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Best Master’s in Management Information Systems Rankings

information systems masters programs

It is the information age. The age of technology, computers, and innovation. The age where leaders play a vital role. They are paving the way toward business success amid growing challenges and competition. It is the age where things are moving faster than we can comprehend. 

Are you ambitious? Do you want to be a leader in the growing innovative world? Then getting a degree in one of the best master’s in management information systems is right up your alley.

You will be an information professional. You will gain the technical expertise to manage an array of information related duties. You will also be educated in businesses, the public or private sector, government organizations, and academic institutions.

In one of the best management information systems programs, you will learn how to analyze complex relationships. You will make practical decisions at the heart of technical design, policy framework, and ethics. You will also be able to apply architectural, computational, and algorithmic thinking and principles to information systems and related components. 

You will work on open-ended projects. This will be either in the classroom, in the field, or at home if you are studying online. These illustrate full mastery of all content learned through your studies. You will learn how to make critical decisions in the information systems workplace. Finally, you will learn how to be a team leader. You’ll be able to stay calm in the face of competition and any challenges that come your way. 

You will be an asset to any company. You’ll be ready to take on a management role. You will be able to look for positions in any of the following areas:

  • Product Management
  • Data Analysis and Modeling
  • Data Visualization
  • Software Engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Business Strategy
  • Software Development
  • Information Organization and Retrieval
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Machine Learning

Recent graduates from management information systems have allied themselves with many large companies. These include:

  • Disney
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Uber
  • WellsFargo
  • Capital One
  • Twitter
  • PWC

With these jobs come very high salaries! 

Getting a master’s degree is a critical step in your life. And the right step! According to the latest U.S. Census data, over 21 million individuals in the U.S. hold a graduate degree. That is a 21% increase in the adult population (25 years or older). It is a 22% increase from twenty years ago. In 1970, just 200,000 Americans had a graduate degree. 

Graduate degrees are becoming more common than bachelor’s degrees. Corporations want their employees to get as much schooling as possible. With online schooling, learning has become more convenient. It allows you to study when you want to, not study when you have to. Of course, you do have deadlines you still need to stay on top of.

Below are some of the expectations you should have when applying for the degree. We also have some tuition, scholarship information, and financial information. We’ll give you an insight into salary expectations and the job outlook for this field. There are countless rewards that come with a graduate degree in management information systems.

Let’s take a look at our masters in information systems rankings!

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

Common Application and Admission Questions

Getting a graduate degree in management information systems involves a lot of time and sacrifice. The coursework is rigorous and time-consuming. You need to know what you are getting yourself into. You need to be ambitious and goal-driven. T the other students in the class will be. These will be your peers and future competitors down the road. 

Every college has different eligibility standards and guidelines you have to adhere to when organizing your application. 

Contact an admissions counselor to get all the application information you need. Have a checklist printed out and go through one thing at a time. Make sure you check off all the boxes before finalizing your application. One missing document or prerequisite can eliminate you from consideration. Know your deadlines and begin setting goals.

So what will some of these schools require of you?

Many universities will require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test assesses your knowledge in a quantitative and analytical way. These scores help admissions offices separate candidates for a competitive enrollment spot. Make sure you study hard. 

There are schools that either don’t require GRE test scores or offer waivers. There are also schools on our list below which offer a “plus one plan.” These also do not have the GRE. Instead, you can combine undergraduate and graduate degree information systems courses together. You’ll get two degrees over a five-year window.

Most universities will want you to submit all transcripts from high school, college, and other educational locations. They will require you to compile letters of recommendation from professional sources.

They will want to see your writing ability. They may ask you to either write an essay or a personal statement. This helps illustrate who you are and what you hope to achieve. Just make sure your entrance essay is unique and different. College admissions offices get thousands of these. They don’t want to see the same “old fluff”. Make it different. Showcase your creativity and make it stand out.

Make sure you also have an updated resume. This should be detailed and professional looking. It’s always a good idea to have a former teacher or professional look over your resume to make sure it is strong. Many schools will look at your experience. Some competitive schools will want to see work experience in the field. They may want to see volunteer work. This shows you are willing to work hard to help others.

Financial Support and Scholarships

Graduate and postgraduate degrees are not cheap. In fact, sometimes they cost a great deal more than an undergraduate degree.

Make sure that you can afford a master’s degree before applying. If you can’t afford it, there are avenues you can take – even if you are struggling.

First, look for scholarships. There are scholarships out there that you can apply for. These will help pay for your tuition. Below are just some of the more popular scholarships you can apply for with information systems:

  • Women in Information Security Scholarship
  • Cameron Impact Scholarship
  • Davidson Fellows Scholarship
  • Hyundai Scholarship
  • Microsoft Imagine Cup Global Competition
  • SMART Scholarship for Service
  • John Galt Scholarship
  • UNCF STEM Scholars Program Scholarship
  • Ken Miller Scholarship

Another option is the obvious one. Federal aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) covers your federal tax records, your annual income information, and bank statements. You’ll also have to provide your social security number. They will determine whether you will receive aid and how much you will be granted. You can find the application on the FAFSA website. 

A third option to consider is getting aid through your employer. This is helpful if you work at a company that sees your management potential. Often employers will pay some of the tuition for employees to receive additional training. This helps them gain the education they need to take their careers to the next level.

Then there is the private student loan route. Try and use this as a last resort. But if you are unable to get a scholarship, and aren’t approved for financial support or company support, then there are student loan options out there for you.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the best places to get an information systems student loan from are:

  • Citizens Bank
  • CommonBond
  • Discover
  • Earnest
  • LendKey
  • Laurel Road
  • MP Power Financing
  • SoFi
  • PNC Bank. 

Private student loans can help fill the gap between what you need for school and any aid you are approved for. This includes grants, loans, school expenses, and work-study pay. Most of the banks on our list can offer a loan of up to $20,500 for graduate school. 

How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Information Management?

MIS graduates oversee the technology a company uses. They protect data on the company’s computer information systems. They also manage IT teams. They can be responsible for implementing new software. They may establish proper IT procedures throughout the company’s telecommunications operations. They are an integral part of the flow and structure of a company.

According to CNBC, three jobs that are related to the Information Systems field rank in the top 10 of highest salary professions in the U.S. Those three professions are enterprise architect, software engineer, and software development manager.

You’ll gain the skills you need for these jobs in all the schools covered in our information system ranking. You will earn an annual salary that is in the six-figure range.

Jobs in the industry for management information systems pay well. A computer and information systems manager makes an average salary of over $142,000/year. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Other jobs that you can pursue with an MIS degree include the following (coupled with their salary):

  • IT Project Manager, $86,000/year
  • IT Consultant, varies but can make up to $600,000/year depending on client
  • Chief Technology Officer, $154,000/year
  • IT Manager, $85,000/year
  • Computer Systems Analyst, approx. $70,000/year

It depends on your interests and what you want to get into. There are a lot of different positions available in the field. Those positions are growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great place to go to if you want to see some of the different salaries. You can also see the various professions out there for management information systems majors. 

Technology is growing at a fast rate. The need for information systems managers and jobs in the field is on the rise.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs within the field are expected to grow 11% over the next ten years. This is a faster than average rate. That number could be even higher if technology continues to expand the way it has. Business will become more reliant on computers. 

Having software and IT skills make you a major asset for any information systems company out there. You will be in high demand. High demand means high salary and a good future for yourself.

Are you someone who wants to go to college but can’t find the time to study?

All of the schools on our masters in management information systems rankings will allow you to take MIS courses online. You can self-pace yourself. Online degrees are perfect for working adults who can put in a full day at work. Then they can come home, put their feet up on the couch, and do some studying and coursework. You can study over the weekend, at the gym, at the beach. It’s all up to you.

Ready to get started? Let’s take a look at our top MS in information systems rankings.

What Are the Best MIS Degrees? 

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. 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. We want to help you reach your goals.

Check out this list of Best Masters in Management Information Systems rankings.

#1. Texas A&M University – College Station

M.S. Management Information Systems

Texas A&M UniversityFirst on our masters in management information systems rankings is Texas A&M.

Texas A&M University has a lot of history behind it. It opened in 1876. It is the oldest institution for higher learning in the state of Texas. College football is huge at TAMU. If you get to experience the excitement on Saturday, you will see the Corps of Cadets in action. 

This school is ranked No. 27 on the list of Best Public Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. TAMU College Station gives ambitious students the opportunity to study a Master of Science in management information systems.

This is a rigorous information systems program. It gives students the essential business and technical skills they need to excel in the workplace. The faculty will train you on how to manage and enhance your problem-solving ability. You can leave ready to tackle the challenges that you will meet in the business industry. 

The 36-hour curriculum for this top MIS program is divided into three areas of study with core courses in:

  • business core
  • MIS core
  • elective courses.

The program ranks No. 5 in the nation for best master’s programs in information management.

Sample core courses include:

  • Corporate Information Planning
  • Information Systems Design and Development
  • MIS Project Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Advanced Database Management
  • Advanced Systems Analysis and Design
  • Introduction to Programming Logic. 

Courses can be completed online in a convenient format in this master of science in information technology management. 

The curriculum also has an internship. Many students take the traditional pathway. TAMU does offer the 4+1 Pathway. This allows you to take complete both your information systems undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. You will be receive graduate course credit while still going for your undergraduate degree. It’s a program intended to save time and money. It will get you in the real world faster. 

You must take the GRE, unless you are going into the 4+1 program. You will be also submit a resume, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. The MSMIS requires prerequisite coursework in:

  • programming
  • database management
  • information systems analysis and design
  • business data communication. 

94% of MSIS students find employment in their field of study within 90 days of graduation. TAMU ranks No. 13 on the list of all public schools for the best value. That’s according to Forbes.

#2.  Liberty University

Master of Science in Information Systems

Liberty UniversityNext up in our MIS ranking is Liberty University. LU is a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. It has an enrollment of over 100,000 students! Of those students, over 70% take at least some courses online. LU opened less than 40 years ago by famous Baptist preacher Jerry Falwell. It guides students by the motto, “Knowledge Aflame”. 

The online master of information systems provides students with the tools they need to design, evaluate, and enhance organizational data networks. The primary focus of the program is to educate students in the areas of:

  • business management
  • operations management
  • computer systems and information systems
  • programming. 

The 36-credit curriculum can be completed  online. With a full-time schedule you can complete the program in 18 months. You can choose a specialization in either information assurance or technology management. You will take four courses related to those disciplines. All information systems courses are eight weeks. There are eight different start dates during the year. 

Sample courses in the program include:

  • Telecommunications and Network Security
  • Ethics and Legal Issues; Enterprise Models
  • Business Analytics
  • Technology Management
  • Information Technology
  • Informations Operation and Security
  • IT Project Management I & II
  • Business Simulation and Modeling.

Twenty-four core credits are required in the master of science in management information systems. There are 12 specialization credits. Part of the core curriculum includes an integrated capstone in information systems and business administration. Students must show master of all the content they learned in real life. You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout the tenure of the program. Students can self-pace themselves. They can arrange virtual meetings with their professors to go over questions.

 LU is one of the top 10 largest universities in the U.S. It is the fourth-largest Christian university in the world. There are more than 6.6 million square feet of building space. It has more than 200 classrooms. The student-to-faculty ratio at the school is 24-to-1. You don’t have to worry about overcrowded classes and professors ignoring you because they have too many students. 

You will also be within driving distance of our nation’s capital. That as well as Baltimore, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. Don’t feel out of place if you are an international student. LU has nearly 1,000 enrolled students from other countries. 

You must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. Meet all prerequisites on their admissions requirements page. You must also submit transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. You may also be required to do an interview prior to being accepted.

#3.  Florida State University

Master of Science in Information Systems

FSUNext on our list of MS in MIS rankings is Florida State. Florida State University carries a lot of history. It is the oldest institution for higher education in Florida. It is a fun place to be around come college football season. The Florida State University Seminoles have won three national championships over the last 26 years. 

The Master of Science in information systems and business administration at Florida State University is an online degree. It bridges the world of technology and business management. It ranks No. 12 on the list of Best Online Graduate Programs. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report. The program focuses on deepening:

  • your leadership
  • your technical skills
  • your analytical skills
  • your business knowledge 

The best part is the master of science in management information systems can be taken online over six semesters on a full-time track. The master of science can be completed in less than two years. Professors will deliver the same cutting-edge curriculum to you that they do students in their classroom. They will also work one on one with you through projects and module assignments. 

The business administration program involves 11 online business administration and information technology courses that cover a broad range of topics. These include:

  • project management
  • electronic business knowledge management
  • information technology
  • operations management
  • information management
  • business analytics
  • international business and database management
  • knowledge management and business intelligence
  • social and organizational issues related to information systems
  • management of technology.

You will have the opportunity to choose four electives in the program. You are encouraged to take on an internship. This will help you gain more hands-on and real-world experience. 

One of the options students can choose as a flex course option is the Global Business Seminar. This will enhance your international business expertise. It will give you further insight into what it takes to succeed in the business world today. 

Make sure you have met all the prerequisite requirements. You must have either two years of technology-related work experience. Or you must have an undergraduate degree in information technology. All applicants must have a good understanding of programming languages, database concepts, and software analysis and design. 

The program is competitive. Admissions decisions are based on a student’s portfolio of qualifications, their academic and work experience, and their standardized test scores. You must take the GRE. Submit those scores alongside your application. The office of admissions requires all of its applicants to submit transcripts, an applicant statement, two letters of recommendation, and a clear and detailed up-to-date professional resume. Be sure to fill out the Florida Residency Declaration Form to ensure you receive lower tuition for being a Florida resident. 

#4.  University of Maryland-College Park

Master of Science in Information Systems

University of MarylandThere are not many more brilliant minds than Sergey Brin, the man who founded and started Google. Brin just so happened to study computer science at the University of Maryland at College Park! UM stands out as one of the nation’s top universities. Of course, it offers one of the best MIS graduate programs, too. 

According to U.S. News & World Report, it ranks No. 7 on the list of Top Public Schools.

The master of science in management information systems develops your technical and leadership skills. That’s all while training you in different areas of business, computing, and software. 

The 30-credit curriculum for information technology management can be completed in nine months. That’s on an accelerated full-time track. Most students on a full-time track finish it in 16 months. On a part-time track, students can take up to five years to complete the program. Within the program, you will take core courses in:

  • Data Models and Decisions
  • Managing Digital Business Markets
  • Business Process Analysis and Business Analytics
  • Decision Analytics
  • Project Management. 

You will also take electives and complete the program with a culminating project. The Smith School of Business was recently ranked No. 1 by the Economist for the best faculty. The Smith School was No. 10 for the best quality students. The program trains students for jobs as:

  • a technology analyst
  • a business analyst
  • a project analyst
  • information systems management and business administration
  • a project manager
  • operations management
  • information management
  • information technology expert
  • an enterprise architect. 

The school is located near Washington, D.C. College Park was recognized as one of the best places to live in 2017 by U.S. News & World Report. It is a Big 10 conference school. UM is one of the most respected schools in the country. 

You must submit GRE test scores. Compile three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, an essay, and a professional resume.

UM offers the Plus One Program. This is for students who wish to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. You can take up to 10 graduate credits as an undergraduate student. You will pay the same price of tuition as an undergraduate student. 

By the time you earn your bachelor’s, you can complete the rest of the M.S. within a year’s time. There are a number of graduate-level courses. These also count as undergraduate credit. With the Plus 1 program, you will save time and money. Plus, the university doesn’t require you to take the GRE. You must apply for the Plus 1 program during your junior year of high school. Complete all the prerequisites before starting.

#5. University of Arizona

M.S. in Management Information Systems

University of ArizonaSunshine, red bricks, beautiful scenery, and a big and visible red and blue “A”. That can only mean one thing: You are at the University of Arizona. Not to be confused with Arizona State University, this is one of the top universities for MS in information systems.

The school is located in Tucson, UA. It is within driving distance of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Southern California, the Grand Canyon, and Mexico. It offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in management information systems. It provides students with business expertise through innovation.

You will become a master of technology. You’ll be prepared to lead a team of workers through all the business challenges that the 21st century has to offer. As the program’s slogan goes, “be one of the professionals to frame it, fuel it, and drive it further”. 

The program requires you to complete 30 to 33 semester hours of rigorous coursework. These focus on all the complexities of information systems and management.

Sample core courses include:

  • Enterprise Data Management
  • Business Data Communications and Networking
  • Web Mining and Analytics
  • Management Information
  • Information Technology
  • Business Intelligence
  • Information Systems Management
  • Software Design
  • Business Foundations for IT.

You can take electives and complete an internship. The latter allows you to get real-world practice on the content you are taught in the classroom. 

The program finishes up with a master’s project. This is intended to give students a deeper understanding of MIS. It lets them demonstrate mastery of program content.

Concentrations are offered in:

  • security and information assurance
  • information technology
  • business intelligence and analytics
  • managing business operations.

There are also dual degree programs available. The program can be completed in 17 months for a single degree. It takes 29 months for a dual degree. Courses can be taken online. That’s provided you have the proper equipment to communicate with your teacher and classmates. 

UA is a leader in business innovation. According to U.S. News & World Report, UA is ranked No. 4 on the list of Best MIS Graduate Programs in the nation. It also ranks No. 53 among Best Public Schools in the Nation. You can sign up for the technology leadership program. It will boost your credentials for any future company looking to hire or promote you to a management role.

 The program will allow you to take MBA and MIS courses at the same time. You can apply the skills and concepts learned in each discipline. Students in the program are all considered for academic scholarships. There are other benefits that cover tuition. The program allows you to engage with other students and meet experts within the field. They know what it takes to succeed in the business industry. 

The office of admissions requires GRE scores, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. You should also have basic knowledge of Java, JSP, and Servlets. 

#6. New York University

Master of Science in Information Systems

New York UniversityDo you like New York City? Then what better place to get a degree and enjoy a nightlife filled with excitement than the Big Apple. Study at New York University! Here, you’ll find one of the best information systems masters programs. 

One of the most unique aspects of NYU is its international flavor. Its main campus is located in Manhattan. But it also provides campuses in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and other places all over the world. 

19% of its students are non-U.S. citizens. A Master of Science in information systems at NYU will train you in core computing and business concepts. You can graduate and have the managerial skills to succeed in the ever-changing technical world. 

The 13-course curriculum splits the instruction between the College of Business and the College of Computer Science. The goal is to train you in both schools. Then it blends together the skills you learn. You are best prepared to meet the technical challenges that you will face in the business industry.

Sample courses you will take in the program include:

  • Statistics & Data Analysis
  • Fundamental Algorithms
  • Leadership in Organizations
  • Management Information
  • Information Systems Management
  • Information Technology
  • Business Intelligence
  • Financial Information Systems
  • Introduction to Cryptography
  • Design and Development of Web & Mobile Applications. 

You will also take the Information Technology Projects course. This is a practicum which trains you on project management. The hands-on training and practice allows you to show mastery of the skills you’ve learned throughout the program. You’ll produce a culminating project in a real-world setting. All prerequisites must first be met. Courses are offered both on-campus and online.

NYU is a top national university. It is one of the most respected schools you will find. It ranks No. 29 on the list of Best National Universities.  It also ranks in the top-10 in almost all of its business areas. These include management, marketing, finance, and international business. 

You must meet the minimum required score in both the quantitative and analytical sections of the GRE. The office of admissions requires all applicants to submit a professional and detailed resume, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, transcripts, and GRE test scores.

 The office of admissions will consider your recent grades in business, engineering, and science courses. That is as well as computing and technology skills.

If you study on-campus at NYU, chances are that in one of your computer classes you will get to experience the fastest computer in New York City. This takes up an incredible 33 square feet! 

#7.  Indiana University-Bloomington

Master of Science in Information Systems

Indiana University BloomingtonNext on our list of the top information systems schools is the University of Indiana.

If you are a fan of college basketball, you will love the University of Indiana! The atmosphere around Indiana University come basketball season is unlike any other. School spirit and pride trumps almost all other universities. Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is one of the most recognized business schools in the nation. The Kelley School trains its students to become professionals in any job market. 

With an M.S. in information systems, you will receive develop proficiency in the technical, business, and managerial fields. More than 97% of MSIS graduates receive a job in their field of study right after they graduate. 

The 30-credit curriculum can be completed in two or three semesters. It teaches students how to understand the technical aspects of all information systems. It teaches them how to integrate information technology with other business topics. They also learn how to solve problems and challenges. The curriculum is innovative. It offers concentrations in:

  • business intelligence and analytics
  • digital enterprise systems and information systems management
  • enterprise security & risk management. 

Co-concentrations are also offered in business intelligence. Students will need to take 10 core courses. This is followed by a final capstone project so you can apply what you learned to real-world experiences. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and managerial skills as you work with a team. There are also case competitions and internship opportunities. These help you to gain extra practice and experience in the field.

All MSIS students are required to own a laptop. You must bring it to class in face-to-face formats. If you are taking courses online, you must make sure you satisfy all the software requirements. Laptops more than two years/generations old are not acceptable. IU uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver content.

There is no application fee required. The office of admissions only asks for a resume and transcripts along with the application. 

 IU ranks No. 10 on the list of Best Business Schools. It is No. 7 in Management and Information Systems. They rank No. 31 for Best Public Schools in the Nation.

#8.  Minot State University

Master of Science in Information Systems

MinotYou’ll find another top MIS program at Minot State University.

It is located in a small town in North Dakota. Minot State University strives to challenge, inspire, and mentor its students through high-quality instruction. The school is known most for its College of Business. It offers programs in information systems, management, and sports management. 

The Master of Science in information systems assists management information systems graduates in gaining essential leadership qualities. It trains them to be tech-savvy business executives. They can forecast technology needs, develop information system infrastructure, and communicate with team members. The program offers career paths in a wide array of professions. 

Core coursework in these MBA programs prepares students for work in roles such as:

  • consulting
  • data administration
  • data science
  • systems integration
  • software development
  • information technology
  • project management
  • consumer products and services
  • managing sourcing and global projects
  • enterprise risk management
  • networking, telecom, and infrastructure. 

The program is innovative. It will improve your technology skills to a sophisticated and professional level. It also provides management strategies. It trains you to work through virtual business arrangements. You’ll learn how to become and succeed as an independent consultant.

The program also teaches you about information systems strategies. It provides information systems consulting services. Ten courses are required within the programs.

These include courses like:

  • Systems Analysis
  • IS Project Management
  • Systems Design
  • Management Information
  • Information Technology
  • Business Intelligence
  • Knowledge Management
  • Business Network Systems Management
  • Professional Consulting in IS.

The college encourages students to work in an internship or in the profession while enrolled. They can receive extra practice. They can apply the skills they learn in the classroom. If you attend full-time, you can complete the 30-credit curriculum in just two semesters. Part-time tracks are available for those who have a busy schedule and need additional time to complete the program. Graduate student research project assistantships are available. 

The management information systems degrees are delivered online. There are flexible and self-paced courses. These allow you to work on coursework at your own convenience. Regardless of residency, students who attend will pay state residency at MSU. This can help save money. Online tuition at MSU is affordable. Financial aid is offered to all students. 

Ready to apply? MSU requires all its applicants for management information systems degrees to have at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 in the last 60-semester hours). Submit a resume, a 500-word statement of purpose, official transcripts, immunization records, and three recommendation letters. 

MSU offers several organizations and clubs that tie into the degree. 

Examples? Beavers on Business. The Leadership Program. The Entrepreneurship Club. Or The Finance Club!

MSU ranks No. 11 on the list of Best Universities Midwest. It ranks No. 32 on the ranking of Top Public Schools. It is No. 98 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs.

#9.  University of California-Berkeley

Master of Information System and Management

University of California BerkeleyThere’s plenty to get excited about if you plan on attending the University of California-Berkeley. In addition to its top MIS ranking, it is the 22nd Best National University. 

UCB rewards it’s students by letting them tumble down 4.0 Hill. Any student that receives straight A’s gets to have a little fun and celebrate on campus. They can roll down the infamous hill. 

With a Master of Information Management and Systems, you will get the proper training you need. Award-winning faculty will teach you about theories and practices of storing, organizing, reviving, and analyzing all types of information in different settings and professions.

Students will organize, plan, and manage open-ended projects. This is both by themselves and with team members. Students will apply fundamental principles in hands-on work in information economics. 

The 48-unit program is interdisciplinary. It focuses on different topics in:

  • computer science
  • cognitive science
  • psychology and sociology
  • economics
  • information technology
  • business
  • management Information
  • business Intelligence
  • law
  • library and information studies
  • communications.

Interested in an internship? Most students in the program participate in summer internships within the first two years. This lets them get extra hands-on experience. It’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge from the classroom. You can apply it in real-world settings. 

The program can be completed in two years. It includes courses like:

  • Social Issues of Information
  • Information Law & Policy
  • Data Science
  • Information Technology
  • Introduction to Programming and Computation
  • Introduction to Data Structures and Analytics.

You will conclude the degree by completing two culminating projects. You can:

  • construct a written report on a software artifact
  • do a research project
  • design an information-sensitive application
  • create a software artifact.

UCB ranks No. 14 on the list of Most Innovative Schools. Students can take online courses using the latest state-of-the-art technology. It ranks No. 3 among all Graduate School Management Programs. 

UCB requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. You must have a GPA of over 3.0. You must also submit test scores from the GRE. You should have skills in programming and computer proficiency. The admissions office requires a statement of purpose, three letters of professional recommendation, official transcripts, a resume, and a programming competency statement. 

UCB also requires that all students own a computer. You must have word processing software such as Microsoft Office and Open Office. There are hundreds of student organizations to join at UCB. The list includes those in computer science and software. No matter where your passions lie, UCB has a club and organization for you. 

#10. Arizona State University – Tempe

Master of Science in Information Management (MS ISM)

ASUArizona State University is located in Tempe, AZ. This master’s degree is offered through the W.P. Carey School of Business. It is a 12 month master’s that can easily be earned while you work! The schedule will fit right into your work week. It will prepare you to advance in this ever growing field.

It is a STEM-designated program. The real-world experience and leadership skills developed through this program will set you up in careers such as:

  • CIO
  • IT Director
  • Senior Consultant
  • Project Manager

Courses include:

  • Data and Information Management
  • Strategic Value of Information Technology
  • Business Intelligence
  • Information Security and Controls
  • Emerging Technologies
  • AI and Business

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Purdue University-Main Campus

Location: Lafayette, IN

Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Management

Net Price: $9,992 (in-state); $28,794 (out-of-state)

Website   

#12. Muskingum University

Location: New Concord, OH

Degree: Master of Information Strategy, Systems & Technology

Net Price: $19,050

Website

#13. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Location: Seattle, WA

Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems

Net Price: $16,590 (in-state); $28,881 (out-of-state)

Website

#14. Brigham Young University-Provo

Location: Provo, UT

Degree: Master of Information in Systems Management

Net Price: $13,120

Website

#15. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Location: Mequon, WI

Degree: MBA in Management Information Systems

Net Price: $24,803

Website

#16. Florida Institute of Technology

Location: Melbourne, FL

Degree: Master’s in Management – Information Systems

Net Price: $34,139

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS MS IN MIS RANKINGS THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 BEST ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAMS & THE 40 FASTEST ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAMS!

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Choosing the Best Online Master of Project Management Degree Program

Congratulations on your decision to join the field of project management! This growing profession is currently a hot commodity in many organizations and businesses. As employers are realizing the profitability of including an individual or team whose sole purpose is to initiate, implement, and execute projects on time, on budget, and with expertise, project managers are continuing to be in great demand. To become a project manager, it’s a smart decision to obtain a Master of Project Management degree (MPM). It’s an even more savvy decision to pursue this degree online. Why is that, you may ask? Consider this: the number of stellar online programs are increasing as schools realize the advantage of offering professionals the convenience and flexibility of an online program in addition to respectable and thorough coursework. And, honestly, you have your pick of some of the best online Master’s in Project Management degree programs because of this reason. And you need not be apprehensive about what future employers might think of your online degree—there are so many qualified and talented individuals taking advantage of the benefits of an online education that employers are well exposed to the growing phenomenon of online degrees.

Now it just comes down to picking the best program to get you where you want to be professionally. What school attributes do you need to look for, what classes should you make sure are offered, what timeline works best for your schedule—in essence, how do you best pick the school that will meet your needs academically, socially, and professionally? Some programs may offer a project management certificate in addition to their project management degree program (it’s important to know if your desire is for an actual degree, which will provide a broader education replete with more theory and practical applications). Some schools provide specific training or Professional Development Units (PDUs) to work towards a Project Management Institute (PMI®) Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, which is the highest level credential of the Project Management professional. All things to consider as you examine programs.

