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New technology and innovation are sweeping across the landscape. Many industries are caused to change the way they operate. The food industry is no different. Scientists in the field are looking at and using new tools to make sure that our nation stays healthy.  They must be aware of the positive and negative effects of different foods and health risks. 

With a master’s in Food Science and Technology online, you will learn from experienced faculty about new technologies. You will have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects that will help you become a leader in the food science industry. Teachers provide you with essential:

• tools
• concepts
• frameworks
• critical thinking skills

The online learning environment allows you to study at your convenience. You can manage a life outside of school. This degree has become more popular over the years. It has attracted students from all over the globe to learn about the different health impacts of foods that we eat.

The coursework for the food science and technology degree is rigorous and demanding. You will learn how to keep up with the competition that is out there. You will learn new technologies and innovation that help with food processing and analysis. A degree in this field will prepare you to work in any aspect you desire in food production and development. It will teach you a variety of disciplines in:

• chemistry
• biology
• nutrition
• chemical engineering

With a food science online masters degree, you open yourself up to a large array of job opportunities. According to Glassdoor, some of the jobs that you can pursue with this degree include the following:

• food technologist
• nutritional therapist
• quality manager
• microbiologist
• scientific laboratory technician
• safety inspector
• public health educator

Getting a master’s degree can be a monumental step in your life. In 1970, a mere 200,000 Americans held a degree higher than a bachelor’s. Today, more than 20 million individuals hold a master’s degree, according to the latest U.S. Census data. That is up 22% from what it was in 2000 for adults over the age of 25. Students are more competitive than ever before and know that getting a graduate degree can separate them from the competition. A master’s in Food Science Online program also puts you in line for a doctorate degree. More and more students are pursuing every year. 

Many of the programs below include a research thesis as a mandatory requirement to graduate. Some master’s degrees require a project and comprehensive examination in its place. Courses will also focus on biological sciences and chemical sciences, and their impacts in nutritional science. Specializations are offered with many of the degrees. This allows you to study the areas you are most interested in.

Below, we go over some of the things you can expect when applying for a master’s degree, such as:

• tuition
• scholarship information
• financial aid

We also wanted to give you an idea of what to expect as far as a professional career including:

• salary expectations overall benefits of earning a degree from one of the Top 10 Online Master’s Programs in Food Science and Technology

See Also: 15 Best Affordable Master’s in Food Science and Technology

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS?

Paying for a master’s degree is never easy. They cost a lot more than undergraduate degrees at most high-level institutions. Before you apply, make sure you can afford it. The good news is if you can’t, there are options that can help you pay for your education. 

If you’ve been getting good grades over your last 60-semester hours, pursue a scholarship. There are hundreds of scholarships, especially for the Food Science and Technology programs. Many of these scholarships will help pay for some, if not all, of your college tuition. Some of the top scholarships you can pursue for a Master’s Degree in Food Science and Technology include the following, according to Scholarships.com:

• Cameron Impact Scholarship
• CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship
• Dean Foods Company Scholarship
• Frans Hagen Scholarship
• Hungry To Lead Scholarship
• National Resources-Excellence in Education Scholarship
• Samsung@First Scholars
• The Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarship
• Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship
• UNCF STEM Scholars Program Scholarship

Another option you may want to pursue is financial aid. Many students take advantage of this opportunity to help them pay for their master’s program. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), provide your:

• social security number
• federal tax records
• income information
• bank statements

Another good way to receive financial help for working professionals is through your place of employment. Many have tuition reimbursement programs at the master’s degree level. Check with the human resources department at your workplace to see if they can help assist with funding for graduate school. Additionally, many employers will help fund your higher education if they see leadership potential in you. With online learning, you don’t have to miss work. You can go home every night and work on your studies. If you’re already in the food science industry, you will be able to use what you learn in school in the workplace on a daily basis.

Student loans are another great way to fund your education. We recommend this as a last resort—because they can take a long time to pay off. It’s worth it if you are driven to move up in your career. According to U.S. News & World Report, the following banks and loan companies are the best places to apply for a student loan:

• Citizens Bank
• CommonBond
• Discover
• Earnest LendKey
• Laurel Road

Many of the banks on our list above can offer loans of up to nearly $21,000 for your master’s degree. Be sure that the interest rates on the loan aren’t too high to find the best loan for you.

The bottom line is don’t let money automatically hold you back. There are many ways to get help. If you want it enough, go out there and find a way to make it happen. Pursue all of the options above so you can be on your way to getting that master’s degree. 

See Also: 10 Best Food Science Masters Programs

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH A MASTER’S IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY? 

Food, nutrition, and agricultural scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of different food products and establishments. Most of these scientists work in:

• laboratories
• offices
• in the field

Without these workers in place, we wouldn’t have a good grasp on which foods are the healthiest and where the dangers are concerning nutrition. People with this background play a major role in the health and well-being of millions of Americans.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food and agricultural scientists make an annual salary of just under $61,000 a year. With management positions in the field, those salaries can exceed $100,000 a year in some areas. However, there are a large variety of other careers you can pursue with a master’s degree in Food Science and Technology that also have very strong annual salaries. Some of the most common and popular careers out there, according to Payscale, are the following:

• Quality Assurance Manager: $77,000/year
• Research & Development Director: $126,000/year
• Senior Production Development Scientist: $82,000/year
• Food Safety Manager: $64,000/year
• Microbiologist: $55,000/year
• Nutrition Specialist: $59,000/year

According to Salary.com, the average income for a graduate with a master’s in Food Science and Technology is between $58,000 and $62,000 per year. With a bachelor’s degree, that number is closer to $50,000 a year. In other words, getting that master’s degree is not only worth it for the salary potential but also for the potential to move up into management. 

Additionally, jobs in the food science industry are growing at a faster-than-average rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for food scientists is expected to grow by more than 7%. With technology impacting more and more jobs, especially in food science, that number will only increase in the coming years.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MASTER’S DEGREES IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY?

We know that you have educational goals that you want to pursue but 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 food science degree online programs!

#1. Michigan State University

Master’s in Food Safety

When it comes to size and popularity, not many can match that of Michigan State University. Located in the state capital, Lansing, it is the eighth-largest university in terms of enrollment. It totals more than 50,000 students. Home of the Spartans, the school bleeds green and is the alma mater of one of the most famous basketball players to ever live, Magic Johnson. It has the best food science masters online.

There are a lot of great reasons to love “State,” and if you end up studying for your MS in food safety here, you will love the school even more. Michigan State’s faculty will provide you with many hands-on opportunities and practices so you can be a leader in the food industry and have the most knowledge possible when it comes to food laws and regulations.

The 30-credit curriculum touches on a wide variety of disciplines, including:

• leadership
• microbiology
• toxicology
• epidemiology
• food law

The program lets you choose nine-elective credits of your choice toward your degree, and you will complete a six-credit applied project where you will get a chance to show you have a grasp of everything you have learned. Sample core courses you will be taking include:

• Evolution and Ecology of Foodborne Pathogens
• Intro to Food Safety and Professional Development
• Food Safety Research Methods
• Food Safety Toxicology
• International food Laws & Regulations

Between the required core courses and elective courses, there are more than 60 classes to choose from.

Additionally, the program offers a dual degree option and also offers an alternative certificate in food safety. More than 80 instructors and experts are part of your master’s degree education who will guide you as you move along in your coursework. The program itself comprises students from 30 countries and 46 different states.

According to the program’s website, MSU ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Online Food Safety Graduate Programs in the Nation. It also ranks No. 34 on the list of Top Public Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you are motivated and driven to apply to MSU, make sure you contact an admissions counselor and meet all the requirements the university is looking for. Applicants are required to submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement to the office of admissions.

While the program can be taken fully online, many students still enjoy the environment of studying on or near campus. MSU has lots of student life opportunities for you in and around campus. If you like to bike, the MSU campus has 12 miles of biking trails and 20,000 bicycle parking spaces. The university has more than 900 student organizations, so no matter what you’re interested in, there’s bound to be a club for you. Athletics is also extremely popular at MSU, including men’s college basketball, which has won two national championships over the last 41 years, including during Magic’s years as a student.

#2.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Food Science Graduate Program

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the biggest of three state campuses and is home to 18 colleges and more than 150 programs of study. The university is known for many things. None may be bigger than being the birth of YouTube. Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, both UI alumni, created the online video platform that has become a phenomenon bigger than they ever could have imagined. A master’s degree in food science will teach you about a variety of different skills and safety procedures within the field, including:

• food microbiology
• sensory science
• food processing
• chemical food safety

The food science graduate degree can be taken fully online so you can work your education around your schedule.

The 32-credit curriculum requires at least 17 required core credits followed by 15 elective credits. You can choose electives from a number of different specializations, including:

• Food Processing and Engineering
• Food Chemistry
• Food Microbiology

You can also choose electives from other areas of interest. Sample core courses you will enroll in include:

• Advanced Food Chemistry
• Food Processing I
• Nutrition for Food Scientists
• Seminar in Foods and Nutrition

The program provides you with the option of working with a faculty adviser who will guide you through the coursework and help you stay on top of your studies. The faculty is made up of experts in the field who bring their experience to lessons on:

• rheology
• the use of acoustic ultrasound in food processing
• bioprocessing
• state-of-the-art processing technologies
• biodegradable resins

Some of the major areas that you will study during your coursework include:

• food safety and toxicology
• the manipulation of storage components
• flavor chemistry
• the chemical stability of foods
• structure-function behavior

UI has graduated some of the nation’s most famous names, including film critic Roger Ebert, Ferris Bueller actor Alan Ruck, and Knots Landing actress Donna Mills. If you live on campus, you are surrounded by a number of big cities within easy access. The university is only a couple hours from Chicago and is also within driving distance of:

• St. Louis, MO
• Indianapolis, IN
• Louisville, KY

Other relevant master’s degrees include:

• Human Nutrition MS
• Online Food Science MS (no thesis)

#3.  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Master’s in Agriculture and Life Sciences (Food Safety and Biosecurity Concentration)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more commonly called Virginia Tech, is known for its powerful school spirit. The school’s Master’s in Agriculture and Life Sciences with a concentration in Food Safety and Biosecurity will educate students in the laws and regulations concerning food production and processing and teach them how to implement food safety management programs.

The 30-credit curriculum does not require a thesis and can be completed fully online. Students will enroll in eight courses. It will culminate with a final hands-on project in which they will apply all the skills they’ve learned and show full mastery of the content. Twelve of the credits will be specifically tied into the Food Safety and Biosecurity concentration. 

Some of the sample courses you will enroll in include:

• Global Food Laws and Regulations
• Animal and Plant Biosafety and Biosecurity
• Applied Food Microbiology and Sanitation
• Food Safety and Security
• Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices

Additionally, all students are expected to take one core course in Research Methodology along with one core course in International Agriculture or Agricultural Business. You can also take more courses and add other concentrations, including concentrations in:

• Education
• Applied Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Plant Science and Pest Management

VT ranks No. 32 on the list of Top Public Schools in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences also ranks among the top 100 programs, according to QS rankings. If you are interested in submitting an application online to VT, you will need to also scan and submit a number of documents. The office of admissions requires three letters of recommendation and official transcripts to be sent in. To see if you need to take the GRE and submit those scores, contact an admissions counselor to see whether you are eligible for a waiver.

#4.  Colorado State University

MS in Food Science and Nutrition with Specialization in Nutrition

When it comes to traditions, Colorado State University is all about it. Located in Fort Collins, students at CSU showcase their Ram pride daily and take school spirit seriously. With a Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition, with a specialization in Nutrition, you will learn fundamental and advanced principles about the relationship between nutrition and health. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in the coursework to real-world settings.

The 35-credit program offers courses online or face-to-face at the main campus. The program has two options: one that includes a thesis and one that includes extra coursework and a culminating project. You will be required to take a group of required courses along with a long list of electives you can choose from. Some of the electives include:

• Cancer Genetics
• Early Childhood Safety, Health, and Nutrition
• Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Medical Microbiology
• Biological Physics

A practicum is also encouraged in an effort to give students more hands-on experience in the field.  

The final research project in the non-thesis path includes three options:

• Dietetics Research Project
• Nutrition Research Project
• Food Service Management Research Project

You will also be required to take Statistics and Research Methods from the required course bank. The program is not only designed to help you with advanced concepts you can use after you earn your master’s, but it’s also designed to prepare you for further studies should you decide to continue on toward earning a PhD. The specialization in the curriculum focuses on the relationship between nutrition and health.

CSU esteemed alumni include:

• former Nevada senator John Ensign
• Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken
• comedian Leslie Jones

#5.  Kansas State University

Food Science Master of Science — Online

Located in Manhattan — Manhattan, Kan., that is — Kansas State University welcomes students from all walks of life into its university. Twenty-seven percent of students at KSU are from other states and 18 different countries. KSU embraces diversity and encourages engagement and the sharing of deep knowledge. An online food science master’s program is for degree-holding food industry professionals who wish to advance their careers and learn more about the safety of food development and production. 

Students who do not wish to pursue a thesis are required to complete 34-semester credit hours, and 20 to 22 of the semester credits are core courses followed by the remaining credits, which are electives. Those who complete the six-credit thesis must:

• compose a project
• give an oral presentation
• take a comprehensive examination prior to graduation

Sample core courses in the program are:

• Food Microbiology
• Advanced Food Chemistry
• Sensory Analysis; Research and Development of Food Products
• Quality Assurance of Food Products

At least 18 of the semester credits in the core and elective course bank must be 700-level courses or higher in order to count toward the degree. 

In 2019, The Princeton Review ranked KSU No. 2 on the list of Best Health Services Programs and Best Quality of Life. It also ranked No. 7 on the list of Best-Run Colleges in the Nation. If you wish to apply to KSU, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of coursework. You must also have prerequisite courses completed in:

• Physics
• Microbiology
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Biology (or Botany or Zoology)

Kansas State University has handed out degrees to thousands of past alumni, including:

• actress Kirstie Alley
• four-star general and KSU president Richard Myers
• Earl Woods, father of golfing great Tiger Woods

KSU students sport the Powercat logo, which stands as the official logo for all its very popular athletic teams. The school is part of the Big 12 Conference and regularly plays other esteemed universities like:

• Oklahoma State University
• the University of Oklahoma
• the University of Texas
• the University of Kansas

KSU has three other campuses throughout the state, one of those being a polytechnic university. Any of KSU campuses can be attended in an effort to complete your online studies. 

#6.  University of Arkansas

Master of Science in Food Safety

Known for being a top research school, the University of Arkansas ranks among the top 3% nationwide for having the “highest possible level of research,” according to The Carnegie Foundation. By studying toward an online Master of Science in Food Safety, you will be taught by experienced faculty in the field. You will learn essential skills in the preventative process, microbiology, toxicology, and epidemiology. The program is based solely on U.S. standards, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points as well as food safety laws and regulations.

The 30-credit curriculum is fully online with nine credits being earned a year. However, the three-year program can be accelerated if you wish to earn your degree in a shorter amount of time. You will be required to complete a final three-hour special problems research project along with an oral presentation and examination administered by a graduate faculty committee. The university also encourages internships to give you more hands-on practice in the field. 

Sample core courses that you will take include:

• Principles of Food Microbiology
• Food Biosecurity
• Safety and Sanitation for the Food Industry
• Food Toxicology and Containments
• Food Safety Law

There is also a three-hour statistics requirement that you must take along with your other courses as well as six hours of electives. Unlike other schools, UA’s Food Safety Graduate Program does not require a thesis in order to successfully complete the degree. The same faculty members who teach students face-to-face also teach online courses in the Food Safety program. 

UA is located in Fayetteville, which recently ranked No. 4 on the list of Best Places to Live, according to U.S. News & World Report. That same survey ranked UA as No. 72 on the list of Best Public Universities. If you are interested in applying to UA, you will want to inquire whether you are eligible to bypass the GRE and be placed on the exempt list. Contact an admissions counselor to see if you meet the requirements. 

Famous graduates from UA include:

• former President Bill Clinton
• former Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
• gold medalist Veronica Campbell-Brown
• Hall of Fame football coach Jimmy Johnson

#7.  Texas A&M University

Master of Science in Food Science

Many confuse Texas A&M University with being a military academy. It’s not, but it does have the largest ROTC program of any other university and is well known for its Corps of Cadets, which are visible at every home football game at Kyle Field during the season. In fact, the Corps of Cadets is TAMU’s oldest student organization and is led by Reveille, a real-life collie who holds the Cadets’ highest rank.

The Master of Science in Food Science is targeted toward students who want professional training with real-world experience along with a management orientation in the food industry. The program is designed to give you advanced skills in problem-solving while improving your experience in a variety of different food industry–related areas.

The 32-credit curriculum requires a list of core courses as well as research and development of a thesis that must be presented prior to earning a degree. You will also have the choice of taking nine electives, three of which must come from outside your area of interest. Sample courses you will see on your schedule include:

• Chemistry of Foods
• Microbiology of Foods
• Directed Studies
• Food Science Seminar

You will receive some course credit for the research you conduct for your thesis. An acceptable thesis must demonstrate comprehensive understanding and mastery of the literature in the program as well as all content given to you by your professors.

Faculty members in this program have extensive experience and will provide you opportunities to work hands-on within the field. Courses are offered both online through virtual coursework and face to face. Dual degree options are also available in nutrition and kinesiology. Internships are encouraged by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science.

Among the many alumni who have earned a degree from TAMU include:

• former Texas governor Rick Perry
• American Idol star Jason Castro
• singer Lyle Lovett
• NFL pro bowl wide receiver Mike Evans

Football is extremely popular at the university, and the crowd there has a 12th man tradition where they cheer loudly to give the team an extra boost during home games. TAMU is also big on community service. It holds what is called “The Big Event” every year, where more than 20,000 students pitch in and help out in the community. 

#8.  University of Florida

Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition

It’s hard to find a better place to study than the University of Florida. Located in Gainesville, you are within driving distance of the beautiful East Coast beaches, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Orlando, and Tampa. You also get to enjoy “Gator-Mania” on Saturdays during college football season, where the football team is a regular national championship contender. UF is on a small list of schools that win multiple national championships in both men’s college basketball and college football. In all of its athletics, it’s totaled 36 national championships!

The Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition is designed to prepare graduates for ultimate success in the food industry. It will also prepare graduates for positions in both the academic industry and government. The program admits around 90 to 100 graduate students each year and there are approximately 30 faculty members on staff. 

The 30-credit curriculum consists of 24-course credits and six-research credits. Three of the courses are required while the other five courses offer a list of classes to be taken from three different categories. Those three categories are:

• Food Processing and Engineering
• Food Microbiology and Safety
• Food Chemistry

And all students are required to take:

• Research Planning
• Statistical Methods in Research I
• Food Science and Technology Seminar

For students wishing to take the Nutritional Science track, the program offers a variety of research areas of emphasis, among them Human Nutrition and Molecular and Cellular Nutrition and Metabolomics. Just like the Food Science track, 24-semester hours are required with six credits going toward research. Sample courses include:

• Minerals in Nutrition
• Nutritional Aspects of Carbohydrates
• Proteins and Amino Acids in Nutrition
• Clinical Nutrition

Courses are offered both online and face-to-face for graduate students.

Among the graduates to earn a degree from UF include:

• sportscaster and TV personality Erin Andrews
• Senator Marco Rubio
• actress Faye Dunaway
• Mets All-Star Pete Alonso

Students who attend UF for their first year love it, with 96% of them returning for another year, according to the school website. UF is also known as well for its successful diversity efforts. It ranks No. 1 in the nation among all Amateur Athletics Union institutions for Most Master’s Degrees Awarded to Hispanic Students. The university also has two Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty members and 43 faculty elections to the National Academy of Sciences Engineering. 

#9.  Penn State University

MS in Food Science

Penn State University is world-renowned for being the home of not only the Nittany Lions but Berkey Creamy Ice Cream (the largest university creamery in the world). It is known for giving courses to Ben and Jerry, who opened their own ice cream parlor soon after they earned their degrees. Established in 1855, PSU also has the fourth-largest football stadium in the world and is the third most populated city in Pennsylvania during Saturday home games.

A Master of Science in Food Science at PSU will develop your food processing and decision-making skills. You can leave the university with the talent to make a positive impact on the food industry. Award-winning faculty members who have professional experience in the field are the ones who train you to be leaders upon graduation. All students in the program are expected to present a thesis and successfully pass an oral examination prior to earning a degree. Courses are offered both on-campus and in an online setting where you can earn many of your credits from home. 

The 30-credit curriculum requires 18 required core credits and six elective credits. The final six credits will come from the culminating research for the thesis project. Required courses include:

• Research Methods in Food Science
• Fundamentals of Food Science-Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Food Science-Microbiology
• Fundamentals of Food Science-Engineering

You can continue your education and earn a doctorate degree in Food Science with a postgraduate degree in either Clinical and Translational Sciences or International Agriculture and Development.

Also among the most Recognized alumni at PSU include:

• NFL star running back Saquon Barkley
• journalist Lisa Salters
• former Senator Rick Santorum
• Biochemist Paul Berg who earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980

In your free time, you can take a car ride or short train ride to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or New York City and explore much of the history of the East Coast. There are hundreds of clubs to join at a university that is big on involvement as well as diversity. Athletics and school spirit are a big part of the university as its teams compete against other Big 10 Conference schools for national championships in every major male and female sport.

#10.  University of Idaho

Master of Science in Food Science

The mission of the University of Idaho is to shape the future through innovative thought, community collaboration, and transformative education. UI values the connection teachers are able to make with their students, which is why they aim to keep class sizes at a reasonably low number. A 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows for improved feedback and one-on-one communication in the classroom.

The Master of Science in Food Science allows you to conduct innovative and high-quality research to solve the challenges facing today’s food science industry. As part of the program, you will work hands-on getting real-world experience using the resources UI offers. You will also have the opportunity to apply for assistantships and compete in competitions while publishing your research.  

The curriculum includes a thesis and a non-thesis option. With the non-thesis option, you will need to complete 33-semester credits and take an oral examination and research project that shows mastery of the course content. With the thesis option, you will work with an adviser and present a thesis proposal to the graduate committee. The program emphasizes research and also includes an oral examination. Along with food science courses, students are required to complete three-credits of statistics and nine-credits in specific core food science courses.

The curriculum emphasizes courses in:

• food processing
• food chemistry
• food microbiology
• sensory evaluation

East student’s program of study is individualized based on their interests, prior academic experience, and collaboration with their faculty mentor. UI collaborates with Washington State University and has faculty that teaches at both schools.

Among those who have studied at UI include:

• financial analyst Lou Dobbs
• former Alaska governor Sarah Palin
• cyclist Kristin Armstrong

UI provides access to resources in facilities in two states and seven cities with its main campus in Moscow, Idaho. There are nine research and extension centers on-campus and the school is a noted national leader in student-centered learning and interdisciplinary research that promotes public service, according to its website.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 HIGHEST PAYING MASTER’S DEGREES!

Getting a master’s in education can create new and interesting opportunities. In fact, an affordable masters in education can make it possible for anyone to work within a variety of elementary and secondary school settings.

But, like so many degree programs in the modern era, cost can be a huge problem. We’re here to help with the cheapest online master’s in education.

Americans across the board are more educated than ever before. And it’s not just online master education programs they’re completing, either! There are about 21 million master’s degree holders across the nation. That’s 13.1% of adults over age 25 in 2011 versus just 8.6 percent in the year 2000. That’s according to the US Census Bureau.

These degree recipients are spread across a variety of fields. But over 20% hold a master’s in education. This type of graduate degree allows educators to move into administrative positions. You can take on different types of responsibilities. Of course, you can also earn more competitive salaries.

See Also: Top 50 Highest Paying Masters Degrees

Cheapest Online Masters in Education

Why pursue the cheapest online education masters? There are lots of reasons.

First, it’s important that educators continue to learn and grow. That way, you can better serve your communities and student populations. You also deserve to get the biggest bang for your educational buck.

Finishing that online master’s in education will give you a great sense of accomplishment. It can also make you a better teacher. You can fill in gaps that you may have struggled with during years of field work. You may find new and better ways to apply the techniques you were already using in your classroom within your master’s degree.

A master’s degree is still a big investment, though. This is why it helps to save all you can while still learning a lot.

If you’re thinking of pursuing any of the online master’s degree programs on this list, be sure to think about what kind of financial aid is available. We’ll help you find the best online master’s degree programs in our guide.

See Also: Best Affordable Master’s Degree Programs

Cheapest Online Master’s in Education

Teachers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from an online master’s in education. If you’ve ever considered a move into administration, having additional education can only help your case. 

A master’s degree in education may not always be necessary. But having the unique training that goes with an educational administration track will prepare you for anything.

You can achieve your dreams of working for an entire school or district’s population of  students. That is, rather than just a classroom-full. Educational administrators can help shape the future of education on a larger scale. They can help graduate at many different levels. A master’s degree will help you meet any career goals you might have.

Online education provides flexibility for people who are already working in their field, but are seeking to expand their knowledge base. These programs are administered through accredited colleges and universities. You may be relieved to know that there’s nothing different about the quality of learning between an online degree and a seated master’s degree.

