for homeland security degree seekers to consider.

The program is all online. It is for working adults. It is for those interested in pursuing leadership positions. These might be within the fields of emergency preparedness and homeland security.

The curriculum consists of 36-credit-hours. It focuses on the domestic and global issues of security. It also looks at developing competencies in theory, analysis, practice, and policymaking.

Program electives include:

• The Psychology and Sociology of Disaster
• International Legal and Ethical Issues
• Pandemics, Bioterrorism, and Biosecurity

11. Regent University

MA in National Security Studies

Regent University has a Master of Arts in National Security Studies. It’s through the Robertson School of Government.

The degree exists online in 8-week course sessions. It requires 36-38 credit-hours to complete.

The school is an NASPAA member. That’s the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, & Administration. It has concentrations in:

• Cybersecurity Policy
• Homeland Security
• International Security
• Mid-East Politics

Specific courses include:

• cybersecurity ethics
• international relations and cyber politics
• Christian foundations of government
• social, political and theological implications of technology
• military cyberspace operations, strategy, and tactics
• Christian ethics and the law of armed conflict

12. Tulane University

MPS in Homeland Security Studies

Tulane University has a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies. This is through the Tulane School of Professional Advancement.

The MPS in Homeland Security exists 100% online with in-residence flexibility. This allows students to complete their master’s degree with the utmost convenience.

The program focuses on security and maintenance of US residents’ safety. This is through the practical application of security and emergency management.

It features courses on:

• domestic and international terrorism
• intelligence research methods
• examinations of emergency management and border security

Possible career and professional opportunities for job seekers include:

• intelligence community officer
• counterterrorism analyst for various agencies
• information security analysts for private organizations
• federal, state, or local law enforcement officer
• federal, state, or local homeland security officer
• border and immigration officer for federal governments
• infrastructure protection analyst
• transportation security analyst
• maritime security analyst

13. Fairleigh Dickinson University

MS in Cyber and Homeland Security

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers the MS in Cyber and Homeland Security. This online master’s degree is through the Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies.

The program focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of homeland security enforcement. It places a strong emphasis on leadership.

This program has 36-credit-hours. All students must complete four mandatory courses including:

• Homeland Security and Constitutional Issues
• Research and Policy Analysis
• Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Awareness
• Strategic Planning, Implementation and Evaluation with a thesis

14. Pennsylvania State University

MPS in Homeland Security

Pennsylvania State University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security. This public policy and related degrees exist within the Penn State World Campus.

This program has regional accreditation and requires 33 credit-hours. It is one of the most comprehensive of all online programs. It compliments the diverse specialties of the homeland security field.

Career opportunities extend far beyond the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security. You’ll enjoy access to employment opportunities at the state and local levels. You’ll also be able to access the private sector.

Some common career opportunities in the homeland security field include:

• Federal, state, and local law enforcement
• Information security analyst
• Risk identification and management
• Computer forensics specialists
• Emergency management directors
• Network security

Penn State’s MPS in Homeland Security is 100% online. There are flexible courses that allow students to continue working in their current profession.

Core courses provide a fundamental understanding of global homeland security.

Students can choose a specialization within the program with options such as:

• general homeland security
• cyber threat analytics and prevention
• counterterrorism
• public health preparedness
• geospatial intelligence
• information security and forensics
• agricultural biosecurity and food defense

15. Walden University

MS in Criminal Justice

Walden University has an MS. It has a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination.

The program’s coursework uses the National Incident Management System (NIMS). It gives students an understanding of the complexity of homeland security issues.

This is a 48-credit-hour degree, broken up into:

• Foundation courses (worth 3 credits)
• Core courses (25 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• a final Capstone Course (worth 5 credits)

Courses cover topics like:

• The Nature of Crime and Criminology
• Controversies in Criminal Justice
• Victimology
• Critical Incident Leadership and Planning
• Terrorism: Legislation and Policy
• Special Populations
• Criminal Justice Research

16. Liberty University

MS in Criminal Justice

Liberty University offers one of the best online homeland security degree programs. It is a MS with an emphasis on Homeland Security.

This homeland security program is online in 8-week-long courses. The degree has accreditation from the SACSCOC. You can bring in up to 50% of transfer credits.

Liberty University keeps costs low for students. It has not increased the price of online tuition in three consecutive years. Many students complete their master’s degree in less than two years of full-time study.

17. Purdue University Global

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Purdue University Global offers the MS degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. It focuses on the threats associated with environmental disasters, including those related to climate change. It also focuses on terrorism and espionage. Purdue Global’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is one of the best.

This homeland security program is a web-based degree.

The program emphasizes several areas including:

• the application of theory, current knowledge and legal doctrine
• the evaluation of social and ethical implications of protective decisions
• the application of leadership principles
• the evaluation of research on current knowledge and developing trends
• the application of organizational behavior and management theories to daily operations

18. University of Maryland Global Campus

MS in Management

The University of Maryland University College offers one of the best online homeland security masters programs. It offers the MS in Management with a specialization in Homeland Security Management.

It offers practical management-level experience in performing security risk assessment. It is for mid-career professionals. It covers the issues of:

• emergency management
• cyber security
• bioterrorism
• energy security

There are also core courses in business management.

The degree is hybrid or 100% online learning options. It requires 36 total credits. It accepts up to 6 transfer credits.

Courses within the Homeland Security Management specialization are diverse. Students may take:

• Concepts in Homeland Security
• Critical Infrastructures
• Resilience Planning and Preparedness for Disaster Response and Recovery
• Biosecurity and Bioterrorism
• Information Technology in Emergency Management

UMUC is a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education. This is by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

19. Towson University

MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management

Towson University offers the MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management.

The M.S. in Integrated Homeland Security Management has three specialization options. These are in:

• health preparedness
• information assurance
• security policy

Students must take one course in each of the two areas outside of their chosen specialization. This prepares them for the cross-disciplinary demands of the field. The program includes a capstone research project.

20. National University

MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

 National University offers the MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MSHSEM).

This master’s degree in homeland security is an interdisciplinary program. The degree combines the fields of:

• homeland security
• terrorism
• emergency management

This is as related to man-made and natural disasters. Learning outcomes of the MSHSEM program include:

• the ability to illustrate the issues related to homeland security
• integrate tools, resources and organizational systems for the successful implementation of homeland security and emergency management
• develop global mindset to terrorism, homeland security and emergency management issues
• critique legal and ethical issues in homeland security and emergency management
• master oral and written communication skills appropriate to this profession

This master’s degree in homeland security has an online format. The degree requires 12 courses. Courses cover topics like:

• Policies of Homeland Security
• Emergency/Disaster Response
• Managing Information Security.

21. East Carolina University

MS in Security Studies

East Carolina University offers the MS in Security Studies (MSSS). This homeland security program is regionally accredited. It is a unique master’s in homeland security.

The degree has 100%-online courses. It provides an exposure to a wide range of perspectives on security. That’s thanks to its interdisciplinary format.