Program accreditation is another good way to assess your online degree options—the PMI® Global Accreditation Center (GAC) is the standard Project Management program accrediting body. Accreditation by an outside, reputable, and unbiased agency is the way a university proves that it follows rigorous industry guidelines and receives a programmatic stamp of approval and air of authority. The PMI-GAC only accredits about 50 university Project Management programs in the United States and less than 100 programs globally. It truly is the mark of the highest standard a program can receive! Some schools opt to make sure their Project Management program, as part of the university’s business school, is accredited by a business-accrediting agency, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), or Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Still others might participate in the PMI’s Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) program, in which the curriculum meets the PMI’s Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) requirements.

It’s a lot to think about as you prepare to advance yourself in the Project Management profession. But have no fear, most programs provide helpful and knowledgeable enrollment advisors or student ambassadors to help you navigate the process once you’ve settled on your choice of school. So, take the plunge and best of luck!

Related Rankings

50 Best Online Masters in Project Management
50 Best Online Masters in Accounting
50 Best Online Masters in Public Administration

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

What You Need to Know About Project Management Certification

If you are considering joining the Project Management work force, you are in good company. As a profession, project management is expected to grow at a rate of 33% over the next decade, which is significantly faster than the national average job growth rate of 7%. This means that nearly 22 million international jobs will become available over the next ten years. So it seems like a very smart move to join this profession, especially if your skills include project creation, negotiation, leadership, budgeting, and closure. If you are considering this line of work, you probably know that a master’s degree would be beneficial, and if you are like many professionals who are currently seeking an advanced degree, you are looking to pursue the degree online. By choosing a school from this list of some the best online master of project management degree programs, you are assuring yourself a solid education with all the benefits of convenience and flexibility.

One other vitally important thing to consider as you work towards becoming a professional project manager—certification. The Project Management Institute (PMI®) is the name to know for all things project management. Offering resources such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), accrediting project management programs and designating schools to be Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.), and offering the gold standard of credentials through the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam are just some of the things that PMI provides, but are the things of which most people entering into the field need to know. Only a handful of schools in the United States are accredited through PMI’s Global Accreditation Center (53 to be exact), and not even 100 schools are accredited worldwide. Most schools aim to align their project management master’s programs with the PMBOK guidelines and/or become an R.E.P. designated school in order to help prepare their students for the PMP exam as well as earn the required Professional Development Units (PDUs) to obtain credentials.

Preparing diligently and sitting for yet another exam may seem like signing up for a lot of extra work after getting a master’s degree—especially after studying for approximately two years. But here’s the good news: according to the tenth edition of the PMI’s Salary Survey, individuals with PMP certification can expect a 23% salary increase over their peers who do not possess the same credentials. Why is that? Well, for starters, since PMI is the standard by which Project Management is measured, it makes sense that gaining their stamp of approval means that your skills and expertise are the best of the best. You also show future potential employers that you have the commitment and the foresight to give yourself the advantage of the best possible preparation to be successful in project management. Your dedication and hard work to attain the highest level of recognition in the field shows off the very attributes that a Project Manager needs to be an asset in the workplace. So, help yourself get ahead, get that strategic job, and earn the salary you deserve—become a certified Project Management Professional!

MP®, PMI® and PMBOK® are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Related Rankings

50 Best Online Masters in Project Management
50 Best Online Masters in Accounting
50 Best Online Masters in Public Administration

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Best Affordable Master’s in Geology Online

It’s not all about rocks and volcanoes. Geology is an immersive field that is important for many other disciplines.

online geology masters

This field of science involves many methods and training. From mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology, it covers it all.

As a geology graduate student, you’ll learn about a variety of topics. These include the ways in which landscapes are formed and developed. You’ll learn about how humans interact with the planet. You’ll learn how groundwater flows. You’ll even learn about geological sustainability. Geology graduates can work just about anywhere.

If you like to be outdoors, a geology major is a smart choice for you. You will gain technical expertise in this advanced degree that will prepare you for any role in geological and geophysical engineering. This is one of the few scientific disciplines that will enable you to work outside, in the field, a vast majority of the time. You might even be able to travel around the world. Geology graduates are found just about everywhere! A degree in geology is a smart choice.

You’ll gain skills in all the sciences when you pursue a degree in geology. Plus you’ll gain many that are transferable to other fields. You will become adept at collecting data, solving problems, communicating, and even working with a team.

With a degree in geology, you could go on to work in:

  • pollution control
  • geological surveying
  • environmental geology
  • geoscience
  • field seismology

… and a vast array of other careers.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of affordable online master’s in geology out there. These online geology masters can help you save money. That’s all while pursuing the career of your dreams. It’s all about knowing where to look for the right degree in geology!

Online degrees are smart for a myriad of reasons. They tend to be more affordable, since you can study from your own home without having to pay for things like parking, transportation, room, and board. You will also be able to pursue your studies without leaving your current place of employment. 

Are you already working in geology or a related field? If so, earning an online degree makes a lot of sense. You’ll be able to apply what you learn in your online classes to your fieldwork on a daily basis. 

The skills that you learn in your geology degree will be useful and transferable to many other careers. You’ll gain proficiency in things like:

  • project management
  • communication
  • quantitative reason
  • research.

If you choose to pursue a career outside of geology, you’ll have plenty of success after earning an online master geology degree. That’s true regardless of whether you are looking for a job in a laboratory, in journalism, in research, or in civil engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports high salaries for careers in physical science and historical geology work. That’s true whether you work for a private company, the federal government, or even another graduate school. 

Are you ready for better career options and a more in-depth knowledge of the exciting field of geology and other physical science areas? Then it’s time for you to consider pursuing one of the best affordable online master’s in geology.

What Are the Best Online Master’s in Geology Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. 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 graduate school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of graduate 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 graduate 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 toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.

#1. University of Houston

M.S. – Geology

Majoring in geology is a wise choice if you want a lucrative career in the sciences. But in order to truly be successful, you’re going to need to spend a lot of time in the research laboratory and out in the field. You will find an online masters in geology at the University of Houston that allows you to do just that. The online master in environmental geology is one of the best. 

The University of Houston was founded In 1927. This school is the third-largest university in the state of Texas. It is home to more than 46,000 students, many of whom are graduate students in the geological sciences degree. It is a public research university. It is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity.

That’s quite the designation to hold. Plus, consider that the school offers some of the best interdisciplinary research facilities in the world. The university conducts more than $150 million a year in research. It has 40 research centers and institutes. As a graduate geology student, you’ll have opportunities to participate in this kind of research yourself. 

You can choose from several different graduate programs. Many are in an online master’s degree format. These include master’s degrees in:

  • geology
  • geophysics
  • atmospheric science

Plus, there are doctoral degrees in geophysics, geology, and atmospheric sciences.

You’ll take most of your classes in conjunction with the department of geosciences. You will need to take core classes such as:

  • Mineralogy
  • Paleobiology
  • Stratigraphy
  • Structural Geology
  • Sedimentary Petrogenesis.

You’ll also be required to participate in a field camp as part of this online master’s degree. 

You can choose between a specialization in petroleum geology and one in petroleum geophysics. The latter is designed for students who major in geophysics. You can also choose to add supplemental online certificate options and short courses to your degree. Examples of online certificate options include geographical information systems (GIS), hydrogeology, and petroleum.

30 credit hours are required for the master’s degree. Six of these credits in the geological sciences degree are thesis hours. You can opt not to take the thesis. Keep in mind that you will need to complete 39 credit hours instead. 

You will be supported in your studies by your faculty mentor. That’s along with a broad alumni base. The school has an alumni base that is more than 260,000 students strong. At the University of Houston, you will truly become part of a community. You are not just another face in the crowd. This school is ranked as one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report

To apply, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. You should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You will also need GRE scores. You can start in the spring or fall semester for these online master’s degrees. If you plan to attend the geological sciences degree in the fall semester, you have to submit all of your materials no later than January 1. 

#2. University of Florida

Master of Science in Geological Sciences

Another university that is well-respected for its high level of research activity is the University of Florida. Here you will find a top masters in geology online. This public university is a public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research institution. It is in Gainesville, FL. 

This school was established in 1853. lt is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity. It is ranked as the seventh-best public university in the United States. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is home to numerous Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners. 

Choose to major in geology. You’ll have your hands full with all of the hands-on research opportunities you can explore. The Department of Geological Sciences is home to numerous world-class analytical facilities. 

The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida offers a variety of hands-on programs in geology. These are at both the master’s and Ph.D. level. You can focus your studies in a variety of in-demand fields. Examples of environmental geology classes in this online master of science include:

  • environmental science and hydrology
  • marine and coastal geology
  • geochemistry
  • geological sciences
  • seismology and planetary science
  • paleoceanography and paleolimnology

…and more. 

You’ll enjoy an up-close-and-personal degree. You can interact with major employers and research organizations. Examples include the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Land Use and Environmental Change Institute. 

Curious about the classes you might take? Some of the core courses required for graduate students include:

  • Hydrogeochemistry
  • Geologic Evolution of North America
  • Surface and Groundwater Interactions. 

In these online master’s degrees, your learning will extend well beyond the classroom walls. You can participate in an active student body and various student organizations. Some of the most common include:

  • the Florida Geophysical Society
  • GeoClub
  • Geoscience Ambassadors
  • the Gator AAPG Student Chapter.

Consider getting in touch with some faculty mentors at the university. You can ask any questions you have. You can explore funding opportunities that will make your University of Florida education even more affordable. There are also a range of fellowships and teaching assistantships offered. There’s even funding for students from under-represented groups.

You can submit all application materials online. You will need to supply three letters of recommendation. These should be from individuals who can speak to your potential to succeed as a graduate student. You should also supply a two-page personal essay and official transcripts. GRE scores are not required for admission. 

#3. Missouri University of Science and Technology

MS in Geology

Missouri University of Science and Technology is best known for its engineering school. But that’s not all that this public land and space grant university in Rolla, MO has to offer. As a member of the University of Missouri System, the university is home to more than 8,000 students. They are studying business, mathematics science, and, of course, engineering. The geology masters degree online here is one of the best. 

It was founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. So it makes sense that geology would be at the top of the list of programs, too. It is located close to the Southeast Missouri Lead District. This district is known for producing about 70% of the United States’ supply of lead and much of its zinc. The school no longer specializes in that area. But you’ll love what the geology program can do for your career.

To earn the online geology masters degree at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, you will need to complete at least 30 hours of study. That’s beyond your bachelor’s degree. 15 of these credit hours should be at the 8000 or 9000 level. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. 

You’ll be partnered with a faculty mentor. He or she will monitor your progress and help as you take your courses and prepare your thesis. You will develop a personalized plan of study. It will be customized to your personal and professional goals. You will work closely with an advisor even for a non thesis program too.

Sample classes for this online master in environmental geology (both thesis and non thesis program options) include:

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Solar System Science
  • Geological Sciences
  • Research in Geological Sciences
  • Hydrological Processes
  • Continental Tectonics. 

Your courses will prepare you for in-depth research. That’s along with high-profile careers in geology, environmental risk assessment, STEM teaching, public policy, and more. 

Your degree will take you to new places both inside and outside the classroom. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of hands-on activities. 

You will need to apply by January 31 if you intend to apply for financial aid. You should have a Bachelor of Science degree either in geology or a similar related scientific field. 

You should plan on supplying official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. You will also need to submit a personal statement. This should underscore your interest in graduate study at Missouri  University of Science and Technology.

Plan on applying for financial aid? Smart. At Missouri University of Science and Technology, you will be considered for financial aid like grants and loans. You’ll also be considered for geological sciences departmental aid like sponsorships and fellowships. You can pursue graduate teaching or research assistantships as well.

#4. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Geology and Geological Engineering MS

If you’re going to study geology, you might as well do it where your studies will matter the most. You’ll find one of the best geology masters programs online at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 

Here, you’ll benefit from a campus that’s set right in the heart of the Black Hills. It is adjacent to the magnificent Great Plains. Learners have access to a phenomenal and unique outdoor classroom. It’s a living laboratory, in fact. 

Scientists from all over the world travel to this area to study its unique geology. If you choose to study geology on-campus, you can expect to spend a lot of time outdoors or conducting research. This might be in affiliated facilities like:

  • the Engineering Mining Experiment Station
  • the James E. Martin Paleontology Laboratory
  • the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

The campus even has its own on-campus Museum of Geology! 

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology also operates the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station. This is one of the largest summer field camp stations in the United States. It offers learners opportunities to study in:

  • the Black Hills
  • Hawaii
  • Turkey
  • Nepal
  • Spain
  • France
  • the Bahamas
  • Andes-Ecuador
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Death Valley
  • Arizona
  • Montana
  • Utah
  • California

…and more.

You will benefit from exemplary faculty attention as part of the geological sciences and earth science programs. There’s also the complex, diverse geology of the Black Hills region. You can choose from several majors as part of the online master of science. These include:

  • a Master of Science in paleontology
  • a Master of Science in geology and geological engineering
  • a Ph.D. in geology, geological engineering, and mining engineering. 

This program is offered by the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. You can pursue a specialization in either geology or geological engineering. Both are similar in their quality and structure. They have a few different course requirements. 

You’ll be able to explore a variety of research areas. That includes those in:

  • energy and mineral resources
  • paleontology
  • groundwater and environment
  • petroleum data management
  • scientific communication
  • structure and tectonics.

There is even a separate master’s degree here. It’s for students who are interested in specializing in paleontology. 

There is an accelerated Master of Science, too. This is ideal if you want to streamline your coursework. You can hasten your progress toward a degree. 

You’ll take about 30 credit hours of study. Six of these are dedicated to thesis research. If you choose the geological engineering specialization, you’ll be able to focus on one of three areas:

  • energy and mineral resources
  • geomechanics
  • groundwater/environmental geology. 

#5. University of South Florida

MS in Geology

You will find another top geoscience online degree at the University of South Florida. It is the fourth-largest public university in the state of Florida. The University of South Florida opened only in 1956. This school has three campus locations. There is one in St. Petersburg, one in Tampa, and one in Sarasota-Manatee. You can always choose to study online here, too. 

You will appreciate the high level of research activity that any program in the sciences will allow. The school offers more than 180 different bachelor’s degree and graduate-level degree programs. But those that involve extensive amounts of research are some of the most impressive. According to figures released by the National Science Foundation, the University of South Florida spent more than $581 million on research and development in 2018 alone. 

The University of South Florida offers a superior education in geology online that prepares students to work in a variety of environmental and natural resources-related fields. Faculty here are some of the best. They lead the academic community as they explore a range of global earth science questions and concerns. 

Students participate in firsthand research as they pursue topics in the online master of science like:

  • atmospheric sciences
  • geochemistry
  • geophysics
  • hydrogeology
  • earth sciences
  • karst studies

…and more. The department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. 

The Master of Science in geology includes advanced study of the fundamentals of:

  • chemistry
  • biology
  • physics
  • mathematics
  • earth sciences
  • geosciences.

You will complete 30 credit hours. Six of these consist of core requirements. Six of them are for a thesis. The remainder of them are dedicated to electives. 

You can choose from a variety of interesting and hands-on courses here. Common options include:

  • General Geochemistry
  • Analytical Techniques in Geology
  • Topics in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. 

For a thesis, you can choose between a standard thesis pathway or a professional science master’s. The professional science master’s will allow you to take one of two tracks. You can engage in a professional geologist-led internship or a faculty-led internship. All of these experiences will bring together the knowledge you acquired throughout the duration of your internship. 

You’ll have access to a long list of resources and activities. You will benefit from resources specifically for online learners. You can also join student organizations like:

  • the Geoscience Graduate Student Organization
  • Gamma Theta Upsilon
  • the Student Environmental Association. 

You can apply by submitting an application form, three letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. You will also need to supply a writing sample, a personal statement, and current GRE scores. Of course, you will also need to submit official transcripts. 

#6. University of Wyoming

MS in Geology

You’ll find another great online geophysics degree at the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming offers some of the best and most hands-on classes to distance learners. This school is headquartered in Laramie, WY. It has more than 41 different degree, online certificate, and endorsement programs. The online master of science degrees are available for distance learners in Wyoming and beyond. 

This school opened in 1887. The University of Wyoming is one of the best places for studies in more than 120 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. These are delivered through online and video conferencing classes. The outreach school also has nine additional regional centers. Many of these are on community college campuses. 

This program helps students plan and perform research at the cutting edge of geological sciences. You will hone your skills in scientific communication. You will also gain key technical skills. These are necessary for Ph.D. programs all around the country. 

You can choose between majors in geology or in geophysics.You will complete around 26 semester hours of credit at the 4000 level or above. You will also complete an oral examination and a final thesis project. 

Sample classes include:

  • Groundwater Flow/Transport
  • Metamorphic Petrology
  • Petroleum Geology
  • Integrated Science and Geological Data
  • Space Sciences
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Vertebrate Morphology and Evolution.

Faculty who teach in this program pride themselves on working closely with students to provide one-on-one interaction. They help students develop the skills necessary to be research scientists. 

You will learn the laboratory and field methodologies for data collection. There are research locations available all over the world, including Africa, Antarctica, and Greenland. You’ll also learn how to analyze the data you collect. 

All students must participate in a distinguished lecture series, a fundamentals of research course, and a Rocky Mountain field trip. The latter is a six-day trip taken during the first week of the first semester. The skills you acquire will enhance your job prospects upon graduation.

You will be able to expand your learning outside of the classroom. You can work with faculty who are working hard to address some of the most significant problems in geology today. 

Submit your application before January for admission the following fall. Contact a professor in your intended area of interest to discover student research opportunities. Many of these are funded to make the degree more affordable. 

You will need to submit an online application along with three letters of recommendation. You will also be asked to submit a curriculum vitae that details your academic accomplishments, qualifications, and other relevant information. You will also need a two-page statement of interest in graduate research. 

#7. Texas A&M University

Master of Geoscience

Become an Aggie when you enroll at Texas A&M University in the engineering geology masters! You will join a community of more than 500,000 current students and proud alumni.

This school is located in College Station, TX. It opened in 1876 as the flagship university of the Texas A&M University System. It has the largest student body in the United States. It is the only university in the state of Texas to hold all three designations of land, sea, and space grant intuition. 

You’ll have lots of opportunities to get involved in research here. The school has a number of ongoing research projects. These are funded by top organizations like:

  • the National Institutes of Health
  • the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • the Office of Naval Research
  • the National Science Foundation.

You can explore a variety of new, evolving areas in geoscience as part of this online master of science. Examples include:

  • petroleum data management
  • ocean data science
  • geographic information science and technology.
  • integrated science
  • geological data
  • land and space sciences
  • Geographic Information Systems

The program’s curriculum is structured to teach value-added skills. These are for petroleum professionals. However, they could be useful for anybody at any stage of his or her career. 

This geology online degree is a non-thesis program. You’ll take 36 credit hours of study covering all aspects of geoscience. It’s offered online in a unique carousel model. You can complete your studies in as little as 18 months. 

You can choose from multiple emphases. Examples of courses include:

  • Geographic Information Science and Technology
  • Remote Sensing for Geographical Analysis
  • GIS in Land Management
  • Data Management for Geosciences
  • Petroleum Geology. 

You’ll start your courses at one of five times throughout the year in this online learning option. You can also be admitted at three different times for the master’s degree in geological sciences.

Set your own pace with this program for maximum flexibility. You will complete a total of ten courses. Each lasts eight weeks in a fast-paced format. The only exception to this is the capstone course. The capstone course in geological and geophysical engineering is a natural part of this advanced degree. You will work with your academic advisor to plan out how to best display your technical expertise. The capstone course is offered as a 16-week class during the fall and spring semesters. 

You will need to demonstrate that you have the motivation and dedication necessary to complete a degree in an online format. You should also be able to balance this challenging degree with your personal commitments and career responsibilities.

Provide evidence of two years of professional work experience. This should be in energy or geosciences. You should also submit an official transcript. It should show that you have completed an undergraduate degree. 

This degree features tuition starting at just $800 per credit hour for Texas residents. Financial aid is available for most students as well.

#8. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Master of Science in Geology

Do you have what it takes to succeed in the Master of Science in geology at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology? More than likely! This online geoscience degree program is competitive and challenging. But it also features dedicated instruction from attentive instructors. They want nothing more than to see their students succeed. 

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is also known as New Mexico Tech. It was once known as the New Mexico School of Mines. It is a public university located in Socorro, NM. This school has more than 30 different bachelor’s degrees. Plus there are graduate degrees (both master’s and doctoral levels). 

It is ranked as one of the best public institutions by a National Science Foundation study of Baccalaureate Origins of S&E Doctorate Recipients. This school is small and close-knit. It is home to just 1,412 students. You will gain technical expertise in this online master’s degree. The online master of science focuses on research and teaching in the areas of:

  • hydrology
  • atmospheric physics
  • information technology
  • earth science
  • petroleum recovery
  • geophysics. 

This one of the best geology masters programs online is offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Science. The Master of Science has with two options. There is an option with or without a thesis. You will complete 30 credit hours of study. You’ll enjoy a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1.

You can also specialize in a variety of concentrations in the online master degree. There are:

  • geochemistry
  • geophysics
  • hydrology

In addition to your major, you may also want to pursue a minor in a field like:

  • geobiology
  • hydrology
  • petroleum geology
  • mineral resources
  • geophysics
  • earth science.

The department is home to 14 faculty members and more than 40 affiliated adjunct and research faculty. The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is quite prestigious. Many of the faculty here are also staff scientists at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. The department also has close connections with the EarthScope USArray Operations Facility and the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center. Both of these are major NSF-funded seismological facilities. 

You’ll benefit from strong interdisciplinary research opportunities. You will have access to all kinds of research computing laboratories and facilities.

To apply, you will need to submit a standardized online application. Submit unofficial transcripts from any universities attended. Also supply three letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, and a statement of purpose. You will also need to submit a resume that provides evidence of your work experience. 

This affordable program is offered online. This can reduce your cost of attendance. You can complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after applying. You may qualify for financial aid, like fellowships, assistantships, work-study, and scholarships through the university. 

#9. University of Minnesota – Duluth

Geological Sciences M.S. (Earth Sciences MS)

One of the best online geoscience degrees can be found at the University of Minnesota. There are 16 bachelor’s degrees in 87 different majors. The University of Minnesota-Duluth is a good first stopping point on your way to a rewarding career. You don’t have to quit after you finish your bachelor’s. This school is located in Duluth, MN. It is also a great place to earn a graduate degree. 

It first opened as a school for teachers. The school soon became known for its attention to student success. Now it is best known for its medical programs and other science-focused degrees. 

This university is home to a number of centers, institutes, and research labs. They provide students with some of the best hands-on experiences. You’ll enjoy access to facilities like the Center for Water and Environment and the Center for Community and Regional Research. 

The Earth Sciences Master of Science was once known as the Geological Sciences Master of Science, at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. It is one of the most outstanding of its kind. You will have the opportunity to partner with faculty members in a variety of hands-on research programs. You can pursue studies in things like:

  • petrology
  • sedimentology
  • tectonics
  • basin analysis
  • geographic information systems
  • ecohydrology

…and more. 

Duluth has one of the best environments for students who wish to explore the region’s geology. The master’s degree in geological sciences collaborates with the Natural Resources Research Institute, the Precambrian Research Center, and the Large Lakes Observatory. You will be prepared for all manner of work. That might be in education, industry, government, or further training. Graduate students in geological sciences could work as one of the best earth science educators, in project management, or in resource management. Earth science educators are in demand everywhere, as are many of these other roles. Even government administration or work in energy systems is a smart choice with an online master’s. These master’s degrees are versatile!

The master’s degree is designed to be completed in two years or less. That’s even if you hold a graduate assistantship. You can select a research area of focus when you enroll in this geology degree.

You will need to take 31 credit hours in the master’s degree in geological sciences. Sample classes include:

  • Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
  • Well Hydraulics
  • Advances in Paleoclimatology
  • Environmental Protection
  • Glacial and Quaternary Geology.

A final thesis project is also required as part of this master’s degree in geology.

To apply, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in geology. It could also be in a related field in science, mathematics, or engineering. You should have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All materials can be completed and submitted online. This includes the application itself. No GRE scores are required for admission to this master’s degree in geology, even if you are interested in geological science education. 

After submitting your application, be sure to take the time to explore the many financial aid opportunities offered here. You can pursue a range of programs to help you close the financial gap. These include assistantships, scholarships, and more. Both teaching and research assistantships are available. There is some support for travel to meetings and thesis research. 

#10. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Earth Science M.S. with a track in Geology 

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research university in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, MN. It has the sixth largest student body of any college in the United States.

You’ll enjoy hands-on classes and dedicated attention from your faculty. It is considered a “Public Ivy” university for its attention to individual students’ success. It also has a high academic quality. The school is designated as an R1 Doctoral University-Very High Research Activity. It spends more than $954 million in research and development each year, on average. 

As an aspiring geology major, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.

The school has roots tracing all the way back to 1872. The study of geology at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities has always been a priority. It has graduated thousands of students. It is home to numerous departments and sub-institutes. The courses as part of the master’s degree in geology include:

  • the Limnological Research Center
  • the Minnesota Geological Survey
  • the Institute for Rock Magnetism. 

The master’s degree in geology department is home to more than 350 faculty, 30 research labs, 20 teaching labs, and many other valuable resources for on-campus and online learners alike. In the master’s degree in geological sciences, you’ll enjoy a close-knit, attentive learning environment. Here, each faculty advisor is assigned no more than three to five students. 

You can choose between multiple different master’s degrees in earth science as part of this online program. Your science education will include:

  • geophysics
  • geology
  • responsible land management
  • biogeology
  • hydrogeology.

You can also choose three different degree completion plans as part of this master’s degree in geology. One online program requires you to complete a thesis and final oral exam. Another allows you to complete a project and final exam. The third online program option requires coursework only. It is only available for the hydrogeology online program. 

Each of these three master’s degree in geological sciences options requires 30 course credit hours. There are 14 credit hours in the online program major and others taken outside, either in a minor or some other supporting field. Each track is a great pathway for candidates interested in pursuing an eventual Ph.D.

These degrees are offered by a diverse department. It is made up of students from throughout the United States as well as many other countries. There is a strong connection between the department and program alumni. Many of them are well-established in their careers. They continue to support faculty and current students in their research endeavors. 

This program is easy to apply to. It’s also affordable. The department offers generous financial aid. It can support 10 to 12 new students each year via assistantships and fellowships. Financial aid guarantees 50% support for two years of a master’s program. You can apply for assistantships and research stipends. 

For students who wish to pursue summer research opportunities, there is even summer support available. You can receive financial assistance to travel to professional meetings or engage in other valuable professional development opportunities. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Brigham Young University

Location: Provo, UT

Degree: Geology MS

Net Price: $7,555

Website

#12. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Location: Norman, OK

Degree: Master of Science in Geology

Net Price: $21,158

Website

#13. Western Michigan University

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Degree: Master of Science in Geosciences

Net Price: $15,219

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 HIGHEST-PAYING MASTER’S DEGREES & TOP 10 REASONS TO EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE!

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

10 Best Affordable Master’s in Industrial Engineering

Master's in Industrial EngineeringIs a master’s in industrial engineering worth it?

Let the figures speak for themselves. 

With an average salary of $88,950 per year for bachelor’s degree holders (a figure that increases dramatically upon earning a master’s degree), there’s an excellent return on investment for this kind of degree. 

Plus, jobs in this industry are expected to grow by about 10% before 2029, a surge that’s fueled by its versatility. Industrial engineering is a field that’s not quite as specialized as other areas of engineering. 

Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and operation of manufacturing systems. Industrial engineers are responsible for designing everything from assembly lines to new products and processes in order to make them more efficient.

Because of this versatility, you’ll be able to find work in a wide variety of industries, from major manufacturing, consulting, and research and development. Even healthcare companies employ industrial engineers! As new technologies come onto the market to automate production processes in various industries, those who have an intimate knowledge of industrial and manufacturing engineering will be in high demand for some of the best-paying jobs. 

While any engineering degree is worth the cost of tuition, even with today’s high tuition rates, a degree in industrial engineering is the way to go. You’ll be able to work outside of traditional manufacturing industries and find employment just about anywhere, including for government agencies.

Like all other kinds of engineers, industrial engineers have low unemployment rates and enjoy some of the highest salaries among other degree holders in the United States. 

When you’re looking for a master’s in industrial engineering, know that your program will be either a master of science or a master of engineering. When it comes right down to it, there usually isn’t’ much of a difference in cost or credit hours. 