See Also: 50 Best Master of Library Science Online Degree Programs

Common Admission Requirements

Ready to look into the cheapest education masters online? You probably have a lot of questions before you jump in. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! 

Here are some common questions about the cheapest education masters and all their answers. Admission requirements vary so be sure to check with your specific school.

See Also: 50 Best Online Master of Liberal Studies Degree Programs

How Long Does an Online Master’s in Education Take to Complete?

In the cheapest education masters, you will be able to work at your own pace. Therefore, your program length will depend on how many courses you’re able to complete each term.

Most online programs will take about two years to complete. That’s just like in a seated master’s degree environment. A few schools have accelerated programs. These can be completed in just 18 months.

Will I Need to Take the GRE for a Masters in Education Online Cheap?

The pre-admission testing process varies from school to school. A typical graduate program requires online graduate students to take either the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the lesser-known Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

The MAT measures your problem solving abilities using a battery of comparisons. The GRE is more of a general knowledge test. If your school accepts either, it may be worth it to take both as practice exams. You can then choose the one you completed the best as your entrance exam.

Not all affordable online master’s degrees include test scores as part of their admission requirements. Always ask if you’re not sure.

What Do I Need to Apply to an Online Master?

Admission requirements vary between schools and programs. For most you’ll need the following:

• Letters of recommendation
• Official graduate entrance exam scores
• Official transcripts from prior schools (required hours of coursework or credit hours might vary – and some schools accept unofficial transcripts, too)
• Personal statements
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of valid teaching license
• Application fee or fee waiver

Some schools may not have this many requirements. Others may have different requirements. Prospective graduate students should always check with the admissions department before they begin their applications. Allow as much time as possible for your application to be completed. It may take some time to collect all of these materials that are needed as part of the admission requirements. 

Keep in mind that admission requirements can vary depending on what sort of advanced degree students applying for might be interested in.

Some popular areas for online graduate students pursuing graduate education include:

• Online master in English education
• Online master’s degree specializing in classroom teaching for elementary school teachers, middle school educators, secondary educators, and even online schools
• Online master in adult education
• Online master in educational administration (school principal, superintendent, CSE chair, etc)
• Online master in mental health counseling
• Online master’s degree in educational research
• Online master in instructional leadership
• Online master in public administration
• Online master’s degree in classroom management
• Online master’s degree with a specialization in math, science, engineering, social sciences, foreign language, etc etc
• Online master’s degree in educational technology
• Online master’s degree in physical education
• Online master’s degree in teacher leadership (often a Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership)
• Online master training for curriculum specialists

Many schools offer accelerated online programs. These let you get the necessary coursework and teaching experience in just a year or two. In some cases, you can even pursue teaching licensure after completing an affordable online master’s degree. This is an important question to ask when you’re looking at the many cheapest online master’s degrees out there. If teaching licensure is a goal, ask if it will be possible with the specific affordable online master’s programs you’re looking at.

What to Look for in Online Degree Programs

When you’re looking at online degree programs, it’s important that you consider not only your needs for online learning, but the quality of each online master’s degree.

Most online degree programs fall under the same rigorous standards as on campus master’s degree options.

After you’ve decided which area of study to pursue in your online master’s (educational leadership, curriculum development, special education, etc) think about which affordable online master’s programs are the best. Which will help you meet your goals for professional development the best?

You will want to look at some of the following factors:

• Accreditation – the best online programs are regionally accredited by organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
• Online learning technology – what tools are available to help you in your educaitonal journey
• Financial aid – more on this below!
• Support for prospective students – things like advising, career coaching, faculty support, and so on

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Choosing an affordable online Master’s in Education is just the first step. The next is figuring out how you’re going to pay for it. An affordable master’s degree program is still a lot more than nickels and dimes. The good news is that you don’t have to go digging in your couch (and all the neighbor’s couches, too!) to come up with funding. While a master of science in education will almost always be more expensive than. bachelor’s degree, it is possible to find an affordable online master’s. 

Most graduate students need some form of private and federal student aid. When looking at the cheapest masters in education, here are some options for graduate students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. 

Student Loans

The reality is that student loans are the financial cornerstone of most educational funding. At the graduate level, subsidized loans are seldom offered. You should be able to borrow more than enough to pay for tuition and books without trouble.

Stafford loans do not require a credit check or underwriting in the same way that private sector student loans do. You wouldn’t be in a position where you’d need a co-borrower or to provide any collateral. Your education is your collateral. These loans are accessible to most borrowers.

Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants

There are many scholarships, fellowships and grants available to people seeking a master’s in education. Some, like the TEACH grant, are meant to help bring more high quality educators into schools that are disadvantaged.

Others, like post-baccalaureate Pell Grants, help graduate students who still have financial need despite their employment. They help them earn additional accreditation in education to improve their base pay as an educator. The tuition assistance is a big help, too!

Particular disciplines may offer fellowships or grants for specific subject matter as well.

Grants and fellowships are also available exclusively for minority and female students wishing to pursue degrees in education. These are often offered at your university or local level. There are a number of solid search engines that specialize in graduate school grant funding. These will help greatly expand your search for funding.

Be sure to read instructions with a keen eye for details. Just like admission requirements vary, so, too, do financial aid requirements.

Applying for Aid

Every student should start their financial aid process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will let your university see your educational picture and offer supportive aid when needed. Some aid is based on your GPA alone. But a great deal of aid is also need-based. The FAFSA helps your student aid department determine how your need compares to other students at your school.

Follow the application instructions to the letter. When an essay is required, remember to keep your focus on how meeting your educational goals will help others, not just you. Many students fail to treat application essays much the same as resume cover letters. They miss out on aid they would have otherwise been excellent candidates for.

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

No one goes into education for the income alone. But many people in the field do extra educational work in order to increase their earning potential over time.

Some districts will pay for all or some of a master’s in education. But many educators and administrators must foot the bill themselves. Therefore, it’s important to know you’ll be able to pay back what you invested.

Potential Earnings With a Bachelor’s in Education

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NTCQ) is an organization that monitors teacher income and supports teachers in other aspects of their careers. Based on their data, first time educators with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $40,000 to $44,900.

The very top earners can receive compensation of over $55,000 per year. But these are often limited to high cost of living areas or very high demand fields.

Earning More with the Cheapest Education Masters

Holding a master’s in education gives you more opportunities to earn more. That’s whether or not you intend to stay in the classroom. Most districts recognize the time and effort you put into your profession. They realize that you’re bringing a great deal more to the table as you gain more specialized knowledge.

The master’s in education also gives you more opportunities for working in administrative positions. You can even work in subjects that are harder to fill. You might qualify for an entry level university position. You could even take on a teaching job at your local community college. This would never be possible with a bachelor’s alone.

We’ll cover the top online master’s degree in education options below. But if this list isn’t enough, know that you can find other excellent full time study programs at schools like:

• The University of North Texas
• Western Governors University
• University of Texas Permian Basin
• Kansas State University
• Sam Houston State University
• Arizona State University
• South Dakota State University
• Old Dominion University
• Kennesaw State University
• Wilmington University
• Valdosta State University
• Lamar University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• University of South Carolina

All of these schools offer affordable graduate tuition and the academic excellence you’d expect in a top affordable master degree. These are some of the fastest growing universities in the country and offer top programs in hybrid formats that ensure overall quality without skimping on affordability or accessibility.

What Are the Best Affordable Master’s in Education 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. We want to help you reach your goals.

Are you ready to earn an affordable online master degree that will take you to the next level?

Check out our ranking of the best affordable online master’s in education!

#1. Texas A&M University – College Station

MEd / MS in Special Education

You’ll find one of the best and cheapest master’s in education at Texas A&M University.

As a student of Texas A&M’s Department of Educational Psychology (EPSY), you’ll learn from some of the strongest educators in the field. EPSY gained national recognition for its academics and research programs. But its focus on diversity, technology and international activity fuel powerful and influential opportunities for all students. 

You will find a top master of science in graduate education here.

Program Overview

Students in the MEd / MS in special education program at Texas A&M – College Station are professionals in education or administration. If you have a background in education, behavior, disability or related fields, this may be the additional training you need. This is a degree that will prepare you for either working in the field. It will also help you pursue additional graduate level work beyond the bachelor’s degree. 

You will spend two years completing this 36 credit hour degree program. Classes you may choose to incorporate include:

• Applied Behavior Management in the Classroom
• Educating Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Bilingual Special Education
• Transition Education and Services for Individuals with Disabilities
• Prevention, Support, and Intervention for Students with Emotional and Behavior Problems

Fellow students will be general and special educators, administrators, counselors, therapists, registered behavior technicians and behavior coaches. They are all professionals like you who want to expand their knowledge base. This cheapest master’s in education will help you better serve diverse student populations. 

Texas A&M – College Station has five online master’s degrees within EPSY. Those are:

• Bilingual education (MEd / MS)
• Educational technology (MEd)
• Educational psychology – specialization in creativity and cognition (MEd)
• Educational psychology – specialization in school counseling (MEd)
• Special education (MEd / MS)

Only educational psychology – specialization in creativity and cognition asks for GRE transcripts. If you’re test-adverse or  don’t have the time to study for and complete the exam, you still have plenty of opportunities here. This is one of the best affordable online master’s degrees in the world. 

This is our top of the best affordable online master’s in education. You can do all your coursework from home or after your teaching day is over. Whatever fits into your schedule best!

#2. Liberty University

Liberty University opened in 1971. It was created by the Reverend Jerry Falwell. This is an accredited Christian liberal arts institution. There are 17 schools and over 100,000 students worldwide. The school’s home campus is in Lynchburg, Virginia. But online students are as welcome on the premises. They are encouraged to participate in a variety of social and educational events throughout the year.

Online Master’s in Education (MEd)

This university also offers in-person intensive study sessions throughout the year. These can be used to fulfill various credit hour requirements or fill knowledge gaps for online students. If you’re looking for a master of science degree program that goes well beyond the bachelor’s degree, this is the affordable online master’s for you.

Program Overview

Liberty University has been doing distance learning since 1985. They started with correspondence courses and adopting technology as it became available. The master’s in education is meant to help working teachers complete or increase their education. This cheap masters in education online can be completed while remaining in the classroom.

The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). You don’t have to worry that your accreditation will fail to transfer or be useful after graduation.

You can choose from four advanced licensure tracks to meet your credit hour requirements:

• Administration and supervision
• Math specialist endorsement
• Reading endorsement
• School counseling

Add-on licensure in curriculum and instruction in gifted education or early childhood education are available to master’s in education students.

Courses are taught as flexible, eight-week sessions. You can graduate in as little as 18 months. Financial aid is available for these online graduate programs.

This school offers several options for teachers who already hold a license and are seeking to reach their career goals faster. They’re excellent choices for teachers looking to work within private school settings or work in educational administration. These programs only have 30 credit hours of coursework. They still result in a master’s degree.

You have the option of pursuing a non-licensure specialty in educational leadership, instructional design and technology. The educational leadership pathway is an excellent option for graduate students looking for online master’s degrees that will allow them to become administrators.

Beyond the educational leadership affordable online master, there are many other curriculum and instruction programs to help you make up your required credit hour plan. Tracks within non-licensure curriculum and instruction include, but aren’t limited to:

• educational technology and online instruction
• history
• leadership
• special education
• higher education
• curriculum development
• early childhood education
• urban education

As is the case with the other online master’s degree programs on this list, financial aid is available.

#3. California State University – Fresno

Master’s of Arts in Education – Reading/Language Arts

This school opened in 1911 as Fresno State Normal School. Since then, California State University – Fresno is dedicated to creating passionate educators and other community leaders.

Today, California State University – Fresno’s Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s primary goal is to help educators and administrators reach their full potential. This is carried out in culturally diverse settings. 

If you’re looking for an affordable online master’s degree program that gives you extensive training beyond the bachelor’s degree, this is the one for you.

Program Overview

California State University – Fresno began as a college dedicated to training the best teachers in California. It still holds tight to that goal within the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

It educates more California primary and secondary teachers than any other in the state. Through its online programs, including the Master’s of Arts in education in reading/language arts, it is now finding ways to achieve those goals well beyond state borders.

The reading/language arts program gives teachers the additional credentials and credit hour plans they need to excel in reading literacy. Or you can expand into this area. You can choose to complete a project, thesis or comprehensive exam as your culminating experience. 

Higher education sessions are eight weeks long. This allows distance learners to focus on one subject at a time. You can take up to two classes per term. You can skip terms as needed. And you can do classroom work at a time that best fits your schedule. You will be required to log into live sessions. But most of the classroom work in this master of science is more flexible.

This higher education program asks for the completion of 30 credit hour unit prior to graduation. These includes a clinical or field experience. You’ll attend courses like:

• Language Issues in Reading
• Assessment and Development of Reading Abilities
• Literacy Process and Practices
• Research in Education
• Educational Measurement and Program Evaluation

Additional credentials and certificates are available with this degree option. These include the California reading/literacy leadership specialists credential and the California reading/literacy added authorization (certificate). Financial aid is available for online graduate programs here. 

#4. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

MEd in Elementary Education

Graduates of the Cato College of Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte learn from some of the best in their field. The exemplary in-house educators have experience in the field. They’re also invested in moving research in education forward. This school is a product of the post World War II education boom.

UNC Charlotte grew from a few night classes into a premier research institution set on a 1,000-acre campus. Of course, it’s also where you will find some of the top online masters degree in education cheapest options for higher education.

Program Overview

Experienced teachers can expand their educational accreditation in a flexible online classroom setting. You’ll receive exceptional support from the decorated faculty of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s MEd in elementary education program. You can choose your own concentration. You can have substantial career development in just 30 credit hours of coursework.

Choose from these practical areas of study in the affordable online master’s:

• Academically or intellectually gifted (AIG)
• Anti-racism in urban education (ARUE)
• Elementary mathematics
• Literacy
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education

Students are prepared for:

• teaching jobs in elementary and pre-K schools
• holding program administration positions
• leading schools as principals or assistant principals

You can apply for a doctoral program created to prepare you for one of many leadership roles.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a school focused on research. Students are encouraged to complete a significant research-based capstone project under the guidance of experienced faculty. Your own classroom or school can serve as an excellent source of reliable data for work. This can be used for presentation at teaching conferences.

#5. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Master’s of Education in STEM Education

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is located within the North Carolina Research Triangle. This school was destined to become a premier STEM research institution. Its roots were in agriculture and engineering. Today students and facilities work together to innovate in ways that change the world for the better.

Here, education is a driving force behind ever-changing and expansive online master’s of education programs. This school stays ahead of educational trends. It helps to fill needs as they emerge nationwide.

Program Overview

The Master of Education in STEM education is an exciting new program. It shares core coursework with other areas of concentration within STEM education. However, the majority of the 30 hours of coursework you’ll spend in this degree will be dedicated to science education. It is similar to other master of science degree program options in its breadth and depth but allows for more hands-on work. 

You can apply for professional licensure to expand your teaching certifications. Or you can move into areas like conservation science or school administration. Educator preparation courses include:

• Biochemistry of Gene Expression
• Dendrology
• Geospatial Modeling
• Comparative Nutrition
• Comparative Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology

Most students complete this higher education program in about two years attending full time. Part-time students graduate within four years. Both complete 30 credit hours of coursework. Prospective students may also pursue graduate education in related fields like:

• computer engineering
• health sciences
• aerospace engineering

Educators exploring programs in STEM education have a few other options at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Online higher education specialities include engineering and technology, as well as mathematics and statistics. All three STEM education concentrations share core courses. These could be helpful for students who may be on the fence about their particular area of study. They can ease into the right online program.

Additional online master’s of education programs at this institution include:

• adult and continuing professional education
• agricultural and extension education
• college counseling and student development
• health professions education.

#6. Appalachian State University

Master’s of Arts in Elementary Education

Appalachian State University first opened in 1899 as a college for future teachers. It continues to lead the pack in higher education excellence. The university was recognized several years running as the national leader for graduates who are National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT). This is a credential that takes years to complete. It demonstrates graduates have achieved the absolute pinnacle of educational excellence. The teacher education programs at Appalachian State University also continue to be recognized among the top education programs in the nation.

Of course, you’ll find a top teaching master of science degree program here that will provide you with extensive training beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Online Graduate Program Overview

This education master’s degree is designed for both teachers who are teaching in elementary schools and those who wish to transfer in. The Master of Arts in elementary education at Appalachian State University takes a multifaceted approach to higher education.

This online program takes about two years to complete on a full-time basis. It has a minimum of 39 credit hours of coursework. This includes 12 hours of teaching field courses. Students enrolled online will follow a rolling schedule. It may take a longer time period to complete, depending on where in the cycle they are accepted.

Educator preparation courses include:

• Advanced Topics in Diversity
• Recent Trends and Issues in Education
• Teacher Leadership and School Improvements
• Advanced Curriculum Design in Elementary Education
• Instructional Technology

Students without teaching experience in grades K – 6 must complete C I 5900: Internship / Practicum. This can cause them to exceed the minimum of 39 hours of coursework for graduation.

Students that complete this program will be ready to take on additional responsibilities within the schools where they’re already working. These include administrative roles. They will be able to address an ever-changing school environment with a great deal of agility.

#7. William Woods University

Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Technology

William Woods University has a long history. This reaches back to just after the Civil War. The school opened in 1870 as a school for orphaned girls. It grew until it finally achieved recognition as a college in 1914. The school trained teachers for generations. But it wasn’t until 1972 that additional liberal arts programs were added. Williams Woods University devoted its 150 years to providing education that educates people from all walks of life.

Here, you will find an education master of science degree program that offers exceptional educator preparation.

Online Graduate Program Overview

William Woods University’s Online Master of Education in teaching and technology meets the needs of both classroom and corporate educators. It combines education courses with the latest in research and technology. Together, they create a program unlike any other. Small classroom sizes are vital to success at William Woods University. They continue to help post-baccalaureate students achieve their goals.

Students in this program are a diverse bunch. They have ranging interests, work experiences and backgrounds. This versatile program allows these very different people to follow their own dreams. Many graduates pursuing work as:

• Instructional technology experts
• Classroom educators (licensed educators) of all grade levels
• School principals
• District and school administrators 
• Superintendents

Educator preparation courses include topics like:

• instructional design
• multimedia production integration
• postsecondary education
• social justice and community engagement
• organizational management
• differentiating instruction
• educating students with exceptional needs
• instructional technology
• a capstone project in teaching and technology

This cohort based program has a total of 30 credit hours for graduation. All students are required to take Teaching and Learning in the New Digital Landscape. This is their first course and may be asked to repeat it before taking other courses if they do not achieve a grade of B or higher.

Anyone interested in the Online Master of Education in teaching and technology will need to submit official transcripts from all former colleges and universities. A GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. Students will need to complete a specific program application (pay close attention to all instructions). Three references are often required for those interested in classroom teaching.

For students who have already received certification in the Enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies (eMINTs) program, up to nine hours of credits may be granted toward degree completion. This depends on your specific certification. Ask about these additional transfer credits if you feel you may qualify.

William Woods University offers additional study opportunities for educators to expand on their degrees. Reach out to an admissions counselor for one-on-one support and to find which foundational courses and professional studies are best for you. Currently, the programs available online include:

• Master’s of Education in administration
• Master’s of Education in athletics / activities administration
• Master’s of Education in curriculum & instruction
• Master’s of Education in equestrian education
• Master’s of Education in STEM

These programs each have their own requirements for admission. It’s important to check with the school directly before applying. Many will request that you show or demonstrate experience with very specific kinds of work. For example, the equestrian education program needs proof of your field experiences working with horses before you complete courses here.

#8. University of Texas at Arlington

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy Studies

Looking for an online program that’s in your own backyard? OR just want to study at one of Texas’s premier Carnegie Research institutions? No matter what sort of teaching expertise you have, University of Texas at Arlington brings crucial elements of education together in one place. It is one of the best places to gain an accessible education that is also top notch. 

There over 60,000 students between the on-campus and online schools. They can’t be wrong about choosing this university to help start or build on to their education. It’s great for the working teachers of Texas. But it can also be used to expand the knowledge base of teachers from across the country.

Online Graduate Program Overview

If you’re looking for a 30 credit hour program that’s 100% online and doesn’t require a thesis, the Master of Education in curriculum and instruction – literacy studies may be the right program for you.

Students will complete coursework recognized by the International Literacy Association. This helps support the highest quality in teacher education.

This degree offers two certifications. They are reading specialist and English as a second language. The reading certification has to be completed first. But students who pass this certification also have the option of sitting for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) certification.

The program is intense and focused. It will give you the opportunity to enroll in educator preparation courses. Top courses include:

• Pre-Adolescent & Adolescent Literacy
• Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults
• Content Area Reading and Writing
• Understanding Literacy Research
• Teaching the Writing Process

Students holding teaching licenses in the state of Texas will be able to complete all certificate options within 30 credit hours. Those from other states may need to do additional work to achieve full certification. These students can request a memo that serves as proof of their degree completion. This is if they wish to attempt certification in a different state and don’t have a bachelor’s degree that qualifies them for that.

Students from all but 14 states are eligible for enrollment in this affordable online master’s.

#9. University of the Cumberlands

Master of Arts in Education

Looking for a cheap masters in education online? Look no further than Cumberland College.

Cumberland College opened in 1888 as the Williamsburg Institute. It was later dubbed Cumberland College after Williamsburg acquired Highland College in 1913. University of the Cumberlands has a rich history of providing quality education to students from across Appalachia.

Today, the school reaches even further to connect online education opportunities to students across the globe. That is along with the seated master’s degree courses that earned it the reputation it enjoys today. It is truly one of the best master of science degree program options in education around.

Online Graduate Program Overview

University of the Cumberlands’ Master of Arts in education program is designed for licensed teachers who are looking for additional education or certification to achieve their career goals. The online courses offered are flexible. They allow working educators to plan their education around their classrooms. Both full time and part-time students are welcome to pursue certification beyond the bachelor’s degree in areas like:

• Literacy specialist
• School counseling
• Teacher as leader

Upon program completion, graduates looking for a change in scenery can pursue careers as:

• curriculum and assessment directors
• instructional designers
• special education teachers

Program length varies based on certification area. Many can be completed with as few as 30 credit hours. Students interested in a school counseling specialty must earn 45 credit hours prior to graduation. Teacher as leader certifications are available for a variety of disciplines. These include English, math, and social studies.

Courses for the literacy specialist track include:

• Diversity in a Multicultural Society
• Writing Instruction for the Content Areas
• Diagnosis of Reading and Writing Problems
• Literacy Leadership
• Teacher Leader in the Professional Learning Community

Students choosing any of the teacher as leader specialties will have to complete area-specific training. Courses include:

• Research Methods
• Assessment of and for Student Learning
• Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
• Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities

Counseling students must complete a range of courses in human development and  counseling. There is also a practicum and an internship. They can then earn the Ed.S school counseling degree with only five more classes.

Most students must hold a valid teaching license before applying to the Master of Arts in education program. There is an exception for those applying to the school counseling specialty track. 

A completed graduate application and application fee, as well as official transcripts and three letters of recommendation must be submitted. 

#10. California State University-Fullerton

Master of Science in Education

There’s a lot to love about the Master of Science in education at California State University-Fullerton. Of course, it didn’t happen overnight. This school has been excelling at online master’s programs for educators since 2002. 

This school has world-class online education programs and its dedication to promoting diversity in both seated and online courses. California State University-Fullerton is a model for what today’s post-secondary education should be.

Of course, it’s also where you will find one of the cheapest online masters in education degrees around.

Online Graduate Program Overview

This online graduate program helps secondary level teachers working in the classroom expand their skills and upgrade their knowledge base. The Master of Science in education is a modular degree. It is flexible enough for students both in-state and out. Students can choose from several culminating experiences to complete the required credit hour allotment. Courses include:

• Comprehensive examination
• Research projects
• Thesis
• Comprehensive curriculum project
• Academic article publication
• Submission for National Board Certification

The online graduate program can be completed 100% online. Local students or those spending significant time near campus can also opt for a hybrid format. It offers 49% of classroom content 100% online and the balance partially online.

Students attending the 100% online graduate program must complete EDSC 501: Introduction to Graduate Studies. This is worth one credit unit. The entire concentration online graduate program consists of 31 credit hour units. This includes courses like:

• Advanced Proficiency in Educational Technologies
• Graduate Studies in Secondary School Writing
• Curriculum Theory and Development
• Family, Community, and Professional Partnerships
• Assessing Student Learning

Six credit hour units of electives are left to the student to choose with their graduate program advisor. Students can also select an emphasis in either teacher induction or teaching foundational mathematics. That’s beyond the general secondary education concentration.