The program strives to integrate knowledge from a range of fields. These include:

• public administration
• political science
• environmental health and safety
• the natural sciences
• computer technology

This homeland security master’s degree is a 36-semester-hour program. The MSSS has four areas of emphasis in:

• international security
• homeland security policy
• science and technology security
• environmental health and occupational safety

22. Eastern Kentucky University

Masters in Safety

Eastern Kentucky University offers the Online Masters in Safety. It has a concentration in Homeland Security. This is a specialized program. The benefits of EKU’s Homeland Security concentration include:

• access to training necessary for work with intelligence agencies
• no GRE requirements for applicants who have an undergrad GPA of 3.0 or higher

There’s also the opportunity for internships. This is through the Career and Development Placement Office. EKU is among the top colleges in the nation.

The Masters in Safety is regionally accredited. This is through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

23. Salve Regina University

MS in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security

Salve Regina University offers the MS in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security.

This is a cutting-edge program. It takes an analytical approach. It prepares students to meet the growing and ever-changing demand for experts in:

• security
• intelligence
• technology
• leadership
• threat analysis and management

The M.S. in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security features a flexible curriculum. There are three options for specialized concentrations in:

• cybersecurity and intelligence
• digital forensics
• leadership in justice

Core courses cover the topics of justice theory and process. That’s along with several contemporary issues including psychological profiling and race-based policing.

The program is all online. It also exists in a hybrid or evening class format at the University’s Newport and Warwick campuses.

24. University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law

MS in Cybersecurity Law; MS in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law

The University of Maryland offers several security-related graduate-level degrees. The master’s in homeland security options include the MS in Cybersecurity Law and the MS in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law.

Both programs exist online. That’s to provide a high quality and flexible learning experience suited to the needs of busy professionals. The MS in Cybersecurity Law focuses on the legal and public policy aspects of cybersecurity. It is the first advanced degree of its kind to provide this focus.

The MS in Homeland Security & Crisis Management Law focuses on topics including:

• Emergency Management
• Emergency Public Health Response
• Homeland Security and Counterterrorism

This online master’s in homeland security program culminates with a capstone project.

25. Excelsior College

MS in Criminal Justice

Excelsior College offers the MS in Criminal Justice. It has an emphasis on Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

This master’s degree in homeland security has 30 credit-hours. It is divided between the core requirements for advanced education and concentration. The master’s in homeland security concludes with a capstone course worth three credits. That is in lieu of a final examination.

This master’s in homeland security is all online. It matches the high-quality of a traditional on-campus program. Qualified faculty members who are experts within the field teach the courses.

26. Tiffin University

MS in Criminal Justice

Tiffin University has an MS in Criminal Justice. It has a concentration in Homeland Security.

This master’s degree in homeland security is a 30-credit hour program. The MS degree is online. Experienced faculty members teach the courses. They have valuable field experience.

The Homeland Security concentration’s curriculum includes courses such as:

• Contemporary Criminal Justice: Issues and Trends
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security
• Statistical Applications in Criminal Justice
• The Intelligence Community
• Emergency Management
• Terrorism and Emerging Threats
• Cyber Security and Technology in Homeland Security
• Homeland Security Sectors

There is also the capstone course. This is Practical Application of Policy in Homeland Security.

27. Arkansas Technical University

MS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Arkansas Tech University offers the MS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. This is through its Department of Emergency Management.

The master’s in homeland security is online as well as in a traditional classroom setting. It focuses on a variety of factors. That includes the social, political, economic, and legal aspects of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS).

The online master’s degree includes a diverse curriculum. It’s designed to reflect the latest research and practical applications. That’s in both fields of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The online master’s in homeland security degree integrates emerging technology. There are also areas of concentration.

28. University of Massachusetts Lowell

MA in Security Studies

The program integrates a “big picture” policy perspective. Yet it also maintains an understanding of human behavior, systems, and intelligence analysis.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers the Master of Arts in Security Studies. It’s with a Homeland Defense concentration.

The program has many types of elective courses (from which prospective students choose four). These include:

• Transportation Systems Safety and Security
• Crisis and Emergency Management
• Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism
• Comparative Terrorism and Counterterrorism
• Descriptive & Inferential Statistics
• Emergency Planning and Disaster Management
• Issues in Computer Crime and Cyber Security
• Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Impacts of Climate Change and Human Made Threats on Emergency Response
• Designing and Building a Cybersecurity Program
• Terrorism Networks
• Cybersecurity concentration courses

29. Colorado Technical University

MS in Criminal Justice

Colorado Technical University has an MS with a concentration in Homeland Security.

This homeland security program has an online delivery option. The program equips students to analyze the issues of law, policy, and society. It also explores developing strategies. These are designed to confront real world issues.

Students can review the policy and organizational challenges as well as critical infrastructure protection.

Courses within the Homeland Security concentration include:

• Technology Solutions for HLS
• Organizational and Policy Challenges
• Vulnerability Analysis and Protection
• Homeland Security and Government
• a Homeland Security Capstone

30. St. John’s University

MPS in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership

St. John’s University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security. It also emphasizes Criminal Justice Leadership. The 36-credit-hour program is at several campus sites. It is also online.

The program prepares students with new approaches. They learn to combat terrorism, new technologies, and international crime organizations. This is all done to meet the demand for educated leaders in homeland security.

Program benefits include:

• the flexible delivery formats, including conventional classroom, online, and hybrid options
• the opportunity to join a diverse student body
• one-on-one academic advising
• participation in internships
• the opportunity to network with alumni for career development

31. Upper Iowa University

MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Upper Iowa University has a Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management. It also has an emphasis in Homeland Security.

The MPA with a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is one of the best. It prepares students for positions of leadership within emergency management and security.

This homeland security program is a 36-credit-hour degree. Students must choose four electives. Options include:

• Terrorism and Politics
• Psychology and Culture of Terrorism
• Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Public Policy
• Leadership Issues with Critical Incidents
• Counter-Terrorism

32. Virginia Commonwealth University

MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Virginia Commonwealth University has a top Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. It is through the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

The curriculum focuses on both domestic and international security. The curriculum also covers preparedness issues related to terrorism and natural disasters.

It is off-campus via online delivery. It also features both online and on-campus components. Outcomes of the program include:

• advanced skills in expository writing and oral presentation
• ability to synthesize information in the key areas of :
  • risk and vulnerability analysis
  • strategic planning
  • institutional coordination
  • intelligence operations
  • legal/constitutional aspects
• ability to perform research, policy analysis, and risk assessment

33. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

Master of Public Safety & Homeland Security Administration

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers the Master of Public Safety & Homeland Security Administration. This is through its School of Architecture.

The homeland security program is full of advanced practical coursework. It is for public safety professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree. This should be in public safety, fire services, or other related areas.

The program’s online format offers convenience and flexibility.

The degree has 39 semester hours for graduation. It takes as little as 16 months with full-time study. The program’s outcome and goals are to:

• develop knowledge in public safety, fire service, and emergency management
• enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills
• provide credentials for career advancement
• train students for leadership roles in public safety, fire service, and emergency management organizations

34. Pace University

MA in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals

Pace University has the Master of Arts in Management. It’s for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals.

This graduate degree meets the demand for qualified public safety and security professionals. It “prepares students to meet the challenges of a post-9/11 world and the increase in natural disasters.”

This homeland security program is 100% online. Its format is great for students interested in greater flexibility.