It’s the format of the two programs that differs. A Master of Science tends to be more academic, often requiring research or the completion of a thesis, while a Master of Engineering is perfect for the student who wants to dive right into the workforce after completing more hands-on learning.

Of course, many programs offer both of these experiences to students.

Depending on your needs and where you live, you may be able to choose between taking classes in-person or online. This is a great way to save money, for many students. By its very nature, online learning tends to be more affordable because many of the costs of attending a traditional on-campus program, such as transportation, room and board, and even parking, are eliminated. 

Naturally, an online degree might be the preferred way to study for students who are already working and find it difficult to fit classes into their already jam-packed schedules. When you complete an online degree, you’ll be able to complete classes on your own time or even on a part-time basis. 

Earning a degree can be a daunting process due to the sheer complexity and difficulty of your courses alone. Industrial engineering is not known for being one of the easiest subjects to major in, so it’s normal to have some anxiety about the coursework you’ll encounter. Chances are, though, your undergraduate coursework has already prepared you for the rigors of graduate study. 

One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about, though, is how you’ll pay for your degree. It’s true that earning a master’s degree can be expensive, but the good news is that there are more financial aid opportunities than ever before.

What is the best affordable master’s in industrial engineering? How do you choose the right school for you when it comes to this degree?

If you’re looking for the top universities for masters in industrial engineering, look no further. This guide will tell you everything you need to know. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What Are the Best Industrial Engineering 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.

See Also: 10 Best Computer Engineering Graduate Schools

#1. Texas A & M University

Texas A&MMaster of Science in Industrial Engineering

One of the best master’s in industrial engineering and management can be found at Texas A&M University. Located in College Station, TX, this school offers a master’s in industrial engineering online that consists of 30 credit hours of study. 

Meant to serve as a terminal degree, this program is practitioner-oriented, helping to provide you with the hands-on skills you need for career success. You’ll be able to take courses covering topics like:

  • simulation models and tools
  • logistics and inventory control
  • data analytics models and tools
  • optimization models and tools 

The degree features specializations in multiple areas, such as data science, operations research, manufacturing, and health and human systems engineering. It includes both a thesis and non-thesis option for maximum flexibility. 

A highly affordable program, it features low tuition rates along with generous financial aid. There are all kinds of scholarships available, including College of Engineering scholarships, the Craig Brown Outstanding Senior Engineer Award, and many more. Plus, you can apply for graduate funding such as fellowships and research assistantships.

#2. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia TechMaster of Science in Industrial Engineering

You will find one of the best M.Sc. in industrial engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. Located in Atlanta, GA, this school also features tuition rates that are some of the lowest in the country. You’ll pay less than $20,000 in graduate tuition and fees, which is just one reason among many why this school is repeatedly ranked among the best public schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report

This affordable master’s in engineering includes 30 credits of courses, all of which are offered by the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. You will take courses that focus on analysis, modeling, and solution of problems that arise in the traditional domains of supply chain systems, warehousing, and manufacturing. 

You will learn from accomplished faculty who are actively engaged in research as you learn about the latest developments in industrial engineering. The program serves as an excellent pathway for doctoral candidates as well as for students who want to dive directly into the workplace. Graduates have gone on to work for companies like Boeing, Apple, Intel, Nike, Google, and more.

Applying for this program is easy. You’ll need to have an undergraduate degree in science or engineering but a specific major in industrial engineering is not required. There’s also no minimum GPA cut-off or test score requirements. Even work experience isn’t required, though it can be an asset to your application. 

#3. North Carolina State University

NC State UniversityMaster of Science in Industrial Engineering

Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University is a public land-grant research university that is the largest school in the Carolinas. It has a reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to research. Along with Duke University in Durham, NC, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it forms one of the corners of the famed Research Triangle. 

Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University has one of the most affordable industrial engineering master’s program options around. You’ll pay less than $12,000 and have access to some of the best hands-on learning opportunities you can imagine, allowing you to gain crucial hands-on experience that will help improve your likelihood of finding a high-paying job.

Ranked as one of the best Top Value schools by U.S. News & World Report, North Carolina State University offers an online degree that will teach you how to improve systems and make them workable for any kind of industry. Designed for the working professional, the degree is practitioner-based and focuses on applications in the workplace rather than on theoretical research. 

Because of this, you won’t need to complete a thesis or comprehensive oral examination in order to graduate from this professional degree. Instead, you’ll complete 33 credit hours of courses in topics like Bayesian decision analysis for engineers and managers, multi-attribute decision analysis, and human factors in systems design.  You will also be able to participate in project work that you can use as part of your portfolio when you apply for jobs later on. 

#4. Oregon State University

Oregon State UniversityMasters in Industrial Engineering

Oregon State also has an affordable master of science in industrial engineering. The degree is available as both a master of engineering as well as a master of science. There’s even a minor in this field and a doctoral studies plan, depending on your career goals. 

This public university, located in Corvallis, OR, has tuition rates that are lower than $15,000 for graduate students. There’s plenty of financial aid that you can apply for, too. Because of this affordability and the school’s superb academic quality, it is ranked as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Value Schools. 

You don’t have to be a graduate of an industrial engineering program in order to apply. As long as you have some sort of background in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) discipline, you’ll have all the expertise you need to submit an application. You can choose to complete classes 100% online or on-campus, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. 

Regardless of the options you choose, you’ll take classes in subjects like:

  • Spreadsheet Skills for Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
  • Product Planning and Control
  • Computational Methods for Industrial Engineering
  • Work Systems Engineering

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for a vast array of positions in management engineering, particularly those requiring skills in technical leadership. 

#5. University of Illinois

University of IllinoisMaster of Science in Industrial Engineering 

A public land-grant research university, the University of Illinois is the flagship institution of the state university system and was founded in 1867. It’s home to 16 separate schools and colleges and offers an impressive 250-plus area of study. These programs are highly research-focused, with the school home to a famous Research Park that includes innovation centers for more than 90 different start-up companies and multinational corporations. 

The University of Illinois has one of top industrial engineering graduate programs. With the main campus in Champaign, IL, the school is ranked as a top public school, a best national university, and a best value school by U.S. News & World Report. You can’t beat those accolades!

Here, you’ll find graduate tuition rates that are lower than $20,000 per year along with a curriculum in industrial engineering that will stand the test of time. The curriculum is constantly being updated to make sure its students receive an education that holds its value and is relevant in the modern workplace. Plus, you can apply for financial assistance in the form of graduate/teaching/research assistantships, grants, fellowships, and tuition waiver scholarships. 

You’ll complete 32 credit hours of study along with four hours of independent study with no thesis required (though there is an optional thesis pathway available). You’ll take classes in topics like algorithms for data analytics, big graphs and social networks, apple nonlinear programming, and analysis of network data. 

#6. University of Arizona

University of ArizonaMasters in Industrial Engineering

The University of Arizona is a public university located in Tucson, AZ. Founded in 1885, this school was the first to be established in the Arizona Territory and remains a groundbreaking institution to this day. It consists of 19 separate colleges and schools and is affiliated with multiple research centers, academic medical centers, and more.

It is at the University of Arizona where you will find a top master’s of industrial engineering online. This program, located in Tucson, AZ, is also one of the most affordable. The College of Engineering has received top marks for its academic quality by U.S. News & World Report and with low tuition that comes in at less than $14,000 for graduate students, the university has also been ranked a best value school. 

In the industrial engineering program, you’ll gain the skills you need as a working professional to master advanced engineering planning and design skills and theory. That way, you can create and manage systems in just about any kind of industry. This program is unique in that it will also teach you the leadership skills and business fundamentals you need to succeed as an innovator and leader in engineering.

Your courses will cover topics like:

  • advanced quality engineering
  • advanced concepts in systems engineering
  • integer and combinatorial optimization
  • distributed multi-paradigm simulation systems

You can choose to take courses online or on-campus in Lima or Tucson.

#7. Binghamton University

Binghamton UniversityMasters in Industrial Engineering

Located in Vestal, NY, Binghamton University has one of the best master’s degrees for industrial engineers. This school is a public research university that is considered one of the four prestigious university centers in the SUNY system, home to more than 18,000 students.

This school is ranked a top public school and a best value school by the U.S. News & World Report and offers a master’s in industrial engineering that’s tailored toward working professionals. It features courses that are taught both in Vestal as well as in Manhattan, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in courses that are offered at the location that best suits your needs.

You’ll be able to take classes primarily online as you study topics like applied probability and statistics, enterprise systems, and modeling. You’ll be prepared for a management position upon graduation but if you want to specialize even further, you can tack on a certificate in healthcare systems, too. These courses are taught by internationally recognized instructors who will provide you with the best opportunities for research and transdisciplinary learning.

With bonus specialization areas in health systems executive health systems, you’ll be able to pursue research in topics like:

  • supply chain modeling and management
  • system optimization
  • electronics packaging and manufacturing
  • artificial intelligence and expert systems

Admission to this program occurs on a rolling basis so you can apply whenever it’s most convenient for you. 

#8. Missouri University of Science and Technology

S&T MissouriMaster of Science in Industrial Engineering 

Missouri University of Science and Technology, also referred to as simply Missouri S&T, is a public research university located in Rolla, MO. A member of the large University of Missouri System, this school is home to more than 8,000 students studying primarily in:

  • mathematics
  • sciences
  • business
  • engineering disciplines

This school is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities-High Research Activity, offering an academic quality that cannot be surpassed. Nevertheless, the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology is also one of the most affordable in the nation. Here, you’ll enjoy generous financial aid opportunities along with graduate tuition and fees that come in at less than $12,000. 

The degree has an excellent return on investment because you will be able to fully customize your program to meet your career goals. You can choose from a variety of concentrations including those in risk modeling and assessment, complex adaptive systems, model-based engineering, and more. You’ll be able to add both depth and breadth to your degree by choosing a specialty that is related to your personal interests. 

As you work on your degree, you’ll work alongside faculty who are conducting innovative research in a variety of areas. You’ll learn how to solve complex problems that can improve functions within industries, society, and government organizations in your coursework and research. 

However, you can further improve upon your experience by joining student organizations, including competition teams like the Steel Bridge Team, general interest groups like Engineers Without Borders, or even mechanical and aerospace organizations like the MU Association of Energy Engineers. You can even study abroad!

#9. Arizona State University

Arizona StateMasters in Industrial Engineering

The master’s in industrial engineering online at Arizona State University isn’t just affordable, but it’s also ranked among the top ten best online graduate engineering degrees by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. It is also listed as one of the best for veterans, recognized again for its affordability, accessibility, and high academic quality.

After completing this degree, you’ll have the skills you need to solve complex systems issues that might arise within an organization. It’s a research-heavy program that will provide you with the skills necessary to integrate, analyze, and develop solutions. In this online program, you’ll learn from the same world-class faculty who teach on-campus. 

The 350+ faculty members who teach at Arizona State’s Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering has been recognized with the highest accolades in the field from organizations like the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors. You’ll be able to network heavily with professors, students, and industry partners as you take courses in things like:

  • web-enabled decision support systems
  • information systems engineering
  • applied stochastic operations research models
  • applied deterministic operations research

The program emphasizes three core areas of study in operations research and production systems, quality and reliability engineering, and information systems engineering and management systems engineering. You can even pursue a specialty program in international logistics if you choose!

#10. Western New England University

WNEMaster of Science in Industrial Engineering

Western New England University is a private school located in Springfield, MA. Founded in 1919, its first classes held fewer than 20 students, but the school has grown rapidly and currently is home to more than 7,000 students. 

The university is known for its accomplished doctoral and master’s degrees, which are offered by:

  • the School of Law
  • the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • the College of Business
  • the College of Arts and Sciences
  • the College of Engineering

In the College of Engineering, you will find a top M.S. in manufacturing engineering that is available completely online. 

The online industrial engineering master’s program can be completed in less than two years, even when you choose to study on a part-time basis. It is meant to provide working professionals with an accelerated program of study that will grant you skills in systems, optimization, cost analysis, and much more. All in all, you will take nine credits of core courses in topics ranging from Advanced Engineering Statistics to Inventory Modeling. You will also complete three credits in a core concentration and up to 15 credits of electives.

For the remainder of your courses, you’ll choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to study at your own pace and enjoy a curriculum that is designed for the real world. Classes are small, averaging fewer than 20 students, so you can immerse yourself fully in the course content while enjoying individualized support from your instructors. Core concentration areas cover topics like:

  • Design of Experiments
  • Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Systems
  • Discrete Event Simulation

Frequently Asked Questions

What will you learn with an industrial engineering degree?

Each industrial engineering degree is a bit different in terms of which courses are required and how many credit hours you will need to complete. Most of the time, you’ll take core engineering classes along with a series of electives. You may be able to use your elective course choices to help you specialize in a certain area. 

Usually, about 30 to 36 credit hours are required, with a thesis or non-thesis track typically available. You may be required to complete a residency, internship, or capstone, generally graduating in about two to three years depending on whether you study on a full- or part-time basis. 

Course requirements vary widely depending on the university and your ultimate career goals. At Columbia University, for example, you will complete 30 credit hours of study with a concentration in systems engineering, regulated industries, or healthcare management. 

You’ll take a set of required core courses in things like:

  • Stochastic Models
  • Supply Chain Analytics
  • Optimization Models and Methods

You will then move on to electives in various schools (you can even take courses in the famed Law School or the School of International and Public Affairs for a truly one-of-a-kind degree!).

What are the master’s in industrial engineering requirements? 

Typically, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in order to apply for a master’s in industrial engineering. This doesn’t always need to be in industrial engineering but usually should be in a related field in engineering, mathematics, or science. You may be asked to have a minimum GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale is a common cut-off for applicants). In some cases, scores from the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) might also be required.

It’s important to look at the individual admission requirements for the schools to which you are applying, however, as they can vary. Arizona State University’s program in industrial engineering consists of just nine classes, each of which lasts just 7.5 to 15 weeks for a total of 30 credit hours. You’ll need to submit an application along with a statement of purpose, GRE scores, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. 

You can also look at the admissions requirements of the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign to give you an idea of what you might need to submit. This school requires you to rank your research preferences when you apply but you don’t need to meet GRE score cut-offs. You don’t even need to send in official transcripts until you are admitted!

What can I do with a master’s in industrial engineering? 

Once you earn a degree in industrial engineering, you’ll have a wide variety of career opportunities to choose from. In fact, this is one of the most versatile engineering disciplines you can pursue. 

When you’re first getting started, you’ll likely work under a senior engineer at a production or manufacturing company, perhaps working to collect and analyze data. After you have a few years of experience, you will be able to get more involved in the problem-solving and decision-making processes of your company and perhaps move into a management position as a senior engineer yourself.

The most successful industrial engineering will become the owners or presidents of consulting firms or perhaps even senior associates. Regardless, you’ll find job opportunities in both the public and private sector with titles including:

  • quality engineering
  • operations analyst
  • industrial engineer
  • management engineer
  • ergonomist

Is financial aid available for industrial engineering degrees?

If the cost of earning a degree in industrial engineering has you stressing, don’t panic. There are plenty of financial aid opportunities available.

Just take a look at Georgia Tech University as an example. This school offers external fellowships for American students from federal agencies like the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense. As a graduate assistant, you’ll receive a stipend and tuition waiver in exchange for 16 hours per week of work. You could also be eligible for Georgia Tech and ISE Fellowships.

Georgia Tech isn’t alone in its affordability. Many schools offer these kinds of assistantships and fellowships, along with other kinds of financial aid like scholarships, grants, and student loans. Be sure to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to find out what kind of assistance you might qualify for!

How much does an industrial engineer with a master’s make? 

The potential master’s in industrial engineering salary is excellent. 

Graduates of bachelor’s degrees in industrial engineering at the University of Miami earn the #1 highest-paid spots on most lists, according to College Factual. Of course, master’s candidates earn much more all-around than individuals who have just earned bachelor’s degrees, making this degree a worthwhile investment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2020, the average annual wage for industrial engineers was $88,950. 

The highest 10% of earners brought in more than $136,930, with the best-paid workers employed in professional, scientific, and technical services as well as in computer and electronic product manufacturing. You might also find high-paying jobs in transportation equipment manufacturing, where workers bring in an average annual salary of $91,790. 

Which master’s degree is the cheapest?

When you’re looking for the most affordable master’s in industrial engineering, it’s important to consider all aspects of a schools’ total price, including its tuition and fees along with available financial aid.

The cheapest school for you might not be the cheapest school for every other student, as there are lots of factors that go into determining a school’s overall affordability. However, some of the best values in your education can be found at the schools we’ve mentioned above in our rankings along with at universities such as the University of Washington, Purdue University, and the University of Florida.

What is the shortest master’s program in industrial engineering?

Most programs in industrial engineering are similar in their time to completion. Graduate degrees tend to be more self-paced than bachelor’s degrees, allowing you to complete courses on a full- or part-time basis, studying either online, on-campus, or in a hybrid combination of the two

Typically, you will be expected to complete around 30 credit hours of study. In many cases, you can do this in just a year or two, although if you’re studying part-time it might take three or four years for you to complete your studies. Adding on options like an internship, study abroad, or cooperative learning experience can add some time on to your degree, but these are worth it in the long run as they can help you land a job after you graduate. 

Is a master’s in industrial engineering worth it? 

The long and short of it? Absolutely. Industrial engineering is a field worth majoring in, particularly if you want to embark on a rewarding, high-paying career and have strong aptitudes in mathematics and science. 

Industrial engineering is a difficult major. There’s no doubt about it. However, compared to other engineering degrees, industrial engineering has far fewer mathematics and technical engineering courses that you will need to conquer. It also has a high return on investment.

Just look at Lehigh University as an example! In 2020, 95% of its graduating class found employment within just a few short months of graduation, with more than 96% of all students completing at least one internship or similar experiential learning opportunity. 

Related:

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Are Online Master’s Degrees as Rigorous as Their Traditional Counterparts?

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As online degree programs become increasingly popular and more widely available, people often ask themselves whether or not online degree programs are as rigorous as traditional counterparts. While many Americans believe that online degree programs do represent a quality of education equal to that of traditional on-campus programs, others remain skeptical. How do online master’s degree programs measure up to their on-campus, traditional counterparts in terms of quality and rigor? The answer of course is that it depends on the program. Just as traditional programs of study vary in quality, so do online programs. Some online programs may in fact be more rigorous than certain traditional programs and vice versa. Quality and rigor have to do entirely with the program of study, but have little to do with whether or not the program is administered online. This article will help you understand how to evaluate the particulars of an online master’s degree program so that you will be deeply challenged and develop you knowledge and skills accordingly so that your online graduate school experience truly does develop you as a master of your chosen field.

[See our ranking of the most affordable online graduate schools here]

The first thing to keep in mind with online education is that just because online programs provide greater flexibility of study, does not mean that you will be doing less study. In fact, because of the nature of online education, and how interaction between students often works through discussion boards, you should expect to do a great deal more reading and writing than you would in a traditional program. Look at a curriculum sample a select few courses you would be taking in an online Master’s program and compare them to curriculum samples of similar courses in reputable traditional programs. Is there noticeably less reading in the syllabi of the online courses? If the answer is yes, than you are likely looking at a less rigorous program.

See Also: Are Online Master’s Degrees Respected?

As well as assessing the amount of course reading in your chosen curricular samples, compare the particular textbooks and other learning materials you will be using in each. You can get a sense of the quality and rigor of the programs you are interested in by assessing the learning materials. Read reviews of the textbooks used in each and try to tease out which texts will challenge you most. You can also compare professors’ in each program by looking their curriculum vitae or tracking down an original research paper to compare the quality of their work. All of these factors can give you small, but significant indicators of the quality and rigor of various online programs.

As always, you will also want to check to see what accreditations the online program has, and specifically if the program has the necessary specialized accreditations you will need to be certified to work in the career you are hoping to enter. If a program is not accredited by a specialized agency where they exist, this is an indication that the program is not going to meet the same standards of rigor that other reputable programs have set.

Thoroughly research any academic program you are considering before enrolling. Not every online degree program will prove to be as rigorous as the most well respected traditional academic programs, but there are plenty of online degree programs that will sufficiently challenge you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to master your discipline.

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Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Are Online Master of Psychology Degrees Respected?

are online psychology degrees respected

In the field of psychology, many of the more advanced jobs (such as licensed therapist, school counselor, industrial/organizational psychologist, etc.) require, at the very least, a master’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an advanced degree truly is necessary to progress in a psychology career in any significant capacity. But if the program to which an individual desires to attend is quite a distance away, uprooting and leaving one’s current job and family responsibilities to pursue that Master of Psychology degree is not always feasible. The good news is that there are many online opportunities for budding psychologists to pursue in order to obtain that necessary master’s degree. One consideration that may give some prospective students pause, however, is the question of whether or not online degrees in general, and online degrees in psychology in particular, are considered reputable in the field and by those who would hire would-be psychologists.

See Also: Are Online Master’s Degrees Respected?

If this is a concern of yours, you can put your fears to rest. Whatever stigma may have been present in years past towards online psychology degrees, the attitude has shifted and online degrees are accepted quite readily now. Employers are recognizing the value not just of the online degree itself, but also of the self-motivation and dedication that it takes for a student to engage in a program through distance education. In case you do encounter any hiring managers who may not have gotten the memo on the validity of online degrees, here are some things to look for in an online psychology degree program to assure your chances of career success.

As with any online master’s degree program, the most significant factor is the regional accreditation of the parent college or university. Regional accreditation is an unbiased, outside assessment of the school both academically and institutionally. It’s a mark of approval showing that the school meets the universal standards as set forth by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). There are seven regional accrediting bodies that are recognized by the United States Department of Education, and colleges and universities voluntarily submit to these agencies to gain accreditation, which is renewed on a continual basis to assure quality throughout changing times. Another key factor in the search for a good online program–does the university exist as a brick-and-mortar institution? Some questioners of online degrees can often have their doubts allayed when presented with a degree from a school that has a physical address with on-campus programs in addition to (and in most cases historically prior to) their online programs. Institutions that have existed for many years tend to have that reputation that makes them appealing and impressive (think Harvard, for instance).

In summary, if your online Master of Psychology program is housed within a reputable, brick-and-mortar institution that is regionally accredited, the degree you earn should be just as readily accepted as any degree earned through an on-campus program. To assist you in your search for the best online program to fit your needs, have a glance at the 50 Best Online Master of Psychology Degree Programs for inspiration.

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Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

How Many Engineers Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?

how many engineers does it take

Answer: None–they’re all too busy designing the perfect bulb!

Engineers get a lot of flak–perhaps undeservedly. Clichés abound regarding what engineers do or the kind of personality it takes to be an engineer. But in all fairness, the field of engineering is full of possibilities and professionals are just as diverse as in any other field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mechanical engineering field is progressing at a steady rate with the opportunity for employment following the national growth-rate average. And as one of the most popular online master’s degree programs, the Master of Mechanical Engineering degree provides all of the benefits of an on-campus program with the added benefits of convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. So let’s break down the myths that plague this noble profession, shall we? And while we’re at it, if you continue reading you will be provided with a link to some truly exceptional online degree programs for mechanical engineering.

See Also: Best Industrial Engineering Master’s Programs

Myth One: All Engineers are Introverts

Hmm, when you hear “engineer,” do you imagine the mad inventor holed up in his or her workshop coming up with hover skateboards or food coatings that will outlive a zombie apocalypse? In reality, engineers are just like people in other professions of course. Some may be introverted and more comfortable working quietly in their own space, but even if that is the case, no one can work in isolation forever. Working collaboratively on a large project requires interacting with other engineers, project or construction managers, CEOs, patent attorneys–the list could go on. Even small projects require a certain level of collaboration, so this myth is just that–a myth.

Myth Two: Engineering is a Male Profession

So there might historically be a larger proportion of male engineers, but there are plenty of female engineers both throughout history and today. Before the term engineering was even in use, there were women helping to make the world run (and run better). Consider the Islamic Golden Age (from the late 700s to about the 1300s) in which women were inventors alongside their male counterparts. There’s Alice Perry, an engineer in the early 1900s, who is still on record as having been the only woman employed as a County Engineer in Ireland. To bring us up to the 21st century and properly debunk this myth, just take a glance at this Business Insider article on the most influential female engineers in 2018.

Myth Three: You Can’t Pursue a Reputable Master of Mechanical Engineering Degree from an Online Program

Now this myth is just plain silly! As most people know, online degree programs are gaining in popularity. They offer convenience and flexibility–you don’t have to quit your job or move, but rather, you can pursue the degree you want from the school of your choice from the comfort of your home. Some of the most well-known and respected institutions offer their renowned master of mechanical engineering degree through an online program format. To examine some of these programs, look over this list of the 50 best online master of mechanical engineering degree programs, and consider yourself an engineering myth-buster!

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Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Ethics in Organizational Leadership

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The trend in business these days–both globally and domestically–is a high ethical standard and sound moral compass. Gone are the days when shady businessmen get ahead by any means necessary, and many schools are capitalizing on the ethics approach by grounding their online Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree programs in integrity and conscientiousness. From offering coursework focused on ethical leadership to whole programs steeped in the concept of faith and servitude, MOL programs abound with a strong sense of not just leading, but leading well. With many good programs from which to choose, read on or start with our list of the best online Master of Organizational Leadership degree programs to find the best fit for you.

While many schools offer the MOL degree through an online program and even offer many classes with themes of ethics and responsible leadership, faith-based schools–Christian faith schools in particular–are really plugging in to the concept of ethics as it applies to the business world. Montreat College, for instance, declares that their Master of Science in Management and Leadership degree program will develop students’ “critical thinking and strategic planning skills in the context of an ethical, Christ-centered worldview.” Some schools offer a specific faith-focused curriculum that cover ethical issues that organizational leaders must manage. One of the required foundation courses at Charleston Southern University is “Business Ethics from a Christian Worldview,” a class designed to “to equip students to think Biblically about work, business and life.” This course is right in line with Charleston Southern’s approach at academia from a Christian perspective which they call the “Encounter-Engage-Energize model of faith integration.” At Amridge University, students learn to implement “ethical and moral regulations needed to operate in social, religious, and business communities” by taking classes such as “Spiritual Leadership within the Organization.”

And while some schools may be faith-aligned with a curriculum that is shaped by Christian-declared virtues, their approach and required coursework are not overtly religious. The Master of Science in Organizational and Strategic Leadership at Neumann University, a Franciscan institution, is taught with a “values-based perspective” through classes such as “Social and Ethical Responsibility of Leadership.” Jesuit school Creighton University‘s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership online degree is offered through the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. It makes sense then that the Creighton approach is “centered on developing moral and ethical leaders who use their skills to promote social justice, societal and organizational change for a greater and more just tomorrow” with classes like “Communicating and Leading Across Cultures.” And Messiah College, a school “committed to an embracing evangelical spirit rooted in the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions of the Christian Church,” offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership degree that requires coursework that covers topics such as “The Character of a Leader.

So for those looking to lead, follow the path of righteousness–whether specifically faith-based or just centered on good, broad-based values. From any approach, it’s the best way to do business!

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50 Best Online Masters in Organizational Leadership

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

What’s the Difference between an MBA and a Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL)?

mol degree

Many people are looking to advance their careers by moving into positions of leadership and management. Some follow the path of earning an online Master of Business Administration, while others are drawn more towards a Master of Organizational Leadership degree program. There are similarities between the MBA and the MOL, but what exactly is the difference between the two degrees? Simply put by US News and World Report, most MBA programs offer a “traditional analytical approach to management” while MOL degree programs are typically known more for teaching “students how to lead using a more personal and creative approach.” (Check out both of our lists for the best online Master of Organizational Leadership degree programs and the best online MBA degree programs).

Some organizational leadership degree programs, such as Michigan State University’s Online Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership clearly and proudly state that they are “Not an MBA.” Michigan State’s MS degree is not like a traditional “MBA, which usually provides broad-based business knowledge focusing specifically on the core business disciplines of accounting, marketing, finance and operations.” Rather, their degree “is designed for passionate, hardworking, team-oriented professionals looking to maximize their potential in managing people and leading organizations” and “hones in on the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and motivate people while developing “big-picture” strategies.” Regis University details a comparison between the MBA and the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) they offer through their College of Business and Economics. Regis declares that the MBA offers students “a sophisticated understanding of the business enterprise,” while an MSOL degree program “focuses specifically, and in depth, on the leadership function in organizations.” In an article by a George Washington University (GW) graduate, it is presented that the online MBA “courses emphasize the “science” of business: its structures, departments, phenomenon, and nuance” while the GW Organizational Leadership and Learning degree program “curriculum is devoted to the fundamental human processes of leadership, change, learning, and globalization.” Lewis University states that MBA degree programs focus on building the “theoretical foundation and rich analytical skills” in future professionals while their online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program is geared more towards examining the “human side of leadership, drawing upon such fields as sociology, psychology, philosophy and management” in order to create future leaders who will guide inspired and willing teams of individuals to reach their full potential.