Student hopefuls for California State University-Fullerton’s Master of Science in education, secondary education concentration program must have an executed application on file. This is within the stated filing period for the term they wish to attend and their fees must be paid in full. They must also provide the following:

• Proof of teaching license
• Current resume
• Transcripts showing a GPA of at least 3.0
• Two letters of recommendation
• An approved major

All applicants must also submit a 500-word statement of purpose. This should explain their interest in the program. The goal of this statement is to give the school a better idea of what you will be like as a student, what kind of academic interests you may have, and your current role as an educator. Emphasizing how you can better help others with your degree will also go far to secure your position in the program.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. San Diego State University

Location: San Diego, California

Degree: MA in Education in Educational Leadership

Net Price: $14,568

Website

#12. Northwestern College

Location: Orange City, Iowa

Degree: Master of Education

Net Price: $24,269

Website 

#13. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Degree: Master of Education

Net Price: $15,808

Website 

#14. University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Degree: MA in Elementary Education

Net Price: $31,460

Website 

#15. Johns Hopkins University

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Degree: Master of Science in Education – Educational Studies

Net Price: $27,868

Website

#16. University of Wyoming

Location: Laramie, Wyoming

Degree: Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership

Net Price: $17,569

Website 

#17. University of Georgia

Location: Athens, Georgia

Degree: MEd in Reading Education

Net Price: $15,539

Website

#18. West Texas A & M University

Location: Canyon, Texas

Degree: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

Net Price: $13,325

Website

#19. University of Central Florida

Location: Orlando, Florida

Degree: MEd in Exceptional Student Education

Net Price: $13,016

Website 

#20. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Location: Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Degree: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education

Net Price: $9,541

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IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 MOST POPULAR ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES & 50 BEST ONLINE MASTER OF SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS!

Are you thinking about getting an online master’s in social work?

If you have strong communication and interpersonal skills and enjoy working with others, a degree in social work might be a smart choice. As a social worker, your responsibility will be to help others solve and adapt to problems in their everyday lives. 

You could work to help people overcome behavioral, mental, and emotional obstacles, working in settings such as schools, hospitals, and clinical environments. With just a couple of years of study, you’ll acquire the skills you need to work at counseling couples and individuals, to advocate for change in the social welfare system, to become a teacher, and so much more.

Although many social workers go on to rewarding lifelong careers with just a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree will provide you with the formal education and professional experience you need to secure a leadership role. You could direct a social service department, manage a child welfare agency, and so much more.

The work of a social worker is not easy. You’ll have to learn how to cope with a great deal of emotional stress, from having to deal with the extremes of abuse and injustice to the difficulties of working with marginalized and vulnerable client populations. 

Despite these challenges, being a social worker is incredibly rewarding. 

One thing that shouldn’t be difficult? Finding the right program. All kinds of colleges offer master’s degrees in social work but not all are of equal quality. 

To find a great program that will help you meet just about any career goal, the Council on Social Work Education (an authority in this field) recommends that graduates of Master’s in Social Work programs have at least 900 hours of supervised field experience.

This kind of experience will enable you to apply your advanced theoretical knowledge to social work in a supervised setting. You’ll be able to integrate the major concepts and skills you’ve learned in your classes with real-world clients. 

You may also want to consider a program that gives you the option of choosing a concentration. There are many common MSW concentrations to choose from, including children’s mental health, medical social work, clinical and direct practice social work, and much more.

The opportunities are endless! 

You might feel as though you don’t have many opportunities, however, if you are already working full-time and don’t know how you will fit the demands of a full-time course of study into your jam-packed schedule. That’s where an online degree can help.

When you earn an online master’s in social work, you’ll not only be able to acquire the skills that you need for professional practice but you will be able to do so on your terms. Most online programs can be completed both on a full- and part-time basis but offer flexibility in that you can take classes whenever it’s most convenient for you. It doesn’t matter if you need to study at 3 a.m.—an online degree will allow you to make things work. 

A rewarding career is within reach—learn more in our comprehensive guide to the 10 best online master’s in social work. 

See Also: Top 50 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs

What Are the Best Master’s in Social Work 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 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: 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs

#1. University of South Florida

Master of Social Work

With tuition rates starting at just $434.51 per credit hour for graduate students, it’s easy to see that the University of South Florida places a premium on affordability. However, that’s not to say that quality plays second fiddle. This school has some of the best master’s degrees in the country, ranked as one of the top Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Located in Tampa, FL, the University of South Florida has numerous other campuses around the state, including those in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. It also has a thriving online campus, where thousands of students each year pursue their degrees and network with other professionals.

The top online master’s in social work is one such example. This specialized course of study prepares graduates for clinical practice in all kinds of settings, from families and group work to agency or organization-based community practice. It is available on both a full- and part-time basis. There’s even a concurrent Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health degree that you can pursue if you want to earn both degrees at the same time.

The degree requires 60 credit hours of study with most candidates graduating in just eight semesters. If you already have a background in social work, you can earn your degree in just 35 credit hours or three semesters of full-time study.

You’ll take core classes such as:

• Foundations of Social Welfare Policy
• Social Work Practice With Groups
• Diversity and Social Justice

You’ll also need to complete a field experience that will allow you to gain more hands-on experience and a one-credit-hour capstone project. 

See Also: Best & Cheapest Online Master’s in Education

#2.  University of Houston

Master of Social Work

The University of Houston is the third-largest university in the state of Texas, home to more than 46,000 students. Not all of these students study on-campus in Houston, however. Many choose to complete their studies fully online.

You’ll have lots to choose from and to explore as an online student here. The school has more than 282 degree programs in 16 academic colleges on campus, with many of these programs also offered online. It is also home to nearly four dozen different research centers and institutes, making it easy for students both on-campus and online to take their learning to the next level.

The Master of Social Work here is a fantastic option for self-motivated learners who need a more flexible schedule. You’ll take classes with a cohort of students and have access to innovative technology like discussion boards to help you develop a strong network of support. 

You’ll begin your studies here with a 16-semester credit hour foundation that takes place over two semesters and has a fieldwork component. An intensive curriculum, it will allow you to take classes in things like political justice, critical thinking, and more. 

As you might expect, fieldwork is a critical component of this degree, with all students required to complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork under the supervision of a Master Social Worker. Because you’ll complete all program requirements remotely, you will be able to connect with the Field Education Staff at the University of Houston to find a field experience placement in your area.

The Graduate College of Social Work has all kinds of unique opportunities known as GCSW Focused Learning Opportunities for you to get experience outside of the classroom. You might be able to work in political social work, mental health advanced practice, trauma education, and more. In addition to focused field placements, you’ll also be able to tap into financial support to help you offset the cost of tuition. 

That said, this affordable degree has low tuition rates. There are plenty of financial aid opportunities available as well. 

#3.  University of Central Florida

Master of Social Work (MSW)

A public research university, the University of Central Florida is located just east of downtown Orlando. There is lots to love about living in the Sunshine State, but if joining in the hustle and bustle of Orange County doesn’t sound appealing to you (or if you just can’t stand the heat!), don’t worry. The University of Central Florida also has many campuses available online.

Since its founding in 1963, this school has awarded more than 346,000 degrees to more than 300,000 alumni all over the world. You can take classes at the main campus in Orlando or, again, you can choose to study online. This public school also has campuses in 10 other locations around central Florida.

As you can see, your location won’t get in your way when you’re deciding where and how you want to earn your degree. You have plenty of options to choose from! And trust us—the Master of Social Work here is worth the effort. 

The program will prepare you for life beyond the classroom and makes it easy for you to gain firsthand experience in internships in your area. It will prepare you for all kinds of rewarding careers including:

• Child Abuse Worker
• Drug Abuse Social Worker
• Pediatric Social Worker
• Juvenile Probation Officer

It is ranked as one of the most innovative programs by U.S. News & World Report and is known for its affordability. Tuition starts at just $369.65 per credit hour for in-state students.

#4.  The University of Alabama 

Master of Social Work

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, is known for many things. It’s the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System and is home to more than 38,000 students. It was one of the first public universities established in this region of the country and it is home to the only publicly supported school of law in the state. 

There are all kinds of unique programs here that you’ll rarely find anywhere else, too, such as those in metallurgical engineering, Romance languages, and, of course, social work.

The University of Alabama offers one of the best master’s in social work programs in the country. It has been around since 1965, making it one of the oldest programs of its kind. It consists of 42 to 60 credit hours, with the number of credits varying depending on your educational background. 

An innovative, hands-on program, it will allow you to earn your degree while maintaining your other commitments. It includes lots of practicums and skills labs so that you can gain hands-on experience along with theoretical training in social work. It offers two concentrations—Children, Adolescents and Their Families or Adults and Their Families. 

You can even pursue a joint MSW/JD Dual Degree Program or an MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program if you choose. Regardless of the option you choose, studying social work at the University of Alabama will prepare you for leadership roles in all areas of social work, from family services to child welfare, substance abuse treatment to geriatric services, and more.

Fortunately, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to be a student in this program, either. Tuition starts at just $440 per credit hour for in-state students. 

#5. The University of Tennessee

Master of Social Work

A public land-grant research university, the University of Tennessee is located in Knoxville, TN. This school was founded years before Tennessee was even added as a state and it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System.

Here, you’ll find one of the best master’s of social work degrees. Available fully online, it is also available face-to-face on the Knoxville campus as well as in Nashville. You don’t have to live anywhere near these two campuses to earn your degree.

All courses are taught online through both synchronous and asynchronous methods. You can pursue an additional certificate or a concentration (contractions in Organizational Leadership and Evidenced-Based INterpersonal Practice are both available). The entire curriculum is identical to the one you might take on campus—the only difference is in how you take your classes!

You’ll take core classes such as:

• Introduction to Interpersonal Social Work Practice
• Foundations of Social Work Research
• Human Development in Context: Young Adulthood Through Older Adulthood

The curriculum here combines a comprehensive understanding of how social work and neuroscience intersect while also making it possible for students to concentrate their studies in integrated health care. 

#6.  Ohio State University-Main Campus

Master of Social Work

Another of the best MSW programs can be found at Ohio State University. This school is the flagship campus of the University System of Ohio. It offers quality programs at an affordable price, and because of this, is considered a Public Ivy. This means that its caliber of education is comparable to what you might find at a more expensive private Ivy League institution!

With an extensive student life program (encompassing more than 100 student organizations, plenty of club and recreational sports programs, and much more), this school is one of the best places to attend if you want to get involved. Many of these opportunities are available to on-campus as well as online learners. 

The Master of Social Work has been offered in some form by Ohio State University for many years, with the first social work course offered in 1875. In fact, with a master’s in social work that was accredited in 1919, it is the oldest continuously accredited social work program among public universities.

You’ll be able to tap into a large support network as a student here. The program has more than 9,000 alumni who are working to inspire change all over the country. The degree will help you master the professional values, core competencies, and theoretical knowledge you need to work in any practice of social work. At the same time, you’ll be able to participate in extensive field practicum experiences for mentoring opportunities. 

An affordable program, tuition for this degree costs just $12,128 for Ohio residents. Financial aid is available for qualifying students as well. 

#7.  Rutgers University

Master of Social Work

Located In New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University was first chartered in 1766, making it one of the oldest schools in the United States. It is one of the nine original U.S> colonial colleges that was chartered before the American Revolution.

Despite its storied, historic past, Rutgers University has nonetheless managed to keep up with the times. It is home to some of the best and most hands-on programs for distance learners in the world. A member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Universities Research Association, and the Association of American Universities, it is also considered a Public Ivy. 

Due to these designations and many others, Rutgers University is one of the best places to earn an online master’s in social work. A 100% online program, it will allow you to interact closely with faculty while enjoying the flexibility of online learning.

You’ll complete your studies over the course of three years, with all classes held asynchronously so there aren’t set meeting times. You’ll be able to start a yield placement at a social service agency in your area in the third semester of your first year.

You can also choose to apply to certificate programs such as LISTA (Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment) or the Violence Against Women And Children certificate. Both offer more specialized courses to complement your field experiences. 

A 60-credit hour program, it requires only 39 credits if you have a bachelor’s of social work degree. You’ll take classes such as:

• Methods of Social Work
• Social Welfare Policy and Services
• Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

This program is also affordable, with applications accepted in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. You’ll pay just $923 per credit hour regardless of the semester and regardless of where you live. 

#8.  University of Southern California

Master of Social Work

A private research university, the University of Southern California was founded in 1880 and is located in Los Angeles, CA. With more than two dozen different schools and colleges to choose from, it’s easy to discover the perfect program for your career goals. 

Here, you’ll find one of the best online social work master’s in the world if you want to become an agent of change and make a difference in the local and global community. 

A 42-credit hour program, it includes 1000 hours of hands-on field experiences to help you apply the skills you have learned in class. Most students take just two years to complete their degrees while studying on a full-time basis but there is also an accelerated option that will let you graduate faster after just a year of study.

The program has excellent career outcomes, with 91% of alumni employed in a relevant field within six months of graduation. You’ll be able to participate in field education placements both in the vibrant urban classroom of Los Angeles as well as in your community. Many of these internship placements lead to full-time job offers after graduation.

Your core courses will be categorized into three basic areas

• Adult Mental Health and Wellness
• Children, Youth, and Families
• Social Change and Innovation

You will also be able to engage in cutting-edge research. From human tracking to trauma-informed care and the social response to climate change, you’ll be able to pursue just about any area of interest to complement your studies.

You can even earn a dual-degree if you’d like. With four other prestigious professional schools in addition to Hebrew Union College, the University of Southern California has eight options for earning a concurrent degree. Some other options to add to your MSW include an MBA, law degree, master’s in public health, a Ph.D., or a master’s degree in planning, gerontology, Jewish nonprofit management, or public administration.

Not only that, but this program is also extremely affordable. 96% of students receive scholarships within this program, which repeatedly ranks among the nation’s top accredited social work graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report.

#9.  The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Master of Science in Social Work

A public research university, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has multiple campuses in Texas. It is the southernmost member of the University of Texas System and the fourth-largest college in that system. 

It isn’t all size without quality, though. This school is ranked as one of the best in the country, receiving top marks for its affordability and excellence in academics.  It is top-ranked by publications like Social Work Licensure and Surf. The curriculum will prepare you for entry-level generalist work and advanced professional social work to help meet the needs of multicultural and binational communities.

It comes with two concentration options – Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups and administration and Community Practice. Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll find that this program places a special emphasis on ethical practice, multicultural awareness, and other social services and methods that encourage social and economic justice.

You’ll take around two years to complete your degree in this program, which requires 63 credit hours of study. Most courses last just seven weeks each, so it should be easy for you to breeze through the required courses.

You will take classes such as:

• Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Individuals
• Families and Small Groups
• Social Work with Diverse Populations
• Social Welfare policy

A highly affordable program, it futures low tuition rates that start at just $444.44 per credit hour. There are plenty of scholarships available in addition to other forms of financial aid.

#10.  University of Arkansas

Master of Social Work

 A public land-grant research university, the University of Arkansas is known for its strong programs in fields like agriculture, creative writing, communication disorders, history, and of course, social work.

With a main campus that sprawls out over 512 acres in Fayetteville, AR, this school has an impressive reach. It also has a fantastic online presence with dozens of majors offered exclusively online. The online master of social work requires the completion of a BSW and is available on a full-time basis. 

Most students earn their degrees in just one year, completing a total of 39 credit hours of study. No GRE is required for admission. 

As you take classes, you’ll work with a cohort of fellow students for peer support and networking opportunities. The curriculum is identical to the one offered on-campus but all of the courses are offered entirely online. 

Just as you would in the on-campus program, you’ll be required to complete internships. The internships can be arranged within close vicinity of where you live and may even be able to conquer at your workplace. 

This program serves as an excellent pathway for students who are interested in Ph.D. studies later on and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

FAQ

What are the admissions requirements for accredited online MSW programs?

Of all of the colleges with master’s in social work, each of them has different admissions requirements. However, they share several commonalities. 

The average online Master of Social Work program requires around 30 to 40 credit hours of study. When you study full-time, you can earn your degree in just two years, on average, though there are plenty of programs out there that will let you take your time and complete requirements on a part-time basis instead. There are also accelerated programs that will let you earn your credentials in less than a year. 

You will usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. You should plan on submitting transcripts and may be asked to meet a certain GPA requirement (usually a 2.5 or higher on a  4.0 scale). 

In addition, you may have to have some related professional or volunteer experience. You will demonstrate this with letters of recommendation and a resume, the latter of which should detail all professional experience in addition to internship and volunteer experience.

There are a few other materials that might be needed. GRE test scores are often required, usually with a combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000 or higher. A personal statement and interview might also be required. 

What will I learn in an online social work degree?

No two online social work degrees are the same, but for the most part, the curriculum of these programs is similar to what you might find in an on-campus program,

You’ll take classes in things like social policy and human behavior while also completing a set number of clinical practice hours. As a master’s candidate, you should expect to complete at least 900 hours of field experience so that you can integrate the skills you studied in the classroom into the real world.

You’ll also take classes that focus on subjects like the social dimensions of human behavior, social work history and welfare policy, and diversity and social justice in urban and rural communities. You might be able to pursue an additional concentration to add depth to your degree, too, such as one in clinical practice or policy and administration. 

Depending on where you live and what kind of career you’d like to pursue, you may also have to pass a licensure exam. You can find more information by visiting the Association of Social Work Boards website. These licensing requirements typically include the passing of an exam and the completion of a certain number of clinical hours. 

What can I do with a master’s in social work?

There are countless job opportunities for people who earn master’s degrees in social work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% job growth before 2030, which is more than double the national average. Demand for certain professions within this field, such as mental health and substance abuse social workers and healthcare social workers, is even higher.

Working as a social worker is the most obvious choice for graduates after completing a master’s in social work. In this role, you will work with individuals and groups to help them overcome various life events and to address mental health concerns. You might work in a clinic, school, correctional facility, hospital, or similar setting.

You could also work as a substance abuse social worker. You’ll help patients who are struggling with substance abuse issues as well as related mental health concerns and behavioral problems.

There are other specialized pathways you can follow as a social worker, too. You might become a child, family, or school social worker, working with children in particular to develop and implement treatment plans or you could become a medical social worker and advise families on their medical options. 

Is an online master’s in social work respected?

As a social worker, you will be highly respected. This kind of work isn’t easy, but it’s highly rewarding.

Not to mention, the pay isn’t too shabby either. Although social workers aren’t the highest-paid professionals out there, you’ll earn enough to make a living—and then some.

As a social worker, you can expect to earn around $51,760 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10% of earners brought in more than $85,820, with professionals employed in government and healthcare settings receiving the highest average salaries.

If you choose to work specifically in substance abuse, you’ll earn a decent salary, too—around $47,660 per year. Again, choosing to work in a hospital or government setting will increase your salary potential (as compared to working in an outpatient or residential mental health and substance abuse facility or center). 

What is the cheapest online master’s in social work?

In addition to the programs we covered that are offered by award-winning schools like Rutgers University, the University of Arkansas, and the University of South Florida, you’ll find top-rated programs (at a fraction of the cost!) elsewhere, too. Consider schools like Western New Mexico University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Humboldt State University, all of which cater to online learners and offer affordable tuition rates. 

The average master’s in social work costs between $11,000 and $39,000 in tuition, according to U.S. News & World Report, with costs varying between private and public schools. The good news is that earning an online master’s tends to be much more affordable than getting a degree on campus, due in part to the fact that you’ll only have to pay tuition and not other fees, such as those for housing or meal plans. 

Many online programs charge flat tuition rates and don’t discriminate price-wise based on state residency. You could pay an in-state rate at a public college regardless of where you live. Of course, it’s always important to pursue financial aid even if you choose to attend a public university. Opportunities like grants and scholarships can help lower the cost of attendance at both public and private schools alike. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 45 BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN PUBLIC RELATIONS & 50 BEST ONLINE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS!

There’s no denying it. The business world is changing faster than we can keep up with it. The skills of strategic leadership and business management are in high demand. 

MBAs are some of the most popular graduate degrees in the United States. 

Most MBAs take around two years to complete. They are best for candidates early in their careers in business decision making or management consultant work.

But there are also part-time and online MBAs. These are more flexible for individuals who are already at work. 

With a traditional MBA, you’ll be able to take classes in business-related topics. These include:

• communication
• management
• marketing
• business law
• senior strategy
• accounting
• business decision making
• finance

Many programs allow you to pursue a generalized track. Others allow you to pursue a concentration in one or more of these areas. This is a smart choice!

A typical MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree will provide you with the leadership chops you need for effective management. But it is often lacking in a focus on strategy and problem-solving. This in favor of a more holistic degree.

Earn an MBA in strategy. You’ll make up for that deficit. You will take a more cross-disciplinary approach to solving major business problems. You’ll work on case studies, group exercises, and real-world projects. This will give you the experience you need to be successful.

This kind of degree is perfect for a student who is interested in the interplay between management and markets. You can pursue the investment aspects of management. But in the best strategy MBA programs, you’ll also learn about things like:

• corporate policy
• consulting
• global decision making
• strategic decision making
• senior strategy

You’ll graduate from an MBA strategy program at a top business school able to interpret and analyze markets. You can set forth strategic plans to help guide any kind of organization to success.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at the best MBA program in US with strategy concentrations.

See Also: Best Master’s in Strategy Degrees

What Are the Best MBA in Strategy 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. It is 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. We want to help you reach your goals.

See Also: 10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

#1. University of Virginia

MBA with a Concentration in Strategy Consulting

You will find one of the best strategy MBA programs at the University of Virginia. This public research university is in Charlottesville, VA. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson himself. It is home to one of the best business schools in the country.

The Darden School of Business has a top general management MBA program. It earned excellent marks for its integrated core curriculum and patented case study method. This school is ranked number one in the country by Financial Times.

But if you want to bring your training to the next level, you should consider adding a quantitative and analytical focus. You can do this with the management science specialization. This specialization includes 12 credits from a pre-set group of electives. This MBA business strategy is a STEM-designated program. It offers multiple career track MBA concentration options. 

These concentrations include:

• asset management/sales and trading
• entrepreneurship
• marketing
• corporate finance/investment banking
• supply chain management
• strategy consulting

The strategy consulting track will immerse you in the consulting process. It is a strategic MBA that will prepare you with the skills you need to be successful in any role. 

You’ll take courses in theme tracks. These include: 

• innovation for sustainability business analytics
• global business
• corporate innovation
• business development and growth

Some of the courses you’ll take include:

• Global Economies and Markets
• Accounting for Managers
• Operations Management
• Decision Analysis
• Strategic Thinking and Action

You’ll be able to work with other students  in a cohort model. You will challenge each other to learn and to grow in a collaborative setting.

See Also: 20 Best Online MBA in Strategy

#2. New York University

Strategic Management Degree 

Want to gain a leg up on the business world? There’s no better place to do it than in the heart of business and industry itself. That’s why you’ll find a top strategic MBA in the Big Apple. NYU has one of the top business schools in the world.

The full-time MBA in business strategy at New York University is one of the best in the country in regards to its curriculum. It also has the best location.

This business strategy MBA will give you the foundation necessary to become one of the country’s top business leaders. You’ll take courses in subjects like:

• Corporate Governance
• Globalization: A Cross-Functional Perspective
• Strategic Talent Management

The courses are applicable to careers in:

• consulting
• finance
• innovation
• entrepreneurship

Not sold on a strategy specialization? Don’t worry. NYU also offers other specializations. It has one of the largest selections of elective courses among leading business schools. You can choose up to three different specializations for your MBA. Or choose not to specialize at all.

Options include:

• financial instruments and market
• real estate
• marketing
• law and business
• healthcare
• global business
• FinTech

You’ll benefit from a flexible curriculum. There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning. NYU leverages its one-of-a-kind location to facilitate opportunities for solving real-world business problems. You can participate in experiences like Tech and the City. In this, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a successful early-stage technology company in NYC. 

#3. University of California-Berkeley

MBA in Strategy and Consulting

The University of California-Berkeley is in Berkeley, CA. It opened in 1868 as the state’s very first land-grant university. It’s the oldest campus in the University of California system. It is also a founding member of the Association of American Universities. Here, you’ll find one of the world’s best business schools.

It’s also home to one of the best MBA program in strategy options. The MBA in strategy and consulting is known for its reputation in producing successful consulting and business leaders. Alumni join top companies like Deloitte, Salesforce, and Google. You will work with industry specialists. They will share their knowledge and expertise with you as you gain experience.

In this strategic management program, you’ll take classes such as:

• Fundamentals of Design Thinking
• Business Model Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategy
• Future of Information Technology

You can pursue dozens of opportunities for experiential learning. Many of the applied innovation courses at Berkeley involve strategy and consulting. This allows students to partner with organizations both large and small. You can consult on everything from leadership succession planning to shopping bag initiatives for Target.

Sample experiential consulting courses include:

• Cleantech to Market
• Strategic and Sustainable Business Solutions
• Haas@Work

The Haas School of Business prioritizes collaboration. It makes sure that all students have access to peer advisement and mentorship programs. You can conduct research in two related research centers. These include the Fisher Center for Business Analytics and the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation. 

#4. Indiana University-Bloomington

Strategic Management Consulting—Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) 

Enroll at Indiana University-Bloomington. You’ll be blown away by all your options. 

The Kelley School of Business offers one of the country’s best Master of Business Administration in strategic management consulting degrees.  It’s just one of multiple concentrations. Besides the strategy MBA, there is also:

• strategic analysis of accounting
• supply chain and operations
• marketing
• management
• finance
• business analytics

You will take core classes in subjects like:

• finance
• marketing
• strategic management
• quantitative analysis for business decisions

These classes are offered in an integrated core. This is during an intense 15-week program led by a team of leading faculty at Kelley.