35. Adelphi University

MS in Emergency Management

Adelphi University offers the MS in Emergency Management with a Homeland Security Track.

This homeland security master’s degree is all online. You’ll need at least 39 credits to graduate. It culminates in an emergency management capstone research project and presentation.

The program includes 30 core program credits. These are through the University College and the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business.

Core courses cover topics like:

• Health Management in Times of Disaster
• Organizational Planning and Response
• Emergency Management Law
• Business Continuity Planning

Students may focus on studies related to the Homeland Security concentration. This includes courses such as:

• Public Policy and Administration in Emergency Management
• Securing the Homeland

Students must also prepare a comprehensive research paper. This is for the Capstone course at the end of the program.

36. LIU Riverhead

MS in Homeland Security Management

LIU Riverhead has an MS in Homeland Security Management. This is through the Homeland Security and Terrorism Institute (HSTI). It is recognized by Congress as a US Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence.

The curriculum focuses on providing advanced knowledge, skills, and insight in homeland security management.

HSTI graduates are among the most sought-after employees. They are managers, executives, and law enforcement all over the world.

37. Arizona State University

MA in Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Arizona State University has a Online Master of Arts in Emergency Management & Homeland Security (EMHS). This homeland security master’s degree is a 33 credit-hour program.

Each class lasts 7.5 weeks in length. There’s a total of 11 required classes.

The homeland security master’s degree is offered through the College of Public Service and Community Solutions. It is available with concentrations in:

• biosecurity and threat management
• community resilience
• emergency management
• homeland security

The program also offers opportunities for international education. The program culminates in an applied project.

38. Southern New Hampshire University

MS in Criminal Justice

Southern New Hampshire University has an MS with a concentration in Advanced Counterterrorism.

Students can expect to graduate from the program having learned the skills of:

• intelligence analysis
• threat assessment
• advanced surveillance
• counterterrorism techniques.

Benefits of the program include:

• SNHU’s affordable tuition rates
• convenience, efficiency, and flexibility
• expert instructors who have relevant, real-world experience
• access to SNHU’s strong student support
• networking with SNHU’s nationwide network of alumni.

39. Bellevue University

MS in Intelligence and Security Studies

 Bellevue University has a MS in Intelligence and Security Studies degree.

This homeland security master’s degree gives students expertise in the analysis of issues such as:

• global politics and national security
• economics
• social change
• military and international developments
• transnational threats
• cybersecurity
• comparative intelligence cultures.

Outcomes of the program include:

• the ability to recognize how US national security impacts
• the ability to recognize how the US is influenced by transnational issues and threats
• identify major transnational dangers impacting the global community
• evaluate how global intelligence communities operate

40. Michigan State University

MS in Criminal Justice

Michigan State University has aMS in Criminal Justice degree. This degree in homeland security was first offered in 1998. The Masters was the first online degree program offered by MSU.

The program features the same faculty members who teach on-campus. MSU offers a many online support services. These aid students as they progress through the degree program.

There is a Security Management specialization. It features courses such as:

• Crime Causation, Prevention, and Control
• Security Management
• Security Administration
• Quantitative Methods
• Policy Analysis Under Conditions of Change.

A Judicial Administration specialization is also available. Featured courses include:

• Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research
• Criminal Justice Management
• National and Global Trends in Court Planning.

Related Rankings

• 50 Best Online Master of Emergency Management Degree Programs
• 50 Best Online Master of Cybersecurity Degree Programs
• 30 Best Online Master of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

A Master of Business Administration degree from a business school like the Sloan School, Columbia Business School, or Northwestern University is like a passport to corporate leadership opportunities for experienced professionals. When you apply for a job, holding an MBA boosts your prospects by showing that you have the skills and knowledge to master workplace tasks. Possessing an MBA also lends gravity to the degree holder, demonstrating academic achievement in the face of high standards.

Professionals who qualify for the best MBA degree programs enhance the value of their degrees with recognizable university names. There are thousands of colleges and universities with a business school offering a full-time MBA program that will help you achieve your career goals. Of course, not all of these programs are equal. With all the noise in the marketplace, business professionals like you need to focus on programs that fit your needs and expectations and allow you to join the ranks of MBA graduates. 

MBAs have existed since the early 20th century and gained currency in the business world by the 1960s. The first business school in the world to offer graduate degrees was Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business in 1900, and Harvard followed suit with the nation’s first MBA program in 1908. In 1916, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Business was created to promote best practices in business education. The ACSB later became the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Thanks to these early pioneers, MBA programs produce graduates ready for the rigors of the global economy. 

Statistics from the AACSB and Statista show why professionals and businesses value the MBA: According to the AACSB, most surveyed MBA graduates reached senior leadership positions with their companies within five years of graduation. Of the surveyed companies, 72% said MBAs provide added value to the workplace, while 70% reported that an MBA education helps professionals handle multiple roles. Statista also found that from 2008 to 2019, the percentage of companies that hired MBAs rose from 59% to 76%. 

The best MBA degree programs in the US are designed to connect classroom lessons with real-world skills. In the programs detailed in this guide, you complete core courses that establish foundations in finance and management. However, business schools diverge on how to encourage specialization among MBA candidates. You may be asked to select concentrations or tracks focusing on particular business functions or industries. MBA programs also sometimes allow you to use electives to customize your learning experiences. 

Every business school program encourages you to participate in work experience opportunities like internships, consulting projects, and competitions that test your limits. Universities with successful business programs use evening, executive, and part-time MBA programs to augment their full-time degree paths. Full-time MBA students and working professionals alike emerge from this gauntlet of challenges with marketable skills.

The best MBA programs in the U.S. desire the same outcomes for their graduates: to communicate clearly and manage staff effectively using a variety of skill sets. As an MBA graduate, you will emerge with clearer views of how businesses function in the real world and how you can improve. MBA programs are also important meeting places for future partners, colleagues, and collaborators to learn shared values. With these outcomes in mind, aspiring business leaders like you can tackle the task of completing MBA applications.

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS FOR TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS

The competitive nature of the business world mirrors MBA programs’ high standards. Poets & Quants reports that 10 leading business schools admitted an average of 18.4% of all applicants in 2021. Though this is lower than in 2020 and 2019, it’s higher than the 17.2% mark in 2018 and the 16% admittance rate in 2017.

Still, business professionals around the world are eager to gain entry to these exclusive clubs. The universities in our ranking have developed application processes that carefully evaluate your background and potential, so nailing the application process is critical as a hopeful MBA applicant. 

You are in a strong position for admission if you demonstrate past academic success. Every business school on our list requires official transcripts for previous undergraduate and graduate work as part of the admissions process. These transcripts show your overall GPA and the completion of foundational business courses. In some cases, MBA programs look for successful non-business students interested in business careers. Few programs maintain hard-and-fast GPA standards, though a GPA above 3.0 is generally required for admission.

Applicants to MBA programs are also often asked to submit recent results from either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). These graduate-level tests demonstrate the writing, logic, and comprehension skills necessary for success in MBA programs.