The key difference between the two degrees boils down to scope, breadth and approach. While both degrees are excellent, potential students just need to examine the way they hope to lead, the style that fits their personalities, and the goals they hope to achieve in order to pick the best degree for their online master’s degree education.

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Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

What Do Employers Think of Online MSN Degree Programs?

Online education and distance learning are fast becoming normative in regards to master’s degree programs. Even master’s programs that require a hands-on experience, like clinical hours in a graduate nursing program, are becoming more widespread. As a matter of fact, the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs, and for good reason. For nurses who want to specialize in a particular area or increase their earning potential, a master’s degree is a natural choice. We hear you though—you may wonder how future employers will view your online MSN degree. There is no need to fear that they will view your degree any less favorably than if you uprooted your family and moved across country to attend the same school in an on-campus program. We know as a working nurse that you have precious little time to devote to advancing your education—adding a big move into the mix just seems unnecessary to say the least. That’s why we here at Master’s Programs Guide have done the research to make sure you are covered in your online MSN program. Read on to understand the must-have factors in any online program, and you’ll gain the confidence you need to pursue your MSN degree online.

The two most important factors in choosing your online MSN program are accreditation and accreditation. Here we are talking about both regional, institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation. Picking a university or college with a brick-and-mortar location and regional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency is very important. With the rise in popularity of online degrees there has been a rise in degree mills that offer all of the convenience without any of the credentials of a respected school. Regional accreditation is an unbiased assessment of the school’s attributes–certain standards have to be met, and if the school has regional accreditation, students can be confident that their school is meeting the standards of higher education. Program accreditation is just as important, because it is a stamp of approval on the program itself. For online graduate nursing programs, accreditation should come from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). An additional bonus for a program is designation by the National League for Nursing (NLN) as a Center for Excellence (COE)–less than 100 institutions in the United States have been awarded that designation.

The next key factor in picking a program is how hands-on clinical hours will be implemented. Employers want to know that MSN graduates have worked with real people as patients, so picking a school that offers you assistance in finding a site to put in your clinical hours is a plus. Not every school will offer assistance, which is not enough to discount them as a possibility (especially if you are already employed and can use your current work towards clinical hours). Just understand the expectations and make sure you have a plan.

The bottom line is, as long as the school you choose has that third-party accreditation and the program it offers is also accredited, you are in good hands. Most diplomas don’t even make note that the degree was “online,” so it shouldn’t be an issue with future employers. To help you find a program that meets your needs, check out the list we’ve compiled of the 50 best online master of nursing degree programs.

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Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Best Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting

Do spreadsheets and numbers make you smile? Do you find the sound of calculator keys tapping away both melodic and soothing?cheapest online masters in accounting

If so, a master’s degree in accounting might be the right choice for you. And if you think accounting is just about balancing books and counting back money, think again. Accountants work in a variety of fields. 

As an accountant, you could work in the U.S. healthcare reform. You could work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to help solve white-collar crime. You could even become a chief financial officer of a major company. 

The word “accountant” is one that generally conjures up yawn-worthy images of suited-up professionals sitting behind their desks, counting out bills. But as an accountant, your job will be so much more. When you get a master’s degree in accounting, you will become a problem solver, a communicator, a thinker, and a skilled, savvy professional with the characteristics necessary to work in any field.

As an accountant, you’ll be anything but conventional.

How do you become an accountant? There are multiple pathways you can choose from, and while earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step, a master’s is generally advised. In fact, in order to sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, you’ll be expected to have no less than a master’s degree. The two years of program coursework often suffices as the two years of experience required to sit for the examination. 

Rest assured that just as no two careers in accounting are alike, neither are two master’s degrees. You’ll have several options available. You could apply to a Master of Accountancy program or a Master of Science in accounting program, both of which tend to admit students who have earned undergraduate degrees in accounting or related fields. 

You could also apply to a Master of Business Administration in accounting or a Master of Professional Accounting. This is a good option if you do not have an undergraduate background in accounting or even anything related to business. In fact, these programs often admit students with humanities-based majors. 

Some universities offer both on-campus and online programs for master’s in accounting degrees. You may also be able to choose a hybrid program. Online programs offer convenience in that you will be able to take classes when it’s most convenient for you—a vital characteristic if you’re already working in the industry. 

You’ll need to be organized and motivated to complete an online master’s, but as long as your program is accredited (as a bulk of online degrees are), you’ll get the skills necessary to succeed. Another benefit of online degrees? They also tend to be more affordable. 

Why should you earn a master’s in accounting? The real answer should be—why not? Most employers prefer to hire accountants who have earned master’s degrees. Not only does graduate-level education give students the credit hours necessary to pursue licensure as CPAs, but it also gives them skills related to core areas of accounting, like forensic accounting, government accounting, tax accounting, public accounting, and more. 

The jobs in accounting span a variety of industries—explore all of your options by earning an affordable online master’s in accounting. You won’t regret it in the slightest. 

Common Application and Admission Questions

Finding the right affordable online master’s in accounting can be a challenge. If you’ve already settled on an online program—whether because it’s more convenient for your schedule, you need the affordability, or you just like the freedom of studying online—you’re in luck. You’ve already narrowed down your search quite a bit. 

However, there are several other considerations you need to make before filling out your college applications. It’s important to narrow down your choices before you apply to schools. While it might be tempting to apply to dozens of schools with abandon, the fees can add up—after all, most schools charge application fees. Although these are minimal, they can be quite costly if you apply to multiple programs.

To help you narrow down your search, consider a few personal traits that will give you more insight into the best program for you. For example, does the program meet the CPA curriculum requirements in your state? Is there an option to pursue concentrations that interest you—or that will better prepare you for the career of your dreams?

What about other factors—for example, career placement services and the strength of the university’s alumni network? Does the degree give you the option to maintain or pursue full-time or part-time work? Is financial aid available? Will the degree allow you to work independently, or as part of a cohort?

All of these considerations matter in helping you find the perfect program. 

In general, you’ll be expected to earn between 30 and 60 credit hours before graduating from your master’s degree in accounting. You may also need to complete an internship or work experience, which will give you the work hours necessary to pursue licensure or certification. You’ll take classes that cover broader topics of accounting but you’ll also get the opportunity to pursue electives in areas of interest. 

Keep in mind that, while many master’s in accounting admit students with no prior experience, you may be required to take more classes to make up for that deficit. Some programs will have prerequisites that you’ll need to satisfy before beginning your major coursework. 

Either way, look for a degree that is accredited. This will give you a good idea of the program’s quality. An accredited program is essential if you plan on transferring credits, receiving financial aid, or applying for licensure or certification. 

Application requirements vary depending on the institution. Usually, you will be expected to submit evidence of an undergraduate degree in a relevant area, like accounting, business, or finance (although some programs may accept students with backgrounds in other fields, too). You will likely need to sit for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), too. 

When you apply, you will be expected to submit evidence of both of these qualifications—usually through transcripts from any colleges you’ve attended and official test scores. Requirements vary by institution, but usually, colleges will look for high scores on the GRE and a GPA of at least 3.0. You may also be asked to submit letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, evidence of work experience, and a personal essay, too. 

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

When you apply for your online master’s in accounting, you will likely be able to do so online. Make sure you research the specific deadlines associated with your college and the accounting program to make sure you have all of your application materials in on time. Usually, programs admit students twice per year, although this can vary.

Once your application has been safely filed away, you can start thinking about the financial aid process. Earning a degree, after all, is a significant financial investment—especially if you’ve already spent loads of money on your undergraduate degree. Rest assured, as long as you attend an accredited program, you will likely be able to apply for state and federal financial aid, regardless of whether you are studying full- or part-time. 

The costs associated with an accounting degree can vary. Don’t assume that private colleges are off-limits just because their “sticker prices” are a bit higher than public colleges. Often, private colleges are able to offer significant amounts of institutional financial aid to students, too, which can offset most of these additional expenses. 

Remember to factor in all associated costs of attendance, including books, learning resources, and technology (such as computers). Attending an online program is almost always more affordable than attending an on-campus program. This is because you won’t have to worry about additional fees for things like parking, transportation, room and board, and student activities. 

Federal student aid is the first place you should look when you are seeking financial aid. The federal government provides billions of dollars in grants, work-study funds, and loans each year. The first step in obtaining federal financial aid is to fill out the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

In order to be eligible, you must be seeking admission to a degree-awarding program. You should have a high school diploma or GED and a clean criminal record. The application process opens on January 1 of each year. You will need to have your tax information from the prior year ready, including federal income tax returns and W-2s. In some cases, you might also need to submit bank statements and other ancillary documents. 

The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for any federal grants, loans, and work-study, as well as state programs, if they are available to graduate students where you live. However, your options aren’t exhausted after completing the FAFSA, either. Many universities offer scholarships and assistantship programs to help you bridge the financial gap. 

To help make you the most desirable candidate for these opportunities, dust off your resume, and make sure your grades are as high as they can be when you apply. Having high GRE test scores and a solid work experience record can also help to make you the most eligible person for these awards.

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

Earning a master’s degree in accounting will help you get ahead in the field. You’ll not only have broad analytical skills that will help you rise to higher-level positions in taxation, banking, insurance, or any other area of finance, but it will also make you eligible for certification as a public accountant, or CPA. 

The CPA exam is the best-known and most prestigious designation in accounting. It’s an intense exam, but it’s worth taking. Once you obtain this licensure, you’ll be much more marketable for higher-level jobs. 

Average salaries vary, but some of the best-paying jobs are in finance and insurance. Financial specialists earn the most, bringing in an average salary of $71,950 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Become an auditor or accountant, and you’ll make an average salary of $71,550 each year. Management is also another popular choice—you could earn upwards of $74,000 per year. The highest 10% of all earners made more than $124,450 in 2019. 

Wages vary depending on where you live, with the highest earners located in major metropolitan areas. As an accountant, you can expect to have steady work throughout the year, with some seasons (like tax time) a bit busier than others. 

Most students go on to work in accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, or payroll services upon graduation. Of the 1.4 million jobs in accounting as of 2018, nearly a quarter were held in these areas. However, you could also go on to work in government, management of various enterprises and companies, government, insurance, and finance. You could even be self-employed!

Your opportunities will be limitless once you earn an affordable online master’s in accounting. You could work in an office, but this job is flexible enough that you could also work from home. Many accountants work alone, but just as many work in teams with other auditors, accountants, and other professionals. 

Remember, while you can obtain a high-paying job as an accountant with just a bachelor’s degree, earning a graduate degree will open up countless doors for you. Not only will it make you qualified to sit for salary-boosting credentialing examinations, but it will also make you eligible for top-ranking leadership positions, too. 

One of the best parts about becoming an accountant is that these jobs are in high demand. Because the economy continues to grow and become more globalized at a nearly exponential rate, there is a strong demand for auditors and accountants of all kinds. As the economy improves, more workers will be needed to prepare financial records. 

The average anticipated growth for accountants, auditors, and financial specialists is expected to grow by 6% before 2028. This is higher than the national average. It’s yet another indicator that earning an affordable online masters in accounting might be the right—and smartest!—choice for you.

What Are the Best Online Master’s in Accounting 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

Master of Science in Accounting

As one of the largest evangelical Christian universities in the world, Liberty University offers some of the best, most affordable, and most forward-thinking online programs in the country. Enroll at Liberty University, and you’ll be expected to follow the university’s conservative Christian honor code—but you’ll benefit from a world-class education that is second to none.

The Master of Science in accounting at Liberty University consists of 30 credit hours. When studying full-time, most learners can learn their degrees in as little as one year. The program will help you combine your passion for data analysis with the technical skills necessary to come up with finely-attuned solutions that businesses are seeking. 

This program comes with seven different accounting tracks that can provide you with the skills you need for a marketable career. You will get the 150 hours of formal education necessary to sit for the CPA exam. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to apply your analytical skills in a creative way to open up the door to a rewarding career in accounting.

Specializations in this program include audit and financial reporting, financial services, forensic accounting, taxation, leadership, and business. If you’re undecided as to your desired career path, you can also pursue a  general track. You’ll take applicable classes in topics like managerial finance, international business, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership and management, just to name a few.

The degree is accredited by ACBSP, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and is ranked as one of the best schools in the country. It will give you the credentials necessary for many managerial positions, too. Liberty University is ranked in the top percent of more than 2,100 online colleges and universities and ranked as the second-best online school in the country by Niche.com. 

With Liberty University’s master’s in accounting, you’ll pay just $565 per credit hour. Classes are offered 100% online with flexible courses lasting only eight weeks each. Since there are no set log-in times, you can study when it makes the most sense to you. If you’re already working, that’s a feature that will be vital for your success. 

Discounts are available for graduate students in the form of scholarships, loans, and other financial aid. Plus, as a military-friendly school (it’s ranked “Best for Vets” by Military Times) the school offers tuition discounts with rates starting at just $275 per credit hour for graduate courses. 

Another unique feature that helps to make Liberty’s online master’s in accounting more affordable? The school, in its commitment to affordable online academics, has frozen it’s tuition rates for all graduate, undergraduate, and doctoral programs for the last five years and counting. 

To apply to this program, you’ll need an accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA. You will need to submit official college transcripts and an application fee of $50, too.

#2. Southern New Hampshire University

Master of Science in Accounting

If you’re looking for a degree that represents more than just a piece of paper, Southern New Hampshire University is the place to look. This school has been nationally recognized as paving the way toward more affordable and career-relevant education. 

This school has some deep roots in business and accounting. In fact, at its inception, Southern New Hampshire was simply a two-room business school in downtown Manchester, NH. It was originally referred to as the New Hampshire Accounting and Secretarial School and enrolled just 10 day students and 35 evening students in secretarial, bookkeeping, and accounting courses. 

Need proof? The school provides learners with access to a network of more than 200,000 students, staff, and alumni—all of whom work hard to support students both before, during, and after their time at Southern New Hampshire. Instructors are skilled practitioners with relevant real-world experiences. Guided by these alumni and instructors, you’ll be able to tap into a global network of career and internship opportunities.

Enrolling accounting students since 1932, the Master of Science in accounting program at Southern New Hampshire University is perfect for budding bankers, tax specialists, insurance professionals, or generalized accountants. The degree satisfied the educational requirements necessary to sit for the CPA certification examination in most states. 

It’s aligned to rigorous AICPA (CSOs/SSOs) standards. AICPA, or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, is one of the strictest governing bodies when it comes to accounting curricula—this designation proves the high quality of Southern New Hampshire’s program in accounting.

This program will teach you how to generate detailed and complex financial statements and to minimize the tax liability of both organizations and individuals. You’ll even learn how to assess audit plans and appraise the limitations and effectiveness of financial accounting practices. You can choose from four industry-relevant concentrations in this degree, too, including management accounting, taxation, forensic accounting, and auditing.

Regardless of these specializations you choose, you will take classes in key areas like accounting principles, professional auditing methods, and quantitative analysis. You’ll also demonstrate competence in core areas like cost management and corporate finance. 

With tuition rates starting at just $627 per credit hour, Southern New Hampshire University has an affordable “sticker price” that can be further lowered with some of the university’s extensive financial aid opportunities. 

Even better, you can transfer in up to 12 graduate credits, helping to make this degree even more affordable than its counterparts. The degree is highly flexible, allowing you to complete your courses on your own terms. You’ll be able to access course materials 24/7. 

With some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, Southern New Hampshire University is also ranked as one of the Most Innovative Regional Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. The school has also been recognized as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium and received a million-dollar grant from Google for exploring soft skills development for youth in high-needs areas. 

You can apply online. To do so, you will need to submit a personal statement and a transcript evincing a GPA of 2.75 or higher. You do not need to submit GMAT or GRE test scores, which can help remove some of the barriers that stand between you and a college education.

#3. Culver-Stockton College

Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting

Originally founded as Christian University in 1853, Culver-Stockton College has a storied history as the first university west of the Mississippi River chartered specifically for both men and women. It’s a small school, with enrollment rarely creeping over 1000 students—but don’t let that fool you into thinking this private Christian liberal arts college doesn’t have anything to offer.

The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dozens of areas of study. What sets this school apart is its unique curriculum that splits up the typical 15-week semester into separate 12- and 3- week terms to give learners more hands-on experience. 

The Master of Business Administration at Culver-Stockton College is a unique, highly varied program that provides distance learners with one of the best and most hands-on learning experiences. You’ll build mastery-level skills as you further your understanding of the field of business. 

Taught by experienced, dedicated faculty, the program offers learners the flexibility to continue their education without stopping their careers. It includes multiple specializations—including a combination with the MSN program from the College of Nursing as well as specializations in management, healthcare management, accounting, and accounting and finance. 

The degree helps students develop the analytical skills they need to excel in any career. You’ll be able to make solid business decisions, communicate recommendations and results, and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative data. The curriculum is one of the best at preparing students for leadership roles. 

If you haven’t yet completed an undergraduate degree, you might want to consider the 3+2 MBA program at Culver-Stockton. This program is designed to be completed in an accelerated format, allowing you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. You can apply if you are in your junior year of an accounting program at Culver-Stockton and can choose from the same specializations (with the exception of the nursing specialization). 

While you are enrolled, you will benefit from a myriad of resources designed to help you succeed. Not only can you enroll in academic and career counseling, but you’ll get full access to all of Culver-Stockton’s many online library resources, including online bibliographic databases with full-text capabilities. 

Courses are available entirely online with zero obligation to meet on campus. You’ll enjoy convenient eight-week terms with a year-round start date along with career planning and placement services to help you land a job. Faculty also have significant access to corporate partnerships and alumni discounts to help students stay connected. 

Ranked the best school in Missouri for employment outcomes by Zippia, Inc. (and one of the Top 10 Best Value Institutes in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report),  this school also offers some of the most affordable online master’s degrees. There’s no application fee to worry about and tuition starts at just $500 per credit hour. Financial aid is available, as are interest-free payment options.

#4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Accountancy 

With more than 16 schools and colleges and 100 graduate programs of study, it might seem like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is too big to truly care about the success of each and every one of its students.

That’s far from the case, though. This school, which is classified as an R1 Doctoral Research University under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, not only has a high academic caliber but also pays attention to student needs. It’s ranked as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, in fact. 

If you’re ready to earn a fully accredited accounting degree—but on your own terms and schedule—it’s time you give the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign your consideration.

Not only will this program help you gain the competencies in business and accountancy that will set you apart from the competition, but you’ll also be able to learn from faculty who are experts in the accounting field. This CPA-ready curriculum is available 100% online and helps candidates develop strong foundations in accounting fundamentals and leading analytics methods.

Each course is delivered in two separate segments. First, you’ll complete a series of self-paced video lectures that provide you with the core material you need to know. Then, you will engage in practice-oriented live sessions alongside faculty and other fellow students to hone your skills. 

You will learn with a cohort of like-minded students as you move through your courses. Because of this, you’ll gain valuable career connections that will endure long after you sign off from your last course. Students are supported by a powerful alumni network, as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the largest producers of leaders in the accountancy profession. 

Past graduates are current entrepreneurs, accounting firm partners, CFOs, and more. In fact, entry-level salaries average $60K per year! You have a good chance of finding a job, too. The program has a 98% career placement rate, which is leaps and bounds beyond the national average for college programs. 

This is likely due in part to the university’s 75% first-time CPA pass rate for accountancy master’s program graduates. Faculty help students succeed on this challenging exam by developing a curriculum that builds students’ expertise in financial reporting, US federal taxation, audit and control, and leading analytics methods—all of which are topics that are essential to acing the CPA examination. 

The degree is affordable, too, so you don’t have to take out a second mortgage just to be able to afford higher education. Tuition and fees for the entire program start at just $20,6000, which is a fraction of the cost of comparable degrees. You can earn a degree in as little as 18 months or take as long as 36 months to complete your studies. 

To apply, you will need to submit transcripts from any college you have attended along with an official online application. You should also supply a professional resume, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. GMAT or GRE score reports are also required of all master’s program applicants.

#5. University of South Dakota

Online Master of Professional Accountancy

Located in Vermillion, SD, the University of South Dakota is home to the state’s only law and medical schools. It’s also home to the National Music Museum, which houses more than 15,000 instruments from all around the world.

But you don’t have to be a budding performing artist or lawyer in order to benefit from everything this large institution has to offer. The school is divided into seven colleges, offering a total of 205 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs among them. 

The Master of Professional Accountancy at the University of South Dakota is housed within the Beacom School of Business. This school has continuously been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and was established in 1927. In fact, it’s one of just 5% of the top business schools in the country that have earned this prestigious accreditation.

As a result, you can rest assured that the master of professional accountancy at the University of South Dakota is one of the best. It provides learners with specialized training in accounting and related fields, helping all candidates meet the 150 hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination. 

This degree includes a curriculum that is rich in core topics like finance, graduate accounting, and related subjects. When you graduate, you’ll have an enhanced understanding of how to produce and use accounting information, as well as how to assist organizations in developing professional competencies. 

The degree comes with an optional specialization in accounting analytics. Not only does this specialization meet the growing market demand for skilled accountants, but it also goes beyond advanced accounting coursework to include accounting principles and theories that are more data-centric. Requiring 30 credit hours of study, this program can be completed 100% online in as little as two years. 

In this program as well as all the other distance programs offered by the University of South Dakota, learners will have access to extensive disability and library services, computing resources, writing centers, veterans resources, and more. You won’t pay out the nose for an education here, either—in fact, tuition starts at just $465 per credit hour. 

To apply, you will need to complete an online application and submit a fee of $35. You will also need to supply official transcripts, a resume, and a statement of purpose.

The University of South Dakota is well-worth your consideration. Not only is it ranked as one of the top schools in the U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and Forbes, but it’s also highly-ranked by the Wall Street Journal, too. You can graduate with your masters in accounting quickly—and without having to sacrifice any of your other commitments. 

#6. Texas A&M University Commerce

Master of Science in Accounting 

Originally established as a private teachers’ college in Commerce, TX, Texas A&M University-Commerce is now one of the top public research universities in the country. It’s the third-largest school in the Texas A&M University System and is just 65 miles from downtown Dallas.

Ready to take your skills in business and accounting to the next level? If so, you’ve got to consider the Master of Science in accounting at Texas A&M University Commerce. This program is accredited by AACSB (one of only 800 schools with this accreditation in the entire world) and prepares graduates for rewarding careers in government, corporate settings, or public accounting. 

This program encompasses more than just Pro Forma and tax forms. Instead, you’ll learn vital skills that will help you assist organizations as they discover and implement trends to improve their profitability. Offered both in a face-to-face format in University Commerce and downtown Dallas as well as totally online, the program consists of 36 credit hours. 

This program’s curriculum is rooted in reality and is incredibly practical and hands-on. It prepares learners with these skills they need for the rigorous demands of the global business world, and also gives you the skills necessary for a variety of certification examinations.

You’ll be able to learn more about federal income tax for corporations and individuals and gain an in-depth understanding of cost management. You will also be able to uncover information systems that can make your work as an accountant more efficient and more effective. The program can be accompanied by various minors, including financial planning, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Foundational courses include Auditing, Research and Communications, government and Not-For-Profit, and Financial Statement Analysis. Once you move past the foundational courses, you can take more advanced classes, such as Fraud Examination and Sales, Franchise, and Other Taxes.

All courses are designed to be flexible, helping to meet the needs of busy working professionals who desire the convenience of a fully online degree. You will also be able to join a number of campus activities and organizations, like the National Association for Black Accountants and Beta Alpha Psi. 

There are very few prerequisites for this program—not only do you not need any foreign language credits to be admitted (a common requirement for graduate programs across the country) but you also won’t have to complete a thesis before you graduate, either. Most students can finish their programs in just two years of study.

You’ll have access to a variety of career resources when you enroll in this program, too. Not only will you be able to access the in-house Career Services Center, where you can receive guidance on internships and employment, but you’ll also have access to writing and other academic services as well.

Ready to apply? You will just need official transcripts from any regionally accredited universities you have attended, along with GMAT or GRE test scores and a letter of recommendation. You’ll be expected to have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in order to qualify for admission.

#7. Saint Leo University

Master of Accounting 

Saint Leo University is associated with the Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey. As a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university, the school has a reputation as the first Roman Catholic college in Florida and enrolls students at its traditional campus in Saint Leo, FL as well as more than 40 centers around the state. 

If you want to benefit from the high caliber of education offered at this university, though, you don’t have to commit to studying on campus. Saint Leo was one of the first schools in the country to offer distance learning opportunities to students. This endeavor started with a mission to educate military men and women in 1973, during the Vietnam war. Today, the school has more than 40 different programs available entirely online.

The school remains a leading provider of education to active duty military members and their families. It is home to more than 219 full-time faculty and more than a thousand adjunct faculty members. You’ll enjoy a small student-to-faculty ratio and a close, caring learning environment when you choose to study at this dynamic private university. 

The Master of Accounting at Saint Leo University is flexible and convenient, offering the perfect pathway for success for aspiring accountants. The program includes core classes like Auditing, Cost Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, and Accounting Information Systems. 

Not only that, but this program can help you pass both the CPA and CMA (Certified Management Accounting) examinations, too. Graduates also have good pass rates on the Certified Fraud Examiner test. You’ll get the 150 hours you need for licensure in most states and be able to master difficult concepts that are vital for a successful career, such as cost accounting, financial statement analysis, auditing, and forecasting. 

This rewarding program will also provide you with the skills you need to resolve major financial reporting issues of multinational and American business entities. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge of tax laws and to evaluate professional standards as they relate to complex accounting issues. The curriculum is also heavy in ethics-related concepts, too. Thirty credit hours are required. 

Tuition for this program is offered at an affordable rate. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons why the school has been consistently ranked as one of the Best Regional Universities for the South by U.S. News & World Report. The school has tuition that is significantly lower than the average private college tuition.

Rates start at just $720 per credit hour. Plus, most students are eligible for some form of financial aid—much of which does not have to be paid back and comes in the form of grants and work-study opportunities. If you’re a past or present military member, you’ll pay even less. 

To apply for admission, you will need to submit transcripts for any colleges you’ve attended. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Transfer credits are accepted in many cases, too.

#8. DePaul University

Master of Science in Accountancy

A private, Roman Catholic university in Chicago, IL, DePaul University was founded in 1898 by the Vincentians. The school is unique in that it places a special emphasis on enrolling first-generation college students as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

With campuses all around Chicago (five total in the city), the school focuses on obtaining hands-on education. The university has multiple industry partnerships and has schools that cater specifically to adult learners, too. Plus, DePaul has more than 300 student organizations to check out—many of which are also available to online learners.

The Master of Science in accountancy at DePaul University is offered by the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and Driehaus College of Business. These two schools are home to top-tier faculty members who have extensive expertise and academic rigor, bringing these extensive benefits to students from the heart of Chicago’s financial district. The Driehaus College of Business was one of the first business schools in the United States and is highly ranked by the TFE Times. 

In this program, faculty have extensive industry experience. Many have won prestigious awards from various “Big Four” firms, in fact. In this program, you’ll get free access to online CPA exam prep courses. Most graduates are able to pass the examination as first-time test takers. The curriculum of the program aligns with the rigorous standards set forth by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International, too. 

Class sizes are small, so you don’t have to worry about being just one in a large crowd. In fact, the student-to-faculty ratio is just 15:1. Many classes have fewer than 20 students. As a result, student satisfaction with the university is very high—the average freshman retention rate is 85%. This is often used as an indicator of student success and happiness.

The program was designed with input from the top leaders in the industry. Therefore, graduates leave with the hands-on skills they need for industry success. It’s a perfect degree for students from a range of professional backgrounds, including those who are experienced accounting professionals as well as those who are new to the field and want to advance in their careers. 

You’ll take 12 courses in accountancy that cover both foundational principles and accounting theory. Classes cover topics including the costs, principles, and ethics of accounting, along with auditing and reporting. 

Due to this program’s hands-on nature, graduates are highly successful upon graduation. Ninety-five percent of alumni are employed full-time in roles that fully relate to their degrees. The school is ranked as a top college for veterans as well as one of the best National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report

An affordable university, DePaul University awards nearly 70% of all students some form of financial aid. Much of this doesn’t need to be paid back and some is based on financial need, too. All online learners have access to the same resources as on-campus learners, too, including placement services and career advising, nonremedial tutoring, and more.