You’ll take around 15 credit hours of required coursework. You can still take around 21 credit hours for electives. Many students choose to pursue a second major, minor, or certificate. You can tailor your curriculum to your specific career goals in your first semester of the program.

You can also pursue an “academy”. Academies at the Kelley School of Business are a bridge between what you are learning in your coursework and how you will apply it in real life. This might be during your internship or post-MBA career.

There are six career-focused academies at Kelley. These are in things like:

• supply chain and digital enterprise
• consulting
• capital markets
• business marketing

You’ll engage in company-based consulting projects and gain leadership opportunities of all kinds. You can participate in nationwide corporate visits. You can network with industry veterans. 

#5. Stanford University

MBA in Strategic Management

Stanford University is most commonly referred to just as that—Stanford University. But did you know that this Stanford, CA-based school is named the Leland Stanford Junior University?

The MBA program at Stanford is in the Graduate School of Business. This MBA in strategy management is one of the most immersive of its kind. You’ll embark on a rigorous overview of business courses. This will build your general management knowledge. It will expose you to global opportunities in strategic management.

You’ll gain insight into what it’s like to be a leader in a major organization. You will also gain practical experience and feedback from leadership coaches and classmates. You’ll be even participate in a global experience. 

This global experience is a unique feature of the Stanford MBA. You will participate in a study abroad program that lasts at least four weeks. It allows you to work on a project for a sponsoring organization. This might be in an industry like:

• energy
• healthcare
• finance
• international development
• technology

You can go just about anywhere, including:

• Greece
• Switzerland
• Ghana
• Singapore

You can tailor your experience in your second year of study. This can be done by enrolling in electives, a joint or dual degree, or taking courses at other Stanford schools. You can also broaden your horizon with seminars.

The second year of study contains almost all electives.  You can broaden your perspectives with topics like:

• operations
• public management
• managerial economics
• information technology.

#6. University of Pennsylvania

Strategic Management, MBA

The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university. It is in Philadelphia, PA. It is older than America itself. Of course, it has one of the best strategic management programs in its business school, too.

The University of Pennsylvania is home to four undergraduate schools and twelve graduate and professional schools. The school offers training programs in:

• public service
• government
• professional disciplines

This is all rooted in a contemporary liberal arts curriculum. 

The Master of Business Administration at the University of Pennsylvania has several concentrations. These are via the Wharton School of Business. In addition to strategic management, students can pursue concentrations in fields like:

• multinational management
• quantitative finance
• insurance and risk management
• healthcare management
• business economics and public policy

Want to expand your education beyond the MBA level? UPenn offers that, too. The school is home to multiple Ph.D. programs and research master’s programs. These are in fields like:

• ethics and legal studies
• accounting
• statistics
• marketing

The strategic management MBA will provide you with the thorough training you need in the logic of competitive advantage. You’ll learn how to design and guide strategy at emerging and established enterprises. You will prepare yourself for roles in consulting firms of all kinds. You must take at least 19 course units for graduation. Major classes include:

• Managing Established Enterprises
• Strategy and Competitive Advantage
• Competitive Strategy and Industrial Structure. 

All of these strategic management classes will be taken within the Wharton School of Business. This is a department that offers some of the best research environments. It has more than 225 faculty members, 20 research centers, and 9,000 executive education participants. It serves as the most comprehensive source of business knowledge in the world. It’s also home to more than 95,000 alumni. They can help MBA students develop their corporate strategy skills and professional network as you set out on your own.

#7. Northwestern University

Full-Time MBA Program – Strategy Major

You will find another top MBA corporate strategy program at a private research university  in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University opened in 1851. It is itself a founding member of the Big Ten Conference.

It’s the only private university in the conference. It is ranked among the top 20 universities in the country. It is among the top thirty in the world! This ranking is by major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, and Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Curious about the classes you’ll take? There are plenty of opportunities for you to take electives. First, you’ll need to take at least four credits from a list of prescribed classes. These strategic management courses include:

• Technology and Innovation Strategy
• Intellectual Capital Management
• Healthcare Economics. 

Your opportunities to learn will bring you far outside the classroom. You’ll work with leading faculty members, corporate partners, and alumni. You will develop your strategic management skills as you solve critical business issues. This is done in special courses, labs, and projects. 

You will have access to special experiences like:

• the New Venture Course Series
• the Kellogg Board Fellows Program
• the Analytical Consulting Lab
• the Asset Management Lab. 

#8. Duke University

Accelerated Daytime MBA Concentration in Strategy

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, NC. Duke University was founded by Quakers and Methodists. This was in the present-day town of Trinity.

You don’t have to pursue a concentration if you don’t want to. But if you’re interested in a career in strategic management, the accelerated daytime MBA with a concentration in strategy is a smart choice.

Other options for MBA students to pursue include those in:

• decision sciences
• energy and environment
• energy finance
• finance
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• financial analysis and accounting
• FinTech
• management
• leadership and ethics
• marketing
• operations management
• social entrepreneurship

In the strategy concentration, you’ll gain expertise in the ideas and skills you’ll need for a career with leading strategy consulting firms. You can choose to pursue an additional certificate to enhance your career possibilities in strategic management too.

In fact, Duke offers two optional certifications. There is one in finance and one in health sector management. There is also a focus track in management science and technology magnet. This is a STEM-designated program. It prepares you for leadership roles in technology, hatch, consulting, finance and more. 

You’ll be able to customize your degree. This is done with a choice of more than 100 electives. You can broaden your expertise across multiple subjects. Or you can deepen your knowledge within a specific industry. 

Ready to apply to the accelerated MBA at Duke University? You will need to have completed prerequisite undergraduate coursework in subjects like:

• marketing
• strategy
• managerial economics

MBA students will have to submit transcripts for the strategic management degree. You’ll need evidence of professional experience, like a resume. There’s no minimum time requirement for your employment history. 

You will also need to submit GMAT or GRE scores. Also submit several essays, letters of recommendation, and an interview. 

#9. University of Chicago

MBA Strategic Management

The University of Chicago is also known as UChicago or often simply just Chicago. It is a private research university located in Chicago, IL. The school opened in 1890. It is situated in Chicago’s scenic Hyde Park neighborhood. This school is ranked among some of the top universities in the world. The University of Chicago is composed of just one undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. 

It is within the Booth School of Business that you will find the MBA in strategic management.

This school is the second-oldest business school in the United States. It is associated with more Nobel laureates in the economic sciences than any other business school in the world. It also has one of the largest endowments. MBA and strategic management alumni include many current and former CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

To name a few, Booth strategic management alumni are in charge at:

• Allstate Insurance
• Dominos
• Goldman Sachs
• Morgan Stanley
• IBM

In this strategic management degree, you will take classes on a full or part time basis. Key subjects in the strategy specialization include:

• Competitive strategy and decision making
• Corporate strategy
• Management consultant decision making

To apply to this business school, you’ll need transcripts, GMAT scores, and a resume.

#10. University of Detroit Mercy

MBA in Strategic Management

The 36- credit strategic management MBA degree program in strategic management at the University of Detroit Mercy is one of the best in the country. It accommodates the needs of professionals in a variety of work organizations. It has a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1.

The MBA in strategic management focuses on four major themes:

• global competitiveness
• organization creation and development
• emerging business challenges
• awareness of, and responsibility to, self and others in strategic management

The curriculum of all strategic management programs here are rooted in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions of the school’s religious sponsors. You will have access to a well-rounded education. But you’ll enjoy a curriculum that has a profound emphasis on service and leadership. 

When you choose to attend the University of Detroit Mercy, you can study in a city that is rich in culture and entertainment. There are two dozen Fortune 500 companies nearby. You will have plenty of opportunities for co-op placements and internships. 

The graduate business programs at UDM have excellent ties to the business community in Detroit. There are more than 200 businesses and professional organizations enrolling their employees at UDM. There are strategic management  alumni in leadership roles in more than 60 countries around the globe, too. 

Ready to venture off campus? The school takes pride in its Detroit roots. But there are also opportunities for you to experience the world via strategic management study abroad opportunities in:

• Rome
• Barcelona
• Rio de Janeiro
• Mexico
• China
• Ireland
• England

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE TOP 10 REASONS TO EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE & 40 BEST NO-GMAT ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS!

Getting an economics MBA is a smart choice. That’s especially true if you want to gain the skills and industry connections necessary to take the business world by storm! Are you interested in topics like economic theory, trends, and practices?  You may want to take your training to the next level. Earn an MBA in economics.

MBA economics programs will provide you with the education in business and economics you need to make a huge difference. You’ll still take the core classes in business fundamentals like:

• Finance 
• Business management
• Organizational leadership

You can pursue other areas of concentration. For example, you can earn an MBA in finance and economics.

In your economics MBA, you’ll also specialize in: 

• Economic practices
• Principles,
• Theories

Your training will give you an advanced education in more economic concepts. You’ll learn how they apply to the business world. 

Many graduates of economics MBA programs go on to work for the federal government. This is the largest employer of students who earn MBA degrees with an economics concentration. You can also pursue an MBA economic development option.

However, you could also work in:

• Consulting
• Development
• Scientific research
• Financial analysts

You might be wondering something. What’s the difference between MBA programs and a plain old master’s degree in economics? It’s quite simple. A Master of Science in economics will include specialized economics courses in things like:

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Monetary policy

MBA programs include a dedication to long-term study. You’ll need a desire to expand your understanding of essential economic principles as well.

Economics MBA programs will also provide you with training in these areas, but it will include advanced business courses, too. You’ll enjoy an expanded curriculum with economics courses. It will allow you to apply economics to a hands-on business setting.

As an economics professional with a fresh MBA, your career opportunities are endless. You could go on to become an analyst, a consultant, or an economist. You could work for an insurance company or a finance corporation. You could go on to teach at a college. You could even carry out research. Opportunities are available in all industries. Find work in computer science to engineering. And everything else!

Of course, many of these positions are ones that could be pursued with a bachelor’s degree. You can apply for all kinds of high-paying jobs with a four-year education. But why stop there?

Earning a master’s degree is a wise choice if you know that you want to be in charge. An economics MBA will provide you with the leadership skills necessary to put you in control of a company, small or large, as well as those skills you might need to lead any kind of team to success. An economics MBA will give you the connections to industry professionals that you need to stay on top of developments in the field. 

Needless to say, an MBA in economics is a smart pathway toward a career that is exciting and lucrative. What are you waiting for? There are plenty of fantastic MBA graduate programs out there. You may want to start by considering this list of the 10 Best MBA programs in Economics first.

See Also: What is the Difference Between MA and MS Degrees?

Common Application and Admission Questions

You may have thought choosing a school for your bachelor’s degree was hard. Choosing graduate economics programs is no different! There are so many great options to choose from. You might be tempted to fill out applications at dozens of schools.

Don’t fall victim to this common pitfall. Applying to ten or more schools will leave you with decision fatigue. It will also get expensive in a hurry. Those application fees, no matter how nominal they might seem, add up fast for economics majors! 

Instead, narrow your list down to four or five that you think will match up well with your career aspirations and personal preferences. There are several factors you should consider on your search.  From the program length and cost to curricular options. There are even opportunities for involvement in clubs, organizations, and activities on campus. You’ll also want to take into account accreditation. Never enroll at a school that does not have accreditation. Also consider degree options like:

• Internships
• Electives
• Research
• Thesis projects

In most cases, you’ll complete around 30 and 45 credit hours. You can earn an MBA in economics in two years or less. That’s while studying on a full-time basis. Part-time study will do the trick, too. It will take a bit longer. 

Make sure the school you select has both part- and full-time enrollment options. Some universities even have accelerated options that will enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s. This takes five years of study. 

When considering program accreditation, make sure your college holds national or regional accreditation. This attests to its educational standards and outcomes. Don’t stop there. Most of the country’s top MBA programs also have accreditation from specialized bodies, like:

• the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International

Before filling out your applications, take the time to chat with the admissions representatives, distinguished faculty. Whenever possible, talk to the current students or alumni from your school. Ensure that the program offers affordable tuition. Also look for quality economics programs. Search for opportunities that you care about most. Some degrees include practical exercises like internships and research into the curricula. These experiences will be invaluable when it comes to finding a job later on.

Ready to apply? Several months before you put pen to paper, you’ll need to register for the GRE or GMAT. This exam is from the Graduate Management Admission Council. Some business schools no longer require these examinations by the Graduate Management Admission Council. For many, they’re still considered commonplace. Check with the Graduate Management Admission Council Website for more information. You’ll want to make sure your undergraduate grades are in tip-top shape, too. Most of the country’s top MBA programs ask for an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Submit GRE scores and undergraduate transcripts. You will also need to submit things like:

• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement or essay
• A resume.

You may need several years’ worth of work experience, too.

See Also: Highest Paying Master’s Degrees

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

There’s no sense in sugarcoating it. Earning a master’s degree is expensive. It doesn’t matter which business schools you consider. Some of the country’s most popular economics MBA degrees cost more than $150,000! 

But don’t panic yet. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a high-paying job after graduating from one of these top-tier business administration programs. Earners of graduate degrees tend to earn much higher salaries. 

As economics majors with an MBA in economics, you can expect to earn a salary that is much higher than that of the average worker. The return on investment when earning a master’s in economics is high, so don’t stress too much about forking out the cash required for tuition and other fees.

That said, you shouldn’t pay an exorbitant price, either. There are several steps you can take to reduce the cost of attendance at business schools. You can make tuition and fees a bit more manageable.

Start by narrowing down your college search to the most affordable schools for business administration. There are plenty of graduate degrees out there that cost less than half of the price figure stated above. Not all of them are public schools, either. While it’s true that public universities often have lower tuition rates at face value, private schools can often offer additional financial aid to make that price tag a lot lower than it seems.

Be sure to file the FAFSA, too. Chances are, you’re already familiar with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) based on your undergraduate experience. 

This document will determine your eligibility for need-based aid like grants, loans, and work-study. Even if you don’t have any financial need, it’s worth looking into other opportunities offered by your university. Remember that any institutional financial aid will have its own deadlines. There may also be different application processes. 

Submitted a general application for admission to business schools? That doesn’t mean that you will automatically be considered for merit-based awards from your department! Be sure to research any and all requirements associated with financial aid and scholarships. 

In most cases, there are plenty of economics-specific scholarships you can apply for, too. There are all kinds of organizations out there that offer awards. These are open to students who are studying economics or business, so take the time to apply. Each year, thousands of dollars’ worth of free money goes unawarded. This is because there were no students who took the time to apply! 

Leave no stone unturned. Make sure you apply for any scholarship or grant. These are awarded on the basis of:

• career path
• merit
• need

There are even targeted scholarships out there that award funds to assist minority populations, too. 

See Also: Best Online Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

How Much Can I Make With an MBA in Economics? 

There’s no doubt about it. Earn a business administration in economics degree. Your career opportunities will be endless. The average salary can be very high. An undergraduate degree in economics is a great springboard to a lucrative career. A master’s will provide you with the leverage you need to be successful. 

To qualify for a lucrative job in mid to upper management, you need to earn a master’s. MBA programs are well-balanced. They provide you with the skills you need for a general business career as well as one that’s more focused on economics. 

There are a variety of positions you might pursue. These are quite lucrative. For example, you might wish to apply for a job as a:

• Financial manager
• Business management consultant
• Economist

As an economist, you’ll work for a private company or for a government agency. Choose to work as a financial manager. You could work for a large corporation. Here, you’ll be responsible for managing its financial health. Financial analysts might also want your expertise!

Of course, you could also work in research, as an instructor at a university, or in some other setting, too. Because there are so many different kinds of positions you can pursue, your expected salary will vary, too. 

These positions have something in common. The work often yields high-paying results. Your work as an economist will be predictable. You will work within a standard fiscal calendar. You might have to work extra hours to meet deadlines sometimes. Yet you don’t have to worry about working odd shifts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for economists (one of the most common positions you might pursue after earning an MBA in economics) in 2019 was $105,020. That’s nothing short of impressive. Plus, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the highest 10% of earners in this field bring in well over $185,020 per year. 

The best-paid employees tend to work in the private sector, employed in finance, insurance, scientific research, development, or technical consulting. These professionals brought in an average salary of $120,770 in 2019. Those working for the government earned between $73,400 and $119,580. 

You won’t have to worry too much about finding a job, either. The employment of economists and related professions should grow by 14% from 2019 to 2029. That’s more than twice the national average! It’s a small occupation. Yet the demand for workers with skills in economics is strong.

Besides taking relevant economics courses, a great way to improve your likelihood of finding a job upon graduation is to join as many professional organizations in economics as you can. You’ll be able to access resources like:

• Career guidance
• Research programs
• Networking events
• Professional development opportunities

Some of the most prominent professional organizations for economics include:

• The American Economics Association
• The National Economic Association
• The National Association for Business Economics (popular if you’re pursuing an MBA Business Economics degree)

See Also: 10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

What Are the Best Economics MBA Degrees?

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

25% 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. We want to help you reach your goals. With that in mind, consult our rankings of the best economics MBA programs to help you plan your future.

1. New York University

MBA in Economics

The Stern School of Business is one of the world’s most well-respected business schools. You can find it at New York University. It is in the heart of New York City itself. 

This business administration school is home to many research centers. These are designed with the goal of revolutionizing the way we understand business. The Center for Business and Human Rights and the Urbanization Project are popular.

You’ll also find economics-specific research facilities that specialize in research undertakings in topics like:

• Monetary History
• Econometrics
• Experimental Economics
• Mathematical Economics

This economics MBA degree is perfect for individuals who want to pursue careers in business or any areas of government associated with business. You’ll learn how to develop the techniques, concepts, and tools you need. That way, you can serve your own business or financial community. 

Curious about the classes you’ll take? The list of offerings changes each semester. You’ll be able to customize your degree. You might take:

• Growth in the Developing World and the Global Economic
• the Economy and Financial Markets
• International Macroeconomic Policy
• Energy and the Environment

You might explore coursework in:

• International finance
• Public administration
• Monetary policy
• Economics theory
• Capital markets
• Working for consulting firms

Upon graduation, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue work in a variety of fields, including:

• Asset management
• Corporate finance
• Real estate finance
• International finance
• Government
• Equity and fixed income research

A unique feature of the full-time MBA at New York University is the Change: Studio vision. The Change: Studio is for students in the two-year program. It can help you develop the skills, competencies, and confidence you need to thrive. That’s even in a world of change and uncertainty. 

You’ll begin to engage with Change: Studio early in your courses. You’ll be able to take economics courses. These are from a menu of options. For example, you can choose from leadership development, entrepreneurial, and experiential programming. You’ll participate in four core programs including:

• Leadership Simulation
• Inclusive Leadership Training
• Design Your Life
• Social Identity Exercise

As you move through these areas, you’ll participate in the Dare it. Dream it. Drive it. curriculum, too. 

There are plenty of other opportunities for experiential learning here, too. The program leverages its unique location. The Office of Student Engagement facilitates superb opportunities, too. You can interact with and solve real-world business problems.

You can immerse yourself in a successful early-stage technology company in New York City. You can also work in partnership with a company. You will solve branding challenges via the Consulting Lab. 

To apply, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree.

You will need to supply:

• Scores from the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Council Test) or GRE
• Undergraduate transcripts
• A resume
• Several personal essays

Be sure that you adhere to the proper deadlines. This program is one of the country’s most competitive. 

#2. University of Maryland

Full-Time MBA – Economics

The University of Maryland is a public university located in College Park, MD. It is also home to some of the best economics programs. 

The Robert H. Smith School of Business has two main research labs that are focused on advancing research in the business world in a concrete, empirical way. The Financial Markets Laboratory and the Behavioral Laboratory are open to all students. They can help them advance their MBA in economics careers while on campus.

Many graduate students will conduct groundbreaking business administration research with a global focus. This is done via the Center for International Research. This center offers learners exemplary opportunities for an interdisciplinary degree. 

There are several career specializations and focus areas. This program will prepare you for targeted work in business and economics. 

You’ll leave the Smith School of Business with a solid training in leadership and business. This will set you apart in your career. You’ll also learn how to make data-informed decisions. There are 30 credit hours of study. You’ll take classes like:

• Managerial Economics
• Data Analytics
• Managerial Accounting
• Global Economic Environments

You’ll also complete an integrative capstone. You will be able to take a smattering of courses in other disciplines, too. The final capstone is an integrated course that will enable you to put everything you have learned into practice. 

As you might expect, the MBA economics concentration is not the only specialization available in this degree. You can also pursue focus areas in topics like:

• Consulting
• Marketing
• Finance
• Supply chain

You can take more than one if you want to specialize the majority of your 24 elective credits, too. This gives you plenty of leeway to craft a degree that meshes well with your goals. 

A unique feature of this program is its experiential elective feature. The experiential elective program is a selective experience. In it, students can perform hands-on tasks. These are great resume-builders. For example, you might participate in the Mayer Fund. The Mayer Fund is an asset management experience. You can meet a fund’s long-term performance goals of capital appreciation. You could engage in an innovation and product development experience. 

The economics MBA program also focuses on opportunities that will help you integrate artificial intelligence in a responsible way through all aspects of business. This is not a one-off approach, either. All courses include this theme throughout. The Smith Showcase Seminars, too, are great opportunities for students to build their skills. These are a series of co-curricular seminars. They gather the best and brightest researchers. They allow students to get an inside look at cutting-edge research. This is before it ever appears in the top academic journals. 

#3. Carnegie Mellon University

MBA Economics Concentration

Study in Pittsburgh, PA. Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top private universities in the country to earn an advanced degree. The campus is located in the center of a city that’s brimming with American history and cultural diversity. It’s home to a large campus population of about 14,000 students. The MBA in economics can be pursued online. You can also take classes on-campus. 

You can choose from classes that are offered on a synchronous and asynchronous basis. You can attend live classes online twice a week. There are occasional in-person weekend events. These supplement your solitary coursework. That way, you won’t have to worry about missing out on the “human” component of earning a degree. This offers busy learners one of the best ways to network!

This MBA with economics concentration program has several options for you to choose from. You’ll learn how to apply economic principles in: 

• Entrepreneurship
• Communications
• Business technologies
• Accounting
• Operations management
• Organizational behavior
• Sustainability
• Strategy

In any case, an economics specialization will prepare you well for the world of work.

While you’re enrolled in this online MBA, you’ll take courses in topics like:

• Operations
• Marketing
• How to apply economic theory
• Finance
• Economic principles
• Accounting fundamentals

You’ll learn the comparable data analytics techniques. You’ll also learn strategies for both predictive and prescriptive modeling. You can make solid decisions. You’ll become a powerful leader. 

Most MBA candidates will take the same litany of courses. When you pursue a specialization in economics, you’ll also take classes on the major policies of business economics. You will take a closer look at:

• international monetary policy
• business forecasting
• emerging markets

You’ll gain a deep understanding of economic concepts.

You can take electives like:

• Public administration
• How to apply economic theory
• Financial markets
• Economic principles
• How government agencies utilize the expertise of economists

You can take your time as you move through the MBA economics concentration curriculum. When studying part-time, most students are able to graduate in 32 months. You won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to do so, either.  Online candidates pay the same tuition rates as on-campus learners. Tuition is somewhat high here. Yet the return on investment cannot be overlooked. That’s true whether you’re studying online or on-campus. 

Housed in the prestigious Tepper School of Business, the economics programs at Carnegie Mellon have produced numerous Nobel Prize-winning economists. The school was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie himself. It’s no surprise that it’s led to massive developments. These were in business, economics, and technology. 

The Tepper School of Business is well- ranked. The economics MBA is no exception. It’s ranked as the fifth-best online degree in the country by Princeton Review. It’s top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, too. The MBA economics concentration degree program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It provides students with the ability to network with instructors, students, and other professionals. This occurs many times throughout its duration.

To apply for this economics MBA, be prepared to submit a formal online application. You’ll also need:

• An essay
• Resume
• Professional references
• GRE or GMAT scores

This degree program is competitive. Be sure to get your materials in soon. 

#4. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Business Administration M.B.A. – Managerial Economics

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the oldest and largest university in the University of Minnesota system. It is a public research university. It is located in Saint Paul, MN. It also has the sixth-largest student body. 

This university offers graduate students the opportunity for an education that is anything but cookie-cutter. You can choose from dozens of majors spread out among 19 colleges. These programs feature small classes taught by distinguished faculty. They are on top of the latest research in their fields. Many of them are involved in that research themselves. They drive innovation and discovery at the collegiate level and beyond.

The Master of Business Administration at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is offered by the Curtis L. Carlson School of Management. This master’s economics program consists of 48 to 64 credit hours of study and allows learners to tailor their coursework to meet their career objectives. When you sign up for classes here, you will be supported by excellent instructors who teach cutting-edge coursework and want nothing more than to see their students succeed.

You’ll expand your expertise outside the classroom walls, too. You will be able to engage in extensive networking opportunities as part of this online MBA. You can put together a vast record of impressive professional achievements long before you even graduate. 

There are several options when it comes to pursuing an economics MBA at Carlson. You can sign up for:

• full-time MBA
• part-time MBA
• executive MBA
• online MBA

There are also options for dual degrees and study abroad. The executive MBA is offered as a partnership. This is between the Carlson School and Lingnan College of Sun Yat-sen University. It also includes the Vienna University of Economics and Business. 