According to Poets & Quants, the average GMAT score of admitted students in 2019 exceeded 690 (out of a possible GMAT score of 800) at half of the nation’s top 50 business schools. However, according to Coursera, the average GMAT score at all business schools from 2019-2022 is around 568. This includes an average GMAT score of 4.43 out of 6 on the analytical writing assessment and an average GMAT score of 4.6 out of 8 on the integrated reasoning portion.

The GMAT score includes two other measures: verbal and quantitative. The average GMAT score on the verbal test over the last three years is 27.26 out of 51. The average GMAT score on the quantitative test is 40.7 out of 51.

Business school applicants’ GRE verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores tend to exceed 310 out of a possible 346. According to U.S. News & World Report, the average verbal reasoning score in recent years is 150.61. The average quantitative score is just over 150. Meanwhile, the average writing score in recent years is 3.6.

MBA programs are unique among graduate schools and heavily emphasize professional experience. The best business schools typically ask for at least one letter of recommendation from a past supervisor or professor. A polished resume showing previous professional experience should detail your path to the program. Top business schools also often ask for at least one essay describing your goals, how you fit with the school’s values, and what unique assets you would bring to the school. 

The application fees for MBA programs vary but often exceed the $77 average for undergraduate programs noted by U.S. News & World Report. Business schools at Texas A&M University ($125), the University of Texas ($200), and Stanford University ($275) far exceed this average. There are exceptions to this trend, however, with Arizona State University’s $70 fee and a $75 fee for the University of North Texas. 

Leading business programs use admissions interviews to bring application materials to life. Led by rotating groups of faculty, staff members, and alumni, these interviews may take anywhere from one hour to a full day. Keeping this in mind, develop a polished and concise sales pitch for your candidacy. Frame the inevitable questions about past challenges or career changes as opportunities for growth. You can also reduce interview anxiety by practicing with colleagues or friends. A successful interview can go a long way toward turning an application into an offer. 

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS TO TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS?

If you are admitted to your preferred business school, think about how you will fund your education. Student loan debt has been in the news for years, and an advanced business degree is a significant investment for any professional. The Education Data Initiative notes that the average tuition for business schools is $63,1800. There is wide variability in the expense of MBA programs, though.

For example, the Education Data Initiative reports that the Harvard School of Business is around $112,760 for its two-year program. Meanwhile, the tuition at Binghamton University’s business school is $34,940 for a two-year program.

According to a 2019 report from CNBC, nearly 50% of MBA students at top universities borrowed at least $100,000 to fund their degrees. The return on investment is high but can take years to realize, making a smart financial plan vital for any MBA student. Personal and federal student loans are always options, though scholarships and fellowships put you in a better financial situation. 

Alumni and corporate partners often sponsor scholarships to help continue top business schools’ reputations for business education. There are also scholarships aimed at women, minority, first-generation, and international students who will diversify the student body.

Fellowships often provide two years of funding for MBA students in exchange for teaching, research, and consulting work. Business schools often automatically consider first-year MBA candidates for scholarships and fellowships.

Foundations and business groups often provide MBA funding opportunities to targeted groups as well. The Orbis Investment Management MBA Fellowship is open to any first-year MBA student who is interested in investment. This $15,000 award requires an application, stock analysis, and interview.

The Forte Foundation funds fellowships each year for female MBA candidates at select universities, includes an award and mentoring opportunities, and promotes candidates’ credentials to partner companies. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners encourages business school students to study this career path through the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship. The ACFE awards between $1,000 and $10,000 to successful applicants who demonstrate an interest in fraud prevention careers. 

There are hundreds of additional funding options to fit your background, interests, and career goals. U.S. News & World Report offers additional suggestions to reduce educational costs: You can work with a business school’s career center to find part-time employment opportunities to offset costs and hone marketable skills. Career centers may also work with employers to find consultants who can help with one-off projects. If you’re an entrepreneurial student with a low-overhead business idea, you can also start your venture as you complete your degree. 

U.S. News & World Report also recommends pursuing accelerated MBA options, which are often available at leading business universities. An accelerated or part-time MBA program reduces tuition costs while providing the same degree as the full-time MBA option.

Don’t let funding questions prevent you from working toward a graduate degree. According to Poets & Quants, approximately one-third of students in MBA programs get financial help from their parents or employer. Another third use loans to pay for their degree. And another third use personal savings. 

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH A MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION? 

The sacrifices and hard work that factor into an MBA education yield great long-term prospects for graduates. PayScale’s salary average for MBA recipients is $96,000. The salary data site published an average salary of $73,000 for Bachelor of Business Administration holders in the same period. PayScale found several MBA career paths with average salaries significantly higher than their baseline figure. Chief financial officers who hold MBAs earned an average salary of $157,829 in 2023. In terms of managerial positions, MBA-holding project managers ($88,111) and marketing directors ($117,757) also enjoy above-average salaries. 

Look for career options that provide high-end compensation and have long-term demand for talent. A career path with more jobs than qualified applicants means plenty of demand for an MBA’s services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that top executive positions are projected to grow by 6% through the beginning part of the 2030s, and the job market for human resources managers should grow by 7% during the same time. Advertising and marketing managers should benefit from a 10% estimated growth in available jobs. All of these career paths exceed the 5% projected growth across all occupations during the same period. 

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) highlights several trends in MBA hiring. MBAs who are willing to move abroad benefit from 87% of Asian companies and 69% of European companies planning to hire recent graduates. Startup companies are additional sources of employment, with a 62% projected MBA hiring rate in 2019, up from 45% in 2018. The GMAC found that consulting, utility providers, and health care were the strongest areas of demand for MBA graduates. 

As a professional with an MBA, you should further expand your career options to unconventional roles for business school graduates. U.S. News & World Report suggests higher education management as an intriguing possibility for MBAs who want to bring corporate skills to college campuses. The publication also advocates for MBAs in the sports and fashion industries because their analytical skills are valuable for understanding changing consumer trends. 

Another nontraditional career path for graduates of full-time MBA programs is sustainability leadership roles that blend entrepreneurial impulses with progressive values. MBA graduates like you can also consider starting companies of their own, rather than serving the visions of others.

Think of the future when you consider the business functions and industries that fit your interests. For example, forward-thinking MBAs need to consider how cloud computing and artificial intelligence fit into basic functions like customer service and sales. 

The saturation of mobile phone use in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will also provide growth opportunities for companies skilled in digital marketing. The opportunities for professional growth and career advancement are plentiful if you’re a motivated MBA.

Graduate degree programs show you how you can affect change in workplaces around the world. Think carefully before committing your time, energy, and money to an MBA program. The ten MBA degrees listed below feature exceptional faculty, top business school reputations, and return on investment for students.

OUR RANKING CRITERIA FOR THE TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS

We have a time-tested four-part formula designed to rank the nation’s best colleges that generates far better recommendations than simply Googling “best MBA programs in USA.” We prioritize four major factors when ranking full-time MBA programs: earnings potential, affordability, student satisfaction, and selectivity. Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success. 

We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions or financial incentives, our revenue and content are completely separate, and sponsored business schools have no impact on our rankings. The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program. If you want to know more, we encourage you to check out our methodology page. 

Check out the top 10 MBA program ranking below! 

#1 MBA Rankings: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Not only is the University of California, Berkeley home to the best MBA programs in California, but it’s also home to the best in the nation.

Berkeley’s sports teams are called the Bears, a name dating back to the late 19th century. Since 1895, this school’s mascot has been the bear in connection to the California state flag. Berkeley has undergone significant changes in its history, originating as an agricultural school and becoming involved in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s.  

In the 21st century, the university system’s flagship campus has continued its commitment to academic excellence. U.S. News & World Report ranks Berkeley #20 among National Universities and #1 (tie) among top public schools. The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, is also highly regarded and ranks #11 in the nation. 

The admissions process for Berkeley’s business school ensures you are surrounded by promising colleagues. Even though the Haas School of Business does not maintain minimum requirements for GPAs or test scores, applicants admitted to the Class of 2024 held average undergraduate GPAs of 3.64 and average GMAT scores of 729.

The application requires official university transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. You must submit GMAT scores and GRE scores, an essay, and a $200 application fee as well. Prospective business school students who advance beyond the initial application review may be asked to interview with business school representatives. Admission is highly competitive – the Class of 2024 has 247 students. 

The Haas School of Business requires MBA students and future managers to complete core courses and electives. You’ll delve deep into advanced business topics like strategic leadership, financial accounting, and data and decisions. You will also complete an Applied Innovation Course like the Haas@Work program, which sends teams of MBA candidates to assist companies with real-world issues. 

The full-time MBA program takes 21 months to complete, packing a good deal of valuable experiences into a brief window. There are alternatives to a full-time MBA if you’re a working professional who wants to balance your studies with professional obligations: The Evening & Weekend MBA option takes 2.5-three years to complete with course schedules that fit around standard work hours. If you’re a mid-level manager or senior executive, you can complete the MBA for Executives over 22 months. The MBA for Executives concentrates classes into three-day sessions every three weeks. In other words, if full-time MBA programs don’t meet your needs, Berkeley has plenty of other options.

In the Class of 2020, 70% of business school students received financial aid, and 40% received scholarships. The university’s Berkeley MBA Grant is available to promising students who demonstrate financial need. The Haas School of Business maintains merit-based funding options like the Galloway MBA Fellowship and the Blue Duck Scholarship as well. You can also pursue fellowships through the university’s Institute for Business and Social Impact and the Center for Gender, Equity, and Leadership. 

The Class of 2024 profile shows an experienced and diverse student body at the Haas School of Business. A majority of students have three to eight years of professional experience upon admission, with an average experience level of 5.6 years. Nearly half – 43% – of MBA students at Berkeley are women, exceeding the 38% average for all MBA programs noted by the GMAC. The University of California, Berkeley, reports that 21.9% of its MBA students are of Asian descent, while 15% are black, African American, Hispanic, or Latino. The program also represents international students from dozens of countries.

#2 MBA Rankings: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Texas A&M University became the state’s first public university when it was founded in 1876. The university’s growing reputation in the 20th century made it the natural choice to serve as the main campus of the 11-school system, which was assembled in 1948. Referring back to the university’s origins as an agricultural college, its sports teams stay connected to the school’s history with the Aggies nickname. 

Texas A&M has grown into one of the best public universities in the U.S. Niche places the university at #19 among Top Public Universities and #20 on its Best Big Colleges in America list. The site also ranks the school #30 among the Best Colleges for Business in America, based in part on the strength of its Master of Business Administration program. The Financial Times also regards A&M’s business school well: in 2020, it ranked the full-time MBA program 19th in the nation.

Prospective students like you must demonstrate business acumen to gain admission to the business program. You must have at least two years of full-time experience before the first day of classes. You must also complete essays on your post-graduate goals and formative experiences to show why this MBA program is the right fit for you.

The Mays Business School also requires two professional references, official transcripts, and a resume. An official GMAT score or GRE score is also needed, as is a $125 application fee. Business school faculty and staff participate in application interviews with prospective students prior to making admission decisions. During the application process, you can pursue funding options like the two-year Graduate Diversity Fellowship to reduce tuition costs. 

You can complete the full-time MBA from Texas A&M in as little as 18 months (which is quite fast for full-time MBA programs). There are five optional specializations that you can complete during an optional fourth semester of study. These include:

• Marketing Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Supply Chain and Operations
• Financial Analytics
• Data Analytics

The Mays Business School also encourages MBA students like you to add an international business or advanced international affairs certificate during an optional fourth semester of study. 

Required courses like Business Analytics and Strategic Management provide foundations for future leadership positions. This program further allows MBA candidates like you to customize your experiences with electives like Investment Management and Services Marketing. As a second-year student, you will satisfy the capstone requirement by consulting with regional businesses.

Texas A&M provides alternatives to the full-time MBA program if you are further along in your career. The Professional MBA option takes 22 months to complete through evening and weekend courses. The Executive MBA offers business school courses that meet every other weekend to help candidates with at least 10 years of experience complete their degrees in two years. Combined degree tracks like the joint JD/MBA and MD/MBA help ambitious professionals bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the legal and medical fields, respectively. 

You will gain invaluable contacts and experience in the business world through real-world learning opportunities. In your first year, you will be assigned to research startup ventures for viability as part of the MBA Venture Challenge. Faculty and business experts evaluate MBA student groups’ presentations to determine their strength. 

The Mays Business School also maintains study-abroad opportunities for students in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Student organizations such as the Mays Business School Consulting Club and Aggies Women MBAs provide opportunities for community involvement and professional development. And to provide support for newcomers to the Aggies family, the Partners-Cohort is a group of MBA students’ spouses and significant others. 

#3 MBA Rankings: GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as Georgia Tech, has a rich history dating back to 1885. The school’s business and science programs are steeped in the university’s original mission to help the South recover from the Civil War. The Yellow Jackets football program has topped the nation on four occasions between 1917 and 1990. 

Over time, Georgia Tech grew from its metro Atlanta campus to include satellite centers from France to Singapore. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as a national leader in higher education, naming it #44 among National Universities and #15 among Top Public Schools. The university’s Scheller College of Business ranks #26 among Best Business Schools. 

To apply to the Georgia Tech MBA program, you must complete two essays that highlight your interests. The first essay asks why you see the MBA program at Georgia Tech as essential to achieve your long-term goals, and the second essay asks for a list of 10 facts about your personal and professional background. You must also submit two letters of recommendation and a resume with your application to business school. Additional application requirements include GRE or GMAT scores and a $95 application fee. After applications are reviewed, the business school staff completes interviews with admission finalists. 

The MBA program takes 22 months of full-time study to complete, with 12 courses in seven core areas, including accounting, marketing, and strategy. The Schuller College of Business also allows MBA candidates to pursue up to ten elective courses that fit their unique interests, making this a top choice as one of the best MBA programs for real estate and other specialties.

You can select from multiple four-course concentrations, such as Entrepreneurship, Management of Information Resources, and Business Analytics, that drill deep into business trends. You can also further enhance your career prospects with Georgia Tech’s internship and career planning services. The Jones MBA Career Center partners with companies like Delta, Liberty Mutual, and Facebook to connect you with post business school positions that offer valuable work experience.

Additional resources from the center include career planning, interview simulations, and internship identification for business school students. The Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship cultivates future leaders through a study abroad program in Eastern Europe, the Ideas 2 Serve competition, and a weekly series of leadership talks. 

The Business Analytics Center relies on graduate student projects and faculty research to refine tools for data visualization and econometrics. You can learn how businesses take the lead in eco-friendly and progressive initiatives through the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business. The Cecil B. Day Program for Business Ethics emphasizes responsible leadership through guest lectures and financial support for conference attendance. 

Georgia Tech also offers an Evening MBA program that takes up to three years to complete and focuses on quantitative skills that’s ideal if you can’t attend business school full-time. The 17-month Executive MBA program requires applicants to show at least five years of professional experience. Business professionals interested in terminal degrees can complete the university’s Ph.D. in Management. Opportunities for specialized business research at Georgia Tech connect MBA candidates with world-class faculty and corporate leaders. 

#4 MBA Rankings: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

This public university in Denton, Texas, opened as a private school for teachers in 1890. Degree programs broadened beyond teacher education throughout the 20th century, and the school adopted its current name in 1988. In recent decades, the University of North Texas added a campus in Frisco, a medical center, and a law school. Students and faculty in the Master of Business Administration program have also benefited from the university’s proximity to the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth business community.

In 2023, Niche named the University of North Texas #86 among the Best Big Colleges in America and #133 among Top Public Universities in America. Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report ranks UNT’s business school among the top 100 in the U.S. and its part-time MBA program #68 in the nation.

Upon applying to the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, you must submit a current resume and at least three letters of recommendation to establish your professional credentials. A 600-700-word essay is also required in which you discuss your qualifications for the program. The Toulouse Graduate School requires a $75 application fee as well.

Successful business school students have a GMAT score of at least 520 and GRE verbal scores of at least 153 (verbal) and 154 (quantitative). These requirements may be waived if you hold a graduate degree in another field. Business faculty interview promising candidates to determine their readiness for advanced studies. MBA applicants are considered for most in-house scholarships and fellowships without additional materials. 

As a newcomer to this business school, you will be treated to an abundance of options for your MBA studies. The full-time MBA in Business Management program focuses on business management with an average completion time of 11 months. You can also select from online specializations like Business Analytics, Health Services Management, and Information Technology. 

The University of North Texas has partnered with the Dallas Cowboys to confer an MBA with a Sports Entertainment Management concentration. This option is available at UNT’s Fresco campus or online. A Ph.D. in Business is also available if you want to focus on careers in business research or academia. 

The full-time MBA in Business Management program is a good example of the school’s approach to business education. As an admitted student, you’ll start with a two-course summer session covering accounting and organizational behavior. The first full-time semester features five courses, including Financial Management, Business Ethics, and an independent study course that includes visits to local businesses.

MBA candidates in their final semester of business school complete five courses on topics such as Data Mining and Administrative Strategy. Every MBA specialization will leave University of North Texas graduates prepared for the challenges of modern business. And since it’s one of the best value MBA programs available, you can do so with less of a financial commitment.

Students and faculty expand their understanding of the business world through on-campus centers and institutes. The Institute of Petroleum Accounting, the Center for Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and the Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation connect academic research to trends in the marketplace. 

The University of North Texas MBA program’s student body features talented and diverse professionals. Of the program’s 815 MBA students in 2022, the average GPA was 3.31, and the average GMAT score was 530. International students represent dozens of countries around the world, including Brazil, South Africa, and Japan. The G. Brint Ryan College of Business notes that more than 65% of MBA students complete their business school studies on a part-time basis. 

#5 MBA Rankings: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant arts and music scene and the annual South by Southwest festival. The main campus of the University of Texas has also been a fixture of the state capital since its first classes were held in 1883. UT Austin has produced famed alumni like actor Matthew McConaughey and Heisman Trophy winners Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams.

Niche recognizes the university’s national reputation with an Overall Niche Grade of A+, including an A+ for Academics and an A for Value. U.S. News & World Report emphasizes the strength of the school’s business programs, ranking its business school #20 (tie) on its Best Business Schools list. The university’s Master of Business Administration program’s experienced faculty and multiple degree paths support this rank. 

The McCombs School of Business’s MBA application is designed to offer multiple methods to introduce your interests to the faculty. You must submit an introductory essay, a letter of recommendation, and a current resume. Additionally, you must provide recent GMAT or GRE scores and a $200 application fee. If you are interested in joint degrees, like the MBA/JD or the MBA/MS in Social Work, you must meet all requirements for each program. 

As an MBA candidate at UT Austin, you can select from seven specialization areas that define your coursework. These specializations allow you to focus on business functions like accounting, finance, or operations. You complete seven required courses in each concentration, such as Strategic Career Planning, Statistics, and Financial Management. Of the 30 credits earned during your first year and all courses in your second year, 14 are electives. Elective options dig deep into topics like social enterprise, corporate ethics, and high-technology marketing.

The university leverages its statewide presence to help full-time and part-time MBA students and future managers achieve their goals. The Austin campus offers full-time, evening, and executive MBA programs. Working professionals can also earn an MBA through weekend programs held in Dallas and Houston. Business education is not restricted to the classroom at UT Austin, either. The MBA+ Leadership Program trains promising business students like you through consulting projects, personalized coaching, and corporate networking opportunities. 

You can further explore areas of concentration through one of numerous fellowship programs. International travel programs, like Global Connections Study Tours and the McCombs Adventure Program, bring the global economy into perspective. The McCombs School of Business also hosts academic competitions such as the National Energy Finance Challenge, which pushes students to solve real-world problems. 

The MBA Class of 2024 features 220 students and the average student is 29 years old. The university’s reputation for academic excellence is evidenced by an average 3.48 undergraduate GPA and an average 706 GMAT score (though GMAT and GRE scores are waived in certain circumstances).

The business school reports that 36% of MBA students have identified as minorities, including 17% as underrepresented minorities. More than one-quarter of business school students came to Austin from another country. Admitted students represent diverse fields, too, with 40% of MBA candidates coming from STEM majors and 33% with business or economics degrees. This diversity is just one of the reasons why UT Austin’s MBA program is one of the best MBA degrees in the nation.

Further Details: 10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

#6 MBA Rankings: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s influence extends beyond Wisconsin’s capital city, thanks to “the Wisconsin Idea.” This philosophy encourages students and faculty to connect their work with the needs of communities throughout the state. Since the term’s introduction in 1904, university departments have developed environmental, health, educational, and business solutions for Wisconsin cities from Superior to Kenosha. 

Through decades of sustained success, the Badgers football and basketball programs have also made the university a household name. Forbes confirmed the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s national reputation, ranking #17 among Public Colleges and #49 among its Top Colleges 2022 list. The Master of Business Administration is among the school’s top programs, thanks to its customization options and connection to Wisconsin business communities.  

The average GMAT score for an MBA student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is 665 (though GMAT and GRE scores are optional if you have a U.S.-based undergraduate degree from an accredited institution). Furthermore, you should demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 to avoid provisional status.

This business school does not include a minimum professional experience requirement, thus helping you improve your odds of admission if you’re less experienced in this field. Finalists for the MBA program are invited to the campus for interviews to help faculty members make their final decisions. 

As an admitted student, you are integrated into the Wisconsin School of Business through an orientation program. This program helps you plan your degree path with experienced advisors prior to the first day of classes.

You will complete ten core courses in your first year, including Introduction to Financial Management, Financial Accounting, and Business Strategy. As a first-year MBA student, you’ll also complete experiential learning activities to get real-world experience. For example, if you concentrate on applied security analysis, you will work with alumni and industry leaders to create a plan to increase a practicing fund manager’s portfolio performance.

This full-time MBA program features ten specializations in areas such as Real Estate, Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management, making this one of the best real estate MBA programs and one of the best options for administration and management focuses.

Electives across the two years of this program are defined by these concentrations. The Wisconsin School of Business encourages you to pursue additional experiences that strengthen your resume. For example, as a first-year MBA candidate, you can complete a summer internship with national and international companies to gain work experience before moving into the program’s second year.

Additionally, Global Learning Experiences offered through the university expose you to global markets like Brazil, Ireland, and Vietnam. You can also add certificate options in Business Analytics, Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Innovation to strengthen the MBA’s impact. 

Business education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison extends beyond the full-time MBA program. The university also offers an Evening MBA for full-time professionals and an Executive MBA designed for mid-career professionals. Aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs can cross into each other’s fields with the combined JD/MBA program. In fact, the entire roster of graduate programs is available for joint degree development with an MBA. 

A glimpse at the MBA Class of 2024 shows the university’s appeal to promising business professionals. The 71-student Class of 2024 has an average age of 28 and five years of professional experience. The Wisconsin School of Business values the program’s diversity, with 38% international students and 21% underserved minority groups. At the same time, 31% of the cohort’s students previously earned business degrees, 22% entered with engineering degrees, and 9% hold social science degrees. 

#7 MBA Rankings: STANFORD UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Stanford University’s international reputation is built on generations of award-winning academics and thinkers. As of the 2022-2023 school year, the school employed 20 Nobel Prize laureates and four Pulitzer Prize winners. World-class research emerges from university assets like the National Accelerator Laboratory and the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace.

 U.S. News & World Report places Stanford University at #3 among National Universities in its 2022 rankings. The university’s resources and reputation have yielded many prominent business leaders, as evidenced by a #6 rank among the Best Business Schools. The Master of Business Administration in the Stanford University School of Business (Stanford GSB) challenges you to live up to these expectations. 

Your MBA application to the Stanford GSB is evaluated based on your intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities. During the application process, you will complete essays answering the questions “Why Stanford?” and “What matters most to you?” Stanford’s Graduate School of Business requires letters of recommendation from your current supervisor and one past supervisor. Application packets also include official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and background information on your awards and accomplishments.

There is no minimum amount of professional experience required for admission to the Stanford GSB, but the school conducts hour-long interviews between alumni and finalists for admission. The application fee for the MBA program is $275, though the university reduces fees to $100 based on financial need. At the time of application, you must make it known if you’re interested in programs like the JD/MBA or MS in Computer Science/MBA so you can complete materials for both degrees. 

The Graduate School of Business notes that approximately 50% of MBA students receive fellowship awards, which average $44,000 per year. Fellowship awards are determined based on your student financial need at the time of application. The Charles P. Bonini Partnership for Diversity Fellowship and the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship provide additional funding but require separate applications. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provides full funding for MBA applicants interested in interdisciplinary business solutions. 

As an MBA student, you will start your Stanford career with full-time MBA program studies in eight core courses covering foundational concepts like ethics in management and managerial skills. By the second and third quarters, you select courses from business areas such as marketing, human resource management, and data analysis. As a second-year student, you will complete your degree via electives in nine disciplines, including political economics and accounting to set you up for success as you join the ranks of future managers. 

The university also allows up to 12 credits from non-business graduate programs, such as computer science or design. Every MBA student is required to complete a global experience, such as a 10-day study trip, an immersive management experience, or a global seminar. The Stanford-Tsinghua Exchange Program encourages collaboration between graduate students at Stanford and Tsinghua University in China. 

Stanford University’s Class of 2024 confirms its selective MBA program: Of the 6,152 applicants to the program, only 424 new students were admitted. The MBA student body features 44% women, 37% international students, and 51% members of minority groups. The typical student entered the MBA program with an average of 4.9 years of experience. MBA candidates are the best of the best, with an average GMAT score of 737 and an average combined GRE of 327. Stanford’s global appeal is clear, as international students from 56 countries are part of its MBA program. 

#8 MBA Rankings: HARVARD UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Harvard University is the oldest university in the nation, and students have crossed its famed campus since 1636. The school is a known producer of world leaders, including U.S. Presidents John Adams, Franklin Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. Harvard’s ubiquity in popular culture includes appearances in fare ranging from the William Faulkner novel The Sound and the Fury to the movie Legally Blonde. 

But pop culture fame and a string of renowned alumni are not sufficient to explain Harvard’s staying power. U.S. News & World Report confirms the university’s standing with a #3 ranking among National Universities and a #1 spot among the Best Value Schools for 2023. The Master of Business Administration is one of Harvard’s leading programs, helping it to obtain a #5 spot among the Best Business Schools. 

The three-step MBA application process for the Harvard Business School reflects the school’s selectivity. In the initial application, you must submit transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and a resume. Two letters of recommendation, an essay, and proof of English language proficiency are also required. A $250 fee must accompany each application. 

If you advance past the first stage of applying to the Harvard School of Business, you are asked to complete a 30-minute interview, either in person or via video chat. After the interview, you enter the final stage by submitting an essay reflecting on the application process. Ambitious students interested in joint degrees like the MD/MBA and JD/MBA must complete both degree applications for admission.

The full-time MBA program at Harvard takes two years to complete. In the first semester, you mix required courses like Marketing and Finance with intensive team projects. MBA students like you expand their horizons in the second semester with global immersion experiences and a course in international economics. 

As a second-year student, you’ll choose from extensive elective options covering everything from corporate misconduct to retailing. Harvard Business School also allows you to complete graduate electives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Tufts University. The elective requirements may also be fulfilled through field courses at local, national, or international businesses. 

A Harvard education can be a pricey investment for exceptional students. Harvard Business School notes that 50% of its graduate students qualify for scholarships based on financial need that range from $2,500 to $76,000. Summer fellowships arranged through the business school can help finance tuition following the first year of study. For MBAs who pursue ventures in Africa, the Global Opportunity Fellowship is a post-graduate aid package that provides up to $50,000 per year, with five years of eligibility following graduation. 

The MBA Class of 2021 at Harvard Business School shows the global reach of this venerable institution. Harvard received 9,228 applications for the Class of 2021 and accepted 938 highly talented students. The MBA cohort represents 71 countries, with 37% of all students coming from countries other than the United States.

Admitted students brought stellar academic credentials to the program with an average GPA of 3.7, an average GMAT score of 730, and a combined GRE average of 326. The most common professional backgrounds for Harvard MBAs were venture capital (16%), consulting (15%), and a three-way tie between technology, financial services, and manufacturing (12%).  

#9 MBA Rankings: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

If you search for the “best MBA programs California,” you’ll find the University of California, Irvine, on the list.