#9. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Master’s in Accounting

A private university in Town and Country, MS, Maryville University was founded in 1872. Although the university began as the Maryville Academy of the Sacred Heart, designed to serve young women and underprivileged youth, the school has today expanded its reach to include programs for online learning. 

However, it still maintains its commitment to reaching students in underserved areas and populations. The university offers more than 90 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level. It is divided into six different colleges and schools, including the John E. Simon School of Business. 

This school offers programs in marketing, accounting, business administration, and more. There is even an accelerated online MBA program for distance learners! Plus, the School of Adult and Online Education offers adult education opportunities for distance learners, too.

Getting a master’s degree is more about just staying up to date with industry developments. It’s about developing practical skills in accounting and business strategies along with financial savvy that you need to get ahead. 

With this program, you’ll gain the skills you need without ever having to visit campus. There are no campus visits required and the programs are available 100% online. You can complete your studies in as little as ten months. You don’t have to have a background in accounting to apply, either. There is a separate “bridge program” component that is designed specifically for learners who do not have a background in this field.

The degree requires no GMAT or GRE for admission, a common barrier for applicants. It contains the right curriculum to help prepare students for the certified public accountant exam with Becker CPA exam preparation courses. You’ll be able to prepare for the test by learning from subject matter experts. 

The curriculum is industry-relevant and includes core classes like Tax Planning and Decision Making, Data Analytics, and Survey of Business. It consists of 60 credit hours of study (just 30 for students who have an undergraduate background in accounting). 

The degree is perfect for both non-accounting and accounting professionals alike. You’ll get the advanced skills you need to succeed and can combine your ambition with new and advanced opportunities. You will take classes that will cover topics like business law, financial reporting, statistics, auditing, and more. You can save up to $600 by completing the Becker CPA preparation for-credit courses, too. 

Tuition is affordable, with rates starting at just $765 per credit hour.  Not only has the university issued an undergraduate tuition freeze for the 2020-2021 academic year, preventing costs from going up unnecessarily, but it also offers a number of financial aid opportunities for incoming and current students. These include federal grants, loans, student employment opportunities, and employer assistance programs. 

Maryville University is ranked as one of the top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report

#10. New England College

Master of Science in Accounting

Residing in the small village of Henniker, NH, New England College was founded in 1946 and offers more than 30 bachelor’s degrees and 13 master’s degrees. Thes school may be relatively young, but it’s known for its commitment to providing exceptional experiential learning programs. The degrees are designed to produce graduates who have advanced expertise in their specialties as well as global competencies like civic responsibility as well.

With multiple delivery models available, the school is a leader in flexible graduate programs. The online programs at New England College help students open new doors that can lead to personal and professional enrichment. 

What is your professional goal? Do you want to make your mark on an established company—or start one of your own? Do you want to work for a nonprofit company or the government? No matter what you choose, New England College has the program just for you. With more than 30 business programs to choose from and several accounting-related specializations, this school is one of the best for students seeking a flexible education.

Offered exclusively online, the Master of Science in accounting at New England College offers learners everything they need to make their professional goals come true. You’ll enjoy six separate start dates per year for maximum convenience, too. It’s one of more than 100 different master’s degrees offered online by the university.

At New England College, you’ll learn by doing. You won’t just be sitting in front of your computer all the time but instead, you’ll be able to explore the field of accounting up close and personal by engaging in fieldwork, internships, and activities with expert professionals in your chosen field.

This program is 100% online and fully-accredited. It’s also highly affordable. One of the best for busy professionals, it prepares you for the CPA examination by meeting the 150 credit hours required to sit for the test.

It consists of 40 credit hours and builds your knowledge in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and more. You’ll learn all kinds of soft skills necessary for a lucrative career, too, including strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. You will build your competencies in major accounting practices and principles in areas like risk management, analysis, taxation, and financial reporting, too.

The degree not only prepares you for the CPA examination but also for formal certification as a fraud examiner, internal auditor, and management accountant.

You will benefit from rolling admissions that lets you enter every seven weeks throughout the year, so you won’t have to wait very long in order to start your journey toward a successful career. The program has no residency requirements and instead allows you to access your classes and coursework 24/7. The program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and doesn’t require GRE or GMAT test scores for admission, either. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Edgewood College

Location: Madison, WI

Degree:   Master’s in Accountancy

Net Price:  $26,398

Website

#12. California Baptist University

Location: Riverside, CA

Degree:   Master of Accounting

Net Price:  $24,170

Website

#13. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Location: Clarion, PA

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $19,297

Website

#14. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, AL

Degree:   Master of Accounting (MAcc)

Net Price:  $16,636

Website

#15. George Mason University

Location: Fairfax, VA

Degree:   MS in Accounting

Net Price:  $19,064

Website

#16. Boise State University

Location: Boise, ID

Degree:   Master’s Degree Program in Accountancy

Net Price:  $12,558

Website

#17. Regis University

Location: Denver, CO

Degree:   Master’s in Accounting

Net Price:  $26,273

Website

#18. Post University

Location: Waterbury, CT

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $9,395

Website

#19. Brenau University

Location: Gainesville, GA

Degree:   MBA in Accounting

Net Price:  $22,011

Website

#20. Saint Joseph’s College

Location: Standish, ME

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $27,221

Website

#21. Western New England University

Location: Springfield, MA

Degree:   Master’s in Accounting

Net Price:  $30,319

Website

#22. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Location: Amherst, MA

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $21,740

Website

#23. Bay Path University

Location: Longmeadow, MA

Degree: Master in Accounting  

Net Price:  $21,100

Website

#24. University of Connecticut

Location: Mansfield, CT

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $19,650

Website

#25. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Location: Utica, NY

Degree:   Master of Science in Accountancy

Net Price:  $12,784

Website

#26. Emporia State University

Location: Emporia, KS

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $13,670

Website

#27. Auburn University

Location: Auburn, AL

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $23,205

Website

#28. Florida Atlantic University

Location: Boca Raton, FL

Degree:   Executive Master of Accounting

Net Price:  $9,486

Website

#29. Western Governors University

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $16,720

Website

#30. Shorter University

Location: Rome, GA

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $19,395

Website

#31. University of Southern Indiana

Location: Evansville, IN

Degree: Master of Professional Accountancy  

Net Price:  $12,587

Website

#32. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Location: Mequon, WI

Degree:  MBA in Accounting

Net Price:  $24,803

Website

#33. Baker College – Flint

Location: Flint, MI

Degree:   MBA in Accounting

Net Price:  $20,850

Website

#34. Champlain College

Location: Burlington, VT

Degree:   Master in Accounting

Net Price:  $38,577

Website

#35. California State University-San Bernardino

Location: San Bernardino, CA

Degree:   Master of Science in Accountancy

Net Price:  $8,586

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE TOP 10 REASONS TO EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE & 40 FASTEST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS!

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost?

cost of masters degrees

Are you thinking about getting a master’s degree?

Whether you want to pursue a top master’s degree to land your dream job or to open up greater opportunities with your current employer, you may have questions.

Among them is this – how much does it cost to get a master’s degree?

Costs vary widely from one school to the next. There’s no set in stone masters degree price.

The total cost of a master’s degree may depend on whether you choose an online master’s programs or an on-campus degree. Here are some factors that will contribute to your masters degree cost. 

How Much is a Master’s Degree?

How much do masters degrees cost?

The latest averages for completing an accredited master’s program are right around $30,000 to $40,000.

However, some high-end private schools may charge as much as $100,000 for your degree.

Master’s degrees typically involve at least 1-3 years of full time study beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Master’s Degree Cost

The length of time and total cost of the degree will depend on the type of master’s degree pursued.

This will also depend on whether the degree is completed online or on campus.

Usually,  online master’s programs will be cheaper and faster than a traditional master’s degree. While there are many scholarships and financial aid options available for undergraduate students, graduate students typically have to finance their education through private loans or personal savings.

Given the current state of the economy, many people are rethinking the value of a master’s degree. But despite the high cost and increasing competition for jobs, graduate education can still be a smart move.

How Much Master’s Degree Cost: Variables to Consider

How Much Master's Degree Cost: Variables to ConsiderHow much does a master degree cost? The short answer is this – it varies. Here are a few variables that impact the overall cost of a degree.

On-Campus vs. Online

How much is a masters program? Some of this depends on where you choose to study.

The cost of a master’s degree can vary depending on whether the program is offered on campus or online.

Online programs tend to be more affordable. They often do not require students to pay for things like room and board or out-of-state tuition.

However, online programs may require students to pay for things like technology fees or online course materials. Also, online programs may not be accredited by the same organizations as on-campus programs. This can affect their value and return on investment.

Therefore, it is important to consider all of these factors when deciding how much to spend on a master’s degree.

Type of Degree

An MA program cost might not be the same as an MS program cost.

Master’s degrees are graduate-level degrees that can be earned in various academic fields. The two most common types of master’s degrees are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS). Both types of degrees typically take around two years to complete and often require the completion of a thesis or research project.

The main difference between an MA and an MS degree is that an MA focuses primarily on arts and humanities subjects. An MS focuses on science and engineering subjects. However, there are also many online programs that offer both types of degrees. The cost of an online master will vary depending on the type of degree you select.

On average, MA programs tend to be cheaper than Master of Science degrees. There are fewer laboratory courses required. Therefore, fees tend to be less.

Profit vs. Not for Profit School

When looking for an affordable degree, try to choose not-for-profit schools. Although profit institutions are sometimes cheaper, the return on investment might not be as high. These schools are not always accredited.

These are schools that are in business to make money for the owners and shareholders. Profit is the number-one goal.

Not for profit schools have a learning environment that is designed primarily to help students. They can focus less on price and more on quality.

Academic Major

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most jobs. But in some cases, a master’s degree may be preferred. A master’s degree takes about two years of full-time study to complete. This can vary depending on the academic major.

Online programs may offer a faster path to graduation. They typically require the same number of credits as traditional programs. The cost of a master’s degree also varies based on the academic major.

For example, degrees in business or engineering tend to be more expensive than degrees in education or psychology.

The most expensive college degrees are:

  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • Computer Science
  • Nursing
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Art and music
  • Photography/film studies
  • Law
  • Medicine and dentistry
  • Interior design
  • Architecture
  • Aviation
  • Accounting

The cheapest college majors – and those with the best return on investment – are:

  • Chemical engineering
  • Actuarial mathematics
  • Petroleum engineering
  • Software engineering
  • Nuclear engineering

Regardless of the major, grad school is a significant investment of time and money. Carefully consider your career goals before deciding which major to pursue.

It’s not just about return on investment. While you might be more willing to pay more money for a degree from a graduate school that promises a high salary, you also need to consider how long the degree will take.

Not every subject is available at every graduate school. Some programs require 40 credit hours instead of 30. Obviously, those master’s degrees will cost more.

Application Requirements and Fees

Application Requirements and FeesIt is important to consider the cost of a master’s degree before you even apply. Application fees cost an average of $100. That’s to say nothing of GRE or GMAT (Graduate Records Examination or Graduate Management Admission Test) fees.

Depending on your school and discipline, you may end up paying hundreds of dollars just to apply. For some programs, you will also have to pay for prerequisite or foundational coursework that’s non-credit bearing. This is before you even start your master’s courses for your master’s degrees!

Related Fees

It’s not just tuition you will have to pay for. As a graduate student, you’ll have to pay for plenty of fees. You’re probably used to some of these from your time earning your bachelor’s degree.

You may have to pay fees like:

  • Parking costs
  • Technology fees
  • Library and lab fees
  • Tutoring or academic advising fees
  • Student resources fees
  • Student services fees
  • Travel and lodging
  • Thesis fees
  • Graduation fees
  • Health and wellness fees
  • Sustaining fees

Many of these are surprise fees that you might not expect. Or have budgeted for! Miscellaneous fees can add up to several hundred dollars each year.

Books

Don’t forget that you will have to pay for books, too. Some schools now have the option for you to use downloadable e-books instead. Some even provide students with free laptops!

If you can, choose courses that require less expensive books. You can also buy used books, rent textbooks, or share with a classmate. These are small steps that all add up over time!

What’s in a Name?

Another factor that influences the cost of a master’s degree? It’s name. Some of the schools at the highest level charge the highest tuition rates.

Private and public universities like Yale, Wharton, Harvard, and more charge some of the highest tuition and application fees because they can. Lots of students want to apply to these prestigious programs.

And they don’t care how much it costs!

For most fields, the overall cost of such a prestigious degree really is not necessary. Do a detailed cost comparison to figure out which higher education institutions are right for you. Most universities will provide you with plenty of career opportunities, name aside.

Transfer Credits

Check with your graduate school to see if your graduate degree accepts transfer credits. If you already have master’s-level coursework or even some work experience, you might be able to use it toward the cost of your graduate degree. This can save a lot of money! Work with the admissions counselor at your graduate school to find out which opportunities are available.

How Much Does a Masters Degree Cost On Campus vs Online?

How Much Does a Masters Degree Cost On Campus vs Online?One of the biggest factors in the cost of grad school is whether you choose an online program or an on-campus degree. There are plenty of affordable online master’s programs to choose from, but these aren’t always the best bet.

Average Cost for On-Campus Master’s Degree

The cost of a master’s degree varies widely. Peterson’s reports that the average cost of tuition and fees for a master’s degree ranges between $30,000 and $40,000. Public schools are the more affordable option for master’s degree programs. At least, that’s true if you are an in-state student. Out of state students will pay more, in most cases.

Graduate students generally live off-campus. Professionals who are pursuing a graduate degree after establishing a career typically remain in their apartment or home while they attend school. This can help you save money.

As with undergraduate degrees, books can represent a significant expense for graduate students who are pursuing an on-campus degree. Depending on the course of study, you might spend thousands of dollars on books and supplies each year.

Average Cost of Online Master’s Degree

Online master’s degree programs may be more flexible than their on-campus counterparts. Busy professionals often opt for online programs so they can work while they pursue a graduate degree (see our list of the Fastest Online Master’s Degrees).

U.S. News & World Report reminds prospective students to look at the total cost of an online education before committing to a particular program. You can find tuition and fees on the school’s website. Be sure to pay attention to whether fees are charged per credit. These fees for distance learning can add up much more quickly than flat costs.

Tuition tends to be higher for online degrees. Some schools charge five times more per online credit as compared with on-campus tuition.

U.S. News & World Report also cautions that there may be additional costs that are not apparent when prospective students are researching tuition and fees. For example, costs associated with traveling to the campus for required conferences may not be factored into the costs outlined on the school’s website.

While students should take care to read the fine print and learn more about their financing options for an online master’s degree program, pursuing an online education can be a positive experience. The best way to make the most of an online degree is by learning time management skills and sticking with reputable universities that offer both online and on-campus degree programs.

How to Pay for a Master’s Degree

Graduate school can be expensive, and a master’s degree is no exception.

The cost of tuition, fees, and other associated expenses can vary widely from one school to the next. It’s not uncommon for graduate students to incur tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to finance a graduate education. Federal student loans are one option. Many graduate schools offer competitive fellowships and assistantships that can help offset the cost of tuition.

Private loans and scholarships are also available. By doing your research and exploring all of your options, you can find a way to finance your graduate degree. And that’s without incurring an excessive amount of debt!

When considering ways to offset the on-campus or online master’s degree cost, consider the following options.

Figure Out What You Need

First things first – figure out how much money you need to begin with. Tuition for a master’s degree tends to be more expensive than for a bachelor’s degree. Since there are fewer credits, this might not matter as much. Calculate the cost per credit hour and per year to find out your cost.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the cost per credit hour?
  • How many credits are needed to graduate?
  • Will you continue working full time or part time? How much money can you make from this job and how much of that can be contributed to master’s degree costs?
  • What student fees are charged?
  • Do you have any money in your savings that could go toward tuition and fees?
  • Do you need to purchase textbooks or other learning materials, like a laptop?
  • Do you have any investments, like stocks and bonds, you can tap into?
  • What will you need for living expenses?
  • Could friends or family members provide you with a personal loan?
  • Are you saddled with other kinds of debt, like credit card or student loans?

Then, consider applying to affordable schools in your budget range. Public universities tend to charge less for in-state students. Out of state students may not see a significant discount. Online master’s degree programs also lead to cost savings. Tuition is charged on a per credit basis rather than per year. If you have to complete more credits, that will cost more, unless you can take more credits per semester and receive a discount.

Another factor in your master’s degree cost is your major. Master’s degrees that require lots of lab time will cost more money.

Employer Reimbursement

Take employer reimbursement into consideration. If you already have a job in your field of study, this could be a viable option. Prospective students should discuss how reimbursement works with a human resources representative before enrolling in classes.

Some employers will not reimburse employees until they have completed coursework with a minimum grade.

Savings and “Bootstrapping”

Online master’s programs are beneficial in that you can pay for tuition and miscellaneous student fees out of pocket. The most affordable online master’s programs let you take classes online at your own pace. You can pay as you go and achieve academic excellence – without having to quit your job. In many cases, you don’t have to pay out of state tuition even if you’re attending for profit or nonprofit schools out of state. This is true for both a public and a private school.

See if your online master’s program will allow you to pay out of pocket and work your way slowly through your classes. You may be able to get the academic and practical training you need – at your own pace, and on your own budget.

Financial Aid for a Master’s Degree

Financial Aid for a Master's DegreeA master’s degree can open up new opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. However, the cost of tuition can be a deterrent for many people. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to finance a master’s degree.

Online programs often offer lower tuition rates than traditional programs. Many schools offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for online students. Out-of-state students may also be eligible for discounts on tuition.

In addition, federal financial aid programs can help cover the cost of a master’s degree. Do some research and explore all of your options. You can find a way to finance your master’s degree and reach your academic and professional goals.

Student Loans

Most students don’t like to think about student loans. Finding an affordable online master’s degree should be your primary goal. However, student loan borrowers should take comfort in knowing that student loan debt is often worth it. Most master’s degree programs offer a decent return on investment. Both out of state and in state students may find it worth it to take on some student loan debt.

Consider public student loans that are subsidized by the federal government instead of private student loans. These loans can be used for both on-campus and online learning at most graduate schools. They can fund tuition for graduate programs as well as other fees, like room and board.

Federal loans, like Direct Plus Loans, are affordable tuition financing options. These can be used for master’s programs and doctoral programs alike. These loans can finance classes online and on-campus. They take two forms: direct unsubsidized loans direct subsidized loans. Only a bachelor’s degree is eligible for direct subsidized loans.

Scholarships and Grants

While there are some opportunities only a bachelor’s degree is eligible for, master’s students still have plenty to consider in the school search. Both online students and on campus students should check with their own enrollment counselor. Get the average cost of your program and find out what scholarships and grants are available that might affect tuition rates.

For some, you may have to have a certain GPA. For others, other factors like work experience might play in. Many MBA programs, for example, award tuition waivers or discounts to students who already have a successful career in business.

Most universities require you to apply for federal financial aid before turning to school-based options for offsetting the graduate school cost. You will need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal student Aid) to apply for most on-campus and online master’s degrees financial aid opportunities. 

Leave no stone unturned in your school search. The average cost of a graduate program might be high, but there are plenty of ways to graduate with less student debt.

How Much is Masters Degree – and is it Worth It?

It doesn’t matter whether you choose an online or on-campus master’s degree program. Figuring out whether the cost is really worth the investment is a matter of calculating your future return on investment. See our list of the Highest Paying Master’s Degrees for more information!

Collect information from a university’s website and compare the data with salary averages found online. This will help to give you a better idea about how much money you can expect to earn after graduating.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides data related to salary and job growth. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to get information on which graduate programs will allow you to graduate with the least student debt and make the most money.

Whatever the case may be, earning a master’s degree is a smart investment. Choose the program – and the financing options – wisely, and you’ll be on your way toward a successful future.

Related School Rankings

50 Most Popular Masters Degrees
50 Best Online Masters Programs
40 Online Masters That Don’t Ask for the GMAT

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Do You Need a Masters in Computer Science?

do you need a masters in computer science

Do you need a masters in computer science?

Short answer–no.

You can always find a job with just a bachelor’s degree.

But are you particular about what you want to do? Do you want to work in more advanced areas? Do you like the idea of being managerial? What about making a bigger paycheck  let’s face it–who doesn’t?)?

If so, then the answer is probably a more resounding yes. But getting a master’s degree is a significant investment, to say the least. That’s especially true if you’ve already paid a lot for your undergraduate studies.

Should you get a master’s in computer science? U.S. News and World Report lays it out clearly.

A master’s degree in Computer Science isn’t a requirement to work in the field in general. However, if you want to serve in a leadership role, an affordable master’s degree is the way to go. You’ll enhance your education level for access to a broader range of job opportunities.

Needless to say, these jobs are in high demand. Your career opportunities will be limitless!

What Bachelor’s Degree is Best for a Career in Computer Science?

Do I need a masters degree in computer science to be successful in the computer science workforce?

Yes – but meeting your career goals all starts with getting the right type of bachelor’s degree. 

A master’s in computer science will provide you with the more advanced training you need to advanced computer science jobs. You’ll be able to specialize in fields of interest. You’ll complete advanced research that will prepare you for a doctoral program. You’ll also be able to network with other computer scientists, something that can help immensely when it comes to applying for in-demand computer science jobs.

But before you can do all that, you need a base degree in computer science at the undergraduate level. This will provide you with the early training you need in the fundamentals and basics of the discipline. 

Common undergraduate majors for  aspiring master’s in computer science candidates include:

  • Information technology
  • Computer programming
  • Computer science
  • Business
  • Data science

An undergraduate degree will offer the skills and training you need to be successful in a master’s in computer science program.

How Does a Masters in Computer Science Help?

A graduate degree in computer science will equip you with the skills you need for just about any computer science career. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you could work as a:

  • Computer and information research scientist
  • Computer network architect
  • Computer programmer
  • Computer support specialist
  • Database administrator
  • System architect
  • Information security analyst
  • Network and computer systems administrator
  • Software developer
  • Web developer
  • Digital designer 

…and in many other roles. According to what the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects, the median pay for these jobs is around $91,250. Plus, these jobs are expected to grow by about 13% before 2030. That’s much faster than the national average!

Earning a master’s in computer science can help in many ways. It gives you the skills you need to succeed in a more advanced position. You may also gain leadership skills and access to a more extensive professional network. You’ll be able to show potential employers that you fully understand the principles and applications of the discipline.

Finally, earning a graduate degree in computer science is wise for one other reason. It may help show you where your interests truly lie. Many students complete their bachelor’s degrees in computer science without understanding the best career stepping stone. A master’s degree will help you uncover your true passions. 

How Do You Earn a Computer Science Master’s Degree?

Do I need a masters in computer science? Yes. The answer is unequivocal. But how do you go about getting into a computer science master’s program, anyway?

All graduate programs have different requirements. This depends on the graduate school you are planning to attend. Which computer science programs are best? Again, only you can decide that. 

It’s important to visit multiple schools on your search for the right graduate programs. You can ask questions of the computer scientists who serve on the faculty there. Ask them what sorts of computer science careers this program will prepare you for. You might also want to ask what opportunities you’ll have to work with software developers and other working professionals.

You’ll need an undergraduate degree in a related field. Often, there is a GPA cut-off involved. Usually, this is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

After earning your bachelor’s, you might want to enter the workforce. That way, you can continue your studies while bringing in a paycheck. While there is plenty of master’s degrees financial aid opportunities, federal financial aid is limited (aside from loans). You may be able to pay the full cost of your graduate degree just with money from your job.

Some graduate degrees also ask for work experience as part of the application.

Other admissions requirements include:

  • Completion of the GRE (Graduate Records Examination)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal essay

Some programs require students to come to campus for an interview as well.

Once enrolled, you will take classes in things like:

  • Software development
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Software engineering (something helpful for software developers and web developers to take)
  • Cloud computing (cloud computing is available as a concentration for some programs, too)
  • Information systems

These course requirements are similar between most master’s program options, even online programs. That’s because the skills are in high demand and can lead to a myriad of job opportunities. They’ll also equip you with the soft skills you need for leadership roles – including leadership roles in other industries.

So how do you choose? Weigh your pros and cons with your career goals. Only you can choose the master’s degrees that are right for you!

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s in Computer Science?

masters in computer science

Do you need a degree for computer science? The answer, again, is yes. But how long will it take?

That depends on your goals and lifestyle. For many students, an online master’s degree is the right choice. An online master’s degree can be started at any time.

These online master’s degree programs are ideal for people who already have entry level positions in the computer science workforce. You can work and get your classes done at the same time. You don’t have to wait for the right time to start. You can start any time!

Some computer science programs can be completed in as little as one year. These are considered accelerated programs. Other graduate degrees can take as long as eight to ten years to complete if you’d rather take your time and get work experience along the way.

Consider the time limits for your graduate degree. In some cases, you may want to take classes slowly, just one or two at a time. This will allow you to fit in your other obligations and commitments. Graduating at a more accelerated pace is ideal for people who are fresh out of undergraduate school.

Earning a master’s degree program will take most new hires about three to four years. Sometimes it takes longer if concentrations or dual degrees in related fields are also completed. If you want leadership-level positions and the skills you need for the real world – not just entry-level positions – longer degree programs are smart. A longer master’s in computer science degree may provide you with more real-world experience for job growth.

When deciding how long to take in your studies, ask yourself this. Do you need a master’s degree right away – or can you chip away at your master’s in computer science? You may find the most benefit if you can take classes slowly. You’ll absorb more information and be able to apply it directly to your career, if you are already working. 

That said, taking classes full time might make more sense than part time if you’re interested in a competitive area of computer science. You can meet your long term goals more quickly while completing your degree program. Full time study will help you cross this goal off your list more quickly.

Either way, is computer science worth it? Yes. Computer science professionals are in high demand, regardless of when you complete your degree.

Is a Master’s Degree in Computer Science Worth It?

99% of the time, getting a masters in computer science is a smart choice. That’s true for your career and for your personal development.

But how do you find the right master’s degree?

A good place to start is looking for a good program online to gain your degree. Here’s a list of the best online master’s in computer science degree programs currently available.

Before you apply, you should answer a few key questions. Do you want to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) or a Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree? Does it matter?

Both degrees can probably get you where you want to go professionally. However, there are a few nuanced differences that may influence your decision.

A Master of Science degree may focus a little more on theory than application. That’s especially true for students who wish to go for a Ph.D. This may serve as a good foundation.

Of course, this does not mean that individuals who want to go into the job field directly upon graduation instead of studying further cannot pursue a MSCS. In fact, a solid theoretical understanding can benefit anyone. The Master of Computer Science degree does sometimes offer more concentration options.

This can be particularly beneficial for students who want to go into a specialized area of the computer science field, like:

  • Computer networks
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Human-computer interaction
  • Software theory
  • Data mining
  • Systems administrator
  • Network security
  • Information technology
  • Data science
  • Computer engineering
  • Robotics and gaming.

As stated, either master’s in computer science is a good choice. There are options for students of all professional backgrounds and goals. Want to complete a master’s thesis? Check. Interested in management positions? Check. Want to work with some of the best industry leaders? Double check.

A master’s in computer science is a clear smart choice.

Should I Get a Master’s in Computer Science?

masters in computer science

Do you need a master’s in computer science?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you want to specialize in a certain industry?
  • Do you want to be able to apply to a range of jobs?
  • Is getting a leadership position one day important to you?
  • Would you like a job that involves research?
  • Do you want to be considered an expert?
  • Are you looking for a way to differentiate yourself among other job candidates?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider taking the GRE and applying to a graduate program. The coursework you’ll take in a computer science master’s can help you meet any and all of these goals. 

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Computer Science?

A master’s degree in computer science is an advanced degree that will present you with many career opportunities. It doesn’t matter what your career goals are. Master’s degrees of any kind are valuable if you want leadership positions or simply access to more jobs in general.

Master’s degrees in computer science will provide you with the skills you need to pursue jobs like:

  • Data scientist
  • Systems architect
  • Web developers
  • Software developer

…and many of the other career paths we already listed above. You’ll take classes in things like advanced algorithms, machine learning, computer architecture, and more. You’ll learn how to work with existing software. You’ll collaborate with working professionals. You’ll build essential communication skills.

Of course, you can get these jobs with just a bachelor’s degree, too. But an advanced degree, particularly a graduate program of study in computer science like an MS program, will provide you with the professional networks and qualifications you need to make a serious impact.

To make the most of your graduate program, take elective classes that interest you most. Interested in a computer engineering career? Take computer engineering electives. Want to pursue a career in software development? You can take classes like that in graduate school, too.

Look for a master’s degree program that provides plenty of room to take classes as you see fit. The best master’s degree program will have room for electives as well as internships and research experiences.