You’ll also be able to choose whether you want to study on-campus or online. You can also take a hybrid of the two. You’ll take courses in a program that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. You’ll explore real world problems in:

• Financial accounting
• Marketing
• Supply chain and operations
• Data analysis and statistics
• Managerial economics

You might also study financial markets and economic theories. It is an interdisciplinary degree. You will learn everything in a traditional MBA program. You will also gain a deep understanding of the liberal arts. That’s like other public schools or smaller private schools with a traditional MBA. 

Beyond that, there are plenty of ways to meet your other course requirements for this online MBA. You will be expected to conduct a leadership experience such as:

• Leading Others
• Leadership and Personal Development

An Enterprise program is also a core element. This will allow you to work in fields like consulting, brand enterprise, or funds. There’s even an international study abroad program you can pursue. The professional opportunities are extensive.

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You should have taken the GRE or GMAT. You will need to submit various supplemental materials (like letters of recommendation) as well. 

#5. University of California-Berkeley

Full-Time MBA Program Economics Major

Private schools aren’t the only ones with great economics programs. The University of California-Berkeley is proof of that. It’s the only public university that is ranked in the top ten. That’s of the Academic Ranking of World Universities’ business and economics rankings. 

At UC Berkeley, you’ll enjoy all kinds of opportunities for research and professional development. With 14 separate colleges, you’ll get the best professional opportunities. It is the state’s first land-grant university. There are more than 350 interdisciplinary degree programs for MBA students to choose from. It’s home to many research institutes. These are nationally-recognized for their excellence. These include the Space Sciences Laboratory. 

Of course, you can’t overlook the quality of this school’s business programs on your search for the perfect degree, either. The full-time Master of Business Administration program will teach you how to make responsible, thoughtful business decisions. You will gain a broad understanding of the corporate world. You will also learn economic principles you need to solve real-world problems. 

The degree is offered by the Haas School of Business, a department that’s recognized as the seventh-best graduate business school in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. It’s a small school with 331 students. Yet you won’t feel like you’re missing out on any of the best opportunities. 

Here, you’ll build your fluency in business and economics. These economics programs are accredited. You’ll take 12 required core courses in a core curriculum. Each of these builds upon the next. You’ll master the analytical tools and essential knowledge you need. You’ll become a successful leader. You’ll complete the core set of interdisciplinary courses first. Then you can tailor your studies to achieve your unique career goals. 

Some of the classes you will take in this economics master’s degree program include:

• Leadership Communication
• Economics for Business Decision Making
• Financial Accounting
• Macroeconomics in the Global Economy

There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning, too. The instructors in this program have deep connections with the top organizations in the Bay Area. Not to mention the rest of the world. As a result, your opportunities for experiential learning will be unparalleled. More than half of all electives include some sort of hands-on projects!

One of the most revolutionary features of this program’s curriculum is its inclusion of applied innovation courses. You’ll be able to take classes that enable you to interact with the business world in a real, applicable way. For example, you might choose to take the International Business Development class. This course arranges consulting projects with many clients. You’ll be able to work in small teams with clients during the spring. You’ll then travel to other countries for a more immersive experience in business. 

It’s no secret as to why these economics programs are so well-respected. This school offers one of the most hands-on training in economics. It produced five Nobel laureates in economics as well as numerous notable alumni who went on to major developments in the business world. The Haas School of Business at Berkeley has produced notable alumni like the president of Bank of America, Barbara Desoer. It’s also home to the CEO of Adobe, Shantanu Narayen.

#6. Indiana University-Bloomington

Economic Consulting – Master of Business Administration

As the flagship university of the Indiana University system, Indiana University-Bloomington has a lot to offer its more than 40,000 students. It’s ranked among the R1: Doctoral Universities-Very High Research Activity. It is home to dozens of schools. It’s also where you will find one of the best economics programs.

Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University offers a prestigious and competitive Master of Business Administration with a focus area in economic consulting. The curriculum of this economics program might not look all that different from others. What really sets Indiana University apart is the many networking opportunities.

These opportunities exist in part because there are so many centers and initiatives in place. The Indiana Business Research Center is housed within the Kelley School of Business. It is home to many research initiatives such as:

• the Indiana Workforce Intelligence System
• Driving Change: Greening the Automotive Workforce

It is also where you will find the Indiana Business Review. 

The master’s degree is offered by the Kelley School of Business. All degree requirements can be completed on-campus in Bloomington. There are two concentrations within the MBA. One is in public policy analysis as well as one in economic consulting. Both the public policy and economics programs train students to apply economics to major business decisions. You’ll also learn to analyze the impact of governmental policies on a business environment. 

Regardless of your career goals, this program has what you need. You’ll gain concrete skills in:

• Managerial economics
• Forecasting game theory
• Economic theory
• Business analytics
• Other key disciplines

 You’ll gain valuable insight into multinational corporations and international markets. There are other economics concentration classes available as well.

MBA graduates go on to work in the world’s top market research firms. You could work in consulting firms or for investment banks. About 88% of all MBA graduates receive job offers within 90 days of graduation. These aren’t any old jobs, either. These positions have average base salaries of $119,000. 

With a curriculum that’s designed for a career-changer, this master’s degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. You’ll start with core courses in an Integrated Core first semester, an intensive 15-week program that will include training in fundamentals like:

• Finance
• Operations strategy
• Economic foundations
• Strategic management

Then, you’ll be able to choose an industry-focused “academy”. This will give you career experience. You’ll do this via real-world cases and consulting projects. Academy options include:

• Business marketing
• Consulting
• Capital markets
• Consumer marketing
• Strategic finance,
• Life sciences
• Supply chain and digital enterprise

Your academy will allow you to enjoy activities like consulting projects. You can participate in corporate visits. There are plenty of networking and leadership experiences.

Following your academy, you’ll be able to add a major, minor, certificate, or joint degree option. There are seven Kelley majors you can choose from. These consist of 15 credit hours of fundamental courses. Options for majors include:

• Business analytics
• Finance
• Entrepreneurship and corporate innovation
• Corporate finance
• Marketing
• Supply chain and operations

Many of these are even STEM-designated by the US government!

#7. University of Pennsylvania

Business Economics & Public Policy, MBA

With a main campus in Philadelphia, PA, the University of Pennsylvania offers learners a large network of courses to choose from. As a private Ivy League research university, this school, founded in 1740, predates even the Declaration of Independence! That kind of legacy can’t be overlooked. Plus this school was founded by Benjamin Franklin himself. 

Here, you’ll find four undergraduate schools. There are a dozen graduate and professional schools. Among these is the Wharton School, recognized as one of the best graduate business school options not only in the United States, but in the entire world. 

You’ll find one of the top MBAs in economics here. The Business Economics and Public Policy MBA is taught by accomplished faculty members. Many of them are researchers themselves, with several having been awarded the Nobel Prize. As a result, the MBA graduates from this program are viewed as among the best in the country.

Graduate programs like this prepare aspiring business leaders. Economics programs will give you the tools you need. You’ll be able to analyze the policies and incentives of all kinds of organizations. That includes governments, firms, and consumers. And that’s in all niches and industries! You’ll be able to formulate policy with the best techniques. That’s for both public and private sector research. You can use these skills in a variety of careers. It’s even more so for those that involve regulated industries or developing economies.

As an MBA student, you’ll complete at least 19 course units in the business education realm before you graduate, with core major requirements including classes like:

• Behavioral Economics, Markets, and Public Policy
• Business Insurance and Estate Planning
• Risk Management
• Nations, Politics, and Markets

You’ll be able to take six credits of free-choice electives. You’ll also take MBA courses in fields like:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Business management
• Legal studies

Not sure that business economics and public policy is the right choice for you? Don’t worry. Public administration is not the only economics concentration option. You can also pursue tracks in actuarial science or insurance and risk management. It doesn’t matter which path you choose. You’ll find that your classes are vital for any career. Even if you’re interested in a career in consulting!

You can also pursue a dual major in MBA programs like this. The options for combining majors are limitless. The most common choices are dual majors with:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Real estate
• Health care

Many of the courses you are required to take for the business economics and public policy track will count for the required credits for these tracks, too. That means you won’t have to spend extra time and money. 

Let’s not forget the opportunities for research that you’ll have when you enroll in this program, either. Faculty are involved in all kinds of hands-on work. Many hold presidential appointments on federal regulatory commissions. They participate in major research fellowships and appointments. Some hold management jobs for large corporations. 

Faculty in this business school are active in research involving:

• government funding
• corporate governance issues
• productivity
• telecommunications

As a graduate student here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these areas as well as many others.

#8. Columbia University in the City of New York

MBA Academics – Economics

There is perhaps no better place to learn about the fast-paced business world than in the heart of the Big Apple itself. Columbia University in the City of New York is located right in the heart of Manhattan. 

However, this graduate business school wasn’t always surrounded by big business and skyscrapers. As one of the oldest universities in the United States, Columbia University was founded in 1754. It was first known as King’s College. It is the fifth oldest in the United States. It is the oldest in the state of New York. Numerous high-profile individuals have been educated here. These include Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. 

At Columbia, you’ll enjoy a reputation as a student at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. It is ranked third among national universities. It is seventh in the world by U.S. News & World Report. The Columbia Business School is ranked eighth in the country, too. 

Here, you’ll find the MBA in economics and finance. This is a degree that is nothing short of impressive. In fact, the school has produced seven Nobel laureates in economics, including Milton Friedman himself. The business education curriculum is never the same from year to year, driven by the recognition that business is evolving faster than ever. There are more pronounced challenges and higher stakes. Plus, there’s an an ever-changing global environment. This degree consists of state-of-the-art courses to address the changes. You’ll participate in cutting-edge research.

All courses at the Columbia Business School are taught by full-time faculty members. There are 150 full-time instructors here, all of whom are thought leaders whose research is well-respected. It is transforming the way we conduct business. You’ll also be able to take classes with adjunct instructors who are current practitioners in a vast array of industries. 

There are more than 100 student organizations. There are also many research centers for you to explore. You’ll find that there are plenty of ways to get involved in business opportunities. Those are both inside and outside the classroom. The comprehensive core curriculum will help you build your expertise in core functional areas while electives will let you gain insight into more specialized areas. 

Curious about the classes you’ll take? Your schedule will depend on your career path. However, some popular required course titles include:

• Corporate Finance
• Operations Management
• Real Estate Finance
• Business Analytics

You can engage in versatile programs such as:

• Columbia CaseWorks
• The Individual, Business, and Society
• Master Classes

These will enable you to think about business in new, revolutionary ways. There are other economics concentration classes at your disposal, too.

You will also be able to interact with the accessible alumni network both while you are enrolled as well as long after you graduate. You’ll tap into a support system of fellow business professionals that will go with you throughout the rest of your life.

Ready to apply? The Columbia Business School utilizes a rolling admissions process that means you can get a decision on your application at any time of the year. You’ll be required to submit:

• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT test scores

Remember that the GMAT is overseen by the Graduate Management Admission Council.

#9. Stanford University

MBA Program – Political Economics

Stanford University, located in Stanford, CA, is often regarded as one of the best business schools in the world. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford offers learners a prime destination for budding entrepreneurial opportunities. In fact, the combined revenue of all companies founded by Stanford alumni, both right in the Silicon Valley as well as elsewhere, is well over $2.7 trillion!

Stanford University is located in southern California. It was founded in 1885. This southern California school is also known as Leland Stanford Junior University. It is a private research institution that is ranked among the most prestigious universities in the world. Organized into seven schools, the university consists of 40 academic departments at the undergraduate level. There’s also a broad range of  graduate programs in:

• Medicine
• Law
• Business
• Education

The two-year Stanford Master of Business Administration is a full-time, residential course of study that is offered by the Stanford Business Graduate School. Here, you’ll be able to earn a general management degree that will help you develop your business vision. You’ll learn from economic experts. They have a broad range of experience. You’ll join a supportive alumni community of economic experts after you graduate, too.

At Stanford, you’ll learn from world-class faculty and industry leaders. You’ll take classes like:

• case studies
• small group seminars
• lectures
• role-playing
• simulations
• project-based courses

You will take classes in core disciplines like:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Operations information and technology

There are a variety of global experiences for you to consider in this graduate business school, too. Participating in a global experience is not only a highlight of this MBA program. It is also necessary for the advanced degree. It takes four weeks during a summer semester. You’ll work on projects for sponsoring organizations in industries like:

• Energy
• Health care
• Finance
• Telecommunications

You can apply for a project. You can also create one of your own based on your interests. 

The global study trip is a feature of this degree, too. These 10-day intensives take place in countries like:

• Greece
• Switzerland
• the UK
• Singapore

There’s even a Stanford-Tsinghua exchange program . This will allow you to collaborate with MBA students from China on projects of mutual interest. None of these fit the bill? You can create your own global internship, too. 

Stanford’s reputation is nothing short of impressive. The New York Times dubbed it as America’s “it” school. Times Higher Education recognizing Stanford as one of the world’s six super brands. You won’t find a program in political economics that’s more well-respected than this one!

Ready to apply for this Master of Business Administration? You will need to choose an application cycle. There are three application rounds each year. A $275 application fee is required. So are:

• Essays
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• An online application form

#10. Michigan State University

Full-Time MBA – Applied Economics

Last but not least is Michigan State University. This public university is located in the center of the country in East Lansing, MI. Founded in 1855, this school later served as a model for land-grant universities under the auspices of the 1862 Morrill Act.  Michigan State University was first an agricultural school. Now it is one of the largest universities in the United States. It has an alumni network of more than 634,300 around the world. 

The Broad School of Business is home to one of the nation’s best MBA programs. The full-time MBA will prepare you for success in the modern business world as well as long into the future. The curriculum is rigorous. It also offers students the flexibility they need to foster collaboration. You’ll also develop creative solutions to common business problems.

As an MBA student, you’ll be taught by world-class faculty members who will challenge you to succeed. A 21-month program, it’s ranked as the ninth-best MBA program among public universities in the United States by Forbes as well as the top return on investment (based on the percentage increase on pre-MBA salary) by the Economist. Forbes also notes that this degree offers the fastest time to pay back the cost of the MBA among all other ranked universities. 

Let the numbers speak for themselves. Graduates of this program enjoy an average base salary of $110,000. You’ll get a signing bonus of $21,000. 

That’s because this program has a team-based approach with relevant courses that are applicable to real-world industry. You’ll be supported by the Broad MBA Career Services department who will help you map out a path of courses and activities. There are even student organizations that will guide you to success, too. 

As an MBA student, you will take classes that are grounded in strategic problem solving. You’ll also learn innovative thought leadership. There are three core components of the curriculum. There are core classes, which provide opportunities for foundational learning. Concentration courses build your subject matter expertise in one of four fields. Then there are electives. These will deepen your knowledge in areas of interest so that you can drive your expertise to a relevant career path.

Here, you’ll find multiple facilities that are designed to help you succeed. The International Business Center is one of them. This center is a national resource center dedicated to business education and research. Enroll at Michigan State. You’ll be able to conduct all kinds of business-related research. You can also seek grant funding if you wish to pursue research that will have an impact on international business developments. 

Don’t take our word for it, either. Let the rankings do the talking! This school is top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It ranks Michigan State’s graduate programs as some of the best in the country. It’s also regarded as an R1: Doctoral University, Very High Research activity, too. Needless to say, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for when you enroll in the full-time MBA in applied economics at Michigan State University. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, IL

Degree: Full-Time MBA Program Economics Major

Net Price: $54,620

Website     

#12. University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: MBA Economics

Net Price: $58,968

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE TOP 10 REASONS TO EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE & 50 BEST NO-GRE ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS!

Deciding what you’ll major in and where you’ll get your degree is something that you’ll need to consider as you’re getting ready for college—but unfortunately, this decision often comes down to simple dollars and cents.

Choosing a major shouldn’t have to be about income potential. You should also be able to choose a degree with courses that you will enjoy. 

Fortunately, when you choose a major in accounting, you can have both. There’s never been a better time to pursue a master’s degree in accounting. It is not only an exciting major with plenty of opportunities for career growth, but it offers the potential for a high salary, too.

When most people think of accounting, they envision stiff, straight-laced professionals who sit in stuffy offices and complete tax returns. To be fair, many accountants do travel down that road, working to balance the books and prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses alike.

However, the field of accounting is one that is constantly changing. You could work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a consultant to help solve white collar crime or you could serve as the Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 company, providing advice on international mergers and acquisitions.

There are all kinds of unique and unexpected jobs you can pursue, especially if you have interests that delve into other fields in addition to accounting. You can work as a fashion purchasing manager, using your skills in cost analysis to determine the best purchases, or you could find a job as a nonprofit development manager, working with top executives to help their companies meet development plan milestones. 

As you can see, the opportunities are endless. The only thing that stands between you and landing the career of a lifetime is the right level of education.

Of course, you can apply for most accounting jobs with just a bachelor’s degree. That said, a master’s degree will provide you with many advantages, including better access to higher-paying, competitive jobs and the ability to sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam.

When you’re looking at a master’s in accounting, you’ll have a few different types of degrees to choose from. For the most part, all of them will help you meet your career goals, but there are a few distinctions to be aware of. A Master of Science in Accounting is perfect for the candidate who wants to work in public accounting, while a Master of Accounting is ideal for someone who is interested in pursuing an accounting degree but has a bachelor’s in a different field.

There are even MBA programs that feature accounting as a concentration, allowing you to earn an MBA and an accounting degree at the same time. 

Don’t compromise on your goals when you’re looking for the right program. You can receive a quality education even if you’re on a budget—there are plenty of affordable master’s degrees in this field to choose from.

Not sure where to start? In this post, we’ll give you a guide to everything you need to know to achieve your dreams—including a list of the 10 best affordable master’s in accounting you can consider. 

See Also: Best MBA in Accounting

What Are the Best 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.

See Also: 30 Best Affordable Master’s in Economics

#1. University of Florida

Master of Accounting

The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, FL, offers one of the best affordable master’s in accounting. However, that isn’t the only thing that this school is known for. This prestigious institution first opened its doors in 1853 and has provided quality education to students from all over the country ever since.

It is ranked as the fifth-best public university in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is also one of the largest. It is the fifth-largest single-campus university in the nation with nearly 58,000 students enrolled within 16 academic colleges. Its programs are incredibly hands-on, providing learners with access to more than 150 research centers and institutes. 

If you’re looking for an affordable education that doesn’t skimp on quality, it’s clear to see that the University of Florida is where you need to go. This cheapest program for accounting is designed for students who completed their undergraduate studies elsewhere and are looking for a high-quality master’s degree. It features concentrations in taxation and auditing as well as a plain zero-concentration track.

And if you’re already a student at the University of Florida, you can graduate more quickly by considering the 3/2 track, which will allow you to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting in just five years of study. 

This program is not offered online, with all classes offered in a face-to-face setting in Gainesville. You will take classes four days a week, studying topics like:

• Advanced Accounting
• Accounting Regulation
• Accounting Theory
• Issues in Audit Practice
• State And Local Taxation

You can even choose to take business electives or participate in hands-on learning experiences like internships. This will allow you to put what you have learned in your courses to the test in a real-world setting. With excellent career outcomes and affordable tuition rates, the University of Florida offers students an excellent return on their investment. 

See Also: Best MBA in Accounting

#2.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Accountancy

Innovation is at the heart of every great university—and if you’re looking for a school that allows its students to take a front seat in that innovation, you should look no further than the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The school is home to more than 250 different programs of study with 651 buildings sitting on 6,370 acres. Here you will also find a renowned Research Park, which houses innovation centers for nearly 100 start-up companies and multinational corporations. You’ve likely heard of many of them—do names like State Farm, Yahoo, and Capital One ring a bell? 

Students have the opportunity to work in these research facilities and centers, partnering with faculty who are known for their real-world experience and academic laurels. In the Master of Science in Accountancy, you will have the opportunity to put your learning to the test each and every day in these sorts of hands-on experiences. 

This degree is a STEM-designated program that is suitable for learners of all backgrounds. You don’t have to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting in order to apply. While enrolled in this program, you’ll gain the skills you need to succeed in a competitive job market while learning from a top-ranked faculty. 

The program has a 100% job placement rate, with all 2020 graduates landing a job within just three months of graduation. The school partners with more Big Four CPA firms than any other university, allowing students to gain experience while they’re still completing their degrees. As a student in this program, you could have the opportunity to work with major corporations like Huawei Technologies, Deloitte, PwC, and more. 

You will work closely with faculty and fellow peers as you complete courses in subjects like:

• Auditing
• Federal Taxation
• Managerial Accounting

There are additional concentrations available in:

• Data Analytics in Accountancy
• Taxation
• Finance
• Supply Chain Management
• Information Technology and Control
• Business and Public Policy
• Corporate Governance
• International Business

Plus, you’ll build nontechnical business soft skills to help you in your job search. This affordable program has low tuition rates and generous financial aid. It is ranked as the second-best graduate accounting program in the country by U.S. News & World Report as a result.

#3.  University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Master of Accounting

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers another one of the best-value accounting master’s for you to consider. It’s one of more than 150 different degree programs that are offered within nine colleges. 

The largest institution of higher education in CHarlotte, it is the fastest-growing school in the University of North Carolina System. It actually has three main campuses—the Center City Campus, the Charlotte Research Institute Campus, and the main campus in University City. 

Regardless of where your studies take you, the Master of Accounting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a good one to consider. You’ll be able to make an impact by studying either on-campus or online. The department has a top-ranked alumni network, according to LinkedIn, with a powerful reputation that will follow you for the rest of your life.

You don’t have to have a background in accounting in order to apply. You’ll take courses in core technical accounting concepts as well as in essential business skills like:

• problem-solving
• communication
• analysis
• negotiation
• teamwork

An affordable program with plenty of financial aid opportunities, it will allow you to graduate in just one year. The program has a 98% employment rate with graduates making an average of more than $100,000 just five years after graduation. Talk about a solid investment! 

#4.  California State University, Long Beach 

MS in Accountancy

A public university located in Long Beach, CA, California State University, Long Beach is the second-largest of the 23-campus California State University system. It is one of the most affordable programs of its kind, boasting one of the lowest student tuition rates in the country. As of 2021, full-time and in-state undergraduate students paid just $3,425 per semester!

Even for out-of-state graduate students, the Master of Science in Accountancy at California State is a smart program to consider if you’re looking for both quality and affordability. It can be completed in as little as 11 months and costs just $19,000—not per semester, not per year, but for the entire program. 

A 30-credit hour program, it leads to CPA licensure in the state of California. The coursework will provide you with advanced knowledge in corporate governance, tax, ethics, and other topics you need to know if you plan on working in industry or government. You’ll be able to work closely with accounting firms, audit and tax groups, and financial firms as you complete your studies.

As you work your way through your courses, you will do so with a cohort of fellow students. You’ll take classes five days a week each semester and be able to tap into resources like CPA test prep, career advising, professional workshops, and more. Of course, you’ll also have access to an extensive network of CSULB alumni. 

#5. California State University, Los Angeles 

Master of Science in Accounting

California State University, Los Angeles is another school to consider if you’re searching for a cheap master’s in accounting that still offers the quality education you need to help you meet your academic and professional goals.

A competitive school, the university has a number of programs that are truly one of a kind. Here, you’ll find the oldest forensic science program in the country as well as a unique Early Entrance Program that makes it possible for gifted honors students as young as 12 to start transitioning into college!

Of course, the Master of Science in Accounting is a revolutionary program for you to consider here, too. This degree will help you accelerate your career in accounting with its many customizable options and flexible scheduling. You can sit for the CPA examination upon graduation and work toward all kinds of professional certifications, such as those in Internal Auditing and Fraud Examination.

You’ll take core classes in topics like:

• Professional Accounting Ethics
• Leadership and Professional Skills for Accountants
• Case Studies and Research in Accounting

A total of 33 units of study are required for the completion of the degree. 

In addition to your coursework, you’ll be able to participate in industry-focused events along with student events and guest lecturers to help you build your professional network—and, of course, to help you enjoy your time at California State University, Los Angeles even more! 

Not only that, but this school is committed to helping both current and prospective students find an affordable education. There are all kinds of financial aid available, including scholarships, grants, and other resources. 

#6. University of South Florida 

Master of Accountancy

The University of South Florida is a public research university with a main campus in Tampa, FL. It has other locations in Sarasota and St. Petersburg, too, making it possible for learners from all over the state (and all over the country, for that matter!) to earn their degrees in the location that makes the most sense to them.

It is the 11th largest public university in the United States and is highly ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. According to the National Science Foundation, the school spends an average of $568 million per year on research and development, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage in hands-on research as a graduate student here.

The Master of Accountancy at the University of South Florida has four concentrations for students to choose from, including:

• forensic accounting
• taxation
• corporate accounting
• assurance

You will be able to take classes on any of the university’s campuses, including those in Tampa and St. Petersburg. 

Core courses for this program include:

• Financial Reporting and Professional Issues
• Innovation and Analytics in Accounting
• Contemporary Issues in Auditing
• Internal and Operational Auditing

As yet another affordable option for you to consider, it features low tuition rates starting at just $8355 per year for in-state students. Generous financial aid is available for students who qualify.