UC Irvine has built a national reputation, despite only having been founded in 1965. The university features a teaching hospital, an arboretum, and research centers like the Center for the Study of Democracy. Students selected the university’s Anteaters mascot early in its existence and have cheered on national successes in men’s volleyball, tennis, and track and field. 

Forbes ranks the university #30 among Top Colleges 2022 and #9 among Public Colleges. The University of California, Irvine also sits at #16 among Top Public Universities in America and #33 in Best Colleges for Business in America, according to Niche. These rankings were achieved in part by the students and faculty of the Master of Business Administration program. 

Of course, UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business has plenty of accolades, too. Financial Times ranks it #30 among business schools nationwide, while Bloomberg Businessweek and Fortune rank it in the top 50 programs in the country. Financial Times also ranks UC Irvine’s Executive MBA program #8 in the U.S.

Application to the MBA program requires official transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores. The Paul Merage School of Business does not mandate minimum test scores but notes that you must have a GPA of 3.0 or above. Your complete application must include a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a $150 application fee. The business school also requires essays on your goals and values to add dimension to your application. 

A video or in-person interview is the final step of the application process for prospective students. If you’re interested in JD/MBA or MD/MBA programs, you must be offered admission to the law school or medical school before your MBA application can be approved. Once admitted, you can complete the full-time MBA program in two years if you enroll in winter and summer sessions. 

UC Irvine allows MBA students like you to specialize in Digital Transformation, Health Care Management and Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or Real Estate and Urban Development. In the first year, required courses explore topics such as managerial finance and information technology for management.

During the summer following year one, you will complete internships that fit within your specialization. In year two, you’ll add electives like Multinational Finance and Global Negotiations to round out your degree path. The business school also encourages you to pursue study abroad opportunities as you approach graduation. 

The full-time MBA program is not the only option for business school students: The Flex MBA is a part-time program for managers and mid-career professionals. This program schedules courses on two nights during the week if you choose the on-campus option. There is also a fully online option, or you can blend the two as your needs change, making this one of the most flexible business schools on this list.

Senior business leaders can complete the MBA for Executives over 21 months of courses held every third weekend. You’ll explore three primary areas of inquiry: Business Foundations, Executive Leader, and Experiential Learning. The MBA for Executives also includes a health care leadership track focused on health technology. This is just one of the reasons why UC Irvine has one of the nation’s best business schools!

#10 MBA Rankings: ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Arizona State University has grown from a small teacher’s college founded in 1885 to a nationally renowned university in the 21st century. This growth includes the addition of multiple Phoenix-area campuses and satellite centers throughout the state. The university is now the fifth-largest in the U.S. by enrollment, reaching 38,212 undergraduate students during the 2022-2023 school year. 

Arizona State’s appeal is due in part to the successes of its Sun Devils athletics programs, including past national championships in softball and track. U.S. News & World Report highlights the strengths of the university’s business programs with a ranking of #35 among the country’s Best Business Schools. The Master of Business Administration at Arizona State University is well-regarded, too. As a student at ASU, you will work with diverse colleagues and faculty members. 

The W.P. Carey School of Business provides a straightforward application process for MBA applicants: You must submit an updated resume, university transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, and one reference. You will also be asked to complete essays detailing your career path and how you plan to contribute to the community with your business degree. Arizona State charges the lowest application fee on this list, at $70. 

MBA candidates at Arizona State start with required courses covering areas such as managerial accounting and organizational behavior. You will receive career coaching from department faculty and staff in your first year. During the first quarter, you are asked to select from seven concentrations, such as Consulting and Marketing, which feature 15 credits of classes to be completed by graduation. The business school also offers specializations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Supply Chain Management, to name a few.

The full-time MBA path described above is not the only option for you as an Arizona State student. The Online MBA program expedites the graduate degree process with courses lasting less than eight weeks per term. The Evening MBA uses twice-weekly courses and online lessons to help professionals complete their degrees in up to four years. Mid-career professionals in the Executive MBA program use advanced courses along with two study trips to enhance their prospects, making this one of the best business schools for masters degrees for working professionals.

No matter which MBA track you choose, you can enrich your Arizona State experience through student organizations. As a current student, you can help applicants as members of the MBA Ambassadors program. Organizations like the Entrepreneurship Society and the Health Care Club provide opportunities outside the classroom to work with fellow students. Additionally, the university hosts clubs like the Wine Society and Golf Club, where you can have fun around your busy schedule. These are just a few amenities that make this one of the best MBA program options in the nation.

Data on Arizona State’s W.P. Carey School of Business illustrates the program’s international appeal. The online MBA school reports having more than 19,000 students from over 100 nations. Of the MBA graduates in the class of 2022, 80% had a job at graduation. A full 96% of the class was employed within 90 days of graduation. All told, 400 MBA degrees were conferred in the 2022-2023 school year.

Further Details: Best MBA in International Business

HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR THE BEST BUSINESS SCHOOLS

#11 MBA Rankings: Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

The MBA program at Northwestern University is offered by the Kellogg School of Management. Several program options are available, including one and two-year programs, a MBA focused on AI, and a dual JD-MBA. Northwestern University has among the most diverse program options of any school on this list.

Northwestern University MBA Website

#12 MBA Rankings: University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

The Chicago Booth School of Business offers multiple MBA options, including a full-time and an Executive MBA program. Master and doctoral degrees are available as well.

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Website

#13 MBA Rankings: Columbia University

Location: New York, New York

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

The Columbia Business School utilizes the expertise of top faculty combined with ample opportunities for experiential learning to prepare you as a leader in business, management, and related fields.

Columbia Business School Website

OTHER NOTABLE BUSINESS SCHOOLS

#14MBA Rankings: University of California, Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles, California

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

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#15 MBA Rankings: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Online MBA)

Website

#16 MBA Rankings: University of Virginia

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

Website

#17 MBA Rankings: Boston College

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Hybrid online MBA)

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#18 MBA Rankings: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

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#19 MBA Rankings: Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, New York

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

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#20 MBA Rankings: University of Georgia 

Location: Athens, Georgia

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Online MBA option available)

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#21 MBA Rankings: Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Hybrid online MBA)

Website

#22 MBA Rankings: University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

Website

#23 MBA Rankings: University of Washington

Location: Seattle, Washington

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

Website

#24 MBA Rankings: Washington University of St. Louis

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Part-time MBA)

Website

#25 MBA Rankings: Yale School of Management

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Degree: Master of Business Administration (Full-time MBA)

Website

Remember that this is not a comprehensive list of the very best business school options. You’ll note that well-respected schools like MIT’s Sloan School, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Ross School of Business, and Yale University School of Management did not make our top ten list. Nor did the Stern School of Business at New York University, the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, and the Olin School of Business at Washington University. The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University was just an honorable mention.

This illustrates the incredible diversity and quality of MBA programs right now. If top schools like the Sloan School, the Columbia Business School, Dartmouth College, and Washington University don’t crack the top 10, you begin to understand the high level of MBA education that you can pursue.

Whether you study at a state school in New Orleans, a private school in New Haven, at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, or somewhere in between, you can find a high-quality MBA program that will prepare you well for your future in the world of business. Rely on rankings like this as well as information from respected publications like the Financial Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and others, to make an informed decision about your collegiate future.

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