Also, look for a master’s in computer science that will allow you time to work with your peers. Collaborating with other professionals is one of the best parts about computer science programs.

Do You Need a Master’s in Computer Science?

Depending on how you like to learn and the courses you want to take, a MSCS or a MCS degree can fit your academic needs. So is getting a masters in computer science worth it? Definitely. Just look at the data we’ve reported from the Bureau of Labor Statistics! You can make more money with a higher median salary from a computer science master’s degree. You’ll be able to explore new software, as opposed to what you had access to in a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Plus, your new skills could help you get a job in a related field, like information systems.

The career options are unlimited. You just need to make an informed decision about your education. Choose the master’s in computer science that’s right for you.

The job market is so strong for computer science professionals right now. It doesn’t seem to be decreasing in strength in the foreseeable future. Again, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has the data to back this up. Getting a master’s in computer science just makes sense.

Going after either type of master’s in computer science is a smart move. Consider an online master’s degree program. You really can’t go wrong with online learning (sometimes called distance education). Many employers are becoming more used to seeing graduates of online programs and more accepting of them. Your master’s in computer science will be valuable regardless.

Even if they weren’t, a degree gained from an online program of a reputable, brick-and-mortar college or university is not going to indicate that the degree was earned online. You can pursue a quality career-advanced degree from your home. You can earn a master’s in computer sciencewithout having to give up your lifestyle.

How does that sound? Short answer: win-win! So is a master’s degree computer science worth it? Absolutely. A computer science program can help you be successful, no matter your goal or which of these computer science master’s programs you choose.

Get a master’s in computer science today. There’s a computer science program and a computer science degree out there for everyone. You won’t regret it!

Related Rankings

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35 Best Online Masters in Mathematics
50 Best Online Computer Science Masters

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting

20 Best Online Master’s in AccountingAccountants have a reputation for being relatively average office workers, but nothing could be further from the truth. Accountants are skilled mathematicians and financial experts and are critical parts of any successful business or company. In fact, it’s no stretch to say that accountants are some of the most technically and mathematically skilled individuals in any organization. They serve many roles, from being dedicated accountants (which track the spending and income of companies or clients and devise ways in which to make or save money) to businessmen and women to financial managers.

A degree in accounting is an extremely versatile and valuable degree in just about any business sphere. Bachelor’s degrees in accounting are fairly valuable by themselves, but master’s degrees in accounting are even better.

For starters, they normally allow you to attain higher or managerial positions within an organization. Any accountants that want to become the head of their department will need a master’s degree at a minimum. Additionally, many states in the US require that aspiring certified public accountants, or CPAs, have 150 credit hours of education in accounting specifically. Depending on which bachelor’s degree you have, a master’s degree might be needed to become an accountant in your state.

Master’s degrees in accounting also provide you with several opportunities for specializations or certifications. For instance, several of these degrees let you focus on management accounting, which will make it easier for you to get that particular job in a company or organization, or internal auditing, which is a position that specializes in the accounting and auditing of a business’ own books. Either way, your options in the accounting industry and related financial professions open up much more widely if you have a graduate-level degree in this field.

To make things even better, accounting jobs are extremely plentiful and the majority of them are high paying. U.S. News and World Report calls accountants one of the top 10 best business jobs in the U.S. In a time when many people are unsure about the long-term viability of their careers and who may be worried about paying back college, accounting might be an excellent solution.

These jobs are typically quite stable and are always needed in the majority of businesses because of their crucial role and financial savvy. Accountants are usually paid excellent salaries, meaning that even extensive student debt can be handled within a reasonable amount of time if you obtain a decent accounting position. Accounting is also a relatively safe field as opposed to something like construction – although many do have to beware the issues with a sedentary lifestyle!

There are lots of reasons why someone might want an accounting job or a master’s degree in accounting. That’s why it’s a good thing that there are plenty of affordable and online options to pursue a master’s in this field. Online degrees are great because they provide additional schedule flexibility, enabling you to continue working at your job while finishing your education at a distance. These programs are usually asynchronous and don’t often incorporate field work, so the traveling or in-person requirements are quite low.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

Common Application and Admissions Questions

Applying to a master’s in accounting program is a little easier in some respects when considering your former schooling or bachelor’s degree. Many master’s programs require that all applicants have an extremely specialized bachelor’s degree, as those degrees can provide you with the foundational knowledge for graduate-level classwork.

But accounting is a versatile and useful discipline in a wide variety of industries and companies. It’s also not a specific discipline in and of itself; accounting as a craft or trade uses math, statistics, and business understanding together to keep track of expenses and income and come up with explanations for potential financial discrepancies. As a result, you’ll be able to apply to many master’s in accounting programs if you have an applicable bachelor’s degree rather than a bachelor’s in accounting degree. Other programs may have “catch up” programs that provide you with foundational knowledge at a fast pace. These can let you attend a master’s program after only a few months of study.

Bachelor’s degrees in subjects like mathematics, statistics, business, and so on will all likely be acceptable for the majority of programs. You’ll still need a bachelor’s degree, of course, although some master’s programs can be pursued in combination with a bachelor’s degree. These are often truncated five-year programs from start to finish and are excellent in terms of value for money since you pay for one less year of schooling to receive your master’s. 

Your GPA should be quite high, however. Accounting is a STEM field, and these programs are typically very competitive and are usually filled with top-tier students in every regard. Most programs don’t allow applications from students with a sub 3.0 GPA. You should always aim for a GPA higher than this minimum to make sure your application is competitive.

Furthermore, some accounting programs may want work experience or a resume of any related skills or accounting work you may have done before the program. This is because many accounting programs are designed specifically for future accountants, so they only accept students with a minimum of some accounting experience.

In addition, you’ll want to ask your former professors and bosses for letters of recommendation. These letters can vouch for your skills and qualifications to the admissions board of any school and can drastically improve your odds of acceptance. Many graduate programs of any subject, not just accounting, require a minimum of two letters of recommendation. As with your GPA, more is always better; go for three or four letters of recommendation to make your application really competitive.

Finally, virtually every master’s in accounting program will require that you take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations. These are tests taken over the computer that measure your quantitative reasoning skills in several respects, and many programs will also have you focus on the mathematics portion of the exams. You’ll need to score at or above the minimum threshold to be considered for the program, so doing the best you can is critical. Thankfully, you can take the GRE up to five times over a year, which begins as soon as you sign up for the exams. You can submit your best scores out of those five times, so there are multiple opportunities to see what the tests entail and retry if you aren’t satisfied with your first or second scores.

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Any students looking to get financial aid at any level of the college industry should first apply to the FAFSA, or the Federal Application for Student Aid. This application takes your yearly income and economic background into account to see whether you qualify for federal financial loans and grants. These are quite valuable, as several of the grants offered are subsidized by the government, meaning they won’t increase in amount as you complete your education. In addition, all colleges require that you first apply to the government for financial aid before moving on to other scholarships or their own financial aid offerings.

After the FAFSA, your next stop should be the financial aid page for your particular college or school within your university. The good news is that many business schools within top-tier universities have extensive alumni networks and very generous scholarship donors. In other words, the likelihood that you’ll be able to find at least some form of scholarship or grant from your university’s financial aid page is high. Many graduates in business go on to earn healthy salaries and give back to the university that gave them their start.

You’ll also want to look into AccountingEdu.org, which is a guide for aspiring accountants by state. Along with providing excellent information about state CPA license requirements, they also have a list of scholarships by state and university. You can use these offerings to potentially offset some of your financial debt. Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to apply to scholarships based on the state in which your education is taking place, but it’s still a great centralized resource to find financial aid options that you might not otherwise notice.

After all of those options have been investigated, your next step should be to check whether your accounting program offers teacher assistantships or internships. These are a little trickier to handle with online education, but there are still some opportunities for both assistantships and internships. Teaching assistantships will have you spend 20 to 25 hours per week doing busywork for one of your professors, like grading papers or organizing their lesson plans. In exchange, you’ll get some or all of your tuition waived and might even get a small stipend (although this bonus is usually reserved for on-campus assistantships alone).

Internships are rare as well, but there are some remote opportunities you can take advantage of given the computer-based and desk-heavy nature of accounting work. Internships don’t usually pay you a stipend, but they service valuable work experience that can go on your resume when you are looking for work after graduation and may remove some of your student debt at the same time.

All in all, students looking to graduate with a minimum of student debt will likely need to seek out multiple sources of financial aid. It’s rare that a single scholarship or grant will knock off all of your loans, but multiple might just do the trick.

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

Even if you do graduate with a heavy burden of student debt, you don’t need to worry about not being able to pay off your loans after you find a job. The fact of the matter is that accountants make great money, even at entry level, and gaining promotions is a surefire way to raise your tax bracket.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median annual wage for both accountants and auditors (who are like financial record investigators) is around $70,500. While the lowest-paid of these professions only earn about $43,650 per year, the highest 10% can earn over $122,000 per year. That puts you well into the upper-middle class in the United States, and far above the average wage for all occupations of the country, which only hovers around $38,640 per year.

In addition, accountants and auditors work full-time and many work more than 40 hours per week. This necessitates overtime pay, and it’s likely that you’ll have multiple opportunities to raise your yearly earnings even if you don’t start with a super high salary on paper. This is especially true during tax time, which is typically from January to April each year. These months are sure to be busy and will often require accountants and auditors to work longer hours just to handle the larger workload.

Even with a decent salary, accountants will also enjoy a 6% job position increase over the next 10 years, which is about as fast as average but good news for anyone looking to get into this field. This will translate to about 90,700 new jobs over the next decade, without considering accountants that are retiring and positions that may need to be filled with young blood sooner rather than later.

Accounting is likely to be an incredibly stable career field, as well, which increases the lifetime earnings of accountants who stick with the profession. It’s one thing to earn $100,000 one year and quite another to earn over $100,000 over 20 years, with regular raises and salary increases all the way. The globalization of businesses and the proliferation of Internet-based trade has only increased the demand for skilled accountants and expertise relating to financial analysis. Accountants, auditors, financial managers, and statistical specialists of all types and fields are crucial for any business that wants to do well on a global scale.

What about automation? Luckily for accountants, automation is unlikely to lessen the role of their profession over the next decade. While cloud computing is becoming more widespread and routine accounting tasks are becoming automated, all this means that accountants will be allowed to specialize and become even more efficient. Accountants will become more advisory and analytical rather than rote data crunchers, which is better both for general business productivity and for the sanity of accountants themselves.

In short, the financial future looks bright for anyone who can find themselves an accounting job. By far, the best way to ensure that you get a great job in accounting is to earn a master’s degree in the field, which will more than likely prepare you for certification along the way.

What Are the Best Master’s in Accounting 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 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. 

Check out our ranking of the 20 best online master’s in accounting! 

#1. Liberty University

Master of Science in Accounting

Liberty University is well known as one of the most affordable online colleges in the nation. It’s an evangelical liberal arts institution, meaning that it has a heavily Christian population in both its faculty and students. They offer an extensive alumni network and a very supportive faculty body. Of particular note is the online marketplace where students can buy and sell used course materials, and the IT marketplace, which offers heavily discounted rates on computers and other technology. Even compared to other budget schools, Liberty remains among the most affordable when you put various aspects and class choices together.

Their M.S. in accounting program is 100% online and includes a generous transfer credit policy, allowing you to bring in 50% of the degree total from other schools. All the classes are organized in eight-week terms, which allows for an accelerated completion period. At 30 credit hours total, you’ll likely be able to complete the entire program within one year if you attend the classes full-time. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the multiple start dates included with the program and finish all your requirements piecemeal.

Either way, it demonstrates the flexibility and easy attendance that online education is supposed to provide. The curriculum is quite rigorous and academically up to snuff to qualify you to sit for a CPA exam. In addition, many of the classes train you in the written and oral skills you need for the accounting field. While it is specialized in accounting overall, it also produces well-rounded graduates that will be suitable for a variety of financial and business professions.

To make things even better, Liberty University allows you to specialize your degree along several concentrations, including business, audit and financial reporting, financial services, leadership, taxation, and forensic accounting. The last choice is excellent if you want to combine your accounting expertise with criminal justice, while the leadership specialization is perfect if you want to become the manager of your accounting firm or department within a larger organization. You can alternatively choose a general specialization if you want an all-purpose accounting degree.

Each of the online classes is taught by professors who have real-world accounting experience, so you’ll benefit from their decades of accounting expertise and be able to ask questions as needed. Since the program is completely asynchronous, you’ll largely communicate with your professors via email or webcam. But you’ll also need to collaborate with your fellow students at several points over your course of study using posting boards and Liberty University’s award-winning online interface.

Additionally, LU gives all of its students opportunities for certification. You can pursue different certificates based on your state’s accounting requirements or any specific positions you might want to go after in your future. These include internal auditing, for example, which equips you to investigate the finances of your host company.

We’d also like to mention the excellent military benefits that LU provides. If you or your spouse are active or former military, seriously consider this university because of its high tuition discounts and general affordability.

#2.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Accountancy

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides a high tech and pioneering academic experience for its students. It’s a leading research institution in the nation and was founded in 1867. Since its inception, it has been the scholastic birthplace of 29 Pulitzer Prize winners and the location of the first graphical web browser’s invention. Ranked No. 14 for best public universities by U.S. News and World Report, UIUC is one of the most excellent online and on-campus universities through and through. Although online students won’t enjoy the beautiful campus, UIUC also offers one of the largest public university library collections in the world and a plethora of study and research materials.

Their M.S. in accountancy is provided through their College of Business and is taught by world-class faculty ranked No. 1 by several organizations. In the curriculum, you’ll be able to take courses that prepare you to sit for the CPA exam; in other words, graduating from this program will make you ready to take an accounting job at any serious firm or business almost immediately after you’re done with school. You’ll also be able to build expertise in leading-edge analytics methods; many of the courses within this program use modern accounting technology and ideas, so you’ll bring newer and relevant accounting expertise to any position you hold in the future.

You can even become an information engineer with this curriculum because of its class offerings. Some business and leadership courses are offered, which might be great if you want to become an accounting manager or attain a leadership position within your company.

Either way, you’ll be able to attend this program on your own schedule. It typically takes students between 18 to 36 months to complete all of the requirements and take the CPA exam. The program is entirely asynchronous and 100% online, but all students will benefit from face-to-face meetings with their instructors periodically throughout their curriculum. Students who can take more classes at once will be able to graduate in less than two years, but you have up to five years to complete all of the class requirements.

There are also two start dates per year, so you aren’t limited to a narrow application window. Be advised that the application requirements for this university are quite rigorous; many applicants aren’t admitted to the program unless they have phenomenal grades and significant accounting experience already. However, making it into the program carries an additional benefit: the University of Illinois alumni network.

It’s no stretch to say that this alumni network is one of the most powerful and extensive throughout the United States. When combined with the dedicated career center that this university offers, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to network and find a place of employment shortly or immediately after graduation.

#3.  The University of Texas at Dallas

Online MS in Accounting

The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the fastest-growing research universities in the nation and has a particular emphasis on engineering, business, science, and the arts and technology. It’s the No. 1 best value public university in Texas according to Forbes, which demonstrates its overall affordability and suitability for the distance learning model. Even better, it has plenty of scholarship and financial aid opportunities: in fact, 67% of graduates don’t have student debt because of these options. The student to faculty ratio is 23:1, which is about average for most universities, although their online programs make use of web chat and frequent professor correspondence to ensure that distance learners get the personal attention they need to succeed.

UT Dallas provides lots of completion pathways for students of their accounting programs. The first option that many online students will appreciate is called “MS Accounting Flex”. In a nutshell, this allows students to complete the accounting program at their own pace and lets them choose classes out of order from the recommended list. It’s a great way for those who need to continue work or who need to balance a hectic family life while completing their education. There are three start dates for this variation of the program: fall, spring, and summer.

The other option follows a cohort schedule. Cohort college programs have a collection of students that work together and complete a program in a tight-knit network. Everyone takes the same classes at the same time and finishes together 20 months after beginning. This variation of the program is great if you want to network with fellow students or want to specialize in public accounting. There’s usually a lot more social cohesion in this variation of the program and it doesn’t allow flexibility for choosing electives, as well as being limited to a single admission window in the fall semester.

However, the cohort option also allows you to pursue a second MS degree in business analytics. This program is also 20 months, so you could theoretically graduate with two master’s level degrees in less than two years by following this path. It’s a particularly good choice if you have lots of time on your hands and can pursue your studies full-time.

Furthermore, UT Dallas allows all of its accounting students to “fast-track” some of their undergraduate accounting classes and place those credits toward the master’s degree. You can fast-track up to six credits in total, which might truncate your education time by several months.

Either way, all students will benefit from a diverse class catalog including classes like Ethics for Professional Accountants, Database Foundations, Auditing, and The Fundamentals of Taxation. One thing to note is that the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requires that 15 of your 30 hours needed to sit for the CPA exam have to be completed on campus. Keep this in mind if you want to take the CPA exam in Texas but plan to pursue most of your education over the Internet.

#4.  The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Online Master of Accounting

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university in the United States. Since then, it hasn’t stopped developing and expanding, growing from its initial small campus in 1795 to today. It boasts an extraordinarily low student to faculty ratio of 13:1, making it easier for even online students to have personal connections with their professors. Ranked the No. 5 best public university in the US by U.S. News and World Report, it’s a phenomenal on or off-campus school with lots to offer.

The online Master of Accounting program uses the same top caliber curriculum as their on-campus format, and incorporates peer-to-peer interaction and several recruitment opportunities so the experiences are quite comparable. The total program will be 36 to 48 credits depending on how many accounting classes you’ve completed previously, and there are four start dates in total you can take advantage of: one in early January, another in late March, another in late June, and the last in late September.

This program is slightly different from other online master’s pursuits because it’s not totally asynchronous. At Chapel Hill, you’ll be required to attend virtual classrooms, which means you’ll pay attention to your professor and their lecture at the same time as your fellow students. This helps you complete group assignments and gain leadership immersion with your teachers. It’s an interesting and effective hybrid of a traditional classroom model with distance learning techniques. This is great for networking as well, as a means that you’ll collaborate with your peers more seriously and form better connections with your teachers before graduation.

Even so, it’s still a flexible online option to pursue a master’s in accounting. The classes take place in the evening in most cases, so you’ll be able to work during the day or handle family matters before attending class. You can also speak with your advisor and pursue the program at a slower than average pace, taking fewer classes each semester if you need to balance your workload even further.

The curriculum emphasizes real-world experiential learning and academically rigorous lectures. You’ll cover all the basic subjects like math, statistics, and business models, but there’s also a significant emphasis on leadership. 

After graduation, all students can benefit from the alumni network ranked by LinkedIn as, “the best university for accounting professionals”. Anyone who’s ever had to hunt for a job knows how important connecting with others in your field is when it comes to finding a position. The value of this alumni network, which stretches across most states in the US, can’t be understated.

Chapel Hill also provides an extensive selection of career support. In fact, they provide their online students with active career coaching and access to a powerful “recruiting engine”. This system, put simply, actively looks for jobs that’ll suit your skills and experience level, acting like a second pair of eyes to help you find a place of employment soon after graduation.

#5.  The University of Connecticut

Online Master of Science in Accounting

The University of Connecticut is a nationally leading public research university with over 32,000 students. They only have a relatively small catalog of graduate degrees—17 in total—but each degree is cultivated with quality in mind and composed of high-quality classes taught by stand out faculty. They hand out over $200 million in scholarships and grants every year and have a wide and diverse alumni network totaling over 260,000 worldwide.

Their MSA program is quite worth pursuing, especially as U.S. News and World Report ranked it No. 9 in the nation. While it has a fairly rigorous curriculum focusing on traditional accounting subjects, it also has a high number of electives that make it among the most customizable accounting programs online. Students will be able to tailor their accounting degree to their specialization or interests far beyond what other programs allow.

Even their core courses are often focused on modern accounting techniques and technologies. As a result, accountants to graduate from this course will be equipped to jump into an accounting position well aware of advances in technology and their primary role as advisors and analysts rather than number crunchers. The online curriculum is delivered in an asynchronous fashion to allow students to flexibly complete all of their course requirements at a pace that works best for their daily lives.

You’ll even be able to complete the program in less than two years if you manage to take the classes on a full-time basis. Considering that it’s already one of the more affordable MSA degrees available from an accredited institution, this potentially means you’ll spend less money on this degree than if you chose a different school. You’ll also, of course, be given the opportunity to take additional classes to fulfill your CPA requirements based on the state you wish to work in as an accountant.

They also provide you with opportunities to take graduate-level certificates in both accounting fundamentals and accounting analytics. These certificates are excellent choices if you don’t have an accounting degree at the bachelor level but still want to pursue this MSA. Either of these certification options will provide you with foundational accounting knowledge and are taught by industry experts. They are a great shortcut so you don’t have to go back to school or pick up a bachelor’s degree if you already have a related degree, like one in business or statistics.

To make things better, Uconn offers three start dates throughout the year so you have multiple opportunities to join this program. Their application standards are rigorous but not among the hardest in the nation, meaning you have a little leeway when it comes to your GPA and GRE scores.

#6.  Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting

Rutgers University in New Brunswick is one of the top schools in New Jersey and on the entire eastern seaboard. It’s also recognized as one of the top Republic business schools among the “Big Ten” universities, as well as the highest-ranked public business school in the Northeast. In short, its academic rigor and online offerings are equally valuable. Most of its programs heavily incorporate modern technology already, meaning that online students will benefit from the same caliber of education and professional attention as their on-campus counterparts.

Their program is ranked No. 8 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report in the category of best online graduate business programs and accounting. The name of the program gives you a hint as to its focus, as it blends both traditional accounting knowledge with an emphasis on governmental and business accounting. In fact, this particular program and some of its classes are the only of its kind online.

The program is very flexible and each class is taught by industry leaders who have real-world experience in the field of government financial management, accounting, and auditing. To be more specific, this accounting program teaches you how to work as an accountant for large-scale government operations, including classes that detail how to handle all of the bureaucratic elements that are often absent in traditional corporate environments. If you ever want to work for the government as an accountant—which might be a great idea given the stability of most government jobs—then this program should be a serious contender in your mind.

It’s only 30 credits and can be completed part-time as you work or full-time to finish everything in just one year. In addition, all students will have the option to pursue additional credits if you need more accounting hours to sit for the New Jersey CPA exam. You could theoretically graduate and have your CPA license in just a year to a year and a half depending on your schedule and availability.

It’s all taught online and doesn’t require any GMAT scores, either, making it a little easier to get into compared to other master’s in accounting programs. What’s more is its low tuition, which is the same for residents of New Jersey as it is for out-of-state students. Many online programs are somewhat hampered by high fees for students who attend out-of-state, but not here. An additional four-course online graduate certificate program is available if you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree in accounting but still want to pursue this program. Like other certifications, it does a great job of jumpstarting you when it comes to foundational accounting knowledge.

But that’s not all. Rutgers also allows any MPA or accounting students to take a certified government financial manager, or CGFM, exam. This specialized exam is often needed to fulfill a government post as an accountant or a financial manager. Being able to take this while at school or shortly after graduation can shorten the amount of time to find a job.

Finally, Rutgers has a dual-degree option, allowing you to combine your studies with a Master of Public Administration. This dual degree program is ideal for future government administrators and leaders, as it includes classes that teach you professional competencies in government accounting and public administration at the same time.

#7.  Auburn University

Master of Accountancy – Online

Auburn University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the South. While it was originally a male-only college in 1856, it has since become a diverse and female-majority university with a large campus of 1800 acres, which even online students will get to visit over the course of their studies. It also includes a student to faculty ratio of 19:1. Beyond that, Auburn provides all of its students with a high-quality career services center, enabling them to find employment more easily after graduation, and access to a complex alumni network numbering over 45,000 strong.

This online program is unique compared to many other distance-learning options in that it requires an on-campus residency period for graduation. Despite this apparent inflexibility, it has been designed for working professionals and is very similar to the on-campus option. You’ll receive the exact same assignments and exams and be taught by the same professors. Furthermore, all graduates will have specific prep classes so they can pass the CPA exams on their first attempt. In fact, the latest class who took this program averaged a 94% pass rate for this exam, which is far above the national average.

The program can be completed in just two years over five semesters by taking two classes per term. This schedule still allows you to work full-time with the exception of the residency period. You can alternatively complete the program in one year and three semesters if you take even more classes per term.

The campus residency mentioned above takes place over three days during the final spring semester of the program. It begins on the last Wednesday of April and concludes on the following Friday evening. The residency focuses on a leadership summit, which includes social events, leadership workshops, and business seminars. While this is a little abstract, most students will benefit from what is offered during the residency term. It’s a great time to network with peers and your professors you’ve only met over the computer and it prepares you to take leadership positions in the accounting sphere, especially in corporate industries.

Aside from the residency, the distance-learning format is familiar to anyone who’s attended online education before. It’s an ultimately asynchronous educational option as campus classes are recorded and streamed online to all distance students. You’ll have the opportunity to attend the classes with your fellow students or watch the recorded sessions later. Most of your work will be turned in via digital boards, as will any collaborative assignments and discussions.

The offered classes from the program are both general and specialized. They include topics like income tax, advanced accounting topics, fraud examination, real estate finance, and information risk analysis. In short, there are lots of classes to choose from and several ways in which you can specialize your knowledge even though you can’t formally declare a concentration with the degree.

#8.  Southern New Hampshire University

MS in Accounting

Southern New Hampshire University is a relatively unique higher education institution in that it has only around 3000 on-campus students but over 90,000 online students. To say that they are masters of distance education would be an understatement. They’re one of the more innovative universities in the country and focus on leveraging technology whenever possible to make distance-learning experiences better. This includes the use of a focused digital learning platform that’s excellent for facilitating discussions and classwork exchange between students and professors.

This program has been designed for corporate accountants, fraud examiners, financial analysts, auditors, and more, featuring in-depth and complex class options and a high-quality curriculum that prepares you for CPA certification depending on your state requirements. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months depending on your schedule and there are multiple term start dates throughout the year. You’ll be able to complete the degree at your own pace: either lightning fast if you have time to spare or more passively if you need to juggle a busy family or work life.

The program is totally asynchronous, allowing you to attend virtual classes or watch free recorded lectures—whatever is most convenient for you. It also allows for four concentrations: accounting, forensic accounting, management accounting, and taxation. You must declare a concentration in order to graduate, so students looking to take a career in any of these areas will find this degree option valuable. This is especially true given that SNHU has one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, even for out-of-state online students.

Regardless of concentration, all accounting students will take classes focusing on professional auditing methods, cost analysis for informed decision-making, and using information technology to evaluate financial information. These modern skills will be highly sought after, as accountants are nowadays more useful as advisors and analysts as opposed to rote mathematicians or data collectors.

Terms are 10 weeks long and most students take two courses per term. Another notable aspect of this university is a lack of GRE or GMAT requirements. This is extremely rare for master’s programs overall, but it doesn’t indicate a lack of academic rigor or a subpar program. It’s just an easier than average school to get into for working professionals and doesn’t skimp on accreditation.

Furthermore, all of the students at this university will benefit from dedicated academic and career advisors who are specialized in your area of study. Many career centers only provide students with general advisors who don’t understand the ins and outs of your profession or employment sphere. Having career advisors dedicated to finding young accountants new jobs will be a big benefit if you are worried about employment after graduation.

There’s also the nationwide network of alumni, plus multiple internship opportunities over the course of your studies. Internship availability will, of course, vary dramatically based on what the employer needs and your own availability. But these might be good ways to reduce your student tuition or gain valuable work experience that you could leverage into a job after your education has concluded.

#9.  University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Master of Accountancy

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst only recently began offering its broad catalogs of courses and certifications online in 2001. Since then, it’s become one of the most popular and affordable online college options across the country. It boasts an internationally recognized faculty and alumni network that is 330,000 strong. UMass also provides online students with the same financial aid opportunities as their on-campus students, including hundreds of scholarships, several grants, and even a few tuition waivers. Be sure to check out their financial aid page if you decide to go with this university for your master’s in accounting.

Their program gives students a greater understanding of both accounting and business, making it an excellent choice for future accountants in the corporate sector. It’s comprised of 30 credits of graduate coursework, split between six core classes and four electives. This grants you a little additional flexibility in terms of what you learn and how your degree is specialized, although there aren’t any formal concentrations you can declare. The good news is that each class is only incorporated into the program under advisement from a specific council made up of alumni partners and executives with experience in accounting. In other words, the curriculum is quite rigorous and features modern topics that will be valuable in any future accounting position.