#7.  Ohio State University

Master of Accounting

Referred to as Ohio State, OSU, and the Ohio State University, Ohio State University is a member of the University System of Ohio and considered a Public Ivy. This means that its quality of education is comparable to what you might find at one of the country’s more expensive private Ivy League institutions.

At Ohio State University, you’ll find programs that blend quality with affordability. You’ll also find plenty of real-world learning opportunities here, from research in one of the campus’ many labs and centers to having a bit of fun in one of more than 1000 student organizations.

The Master of Accounting is offered by the prestigious Fisher School of Business. It is a STEM-designated program that offers students personalized, immersive learning experiences that prepare them for real-world work. 

Ranked as the sixth-best accounting program in the country among public universities and ninth overall by Public Accounting Report in 2019, this program will allow you to complete the 150 credit hour requirement for CPA eligibility within less than one year (just nine months!) of study. 

You will take core classes such as:

• Fundamentals of Accounting Data and Analytics
• Accounting Policy and Research
• Management and Control
• Corporate Financial Reporting

You can pursue concentrations in auditing, taxation, finance, operations management, logistics, managerial decision making, financial reporting, and more.

With low tuition rates, Ohio State University is an affordable university for in-state and out-of-state students alike. There are plenty of financial aid opportunities available as well, including the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholarship Program. This program awards full tuition to students who are pursuing the one-year master’s program in accounting. 

#8.  Stony Brook University 

Master of Science in Accounting

Located in Stony Brook, Long Island, Stony Brook University is a public university that is known for its academic prestige despite having a low price tag. It manages Brookhaven National Laboratory, which is affiliated with the United States Department of Energy, along with its own Research and Development Park.

As a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting, you will take core business courses including 33 credit hours in accounting. You’ll complete required classes like:

• Advanced Auditing and Assurance, Leadership
• Team Effectiveness
• Communications, Government and Nonprofit Accounting
• Ethics in Management
• Forensic Accounting

You will also complete a culminating accounting capstone before you leave campus. The program is an excellent pathway for students who are seeking CPA eligibility. There is also an accounting minor for other business majors to consider.

As a student in this program, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take your learning outside of the classroom. You can participate in the Accounting Society, a group that meets every week and hosts career readiness programs, networking events, and accounting firm talks. There are also internships available. 

As a result of all of these excellent hands-on experiences, the program has a high career placement rate. Pair that with the low tuition rates and ample financial aid that are offered by this affordable university, and it’s easy to see that this program has a phenomenal return on investment.

#9.  University of Georgia

Master of Accountancy

A public land-grant research university, the University of Georgia has a main campus in Athens, GA. First founded in 1785, this school is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. It is another school that is classified as a Public Ivy, offering an academic experience comparable to that of an Ivy League university with tuition prices that are some of the lowest in the nation.

A highly selective school, the University of Georgia offers graduate programs with rigorous curricula. You’ll be able to truly challenge yourself in the Master of Accountancy here. This 30-semester hour program is designed for candidates with an undergraduate degree in accounting, with optional concentrations including tracks in tax advisory, and audit. 

You can enroll in this program by itself or pursue the Five-Year early enrollment program. This will allow you to earn a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in just five years by completing all degree requirements simultaneously. 

This university has had the #1 first-time CPA exam pass rate among large programs for two of the last three years. Although the instructors here don’t teach specifically to the test, the curriculum is designed to help all students succeed on the test. 

In addition to an award-winning curriculum (this school consistently ranks among the top 10 public institutions nationally by The Public Accounting Report), the University of Georgia offers all kinds of opportunities to nurture their professional development while they are enrolled. You’ll be able to attend accounting-specific career fairs and on-campus recruiting opportunities along with ongoing networking opportunities with the active Tull School alumni network.

There are multiple pathways you can choose from in this program, including a traditional one-year MAcc, a five-year combined BBA/MAcc program, and a JD/MAcc program. Whichever you choose, you’ll find that you gain the skills and network you need to be successful in your career.

#10. CUNY Queens College

Master of Science in Accounting

Last (but certainly not least) on this list of the most affordable master’s in accounting is the Master of Science in Accounting at CUNY Queens College. You might be surprised to see a CUNY school on this list, since it isn’t the largest program or the most well-known. However, once you see everything that this program has to offer, it will be clear why it made our final cut.

CUNY Queens is a member of the City University of New York System. The school has an 80-acre campus in the Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood of Queens and has a student body that is incredibly diverse—more than 170 countries are represented!

Here, you can choose from more than 170 different majors, many of which exist as accelerated master’s degrees. You’ll be able to choose from majors in seven different schools, including the School of Math and Natural Sciences where the Master of Science in Accounting is found.

This degree is a 30 to 71 credit hour program that will provide you with the advanced education in accounting you need to take the Uniform CPA examination in New York State (and to meet other career goals as well). 

The number of credits you will need to take ranges because this program is open to students who do not have a background in accounting. If you majored in an unrelated field during your undergraduate studies, you will need to take additional prerequisite courses (hence the higher number of credits) before diving into the core curriculum.

This program includes core classes in subjects like:

• Advanced Financial Accounting Theory
• Advanced Studies in Business Law
• Taxation of Business Entities

As a student in this affordable program, you’ll pay an average of $3,067 per year for in-state tuition after all scholarships and grants have been applied. 

FAQ

What will I learn in an accounting MS program?

Most master’s degrees in accounting take students around one to two years to complete. There are both accelerated programs and those that can be completed more slowly, over the course of five or six years, to accommodate students with all different kinds of schedules and learning needs.

You’ll typically complete around 30 credit hours, with programs including a combination of core courses, electives, internships, study abroad, and other hands-on learning experiences. Some may require the completion of a thesis or capstone while others let students substitute work experience, research, or other culminating projects for this requirement instead. 

Course requirements vary, but usually, you’ll take classes in subjects like:

• accounting information systems
• auditing theory
• accounting ethics
• advanced financial accounting

You might be able to make your degree more specialized by pursuing a concentration, too. 

In a concentration, you’ll take classes outside of your core courses to add more depth and breadth to your studies. You might pursue specializations like forensic accounting, financial accounting, or international accounting. 

What are the admissions requirements for a master’s in accounting online?

Admissions requirements vary for master’s degrees in accounting, but generally, online and in-person programs have the same requirements. Regardless of the format of your program, it is always a good idea to check in with the admissions department at your college or colleges of choice to make sure that you have everything you need to apply. 

You will need to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution. More often than not, this should be a degree in accounting or a related field (such as business, economics, or finance). However, there are many graduate programs that will accept students who do not have a background in accounting provided that they complete a few prerequisite courses before beginning their core studies.

You may have to meet certain GPA requirements, too. When admissions officials look at the transcripts you submit (another requirement), they might look for a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, placing special emphasis on the courses you’ve taken that are related to accounting. 

Other admissions requirements include GRE or GMAT scores (though these are often waived, especially for individuals with relevant work experience or high GPAs), a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume. You may have to have several years’ worth of work experience or other credentials in order to apply, too. 

How much does a master’s in accounting cost?

Most master’s degrees are expensive. It’s no secret that advancing your education isn’t cheap, especially at the graduate level. The average master’s program costs more than $19,000 per year!

There tends to be more financial aid available for undergraduate students than graduate students, but the good news is that there are still plenty of ways to make your degree more affordable.

Online students tend to save the most enjoying in-state rates for distance programs even if they don’t live in that state. On-campus, you can benefit from teaching assistant positions, employer reimbursement, work-study, and other programs to help offset the cost of tuition.

Of course, even though financial aid tends to be more limited for graduate students, there is still plenty of “free money” you can apply for, including scholarships and grants. Loans can be used as a last resort as well.

What are the best master’s degrees for accountants?

When you’re trying to find the right master’s degree to help you meet your personal and professional goals, there’s no single best program out there for everyone. You will have plenty of options to choose from, both online and on-campus.

Any of the programs at the universities covered in this article, from the University of Florida to the University of Georgia, will serve as great choices. No program will serve as the single best choice for everyone but these are a great place to start.

Of course, there are many other master’s degrees that aren’t on this list that are excellent choices, too. Consider programs offered by other top-ranking universities such as:

• Northeastern University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Western Carolina University
• DePaul University
• the University of Washington

What can I do with a master’s degree in accounting?

After you earn an affordable master’s in accounting, you’ll have plenty of job opportunities to choose from. Many graduates go on to earn their certification as CPAs while others seek employment as tax examiners, advisors, or financial managers. 

As an accountant, your job will be to prepare financial records like federal taxes for a business or an individual. The role of an auditor is to examine these taxes and other records. 

A personal financial advisor is someone who provides advice on personal financial matters like investments, retirement, and estate planning. You could work as an insurance broker or a tax advisor, with many graduates pursuing additional certifications to enhance their job prospects.

As a tax examiner, you will compile and audit both individual and corporate taxes for the government. Although many tax examiners go to work with just a bachelor’s degree and some work experience, it is best to pursue more specialized field experience and coursework, which you can get by earning a master’s degree. 

Is getting a cost-effective master’s in accounting worth it?

Getting a master’s degree in accounting is absolutely worth it. Although it takes time to finish the courses, you will open the door to a plethora of rewarding job opportunities and experiences. Not to mention—the salary will be much higher, too! 

Once you earn a master’s degree in accounting, your wages will be significantly higher. Individuals who continue their education earn an average wage of $13,000 more per year than those who have just a bachelor’s degree. Add those earnings up over the years and it’s easy to see that this is quite the return on your investment! 

As an accountant or auditor, you could earn an average salary of $73,560 per year, or $35.37 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Personal financial advisors earn around $89,330 per year, while tax examiners bring in about $55,640 each year. The job prospects should be exceptional, too, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics Projecting a 7% growth for accounting professionals within the next decade. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 BEST ONLINE MBA DEGREE PROGRAMS & 50 BEST ONLINE MASTER OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAMS!

 

Being a doctor isn’t the end-all-be-all for everyone in the healthcare or medical industries.

There are plenty of other areas in medicine in need of skilled professionals.

One of the best pathways to working alongside doctors and other medical professionals without becoming a licensed practitioner yourself?

So is physician assistant a masters degree worth considering? It sure is. And it’s one of the best!

A physician assistant. Known as PAs, physician assistants handle lots of the day-to-day operations of their medical center or hospital. They assist doctors and surgeons in many of their duties.

Physician assistants carry out many tasks. These tasks include:

• examining patients
• reviewing medical histories
• diagnosing patients for potential diseases or injuries
• performing or giving treatments based on the recommendations of their supervising doctors.

Most physician assistants are located in hospitals and other healthcare settings. These might include elderly homes or medical clinics.

The physician assistant position is a cross between a regular nurse and a full doctor. They provide much of the front line or standard care that patients experience. They may interact with certain patients much more than assigned doctors. Doctors often have a wider array of patients to take care of during any single day.

However, physician assistants don’t always just carry out whatever a doctor tells them to do. A physician assistant will provide the same level of care as a regular doctor. They can even make life or death decisions about the health management and care of a particular patient. These jobs aren’t just evolutions of the nursing position. They’re critical parts of any medical organization.

There is a great deal of knowledge and experience necessary to be a physician assistant. A master’s degree is a requirement for most physicians. Master’s degrees for these positions are rigorous and intense.

Most of the programs are designed for working professionals who have plenty of medical facility experience. It’s also for those who want to become physician assistants right after graduation.

The programs available for these positions often incorporate a two-year split. There is a one academic or “didactic” year. In this, the student will learn much of the rigorous academic knowledge for the position. There is also one clinical year. The physician assistant student experiences hands-on practice in clinical environments.

Physician assistant master’s programs will teach students to remain calm under pressure and multitask. Communication skills will also be highlighted. Students must be strong communicators. Successful physician assistants will need to communicate with other medical professionals and deal with difficult patients from time to time.

It’s no stretch to say that a physician assistant program is an interdisciplinary degree. That’s despite its focus on one particular position.

Becoming a physician assistant is a great move. That’s both for your financial benefit and your overall job security. In fact, U.S. News and World Report indicates that the physician assistant position is the third-best job in the entire United States. It’s just behind both software developer and dentist. 

The staffing needs of the healthcare industry will increase as time goes on. Plus, people live longer and longer. Do you want something long-term and fulfilling in both the financial and personal way? Then becoming a physician assistant might be the perfect career choice.

See Also: Best Online Master’s Programs for Physician’s Assistants

Common Application and Admission Questions

Most physician assistant positions will ask you to have a master’s degree. Because of this, you will need a bachelor’s degree or be on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree to even apply for the top PA master programs. 

Before starting the school search, prospective applicants should be at least part of the way through a currently accredited program in a healthcare-related field. You should have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in most cases. Some educational programs allow for a lower minimum GPA. However, you will need to meet other prerequisite requirements.

There are many accelerated track programs available. These allow you to proceed straight from a bachelor’s program to a physician assistant master’s program. These trusted partner programs often offer significant healthcare experience for prospective applicants. You can gain clinical education before even starting your master’s degree.

Several of these allow you to complete both degrees within five years. That’s instead of the standard six or seven.

The bottom line is that all of these programs need a bachelor’s degree. This degree often needs to be within the healthcare subjects rather than an unrelated field. There are some rare programs that allow bachelor’s holders to apply with a degree in business or English. 

When considering programs, make sure you choose one that is granted accreditation continued status. The accreditation process is rigorous but accreditation remains the best indicator of a program’s quality. You may look at other editorially independent information when searching for your degree. School rankings, like those by U.S. News & World Report, are a good way to get an idea of a school’s quality and goals. You can also look at a school’s mission statement. But for true academic excellence, consider accreditation status and overall accreditation standards.

Accreditation standards ensure that a school is up to snuff. It’s a good indicator of academic excellence because meeting stringent accreditation standards says that a school has gone through extensive work in creating its curriculum. A school that has been granted accreditation will provide the highest quality healthcare experience. Accreditation status granted at the regional level tends to be the best, though there are many accreditation review commission boards out there.

Whether you live in New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, New Mexico, Rhode Island, New Jersey, or Alaska, it’s important to research accreditation requirements for your region.

What other minimum requirements are there as part of the admissions process?

Most physician assistant programs require that applicants have some hands-on experience. This should be direct healthcare experience.

Any work experience is beneficial for a graduate-level program. But experience as either a nurse or another type of medical practitioner is strongly encouraged. This will make your application stand out from the crowd. 

Just like the admissions process is competitive, the admissions windows are also competitive. 

Often, you will need to engage in a lengthy interview process as part of the application process.

Work experience and letters of recommendation from your former peers and superiors will go a long way. These can help make your application unique from the rest of the pile. Many master’s programs don’t even look at applications without at least two letters of recommendation either from former teachers or supervisors at your workplace. Collect at least three letters of recommendation before you apply. Even if your school doesn’t list it as part of the minimum requirements! These three letters of recommendation will go a long way. 

You’ll also need excellent grades from your prior schooling. Your full transcripts should showcase a good GPA of 3.0 or above (a letter grade of B or higher). That’s even if the master’s program you are considering has a technical limit of 2.5 (a letter grade of C) or less. Prospective students must maintain this GPA even with transfer credits they might be bringing in. Students must have health care experience and good grades in those sorts of classes, it’s not the only place admissions officials will look for evidence of academic excellence. 

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to keep their grades up even in prerequisite coursework. It might not seem like things like English composition matter much. But communication skills are, again, essential. Therefore, go beyond the minimum requirements and make sure your academics are up to snuff in all areas.

Advanced placement courses are strongly encouraged prior to and during your baccalaureate degree. Of course, health care experience during the baccalaureate degree is wise, too. This can help get you ahead in the admissions process. 

Again, only highly competitive applications are likely to be accepted into any master’s program. That’s even more true for a physician assistant program. If your GPA isn’t yet 3.0 or above, don’t panic. You might consider taking additional classes of a bachelor’s level and earning high grades in those classes. This will retroactively boost your overall GPA. Even if it takes a little more time!

Most master’s programs require that you take the GRE. This is also known as the Graduate Record Examinations. It’s also an indicator of overall academic excellence. These exams are taken over a computer. They measure your quantitative reasoning and critical thinking along several axes. These include verbal and mathematical skills or general logic.

Most graduate schools have specific thresholds for how high your GRE scores need to be. The good news is you can take the GRE five times over the course of a year, and you have that full year to accumulate the scores you want from your first testing date.

After gathering all requisite transcripts and GRE scores for your portfolio, you’re not done.

Consider any other requirements that a particular master’s program may demand from its applicants. You can always add in more letters of recommendation. You can also add potential extracurricular achievements. This may be more relevant if you are proceeding to a master’s degree straight from your bachelor’s education.

Don’t forget about your personal statement. The personal statement again showcases your English composition and communication skills. It’s required of all students, even international students, in many cases. When writing your personal statement, take a close look at the school’s mission statement. This will give you a better idea of minimum requirements so you can keep your paper in line with the school’s philosophy.

Whatever school you plan to attend, don’t forget to pay attention to the application deadlines for each university. Not all schools have the same application windows. Some have several deadlines throughout the year. Others may only accept students for the fall semester or spring semester. Regardless of whether you’re applying in the fall semester, make sure you’ve taken the GRE in time.

Last but not least, international students. International students must often must meet the same minimum requirements as domestic students. However, they nay have to go one step further and also supply TOEFL scores.

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

The FAFSA, or Federal Application for Student Aid, is a must regardless of the physician assistant master’s programs to which you apply. This application takes your yearly earnings and economic situation into account. It determines whether you qualify for subsidized and unsubsidized government grants and loans.

These are some of the best financing opportunities in the country. Be sure to jump on these if you qualify. Most programs require you to seek out government aid first before moving on to ancillary options.

FAFSA doesn’t lead to all the financial assistance you need? Your next step in pursuing an affordable PA education should be to check out the aid page for your university and/or graduate school.

These pages often have specific contests or scholarships.

You should investigate whether your university provides internships or teaching assistantships. Internships will allow you to work for a clinic or hospital setting without pay. But you’ll gain health care experience. Many of these internships cancel out some of your tuition. This depends on the agreement with your school. Internships are valuable not only for their potential financial advantages. They also offer resume-boosting benefits.

Teaching assistantships are school-specific. If you are accepted, you’ll take on several minor duties for one of your professors. You might grade papers or organize files. In exchange, you’ll receive a small stipend for your labor. You may also find that some or all of your tuition is waived in exchange.

Teaching assistantships often require time commitments around 20 to 25 hours per week. Apply for them only if you can balance your studies and other duties. They’re better for full-time students rather than working professionals.

Both teaching assistantships and internships for medical students are competitive. Be sure to apply for them early and every chance you get. They can be game-changers.

How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Degree?

For the most reliable salary data on the PA profession, turn to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides us with optimistic data about what a physician assistant can expect in terms of salary.

In May 2021, physician assistants made an annual salary of about $121,530, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This is much higher than many other types of health diagnosing or treating practitioners. They ave an average salary of around $81,000 per year. The average salary in the United States is around $54, 132 per year. Again, that’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other third party resources. The pay for physician assistants is quite good.

But the median salary doesn’t tell the whole story. There are those with much lower salaries, closer to the $69,000 range. But the highest 10% of earning physician assistants make more than $151,850 per year.

These physician assistants often have more seniority within their medical center or hospital. They might work in a high stress or high traffic environment. Working at busier hospitals and medical centers will result in a higher average salary. This is due to increased responsibilities and workplace requirements.

The vast majority of physician assistants work with full-time schedules. Many also work more than 40 hours per week. The potential for overtime pay also comes into account. Dedicated physician assistants make more than the average salary if they take often overtime shifts.

In addition to the salary, another big benefit of the physician assistant position is its projected job stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment requirements for physician assistants should grow up to 28% over the next 10 years.

Worried about job security as a physician assistant? Don’t be. These jobs are going to become more necessary as time goes on. Members of the baby boomer generation are requiring more medical care as they get older.

People are living longer and healthier lives. This means an increase in hospital and medical center staffing for the aging population. Physician assistants will be at the forefront of these new staffing needs.

Doctors and nurses will also experience job growth in conjunction with this trend. But physician assistants are well-positioned to benefit from a high pay grade across the board. And a huge projected employment increase!

The training to become a physician assistant is much faster than full-on physicians or doctors. You only need a master’s degree and a handful of years of health care experience to become a physician assistant. That’s opposed to the decade or more it requires to become a doctor with your own practice. Or to achieve a steady position within a hospital.

It’s both faster and cheaper to become a physician assistant. This may result in more net earnings over a PA’s lifetime than other healthcare professions.

What Are the Best Master’s in Physician Assistant Programs?

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. It’s 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 our ranking of the 20 best physician assistant master programs!

#1. University of Florida

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The University of Florida is one of the top schools in the nation. It’s also where you will find the best PA masters programs.

Average GPAs hover around 3.3. Students pursue their passions at over 200 service and education centers.

U.S. News and World Report ranks this university as No. 7 for all public universities in 2020. Over half of UF students graduate without any student loan debt. You have one of the best universities here for earning a physician assistant masters degree.

That’s both in terms of both academic rigor and affordability.

At face value, it’s similar to the vast majority of physician assistant programs. UF’s curriculum is comprised of first two years. There is one didactic and one clinical. These didactic and clinical experiences are evidence-based programs. True, didactic and clinical components are key education for the physician assistant. But you won’t find hands-on training that is quite as patient-centered as you will at UF.

The didactic or academic year has courses like:

• gross and radiographic anatomy
• human physiology
• physical diagnosis
• clinical procedures
• patient evaluation and hospital practicum

The clinical year goes much deeper into the actual skills you’ll use as a physician assistant. It has several training areas available. These based on what works best for your needs and what you want to get out of the physician assistant profession.

Clinical training areas prepare students for advanced job opportunities in general and critical care. You will work in a clinical setting in one of the following locations:

• Jacksonville
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Pensacola
• Gainesville

These training sessions are mandatory. You’ll need to commute or relocate for the duration of this clinical year. The clinical research portion of this program emphasizes providing primary health needs for rural populations. Students participate in hands-on clinical training with healthcare providers in in-demand areas. They gain the unique medical knowledge they need for service or continuing education in rural settings. You will gain a first class education to work with a diverse patient population.

All students will have at least one of their primary care clinical rotations in a rural area. This concentration is distinct from any other physician assistant programs.  It’s a great choice if you plan to work in a medical facility that’s close to rural population centers.

Each month during the clinical year will incorporate a clinical rotation. At the end of each month all PA students will return to Gainesville for a “Clinical Day”.

This day includes lectures on special topics. These prepare students to transition to a real clinical practice. Or they emphasize the skills they just learned during the last rotation. An exam is included at the end of each of these days. 

UF’s program is particularly rigorous and robust. That is even compared to other physician assistant programs in the country. You’ll get the hands on training you need to work with health professionals in any corner of the world.

Want to make things even more rigorous? Your end of rotation exams are given in specialties. These are based on your focus and are individualized. These rotation exams focus both on your performance of the examination itself. They also focus on evaluations from your teachers or clinical supervisors.

These exams are difficult. But they will give you ample opportunity to alter your working style. You can adjust your expectations or performance before graduation.

Beyond the clinical and didactic year division, UF also requires that all students complete a master’s capstone project. You’ll work in pairs or on your own to answer a specific clinical question. These are relevant to your medical practice.

This isn’t much different from other capstone projects for other disciplines. But this evidence based approach is part of what makes this PA program curriculum a stand-out. 

#2.  University of Colorado

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

You will find another top physician assistant master’s degree at the University of Colorado.

The University of Colorado is spread across four campuses. It is the flagship educational institution of the state. It’s a school of tremendous progress and development. It fostered over 190 startups in the past 25 years. It also boasts an extensive in-state alumni network.

Many alumni leave Colorado for other locations. But a majority of their 475,000 living alumni make Colorado their home. Overall, this school is an excellent choice if you already like Colorado and wish to remain there. Your odds of employment through this alumni network are high. The ability of this state of the art program to prepare you for work in primary care and health care can’t be overlooked, either. 

CU’s graduate-level physician assistant program is 36 months long. That’s as opposed to a typical 24-month program.

Even with the additional third year, it’s still a full-time curriculum. It provides one of the most comprehensive physician assistant training regimens. It will leave you with a first class education for the physician interested in primary care. That is, primary care of the patient across their lifespan.

Aspiring health professionals will love that this program covers all aspects of the human experience. You’ll receive hands on training in everything from emergency care to pediatrics. 

In short, CU’s program is one of the best of the best for physician assistant students looking for a well rounded, patient centered program. You can maximize your practical and academic knowledge. 

Health professionals can take core courses and electives in a variety of fields. Examples include:

• General surgery
• Burn care
• PA education (for those who wish to teach)
• Understanding medical literature, medical terminology,  and how to prescribe medications
• Problem solving in the health sciences
• Pharmacy and health sciences
• Human anatomy
• Emergency care

It uses a spiral design curriculum. In the first year of this evidence based program, students will master foundational concepts. Then they will master more complex topics and advanced skills in the next two years.

The classes incorporate basic science and clinical medicine. They also cover professional practice in clinical environments. You’ll take advantage of active learning sessions with clinical presentations. This hands on training and research based PA education will hone your medical skills. It will make sure you’re prepared for employment after graduation.

In total, you’ll complete over 70 clinical presentations. These are arranged over seven system blocks. They are all organized by general subject or case, such as review of medical literature or how to prescribe medications. Your clinical and health care experience success will be predicated on how well you work with teams. Interpersonal team practice is a mandated part of the curriculum.You will be well prepared to work with a diverse patient population.

Your clinical rotations will take place in the hospital and community settings. During these clinical rotations, you’ll work very closely with receptors and the program director. You’ll also work with other members of your healthcare team.

Skills you’ll learn include:

• history taking
• development of differential diagnoses
• patient centered decision making
• pharmacy and health sciences
• problem solving education for the physician assistant
• emergency care
• administering patient care in an in-home setting
• clinical decision-making

In these clinical experiences, you’ll also receive advice and education related to planning treatments and intervention.

There is an emphasis on pediatrics. However, you aren’t limited to this field after graduation. Talk to your program director if you’re interested in other areas of the health professions. With proper planning, you can be well prepared for any of the health sciences through this work at your clinical sites. 

CU graduates proceed to all areas. This is of both primary and subspecialty physician assistant areas. The classes you’ll cover include:

• family medicine
• orthopedics
• emergency medicine
• allergy and asthma
• neurology
• neonatology

The program is a three-year endeavor. That’s because of an additional third year of full clinical rotations. CU’s offering is in-depth when it comes to practical experience through these clinical experiences. This is helpful when applying for positions after graduation. You’ll have more real-world work experience than many other competing physician assistants.

This academic difficulty and value are reflected in how exclusive the program is. CU only admits a single class of 44 students every summer semester. Be sure to apply before the deadline if you’re interested in their program. The admissions process is . There are interviews and high qualifications demanded of every applicant.

#3.  Nova Southeastern University

Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant

Nova Southeastern University is a beautiful private university located in sunny Florida. Its campus is notable because it’s built on a former Naval landing field. It was in operation during World War II.

The school offers over 150 courses of study. It is one of the highest research universities in the nation. Students enjoy excellent weather year-round. There is also a bustling student life with over 100 clubs and organizations and a vibrant Greek system. There’s also a perfect master’s degree physician assistant program here.

The school’s physician assistant program is located at the Fort Lauderdale campus. It is a 900,000 square-foot space. It is 15 minutes from the bustling downtown art of Fort Lauderdale. The primary physician assistant program is an integrated experience. It incorporates basic classroom science work as well as clinical rotation and professional work.

The first 15 months of the physician assistant program will focus on didactic and academic education. This clinical rotation and classroom education builds on your current knowledge of sciences and human anatomy.

Courses you’ll take in your first year include:

• physical diagnosis
• microbiology
• medical terminology
• problem solving for the health professions
• legal and ethical issues
• pharmacology
• clinical medicine and surgery

The next 12 months of the program focus on a clinical rotation in both private practices and hospitals. These clinical sites help you build your problem solving skills. You will be well prepared with a comprehensive education for the physician assistant in any setting. 

You’ll cover several specific concentrations for the clinical base of your education, including:

• surgery
• pediatrics
• emergency medicine
• behavioral health

Each clinical rotation’s end will mark a brief period. In this, you’ll return to campus and take various reviewing tests or seminars. You can take advantage of job preparation classes. This can help you find a place of employment after graduation.

NSU brings includes contemporary clinical and surgical topics in a classic lecture format. This allows ambitious PA students to take modern classes. This unique PA program curriculum prepares students for employment in current-day clinical settings. You’ll also complete three electives during this final year. This brings your total educational timeline to just over two years. 

Students also have the opportunity to pursue a concurrent PA/MPH graduate program. This PA program curriculum earns you both a physician assistant and a Master of Public Health degree.

The potential earning and employment value of this specific graduate program cannot be understated. It qualifies you both to work as a physician assistant or in many other clinical fields and professions.

A Master of Public Health degree is a versatile medical degree. It enables you to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities in an administrative format. MPH degree holders often become clinical supervisors or work for nonprofits.

The concurrent degree allows students to take online courses each semester. You can manage learning here for both degree requirements. The concurrent degree can be completed in three years. All students are given up to five years on a part time basis to complete both degrees’ requirements.

Application competitiveness is  high. NSU interviews only 250 people out of the 1400 applications they receive each year.

#4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public research university. It offers a three year program in pharmacy and health sciences that is perfect for aspiring PAs. In fact, this PA masters degree is one of the most flexible for admitted students looking for a part time program. 

The school has several campuses spread throughout the scenic Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Students will enjoy amazing sunsets and a vibrant local culture. In addition to its academic excellence, UTRGV is one of the best in terms of finances. 

The school has low student debt, ranked No. 6 in the entire state according to LendEdu.com. This low debt is perfect for allowing students to pursue the career of their dreams in public health stress- free.

It also has a vibrant student life and a focus on athletics.

UTRGV’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree prepares students to become critical thinkers. Students enrolled in these graduate programs become excellent physician assistants in a versatile, generalized way.

It’s not as specialized as several other top-tier PA programs. It lacks a focus in pediatrics or rural healthcare. This is helpful if you don’t have a dedicated area in which you want to practice as a physician assistant. It’s helpful if you’re willing to explore your options after graduation.

You’ll take classes including:

• health policy and health management
• pharmacology
• patient encounters
• prescription validation review
• human anatomy
• medical terminology
• health care experience in rural settings
• clinical medicine

These classes will make up the didactic phase of your education. You’ll take 48 credits in total before moving on to the clinical phases. The second clinical phase is comprised of 36 credits. It includes classes at clinical sites. These include practical experiences to build your clinical skills and medical knowledge. Clinical rotation courses cover:

• surgery
• gynecology
• human anatomy
• emergency medicine
• psychiatry

The program’s educational focus culminates with one course that is a capstone phase. It consists of 16 credits.

Some of these classes are dedicated to research experience and your capstone review. The capstone phase itself emphasizes your clinical skills. It ensures that you’ll be ready for health care employment at a high level right after graduation.

The hands on phase summarizes both your clinical and didactic knowledge. It will require that you put together a simulated action plan for the treatment of patients.

You’ll practice the work you’ll be doing in your day-to-day experience once you are employed as a physician assistant. It’s one of the better capstone experiences around. That’s in terms of preparing students for what they’ll face outside of school.

Beyond the basic program UTRGV also provides an MPAS bridge program. This curriculum is a modification of the normal program. However, it’s web-based with a final computer based assessment. It it’s designed for practicing physician assistants with a bachelor’s degree to obtain a master’s degree. That’s all without ceasing their work.

This one course option is one of the few pathways to an MPAS degree while  employed as a physician assistant. Most PA positions ask for a master’s degree in the first place. Therefore, this is a great choice if you are employed as a physician assistant. However, updated requirements will necessitate a master’s degree sooner or later.

The program can be completed on a part-time basis with a choice of start date. It still allows completion within two to three years like the regular program. It’s an ideal way to attain a top-tier education. That’s all without having to give up your career or current PA position to attend school.

#5. University of Iowa

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The University of Iowa opened in 1847. It is the oldest institute of higher education in Iowa state. Located in Iowa City, it’s a beautiful campus to consider. 

It is also home to a top physician assistant master degree.

Today, it has a bustling campus along the picturesque Iowa River. It is home to one of the most acclaimed medical and health care centers in the entire country.

11 of its graduate programs are ranked among the top 10. That’s according to U.S. It has enjoyed 28 consecutive years ranked with one of the best hospitals in America.  UI has something to offer for all aspiring physician assistants.

UI’s MPAS program emphasizes medicine at the primary care level. There is a particular focus on family medicine. It is a great choice if you plan to be a physician assistant either in hospitals or in smaller clinics. You might see families or rural populations often.

The classes you take will prepare you for interpersonal communications between patients and family members. This is at a higher level than many other MPAS programs.

As a bonus, UI makes it easy for all students to take the certification examinations. These are examinations to become primary care physician assistants. This is necessary for anyone who wants to work as a PA in the United States. However, most universities leave you to do this yourself.

The program incorporates 114 semester hours of credit and spans 28 months. It is just over two years of study. This PA program is a little longer than the typical two-year completion time for many master’s programs. It does not have a didactic phase. Instead, it includes a “preclinical phase” in addition to a traditional clinical phase.

The admission deadline is tight as the program begins in the fall semester, or August, of every year. Be sure to get your application submitted by the review date if you are interested.

The preclinical curriculum focuses on a triple helix model. It has three strands:

• clinical and professional skills
• medicine and society
• mechanisms of health and disease

This PA program does not tackle each major block one by one. Instead, the PA program integrates each strand so that you learn foundational concepts for each subject at the beginning of your studies. You will revisit them when you have more experience at a high level. 

Afterward, physician assistant students will progress to a foundational clinical experience. This is made up of a six-week summer session. You’ll complete workshop material in both radiology and cardiology. You’ll also complete a two-week introduction to clinical medicine. This is before starting the standard clinical rotations found in most other PA programs. The clinical curriculum provides you the instruction and expertise needed to care for patients of all demographics and age groups.

It’s a 36-week endeavor. It includes clinical rotations with classes in:

• surgery
• internal medicine
• pediatrics

The clinical rotations will take place at several hospitals in the greater Iowa area. There are more clinical facilities available for your rotations compared to other PA programs. As a result, it may be easier than usual for physician assistant students to complete rotation requirements within a commutable distance.

#6.  Rutgers University-Newark

M.S. in Physician Assistant

Rutgers University is the flagship university of New Jersey. It is the largest and most comprehensive institution for higher education in the state. It achieved accreditation status long before many other schools in New Jersey did. Its physician assistant master’s program is in high demand.

The school has some of the best medical facilities in the state and the surrounding area. It also has the largest Institute for higher medical education in the country. 2.1 million patients visit their practices and clinics each year. The school supports more than 350 clinical trials at any time. Rutgers offers some of the most specialized physician assistant master’s programs for aspiring physician assistant students in the New York and New Jersey region.

The physician assistant master’s program is different from a standard MPAS program.

As a Master of Science in physician assistant, the curriculum emphasizes research. It also covers the scientific understanding of many of the same topics and subjects that you experience at an MPAS program.

It’s an intense program that is spread across three years. It has 122 credits with a full year of clinic- focused basic science preparation. You’ll be able to specialize your discipline in up to nine different subjects. These include: 

• internal medicine
• emergency medicine
• psychiatry
• pediatrics

You’ll also work in all kinds of settings during your rotations. These include rural and city health clinics, solo physician practices, and inpatient units.

Clinical rotation location options are also  diverse. They take place in New York and New Jersey. This gives you plenty of opportunities to spread your clinical experience around. You can try out these different hospital environments in New York and New Jersey. This will allow you to see where you’d like to apply for employment after graduation.

Rutgers provides all of its students with access to a virtual cadaver. This advanced learning technology allows students to deepen their understanding of clinical medicine and human anatomy. It gives them the freedom to make and undo mistakes related to human anatomy. This of course cannot be performed on a real cadaver. This rare learning opportunity is just one aspect that makes Rutgers’ PA program one of the best in the nation.

All students will benefit from a threaded humanities curriculum. It weaves between the typical clinical and scientific classes you would expect from this program. These courses give students the opportunity to self-reflect. You can grow on a deeper level in these physician assistant master’s programs. 

Beyond the excellence of its main program, Rutgers also provides an articulated Bachelor of the Arts/Sciences – M.S. accelerated program. It allows students to spend three years on their undergraduate degree. After completing the baccalaureate degree, you can proceed straight into their master’s education.

This can allow you to proceed straight from high school to graduation with a master’s degree in only six years instead of the normal seven. Application for this program is incredibly competitive, however, and truncated time requires additional classes to be completed during summer semesters.

An additional option is the MPH program. You can get a Master of Public Health degree (MPH program) along with the M.S. above. This dual degree takes place over four years. It is only available to students already accepted to the basic PA program.

It’s longer than the basic program. But it’s much faster than pursuing each degree on its own. It involves a combination of online learning and summer semester classes. All in all, Rutgers allows for many of opportunities for higher educational achievement. It is a great choice both for those with and without a baccalaureate degree.

#7. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The University of Wisconsin at Madison is one of the most educational settings in the United States. It’s located on an isthmus, surrounded by lakes. This allows the 936-acre campus to blend both urban areas and green spaces. The school is home to the site of many famous historical events and developments. This includes the discovery of both Vitamins A and B. Its medical college is just one of 13. But it’s one of the best in the country despite its relative isolation. 

Here, you find one of the top PA master’s degree programs in the world.

The respected master’s degree program for physician assistants is designed for serving rural and medically underserved communities from the ground up. It’s also student-focused. There is a low dismissal rate of only 1% over the past five years. The primary care-oriented curriculum focuses on:

• public health for greater populations
• cultural humility
• evidence-based medicine
• rural health

The curriculum uses a modular and system-based approach. This is to teach pharmacology and diagnostic methods and clinical medicine. Classes are updated often. They incorporate active learning strategies and new medical information.

It also benefits from state-of-the-art technology. This is within UW’s dedicated Health Sciences Learning Center. Students will complete a single clinical rotation in a medically underserved or rural community. This focus provides lots of practical learning experience for PA students in general. It also prepares them for serving these types of communities in a way that many other PA programs do not. 

Your clinical year will be spent with hands-on clinical training in several settings. Many PA students will appreciate the week of orientation activities before 10 months of intense clinical training. In these clinical rotations, students will proceed through two-month blocks in four areas:

• surgery
• internal medicine
• emergency medicine
• family medicine

UW offers four tracks to provide schedule flexibility opportunities. These are for students of all economic backgrounds and needs. The traditional campus track is 24 months long and is full-time. Other students might benefit from a 36-month distant track. This uses a more flexible and part-time schedule. It is perfect for those who are within driving distance of Madison.

Or you might benefit from the wisPACT track. This is a 24 month and full-time physician assistant education program. It’s great if you want to live and practice in rural northern Wisconsin.

The last option is an accelerated Master of Public Health/PA dual degree program. It allows you to earn both degrees at the same time over 33 months. It’s campus-bound. But it’s a great choice if you want to broaden your employment opportunities after graduation.

#8.  Touro College 

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Touro College was established in 1970 to provide the Jewish community with higher education opportunities. These days, they service over 18,000 students in four countries. They provide a variety of degree options. These range from health sciences to technology to liberal arts. They also provide some of the best online educational options available. This is how their physician assistant program is taught.

This program is tailored to those with a B.S. in physician assistant studies. It’s a flexible and affordable 30 credit curriculum. It can be completed in one year. It is far and away one of the most affordable PA programs in the country. It’s also an M.S. degree. It’s not a typical terminal program that eschews some academic rigor for professional experience.

The program is taught with a guided independent study format. This is all online using the Canvas platform. You’ll be able to study physician assistant subjects and classes at your own pace. You can complete the courses at a rate that works for your personal schedule. Faculty at this university are available Monday through Thursday during regular business hours. They can always be reached via email to answer your questions. They can help provide a more personalized education.

The flexibility of this program is offset by difficulty. You’ll need to maintain your own academic discipline. Students must be willing to spend significant time on each class.

However, this added difficulty is why it’s only open to those who already have a bachelor’s degree in physician assistance. You’ll need the foundational knowledge to be able to self-teach yourself to a higher understanding of these subjects.

Another advantage of this program is its affordable tuition. It often only reaches around $8500. It’s also very easy to start the program. It has three application windows matching its three semesters. It’s easy to jump into this program in the middle of the year. Other universities might have much more limited application deadlines and an admission cycle. They may only have one start date each year. The application process is not as rigorous as you might think. 

The classes you’ll take are comprehensive and in-depth. Prerequisite coursework covers subjects like:

• health science epidemiology
• biostatistics
• medical research methods and literature

You’ll also complete a master’s project during each of the two semesters. These are the “capstone” requirements for the program. They require that you work with a faculty advisor to formulate a clinical question and perform your own literature search on the topic at hand. This is made much easier with the online format since you’ll start the project during your first semester and complete it during the second. It’s easy to complete all the admissions requirements on your first try. 

All in all, this program can be quite helpful if you have a much more limited schedule than most other PA students. But the lack of clinical experience will be a difficult hurdle to overcome compared to other graduates. That’s if you don’t already have some clinical practice under your belt from your bachelor’s degree days. 

#9.  Northwestern University

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Northwestern University is a research university. It has several comprehensive and interdisciplinary degree offerings. It also has some of the best physician assistant MS programs.

The university physician program requires a great deal of dedication. A competitive program, it ranks top among other national universities across several metrics. These include educational degrees, law schools, and business schools. The school has a low 6:1 student to faculty ratio. All students here will be given the time and attention they need to succeed. That’s regardless of their major or career ambitions. We’d be remiss not to mention the scenic campus. It is home to over 20,000 students. The majority of those are at the graduate level university physician program.

Northwestern’s program is broken down into the traditional didactic and clinical two-year schedule. Unlike many other PA programs, Northwestern’s curriculum focuses on problem-based learning, or PBL. This focuses their educational efforts on the learner or student.

The curriculum uses case studies and hypothetical problems to a much greater extent than many other educational curriculums. The PBL learning process works with small groups of between six and eight students. This small class size is ideal. A small class size will allow you to take one course at a time, mastering high demand concepts with students you’ve known all along.

The small class size is also essential for the PBL process. In this, students are presented with a problem. They must solve it with the information they already know. Students will broaden their knowledge and critical thinking skills. They will be able to solve problems on the fly once they are in real-world medical situations.

The program delivers on several core competencies. These range from medical knowledge to patient care to broader ideas like professionalism.

Courses focus on either these subjects or more specialized topics like clinical medicine or basic science. Additionally, this program has a medical Spanish class. This is a rare sight in many other PA programs. As the United States’ Hispanic population is  going to grow in the near future, being able to communicate with Spanish-only speakers in medical settings is an essential skill. It will set you apart from other physician assistants.

You’ll enter a clinical year with several rotations in typical topics like:

• general surgery
• pediatrics
• psychiatry
• women’s health

You’ll also be able to complete several electives based on your own interests or specialization.

All Northwestern students must complete 11 rotations during this year. This is a little more than what many other programs require. The rotations can be completed in medical or clinical environments of variable sizes. These are across the Chicago region. The high number of rotations and the variety of medical settings work in tandem. They ensure that you build a professional network even before you’ve graduated from school.

At the end of your clinical year, you’ll undertake and finish a master’s project. This is beneath the guidance of a community advisor or faculty member.

All in all, Northwestern program’s methods are both similar and unique compared to other physician assistant programs in the country. They’re a great fit if you enjoy more practical learning based on problem-solving. That’s rather than rote memorization or traditional classes that focus on lectures and tests. You’ll still experience those teaching methods somewhat, of course.

But there’s no denying that Northwestern provides a path to graduation with an excellent focus on critical thinking. It may serve you well in your professional career. 

#10.  Tufts University

Master of Physician Assistant 

Tufts University is located at the heart of downtown Boston. It is one of the busiest and most medically active cities in the nation. Of course, this makes it one of the best PA program options out there, too!

This master’s degree in physician assistant studies is hands on. The Tufts University physician program requires a lot of work, but it’s worth it.

Its physical campus is quite small. But the city of Boston provides ample opportunities for employment and residence. There are lots of spots to socialize and hang out with friends. Don’t underestimate the value of completing your graduate education in a city as historic and scenic as Boston. Despite its small size, Tufts is also home to 341 student organizations. There are over 130 graduate and professional exclusive clubs and organizations. 

At Tufts’ School of Medicine, the PA masters degree provides a rigorous physician assistant training. This is in a variety of medical and clinical settings. They offer a world-class anatomy lab. There is a simulation center for all your clinical skills. Every aspect of your education will be supplemented by modern learning tools. You’ll gain the ability to experiment on both real and virtual cadavers.

There are few universities with as many resources when it comes to practicing and honing your skills as Tufts. They also provide all students access to the Hirsh Health Sciences Library. This is one of the best resources for digitized medical journals and electronic textbooks.

All students of the PA program will complete their preclinical or didactic coursework on campus. This is in downtown Boston. This is a great place for general socialization and ambiance. It also offers a crash course on American history.

Boston is a huge medical research center for the country. You can cast a broad networking net once you begin your clinical rotations in hospitals and clinical centers. Your ability to network with experienced clinicians might give you just a leg up you need in the competitive PA job market.

Tufts’ PA program even emphasizes networking and career services. Make use of the Career Services center. You’ll be able to get advice for interviews, access employment fairs, and build a better resume. The Tuft PA program has produced graduates with a near 100% job placement rate. That’s within six months of graduation. That’s phenomenal news if you’re concerned about paying your bills after college.

The school also provides an optional PA/MPH dual degree pathway. This has you complement your clinical based PA training with more coursework. This is for public health topics like community health needs and health education. This doesn’t take much longer than the regular PA pathway. It enables you to take home two degrees instead of one.

Other Notable Programs

#11. University of Washington, Seattle Campus

Location: Seattle, Washington

Degree: Master of Clinical Health Services

Net Price: $46,469

Website

#12. Missouri State University, Springfield

Location: Springfield, Missouri

Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Net Price: $17,248

Website

#13. Drexel University

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Health Science – Physician Assistant

Net Price: $41,241

Website

#14. Saint Francis University

Location: Loretto, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Science

Net Price: $39,502

Website

#15. University of California-Davis

Location: Davis, California

Degree: Master of Health Services – Physician Assistant Studies Degree Program

Net Price: $54,644

Website

#16. Stanford University

Location: Palo Alto, California

Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Net Price: $19,762

Website

#17. Butler University

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Net Price: $39,897

Website

#18. University of North Dakota

Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota

Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Net Price: $33132

Website

#19. Marquette University

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Net Price: $42,130

Website

#20. Boston University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Degree: Physician Assistant Program – MS

Net Price: $61,050

Website

Economics is a fascinating field. It’s always evolving as local and worldwide markets shift and grow with new technologies.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in economics is a great way to get your foot in the door of this exciting, data-driven field. To earn the most bang for your buck and secure more interesting positions, you’ll need to further your education and earn a master’s degree in economics.

The best masters in economics programs will teach you the skills needed to advise business executives. You’ll understand global statistical trends. You’ll form your own economic theories if you decide to return to academia in the future.

The best economics masters programs are offered through schools of arts or sciences. They often allow students to specialize in a data niche or interest. These are versatile degrees requiring skills from a multitude of broader subjects, like mathematics and business. Therefore, students are well prepared for a wide variety of careers. You could work as an economist or a related position. Other common careers for economics students include those in subdisciplines like:

• Quantitative economics
• Health economics
• Financial economics
• Labor economics
• Experimental economics (research)
• Mathematical economics
• Environmental economics 
• Energy economics
• Economic theory
• Behavioral economics
• Industrial organization economics
• Policy economics (economic policy is important if you work for government agencies)
• Economic data analysis
• International monetary economics
• Microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory
• Mineral and energy economics
• Applied econometrics 
• Financial management and financial analyst work
• Business administration 
• Monetary economics
• Computational economics
• Operations research
• Big data economics
• Data analysis and market research analysts
• Applied economics and economic analysis

Of course, many students go on to doctoral studies, too. Many doctoral programs require you to specialize in one of the fields above.

It’s one of the most generalist yet specific degrees available. But its value shouldn’t be mistaken. Economist jobs are set to grow for the next 10 years. Big Data is becoming more integral to daily business. There’s no doubt that the top graduate economic programs are an excellent choice for those who have the temperament for and interest in the field.

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

There are several requirements that must be fulfilled when applying for the top economics masters programs. Most master’s programs in any discipline only accept those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The bachelor’s degree proves to the graduate program officials that you have what it takes. They will know you can spend many years studying a single subject and the discipline to finish a difficult series of tasks. 

Bachelor’s degrees in a related field provide students with the foundational knowledge required to dig into the more advanced subjects.

Certain programs may have combined bachelor’s/master’s pathways. In these, a student can earn a bachelor’s degree and proceed directly into master’s studies. This often results in spending less time on schooling and saving money in the long run.

These programs also require students to earn both degrees from the same university. They are not open to those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

You’ll need to submit all previous transcripts and several letters of recommendation. Transcripts must demonstrate a high GPA. Targets often hover around the 3.0 mark. Keep in mind that most master’s admissions teams look for candidates with higher than average GPAs to fill their seats. Earning as high a GPA as possible as an undergraduate is a great way to tilt the acceptance odds in your favor. If your GPA wasn’t the best, remember that you can take additional courses after graduation to boost your GPA.

You’ll also need two or three letters of recommendation from former teachers or employers. These vouch for your skills and commitment to your goals. These letters should always be accompanied by a resume and any relevant work experience. This will demonstrate expertise in economics or a related field, such as business. When it comes to master’s programs of any type, making yourself stand out from other graduate candidates is key. There are often only a limited number of slots in any given graduate program. Providing work experience or other real-world accolades can boost your chances of acceptance beyond your competitors’.

Most graduate programs require a high-enough GRE score. The GRE is a series of standardized tests that measure applicants’ intelligence in a few key ways. Their verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills are all tested with the GRE. This can be taken on a computer a few times within a 365-day window. Applicants have multiple opportunities to get their scores where they need to be for their school of choice. Be sure to research the requested GRE scores of your ideal program beforehand. That way, you know what to focus on as you study for the test.

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS?

Earning a master’s can cost quite a bit of money. There are multiple avenues of financial aid to pursue if you need assistance.

First and foremost is the FAFSA. This is the annual application for federal financial aid. All college students must fill this out prior to the start of each academic year. The FAFSA is the only ticket to certain high-value federal grants and loans, like the Pell Grant. There are also subsidized federal loans. This means the government pays the interest accrued while the student is enrolled in school. They are also only accessible via the FAFSA. It’s imperative that you fill this out each year. Your need is decided based on your economic bracket. You’ll have a better chance of receiving grants or loans if you earn less money.

Second, many universities and select colleges within those universities have program-specific scholarships or grants. These are only open to students of those colleges. Many economics programs are offered through universities’ schools of business. Be sure to check out the web pages of each school that your program is a part of. Investigate their financial aid options. These grants or loan programs are often funded by alumni networks or generous donors to the university. They may be more lucrative than federal assistance. These scholarships often have certain essay or internship requirements attached. They can be of excellent help to any student who’s strapped for cash.

Many economics majors go into business after graduation. Those who do well for themselves often give back to the university where their path to success began. This is why you’ll find many economics programs boasting of their excellent financial assistance options.

You should also investigate teaching assistantships. These are valuable because they trade your work for some or all of your tuition. Such programs require students to set aside about 20 hours per week. You will help one of the professors in the program with grading or other school-related activities. In exchange, tuition is often 100% covered. Assistants often also receive a stipend to cover living expenses. Some of the best teaching assistantships even come with health insurance options. This is another excellent financial boon. Health insurance can be very expensive for young adults in graduate school.

Many economics programs have avenues to connect you to companies that need intern assistance for their day-to-day operations. Some of these internships may pay for some or all of a student’s tuition in exchange for work. Internships are valuable for networking purposes and for securing a position after graduation.

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

It might cost a bundle to earn a master’s degree in economics. But the good news is that the potential return on the investment is high. There are two big careers sought after by economics majors that require a master’s degree. These are an economist and political scientist. The latter of the two is more often filled by professionals with specific degrees in political science. Still, both of these careers are open to those with master’s degrees in economics. Both make more than $100,000 per year, on average.

In 2022, economists’ median pay was $105,630, and a 13 % growth rate is projected for the next 10 years. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This position of economist is going to become more necessary as time goes on.

Economists are also in demand with the government. Deciding state or national budgets is of tremendous importance. Securing a federal economist job is an excellent pathway to job security and plenty of benefits.

Political scientists earn a median annual salary of about $122,510. Many political science positions are held by those with degrees economics. They have the experience to solve big problems and identify trends and issues that affect the political landscape each year. Political scientists can find employment with the government at both the federal and state levels. Or they may be hired by political candidates seeking office. Those candidates employ political scientists to help fine-tune their campaigns. They ensure that they stand the best chance of earning the majority’s vote.

Political scientist positions are growing at about 9% per year. This is as fast as typical job growth for professions requiring a graduate degree.

With a master’s degree in economics, you can also become a survey researcher. This is a much more analytical position. It doesn’t carry the large paycheck that the previous two jobs do. But it can be rewarding for those with more academic interests. Survey researchers earn a median annual salary of about $59,740.

Even economics-focused jobs that only require a bachelor’s degree can be more lucrative for those who hold a master’s degree.

Financial analysts, for example, earn a median annual salary of about $81,410. This position only requires a bachelor’s degree. There’s only a 6% growth rate projected over the next 10 years. That means it’s important to distinguish oneself from other candidates. Having a master’s degree demonstrates that an applicant has experience and academic knowledge to bring to bear on any problem or task. This makes them a more attractive hire.

WHAT ARE SOME NOTABLE FACTS OR STATISTICS ABOUT MASTER OF ECONOMICS DEGREES?

Being able to distinguish oneself from other economists is more important than ever. Consider that 45% of economists already hold master’s degrees, while 32% have a doctoral degree. Only 23% have only a bachelor’s degree. Earning a master’s in economics is almost a necessity if you are serious about the profession.

Most competitors will have the same level of education, or more. Even positions that only require a bachelor’s degree, like financial analysts, have many master’s degree holders in their workforce. One-third of financial analysts hold a master’s degree. The majority (51%) hold a bachelor’s degree. This majority will often shift toward those with master’s degrees as more and more people pursue ever-higher educational levels.

There are lots of ways to make a degree more attractive to employers. The very process of earning a master’s in economics has a hidden benefit. It helps applicants stand out from the crowd. Studying economics at the graduate level can prepare students for various certifications or licenses. These can be used to bolster their careers or open new job opportunities. Check with your university to see if it offers any certificate programs.

Typical certifications that economics graduate programs can prepare students for include:

• Certified Business Economist
• Chartered Economist
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Certified Economic Developer.

These certificates can be quite valuable. Certain higher-quality firms and companies will only fill economist positions with those who also hold several of the above certifications.

Check out our list of the 10 best economics graduate programs! 

#1. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS

As the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state, Texas A&M has been educating its students since 1876. It’s located in College Station. This city is close to the center of the metropolitan triangle that makes up the heart of Texas’ commerce and development: Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Anyone who attends Texas A&M will be within a two-hour drive of each city. A&M is a university that attracts talent from across the state. It allows students to live and work in surrounding cities without having to spend extra money on campus housing. 

You will find one of the top economics graduate programs here. The economics graduate program is overseen by the College of Liberal Arts. The resulting degree is a Master of Science, rather than a Master of Arts. This suits the university’s general focus on practical and scientific degrees and professions.

Texas A&M offers students two pathways for earning an MS in economics. The thesis pathway is the more traditional of the two. It includes a focus on economics research and creative exploration. The non-thesis track offers a choice between two concentrations: Financial Economics or Financial Econometrics.

Regardless of track, students are assigned an advisory committee of at least three graduate faculty members. They can advise them on their thesis or coursework pursuits. All students’ study plans are completed before beginning the program. Then they are able to jump right in once the semester starts.

The thesis option includes 32 credit hours. Some of these are fulfilled via the research and thesis development required for graduation. Thesis-track students must maintain continuous enrollment in the university until they graduate. Non-thesis track students may stop and start with a bit more freedom. Both tracks allow up to seven years for degree completion. This is plenty of time, even for working students or those with families. The non-thesis track requires 36 semester credit hours. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred in from another university. Or they can be from Texas A&M classes taken as part of a bachelor’s degree program.

#2. UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

You’ll find another one of the best economics masters at the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming’s MS in Economics gives students the background they need to succeed in both economic theory and economic analysis. The curriculum is designed for future economists in both private industries and positions with the federal government. It allows students the flexibility to terminate their studies after graduation. Or they can continue for a Ph.D., if they find that research and academia suits their interests.

Wyoming offers courses from a variety of fields. Within those fields, students can choose to generalize or specialize in one or two subsections depending on their career ambitions.

Concentration areas include:

• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• International Trade
• Industrial Organization
• Development Economics
• Behavioral and Experimental Economics.

UW allows students to pursue either a thesis or a non-thesis track for graduation. The thesis track consists of 27 credit hours of coursework plus research and thesis development. The non-thesis track consists of 30 credit hours of coursework. The non-thesis track still requires students to complete a shorter paper. This is to demonstrate their expertise and understanding of the work completed on the path to graduation. Students who have the time and resources available to dedicate to the program can complete it in as few as three semesters. Most complete it in four semesters, or across two years.

Getting into this flexible program is a little easier than several competing programs. Applicants are not required to submit letters of recommendation. Two or three will bolster the odds of being accepted. No resume is required either. Any relevant work experience will be welcomed.

UW hosts Skype interviews with promising candidates after the initial review of their application materials. They are similar to a professional job interview. These meetings determine applicants’ suitability for the program. The department also offers several funding assistance programs for students who show strong promise or who have been to the university before.

UW’s alumni network is almost as valuable as the degree itself. Students are eligible to join a nationwide email list. They can work with other UW graduates who’ve already found careers with organizations across the country. UW also fosters a strong sense of collaboration and research. The university’s economics department specializes in four broad areas of economics research. This is one of the best schools to attend for anyone who is unsure if they wish to stop with a master’s degree or press on to a Ph.D. 

#3. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

The University of Texas at Austin’s MA in Economics is rigorous and developed to fulfill STEM categorical requirements. In this best economics masters, students can take advantage of STEM scholarships or internship opportunities. That is despite the program culminating in a Master of Arts degree.

Applicants are not required to hold an undergraduate degree in economics. The department does prefer all applicants to have a strong quantitative background. It accepts students with majors in mathematics, statistics, and similar subjects often. Three letters of recommendation are required. So is a resume demonstrating some amount of experience and a statement of purpose. Application deadlines fall only a few months before the semester begins. Applicants are only accepted once per year.

The program offers three pathways to graduation. The accelerated track allows students to attend classes from July through May of the following year. This results in degree completion in only 10 months. Those who attend this track complete 10 3-credit hour courses for a total of 30 credit hours. Two courses are completed during the first summer semester. The following fall and spring semesters require four courses. This non-thesis track is an ideal option for those looking to earn a master’s degree as quickly as possible.

There are also 18- and 24-month degree tracks. These, too, begin in mid-July. They are completed in either December of the following year or the May of the year after that. Both tracks require 30 credit hours. No thesis is expected. Instead, the longer tracks have courses spaced more even. This allows students to complete the degree at a slower pace. These are ideal choices for students who must work or take care of a family while attending school. Each track to graduation culminates with the option for an internship and a macroeconomics course. 

UT Austin doesn’t offer much in the way of financial aid opportunities or teaching assistantships. However, Austin is one of the most inexpensive cities to live in while attending a top graduate program. This is due to several factors, but the affordable housing, amenities, and driving distances required to attend the university all combine. They create a cheap housing situation for graduate students. Austin is also an excellent city in which to work or find an internship while attending school. It’s an all-around pleasant locale. It’s free of harsh winters and full of interesting places for social gatherings. U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 2 on its list of the Best Places to Live.

#4. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN POLICY ECONOMICS

Another one of the country’s top economic grad schools can be found at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s economics program doesn’t concentrate on the discipline in a general sense. It emphasizes the narrower field of policy economics. This field is most often used by administrators and economics researchers. It’s an excellent degree for those interested in pursuing either career path. The program is designed to help potential Ph.D. candidates explore their taste for research. It can help them determine whether they want to continue academic pursuits after graduation or terminate their studies with the MS degree. Students must decide if they want to pursue the program under a strict time limit, however. Applications are only accepted for entrance during the fall term.

UIUC’s economics program consists of 40 credit hours. It offers three tracks and schedules for completion. Motivated students, or those with ample time on their hands, can complete the degree in as little as one year. Most students opt for the 1.5- or 2-year completion tracks.

Regardless of track, students complete courses in:

• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• econometrics
• economic statistics.

These make up 16 of the required 40 credit hours. The remainder can be electives and courses from a dedicated economic specialization. UIUC offers 10 areas of specialization. These include:

• Advanced Econometrics
• Law and Economics
• Labor Economics
• International Economics.

This is an excellent program for students who know what sphere of economics they want to focus on. The majority of courses come from students’ chosen specialization, rather than a shared pool of classes.

The program has several quirks and benefits that make it stand out from other graduate economics programs. All students, regardless of background, must complete an orientation program. It includes a rigorous math course, to ensure that everyone starts on the same foot. The program also includes six “field trips” every academic year that take students to various financial institutions or state and government agencies. There, they can observe the working environment of their potential future profession first-hand. The longest of these is a 5-day trip during spring break. It alternates between New York City and Washington, D.C.

UIUC’s student culture is vibrant and welcoming. The campus is set upon rich, well-maintained land. There are ample parks and recreational areas. This outward beauty is mirrored by the achievements of the university itself and its high accolades. UIUC has many amazing inventions and discoveries. These include the development of the first graphical web browser. It is ranked as the No. 14 Best Public University, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#5. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ECONOMICS/MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS

Some of the best MA economics programs are at North Carolina State University. Students in North Carolina State’s Master of Economics program can pursue the degree with an “applied focus”. They enter a terminal master’s track. Or they can complete a degree more suited for theoretical economics. This is meant to prepare them for Ph.D. work in the discipline. The terminal master’s track can be completed in as little as one year. Most students complete it in 18 to 24 months.

All master’s students complete six elective courses from four concentrations:

• International Development and Trade
• Financial/Macroeconomics
• Economic Policy
• Natural Resource and Environmental Economics.

This master’s degree focuses on practical economic concepts and applications. It is the perfect degree for students who want to head straight into the workforce after graduation.

The Ph.D.-prep master’s track is designed for students who know that they will continue on to doctoral studies. It can also be completed in as little as one year. It boasts the same concentrations as the terminal degree track. It requires the completion of a thesis after completing all other coursework. The thesis requirement can count for up to six credit hours toward a student’s electives. It is met once they pass the final oral exam and thesis defense. This track results in a Master of Science in Economics degree. That is rather than a Master of Economics (MR) degree.

NC State offers a unique opportunity to current or future undergraduate students of the university. Its Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program in economics is open to exceptional undergraduates. You can complete certain master’s requirements while finishing your bachelor’s classes. You can earn a master’s degree within 12 months of a bachelor’s. It is an excellent way to trim both the time and costs required to earn an advanced degree. Applying for the program must be done very early relative to graduation. 

NC State is dedicated to its students. It offers them as much flexibility as possible. This an excellent school for all types of economically inclined students. You will interact with peers on both professional and research trajectories as you move toward graduation. NC State is home to a low (14:1) student-to-faculty ratio. It has been ranked the No. 1 Best Public College in North Carolina, according to Money. Students also enjoy access to NC State’s innovative Hunt Library. This amazing structure offers students assistance with everything from research needs to laptop rentals and 3-D printing.

#6. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS

Georgia Tech offers an MS in Economics in one of the top economics graduate schools. It has a curriculum that combines research goals and hands-on learning. The curriculum is built from a multidisciplinary pool of classes. It allows students to select a majority of their electives from certain concentrations. You can tailor your degree to your goals. The program can be completed in one calendar year. That’s if a student takes classes during the summer semester. The degree can also be completed at a slower pace. There is a flexible, part-time track that’s ideal for working adults or those with busy family lives. 

This 30-credit hour program and has a built-in schedule to accommodate the one-year completion target. It begins with four core courses, in:

• macroeconomics
• microeconomics
• statistical methods and probability
• econometric analysis/modeling.

Students can pursue a coursework-only option toward graduation or an internship option. Those who secure an internship that is approved by their advisors may apply for it to count for three elective credit hours above the 6000 level. Other electives may be taken from Georgia Tech’s other colleges. These courses must be approved by an advisor before they can count toward the degree. This degree of flexibility and independence isn’t reflected in most graduate economics programs. 

The program is taught by faculty who research their areas of expertise. They specialize in several different aspects, including:

• international economics
• industrial organization
• environmental and energy economics
• applied econometrics.

These teachers are both instructors and study plan advisors. Learning which areas various faculty members specialize in can help students to network. They can learn about areas of research before they commit to one themselves.

Students may qualify for partial tuition waivers that are handed out every year by the university. The exact amount waived by these grants changes from year to year. But all students are eligible to apply for them at the start of each term. This is an excellent way to eliminate some of the hefty costs of graduate school.

Those who complete Georgia Tech’s program find it well worth the effort. That’s in terms of educational and professional value. The school is ranked as the No. 5 Top Public University by U.S. News & World Report. Many of its graduate programs are ranked by the same organization among the top 20 in their categories. This academic excellence is complemented well by Georgia Tech’s phenomenal Atlanta campus. It’s a beautiful space with lots of recreational centers and outstanding sports stadiums. There is also a university-specific public transportation system. It’s easy to get around using the buses provided by the university. Outside of class, there’s lots to do. You can join some of 400 student organizations or one of Georgia Tech’s major sports teams.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

ECONOMICS MASTER’S PROGRAM

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is another top pick in our graduate economics rankings. This school has taught students for 168 years.

This is the No. 15 Best Public University in the World, according to U.S. News & World Report. UWM has an expansive, well-maintained campus. Its home to 900 student organizations. The campus is close to historic Madison State Street. This is home to a frequent farmer’s market, and a musical nexus at Memorial Union Terrace.

Back on campus, UWM’s Department of Economics has a dedicated Career Services Center. Any graduate student concerned about their career prospects after graduation should pay it a visit. Make use of the center’s professional expertise. They can get grads in touch with the university’s alumni network. They can also help them find job and internship opportunities in the area. 

UWM’s Economics Master’s program is a terminal degree path. It is not intended for students wishing to pursue doctoral work or to secure a research position. It is, however, a perfect fit for students who want to enter the economics field as a professional. It’s also a good fit for those who want to make themselves a more attractive candidate for higher-paying economics positions. The program emphasizes econometric training. This aspect of economics focuses on the application of statistics to economic data. It can help to determine relationships and form analyses. It prepares students to understand the statistics in economic models and to translate that information for others.

The program has specific course requirements for all applicants. These include classes in all the major economics cornerstones. Those who’ve completed an undergraduate degree in economics will be better positioned for acceptance than students with related degrees. Application deadlines fall twice per year. They correlate with the beginning of the spring and fall semesters.

Other requirements include a writing sample and three letters of recommendation. You also need high GRE scores and a GPA above 3.0. Students complete seven courses in:

• econometrics
• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• mathematics/statistics course.

Three electives follow, totaling 30 credit hours over four semesters. The electives include advanced subjects with more specific focuses, including:

• game theory
• the economics of health care
• issues of international finance
• the economics of growth. 

UWM allows students to complete the program within three semesters. That’s if they can demonstrate acceptable time management skills. They must also receive approval from their advisor.The degree does not require a thesis or a capstone project. Completing the coursework fast leads to faster graduation. Most students complete the program within two years. The university considers the program to be a full-time commitment. Students must remain enrolled every semester until they graduate. That’s even if they only take one class at a time.

#8. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMETRICS AND QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS

The University of Arizona offers a STEM-qualified economics program. It’s ranked as the No. 2 program among departments in business schools. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report. The school as a whole reflects this level of excellence. The Princeton Review named UA one of the Best Value schools for 2019. It’s ranked as the No. 25 public research institution. That’s according to the National Science Foundation. UA places a strong emphasis on both research and practical education. Both of these are reflected in its top economics graduate programs.

UA’s MS in Economics program is for students who want to head straight into a professional career. It’s also for those who might wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the future. The program helps develop a foundation in:

• econometrics
• behavioral economics
• microeconomic theory
• empirical microeconomics.

It features a curriculum of 30 units. These are completed over 12 months. All students begin their studies with two online courses during the summer semester. The following fall and spring semesters contain four courses each.

All students complete five core classes ranging from mathematical economics to microeconomic theory and econometrics. Then, they choose from several electives. These electives allow students to specialize their degree. They let them pursue their individual interests. Electives include:

• Market Design
• Energy Economics
• Industrial Organization
• Labor Economics.

Students designate the focus area that will appear on their diploma. UA’s curriculum has a strong analytical and empirical focus. This makes it valuable to those who want to attain higher-level economist positions in either the government or private sector. One final interesting aspect of UA’s economics program is its proximity to the Economic Science Laboratory. It was founded by Nobel laureate Vernon Smith. The Laboratory is at the cutting edge of economic research. It is well-positioned for economics students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. or join economics academia. Many of the program’s faculty also spend time at the lab.

UA’s program allows students to pursue dual degree options. These options make it possible to link one’s expertise in economics with other focuses.Possible dual degree subjects include:

• business administration
• data analysis
• marketing
• accounting
• business analytics
• finance.

These options pair well with economics. Much of the coursework is shared or has mutual relevance. The dual-degree program is intended to be completed in 2.5 years. That’s regardless of which additional degree a student opts to pursue. Students must receive advanced acceptance into each program. They can also use the dual degree path to accelerate the path to a doctoral degree.

#9. STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

Stony Brook University’s Department of Economics offers a unique program that holds a distinct place among the best MA economics programs. It does not require applicants to have a prior background in economics. The first-year course selections teach the fundamentals of economics to everyone. Those with a background in economics can progress more quickly through the curriculum. A research-oriented degree, Stony Brook’s program prepares students for careers in research institutes and academia. A career in the private sector is still a viable option.

All students must attend the program full-time for the first year. The second year and any subsequent years can be completed at a part-time pace. This can help to accommodate work or family life needs. This is because the first-year courses form the foundation for the rest of the program and must be completed fast. This is to enable specialization and personal elective selections later.

At the beginning of the second year, students choose between a basic or advanced program. The basic program can be completed in three semesters. It has 11 courses in total. It culminates with a capstone project. There is also an advanced course in econometrics. The advanced program has 14 courses. It is completed in four semesters. It also requires a capstone project and an advanced econometrics course.

The major difference between the tracks is this. The advanced pathway includes an additional semester. This enables students to specialize in an economic concentration. This concentration is represented by a paper written about the specialization. It is noted on the diploma. A concentration like this could make a student more attractive to an employer for a particular position. Of course, that depends on the specialization. Available concentrations include:

• Game Theory
• Demographic Economics
• Health Economics
• Advanced Labor Economics Theory.

Upon completion of the MA, students can continue on to the school’s Ph.D. program without taking any extra preparatory coursework. These students are also considered for funding for the following two years of their education. After the first year of study, students can take comprehensive exams in the major fields of economics. This is to see if they qualify for Ph.D. studies ahead of time. This practice also allows them to apply for the Ph.D. program multiple times before graduation. That way, there is no months-long gap between classes. 

The program’s application process can be intense. There is only a single start date, in the fall semester. There are a very limited number of spots available. This is, in part, due to the inclusion of several teaching assistantships. There are a handful of full and partial tuition scholarships. Applicants to Stony Brook’s program are competing for the quality of the education. They are also competing for the financial assistance available to those who are accepted. Teaching assistantships are only available to full-time students. Most other teaching assistantships are similar. They require a graduate student to perform normal TA work. Stony Brook’s assistantships sometimes include research or administrative positions and responsibilities. Stony Brook’s tuition scholarships are few. Those who are accepted should be sure to apply quickly before the money is gone.

#10. UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

MASTER OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

Since graduating its first class of 55 in 1866, the University of Kansas has served as the state’s flagship university. It boasts a beautiful wooded main campus. It is located in the progressive city of Lawrence. KU is a university worthy of interest for all major fields and disciplines. Its Master of Arts in Economics focuses on big-picture understandings of the subject. The graduate program emphasizes understanding the underlying systems that govern commerce and trade. These emphases make it one of the best graduate economics programs for students who are interested in research. It’s also great for those who are interested in developing their own theories on the subject. The core areas of study are econometrics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics.

The program accepts applicants both with and without backgrounds in economics. It consists of 30 semester hours of graduate work. Nine of these are spent in three core classes. Eighteen of the remaining hours are in economics. 12 hours of the total may be allocated to related areas. This is to allow students to specialize within the degree or to explore ancillary interests.

Students choose whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track counts six hours of thesis research and development toward the 30 total semester hours. The non-thesis track consists entirely of coursework. At the end of each track you must pass a written examination during their last semester of enrollment to demonstrate proficiency in applying economic theory.

Most students complete the program within two years. Those without an economics background may take longer to fulfill certain prerequisites. The program does require that all applicants have completed a statistics course prior to enrollment. KU’s economics program also accepts students for fall, spring, and summer semesters. There are multiple opportunities to begin the program. That’s even for those who cannot follow the traditional schedule.

KU’s economics program is superb. But its funding opportunities for graduate students are of particular note. Its Office of Graduate Studies compiles recent funding sources for current graduate students. This is a great resource for tracking down fellowships or grants from specific organizations or donors who may be interested in facilitating a student’s education.

KU awards $232 million in financial aid each year. It hosts several spaces on its website for scholarships for specific student groups. There is also a collection of scholarships from outside sources.  KU allows for work-study programs from federal employers and the State of Kansas. Some of these programs may be able to help students avoid excessive debt while in school. The Federal Work-Study program allows students to work an on-campus job. They can earn money toward their education by fulfilling duties to the university. This is a subsidized program, too. It is just one of many financial aid opportunities awaiting new students at KU.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. University of Missouri

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Degree: MA in Economics

Net Price: $12,809

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#12. Stanford University

Location: Palo Alto, California

Degree: Master of Arts in Economics

Net Price: $25,862

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#13. West Texas A&M University

Location: Canyon, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Finance and Economics

Net Price: $13,806

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#14. University of Maryland

Location: College Park, Maryland

Degree: Master’s in Applied Economics

Net Price: $23,099

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#15. University of Kentucky

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Degree: Master of Science in Economics

Net Price: $12,360

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#16. The University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Degree: Master’s Program in Economics

Net Price: $13,192

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#17. University of Houston

Location: Houston, Texas

Degree: Master in Applied Economics

Net Price: $19,521

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#18. George Mason University

Location: Fairfax, Virginia

Degree: Master of Arts in Economics

Net Price: $28,890

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#19. George Washington University

Location: Washington, D.C.

Degree: Master of Arts in Applied Economics

Net Price: $62,110

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#20. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Science in Applied Economics

Net Price: $34,000

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IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN ECONOMICS & BEST ONLINE ECONOMICS MBA PROGRAMS!