You can potentially get into this program even if you don’t have an accounting background. UMass Amherst offers an accounting transition program through which you can gain the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the advanced classes without having to get a separate bachelor’s degree in the topic. The transition program can be started in either fall or spring and it usually takes less than a year for most students to complete all the requirements.

There are three terms throughout the school year, including a summer semester. Classes and topics you’ll cover include Financial Statement Analysis, Tax and Business Decisions, and Exploring Data Analytics for Accounting Professionals. The courses offered here are ideal if you want to take an accounting position in corporate business or if you want to become an analyst or advisor in a leadership capacity for an accounting department. Furthermore, this program and its coursework meet all the requirements for education for the Massachusetts CPA license. You’ll be able to get your license immediately after graduation if you so choose.

Other business topics like leadership and business writing are also included as electives. There is a dedicated focus in forensics available if you choose the right combination of electives with your core classes, making it a perfect choice if you want to become an auditor or work in the criminal justice system in an accounting capacity.

Whatever class schedule you choose, the program can be completed entirely online and is entirely asynchronous. You can theoretically complete the program in only two semesters if you take a heavy course load, although you are given up to four years to complete all of your graduation requirements before you need to reapply.

#10.  George Mason University

Master of Science in Accounting

George Mason University is the largest public research university in Virginia, and it’s located very close to Washington DC. As a result, it’s home to many professionals in both the government and corporate sectors and it currently enrolls around 37,000 students. This results in a low student to teacher ratio, which works well with its online offerings. Sixty percent of their students receive some form of financial aid. More important is their dedicated career services center that provides access to on-campus job fairs and internship opportunities across the country and beyond. Accounting students with particularly good grades may find that acquiring a position before or after graduation isn’t too challenging.

The program has been designed from the ground up to help you meet the requirements for licensure and educating you in both accounting and business ethics and governance. It’s an excellent degree that includes not only staple accounting classes but also several courses surrounding business and leadership skills. The program and its associated career services workers are so effective that 64% of graduates from this program have a job before they graduate. Be aware that there’s only a single application window each year, as all students start in the fall.

Once accepted, you’ll be able to complete your degree part-time and still in as little as two years. The courses are offered in a module format, and you can enroll in up to two courses every eight weeks. This accelerated schedule makes it a great choice if you already have a background in accounting and enough time to focus on your studies. As indicated by the single start date each year, all students of this program progress as a cohort, meaning you’ll have multiple opportunities to network with your peers and professors.

Class selection is relatively regimented, and everyone will go over the same material together at the same time. This makes collaboration and asking questions of your professor or peers much easier than other asynchronous online programs.

Mason also provides you with an opportunity to gain professional accounting skills in a competitive global arena. A one-week international study tour, led by an MSA professor, takes place each year. This is a required part of the program, and previous residencies have taken place in such places as London, Prague, and Frankfurt. It’s another excellent opportunity to spread your wings and meet interesting people, as well as find opportunities for employment after graduation.

The curriculum consists of 15 credits of core classes and 15 electives. This lets you tailor your degree according to what you want to specialize in. You can also take an optional forensic accounting concentration. Be aware that Mason offers some of its accounting classes only in a face-to-face format; however, you can complete this program in a blended format if you can make the trip down to campus some of the time.

Other Notable Programs

#11. University of South Dakota

Location: Vermillion, South Dakota

Degree: Master of Professional Accounting

Net Price: $19,084

Website

#12. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Degree: Master’s Degree in Accounting

Net Price:$26,640

Website

#13. University of Missouri, Columbia

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Degree: Master of Accounting (MAcc)

Net Price: $35,368

Website

#14. University of Arizona

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Degree: Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price: $44,567

Website

#15. DePaul University

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Degree: Master of Science in Accountancy

Net Price: $38,844

Website

#16. Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Degree: Master of Accounting

Net Price: $41,240

Website

#17. California State University, Sacramento

Location: Sacramento, California

Degree: Master of Science in Accountancy

Net Price: $26,992

Website

#18. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Location: St. Louis, Missouri 

Degree: Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price: $31,292

Website

#19. Florida Atlantic University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Degree: Master of Accounting

Net Price: $25,103

Website

#20. University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Location: Norman, Oklahoma

Degree: Master of Accountancy

Net Price: $31,813

Website

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Reliability Engineering: The Wave of the Future

reliability engineering degree

The U.S. Department of Education promotes an education that is rich in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Engineering, the “E” in STEM, is the branch with a central focus on the needs of society, the creation of a product design, the implemented construction of the product, and finally the functionality of the created designs. Increasingly important in this chain of engineering events is the reliability of the creations. Think about it: you’ve taken time to design something to help improve society’s quality of life—you want it to function reliably, right? That is, very simply put, the field of Reliability Engineering. A more complete, technical definition: Reliability Engineering focuses on the life cycle of any given thing, utilizing estimation principles to format possible outcomes in order to design the most long-lasting and functional product possible. That’s quite a mouthful, but it is really a simple concept. We want things that supply a solution to a need, and we want these things to be durable and function reliably. This is where reliability engineering comes in.

A relatively new sub-discipline in the broader engineering branch, reliability engineering, and other engineering degrees, are some of the most popular online master’s degree programs currently on the market for ingenious students. The word “reliability” was first written in 1816 by a poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, in reference to the staunch positivity of a friend of his. For a period of time, reliability meant getting the same result on a repeated basis via a test of some sort. In response to World War II, the meaning of the word was reformatted by the U.S. Military, and since the 1940s has meant that any given object would function and perform as one would expect. The word has evolved additionally to currently encompass elements of quality and risk assessment.

What does it take to join the professional field of reliability engineering? A key feature of any successful reliability engineer is the ability to think outside of the box. Observation skills are important, but being able to think both proactively and creatively are crucial to the field. Those studying to become reliability engineers participate in engineering coursework covering topics such as ‘Analysis of Reliability’ or ‘Fundamentals of Failure Mechanisms,’ as well as, oftentimes, business, statistics, and communications coursework. An interdisciplinary subset of systems engineering, reliability engineering crosses over into other engineering disciplines like mechanical engineering and civil engineering (check out these articles on the 50 Best Online Master of Mechanical Engineering and 50 Best Online Master of Civil Engineering degree programs).

Whatever academic path you choose to join the reliability engineering profession, have confidence that you are joining an important, innovative field full of promise and potential excitement. Pursuing your engineering degree online is a brilliant plan, providing you with a respectable education in a convenient and accessible format. Online master’s of engineering degree programs are offered by some of the most renowned engineering departments in some well-known and prestigious institutions, so don’t hesitate to find the best program that works for you!

Related Rankings

Best Online MS Civil Engineering
Best Online MS Mechanical Engineering
Best Online Masters Electrical Engineering

10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

Best MBA in International Business

MPG Best Online MBA International BusinessAn MBA is an excellent investment in your future – and for MBA candidates who aspire to jet-set around the globe, an online MBA in international business might be a perfect choice.

You can use your degree to help you land a new job, earn that promotion, or start your own business.  But with so many schools and programs out there, how do you know which one is right for you?  

An online MBA in international business is a smart choice for students who want to get the best of both worlds—both the foundational business knowledge of an MBA program with the international relations skills provided by a typical master’s degree. It’s the ideal option for a student with a bit of work experience who wants to take his or her career to the next level.

When it comes to choosing the right degree, there are several factors to take into consideration.

First, the location. If you don’t want to leave home in order to earn your degree, pursuing an online MBA is the best choice. While a few campus visits might be required, online programs tend to be more flexible. You can complete your classes whenever it’s most convenient for you. It’s important to check to see what the residency requirements are for your program, however, so you aren’t met with any surprises once your classes have already started!

Next, think of the program format. Do you want to take classes full-time or part-time? Would you rather learn synchronous or asynchronous? Take your personal life, work schedule, and other goals into consideration when trying to find the right program. 

The cost of the program is also something to keep in mind. While public institutions often have lower tuition (at face value) than private schools, you should always take the time to apply for financial aid regardless. 

Program accreditation and accolades are also important factors to bear in mind. What sorts of career opportunities will your program present? Does it offer networking opportunities or career resources? Will you be able to study abroad or participate in international internships? What are the credentials of the faculty who will be teaching you?

That’s a lot to keep in mind—we don’t blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed! You have a big decision to make. The good news is that we’re here to help you narrow down your search with our guide to the best  MBAs in international business.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What Are the Best MBA in 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.

New York University#1. New York University

MBA in Global Business

A private research university in New York City, New York University is largely viewed as one of the best universities in the country. Located in the heart of Manhattan in Greenwich Village, it offers the ideal and most immersive location for students to learn about global business—even if you’d prefer your studies to take place online. 

At New York University, you will find the most prestigious online MBA in international business. This top MBA program is offered by the Stern School of Business, a reputable business school that was one of the first to develop strong research and teaching abilities in both the global and international business dimensions. 

By specializing in global business at this school, you’ll be prepared for a career in multinational firms, government, international organizations, financial institutions, and more. You’ll take classes such as Emerging Financial Markets, Operations in Panama, and Advanced Global Perspective on Enterprise Systems. You can choose to complete most of your studies on campus or at one of the university’s partnering international locations, too. 

The Global Business specialization is one of more than two other options offered by Stern, and you don’t have to settle for just one. Many students choose to pursue multiple specializations in their MBA degrees, allowing them to tailor their courses specifically to their unique career goals. You will be able to pursue all kinds of experiential learning opportunities, including experiences like Tech and the City, Endless Frontier Labs, and the Board Fellows Programs. 

These experiences will allow you to connect with industry experts and to put your newly developed business skills to the ultimate test. Plus, you can choose from more than 200 electives taught by industry leaders and well-respected researchers and even take up to a quarter of your required courses at other NYU graduate schools or partner institutions. You can’t beat the flexibility offered by the online MBA at NYU!

Florida International University#2. Florida International University

Master of Business Administration in International Business

Florida International University is a public research university with a main campus in University Park, FL. This school is one of the largest universities in the state of Florida and has more than 190 programs of study, many of which are also offered online. The online master’s in international business at Florida International University exists within the acclaimed Master of Business Administration program. 

If you want to be able to compete at the global level, the MBA in international business at Florida International is your ticket to success. The degree is ranked third in the country by U.S. News & World Report and takes most students just one year to complete. A full-time, daytime program, this degree will enable you to study abroad or to complete an internship experience at a leading multinational or international company. 

This best international business MBA program’s enrollment serves as a shining example of the diversity here. More than 50% of the students and faculty in this program are international! As a student in this program, you’ll benefit from all the advantages of studying in a city center (Miami) that is ethnically rich. A business hub, Miami serves as a regional headquarters for numerous multinational corporations. Because of this, you’ll find no better university at which to hone your skills in international business (even if you elect to study online). 

You’ll be able to pursue internship opportunities at Fortune 500 companies and participate in study abroad programs all over the world. You’ll take professional development seminars in things like presentation skills, career services, case analysis, and team building and can even complete a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification course to add even more marketability to your degree. Other core courses include Organizational Behavior, Management of Information Systems, Global Financial Strategy, and more.

University of South Carolina-Columbia#3. University of South Carolina

MBA in International Business

The University of South Carolina has a reputation for being one of the top public research universities in the country. With the main campus in Columbia, SC, this school makes it a priority to educate students in the most hands-on ways possible at both the undergraduate and graduate level—regardless of whether those studies take place on-campus or online, the quality cannot be overlooked.

At the University of South Carolina, you’ll also find one of the best MBA international business schools. The Darla Moore School of Business is ranked as the best in the nation for 32 consecutive years for international business by U.S. News & World Report, with candidates able to complete an international immersion with courses, projects, and other experiences to elevate their understanding of cultural and business dynamics. 

You’ll be able to live international business as you learn it, pursuing one of two different tracks of study. The Global Track allows for in-country immersion where English is widely spoken while the Language Track will include a language study program. A challenging, 22-month program, it begins each summer in July. You’ll begin by taking core curriculum courses before plunging into the business, culture, and language of a foreign marketplace during your immersion. 

In addition to this immersion, you’ll also be able to take part in internships—typically around 10- to 15-weeks in length—at companies such as Adidas, Dell, Bayer, Daimler AG, United Airlines, Michelin, and more. You’ll round out your studies with real-world consulting projects to help you become real-world ready ASAP. 

California State University Sacramento#4. California State University, Sacramento

MBA with International Business Focus

A public university in Sacramento, CA, California State University, Sacramento is a leader when it comes to educating students online. With nearly 32,000 students, many of whom choose to study online, this space grant institution is a hot spot for spring business professionals. It offers a top online MBA with a popular international business focus. 

The MBA at California State University is a fully online program that takes place over the course of one year. You’ll take classes with the same cohort throughout the full duration of your program, learning from your peers in this AACSB-accredited program. When you graduate, you will be prepared to work anywhere in the world. With classes offered entirely online on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll love the flexibility this program can provide.

You’ll join a stimulating networking environment as you complete group work and learn from faculty who have plenty of industry experience. You will take classes such as Multinational Corporate Management, Global Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Business Law and Legal Environment, and more.

If you are looking for an online MBA in international business that’s also affordable, look no further than the MBA in international business at California State University. This program costs just $29,500 for the entire program. That fee includes all required textbooks and course materials and there’s financial aid available for students who qualify, too!

Temple University#5. Temple University

Global Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Temple University was founded in 1884 by Baptist minister Russell Conwell. Today, Temple is a research university that is one of the largest providers of professional education, including programs in business administration. In fact, Temple prepares the largest body of professionals in all of Pennsylvania, making it a top choice for aspiring business professionals.

The Global Master of Business Administration at Temple is offered by the prestigious Fox School of Business. Here, you’ll find an immersive and innovative global business curriculum combined with high-quality career services at the Center for Student Professional Development. You’ll find that this program doesn’t just help you to acquire the skills you need for your career but also the skills you need to land a job, too.

The global MBA at Temple will provide you with hands-on experience as you learn in a collaborative environment among a close-knit cohort of colleagues. You’ll be able to participate in global immersions all over the world and to work closely with local employers. The campus location in Philadelphia provides learners with exemplary access to leading organizations. 

Most courses are 12 weeks long, though some only take six weeks to complete. You’ll take about two years to finish your studies as you build competencies in key business areas like business reasoning, business acumen, cross-cultural effectiveness, ethical management, and more. There are numerous concentrations you can choose from to further customize your studies, too, including those in marketing management, travel and tourism, innovation management, financial management, and many others

John Brown University#6. John Brown University

International Business, MBA

Located in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University is one of the smallest universities on this list with a total enrollment of fewer than 2,700 students. Don’t let its small size fool you, though—this is one of the best places to earn an MBA in international business. You can study online or on-campus as you learn from industry professionals who are some of the brightest minds in the world of business. 

John Brown’s international business MBA will help you develop the leadership and management skills you need for a solid basis in working across cultures. You’ll be able to travel to a foreign country and put your company’s core values to work. During your international trip, you’ll gain practical experience through hands-on case studies with global businesses.

The program consists of 36 to 45 credit hours of study, depending on whether you’ve already completed some undergraduate coursework in a business-related field. Most students graduate in as little as two years by taking classes 100% online or via a combination of online and in-person classes at the Rogers Center. It has a uniquely Christian worldview that will allow you to study global business from a biblical perspective. 

Core classes include Global Supply Chain Management, Global Leadership and Ethics, Christian Foundations and Ethics, and Designing and Executing Strategies. As you work, you’ll receive one-on-one support and personally tailored feedback from your professors. This program has excellent career outcomes, with 91% of graduate students landing jobs within six months of graduation. 

DePaul University#7. DePaul University

MBA concentration in International Business

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university located in Chicago, IL. It has two main campuses in the Loop and in Lincoln Park, enrolling more than 22,000 students on-campus and online. The MBA in International Business is offered by the Driehaus College of Business and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

This program will provide you with insight into the complex global business environment with all of its included complexities, such as international financial policy, emerging markets, and trade theory. The curriculum is multidisciplinary and will enable you to participate in a short-term study abroad program in places like Germany, Britain, Mexico, Chile, India, and China. 

While most students in this program choose to study online, if you choose to attend classes on campus, you’ll benefit from a rich learning environment in Chicago. Here, you’ll be able to pursue internships and other hands-on learning opportunities at companies like Aon, Caterpillar, AbbVie, McDonald’s, and more. 

You will learn from internationally-respected faculty who have plenty of experience of their own. As a student, you will be connected to a worldwide alumni network that’s nearly 200,000 strong. The average salary for graduates of this program is $85,000, which is just one reason why the school has been ranked as number 33 among the top MBA in International business programs in North America by Eduniversal. 

Rutgers University at New Brunswick#8. Rutgers University

MBA concentration in Global Business

Although Rutgers University originally opened its doors as Queen’s College, today, this school’s name is formally Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Whatever you choose to call it, there’s no denying the fact that this public land-grant research university offers some of the best MBA degrees and concentrations in the country. 

Especially when compared with a primary concentration in a functional discipline, like supply chain management or finance, the global business concentration at Rutgers will help you move mountains! You’ll be able to develop a broad, strategic view of how to manage your operations in a global economy while also taking a more logistical approach to your work. You’ll be able to select from a wide variety of courses addressing contemporary issues in management, such as negotiations, leading across cultures, technology transfer, and more. 

A unique feature of this program is that you can earn a STEM degree with any of the MBA concentrations. In order to qualify for this opportunity, you must complete at least half of the total required credits with courses that fall under the STEM designation, such as Business Law for Managers, IT for Managers, and Business Forecasting.

Regardless of whether you choose to pursue this opportunity, you’ll take classes like Leading Across Cultures, Management of Innovation and Technology, Global Procurement and Supply Management, and International Financial Markets. 

University of California Berkeley#9. University of California – Berkeley

MBA in International Business

A public land-grant research university in Berkeley, CA, the University of California-Berkeley is home to 14 colleges and schools with more than 350-degree programs. It is ranked among the world’s top universities by major educational publications and offers a top MBA in international business. 

The MBA at UC-Berkeley has a global focus that will help you learn the ins and outs of an increasingly global economy. You will be able to access a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, such as the International Business Development PRoject. In this project, you’ll be able to work with other students on consulting projects for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations all over the world. 

You can also participate in student activities and clubs like the Global Social Venture Competition and the Africa Business Forum. From fellowship programs to conferences, research centers to events, there are plenty of ways to put your skills to the test. Naturally, this program also includes an exchange program. You can earn up to 12 credits while studying in places like Spain, England, France, or Hong Kong. At UC-Berkeley, experiential learning is really the name of the game!

George Washington University #10. George Washington University

MBA in Global Business

With 14 acclaimed colleges and schools, including the GW School of Business, George Washington University is one of the best places in the world to earn an MBA in global business. In fact, The Princeton Review regularly ranks this school within the top 10 in categories such as “Most Popular Study Abroad Programs,” “Most Politically Active,” and “Best in the Northeast.”

The proof is in the pudding when it comes to the MBA in global business. This degree consists of 53 credit hours of study but includes multiple opportunities for students to customize their studies to their unique goals. You’ll be able to complete 15 elective credit hours along with a consulting abroad project. A 21-month, full-time program, it’s available online as well as on-campus.

This top MBA program will challenge you to view business issues from a broader global perspective. You will take classes such as Strategic Management, Competition in the Global Economy, Organizations and Human Capital, Digital Transformation, and INtroduction to Artificial Intelligence. Courses are offered in various formats, including during the weekends, so that you can complete your coursework when it fits best into your schedule. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Seton Hall University

Location: South Orange, NJ

Degree: Master of Business Administration in International Business

Net Price: $23,422

Website

#12. Brandeis University

Location: Waltham, MA

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $50,272

Website

#13. University of Washington – Seattle

Location: Seattle, WA

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $16,590

Website

#14. Columbia University 

Location: New York, NY

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $48,390

Website

#15. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Degree: MBA in International Business

Net Price: $23,456

Website

      

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find affordable online MBA programs?

You don’t have to drain your entire life savings in order to earn an MBA. In fact, if saving money is your main motivation, you’re already on the right track by considering an online MBA. These programs tend to be far more affordable than those offered on-campus. Not only do you not need to worry about expenses such as transportation, room, and board when studying online, but the tuition for these programs tends to be much cheaper than their on-campus counterparts, oo.

You may even be able to study part-time. Some online programs allow students to earn an MBA for just a few hundred dollars per credit hour. It’s worth looking around to find a program that will help you meet your professional goals without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget about financial aid, either. There is a misconception that financial aid tends to be reserved for undergraduate students but that’s not the case. While you may receive more aid while earning your bachelor’s degree, there are plenty of opportunities available for graduate funding, too. In addition to state and federal grants, loans, and scholarships, you might qualify for a fellowship or assistantship. This will allow you to earn an affordable online MBA while also gaining valuable real-world experience. 

What can I expect from an online MBA in international business? 

While each online MBA in international business will differ in terms of course and attendance requirements, most have some shared underlying themes. For example, you’ll likely take courses in core MBA concepts such as business communications, marketing, ethical leadership, international marketing, global social entrepreneurship, and global supply chain management.

You may also be able to study or work abroad, allowing you to gain firsthand business experience from right in the trenches! Internships or cooperative learning experiences are core features of many of the best MBA in international business programs, too.  Many of the top universities have partnerships with leading industry players and Fortune 500 companies.

Generally, you will complete all of your foundational MBA courses before narrowing your focus on electives and internationally-minded coursework. That way, you’ll have an understanding of core business concepts first before you begin navigating the more complex world of global business. 

In the online learning environment, you may be expected to attend courses either synchronously (at a live, preset time each week) or asynchronously (completing coursework when it fits best in your schedule). You may be able to move through your courses at your own pace or you might join a cohort, moving through courses along with a group of peers. 

What can I do with an online MBA in international business?

Earn an online MBA in international business and your career opportunities will be vast and varied. You might work for a consulting firm, an international nonprofit, or some other global organization. You could even decide to work for yourself! 

Some job titles earned by international business graduates include risk management director, business development manager, financial analyst, supply chain director, and analytics manager. As a risk management director, you’ll be responsible for evaluating and analyzing the overall business risk and financial impact of various business decisions within an organization. 

Choose to work as a financial analyst, and you’ll forecast business risks and trends, developing reports based on budgets and income. Your skills in global business will be invaluable here, as you can help international organizations conduct their own business studies to determine the best next moves. 

Of course, the long list of career options doesn’t end there. Depending on your experience and skills, as well as where in the world you want to be located, you could work toward job titles such as real estate development manager, marketing and sales director, business analytics manager, government affairs director, and more. When selecting the ideal program and courses, be sure to choose classes that will complement and build upon both your strengths and your areas of interest.

How much money can I make with an online MBA in international business?

If you’re considering earning an online MBA in international business, you might be wondering, “is it really worth it?” The short answer—absolutely. These programs prepare graduates for a wide variety of career opportunities and offer some of the best return on investment.

Just look at the average salary of an analytics manager. As an entry-level professional in this career, you could earn up to $87,660 per year, a salary that could be even higher should you choose to pursue a master’s. Plus, these jobs are in high demand, with an expected growth rate of around 11% by 2029 (more than double the national average!). 

Another example? As a financial analyst, you could earn a salary of more than $83,660 per year. Again, earning a master’s degree in international business will only improve your potential salary. 

If you’re thinking about earning an online MBA in international business but are concerned about the cost, these figures should help make you realize that you are making the right decision. While you will likely have to spend some money in order to earn your degree, it’s a purchase that will pay for itself (and then some!) in the long run.

Are online MBAs respected? 

When it comes to getting hired, there’s not much (besides decades’ worth of work experience, that is) that will speak to your qualifications more than an online MBA in international business. It will show employers that you have the skills necessary to be competitive in a global marketplace. 

Won’t a bachelor’s degree in business do the same thing? Yes—but it will only go so far. While graduates of bachelor’s degrees make an average salary of around $65,000 per year, according to PayScale, graduates of master’s degrees earn around $93,000 or more. That’s a big step up for sure!

Which country is best for MBA in international business?

There’s no single best country when it comes to earning an online MBA in international business. However, some of the most popular countries for MBA students are the obvious ones—the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Other popular destinations include Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Singapore, China, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

What is the best online international business MBA  – no GMAT required?

To apply for an international business MBA, you’ll likely need to submit an online application along with official undergraduate transcripts. Often, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, as are supplemental documents like letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume. Colleges like to see that you have some work experience and can furnish professional references to back that experience up. While an undergraduate degree in business isn’t always required to complete an international business MBA, it’s often preferred by admissions officials who want to know that you have the prerequisite training necessary to tackle graduate-level coursework. 

Some schools’ admissions departments also ask for GMAT scores.  Similar to the GRE, this standardized test is a common requirement among business schools but taking and doing well on the test can be quite the challenging feat! If you’re looking for one of the best online international business MBAs that doesn’t require a GMAT, you’ll want to consider schools such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Wisconsin. 

Be sure to check with the schools you plan on applying to in order to get more accurate information on testing requirements. Do this relatively close to when you plan to apply, as these sorts of requirements change often. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 BEST MS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & 50 BEST ONLINE MBA DEGREE PROGRAMS!

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor

10 Best Master’s Programs in Information Systems

this new mattress is very uncomfortable LGHZWLE

The business world is a much different place today than it was in the past. No longer can you just depend on your communication and leadership skills to move your business forward. Today, you need to be innovative and have a strong knowledge of how technology works and how it can help drive your business to the next level. With one of the Top 10 Master’s in Information Systems, you can go from having an average knowledge of technology to being extremely proficient and ready to tackle all of today’s challenges. It is those advanced individuals who are an asset to any company or organization and find themselves benefiting from a profitable salary as they move forward in life. Higher education also gives professionals future opportunities to manage and lead in the business and computer industry.

The coursework for a Master’s in Information Systems is rigorous and demanding. You will get the most out of your learning and be able to help any business that hires you. As part of your master’s program, you will work on projects that put you in real-world business settings and give you the chance to apply all the innovative and strategic skills you were taught in class. Coursework will also teach you the fundamental principles and concepts of information technology and economics. What’s more, the courses in the program will enrich you with managerial practices that businesses use to succeed, such as ethical guidelines, law policies, communication practices, and problem-solving techniques. You will also be trained on how to make and assess information design decisions and learn every important aspect of IT.

There are a plethora of jobs out there that you will be eligible to apply for once you obtain a Master’s Degree in Information Systems. According to GradSchoolHub, the top five jobs for someone with an MIS include:

  • Video Game Designer
  • IS/IT Manager
  • Cloud Architect
  • Management Consultant
  • Computer Systems Analyst

With this degree, you can also pursue positions with top companies that are respected nationwide. Graduates with an MIS have received jobs in the last year with companies like Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Capital One, IBM, Infosys, General Electric, Intel, Wells Fargo, Disney, and Google.

Getting a Master’s degree is an important step in your life, and it’s the right one. In 1970, only 200,000 Americans held a degree higher than a bachelor’s. Today, over 21 million individuals currently hold a Master’s degree, according to the latest U.S. Census data. That is an increase of 22% from what it was in 2000 for adults 25 or older. This is the new way of education. Students are more competitive than ever and know that getting that graduate degree can set them apart from the competition. Doctorate degrees are also on the rise and will likely see an increase in numbers over the next ten to 20 years, just as we saw with master’s degrees since 2000. Online schooling has helped increase the number of students pursuing a master’s degree, as it offers a much more convenient and flexible format for students. Most everyone with a master’s degree has a full-time job, making it hard to go to campus and work full-time. However, by studying online, you can now work full-time and study when you can, not when you have to. Just don’t miss those deadlines!

Below we cover the things you can expect when applying for a master’s degree, such as tuition, scholarship information, and financial aid information. We also wanted to give you an idea of what to expect as far as salary goes and the overall benefits of earning your degree through one of the 10 best Master’s programs in Information Systems. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Getting a Master’s in Information Systems means a lot of hard work and preparation. Ambition and motivation are critical when applying. Put your maximum effort into your resume and your personal statement as these are important factors that admissions officers look at when determining who to accept into their program. Some graduate schools are very small and don’t accept just anyone. Therefore, you need to find ways to separate yourself from the competition. Get strong letters of recommendation from professionals who can go into great detail about the assets you will bring to that university. 

Be creative. Remember you are competing against a lot of other applicants, so when writing your essay or cover letter to the university, try to think of different ways to make yourself stand out. Tell an anecdote from an important life moment that can help illustrate the type of person you are and how the university will be benefiting by receiving you as a student. As you apply, make sure you have all the documentation you need to send to the school. Below, in our write-ups, we highlighted some of the critical documents that each school requests as part of their admission requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to contact a counselor from the college so you can be sure you have everything you need. Put together a checklist so you are organized as you are putting everything together. Most importantly, know your deadline and make sure you get everything in before it is due.

Many schools will require you to take the GRE, so if you have not taken it, it will be a good idea to sign up for it and take it as soon as possible. Some schools will allow you to fill out a waiver if your grades are good enough to bypass the GRE, so make sure you know what the school’s standardized test requirements are. Of course, be sure to study hard for the tests, as these scores play a big role in helping separate you from the competition. If you decide to enroll in a “Plus One” plan, which some schools offer, you will not have to take the GRE. The “Plus One” plan allows you to take undergraduate and graduate courses together, finishing the program in five years.

All schools will require the submission of a professional and detailed resume. Make sure that you are detailed in your professional and educational experience and that the resume is neat and organized. It’s a good idea to have one or two more sets of eyes look over it, possibly even your old English professor from your undergraduate school. Also, research everything you can about the university and know it from the inside out; you may be asked to conduct a video or face-to-face interview with a board member, and you will want to illustrate that you have a strong knowledge of the university. If you are interviewed, dress professionally and be well-prepared for all questions that come your way. 

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

When it comes to paying for your graduate degree, well, it’s not exactly cheap. Graduate degrees cost a lot more than undergraduate degrees in most universities. Before applying, make sure you can afford it, and if you can’t, explore all avenues to see if you can receive some financial assistance. There are a lot of ways to pay for a graduate degree without having to empty out all your life savings. 

The first method for paying for your college tuition is seeking a scholarship. If you did well at your undergraduate institution and had a solid GPA, you may be able to seek a scholarship that can help pay for part, if not all, your graduate tuition. Below are some of the top scholarships you can pursue for a Master’s in Information Systems, according to Scholarships.com:

  • Women in Information Security Scholarship
  • Cameron Impact Scholarship
  • Davidson Fellows Scholarship
  • Hyundai Scholarship
  • Microsoft Imagine Cup Global Competition

There is also financial aid, something of which many students try to take advantage. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit your federal tax records, your annual income information, bank statements, and provide your social security number. Then wait and see if they will give you financial aid and help you out with your college tuition. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 85% of students receive some sort of financial aid at their institution. 

Another good way to get financial help for school is going to your place of employment. Many times if your employers see potential in you, especially management potential, they will help finance part of your degree. It doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if the school is a respectable and well-known institution for information systems, as are the ones on our list. Look for online opportunities to take courses so you can work at your job during the day and go home and complete your studies. Also, check with human resources at your company or organization to see if there are any programs that allow you to study while your company helps pay for your schooling.

You can also pursue a student loan. This is usually a last resort, as you will need to pay the loan back eventually, which can take many years. If you are unable to get help from your employer or get a scholarship or financial aid assistance, however, this is another option. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top places from which to get a student loan include:

  • Citizens Bank
  • CommonBond
  • Discover
  • EarnestLendKey
  • Laurel Road

Many of the banks on our list above can offer a loan of up to $20,500 for your master’s degree.  Look for an interest rate that is not extreme and find the best loan out there for you.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH A MASTER’S IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS

An information systems specialist uses analysis and design techniques to solve problems in businesses using information technology. They can also take a lead role in a company and implement software that will help make business operations better. Without these workers in place, it would be almost impossible for businesses to excel. That’s why IT workers make a very significant salary. If you are someone who wants to make money, well, then it would be a good idea to keep reading. Some big salary numbers are coming here very soon.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts make an annual salary of more than $98,000 per year. Management positions within the field receive a higher salary. For instance, a computer and systems information manager makes an average salary of $142,000 per year! What’s even better news is that the job outlook for this profession is very healthy. With technology taking on an even bigger role in the workplace, the need for computer information specialists continues to grow at a record rate. The field is expected to see a job growth of anywhere from 10-20% over the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to BusinessStudent.com, the average income for a graduate with an MIS is $68,000 per year. With a bachelor’s degree, that number is only $56,000 per year, so getting a master’s degree is worth it. Not to mention, with a master’s, the opportunity to move up in your company is there for you. The more experience you accumulate, the higher your salary will be. BusinessStudent.com states that the average salary of individuals with ten to 20 years of experience in the information systems field is over $90,000 per year. With more than 20 years of experience, you’ll be making six figures. According to CNBC, three jobs in the field of information systems field rank in the top ten of the highest salary professions in the U.S. Those three professions are enterprise architect, software engineer, and software development manager. If you are able to pursue those positions after you graduate, you will walk home with an annual salary that is more than $140,000 per year!

According to BusinessStudent.com, there are a large number of jobs you can receive with an MIS. Some of those include:

  • Chief Information Officer, earning $154,000 per year
  • Chief Technology Officer, earning up to $231,000 per year
  • Computer and Information Research Scientist, earning $111,000 per year
  • Computer Systems Analyst, earning approximately $70,000 per year
  • Software Developer, earning $102,000 per year

It all depends on your interest and even the concentration or specialization you choose when pursuing your degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent place to visit if you want to see some of the different salaries and professions out there for information systems degree holders. Having software and IT skills makes you a major asset for any company out there, and it will open you up for a lot of jobs. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST MASTER’S DEGREES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS?

We know that you have educational goals that you desperately want 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.

Check out our ranking of the Best Master’s in Information Systems!

#1. The University of Texas at Austin

Texas Master of Science in Information Technology and Management

School spirit at the main University of Texas campus in Austin is one of the best in the country. Students bleed orange and white, especially on Saturdays when the Longhorns take the field, and the whole crowd sings “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You”. Texas also has a library that is the seventh-largest in the country; it holds over ten million volumes of books and is a great environment to work on your studies for your graduate degree. 

The Texas MS in Information Technology and Management is intended to build leaders in the industry and train students on the newest innovations and the roles those play in emerging businesses and technologies. One of the highlights of the program is that it provides hands-on experience with real-world businesses, allowing you to produce solutions to the challenges you will see after you graduate. Furthermore, the program keeps class sizes very small and is led by world-renowned faculty with high expertise and experience in the field. You also receive one-on-one career coaching that includes mock interviews, industry visits, and career search tips. This coaching will help you transition into the real world after earning a master’s degree.

By pursuing an accelerated path, you can earn your degree in as little as ten months. You will enroll in six foundation courses and seven cutting-edge topics courses. The program concludes with a capstone course that allows students to work with companies to produce a business model that integrates all coursework concepts learned. There are also pathways to earn a specialization in either Cybersecurity or Blockchain & FinTech. Sample courses you will see on your schedule include Business Data Science, IT and Supply Chain Management, Cognitive Computing, Financial Management, Advanced Programming & App Development, and User Generated Content Analytics.

Texas comes in as one of the best-ranked information technology schools in the U.S. It ranks No. 5 on the list of Best MIS Programs in the Nation and No. 3 among Best MBA Programs in Information Systems, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks No. 28 on the list of Best Universities in the Nation, according to ARWU. The admissions office requires all applicants to have at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for enrollment. The office also asks students to apply only if they have a strong understanding of computers and technology, as many of the courses in the program use advanced coding language. Texas requires all of its applicants to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal essay alongside the application. 

Among the more than 482,000 alumni of The University of Texas is actor Matthew McConaughey, former First Lady Laura Bush, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and former First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson. The school is known for its diversity, with a 20% Hispanic population, 20% Asian population, and 10% foreign population. The student body also includes more than 100 Fulbright Scholars and 31 Rhodes Scholars. There are more than 1,300 student organizations, seven museums, and 15 career centers for you to explore at the campus, too. 

#2.  The University of Minnesota

MBA with a Specialization in Information Systems

Are you intrigued by studying in the Midwest but afraid of going from class to class and getting frostbite in the winter as you travel around on foot? Don’t worry: the University of Minnesota is unique in that it provides underground hallways and tunnels for students to use to get from one building to another. This way, in the middle of January, when it’s ten degrees below zero and icy outside, you don’t have to worry about going outdoors. The campus even has a few skyways so you can see the beautiful scenery that surrounds U of M. 

Located in the Twin Cities, you can pursue a full-time MBA with a specialization in Information Systems that focuses mainly on the technical side of business. With this degree from the Carlson School of Management, you will be provided with the essential IT skills and learn how to innovate and produce high growth and differentiation opportunities based on data-driven business intelligence. Additionally, you will learn about important financial and accounting processes. The Carlson School ranks No. 4 on the list of Best Information Systems Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Along with business courses that all students in the MBA program will take, the curriculum calls for 12 credits to be taken in information systems. Overall, there are 64 credits in the MBA program for students to enroll in. Nearly all courses are two-credit classes, with the exception of Global Sourcing of IT and IT Enabled Services, which is a four-credit class. The courses covering information systems are meant to be beneficial to make you an attractive candidate for a number of positions in the field once you graduate. Past graduates have been able to quickly find a profession in IT governance, strategic and technology consulting, global sourcing management, vendor relationship management, E-procurement, and business analytics and predictive modeling. 

The school also recommends that students incorporate interdisciplinary classes into their schedule to gain a better understanding of how business and technology influence each other. Some of those courses include Management of Innovation and Change, Service Management, Advanced Corporate Finance Analysis and Decisions, and New Product Design and Business Development. 

If you are applying to U of M, you will need to compile transcripts and letters of recommendation for submission to the admissions office. Along with the application, you will also need a personal statement, resume, and copy of your GRE scores. The Carlson School of Management will help all students with internship opportunities while enrolled at the university. Internships will give students extra hands-on practice and real-world experience so they are best prepared after graduation.

With a degree from U of M, you will become one of the thousands of alumni to earn a degree from the school ranked No. 27 among the Best Public Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Some of the most recognizable names to earn a degree from the university include former Vice President Walter Mondale, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, and musical artist Bob Dylan. The Twin Cities campus is one of five campuses in the state. Most classes at the Twin Cities campus for this program are face-to-face, but other campuses offer online courses for you to enroll in.

#3. The University of Arizona

Master’s in Management Information Systems

Located in Tucson, AZ, and not far from downtown Phoenix, the University of Arizona goes by the motto of “Bear Down, Arizona.” The university’s mission is to inspire young students to become future leaders in the world and have a positive impact on society. When you study Arizona’s Master’s in Management Information Systems, you will be trained in business skills that will help you excel in today’s world. You’ll learn how to address the technical issues of the business world and use a variety of strategies in IT that you will need after you graduate. The program ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Information Systems Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks No. 53 among Top Public Schools in the Nation. 

The program’s curriculum requires you to take 30-33 credits, which will give you a deep understanding of the rigor involved in complex information systems. You will take coursework in one of the program’s concentration areas, such as in Security Information and Assurance, Business Intelligence and Analytics, and Managing Business Operations. Among the core courses you will enroll in are Enterprise Data Management, Business Communications, Business Foundations for IT, and Eller Business Consulting. 

Required in the curriculum is an internship that you will take during your first summer of enrollment. Also included is a Master’s Project that all students must complete; this project has a wide range of focus topics, will give you further hands-on practice, and allows you to show mastery of all the skills you learned in the program. There are options to take courses both face-to-face and online.

You are required to have a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible to apply to Arizona. You will also be required to have taken the GRE within five years of applying to the school. Along with the application, the university’s admissions office requires you to submit transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Students must also have a solid background knowledge of business and technical skills before applying. If you are interested in a dual degree in Technology Leadership, contact an admissions counselor for more information on the curriculum and prerequisites. 

The University of Arizona’s location in the Southwest is perfect for those who wish to take a break from their studies and explore some of the beauty of Arizona and the surrounding areas. The school is within driving distance from cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It is also not a long drive to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Some of the university’s most famous graduates include Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, comedian Garry Shandling, and actor Greg Kinnear. Arizona is nicknamed “The Science City” and has been a longtime partner with NASA in helping research astronomy and space science. There are nine family-friendly museums on campus and plenty of athletics teams to go see. The most popular sport on campus is men’s college basketball, which has reached the Final Four a total of four times.

#4. Carnegie Mellon University

Master of Information Systems Management

Located in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is largely respected and is recognized as one of the top schools in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report, CMU ranks No. 25 on the list of Best Universities in the Nation. It also comes in with the top-ranked program in Management Information Systems and ranks in the top ten among Most Innovative Schools. With a Master of Information Systems Management, you will learn about the power behind technology and how it works with businesses to make a successful company or organization. The program blends technical and leadership skills and equips you with the power to transform businesses and organizations through technology. Much of the school’s leadership teaching focuses on analytics, ethics, and creativity as primary principles in making you a successful manager.

The MISM program offers several full-time tracks, including 12- and 16-month curricula. Students can also choose a  path in either Business Intelligence and Data Analytics or in Global Management. With a Global Management concentration, you will spend the first year in Adelaide, Australia and gain exposure to multiple worldwide markets. You will also be able to complete an internship in Australia during your time there. This track can be completed in 21 months. 

Concentrations within the program are offered in Managing Al & Robotics, Digital Marketing and Commerce, Business Intelligence, IT Strategy & Management, and Healthcare Informatics. There are 15 core courses in the MISM curriculum and several electives in the bank to choose from. With a full-time schedule, you can complete the program in just three semesters.

 In order to be eligible to attend CMU, you must first meet all admissions requirements. You must first have a 3.0 GPA or higher and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible for consideration. You must also take the GRE and submit all test scores and transcripts to the admissions office. Along with the application, you are required to send in two letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a required essay. CMU also gives you the option of sending in a second essay if your grades fall below the threshold requirement. In the essay, you can explain any gaps in your grades or any other information on your resume that might need elaboration. After that, CMU will conduct a video interview with you prior to making a decision on your application.

CMU graduated one of America’s most famous mathematicians, John Nash, upon whom the movie “A Beautiful Mind” was based. The school also graduated actor Ted Danson, artist Andy Warhol, and “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve. Along with Nash who won the Nobel Prize in 1994, CMU has had 17 Nobel laureates teach its classes. 

A small school, CMU has just 315 graduate students and produces some of the highest achievers in the country. Rhodes Scholars, Goldwater Scholars, Gilliam Fellows, and Beckman Scholars are part of the population at the university. By attending on or near campus, you can also explore beautiful Pittsburgh and take part in plenty of student-life activities off-campus.

#5. University of Maryland

MS in Information Systems

The man who founded Google, Sergey Brin, began his career by walking away with a degree from the University of Maryland. Through computer science courses at the College Park campus, Brin learned about advanced methods in technology and programming and was able to build Google, which has become the biggest search engine in the history of the internet. If you are ambitious and have the drive to become a leader in today’s world, you can pursue UM’s Master of Science in Information Systems. A Master of Science in Information Systems from the Robert H. Smith School of Business makes you a strategic asset to any organization.

This degree is the perfect complement to careers such as a technology analyst, business analyst, project manager, or enterprise architect. With the Smith School’s partnerships with companies like Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and KPMG, the degree is able to deliver real-world learning supported by theory and practice. Whether you’re interested in risk management, technology strategy, information management or project management, the MS in Information Systems will provide an outstanding ROI throughout your career. 

The 30-credit curriculum can be completed by full-time students in nine to 16 months. Courses are offered both in-person and online, and they allow you to complete your studies around your professional work life. Seven courses are required for all students in the program and include Data Models and Decisions, Data Analysis and Processing in Python, Database Management Systems, Strategic and Transformational IT, Managing Digital Business Markets, and Business Process Analysis. The coursework will conclude with a two-credit project management course in which you will engage with senior supply chain executives from other industries. This experience will elevate your knowledge in management and give you incredible insight into the field. Along with the seven required courses, you can choose three electives from a course bank of nine classes.  

When you are set to apply to UM, the office of admissions requires you to send in a number of documents along with your application in order to be considered for eligibility. UM does require graduate applicants to take the GRE and submit those scores to the university. Along with those scores, you will need to send in all transcripts on file, a professional resume, one letter of recommendation, and a completed essay. If you are an international student, you must also send in scores from your TOEFL or IELTS.

Being a Big Ten school, UM is a major competitor in athletics. You can show school spirit at sports games and watch your school take on powerhouse teams from universities like Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Penn State. Along with its top rankings mentioned above, UM was also ranked No. 8 on the list of Best Value Colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Students from over 118 countries help make up the enrollment at UM, too, and its faculty includes three Nobel laureates, two Pulitzer Prize winners, and three Emmy Award winners. If you are interested in joining a student club or organization on campus, there are over 800 of them to choose from.

#6. Georgia Institute of Technology

MBA in Information Technology Management

Have you ever heard the song lyric, “I’m a rambling wreck from Georgia Tech and a heck of an engineer”? Yes, this is that school. Known as a leader in education, Georgia Tech ranks in the top five for Best Public Schools in the Nation and Most Innovative Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you’re looking for a school that will teach you the most advanced technological methods that will help you succeed in business, you can’t go wrong with Georgia Tech. It offers an MBA in Information Technology Management that teaches students how to use IT to help their business excel and compete with the best companies and organizations out there. Professors will educate you on how to achieve top results and help pave the way for an innovative future.

The curriculum for the program includes both full-time and part-time tracks, with courses offered in-person and online. Courses are offered in the evening for working individuals who cannot attend classes during the day. Both tracks include a core course in Managing Information Resources and nine elective courses. Students can take electives like Electronic Commerce, Emerging Technologies, Project Management, and Data Analytics in Business. Students will also be required to take either an IT Practicum or a Business Analytics Practicum. These courses will challenge students to apply all the skills they have learned from the coursework and utilize them in a real-world setting. It will assess students’ problem-solving and decision-making skills and also best prepare them for the business industry after they graduate.

Georgia Tech’s program ranks No. 8 among Best MBA in Information Systems, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you are interested in taking the next step and applying to Georgia Tech, feel free to sign up for one of the information sessions that the school holds throughout the year. These sessions include pathways and webinars that help answer any questions pertaining to the MBA. You can meet with admissions counselors who will cover in detail all the documentation you need to submit with your application. Some of the application requirements will include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has some of the most esteemed alumni of any school in the nation. Some of the more recognizable and respected names to receive a degree from the university include former President Jimmy Carter, legendary Hall of Fame golfer Bobby Jones, engineer and astronaut Timothy Kopra, and famous scholar Rosalind Picard. The university also has a lot of history behind it. Back during the Civil War, the Surrender of Atlanta took place right where Georgia Tech is located. Twenty years after the war, Georgia Tech admitted its first students, 84 males. Today, more than 25,000 undergraduates and graduates attend the school, and its programs are taught by a plethora of award-winning faculty who span all academic disciplines.

#7. Arizona State University

Master of Science in Information Systems Management

Located in Tempe, AZ, and within driving distance of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon, Arizona State University offers students the chance to get a high-quality education while enjoying glorious weather and exquisite scenery. With ASU’s Master of Science in Information Systems Management, you will learn about different innovative techniques that you can use to help manage and lead your company to ultimate success. ASU is a leader when it comes to innovation. In fact, the university ranks No. 1 on the list of Most Innovative Schools in the Country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, it ranks No. 53 among Best Public School and No. 9 for Best Management Information Systems Program. ASU also ranks No. 46 on the list of Best National Universities, according to Washington Monthly.

The STEM-designated program offers specializations in Big Data and Tech Consulting. The rigorous core curriculum focuses on six courses: Data and Information Management, Strategic Value of Information Technology, Business Intelligence, Information Security and Controls, and Artificial Intelligence and Business. Students will conclude with a course in Emerging Technologies and complete a capstone project. The capstone project is intended to integrate all the content learned from the previous courses. Students are also encouraged to complete an internship while attending ASU. The program will give students additional hands-on practice in information systems and best prepare them for future management positions in the field.

ASU is looking to add concentrations to its program as the market demands grow. The MISM program prepares students for potential careers as business systems analysts, chief intelligence officers, senior data analysts, and project managers, each of which comes with a very rewarding salary. Many of the courses in ASU’s curriculum are hands-on and incorporate projects, allowing students to get extra experience in the field. The program is also very technology-based and provides courses that can be taken either online or in-person.

If you are applying to ASU, you will be required to answer a compilation of essay questions and submit alongside your application an updated resume, three letters of recommendation, and all transcripts on file. The GRE is required by the admissions office and can be sent directly to ASU. You will need to have a 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible for admission.

If you want to get involved at the university, there are more than 1,000 student organizations to choose from! There are four campuses throughout Arizona, including one in downtown Phoenix. ASU accepts some of the best students from around the country as evidenced by their 3.42 average GPA score and 24.5 average ACT score among all undergraduate students. The school is also extremely affordable and was recently recognized by Washington Monthly for ranking No. 7 among universities that offer “The Most Bang For Your Buck!” Famous golfer Phil Mickelson, comedian Jimmy Kimmel, fashion designer Kate Spade, and baseball great Reggie Jackson all graduated with a degree from ASU. 

#8.  The University of Texas at Dallas

Master of Science in Information Technology and Management

Hook ‘em Horns! Known most for its popular slogan and the school’s mascot, Beavo, a longhorn steer, the University of Texas at Dallas is one of the top colleges in not only the state but also the country. The Dallas campus ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Value Public University in Texas, according to Forbes. The school also ranks No. 21 for Best Places to Get a Graduate Degree, according to U.S. News & World Report. Texas’s Master of Science in Information Technology and Management will give you a strong knowledge of the correlation between business and IT. With technology becoming such an integral part of organizations today, you will be best prepared to handle all the challenges you face and be able to market yourself as a future leader in the industry. The program will teach you managerial skills to help lead a team and excel in today’s industry. 

The curriculum for the MSITM program consists of IT foundation courses, basic business courses, IT elective courses, and personal elective courses. Some of the roles this program aims to train students for includes IT manager, information systems analyst, and cybersecurity administrator. Among the 18-semester core credits that students will enroll in are Object Oriented Programming in Java, Data Management, Systems Analysis and Project Management, Accounting for Managers, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. You will have options to choose electives in a large number of areas related to the program, including topics in forensics, healthcare informatics, web analytics, risk management, applied machine learning, social media business, and software programming. Additionally, the program offers several tracks of study for you to choose from. These tracks include those in Healthcare Systems, Cybersecurity, IT Consulting and Services Manager, Enterprise Systems, and Business Intelligence and Analytics. 

Along with your application, the office of admissions requires a list of documentation that must be submitted for approval in order to be eligible to attend Texas. You will be required to send in your official transcripts, a detailed professional resume, GRE scores, a narrative essay, and three letters of recommendation. When making a decision on eligibility, Texas takes a number of areas into consideration, including a student’s GPA in undergraduate coursework, any awards of excellence, all documentation and recommendations that are submitted, and scores on standardized tests, in particular, the GRE.

Perhaps the most popular Longhorn graduate is actor Matthew McConaughey who is a regular sight at the University of Texas football games when they play in Austin. The football team comes to Dallas once a year to play against the University of Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, which one of the biggest rivalry games of the college season. 

If you live in Dallas, you will have the opportunity to take part in many other student-life opportunities, including going to see the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys play in one of the largest stadiums in the country, AT&T Stadium, which holds nearly 100,000 people. The Cotton Bowl is also played at that stadium on, or just before, New Year’s Day. 

#9.  The University of Pennsylvania

MBA in Operations, Information, and Decisions

The University of Pennsylvania is known for a lot of things, but maybe none more important than its creation of the general-purpose electronic computer in 1946 by the Moore School of Electronic Engineering. Penn is also most famous for handing out a degree to the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, as well as former President William Henry Harrison, businessman Warren Buffett, quarterback Drew Brees (who attended Purdue as well), and famous fashion designer Tory Burch. With Penn’s MBA in Operations, Information, and Decisions, you will gain the business skills you need while learning how innovation and technology play a major role in elevating a company or organization to the next level. 

As part of the curriculum, students are required to take six courses in operations, three courses in information systems, and five courses in decision processes. Sample courses that students will sign up for include Risk and Crisis Management, Managerial Decision Making, Service Operations Management, Innovation, Information Technology and Business Transformation, and Retail Supply Chain Management. Courses are offered in both in-person and online formats. All students are also encouraged to take an internship during their studies to gain additional hands-on practice and to be able to apply the principles learned in the classroom in the real world. Students are given the option to pursue a dual MBA/MS degree, too, in which they can take additional courses in Telecommunications, SEAS, and Cognitive Sciences. With this dual option, students can study mechanical engineering, bioengineering, materials science, and innovative medicine measures. 

All students applying to graduate school for the College of Business at Penn are required to take the GRE and submit those scores to the office of admissions. Additionally, the college requires that all application materials are submitted electronically. These include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a professional resume. For all prerequisite courses needed to be eligible for the program as well as for GPA eligibility requirements, contact the office of admissions for more details. 

Penn carries on the nickname the Quakers and is one of eight Ivy League schools in the U.S. It is recognized by many surveys as a top university. It ranks No. 6 on the list of Best National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report, and ranks in the top five in several other studies for best national colleges. It is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having the No. 1 Business Program in the Nation and is No. 3 in Operations Management. 

More than 21,000 students attend Penn, a large majority of whom attend on a full-time basis. Ninety-six percent of the students who were admitted in its latest class ranked in the top ten for their high school class rankings. Penn is located in Philadelphia and is one of the most diverse colleges in the Northeast; more than 3,000 of the graduate students are international, which makes up more than one-third of the total enrollment.

#10.  Georgia State University

Master of Information Systems

Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia State University is the perfect place to go to school if you want to not only get a Master’s degree but also get involved at school and in the local community. Georgia State offers over 300 student organizations to sign up for that feature service-learning and volunteer opportunities. With a Master of Science in Information Systems, you will get the professional insight on how technology helps drive business success and begin pursuing a position that is highly sought after in today’s job market. Georgia State ranks No. 2 on the list of Most Innovative Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report, and ranks No. 10 in the Nation for Best Management Information Systems Program! Its mission is to give all students significant experiences and growth throughout their time at the university.

The program can be completed in as little as 12 months on a full-time schedule or 24-months on a part-time schedule. Concentrations are offered in Digital Innovation, Big Data Management, and Cybersecurity. The curriculum includes six courses in your concentration area, four required core courses, two elective courses, and a capstone project that is a field study in computer information systems. There are also three foundation courses, but those can be waived if a student meets the GPA requirement within the College of Business. 

Students who take a concentration in Cybersecurity will take one additional elective during their coursework. Additionally, an internship is required to be completed during the duration of the program for additional practice of the content. The Georgia State faculty, made up of five members, is ranked No. 1 in the world for information systems education, according to different independent journals’ rankings. Online and evening courses are available for working professionals who are not able to attend classes during the day.

If you are interested in applying to Georgia State, the admissions office requires you to complete a video interview as part of the application process and submit scores from your GRE. Other items that the office requires to be sent along with the application include a professional resume that details all education and work experience, official transcripts, an essay, and a personal statement that highlights all characteristics and qualities that make you an asset to the program. Letters of recommendation are not mandatory but are recommended. There are three application deadlines throughout the year as well as three separate scholarship deadlines. Recent graduates from Georgia State have found employment in the field at companies like Amazon, IBM, Delta Airlines, Microsoft, Georgia-Pacific, UPS, SAP, Wal-Mart, and Verizon.

Georgia State has over 60 abroad programs that you can choose to enroll in to get extra education while traveling the world. With an extremely small faculty-to-student ratio in the program, you are able to work more closely with your teachers and get strong feedback on all of your assignments. If you plan on taking courses online, make sure you have all the proper equipment and internet connection that the course requires. Georgia State ranks among the Best National Universities, according to Washington Monthly.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Loyola University of Maryland

Location: Baltimore, MD

Degree: MBA Information Systems

Net Price: $39,027

Website

#12. New York University

Location: New York, NY

Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems

Net Price: $39,935

Website

#13. University of California Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, CA

Degree: Master of Information Management and Systems

Net Price: $14,131 (in-state); $29,233 (out-of-state)

Website

#14. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, Texas

Degree: M.S. in Management Information Systems

Net Price:  $9,812 (in-state); $21,164 (out-of-state)

Website

#15. University of Scranton

Location: Scranton, PA

Degree: MBA

Net Price: $36,725

Website

#16. Indiana University

Location: Bloomington, IN

Degree: MS in Information Systems

Net Price: $7,669 (in-state); $17,232 (out-of-state)

Website

#17. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Degree: MS in Information 

Net Price: $23,456 (in-state); $47,006 (out-of-state)

Website

#18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign, IL

Degree: Information Management, MS

Net Price: $18,126 (in-state); $31,279 (out-of-state)

Website

#19. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Degree: MIS for MBAS and MS

Net Price: $9,992 (in-state); $28,794 (out-of-state)

Website

#20. Brigham Young University

Location: Provo, Utah

Degree: Master of Information Systems Management

Net Price: $13,120

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT, THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON THE 50 BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS!

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor