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Do spreadsheets and numbers make you smile? Do you find the sound of calculator keys tapping away both melodic and soothing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Application and Admission Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1. Liberty University

Master of Science in Accounting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2. Southern New Hampshire University

Master of Science in Accounting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3. Culver-Stockton College

Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Accountancy 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. University of South Dakota

Online Master of Professional Accountancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6. Texas A&M University Commerce

Master of Science in Accounting 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#7. Saint Leo University

Master of Accounting 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#8. DePaul University

Master of Science in Accountancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#9. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Master’s in Accounting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#10. New England College

Master of Science in Accounting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Edgewood College

Location: Madison, WI

Degree:   Master’s in Accountancy

Net Price:  $26,398

Website

#12. California Baptist University

Location: Riverside, CA

Degree:   Master of Accounting

Net Price:  $24,170

Website

#13. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Location: Clarion, PA

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $19,297

Website

#14. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, AL

Degree:   Master of Accounting (MAcc)

Net Price:  $16,636

Website

#15. George Mason University

Location: Fairfax, VA

Degree:   MS in Accounting

Net Price:  $19,064

Website

#16. Boise State University

Location: Boise, ID

Degree:   Master’s Degree Program in Accountancy

Net Price:  $12,558

Website

#17. Regis University

Location: Denver, CO

Degree:   Master’s in Accounting

Net Price:  $26,273

Website

#18. Post University

Location: Waterbury, CT

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $9,395

Website

#19. Brenau University

Location: Gainesville, GA

Degree:   MBA in Accounting

Net Price:  $22,011

Website

#20. Saint Joseph’s College

Location: Standish, ME

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $27,221

Website

#21. Western New England University

Location: Springfield, MA

Degree:   Master’s in Accounting

Net Price:  $30,319

Website

#22. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Location: Amherst, MA

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $21,740

Website

#23. Bay Path University

Location: Longmeadow, MA

Degree: Master in Accounting  

Net Price:  $21,100

Website

#24. University of Connecticut

Location: Mansfield, CT

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $19,650

Website

#25. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Location: Utica, NY

Degree:   Master of Science in Accountancy

Net Price:  $12,784

Website

#26. Emporia State University

Location: Emporia, KS

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $13,670

Website

#27. Auburn University

Location: Auburn, AL

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $23,205

Website

#28. Florida Atlantic University

Location: Boca Raton, FL

Degree:   Executive Master of Accounting

Net Price:  $9,486

Website

#29. Western Governors University

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Degree:   Master of Science in Accounting

Net Price:  $16,720

Website

#30. Shorter University

Location: Rome, GA

Degree:   Master of Accountancy

Net Price:  $19,395

Website

#31. University of Southern Indiana

Location: Evansville, IN

Degree: Master of Professional Accountancy  

Net Price:  $12,587

Website

#32. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Location: Mequon, WI

Degree:  MBA in Accounting

Net Price:  $24,803

Website

#33. Baker College – Flint

Location: Flint, MI

Degree:   MBA in Accounting

Net Price:  $20,850

Website

#34. Champlain College

Location: Burlington, VT

Degree:   Master in Accounting

Net Price:  $38,577

Website

#35. California State University-San Bernardino

Location: San Bernardino, CA

Degree:   Master of Science in Accountancy

Net Price:  $8,586

Website

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

Many young adults are choosing engineering as their professional field, but only a specific type of engineer gets to work on aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers are those responsible for designing and manufacturing the machines that we send into the sky and into orbit. They perform mechanical miracles every day and help make our modern, digital lives possible thanks to advances in rocketry and aerospace development. Aerospace engineers both design and put together airplanes, spacecraft, and robots that we’ve sent to Mars. They also perform maintenance on already-completed projects to ensure they continue to perform well.

Because aerospace engineers can develop technology for use with both aircraft and spacecraft, the potential applications for their expertise are numerous. There’s a lot you can do with an aerospace engineering degree, but most aerospace engineering jobs only require a bachelor’s degree, so why pursue a master’s degree? Aerospace engineering jobs aren’t as commonplace as other engineering positions in related fields, such as the automotive industry. The competition for any aerospace engineering job can be high, depending on the exact job requirements, its location, and the attached salary.

To that end, earning a master’s degree in aerospace engineering is a great way to make yourself more attractive to both government and private sector employers and raise your salary ceiling. Aerospace engineers are paid partly based on the position they occupy and their overall experience as an engineer. Engineers with more experience often lead development teams or have more responsibilities, leading to a higher pay grade. 

There are two main master’s degrees related to aerospace engineering: the Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering and the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. While they often overlap, and most engineering jobs will accept either as proof of your skills, the MS in Aerospace Engineering is the degree you should pursue if you want to continue academic studies to the doctoral level. With this degree, you can earn a teaching position, instead of working on engineering projects. A Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering, however, is best pursued if you don’t anticipate ever pursuing a doctoral degree. Overall, any master’s degree in aerospace engineering can lead to extra employment opportunities and improve your career prospects greatly. There are many online programs for aerospace engineering that can all be completed from your home or on your own schedule, as well. In this way, employed aerospace engineers can continue their education while still progressing in their field.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Like all graduate programs, applications to aerospace engineering programs need to be of very high quality. Competition for these programs is fierce, and with STEM degrees receiving extra attention from men and women alike, it’s even harder to get into aerospace engineering than it is to get into many humanities programs.

First, virtually all applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or in a related field with easily transferable knowledge and skills. Suitable fields include mechanical or civil engineering, as these disciplines are closely related to aerospace engineering. It is very rare for an aerospace program to admit students who don’t have backgrounds in engineering. In the event that you are accepted with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, you will likely need to take additional core coursework to make up for lacking skills before proceeding into the main program material.

After the bachelor’s degree, most MS programs, including those for aerospace engineering, require applicants to have a high minimum GPA in their previous coursework. This almost always means a GPA of 3.0 or above, but most programs have an even higher standard GPA, around 3.2 to 3.6. Furthermore, the Graduate Record Examinations must be completed before applying to any master’s program. Rather than having a minimum score requirement, most departments prefer serious applicants to earn a quantitative score in the 80th percentile or above. The GRE tests applicants in areas such as mathematics, reading comprehension, problem-solving, and writing, as well as similar related fields. The GRE can be completed on a computer several times during a 12-month period.

In addition to the above, master’s programs typically require several letters of recommendation from peers or teachers in good standing with a university. These letters can often come from your former teachers, or an employer, if you are currently working in a field related to aerospace engineering. The letters must often be supplemented by statements of purpose, during which the applicant must describe their reasons for pursuing a master’s degree and their ambitions for the future. Applicants should check with the departments to which they are applying for the exact requirements for the statement of purpose and the number of letters of recommendation to submit.

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS?

Financial aid for an MS in Aerospace Engineering can be obtained in several ways. The easiest and most obvious is the FAFSA, which should be completed at the beginning of every academic year during which you plan to attend school. The FAFSA is the government financial aid application that all students must complete before attempting to secure other financial aid from organizations or institutions. It’s also the only way to access subsidized government loans or certain large grants, like the Pell Grant. The FAFSA is based almost entirely on economic need.

Next, don’t forget to see what scholarships or loans your potential university might offer to its students. Lots of universities have integrated alumni networks or professional organizations that work with college financial aid teams. For instance, a college might have specific scholarships for certain types of graduate programs. This is especially true for historically expensive degrees, such as those in medicine or academia (i.e. degrees that lead to a professor position or a research position), but aerospace engineering students can usually find at least a few funding opportunities by visiting their university’s financial aid page. Since these grants and loans are sponsored by private organizations, they’ll often have certain requirements for applicants to abide by. Be sure to follow any essay requirements carefully if you decide to apply.

You can also sometimes get financial assistance from internships or teaching assistantships. Internships are often a more viable option for online students, as many teaching assistantships require in-class participation from the assistant, rather than only digital grading work. Depending on your place of employment, you may be able to count your work experience for credit toward your graduate program, saving you money in the long run. Your university may also have specific internship programs with employers in your area. Being accepted into these programs can often lead to a small stipend to cover living expenses, or, some or all of your tuition may be covered by your employer. These programs do occasionally come with contracts for employment after graduation, but these deals can vary greatly.

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) is another great source for financial aid if you are pursuing any type of engineering degree, not just one pertaining to aerospace engineering. It offers fellowships for possible engineering students at every level of higher education. The chief graduate fellowship program is sponsored by the U.S. government and awards stipends for three-year tenures for accepted applicants. The program also includes full tuition and fee payment for your studies, plus a health insurance allowance. The ASEE also has a Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program. This is a 10-week summer research opportunity and a great way forward for aerospace engineers who have a mind for research and pushing the boundaries of the field. Those students who wish to get into the technical or developmental aspects of the field would do well to apply. In addition, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program can also be found under the ASEE umbrella. This is another fellowship program with a three-year stipend and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance. Each of these programs is a fantastic way to advance your studies at a minimum cost to yourself. Keep in mind that the programs are extremely competitive and only open for applications at specific times during the year; further, each has its own schedule and major dates.

Finally, don’t forget to investigate military options if you plan on going into aerospace engineering. Many of the best aerospace-related careers or job opportunities can be found working for the military or its private, subsidiary contractors, such as Boeing or Lockheed Martin. All branches of the military need excellent aerospace engineers and are willing to pay for college tuition under the right conditions. These contracts always require the recipient to serve in the military, either during or after their studies, but this is still an excellent deal, since these programs save participants from having to take on lots of debt and they gain valuable work experience that can be transferred to other job opportunities after their service is complete.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING?

Becoming an aerospace engineer only requires a bachelor’s degree, but earning a master’s degree of any kind typically comes with a higher pay ceiling. In other words, your top potential earnings will be higher, even if your pay doesn’t immediately increase. Even without a master’s degree, the median salary for aerospace engineers was $115,220 in 2018. At the upper end of the scale, those with more experience or in more important positions earned a median salary of $164,210.

Your pay can vary greatly depending on your exact industry, as well. For instance, research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences have the best overall median salaries for aerospace engineers, reaching a peak of $124,430. In contrast, engineering services professionals earn an average salary of around $110,200. Still, these industries and the others – navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing; the federal government; and aerospace product and parts manufacturing – all have median salaries over $100,000. These are very lucrative career prospects, and aerospace engineers can further choose to work for either the government or the private sector. The private sector is notably more profitable, with annual mean salaries for professional, scientific, and technical services professionals reaching $184,730.

Earning more money in aerospace engineering is all a matter of proving your experience and bargaining for higher pay as a result. Earning a master’s degree is a fast way to boost your value, compared to working at a single company or on a single project for a long time to prove your worth. You’ll still receive pay raises for consistent performance and great project results, of course. Aerospace engineers with more experience are also more likely to be chosen to lead project teams or to design their own solutions, which both lead to higher pay.

In general, aerospace engineers work in teams and complete large-scale projects with others like them. Similar educational levels and similar working styles mean that the opportunity to compete is normally found in project outcomes, or in the level of experience each engineer acquires over time. Holding a master’s degree is a great way to make yourself more valuable in the eyes of your employers quickly, leading to a salary at the upper end of the possible spectrum.

WHAT ARE SOME NOTABLE FACTS OR STATISTICS ABOUT AEROSPACE ENGINEERING?

Aerospace engineers’ job prospects are projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow in the coming years, although only by 2% between 2018 and 2028. This slow growth rate is likely due to the small number of jobs inherent to the profession. Despite more people traveling by air than ever before, and the rising need for satellite equipment in the digital age, there simply isn’t a growing need for a large number of new aerospace engineers. The growth that is occurring is likely due to the rise of smaller satellite providers. Low Earth orbit operations are becoming more profitable to independent companies, and thus financially possible. No longer is the federal government the only entity with the money to reach space. In the short term, Projections Central, which is used by the BLS for its own employment data, predicts that California will see the biggest rise in aerospace engineering employment, requiring 200 new engineers in the next year. It’s also been calculated from the same resource that around 4000 new aerospace engineering positions will open up over the next nine years. However, all of these are specifically new positions. This number does not take into account the positions that will need filling as older aerospace engineers approach retirement age.

The decline in employment is likely due to the reduction of aerospace engineering manufacturing jobs, where many engineers currently work. Automation is taking its toll across many professions, even those that require some skill or expertise to complete correctly. However, learning additional skills related to computer programming can help make you more valuable despite the ongoing transference of manufacturing positions to automated systems.

If you do decide to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, be aware that your employment locations are relatively limited, compared to less specialized careers. Most aerospace engineers are employed in either the eastern seaboard region, California, Texas, Florida, or nearby states. Of course, this is no coincidence, as most government, private research, and manufacturing activities also happen in these locations. Florida, in particular, is home to many of NASA’s aerospace engineering teams and facilities, so you’ll find a big concentration of fellow aerospace engineers there. You can also find lots of employment opportunities in Kansas and Colorado, due to their military bases. Texas is home to many private-sector aerospace engineering companies, and it is where lots of the aerospace manufacturing work occurs. Since this is the aspect of aerospace engineering that is declining in employment over time, aerospace engineers may begin to withdraw more rapidly from Texas in greater numbers in the next few years.

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Check out our list of the 10 best online master’s programs in Aerospace Engineering!

#1. MISSOURI SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

When it was established in 1870, the Missouri University of Science and Technology was known as the Missouri School of Mines. It was the first technological university located west of the Mississippi River. This trailblazing attitude continued as the university changed its name once again, to the University of Missouri-Rolla, and finally to its modern moniker, Missouri S&T. Despite all these name changes, Missouri S&T has been delivering distance education courses since 1974. Its aerospace engineering program benefits greatly from this prior experience, and those advantages are passed onto its students.

Designed for working engineering professionals, Missouri S&T’s MS in Aerospace Engineering program offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Due to the coursework’s interdisciplinary nature, Missouri S&T often accepts non-aerospace engineers into the program, so long as they have a suitable background in some kind of engineering discipline. Both the thesis and non-thesis degree options require 30 credit hours of coursework at a minimum, although the thesis option requires students to dedicate at least six of those hours to thesis research. By contrast, the non-thesis option allows students to allocate those six hours to out-of-department electives.

Whichever path students choose, in most cases, they won’t need to attend live lectures or video chat sessions. Only rare instructors require synchronous learning from their distance students. In addition, all distance courses are recorded beforehand and archived on the website, so students can always watch things multiple times to ensure they understand the material. In general, the faculty at Missouri S&T develop their curricula around the understanding that most students will be working or dealing with their families, in addition to schoolwork. Asynchronous education is the norm. Students can complete most degrees within three or four years, if they take one or two classes per semester, although some students are able to fit more classes into the same window and graduate earlier. All students are allotted six years from their initial start date to complete the master’s program.

When it comes to admission, Missouri S&T has an interesting opportunity for applicants who have already completed a graduate certificate program at the university. Previous graduates don’t need to meet the program’s strict admission requirements, such as a 3.0 GPA or high GRE scores. Instead, they are eligible for automatic admission to the program, making this university a great choice to return to for further education if an applicant has used the in-person or distance-learning options before. Furthermore, Missouri S&T offers its graduate certificate programs for those students who do not yet meet the requirements for standard admission. No GRE scores are required to enroll in graduate certificate programs. These programs also count as credit toward the MS in Aerospace Engineering degree. In addition, completing a certificate program with a “B” grade or better in all the core classes allows students to apply to the aerospace engineering program without taking the GRE at all, although it does not guarantee admission. Overall, there are several ways to gain admission to Missouri S&T’s aerospace engineering master’s program, so it’s an excellent school for applicants whose GRE scores aren’t the best, or who need an option that doesn’t rely so heavily on academic metrics.

#2. PURDUE UNIVERSITY – MAIN CAMPUS

MASTER OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS AEROSPACE ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Students wanting to engage in the modern space race should check out Purdue University. Its aerospace engineering program has been ranked No. 4 by U.S. News & World Report, when compared against other aerospace graduate programs. The emphasis on space engineering is seen in the degree name; “astronautics” specifically refers to a focus on developing and manufacturing craft capable of moving into low Earth orbit and beyond. The program offers courses in six topic areas: propulsion, dynamics and control, structures and materials, aerodynamics, aerospace systems, and astrodynamics and space applications. 

The curriculum is comprised of 30 credit hours and does not require a thesis, capstone course, or project. All lectures are delivered via video, which students can either stream to their computer or download as MPEG-4 files. Following this curriculum allows students to earn either a standard Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics or a more interdisciplinary version of the same degree, called an Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering. The latter degree includes a concentration in aeronautics and astronautics. Because most of the lectures and study materials are delivered via video, the instruction may be asynchronous or synchronous, depending on the course’s instructor. All teachers for the online programs, including this one, teach the same classes as those offered at Purdue’s campus, ensuring that all students receive real-world expertise from capable professionals.

The curriculum is made up of 10 courses worth three credit hours each. Of these courses, two are in a minor area in Engineering or Sciences. For students who have already taken courses at Purdue, any relevant engineering courses may be transferable toward a graduate degree, if the final course grade was a “B” or higher. Regardless of students’ exact course schedules, they all work with a dedicated Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering faculty member as a graduate committee advisor. These advisors help students work out a good study plan and ensure that they reach their academic goals on time and according to schedule.

Finally, Purdue is a worthwhile institution to investigate for those students who are in need of significant financial aid. The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers several program-specific scholarships, and another is available from Boeing. The Boeing scholarship is particularly notable for women or minority students, as the firm is trying to recruit more employees from these demographics. Most of the other scholarships are disbursed over several years, and many of them offer their own internships or employment opportunities, depending on students’ grades and career ambitions.

#3. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

As a top-ranked public university, Georgia Tech is leading the way in multiple avenues of academic progress. It’s one of the busiest research universities in the United States and emphasizes education from a technical perspective. Georgia Tech’s MS in Aerospace Engineering is ranked at No. 4 according to U.S. News & World Report, and all of its other engineering programs are ranked in the top 10 by the same organization. This is largely due to the school’s experienced faculty, which is made up of more than 40 professors currently researching aerospace engineering issues and who have real-world expertise to share with their students. Distance learners at Georgia Tech pay out-of-state tuition, regardless of their location. Georgia Tech also offers out-of-state tuition waivers to certain students, however; check out the school’s financial aid page if your economic situation is difficult.

The master’s program at Georgia Tech calls for 33 credit hours of coursework, which includes an extra three credit hours of “Special Problems” research. This final class is similar to other graduate research capstone projects. Students select a specific research topic with their advisor’s assistance and complete work on the project once it has been approved by the school. 

Unlike many distance learning programs, students participate in the same classes that on-campus students attend using streaming video tools. To some extent, this limits the flexibility of the program’s schedule, but it also offers students the unique ability to attend class online and enjoy some of the same peer-to-peer interactions they would at a brick-and-mortar university. Students also interact frequently with their instructors via phone chats, online discussion apps, and email. Because of this schedule limitation, Georgia Tech recommends that students who must work while attending school take only one or two classes per semester.

All students in the aerospace engineering program begin with Dr. Oksana Gomas as their advisor. She helps to ensure that they stay on track as their studies progress. A different advisor is assigned once students move into the final stages of their degree programs. As the thesis option for this degree is not offered for distance-learning students, the new advisor assists with the Special Problems research course. 

Other student services include various fellowship opportunities and outside sponsorships, which are often led by employers seeking new talent. In fact, more than 700 businesses and industries employ Georgia Tech alumni. Opportunities for networking are high, especially for those students who take advantage of the above sponsorships or fellowships. Online orientation programs are available, as is access to counseling services and various tutoring and workshop appointments.

#4. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

For over 132 years, North Carolina State University has provided students with excellent educational experiences, and this focus on quality continues into the present. Its online learning programs have expanded many times in the last few decades and have grown to become as comprehensive and well-staffed as any school’s on-campus offerings. As No. 28 among the country’s Best Public Universities, according to the Wall Street Journal, NC State’s value can be seen the moment one signs up for distance education. The programs are affordable, too; NC State is ranked as the No. 1 Best College for Your Money in North Carolina by Money magazine.

Application only requires a bachelor’s degree with coursework that satisfies the program’s prerequisites; a prior degree in aerospace engineering is not required. To earn an MS in Aerospace Engineering from NC State, students complete 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Three of these credits must be devoted to Project Work in Aerospace Engineering, which ensures that all graduates have some practical experience to showcase on any future resumes or job hunts. The project work is determined by each student’s own interests and must be approved by the school before work begins. As a rapid-pace program, the curriculum is designed to be completed in 12 months, but students can opt to take classes more slowly if that works better for their schedule. All online courses are identical to their on-campus counterparts, with the greatest difference being that the online curriculum does not require a final oral exam or a thesis.

Most of the coursework is asynchronous, and video chats are rare. Instead, students complete their assignments and projects at their own pace. This format gives plenty of flexibility to maintain a job or family life while still attending school. The courses offered emphasize aeronautical knowledge and mechanical engineering, adequately preparing students for work in the aviation industry. Topics include Airfoil Theory, Wing Theory, Fracture Mechanics, and the Foundations of Fluid Dynamics. Students must be careful about which classes they take each semester, however, as certain courses are only offered during particular times of the year.

Each student is assigned an Aerospace Engineering advisor to help them develop a suitable study plan and assist with the project course. One extra benefit that distance learners receive at NC State is a pair of online-only application deadlines, so they don’t have to compete with on-campus students for spots in the graduate program. These online-only dates are March 15 and May 1, although online students may also apply before the regular application deadlines of January 15 and November 1 for the fall and spring semesters, respectively.

#5. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

The University of Virginia has a strong aerospace engineering program. It’s ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for public mechanical engineering programs of its faculty size. It’s also ranked No. 2 by the same organization for online Master of Engineering programs in general. Its rigor and high standards are designed to allow only superior mechanical engineers to graduate, so it’s a fantastic university for students looking to push themselves as far as possible. The university has had a lot of practice at this, as it’s been delivering engineering courses to students from a distance for more than 35 years.

Unlike a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree, this Master of Engineering degree is designed to double-down on the expertise that aerospace engineers develop during their undergraduate studies. It doesn’t focus so much on preparing students for possible research in the aerospace engineering field; instead, it extends students’ expertise and permits them to take on greater engineering challenges and lead development teams of fellow engineers on more lucrative and difficult projects. Ranked No. 1 by BestCollegeValues.com in 2017, this is a phenomenal engineering program, despite its lack of emphasis on scientific theory.

The program’s application process requires an extra step not found at most schools, in the form of three assessment tests. These are, in order: an engineering plan of study, an engineering analysis assessment, and an engineering technical writing assessment. Each of these is designed to weed out weaker applicants, as competition for open positions is fierce. At the same time, the University of Virginia does allow certain students to begin working on their degree and have their GRE scores waived if they have already completed classes at the university. The school also accepts new students each spring, summer, and fall term, so there are multiple opportunities to jump on board and begin studying.

The curriculum consists of at least 30 credit hours of work, although only 15 of them must be completed at the University of Virginia. This allows graduate students who haven’t yet completed a degree to transfer half of the required credits from another school and still use them to graduate. In fact, the University of Virginia is partnered with several other institutions and will accept transfer credits from these locations more readily than others. Partner institutions include Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University. The university also allows a longer timeline for graduate students to complete their degree: seven years, as opposed to the typical six offered by most other universities. Classes offered in the online format vary from year to year, and the university has a catalog of currently and previously offered courses, so prospective students can see the general trend. Typically, classes focus on subjects such as Mechanical Vibrations, Engineering Mathematics, Finite Element Analysis, and Turbulence and Multiphase Flow. As is clear, these technical courses are designed for engineers who want to dive even deeper into the subject and become true experts in their field.

#6. AUBURN UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

While it was initially founded as the East Alabama Male College, Auburn has since transitioned to a more diverse university with a broad curriculum that no longer focuses explicitly on technical degrees. Today, it educates over 30,000 students, 4,700 of whom are at the graduate level. Students are taught by a full-time faculty of 1,300, resulting in a rough student-to-faculty ratio of about 19:1. Low ratios in this metric are always a plus for everyone, since teachers are less stressed, and students can take more of their time for individual needs.

Applicants to Auburn’s MS Aerospace Engineering program should have a GPA of at least 3.0, but priority is given to those who have a 3.4 or above. In addition, GRE scores of 160 for quantitative reasoning and 150 for verbal reasoning are required. Auburn encourages those with degrees outside of aerospace or mechanical engineering to apply, as a diverse student body is one of the goals of the university, though these students may need to take some additional undergraduate aerospace engineering courses before beginning graduate-level work. Auburn is one of the best schools a student can attend if they hope to transition into aerospace engineering but lack a bachelor’s degree in the subject. In addition, with its Master of Science program, Auburn prepares students for careers in aerospace engineering research and development. Graduates can easily move into a more academic field or work in a government design laboratory, rather than aerospace manufacturing, thanks to the strong curriculum and course focuses.

Auburn’s Department of Aerospace Engineering allows students to pursue either a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science, although online students must complete the non-thesis track. It comprises 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, 18 of which must be drawn from a set list of high-level aerospace engineering subjects. These classes include Dynamics of Flight, Orbit Determination, Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control, and Flight Dynamics of Hypervelocity Vehicles. Nine credit hours may be drawn from other technical fields, such as science or mathematics. As is easily imagined, the curriculum adequately prepares students for work on either aircraft or spacecraft, making it an excellent program for those seeking the widest possible expertise in the aerospace engineering field.

Every aerospace engineering student works with Auburn’s graduate program officer, Dr. Vrishank Rahav. He helps coordinate plans of study and ensures that students remain on track for the duration of their time in the program. In addition, all students should visit the university’s graduate assistantships and fellowships page. There, they can find all of the graduate fellowships and other financial aid opportunities the university has to offer. Several of these pay students’ entire tuition costs, and many of them offer extensive networking opportunities that can lead to employment after graduation. Keep in mind that some of these opportunities may require in-person in attendance or work at the university, so online-only learners will have fewer options.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

This non-thesis, non-research program can be completed entirely online, yet it uses the same lectures, assignments, exams, and projects as its on-campus counterpart. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s aerospace engineering program begins with the fundamentals of all three branches of the subject: fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and materials, and dynamics and controls. An additional course in mathematics is also required. After the fundamentals are finished, students can specialize in one or more areas of expertise, such as Aerodynamics, Aerospace Control, Dynamical Systems, Orbital Mechanics, Spacecraft, Solid Mechanics and Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion/Propulsion, and Structure Mechanics. In this way, every graduate of UIUC’s program has a strong foundation in aerospace engineering as a whole and a developed focus that allows them to pursue a position in a specific part of the AE job market.

All degrees require 32 credit hours of coursework, and all students must take at least one course from each of the three fundamental areas described above. All classwork  is done asynchronously, with students receiving pre-recorded on-campus lectures. They follow the same class syllabus and complete the same coursework as students on UIUC’s physical campus. Furthermore, UIUC includes a required online seminar, so that all online students are aware of their responsibilities as distance learners and know how to complete online college work. This course does not count for credit, but can be completed quickly and familiarizes students with UIUC’s distinct distance education interface.

Applying to UIUC’s AE program should be completed promptly, as the department offers only a single admission deadline, July 1, for the fall semester. With such a limited window for application, competition is typically quite fierce, and serious applicants should seek to surpass the university’s minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 if they want to outshine their fellow applicants. Despite its rigor and high barriers to entry, UIUC is an excellent university at which to pursue higher aerospace engineering education, partly due to its extensive selection of both internal and external fellowships. Aerospace engineers can use these to alleviate much of their tuition burden, or take advantage of the graduate awards listed by the university to achieve the same benefit. In addition, students can complete specialized certificates to make their degree even more competitive in the job market and bolster their chances of securing the position they want with a high-competition company like Boeing or Lockheed Martin.

As the No. 13 Best Public University according to U.S. News & World Report, UIUC is an excellent school in more ways than one. Its Grainger College of Engineering is known for its successes too, ranked at No. 9 nationally, also by U.S. News. UIUC has been around since 1867 and has educated more than 47,000 students from over 100 countries. No matter what its students have studied, the school has produced high achievers and grown an extensive alumni network of successful professionals. The quantum-well laser and the first graphical web browser both got their start within UIUC’s halls. Archaea, the third and last main branch of the tree of life consisting of single-celled organisms, was also first classified at this university. 

#8. IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING MASTER’S DEGREE

Ranked at No. 23 among aerospace graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report, Iowa State University has been a leading public university since 1869. Today, it has multiple scholarships available for attendees, several of which are reserved for graduate studies only, so it’s one of the best schools to check out for students who need financial aid from multiple sources. Iowa State also has another benefit that should attract anyone looking for fast employment after graduation: More 500 companies visit the Iowa State College of Engineering each year to recruit the university’s students. While online students can’t meet these companies in person, the relationships they develop with the faculty can still allow them to network beyond their normal spheres.

The aerospace engineering graduate program at Iowa State was developed from the educational and research experience of the faculty. Rather than requiring students to take a predetermined list of courses, the program instead decrees a number of course credits that must be earned overall; no specific classes must be completed. This ultimate level of flexibility is unmatched by almost any other university offering online programs, and it allows students to study what they think is most interesting. The program is a fantastic choice for those who have been “turned off” of higher education because of the high number of non-negotiable courses required for graduation from most programs. Iowa State’s flexibility is only possible due to the intense interest that its faculty take in each of the online graduate students, helping them to excel and build productive careers.

Each degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in research or coursework. Students also have two options for degree completion, based on whether or not they choose to complete a thesis. The Master of Science option is more research-oriented and requires students to develop and complete a thesis with the assistance of their instructors. Alternatively, students can earn a Master of Engineering and focus more on the practical applications and aspects of aerospace engineering. This degree includes more coursework than research experience and may be easier for online students to complete. Students may also take a Creative Component class, which lightens their course load in exchange for a written report and oral presentation, both of which are delivered to the student’s graduate committee.

Regardless of which path a student chooses, Iowa State offers several concentrations to select from, including Atmospheric and Spaceflight Dynamics, Aerospace System Design, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Control Systems, Nondestructive Evaluation, Fluid Mechanics, Wind Engineering, Structural Analysis, and Optimization. Each of these allows students to pursue the aspects of aerospace engineering that interest them most. Iowa State also offers a concurrent Bachelor of Science/Master of Science degree program if you haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree. It’s a great way to get a jumpstart on master’s studies and can reduce the time spent in school by about one year.

#9. VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

With a long history of producing students who are experts in their fields, Virginia Tech is a great choice for students looking to be on the cutting edge of engineering developments. Its Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering is home to the world’s No. 5 aerospace engineering program, according to The Center for World University Rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program at No. 14 overall among other similar programs. It’s clear that Virginia Tech has a lot of value, in both its classes and faculty.

Virginia Tech offers both Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees in aerospace engineering through its distance learning programs. The Master of Science degree emphasizes flight mechanics, propulsion, structures, and aerodynamics. This is a degree well designed for students who want to go into aerospace design and research, and particularly those who are interested in aircraft. Meanwhile, the Master of Engineering degree emphasizes hands-on expertise and other aspects of engineering problems.

All students must take four core courses, in vehicle structures, advanced aero and hydrodynamics, vehicle dynamics and control, and applied numerical methods. These core courses are only offered to online students once per year, so it’s recommended that they be completed as early in the degree program as possible, to open up students’ schedules for later electives. After the core courses, students can choose from more than 10 electives, ranging from orbital mechanics to transonic aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics. Online students pursue a non-thesis track that requires 30 credit hours for graduation. This can bump up to 33 credit hours, depending on a student’s final course details. This final course is a special project and written report that stands as a capstone in lieu of a presented thesis. Eighteen of the total credits for the degree can be electives, and students may also pursue up to nine credits of independent study. These independent study credits can substitute for coursework if the student has real-world experience in a relevant job. Because of the rigor associated with each course, Virginia Tech recommends students only take one or two courses per semester. Particularly motivated students may take more and potentially graduate more quickly than their peers. Virginia Tech also offers outstanding students various fellowship opportunities through its Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering.

Students on either degree track may choose a specialization. These are Aero-Hydrodynamics, Dynamics and Control, Structures and Structural Dynamics, and Space Engineering. The last specialization is an exceptional choice for students hoping to enter a space program or to work for organizations such as NASA. In addition, the choice of specialization may affect a student’s choice of faculty advisor, as this person assists in developing a study program and typically helps with the final project. Students are given an opportunity to request faculty advisors based on instructors’ profiles and areas of experience.

#10. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SEATTLE

MASTER OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

The University of Washington offers a Master of Aerospace Engineering degree geared toward working professionals and recent bachelor’s level graduates. As a terminal degree, students don’t need to complete a thesis, and the online program runs simultaneously with its in-person counterpart. The program is designed to be completed in three years and is tailored for part-time professionals who don’t have the time or money to attend school full-time. In addition, all applicants are required to hold an undergraduate degree in either aerospace or mechanical engineering. Rare exceptions can be made, provided that the applicant takes makeup classes to understand the fundamentals of the master’s program. Those who choose to apply should do so as early as possible; UW’s Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics only accepts new degree students for the autumn quarter, and applications are due by August 1.

There are four specialization options available: Controls, Fluids, Structures, and Composites. Each of these specializations is fairly general, relative to expertise options offered by other aerospace engineering programs, but this can be a good choice for students who don’t want to narrow their interests before beginning an engineering career. Program graduates are qualified to work in any aerospace engineering position after completing any of these specializations. All students, regardless of the track they choose, must meet once per week in the evening. As this is a set time, students attend class with in-person classmates, watching lectures via webcam. All coursework and lecture materials are the same for online and in-person students, as a result. While this somewhat limits students’ flexibility, all other work can be completed asynchronously, opening up lots of time for jobs and other commitments. Each class session is about three hours long.

UW coordinates its online learning efforts through the UW Continuum College, and all lectures, though broadcast in real-time, are archived for repeated viewings. In most cases, students can save and download copies of lectures for review as necessary, although this varies from class to class. Because of this learning system’s separation from UW, fees for credit hours can also change from year to year. Rather than follow UW’s tuition rates, online learning through the Continuum College is priced using a fee-based method. This means that in- and out-of-state students pay the same rates. 

Thankfully, UW has a specific program to assist with graduate-level tuition expenses, the Graduate Funding Information Service. The GFIS works with graduate students from all programs and provides them with unique grants or opportunities to pay for tuition, research projects, and even research travel. While the research funding isn’t helpful for Master of Engineering degrees, it’s still a great resource that any graduate student in need of extra funding should consider. Beyond its financial assistance, the GFIS can also help students with both general studies and advanced coursework. It provides workshops, databases for writing papers, and can sometimes help students to attend networking events virtually. Many graduate advisors are a part of this service, too.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. The University of Texas at Arlington

Location: Arlington, Texas

Degree: MS/MSE in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $12,533

Website

#12. University of Colorado Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $20,323

Website

#13. Mississippi State University

Location: Starkville, Mississippi

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $16,056

Website

#14. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Location: Daytona Beach, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $35,358

Website

#15. Old Dominion University

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Degree: MS/ME in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $15,213

Website

#16. University of California, Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles, California

Degree: MS in Engineering Aerospace

Net Price: $14,760

Website

#17. The University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Net Price: $19,993

Website

#18. University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $12,363

Website

#19. University of Southern California

Location: Los Angeles, California

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $32,892

Website 

#20. University of Central Florida

Location: Orlando, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $15,341

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING & BEST ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING!

If you like crunching numbers or making sure businesses (or individuals) are on the up-and-up in their monetary reporting and practices, then you are in luck: the field of accounting has a very good job outlook over the next few years! According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors can expect jobs to increase at an above average rate. In addition, the average salary for professionals who go on to gain a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is expected to increase as well. For these reasons–and more–the Master of Accounting degree (which can be conveyed as a Master of Science in Accounting, a Master of Professional Accounting, or a Master of Accountancy) is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs currently available. We have looked at many programs and determined some of the best ones out there. Examine our methodology and the schools on our list below to take advantage of this boon in accounting!

See Also: 30 Best Affordable Master’s in Economics

Quick Links to Our Top 10

1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
2. Rutgers University
3. Penn State University World Campus
4. The University of Scranton
5. Stetson University
6. University of South Dakota
7. University of Hartford
8. University of Miami
9. University of Connecticut
10. Auburn University

Our methodology: Looking at publicly available sources as a starting point for our list of the best online Master of Accounting degree programs–such as U.S. News and World Report, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school websites, and both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) websites–we determined the top programs by these criteria:

• Affordability-25% (examining average out-of-state tuition)
• Accreditation and commendation-25% (noting program-specific accreditation and accolades and/or recognition by reputable sources such as U.S. News)
• Student satisfaction and support services-25% (considering available student testimonials and easily-procured student resources)
• Online accessibility-25% (looking at programs offering completely, mostly or partially online curriculum and/or any required on-campus residency opportunities)

See Also: Best Affordable Online MBA in Economics

#1. University of Massachusetts Amherst

In 1863 Amherst, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Agricultural College was started as a land-grant school in response to the passing of the Federal Morrill Act of 1862 (the Morrill Act allowed states to sell federal lands to gain monies to fund schools with the purpose of teaching cutting-edge farming and manufacturing practices). The first class in 1867 had 56 students and four professors to occupy the four buildings on campus. All students were male at first, but by 1892 women joined as fully-admitted students. The school expanded even further through the years and changed names several times. In 1947 the school became the University of Massachusetts and became the flagship institution in the University of Massachusetts System in 2003. From an original campus of 310 acres to a current campus of over 1,400 acres, and 56 students to now more than 30,000—the officially-named University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public research university with regional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst presents a thirty-credit hour Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree program with a curriculum developed and perfected by an Accounting Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of “alumni partners and executives who are strongly committed” to the MSA degree’s success, and in addition, students have been allowed to weigh in with their feedback to help strengthen the program. As an added benefit for prospective students, an online course demo is available to see firsthand what online learning is like through UMass. With required classes such as “Taxes and Business Decisions” and “Professional Responsibility for Accountants,” the program is ideal for students who already have an undergraduate degree in accounting and who desire to advance their careers in the field–the program specifically works towards CPA licensure for all New England and New York state residents. Taking as little as two semesters or as long as students need, this is a flexible, renowned, and comprehensive degree program. AACSB accredited

Admissions Website

See Also: 10 Best Affordable Master’s in Accounting

#2. Rutgers University

In New Jersey in 1766, a charter for Queens College was sought by the Dutch Reformed Church in response to the formation of the College of New Jersey (the original name of Princeton), which had been started by the Presbyterians twenty years earlier. The Dutch Reformed Church wanted to also establish a college, so in 1771 the town of New Brunswick was chosen as the spot for the campus, and the school that would be historically known as the eighth oldest institution of higher education in America opened its doors. The school suffered in its early years and actually closed twice, but persevering, it reopened after the Revolutionary War with the new name Rutgers College (named for the man whose donation enabled the school to reopen). By 1924, university status was achieved, and now Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Rutgers or RU) is a land-grant institution with three campuses in New Jersey. Regional accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Program Details: The Rutgers Business School offers a unique Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting degree program entirely online–the first and only program like it available online. Requiring thirty-credit hours to graduate, students can complete the degree in as little as a year if pursued full-time but are able to take classes part-time so they can maintain their current employment. Applicants to this competitive program can have any undergraduate degree, but those who did not major in business or accounting must take the “Accounting for Managers” prerequisite course in the summer prior to beginning the graduate-level classes. With ” input of leaders in the field of government financial management,” the curriculum was developed to advance graduates’ careers in the “rapidly expanding field of government financial management, accounting, and auditing.” Courses such as “Ethical Issues in Public Financial Management” and “Advanced Topics in Governmental Accounting” meet the 150-hour requirements to prepare students to sit for the CPA exam. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#3. Penn State University World Campus

Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania was established in 1855 as a degree granting institution. A gift of 200 acres in Centre County became the location of the school (the campus would continue to grow to over 10,000 acres), and in 1862 the school would become a land-grant institution (the federal Morrill Act of 1862 allowed states to sell federal lands in order to use the proceeds to then fund institutions of higher education. Penn State remains the only land-grant school in the state). The name was changed to Agricultural College of Pennsylvania at that time, but then changed again in 1874 to Pennsylvania State College. In 1953 the school became The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), and there are twenty-four campuses across the state. The main campus is in University Park, Pennsylvania, and over 47,000 students study at this flagship campus. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits Penn State.

Program Details: The Master of Professional Accounting degree through Penn State World Campus is an AACSB-accredited online program of which past students sing the praises. The program takes pride in helping students complete the required 150-credit hours to achieve Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure with classes like “Auditing Theory and Practice,” “Professional Responsibilities and Ethics in Accounting,” and “Business Tax Planning Theory and Practice.” Having been involved in distance learning since 1998, it is no wonder that Penn State World Campus lands in a top 50 spot, having perfected the online degree program in general and the thirty-credit hour, comprehensive Master of Professional Accounting in particular. Plenty of services, tutorials, and resources for online students are made available, so students get not only the benefit of a reputable program, but also an advantageous program supported by years of research and an online learning environment that cares if students succeed and thrive. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#4. The University of Scranton

Saint Thomas College was started in Scranton, Pennsylvania by the town’s first Roman Catholic Bishop, the Most Reverend William G. O’Hara. Four years after the cornerstone was laid by O’Hara himself in 1888, classes began for the initial students–the first graduating class would consist of 62 men and twelve seminary students. The school was renamed The University of Scranton (Scranton) in 1938, and for decades it operated under different Catholic societies until the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) took control by invitation in 1942. The Jesuits emphasized a liberal arts focus, and the school prospered and grew under their leadership. Initially the school was made up of mostly commuters, but now is a comprehensive university made up of a “community dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life.” Scranton is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Program Details: Through the Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies, The University of Scranton has designed a rigorous online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program for students with a previous accounting bachelor’s degree (for those without an accounting background, there is the online MAcc Accounting Bridge option that provides foundational, prerequisite accounting coursework). Requiring thirty-credit hours and preparing students to sit for and pass the CPA exam, the keenly-focused curriculum is continuously reviewed and honed by the Accounting Department Professional Council (ADPC), an association of CPA practitioners who have partnered with Scranton’s Accounting Department. Current core courses include subjects like “Managerial Economics” and “Effective Accounting Communication” and some of the electives offered are “Occupational Fraud and Abuse” and “Accounting Integration and Configuration.” The program can be completed in as little as ten to twenty months, but students have up to six years to finish their degree. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#5. Stetson University

DeLand Academy was conceived of in the First Baptist Church in DeLand, Florida in the fall of 1883. The school opened the following year, and by 1885 the name was changed to DeLand College with nearly 100 enrolled students. This name was not utilized for long–just a year later the Florida State Legislature chartered the school and it became DeLand University. Three years after that the school was renamed in honor of generous donor John B. Stetson (the inventor of the cowboy hat) as John B. Stetson University. Thanks to other donors through the years, the school grew in size and architectural status. In 1905 the Stetson University College of Law claimed a first for the state of Florida by admitting women to its program. Another first was in 1962 when Stetson was the first private university in Florida that was not a historically black college or university to admit all students without regard to color. Stetson University has regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: Stetson University’s online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program allows students to move through the program together as a cohort, interacting and supporting one another online through the process. A comprehensive and rigorous program offered through the M. E. Rinker, Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy’s Department of Accounting, convenience and flexibility are also key elements in this program that can be completed in under a year. Students who do not meet both business foundation and accounting foundation coursework requirements will generally need to do so prior to participating in the MAcc curriculum. Students take thirty-credit hours of advanced accounting courses, including data analytics, audit, accounting theory, forensic accounting and fraud examination, and financial accounting. Webinar information sessions are offered several times through the year specifically for prospective students interested in the online MAcc program. *Stetson University is among the elite business schools worldwide with a School of Business Administration and an accounting program that are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The School of Business Administration is housed in the Eugene M. and Christine Lynn Business Center on the university’s historic campus in DeLand, Florida.

Admissions website

#6. University of South Dakota

Before South Dakota was even confirmed as a state, the University of South Dakota (USD) was being conceived of as an institution of higher education for the region. In 1862 the Dakota Territorial Legislature voted to establish the school in the town of Vermillion (making USD the Dakotas’ oldest post-secondary school). No funding was available however, so the school didn’t begin offering classes until 1882 when the funds were raised—in large part thanks to the Vermillion residents. That first year saw just 70 students enroll, but within the decade enrollment had grown to 500 students. Now over 10,000 students are enrolled in the nine schools and colleges housed within USD, and this public coeducational research institution is the flagship school of the state. Regional accreditation has been continuously granted from the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.

Program Details: The University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business has been continuously accredited since 1949, so students can be sure the program they are entering is one of quality and which promises extensive student support as well as rigorous coursework. The online Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) degree program is crafted to help students accomplish the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam, and all classes are offered completely online. For students whose undergraduate coursework meets the prerequisite requirements, the MPA program is 30-credit hours of core courses such as “Business Policy and Strategy,” “Contemporary Topics in Auditing,” and “Cost Accounting.” Students are able to choose three elective classes for customization, but the class choice “approved by the MPA Program Director, and be a course that will assist in CPA exam preparation or business professional development.” USD is “committed to providing comprehensive student support services” to both on-campus and online students, with a variety of services and tutorials available. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#7. University of Hartford

Starting after World War II as a non-residential school, the University of Hartford (UHart) took over several buildings and small schools (such as an art museum) in the town of Hartford, Connecticut to provide an education to the returning G.I.s. The three schools instrumental in integrating and becoming this new university in 1957 included the Hartford Art School (established in 1877), the Hartt School of Music (founded in 1920), and Hillyer College (started as part of the Hartford YMCA in 1879). Coeducational and accepting of all students from its inception, UHart declares as part of its mission a dedication to “personal growth, knowledge creation, and the betterment of society.” The 350-acre campus spreads out over several Connecticut cities and houses seven schools and colleges to serve the almost 7,000 enrolled students. The University of Hartford is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational institution regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: The Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation (MSAT) degree program at University of Hartford, Barney School of Business offers an entirely online Taxation track for students who desire to “develop or advance a career in professional accounting or taxation in industry, public accounting, government, or not-for-profit organizations.” Three start dates a year and seven-week long courses allow students to complete the 30-credit hour program in about two years. Five required core courses cover topics like “Advanced Taxation of Pass-Through Entities” and “Research in Taxation” and students can select fifteen credits of electives to customize the degree (students must have evidence of basic proficiency and background coursework in several foundational accounting and finance classes). All Barney School online graduate students are provided with dedicated and experienced faculty and advisors, as well as various student support services, in order to assure a “productive and seamless learning experience.” AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#8. University of Miami

In the early 1920s a community of citizens in South Florida felt the need to form an institution of higher education for their area. By 1925 they had secured a charter, and the following year 646 students enrolled full-time at the newly formed University of Miami (UM) in Corals Gable, Florida. The first few decades were tumultuous–the land boom that had brought the financial resources to open the school dried up, a hurricane ripped through the region, the national Great Depression was in effect, and a World War that raged oversees nearly devastated the school. The school’s original president, Dr. Bowman F. Ashe, is credited with keeping it afloat. The years that followed proved kinder to the school–after the War, the school had a period of rapid growth. Now with several campuses, there are twelve schools and colleges encompassed within UM and offering almost 300 academic degree programs to the nearly 17,000 enrolled students. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges grants regional accreditation to UM. 

Program Details: With a program that can be completed in as little as sixteen months to just over two years, the online degree offered through UOnline can quickly propel students to sit for and pass the CPA exam of that is their goal. Students have options in their pursuit of an online master’s degree in accounting at UM. There is the Master of Professional Accounting–Non-Bachelors of Accounting degree, in which thirty-two credit hours making up eight courses are taken one at a time over a sixteen-month period, or the 40-credit hour/ten course Master of Professional Accounting–CPA track option completed in twenty months. In addition, an MBA with Accounting Practice Focus is also offered online, requiring 51 credits/fifteen courses, which can be completed in twenty-eight months. Whatever program is chosen, students can complete the degree completely online or participate in any of the on-campus opportunities. Regardless of whether any on-campus networking is chosen, online students through UM’s UOnline are given the support and experience they need to be successful.  AACSB accredited

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#9. University of Connecticut

In 1880 in the town of Mansfield, Connecticut, two brothers–Charles and Augustus Storrs–proposed to donate $6,000, an old orphanage, and several buildings on 170 acres of farmland to establish Storrs Agricultural School. The following year the governor signed the school into existence, and classes began that fall with thirteen male students and three instructors. In 1893 the school became a land-grant institution and began admitting women–the name was changed to Storrs Agricultural College. Six years later the school was again renamed–Connecticut Agricultural College. For forty years the school would operate under that name, but in 1933 it became Connecticut State College–this name was short-lived, as the school changed again six years later to the current name: University of Connecticut (UConn). This flagship, doctoral research public university is also a space-grant and a sea-grant school, and there are multiple campuses around the state. Due to the quality of the education provided to the over 26,000 students enrolled on the main campus alone, UConn is known as a Public Ivy school. UConn is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: UConn School of Business provides a trademarked method of assuring excellence in their online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. The coursework and academic experience through the online MSA program equips students to successfully sit for the CPA exam–students gain not just a degree through completion of the program, but also a unique skill-set that is an intentional outcome of the online learning process. In addition to the “dynamic online community™ that supports and nurtures” the online student, key factors of “information literacy” and “student-centered learning” put the student at the forefront of crafting their education. Offering a highly-customizable degree, this thirty-credit hour program begins each spring with a required four-day on-campus residency seminar. Students then choose one required course from a selection of three courses and then are free to make up the remainder of the curriculum by choosing eight electives. Some of the elective offerings include “Evaluating Internal Controls,” “Advanced Assurance Services,” and “Accounting and Auditing for Governmental Entities.” AACSB accredited

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#10. Auburn University

The charter for East Alabama Male College, a private, liberal arts school in Auburn, Alabama, was issued in 1856. Three years later the first students were admitted, but just two years after opening, the Civil War forced the school to close. The ensuing financial devastation caused by the war forced the school to legally transfer ownership from the Methodist Church (its original affiliation) to the State of Alabama in 1872. The state legislature voted to participate in the benefits of the Morrill Act of 1862, and renamed the institution the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. This would be the first land-grant university of the South, and the school would go on to gain both sea-grant and space-grant designations as well. The school would be renamed Auburn University (AU or Auburn) in 1960, and now it enrolls nearly 30,000 students on the 1,840-acre campus and online. Regional accreditation for Auburn University comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: With an online program that parallels the on-campus program in terms of “rigor, standards, and student accountability” and student support offered, the online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program has been offered through the School of Accountancy at Auburn’s Harbert College of Business since 2000. Designed for professionals who are already engaged in an accounting career and taking just two years to complete (or one year if students attend full-time), the program prepares students to successfully pass the Uniform CPA examination in just one attempt. The thirty-credit hour curriculum requires twelve credits of core courses covering topics like “Advanced Auditing & Assurance Services” and “Integrated Accounting Applications,” and the eighteen elective credit hours can be chosen from classes such as “Advanced Business Law” and “Corporation and Partnership Taxation.” All online courses are recorded for students’ convenience, and there is one required on-campus three-day residency at the end of the program (called the Auburn MAcc Leadership Summit) which culminates the degree with workshops, student events, and seminars.  AACSB accredited

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#11. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Claiming distinction as the oldest public university in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (known as UNC or “Carolina”) was charted in 1789 and began offering classes in 1795 utilizing a single building at the beginning (which now serves as a residence hall and is the oldest building constructed specifically for a public university in America). The school was located in Chapel Hill which was picked due to its centrality in the state, and now campus is over 700 acres. In 1972 there was a consolidation of state schools into the University of North Carolina System—it was at this point that “at Chapel Hill” was added to the original name of University of North Carolina. Now this flagship, coeducational research university has nearly 30,000 students enrolled throughout the fourteen schools and colleges. UNC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: If key features such as school reputation and “outstanding recruitment opportunities” are of utmost importance to a prospective student, the online Master of Accounting (MAC) degree program at UNC Kenan-Flager Business School is a perfect fit. Open to students with undergraduate degrees both in accounting and any other field, this program requires between 36-48 credit hours depending on what foundational coursework each student might need, and can be finished in one to three years. In addition to core courses in topics like “Data Analytics for Accountants” and “Managerial and Cost Accounting,” a choice of Tax or Audit concentrations determine some of the specific coursework required. The remaining courses are chosen from elective subjects ranging from “Business Entities and Securities Regulation” to “Negotiations.” Another key feature of the Kenan-Flager online MAC is the strong sense of community that is fostered first by the required on-campus Orientation and Leadership Immersion, and continuously through the synchronous classes which emphasizes communication and collaboration.  AACSB accredited

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#12. University of Texas at Dallas

Eugene McDermott, J. Erik Jonsson and Cecil Green (the founders of Fortune 500 company “Texas Instruments”) determined that a school was needed in Texas to keep the young, technologically-gifted native Texans in the state rather than losing them (and their potential benefits) to out-of-state schools. They established the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest in 1961—the school changed names twice before the end of the sixties, the last time in 1969 when the State of Texas gained control of the school’s assets and it became the University of Texas Dallas (UT Dallas). Four years later the Hoblitzelle Foundation and the Texas Research Foundation donated almost 300 acres to provide a larger campus to the institution, and that same year the first group of students graduated. This public research university currently educates more than 26,000 students and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 

Program Details: Offered through the Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas’ MS in Accounting is a 36-credit hour program that prepares students to sit for the CPA exam (with the disclaimer that it is “subject to the requirements of each state’s board of public accountancy,” so all students should carefully check their home state’s requirements). Students are able to complete the entire program online either as a cohort or at their own pace in eighteen to twenty-four months. The coursework includes required classes such as “Ethics for Professional Accountants” and “Fundamentals of Tax,” as well as elective choices like “Accounting Systems Integration and Configuration” and “Partnership Taxation.” In addition to the rigorous curriculum that meets CPA requirements, students of the online program have access to “CPA review courses,” the Jindal School of Management’s Career Management Center, and other relevant resources. AACSB accredited

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#13. Florida Atlantic University

When the Florida Legislature voted to establish a new public university in the southeastern part of the state as part of the State University System, the man who would come to be known as the school’s founding father, Tom Fleming, proposed a former army base as the school’s location. Several hurdles had to be overcome to release the Boca Raton Army Air Field to Florida, but by 1961 all the logistical pieces were in place and the school was in the works. A great deal of fundraising had to happen before the doors could open in 1964 as proposed, and Tom Fleming was again at the helm pledging a substantial amount from his own earnings. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) made its financial goals, and the school opened with keynote speaker President Lyndon Johnson in attendance. Initially only for upper-level and graduate students, by 1984 FAU became a full four-year degree-granting school. Over 30,000 students are enrolled on the main campus in Boca Raton and the five other campuses throughout the state, and regional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: Five concentrations are offered completely online for students who want to “supercharge” their career advancement by pursuing an Executive Master of Accounting degree at the School of Accounting Executive Programs (SOAEP) within the FAU College of Business. Students in the program can choose from Professional Accounting, Forensic Accounting, Digital Accounting Forensics and Data Analytics (DAFDA), Taxation, and Business Valuation. The program is a mirror of the on-campus programs in that they share the same renowned faculty and rigorous coursework, and all online programs can be completed in two years. There are three start dates a year for convenience (January, May or August), and all courses are available initially through live web videoconferencing or as recorded lectures for students to participate in at the time that works for them. The newsletter ReConnect is produced to provide insight, accounting news and opportunities to current SOAEP students as well as alumni.  AACSB accredited

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#14. Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs High School, a boarding school in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, was founded in 1905 after several years of persistence and planning by the Kings Mountain Baptist Association and the Sandy Run Baptist Association. The initial purpose of the school was to offer older children a good education influenced by Christian values, but by 1928 the area’s academic needs prompted a conversion to a junior college. In the early 1940s, Governor O. Max Gardner had become so influential in supporting Boiling Springs Junior College that the name was changed again to honor him and his wife Fay Webb Gardner. Gardner-Webb College expanded and added upper-level students in 1971, and became a full university in 1993. Now, Gardner-Webb University maintains a strong affiliation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and serves nearly 4,000 students. Gardner-Webb University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: The online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program at Gardner-Webb’s Godbold School of Business places a great deal of emphasis on practicing business with ethics and integrity. Providing a degree in accounting from a Christian perspective, a Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship is available to guide students as they learn both the technical skills of accountancy as well as best practices in ethical management. There are prerequisites to enter the program that students without a bachelor’s degree in accounting must complete before beginning, but for students with a prior accounting degree, thirty-credit hours are required. Within those requirements, students can focus all of their required electives in one area to gain an emphasis in a concentration, or they can vary their elective choices for a more broadly-focused degree. For all students an Advanced Auditing Capstone course culminates the program. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredited

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#15. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia College was established in 1881 in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Started by the Lutherans, thirteen male students started their education in preparation to become Lutheran ministers that first year, and by 1882 the desire for a permanent campus prompted the purchase of property. The state of Wisconsin provided a charter for the school to continue offering high school and junior college indefinitely. Almost a century later, academic programs were added that opened the school up to women and others who wanted to enter into lay ministry in the Lutheran Church. By 1978 the school became a full four-year college, and in 1982 campus was moved to 192 acres in Mequon, Wisconsin. Gaining university status in 1989, Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) became the first of ten universities in the Missouri Synod Concordia University system. CUW is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Details: Offered entirely online through Concordia’s School of Business, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting degree program gives students the best of two fields of study. The program is 39-credit hours and can be started at any time. Students take core MBA courses (such as “Business Foundations for Administrative Professions” and “Ethics and Organizational Leadership”) and accounting classes (such as “Global Production and Operations” and “Governmental and Not For Profit Accounting”) to strengthen a “deep understanding of financial analysis, decision-making, planning and controlling, capital acquisition and use, and strategic planning.” Classes are taught by “worldwide practitioner instructors” who have the goal for each student to see that “learning . . .  is about advancing as a person” and not just a means to an educational or career-oriented end. All online students receive an Online Student Success Advisor (OSSA) as just one aspect of the “intensive student support” provided by Concordia University Online. IACBE accredited

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#16. Post University

The Matoon Shorthand School, which taught business courses such as typing and bookkeeping, opened in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1890. The name was changed to Waterbury Business College in 1897 when Harry C. Post took over the school. Post would prove influential on the school–in 1931 it was renamed Post College in his honor. The school would gain and add various elements to the name throughout the years (including being affiliated with Teikyo University in Tokyo, Japan for almost fifteen years) before becoming Post University in 2004. Over 7,300 students are enrolled at the 53-acre campus or online, and this private for-profit school has been a member of the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Consortium since 2015. Post University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: The “practitioner-focused” Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree program offered online at Post University requires the usual coursework in accounting fundamentals, but also places an emphasis on “leadership, creativity, and innovation.” Eight undergraduate accounting courses must be completed before students begin the thirty-credit hour MSA program; the graduate curriculum covers the technical aspects of accounting (starting with the foundational “Research and Writing for the Accounting Profession” prerequisite) as the as well as management courses (such as “Customer Relationship Management for Professional Organizations”) and a final Capstone Course (“Current Topics in Accounting”). Six additional credit hours of study labs are available as part of the optional MSA CPA Track for students who wish to sit for the CPA exam. These labs help students craft a degree that is specialized and focused on the areas that need the most academic work.  Online student support is extensive and includes a dedicated “Post University Online Student Lounge on Facebook” page. ACBSP accredited

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#17. Southern New Hampshire University

Accountant H.A.B. Shapiro started the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1932. For almost thirty years the school maintained production, but in 1961 the school began growing when it was incorporated and renamed New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce. Within two years the state of New Hampshire authorized the school to begin awarding four-year degrees, and by 1969 the school changed names again, simply removing the “Accounting and Commerce” part to become New Hampshire College. In 1971 campus was moved to its permanent location by the Merrimack River. Thirty years after the move to the now 300-acre campus, the school changed names yet again to the name it is currently known by—Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Around 3,000 students are enrolled in on-campus programs, but SNHU has an online student body of about 80,000 students. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges provides regional accreditation.

Program Details: With multiple start dates throughout the year and access to online classes 24/7, the entirely online Master of Science in Accounting degree program at SNHU is governed by convenience and flexibility. Students can complete the degree in as little as fifteen months by taking two courses (of the required twelve) during each ten-week term, and there a several concentrations from which to choose for degree customization (the degree has several prerequisites that are necessary for students who do not have a prior accounting degree or solid background work in accounting or business). Concentration choices include Auditing, Forensic Accounting, Management Accounting, and Taxation–all tracks share the same basic courses such as “Advanced Auditing” and “Business Law” but then have specialized curricular requirements. With the promise that “we’ll be there for you every step of the way,” SNHU’s online programs provide a great deal of support and online resources to help students succeed. ACBSP accredited

Admissions website

#18. Bellevue University

Bellevue College was formed in 1965 when the local Chamber Of Commerce in Bellevue, Nebraska determined that the area would benefit from an institution of higher education–especially one that would cater to adult learners. A year later the school was founded, and it has been successful in offering academic programs and educational outreach to both traditional and non-traditional students ever since. With a stated vision of being “a premier open access university in the United States,” Bellevue University (as it has been known since 1994) presents a foundation of five core values that shape the school’s outlook and approach: “Integrity in all we do, Belief in the transformational value of education, Student-centric, Market focused, and Innovative.” The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits this private, non-profit university with over 10,000 currently enrolled students and an alumni network of over 50,000 graduates.

Program Details: Focusing “on the application of accounting to realistic workplace situations,” the coursework for the online Master of Science in Accounting degree program at Bellevue University all leads towards preparation for (and counts towards the requirements for) the CPA exam. The thirty-six credit hour curriculum includes courses such as “Advanced Accounting Problems,” “Financial Auditing,” and “Taxation of Business Entities.” Students are required to take three MBA courses also, covering topics such as “Business Analysis for Decision Making” and “Operations & Logistics in the Value Chain.” If desired, students can opt to take nine additional credit hours (for a total of 45) to obtain a concentration in either Tax or Finance. Additionally, Bellevue wants to assure that each online “student receives a rich and interactive learning experience” and provides many resources specifically for online support in order to make that a reality.  IACBE accredited

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#19. Edgewood College

Cadwallader C. Washburn, the eleventh governor of Wisconsin, donated his estate in Madison, Wisconsin to the Catholic Dominican Sisters in the late 1800s to be used for academia. The Sisters opened St. Regina Academy in 1881 as a private boarding school, and the first sixteen girls came to campus that fall as both day and resident students. A fatal fire nearly closed the school in 1893, but public support caused the school to rebuild and reopen as the Sacred Heart Academy in 1894. Changing needs and rapid growth led to the creation of a junior college–Edgewood Junior College opened with twelve female students in 1927. By 1940 the school transitioned into a full four-year institution and received accreditation through the University of Wisconsin. Thirty years later, men joined the Edgewood College community as full-time students as the school became coeducational. Now, this private liberal arts school serves almost 3,000 enrolled students, and Edgewood College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Details: The Edgewood College Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree program offered through the School of Business can be completed entirely online, and students can participate full-time to complete the degree in just a year, or they can take classes on a part-time basis to finish in two to three years. In addition to the flexibility to take classes at one’s own pace, students can start the program at three different times of year–spring, summer or fall. Faculty members (who “participate in a rigorous 7-week online faculty certification program”) are also practitioners in the field, and provide not just exceptional courses but also guidance and support to the online student. Thirty-credit hours are required (students must complete prerequisite undergraduate-level accounting courses prior to starting the program), and students take a selection of business courses, accounting courses and electives to culminate the degree.  ACBSP accredited

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#20. University of Michigan-Flint

Flint Senior College, a satellite of the University of Michigan, opened in 1956 with 167 students and a great deal of local support. Residents of both Flint and Ann Arbor provided support through financial gifts and community involvement in the development of this satellite campus (one of two University of Michigan satellites that had been developed), and the upper-level undergraduate school transitioned to a traditional four-year degree-granting institution within the decade. Freshman enrolled for the first time in 1965, and five years later the school was granted its own individual accreditation to become officially University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint) in 1971. Initially a commuter-campus school, residence halls were added and in 2008 300 students became the first residential, on-campus students. UM-Flint has nearly 9,000 students currently enrolled, and the Higher Learning Commission provides the school with its regional accreditation.

Program Details: NetPlus! is the program delivery method for the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) at UM-Flint. Through the School of Management, the NetPlus! format translates into a MSA degree program that has the majority of the coursework online but the added benefit of two weekend residencies held on-campus each semester. This program is designed for students who want to “compete for challenging and rewarding accounting positions as well as career advancement,” and the on-campus requirements are planned out two years in advance to assure scheduling is not an issue. Required core coursework includes classes like “Financial Reporting Special Topics” and “Seminar in Contemporary Accounting Systems and Control” and makes up eighteen credit hours of the required thirty (additional classes may be required for students who have not mastered foundational accounting basics). Students choose twelve elective credits to complete their degree, and find that the renowned UM-Flint faculty members are both accessible and devoted to each individual’s “success as a student and as a professional.” AACSB accredited

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#21. University of Maryland University College

With a mission of “improving the lives of adult learners,” the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) was originally founded as a satellite of University of Maryland’s (UM) College of Education in 1947. Called the College of Special and Continuation Studies, this branch was one of several throughout the state. Two years after its founding, the school sent instructors overseas to educate the military service personnel, and a few years after that was commissioned by the Department of Defense to provide faculty in Asia for the evening and weekend classes offered by UM. In 1970 the school began the process of becoming an independent institution, and the official name of the school was chosen to reflect that it is part of the University of Maryland System (“University of Maryland”) and that it offers (in the British tradition) education outside of the school building and usual classroom times (“University College”). The school now has headquarters in Adelphi, Maryland, administrative offices around the globe, and an academic center in Largo, Maryland to serve the over 80,000 enrolled students. Regional accreditation for UMUC comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Program Details: The UMUC online MS in Accounting and Financial Management degree is designed to help advance the careers of professionals who are already working in the fields of accounting or finance. This thirty-six credit hour program (students can transfer in six credit hours) which makes all coursework available online emphasizes “the knowledge and competencies to make high-level decisions” that students need to propel them into higher-level positions. Required core courses cover topics like “Behavioral Finance” and “Long-term Financial Management” while electives focus on subjects such as “Fraud Examination” and “Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting.” The program is completed with the “Accounting and Financial Management Capstone” course which helps apply the knowledge gained in class into real-world application. All courses are presented asynchronously, so students can login and “attend” class whenever is most convenient for their schedules. Prospective students can attend the online webinar event Introduction to UMUC! to learn more about UMUC and the various online programs that are offered. IACBE accredited

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#22. Baker College

Baker Business University was established in 1911 in Flint, Michigan by educator Eldon E. Baker (he had previously founded a successful business school in Kansas). Several decades earlier in 1888, Muskegon College had been founded by Woodbridge Ferris, who would go on to become both Governor of Michigan and a United State Senator. In 1965 the two schools were brought under the same management when the Jewell family (who owned Muskegon) purchased Baker Business University. Within a few years Muskegon became a non-profit institution, and within the decade Baker Business University became Baker Junior College. In 1983 an extension campus of Baker Junior College opened, and in 1985 all three schools merged as the Baker College System. The following year the Junior College became Baker College of Flint. Now, there are multiple campuses across the state and one in Pennsylvania, a Center for Graduate Studies, and a thriving online program to serve the over 23,000 students. Regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Details: The College of Business at Baker College offers an online MBA degree with an Accounting concentration for business professionals who want to advance in their field (in addition to nine other MBA specializations also offered online). Prospective students are required to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and at least nine credits of undergraduate accounting coursework. The 41-cresdit hour MBA program’s curriculum is specialized rather than general, so students develop the specific accounting skills needed by taking courses such as “Global Accounting,” “The Marketing Environment,” and “Human Behavior Management of Organizations.” An Academic Resource Center provides online support to students both on and off-campus, and it extends throughout the entire Baker College System–so students have resources from many colleges in one convenient, always-accessible support center.  IACBE accredited

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#23. University of Alabama at Birmingham

In 1859, the Medical College of Alabama opened in Mobile, Alabama in a temporary rented space. The one-year program welcomed fifteen students that first year, and all graduated as planned in 1860. Several decades later in 1893, the school would expand to a three-year program. By 1920 the school would move first to Tuscaloosa and then to Birmingham. The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa had a Birmingham Extension Center, which the Medical College merged with to form an independent institution called the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Now the school is one of the three schools in the University of Alabama System, and in 1984 it changed its name to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). UAB is a coeducational public research university with nearly 20,000 students and is the largest employer in the state of Alabama. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits UAB.

Program Details: The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business places an emphasis on “leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship” in order to provide a rigorous, entirely online Master of Accounting degree program. The thirty-credit hour program for students with a sound background in accounting (students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in accounting can go through the master’s in accounting bridge program at UAB) offers twenty-one credits of core classes such as “Corporate Governance,” “Tax Entities,” and “Advanced Auditing and Attestation,” and nine credit hours of the student’s choice of electives. All coursework helps prepare students to sit for the CPA exam, and in addition there are many support services and resources to help the online student. From Technical Support to Academic Advising to explanations on maintaining online “Netiquette,” students have many opportunities to succeed online and progress in the field of accounting. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#24. Georgia Southern University

The First District Agricultural & Mechanical School was established in Statesboro, Georgia, in 1908. Fifteen local children would gain the benefit of housekeeping skills and modern farming practices under the four instructors in this rural, practical school. In 1924, the needs of the area required more formally-trained school teachers, so the school became the Georgia Normal School for the purpose of educating educators. Through the years, the school continued to transition with the needs of the community, but by 1990 it officially became Georgia Southern University (GS). More than 20,000 students are enrolled in this school with a campus of more than 900 acres—with such additions as a Performing Arts Center, a Planetarium, a Center for Wildlife Education and a Garden of the Coastal Plain to enhance the student experience. Regional accreditation for Georgia Southern University comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: Offered through the School of Accountancy within Georgia Southern’s College of Business, the online Master of Accountancy (“WebMAcc”) is a 30-credit hour degree program available entirely online. Students move through the program together as a cohort, taking two classes a semester to complete the degree in two years. This distinguished degree program is ideal for working professionals and offers core classes such as “Seminar in Accounting Information Systems,” “Fraudulent Financial Reporting” and “Current Legal Issues.” The remaining classes are made up of the student’s choice of four elective courses and can be chosen from within the College of Business or from other schools or departments with advisor approval. Prerequisite courses may be required for incoming students who don’t have proven “proficiency in accounting through coursework, internship or work experience, and extracurricular involvement.” AACSB accredited

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#25. Southern Utah University

In 1897 the Utah Legislature voted to establish a teacher training school in Cedar City, Utah. The following year, after a great deal of hard work and intense preparation on the part of the Cedar City residents, the Branch Normal School was dedicated. Four instructors–called the “Founding Four”– were the first faculty, and by 1913 the school grew to become the Branch Agricultural College and a branch campus of Utah State University (known as Utah State Agriculture College at that time). Growing and changing names several more times through the decades, the school gained university status in 1991 and was renamed one last time as Southern Utah University (SUU). With a focus on the core themes of Exploration, Engagement, and Excelling, this public university currently has more than 9,000 enrolled students in the six colleges on campus and online. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities provides regional accreditation to SUU.

Program Details: Through the Graduate & Online School at Southern Utah University, students can participate in a degree program in which “graduates can expect nearly 100% job placement” after they complete the degree–sometimes even prior to graduation. The SUU Online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program can be completed on a fast-track in just two semesters, or students can opt to gain a dual MBA degree in three semesters with just fifteen more required credit hours. The MAcc degree requires thirty credit hours, but all students must have completed the 49 credit hours of undergraduate foundational accounting coursework requirements before being admitted to the master’s program. Graduate level courses include topics in “Accounting for Decision-Making & Control,” “Advanced Cost Accounting,” and “Taxes/Pass Through Entities.” Canvas is the SUU Online learning delivery method, and there are many tutorials and resources available to online students to make sure their academic experience is a smooth one.  AACSB accredited

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#26. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The late 1800s saw two important schools began in Lowell, Massachusetts. An Act of Legislation in Massachusetts led to the creation of the Lowell Normal School in 1894. The school was originally only for female students, and classes began in 1897 even though the school building was not yet completed. A year after the formation of Lowell Normal School, the Lowell Textile School opened in 1895. Its purpose was to train technicians and managers to become workers in the local textile industry. Both schools grew—the Lowell Normal School changed names to Lowell State College in 1960 to reflect its growth—but in 1975 the two schools would merge to become the University of Lowell. When the institution joined the University of Massachusetts system in 1991 the name would change to University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell). Regional accreditation comes is provided by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: Through the Division of Online and Continuing Education, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree at UMass Lowell’s Robert J. Manning School of Business is an entirely online, “in-depth” and comprehensive program. Tech support available 24/7, academic advisors, and program coordinators provide support as students navigate the rigorous coursework provided by the professional and experienced faculty. The thirty-credit hour program requires fifteen credits of core coursework in topics like “Financial Accounting Theory and Research” and “Taxation of Business Entities.” Two electives are chosen from accounting classes such as “Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting” and “Globalization and Accounting,” and the remaining nine credits are to be chosen from a selection of business elective courses. For students who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting, there are graduate-level courses available to help them enter the program on a level-playing field. AACSB accredited

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#27. Emporia State University

In 1863 a teacher training school was established in the town of Emporia, Kansas. Kansas State Normal School held classes for the first time two years later, and eighteen students were in attendance. The only employee, Lyman Kellogg, served as both President and faculty for the fledgling school—the first permanent building on campus would not be completed until several years after the school started. The first graduating class consisted of two students—Mary Jane Watson and Ellen Plumb. Kansas State Normal School would quickly grow to be both the largest school in the State of Kansas as well as the largest normal school in the United States. The name would change first in 1923 to Kansas State Teachers College, and then again in 1977 to Emporia State University. Now this public coeducational institution had nearly 6,000 currently enrolled students, and regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Details: Designed for the student who wishes to gain “the ability to understand and apply the nuances of accounting,” Emporia State’s School of Business offers an entirely online Master of Accountancy (MACC) degree program that focuses on those skills in order to prepare graduates who “want to advance-personally and professionally.” A thirty-credit hour program, students are prepared to sit for the CPA exam upon graduation. Advisors are available to help online MACC students navigate the course requirements (which correspond with the CPA requirements). Ideal for working professionals, the program can be completed at the pace necessary for each student’s needs, and academically prepares students for a career in “areas of government, management, and public accounting.” Prospective students need to have an undergraduate degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited school–those who don’t can contact the school to determine how to gain the requirements to achieve admission.  AACSB accredited

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#28. Rider University

Trenton Business College was opened in 1865 in Trenton, New Jersey as part of a group of private business schools. The three founders pulled one of their teachers from the Newark branch, Andrew Jackson Rider, to become the Trenton school’s leader in 1866. That year also saw the admission of the first female students and the beginning of evening classes. Financial ownership of the school changed through the years, but by 1897 the school became incorporated by the state, Rider became the first president, and the school was renamed Rider Business College. A merger with another school and an expanding curriculum prompted the renaming of the school to Rider College in 1921. Sixteen years later the school became a non-profit, and full academic accreditation was achieved by 1955. A new campus in Lawrenceville began to be developed in 1957, and by 1964 the main campus had fully relocated to that location. Rider College became Rider University in 1994, and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools has provided regional accreditation since 1955.

Program Details: Students of the online MAcc degree program offered through Rider’s College of Business Administration have a choice in how they would like to engage in the program. There is the cohort model, in which all students enter the program together as a cohort of students at the same prescribed time in September and advance through coursework sequentially–this method allows students to finish the program in just sixteen months. Also available is the entirely flexible program, in which students can enter in the fall, spring or summer and take classes as their schedules dictate and they desire. Both programs require thirty-credit hours to graduate and offer classes such as “International Dimensions of Accounting,” “Fraud Detection & Deterrence,” and “Business Law.” An online orientation begins the program each fall in which students become aware of how online learning works at Rider and what support services are available to them. AACSB accredited

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#29. St. John’s University

When the Most Reverend John Loughlin, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn, New York bought three local family farms in the north-central part of the city in 1867 and requested the help of the Vincentian Community (brothers and priests who vowed to live the apostolic life embodied by St. Vincent de Paul), St. John’s College was born. In 1890 classes began for the 47 students and six instructors. By 1933 the school had grown so much and added several specific Schools that it was renamed St. John’s University, Brooklyn. There was a need for a larger campus, so in 1955 the school began to move to a campus location in Queens, which is its main campus today. There are other campuses in the New York area, as well as Paris and Rome satellites. St. John’s University is a private research institution with over 20,000 students currently enrolled. Regional accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Program Details: The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s has a Master of Science in Accounting degree program that can be completed 100% online in just twelve to twenty-four months. Providing students with an education that is rich in “specialized technical knowledge and competencies in accounting, tax, and auditing,” the curriculum is taught by recognized faculty who are top “researchers and published scholars in the field” of accountancy. Students who have a business degree are required to complete thirty-three credit hours of coursework (students who do not have a business background will be required to take up to an additional twenty-one credit hours) and will be prepared to take the CPA exam and gain licensure upon graduation. Core classes cover topics like “Information Technology Auditing” and “Business Tax Planning,” and electives include a range of classes including “Critique of Accounting Theory” and “Analysis of Foreign Financial Statements.” AACSB accredited

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#30. Syracuse University

At the 1870 Methodist State Convention in Syracuse, New York, the determination to establish a university for the city was propagated successfully. The City of Syracuse had provided $100,000 for the school, and a year later, thirty-four male students and seven female students entered into the first classes. Being coeducational was an important element of the school from the very beginning. At that time Syracuse offered four-year classical studies programs and three-year science programs to the students in a rented building. Rapid physical growth occurred in the latter part of the century and into the early 20^th century, and after World War II Syracuse secured its reputation as a research institution.  Now this private, non-sectarian university maintains thirteen schools and several campuses for the 20,000 enrolled students. Regional accreditation for Syracuse comes from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Program Details: The online Master of Science in Professional Accounting degree program at Syracuse is the same exceptional degree as the on-campus program. Offered through the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, students have three different ways of pursuing the degree. Students with an accounting background can participate in the accelerated program and complete the thirty-credit hour degree in just twelve months. For students who require foundational accounting coursework can still enter the program–they get the added benefit of an individualized curriculum–and may still be able to complete the degree in less than two years. And for students who have the background in accounting but want to pursue the degree part-time, there is the Professional program that takes fifteen months to complete. Students not only get the benefit of a Syracuse education delivered in the way that best accommodates them, but also they get to participate in a lively “virtual campus” that is “designed to help students and faculty establish and build real connections throughout the program and beyond graduation.” AACSB accredited

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#31. Texas A&M University-Commerce

The East Texas Normal College was originally located in Cooper, Texas. It opened in 1889 as a private teacher training institution, and the founder, William Leonidas Mayo, was also the first president of the school. Only five years after it opened the school was forced to move to a new location because of a devastating fire. Commerce, Texas would be the new home to the school, and it thrived and grew. By 1917 the State of Texas took over the school and renamed it East Texas State Normal College. The college would add additional programs and transition through other names, but in 1996 it consolidated with the Texas A&M University System and was renamed one last time to Texas A&M University-Commerce (“A&M-Commerce”). With satellite campuses around Texas, A&M-Commerce is the second-largest in the System (and it is also the fifth oldest in the state). This public research university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: With a program that is crafted for those “who want to specialize in accounting at the graduate level,” the online MS in Accounting (MSA) at the A&M-Commerce Department of Accounting is for prospective students both with a undergraduate accounting degree and those who majored in another field. Those students who do not have a background in accounting are only required to take two prerequisites, so they can quickly join the MSA program. All other students can have those two requirements waived and start pursuing the thirty-six credit hours immediately. The accounting core curriculum requires twenty-four credit hours in courses such as “Government and Not-For-Profit Accounting” and “Financial Statement Analysis,” followed by two advanced accounting core courses, and then the student’s choice of two electives from a wide range of class offerings. Once completed, the student may be eligible to sit for the CPA exam (dependent upon the student’s state-of-residence). AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#32. George Mason University

In 1949, George Mason University (known as Mason) got its start in Arlington, Virginia. Serving as a branch of the University of Virginia, classes for the Northern Virginia University Center of the University of Virginia (the school’s original name) increased and were held in multiple temporary spots in the Virginia cities of Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William. Ten years after beginning, the school was renamed George Mason College of the University of Virginia to honor one of the founding fathers. Gaining independence from the University of Virginia in 1972, the school was renamed George Mason University. Four Virginia campuses totaling nearly 900 acres make up this public university—the largest in the state—and one campus is located in Songdo, South Korea (known as Mason Korea.) The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges provides regional accreditation to Mason.

Program Details: With a required week-long residency overseas (past residencies have been held in Prague, London, and Frankfurt), students of Mason Online are a part of a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree program that is “designed to prepare tomorrow’s global accounting professionals.” The classes are offered asynchronously online, and the week-long “international study tour” is built into the tuition as a three-credit hour Global Accounting Environment course. This program is for students who want to pursue their degree part-time, and they can enter into the program (taking two courses in each module) every ten weeks as part of a cohort. The required core coursework includes classes such as “Identifying and Resolving Advanced Issues in Taxation” and “Professional Accounting Colloquium,” and students can select their elective choices with guidance from their program advisors. The same student services and faculty interactions are available to all students whether on-campus or online, so all students have the support they need. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#33. California State University, Sacramento

Started as Sacramento State College in 1947, California State University, Sacramento first offered classes in space rented from Sacramento Junior College. The first group of 235 students had just 44 classes to choose from, and in 1953 the whole institutional organization moved to its permanent 300-acre campus. Plagued with jackrabbits and a barren, dustbowl landscape in the early years, eventually the school would go on to be declared a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Becoming a full university in 1972, the name was officially changed to California State University, Sacramento (known as Sacramento State or simply “Sac State”). Offering an education inspired by “the arts, culture, diversity, natural campus beauty, and a community committed to service and excellence,” Sac State currently enrolls nearly 30,000 students. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission grants Sac State with its regional accreditation.

Program Details: With a curriculum that boasts 100% compatibility with the CPA exam, the online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree program at Sac State’s College of Business Administration (CBA) delivers a cutting-edge education to students to prepare them to be competitive and attractive professionals in the ever-changing accounting world. Presented in the cohort format over eighteen months, students take thirty credit hours (or “units”) of asynchronous coursework in subjects such as “Governmental and Not-for-Profit-Accounting” and “Business Environment and Concepts.” Each course is six-weeks, and although a bachelor’s degree in accounting is not required, there are additional prerequisite and foundational courses (such as “Legal Environment of Management” and “Accounting”) that some students may need to take prior to beginning the MSA coursework to gain a solid background in business. Also to help facilitate student success, the CBA maintains an Office of Student Engagement to assist students with the support they need. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#34. Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion College became incorporated as an institution of higher education in 1919. The school in Marion, Indiana was officially founded the following year as “normal school,” or teacher training college. The residents of Marion had petitioned the Indiana Conference of The Wesleyan Methodist Church to convert the Fairmount Bible School to be this normal school for the community. The Conference approved the townspeople’s request, and Marion College grew exponentially, soon adding other academic programs and growing into a liberal arts school. The school expanded to include extensions throughout the state and in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, so the name was changed to reflect that growth. Because of its strong connection with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the school was renamed Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 1988. The Higher Learning Commission grants IWU with regional accreditation.

Program Details: The online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree offered through the DeVoe School of Business at IWU is a “Christ-centered professional” program which has the intention of preparing  “a diverse body of learners for a successful life of service in business, industry, public accounting and nonprofit organizations.” The thirty required credit hours that are “distinguished by virtuous standards and academic excellence” include classes such as “Critical Thinking and Business Communications for Accountants,” “Advanced Auditing,” and “Corporate Taxation.” Multiple start dates offer convenience and flexibility, and students move through the curriculum together as a cohort (usually one course at a time), and can finish the program in eighteen to twenty-six months. Financial aid, Personal Academic Advisors, and online library services are just a few of the resources that are available to support online students at IWU in their academic path to an advanced career.

#35. Saint Joseph’s College

Started in 1912 by the Portland Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Saint Joseph’s College (SJC or “Saint Joseph’s”), the school had been a goal of the nuns since they first arrived in Portland, Maine in 1873. In 1915 the Maine Legislature established the school’s charter, and the school operated as a women’s college on the convent grounds for many years. In 1956 the school moved to its current location on 474-acres in Standish, Maine (and was briefly called The College of Our Lady of Mercy from 1949 until the change in campus). In 1970 this private, Catholic institution became coeducational and claims as its mission to be “a liberal arts college that nurtures intellectual, spiritual, and social growth in students of all ages and all faiths within a value-centered environment.” Having offered distance learning programs since 1976, SJU is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: Five start dates to begin the ten-week long terms allows students of the online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree at Saint Joseph’s with flexibility from the very beginning of the program. The 36-credit hour program can accommodate students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business, but for those student who do have a bachelor’s in accounting, SJC offers a fast track program in which up to six required credits can be waived. Both programs meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam, and both program delivery methods provide a fully well-rounded and interdisciplinary education. Coursework includes topics covering ethics and leadership in addition to accounting with core classes such as “Legal Environment / Business Law (Ethics),” “Leadership & Relationship Management,” and “Financial Accounting Standards & Analysis.” The accelerated program can be completed in a year, but students can take the time they need to complete the degree if they are working full-time (as attested to by former student testimonials).

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#36. Benedictine University

In 1887, St. Procopius College was founded by the Benedictine monks of the St. Procopius Abbey of Chicago, Illinois. The school was located in the town of Lisle and intentionally created to serve men who were descended from Czech or Slovakian ancestors. Eventually this Roman Catholic institution would become coeducational in 1968 and renamed after Saint Benedict, considered the “father of western monasticism,” as Illinois Benedictine College in 1971. Becoming the currently named Benedictine University (BenU) in 1996, this private university serves nearly 10,000 enrolled students through its mission to be “an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church, and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict.” The Higher Learning Commission provides Benedictine University with regional accreditation.

Program Details: Offering an online MBA with a concentration in Accounting, BenU provides a comprehensive, rigorous online degree program. Requiring at most 52-credit hours of Managerial Process Courses (some students with a background in business classes or some graduate-level work may have up to four course requirements waived) and twelve hours of Accounting Concentration courses, students can complete the program one-course-at-a-time in just twenty-two months or as an accelerated program in a year. Acknowledging that “earning an advanced degree can be life changing,” Benedictine provides many online student support services: from program managers that help guide prospective students through the admissions process to a dedicated, individual student services coordinator (SSC) to the online-tutoring service called “Smarthinking” to providing mock interviews and counseling through Career Services, online students of BenU’s MBA Accounting concentration are supported from the first moment of interest to the point of graduation and beyond.

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#37. Western New England University

Opened in 1919 as the Springfield Division of Northeastern College and called Springfield-Northeastern, the Springfield, Massachusetts school offered part-time only classes in law, business, and accounting to working adults in the area. In 1951 the school was renamed Western New England College as it became an independent institution awarding four-year degrees, and five years later the school moved to its current campus location. The school expanded and grew in size and academic scope–within the next sixty years, four of the five Schools became Colleges, and the institution became Western New England University (WNE) in 2011. With a hallmark of “personal attention and a culture of genuine student concern,” WNE enrolls nearly 4,000 students both on the 215-acre campus and online. WNE is a private coeducational university and has regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: The thirty-credit hour MS in Accounting degree offered entirely online through WNE’s Graduate Studies can be completed in fifteen months or as little as nine in the accelerated program. Students are not required to have an undergraduate degree in accounting, but they must have taken eight foundational accounting courses (Financial Report I, Managerial Accounting, Financial Reporting II, Financial Reporting III, Cost Accounting, Fundamental Concepts of Tax Structure, Auditing and Assurance Services, and Principles of Finance) prior to beginning the WNE program. For those who need to take those required classes, WNE offers them to incoming students. The program is made up of twenty-one credit hours of required core coursework in classes like “Managerial Finance” and “Accounting Theory & Contemp Issues,” and students can either opt for a nine-credit hour concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation or complete nine to twelve credit hours of business electives. Online learner support is offered, and WNE has a unique online delivery method with assistance and tutorials named after the school’s mascot, Kodiak. AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#38. Bay Path University

The Bay Path Institute opened in 1897 as a coeducational business school in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The school thrived, requiring a move to a different Springfield location in 1920, but during World War II the male student enrollment dropped dramatically. Seizing the opportunity, prominent Springfield businessman Thomas Carr purchased the school in 1945, made the student body female-only, changed the name to Bay Path Secretarial School for Women, and moved the location to Longmeadow, MA. Four years later the school was chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and became Bay Path Junior College. Fifty years later the school would begin awarding full four-year degrees and would be renamed Bay Path College, but then renamed again in 2014 to the current Bay Path University. Maintaining its women-only bachelor’s degree programs, Bay Path offers coeducational master’s programs both on-campus and online, and this private university with over 3,200 students is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: With five start dates a year and three possible concentration offerings, the fully online MS in Accounting at Bay Path gives students both flexibility and degree customization. Students can complete the program in as little as eight months if they start in either of the two spring start dates, and in addition, no classes are scheduled during an accountant’s busiest season of January through April. The program requires thirty-credit hours, and students can choose from one of three focus areas: Public Accounting Concentration, Private Accounting Concentration, and Forensic Accounting Concentration. All three concentration options have the same foundational classes in topics like “Government & Nonprofit Accounting” and “Advanced Financial Reporting,” and they all satisfy the educational requirements of 150-semester hours to gain CPA licensure. Current students and alumni claim the Bay Path MS in Accounting degree program has been transformational in their lives, and prospective students can listen to their experiences to help determine if Bay Path is a good fit for them.

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#39. Golden Gate University

During the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, the YMCA offered evening lectures on topical subjects such as “gold assaying and English.” Due to the evening series success, the YMCA Night School opened in San Francisco, California in 1881 and would become the YMCA Evening College thirteen years later. After the devastation of the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906, the school would begin to thrive and add schools and programs. Becoming Golden Gate College 1923 and becoming independent of the YMCA, it would continue to add schools and eventually be renamed Golden Gate University (GGU) in 1972. One of the first schools to offer web-based distance education, GGU states emphatically that its “sole purpose is to educate adults . . . who are balancing the complex demands of life.” Offering many degrees but specializing in business and law, Golden Gate University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Program Details: The Master of Accountancy (MAc) degree program at Golden Gate University can be pursued completely online and at the pace the student desires. Generally taking two to four years to complete part-time, the online MAc requires 45 units (credit hours). Core coursework totals thirty-three units with class topic offerings ranging from “Communication and Analysis of Financial Information” to “Advanced Studies in Business Law,” and students can construct the remaining twelve units to complete a concentration in Financial Accounting & Reporting, Forensic Accounting, or Taxation. Student support is an important component at GGU, and online services (such as a virtual classroom demonstration) are made available to current and prospective students. Online students are invited (but not required) to attend the annual Accounting Career Fair in the fall for a “weekend of professional development and networking” with firms and corporations looking to hire new graduates.

Admissions website

#40. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

In 2014, the proposed merger between the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) in Albany and the SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNYIT) in Utica was approved, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) was officially born. Years prior to this formation, the classes were offered to upper-level and graduate students in temporary locations in Utica and at satellite spots. A permanent campus was developed in Marcy, New York (a town in the Utica metropolis) in 1981, and in 2003 the school would expand to underclass students and become a four-year institution. Maintaining campuses at both Marcy/Utica and Albany locations, SUNY Poly has five colleges to serve the nearly 3,000 students. As part of the State University of New York system, SUNY Poly is a public research university with regional accreditation approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Program Details: The Master of Science in Accountancy offered at SUNY Poly is a thirty-three hour degree program for students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting (those without the accounting degree can take the prerequisite courses offered at SUNY Poly and then participate in the program) and desire to works towards passing the CPA exam. Core coursework includes classes such as “Financial Statement Analysis and Reporting,” “Multinational Economics of Technology,” and “Advanced Auditing Theory.” Students can engage in the program full or part-time and have the option of a concentration in Forensic Accounting with elective classes like “Introduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination” and “Business and Forensic Valuation.” Online demo courses and readiness assessment quizzes are offered to help prospective students determine if they are equipped for the intensive SUNY Poly program which prides itself on being “responsive to the dynamic business environment and accessible to qualified students.” AACSB accredited

Admissions website

#41. National University

David Chigos was a retired Navy lieutenant commander in 1971. At that time, he was working as the director of employee training for a U.S.-based international defense corporation, and he saw the need for a school for working adults—one that would have a degree-specific, non-traditional academic approach. This led to the formation of National University (NU), and Chigos would be the school’s first president. This private, non-profit school started offering classes in 1972 in Southern California on evenings and weekends. Twenty-seven students began those first classes, but now enrollment has grown to nearly 25,000 students. Many campuses are located in California, one in Nevada, and there is a thriving online program. The NU administrative offices are in La Jolla, California, and the school serves as the flagship institution of the National University System (which was created in 2001). The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has provided National University with regional accreditation continuously since 1977.

Program Details: Designed specifically for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting, the NU Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program offered online through the School of Business and Management “academically prepares students for a wide range of accounting-related careers.” A solid, foundational program, the curriculum is “based largely on the published content specifications of the Uniform CPA Exam.” Students who obtain the MAcc at NU are then prepared to pursue the 150-education requirements to sit for the exam in another capacity. Fourteen courses make up the core curricular requirements, and the classes cover topics such as “Taxation of Individuals” and “Cases in Accounting & Auditing.” Utilizing the latest technology in distance education, the online programs at National provide students with a supported, community environment with the added convenience of flexibility. IACBE accredited

Admissions website

#42. Liberty University

Pastor Jerry Falwell, known for his evangelism, was instrumental in creating the Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 in Lynchburg, Virginia. The church he pastored, Thomas Road Baptist Church, was fully supportive of the foundation of the new college that would “influence the moral and ethical course of America.” In the first year of operation, tuition was kept low at only $200 for the 154 students who enrolled. Five years after its founding, the school would change names to become Liberty Baptist College. University status in 1985 caused the school to change names again—this time to Liberty University. That year also saw the beginning of Liberty’s distance education program, which has grown in the thirty-plus years of offering quality education to individuals who could not be physically present on the Liberty Mountain campus. Liberty Online and all the on-campus programs help make Liberty University the largest Christian University in the world. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits Liberty.

Program Details: The thirty-credit hour program at Liberty University’s School of Business is offered entirely online and allows up to 50% of credits to be transferred (with faculty advisor approval. “Earn Transfer & Life Experience” webinars are offered to give prospective students the basics on how to apply their transfer credits). Core coursework comprises twenty-one of the required credit hours and covers such topics as “Tax Research & Jurisprudence,” “Advanced Business Law for Accountants,” and “Accounting Ethics.” The nine remaining credit hours are made up of electives, and students can choose the general track or from one of several cognates for a concentration. Business, Forensic Accounting, Financial Services, Leadership, or Taxation are the available cognates, and each offers a choice of electives within the concentration for even more degree customization. Webinars on various topics, such as “Online Research Basics” and “Using the Online Writing Center,” are offered at the beginning and end of each term as added support for online students. ACBSP accredited

Admissions website

#43. American Public University

The need for a university catering to returning and currently-serving military service members was evident to retired Marine James P. Etter. The school would also need to offer quality distance education due to the frequency of military moves and relocation. In addition, Etter felt the degrees offered should concentrate on relevant and career-based topics. In 1991 he established the American Military University (AMU) and located administrative offices in Manassas, Virginia (the headquarters have since been moved to Charles Town, West Virginia). The school grew over the next decade, and in 2002 it was renamed to become the American Public University (APU) as part of the newly-formed American Public University System (APUS). Currently providing more than 200 online academic degree programs, APU has nearly 100,000 students now enrolled. This private, for-profit online university has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 2006.

Program Details: The mission of the American Public University School of Business is “to prepare students to be leaders in the global business community.” With this as a foundation for the program, the entirely online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree “extends the knowledge gained in an undergraduate accounting program” in order to create a well-rounded and competent graduate. Taking around two years to complete, the 36-credit hour program starts monthly, so students can begin at their convenience. The curriculum includes nine hours of institutional requirements like the class “Global Management Perspective,” twelve hours of core classes such as “Accounting Theory and Concepts” and “Individual Tax Research and Planning,” twelve hours of major requirements, and a final three-hour “Financial Accounting Theory Capstone” course. In addition, APU’s Richard G. Trefry Library provides many “resources for student success” to aid the online student as they work towards their degree. ACBSP accredited

Admissions website

#44. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, coeducational, fully-online, non-profit university in Salt Lake City, Utah. The creation of this unique university came about at the 1995 meeting of the Western Governors Association—nineteen United States governors determined that a school for working adults using a competency-based method of learning should be established in that region. A formal proposal was made to charter the school in 1996, and WGU was founded the following year. With four colleges (the College of Business, the College of Information Technology, the Teachers College, and the College of Health Professions) the more than 78,000 students currently enrolled are able to tailor their degrees with the competency-based model in many various academic programs. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities provides regional accreditation to WGU.

Program Details: WGU’s College of Business presents an online Master of Science in Accounting degree program that offers the same unique Competency-Based Education (CBE) for which the school has earned a reputation of excellence. The completely online program is made up of ten courses, and based on each individual student’s academic needs, each “course focuses on a set of clearly defined competencies” that the student must prove they have mastered. Students are given significant individual attention–from the beginning an Enrollment Counselor is assigned to each student to help them navigate the program requirements, and both faculty and fellow students serve as mentors and a vital support system. Students can finish the program in as quickly as six months, because they are free to move through coursework that they have mastered quickly and focus on the coursework that they need to spend more time on in order to “sit for the CPA, CMA, or CIA exam.”

Admissions website

#45. Nova Southeastern University

There was a vision developed by a group of Floridian businessmen who met regularly for breakfast in the Fort Lauderdale area in the 1960s. They decided the area needed a school that would be academically focused on the physical and social sciences. Originally located in Fort Lauderdale, the newly-formed Nova University of Advanced Technology would eventually move to a campus in Davie, Florida—where it is currently located. It was conceived of as a graduate-level school but would grow to include undergraduate programs and degrees. In 1994 the Southeastern University of the Health Sciences would merge with Nova University to become Nova Southeastern University (NSU or Nova). Classified as a high research university by the Carnegie Foundation, NSU is a private non-profit university with a student body of around 24,000. Regional accreditation is provided by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Details: A goal of  creating “highly trained accountants who can guide their organizations through the volatile economic environment that exists globally today” propels the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at NSU to provide an entirely online Master of Accounting degree program for students from all educational backgrounds. The 39-credit hour program will “enhance the knowledge and skills of accounting professionals and prepare entry-level students for a career in accounting, allowing both to attain the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.” A variety of courses are required—from an “Internet Technology” course to an “Accounting Principles Review” (for students who haven’t taken an accounting course in more than five years)—and many elective choices allow for degree customization. Students who do not have an undergraduate accounting degree are required to take accounting foundational courses as a prerequisite, but all classes are also available completely online.  IACBE accredited

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#46. Saint Leo University

The first Roman Catholic university in Florida started when 36-acres of Florida land was given as a gift in 1889 from a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona Territory to an Abbot of a North Carolina Abbey. The Chief Justice, Edmund F. Dunne, donated his residence and the property around it in what is now the towns of San Antonio, Florida and St. Leo, Florida. The expectation was that recipient Abbot Leo Haid, The Order of Saint Benedict, would use the gift to found a Benedictine university. St. Leo’s College welcomed seven students to class for the first time in 1890, and they were joined by twenty-five more classmates by the end of the school year. The school would go through multiple metamorphoses before becoming Saint Leo University in 1999. This private, coeducational liberal arts school has regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Program Details: The Saint Leo University School of Business’ online Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree program “expands the competencies of aspiring and working professionals, providing an in-depth study of advanced accounting principles” through a rigorous and technically-solid curriculum. Requiring thirty-credit hours, students are equipped to sit for the CPA exam with classes such as “Contemporary Issues in Auditing” and “Using Financial Accounting Information” which help meet the 150-hour requirements. In addition, Saint Leo University Online also offers an online MBA with a Concentration in Accounting, also through the School of Business. The MBA degree with Accounting concentration is ideal for students who desire an accelerated program that focuses on more managerial and economics coursework. Whether a prospective student chooses to pursue an Accounting Master’s degree or concentration, Saint Leo’s supplies an Online Learning Toolkit free of charge which provides online learning readiness quizzes, degree comparisons, and other helpful resources.

IACBE accredited

Admissions website

#47. Franklin University

In the early 1900s in Columbus, Ohio, courses geared towards adults in need of education were offered at the local YMCA. In 1902 these courses were organized under the YMCA as the YMCA School of Commerce. For thirty-one years the school continued and grew before being becoming Franklin University in 1933, but still maintained a connection with the YMCA. This affiliation ended amicably in 1964, and five years later Franklin would celebrate the opening of its first official building on campus, Frasch Hall. The school would go on to open other locations in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania and offer programs in other countries, predominately Eastern Europe. With a mission of being “a student-centered, nonprofit, independent institution that provides high quality, relevant education enabling the broadest possible community of learners to achieve their goals and enrich the world,” Franklin has been regionally accredited since 1976 by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Details: Franklin University’s online MS in Accounting degree program is for students who want to “think critically about big-picture accounting systems and processes, communicate more effectively, and leverage technology in new and innovative ways.” Taking only seventeen months to complete, this program allows for a healthy selection of electives (more than half of the required thirty semester hours) to customize the degree. Ten hours of core courses such as “Management Control Processes & Systems” and “Financial Accounting Theory” and a four-credit hour capstone make space for sixteen credits of electives chosen from such classes as “C-Corporation Taxation,” “Advanced Auditing and Data Mining Techniques,” and “Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.” Students can access classes at any time of day or night for complete flexibility, and Franklin provides insight on how its online learning programs are just as rigorous and respectable as any on-campus offerings. IACBE accredited

Admissions website

#48. Colorado State University-Global Campus

In 2007, the Colorado State University System Board of Governors allocated a $12 million-dollar loan for the development of a comprehensive online public university. The purpose of the school would be offering “innovative, higher learning opportunities for nontraditional students in Colorado and beyond.” Associating the new school with both the Colorado State University System’s flagship institution, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, and Colorado State University-Pueblo (but allowing each school to be its own independent institution), the Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global Campus) is the first of its kind. Classes began in 2008, and just over 200 students enrolled. By 2016 student enrollment had grown to 15,000 “nontraditional learners.” The CSU-Global Campus headquarters are located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and the school is fully regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Details: The online Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) degree through CSU-Global Campus is a thirty-credit hour program with an “emphasis on leadership, teamwork, planning, and communication skills.” Students who don’t have an undergraduate degree in accounting may be provisionally admitted if they meet certain requirements.  Upon admission, the completely online program can accommodate each student’s schedule for ease of flexibility. The curriculum is constructed to prepare students to sit for the CPA exam with twenty-four credits of core coursework and six hours of electives. Core classes include “Accounting Ethics,” “Advanced Cost Accounting,” and “Advanced Auditing and Assurance Services.” Within the elective course choices is the option to participate in a for-credit accounting internship. CSU-Global Campus declares their online programs provide “an interactive learning experience” in which specially-trained faculty provide a community classroom environment with participation and support from fellow students–all promising a lively and enriching academic experience.

Admissions website

#49. Regis University

Las Vegas, New Mexico benefited from the opening of a small school in 1877. The brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) ran the school, naming it Las Vegas College, but had to rename it when it relocated to Morrison, Colorado in 1884. College of the Sacred Heart, as it was then called, received a significant donation of land in the Denver area, and the school moved to what would be its current, permanent location. By 1921 the name was changed again to honor Catholic Saint John Francis Regis, who was also in the Society of Jesus. Seventy years later the school would gain university status and be renamed a final time—Regis University. Over 11,000 students currently study at Regis, which is one of only twenty-eight specifically Jesuit institutions of higher education in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission provides Regis University with regional accreditation.

Program Details: The MS in Accounting (MSA) at Regis University’s College of Business and Economics is an accelerated degree program that can be completed entirely online by participating in the eight-week long, ten asynchronous classes (up to six additional prerequisite courses are available as needed in business and accounting). Program start dates occur in January, March, May, June, August, and October, so students can start the program when most convenient for their schedules. This is a highly-customizable degree–in addition to the prerequisite courses based on a student’s need, there are only four required foundational courses, which allows for eighteen credits to devote towards a student’s elective choices. Elective class choices range from “Case Studies in Management Accounting” to “Income Tax Research” to “Forensic & Fraud Audit.” As a Jesuit school, Regis places great emphasis on good business practices, and states that their MSA program is for “aspiring business leaders who demonstrate a passion for addressing today’s complex economic, environmental, and social challenges with an ethical and innovative approach that addresses urgent civil needs.”

Admissions website

#50. New England College

After World War II, the increase in college students in New Hampshire was brought about and aided by the creation of the G.I. Bill. To meet this growing demand, New England College (NEC) was opened in the small town of Henniker. Located on 220 acres, the school campus has no distinct borders from the town. Offering 50 academic degree programs to the approximately 2,800 enrolled students (both on-campus and online), NEC places emphasis on creating a “collaborative and supportive” environment. With a mission of being a “creative and supportive learning community that challenges individuals to transform themselves and their world,” this private non-profit coeducational liberal arts college is rated by Time magazine as one of the twenty-five “schools who have seen the largest increases in diversity.” New England College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details: Providing a fully online, flexible MS in Accounting degree, New England College offers a comprehensive, 40-credit hour program that can be completed in about two years. Students can choose a start date to begin the program every seven weeks through NEC’s rolling admissions process, and classes are accessible asynchronously at all times of day. An optional Forensic Accounting focus area concentration provides students with the opportunity to “develop an expansive knowledge and understanding of forensic accounting, investigative techniques and proper preparation and reporting for litigation.” Coursework includes classes such as “Litigation Services, the Role of the Accountant as an Expert,” “Fraud Risk Management and Interrogation,” and “Business Crime and Ethical Behavior.” Both the general MS in Accounting and the Forensic Accounting concentration are presented from an interdisciplinary approach in order to accomplish the core competencies needed to pursue the CPA examination.

Admissions website

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When you’re planning for your future career, it’s common to wonder whether you’re making the right decision. With so many different majors to choose from, how do you know if you’re selecting the right one?

If you’re considering a master’s in computer science, you’ve made a smart choice. You can be sure of that! Computer science is one of the fastest-growing academic disciplines. It’s also a terrific career pathway for anybody who has interests in the STEM-area. 

There’s strong demand for computer science experts in both the public and private sector. That’s as well as in various facets of government. You could even work for a college or university!

Although the potential job titles you could hold as a computer science grad vary, what they have in common is that they are in extremely high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in fact, estimates that the employment of software developers (one of the most common career pathways selected by computer science graduates) is expected to grow by 22% by 2029. 

Not sure how that stacks up to other jobs? Take our word for it—it’s nothing short of impressive. The national average for job growth is only about 5%! 

When you earn a master’s in computer science, you’ll be ready to compete in a growing and ever-more-challenging job market. You’ll gain a strong foundational knowledge that will help you perform well as a professional, learning about a wide range of software and hardware topics. You’ll learn in some of the nation’s top facilities as you conduct groundbreaking research and, depending on the program you select, you’ll likely be able to grow professionally through valuable internships, too.

Some core topics computer science students will cover include:

• Operating systems
• Artificial intelligence
• Software development
• Object oriented analysis
• Distributed operating systems
• Advanced computer architecture
• Information security
• Programming languages
• Database management systems
• Computer and information systems
• Mobile computing
• Modern computing systems
• Operating systems design
• Project management
• Network architecture
• Software modeling
• Computer systems
• Computer and information science
• Cloud computing
• Systems design

Of course, there are plenty of other factors to be taken into consideration when you’re looking at college programs, too. One of them is cost. While the price of a master’s degree shouldn’t be your sole determinant when you’re trying to make this important decision, it will likely be one that’s at the top of your list. 

And for good reason. The Federal Reserve estimates that Americans owed more than $1.7 trillion in student loans in 2020, an increase of nearly 4% since 2019 alone. The student loan crisis is getting worse, and you shouldn’t have to bankrupt yourself in order to obtain an education.

Fortunately, you can forgo this worry by choosing one of the best affordable master’s in computer science. Consider the return on investment when you’re shopping around, but remember that computer science is one of the highest-paying fields in the entire world. The average pay for software developers is well over $90,000 per year, and there are plenty of earners who bring in even more than that. 

Plus, earning a master’s is a great way to leverage your experience and bring your resume to the top of the pile. While a bachelor’s degree is usually all that’s required for many entry-level jobs, a master’s will help you get that leadership job you’ve always wanted—you know, the one with higher pay.

Consider these 35 Best Affordable Master’s in Computer Science and you can not only step into one of those high-profile positions, but you can save some money while doing so, too.

See Also: 10 Best Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

Common Application and Admission Questions

When you’re applying to a master’s in computer science, the admissions requirements will likely vary depending on where you choose to submit your materials. In most cases, admission will be offered after a careful, thorough review of all the sections in your application. 

The key pieces of an application for most master’s degrees in computer science include:

• Submit GRE scores (score requirements vary – each program requires different cut-offs)
• Bachelor’s degrees program completion from an accredited institution (submit official transcripts to demonstrate this)
• Three recommendation letters (sometimes more or less, but three letters of recommendation is standard)
• Personal statement of career goals and how a  master of science in computer science will help

The factor that will likely play the largest role in determining whether you are admitted is your undergraduate training. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree. This is the first piece of the puzzle you will need to apply to a master’s in computer science. While an undergraduate background in computer science or a related field is not always necessary, it can be helpful in providing you with the prerequisite skills and the confidence you need to be successful in a graduate program. 

In most cases, universities look for candidates who have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. This can vary, though, and will likely be evaluated in tandem with other factors, such as professional experience and GRE or GMAT scores.

GRE and GMAT scores, by the way, aren’t always required for admission to computer science master’s programs. They can be helpful in proving that you are ready for the academic rigors of such a program, though, particularly if your application is weak in other areas. Give yourself plenty of time when signing up to take these tests. You may find that you want to challenge yourself to get a higher score by retaking the exams. Plus, it does take a few months for the scores to come through.

In addition to GRE/GMAT scores and your undergraduate transcripts, you will also likely need to submit supplemental documents such as a resume or CV that details your professional experience. Computer science graduate programs don’t tend to be quite as stringent in this area as other degrees, such as business programs, but having some work experience (even if it’s just internships) will be invaluable in proving your readiness for graduate study.

On that note, don’t be afraid to ask around for a few recommendation letters. You’ll likely need to include letters of recommendation with your application. Have all these recommendation letters ready to go. 

There are a few other materials you might want to have on hand, too. For example, you will probably need to pay an application fee for every application you submit. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to look for the best master’s in computer science before you start filling out applications. 

It might be tempting to apply to dozens of programs all at once, but the problem with this is that it can get quite expensive! Although some universities have jumped on the bandwagon and started offering admissions programs with zero application fees, most still require a fee of $50 or more per submission. Remember—this will add up! Choose just a few schools that fit your profile and preferences well and focus all of your efforts on those. 

Finally, be prepared to showcase your writing chops when you start working on an application. Most programs require either a full essay or responses to various short answer questions. You will be able to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the program when you’re working on these writing exercises. Put some time and effort into them—it will pay off in the long run.

See Also: Best Affordable Master’s Degree Programs

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Curious about the masters in computer science cost?

Student loan debt can lead to many years of financial burden, even with recent policies, forgiveness options, and repayment plans that are intended to relieve some of that burden. The best way to ensure good financial health after you graduate is to reduce your overall out of pocket expenses.

There are several ways you can do this, including by applying for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and more. These will help to reduce or eliminate the overall size of your student loans. If you do choose to fund your master’s degree with student loans, be sure to look into federal loans, which offer better interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private student loans. 

There is a common misconception that, when you are applying for financial aid and scholarships for a master’s degree, you won’t be eligible for quite as much as you were when you were applying for undergraduate aid. While this is true to an extent—for example, you will no longer be eligible for federally-subsidized student loans like you were as an undergraduate (meaning the government foots the bill for interest payments while you are in school)—there are still plenty of ways you can lower your cost of education. 

For starters, be sure to fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form, available January 1 of the academic year in which you plan to attend school, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students alike. In fact, if you received any financial aid during your bachelor’s program, you are probably already familiar with the FAFSA. 

Online students will need to have their financial documents on hand when you are filling out this form. For example, you will need W2s, pay stubs, and other information you might use when filing your taxes. If you are a dependent of your parents, you will likely receive far less financial aid than if you qualify as an independent—but ultimately, this all varies depending on your overall income, either as an independent or as a household. 

Once you have filled out the FAFSA, the universities to which you are applying will be able to come up with a complete financial aid package. The package will vary depending on where you choose to apply and what kinds of aid you might qualify for. However, in many cases, a financial aid package will include awards like grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans.

As a graduate student, you’ll have one option available to you that you may not have been able to consider as an undergraduate. This is an option known as an assistantship. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are awarded to not only help you offset the cost of attending a master’s degree but also to provide you with valuable real-world experience.

In one of these positions, you’ll be able to reduce your cost of attendance since most offer stipends that cover the full cost of tuition. You’ll usually be asked to work about 10-20 hours per week in a computer science-related position in return for this financial support. Don’t overlook other common sources of aid, either, even if they don’t come directly from the school you plan to attend. For example, many employers and outside organizations offer scholarships and other aid for online students planning to advance their education. 

See Also:Best Affordable Online Master’s in Human-Computer Interactions 

How Much Can I Make With a Computer Science Degree? 

If you’re curious about how much money you can make with a computer science degree, the short answer to this question is—well, it depends.

Not only will your salary be influenced by the region in which you choose to live—the good news here is that many of these positions can be completed remotely, so you could theoretically hold a job in a higher-earning city, like New York, while living in a low cost of living rural zone like Vermont—but also by which kind of job you pursue.

One of the best-paying jobs you can get with a master’s degree in computer science is a computer and information research scientist. In this job, you’ll work to invent new approaches to computing technology as well as develop new uses for existing forms of technology. You could earn up to $122,840 on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A master’s degree is essential for this job.

Another popular position you could look into is as a computer network architect. To do this kind of job, you don’t necessarily have to have a master’s degree—there are lots of entry-level jobs available in this field. As a computer network architect, you will develop data communication networks, such as local area networks and Intranets. 

However, your earning potential will be much higher. Although the average salary is $112,690, you could earn well over that number if you’re willing to put in the extra time and money to earn a master’s degree.

Mentioned earlier in this review of the best affordable master’s in computer science was the career known as “software developer.” As a software developer, you will develop new applications that are meant to be run on a computer or a similar computing device. Again, a bachelor’s degree is ultimately all you need to land that first job, but you’ll earn much more with a master’s degree. Expect to earn more than $107,610 with one of these positions. 

And that’s not all. Other positions you might consider with a master’s in computer science include those as database administrators, computer systems analysts, computer support specialists, computer programmers, information security analysts, web developers, and many more, with salaries ranging from $54,000 all the way to $123,000. 

Again, the best way to ensure that you earn a respectable salary is to advance your education beyond the baccalaureate level and to pursue a master’s in computer science. In doing so, you will prove to employers that you not only put in the time and effort to earn your degree—and that you worked hard in doing so!—but also that you have the career-specific skills you need to be successful in your career. 

In addition to earning a master’s, there are several other steps you can take to make sure you earn lots of money both today and down the road in your career as a computer science professional. For example, you might pursue additional certifications in various programming languages and the use of different kinds of technology that will be invaluable to you in your career in computer science. 

What are the Benefits of a Cheap Masters in Computer Science?

Are you considering majoring in computer science? You’re not alone. In recent years, more students than ever have been drawn to this field, as it offers a wealth of opportunities for career growth.

But before jumping in, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of earning a degree in computer science. Let’s take a closer look at what you should keep in mind about a master’s in computer science.

First, know there are many advantages to pursuing a degree in computer science. For starters, computer science is one of the most widely sought-after degrees by employers today.

The skills acquired through this type of degree can open up many doors for job seekers, including positions in software engineering, data analysis, web development, and artificial intelligence. Many computer science graduates find that they have access to higher salaries. With a MS in computer science, you’ll have more job opportunities than those without such credentials.

Finally, earning a computer science degree can give online students the chance to hone their problem-solving skills as well as their communication skills. These are both essential traits for success in any professional environment.

And what about why you shouldn’t major in computer science?

Of course, there are some drawbacks associated with earning a degree in computer science as well. One con is that studying this field requires an immense amount of dedication; it’s not an easy road by any means!

Due to the complex nature of this subject matter, many online students find themselves needing additional tutoring or guidance from outside sources.

And finally, since technology is constantly changing and evolving at such an unprecedented rate these days, graduates may find themselves needing additional courses or certifications just to stay current with industry standards.

What Are the Best and Cheapest Master’s in Computer Science Degrees?

Ready to learn more about the cheapest masters degree in USA for computer science majors? You’re in the right place.

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 online 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.

#1. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Online Computer Science Master’s

You’ll find one of the best MS in computer science degrees at Georgia Tech. The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research institution in Atlanta, GA. However, Atlanta isn’t the only place you can choose to study if you decide to enroll in one of the school’s many science- and tech-focused programs. The computer science programs are some of the best around. But you’re not just limited to the on campus program. You might also choose from one of 31 departments spread out among satellite campuses in Singapore, China, Ireland, France, and Savannah, GA. 

This school is well-recognized for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and of course, computer science. The school opened as part of Reconstruction plans to build an industrial economy in the post-Civil War United States. This school’s first solar program was focused on mechanical engineering. Today, however, you’ll find that this school has much more to offer.  Of course, the computer science programs here are some of the best for aspiring computer research scientists.

The computer science degree is 100% online and in partnership with AT&T. You’ll take all of your courses through the unique MOOC (massive open online course) format. For these online computer science programs, you’ll pay just a fraction of the normal cost. You’ll join computing professionals from more than 80 other countries. There is a total tuition rate. Plus, you’ll never have to step foot on campus to do so. These computer science programs are completely online and perfect for motivated working professionals. 

The online computer science master’s includes multiple specializations. The program offers optional specializations in computing systems, machine learning, interactive intelligence, and computational perception and robotics. You can also take classes and gain experience in things like:

• Project management
• Cybersecurity threats
• Compiler design
• New hardware
• Network engineering
• Advanced computing
• Advanced mathematics
• Computer research skills

These computer science courses prepare students for any kind of work in the technology industry. You’ll build a professional network and gain the skills you need to solve computing problems of all kinds.

You will take around 30 credit hours of 10 core courses. You will declare one specialization that consists of more than half of those credits. The rest consist of electives. There are about 30 different titles offered online at any given time.

Some current courses include:

• Applied Cryptography
• Network Security
• Video Game Design
• Operating Systems
• Computer Algorithms
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Systems
• Software Development
• Educational Technology

As a student here, you’ll benefit from extensive resources such as career services. The dedicated Career Services Office offers prospective and recent graduates alike services. These include:

• online career fairs
• targeted job postings
• monthly webinars
• career planning

Online Master Admission Requirements

You will need to have an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field. Good options include:

• Mathematics
• Electrical engineering
• Computer engineering
• Computer technology
• Information technology
• Computer and information research

You should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Submit your official transcripts. Few supplemental materials are required for the master of computer science—including the GRE. 

And let’s not forget the most important part. The Georgia Tech online master’s computer science cost is affordable. With lots of financial aid available, this is one of the cheapest online masters in computer science you will find.

#2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)

Looking for another cheap masters degree in USA? Look no further than Colorado State University. This school has one of the best MS in computer science degrees for aspiring research scientists.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins opened in 1870. It is in Fort Collins, a midsize city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. For outdoor enthusiasts, the location of this campus reigns supreme. But you don’t have to study on-campus in order to reap all of the benefits of a CSU education.

The online computer science programs are some of the best. The program offers a flexible learning environment that gives a deep understanding of computer science and machine learning to aspiring computer network architects and other career goals.

This public school offers a variety of on-campus and online computer science programs. There are degrees to suit just about any interest. It’s earned numerous rankings and accolades from top educational publications. 

The online master’s in computer science at Colorado State University has an emphasis on cybersecurity and cloud computing systems. You can stay up to date with all of the latest trends in this discipline.

You’ll complete a minimum of 35 semester credits covering a breadth of computer science courses. Some course topics you might cover include:

• Parallel Programming
• Machine Learning
• 3D User Interfaces
• Software Product and Process Evaluation
• Computational Perception
• Web Applications
• Cybersecurity Threats and Cyber Operations
• Virtual Reality
• Game Development
• Information Assurance and Information Systems
• Software Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Operating Systems
• Data Science
• Computer and Information Research
• Information Technology
• Discrete Systems

You’ll have opportunities to access the most up-to-date research and trending advancements in the field. This online master of computer science is a great choice. 

You will learn from faculty with extensive hands-on experience in research and development. You’ll also be able to build your skills in key topics like:

• networking and security
• software engineering
• computer programming languages
• software design and software development
• information security
• computer architecture
• cyber security
• systems software
• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• parallel computing
• database systems

You’re sure to find a job almost immediately upon graduation. 70% of the university’s computer science graduates have active job offers upon graduation.

Graduates are sought after by leading companies like:

• Microsoft
• Intel
• Lockheed-Martin
• IBM

Employment opportunities continue to grow with some of the country’s growing small companies, too. 

Colorado State’s computer science program also offers learners one of the best returns on investment. The degree takes less than two academic years to complete. You’ll have minimum time away from your job and other life commitments.

In this affordable master of computer science, you will pay low tuition rates. Financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis to help reduce the total cost.

Online Master Admission Requirements

You’ll need to have a working knowledge of subjects like:

• algorithms
• operating system design concepts
• information systems
• operating systems
• artificial intelligence
• software development
• mathematics

You should also be fluent in an object-oriented language like Java or C++. You should hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and 3.2 in computer science and mathematics. GRE scores are required for international applicants. Plan to provide admissions officials with:

• a resume
• statement of purpose
• three professional recommendations. 

#3. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Online Master of Computer Science

Another one of the cheapest master degree in USA options can be found at a public land-grant research university in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University at Raleigh opened in 1887. 

When you pursue an MS in computer science degree at this school, you’ll benefit from a program that is research-focused. It’s an excellent choice for aspiring research scientists.

Computer science isn’t the only major for you to choose from as a graduate student, either. In fact, NC State offers more than 250 different majors to undergraduate and graduate students alike.

When you enroll in the master’s in computer science at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, you’ll benefit by learning from a recognized faculty with approximately 40 tenure-track professors. This master of computer science is offered both on-campus and online. The Master of Computer Science is a coursework-only program. It requires no thesis, comprehensive examination, or defense.

You will take around one or two courses per semester. Choose to study in a distance format, and you’ll take classes in a streaming video form. You will enjoy the same opportunities afforded to on-campus learners. Most classes are just recorded versions of the ones offered on-campus. You can even choose to attend classes on campus, too.

The Online and Distance Education Department at NC State offers certificates to help advance your degree, too. For example, you might choose to earn a graduate certificate in data science foundations. 

The stand-alone master’s will include core courses in categories like theory and systems. Some courses include:

• Automata
• Software Engineering
• Computer Algorithms
• Information Systems
• Computer Technology and Machine Learning
• Languages and Computability Theory
• Data Science
• Architecture of Parallel Computers
• Cloud Computing
• Mobile Computing
• Database Management Concepts and Systems
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms

This is an affordable computer systems degree. Tuition for this program is charged based on your course enrollment and academic program. You’ll pay standard tuition rates. Financial aid is available for many students. So is a monthly payment plan.

Online Master Admission Requirements

This program requires undergraduate coursework in a related field. You should have at least three semesters of:

• calculus
• integral calculus
• probability and statistics
• computer science

You should have earned a GPA of at least 3.0. Most graduate computer science students are able to graduate in just two years. But you will be given six years to complete your requirements. 

#4. University of Colorado Boulder

Master of Science in Computer Science

You will find another one of the most affordable computer science schools at the University of Colorado Boulder. The master of science in computer science can be completed in a full time or part time format.

Visit the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder just once. You’ll be sold on the MS in computer science and not just because of the curriculum. You’re sure to be blown away by its majestic beauty.

This is the only school in the Rocky Mountain Region to make it into the Association of American Universities. It has top-ranked graduate programs in the School of Education, the Law School, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

The Master of Science in computer science is a traditional research-based master’s degree program. It will help you prepare for a career in research, academic, or industry. It’s a wonderful pathway to eventual graduate study. It includes numerous opportunities for youth to pay for your degree by research and teaching assistantships.

During the first semester, you’ll work with your faculty advisor to come up with a plan of study that matches your professional goals. You’ll need to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework. This includes nine hours of class in computer science research as well as a professional development class.

You’ll take courses that cover both a breadth and depth of topics in computer science. You will be able to create your own customized plan of study. This takes into account your unique career goals and background. Courses are offered in subjects like:

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Data Mining
• Information Systems
• Natural Language Processing
• High-Performance Scientific Computing
• Ethical Hacking

The carer placement statistics for this program are impressive. Upon graduation, 70% were employed or pursuing postdoctoral work in academia. The average reported salary was $90,000. Leading employers include Oracle, Seagate, and Amazon.

This degree offers a significant return on investment. But it’s also affordable, too. You’ll be able to apply for a number of research and teaching assistantships. These offer two levels of stipends and tuition waivers. There are also summer research fellowships and computer science scholarships you can apply for, too.

Online Master Admission Requirements

Ready to apply to this MS in computer science degree? You will need to complete an online application form. You should have at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. You should have taken at least three semesters of mathematics, including classes like:

• linear algebra
• statistics
• probability
• differential equations

You should have earned a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The GRE exam is not required. 

#5. Charleston Southern University

Online Computer Science Master’s

Another affordable computer science degree can be found at a Southern Baptist university in North Charleston, SC.

Charleston Southern University opened in 1964 as Baptist College. There are more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. That includes those in:

• criminal justice
• business
• education
• nursing
• computer science

This university offers a wide range of programs that are rooted in Christian teachings. Even the MS in computer science degree!

You will you be able to learn cloud computing platforms like AWS. But you’ll also have access to hands-on projects in things like:

• cybersecurity practices
• extending and enhancing Linux OS functionality
• software design
• database design
• computer hardware
• cyber security
• programming languages
• computer systems

With a low tuition rate, it’ is one of the most affordable options for students who want an in-depth but flexible program in computer science. You can study at your own pace and take courses that will help you succeed in computer and information science.

This program can be completed both online or on-campus to help you meet your needs. It’s a flexible degree that will train you in skills that you can apply to your job almost immediately. The master of science in computer science can be completed in a full time or part time format.

All classes are offered in a unique Christian framework that will give you the opportunity to apply learned knowledge in an ethical fashion. It can take as few as 12 or as many as 26 months for you to complete your studies. This depends on whether you choose to study in a part time or full time fashion. 

Curious about the classes you’ll take? The full curriculum will vary depending on your career goals. In most cases, you’ll take classes like:

• Advanced Network Security
• Advanced Computer Networks
• Data Science
• Network Penetration and Ethical Hacking
• Data Mining
• Information Systems

You will complete just 33 credit hours of study.

Online Master Admission Requirements

Ready to apply to this MS in computer science? You will need to fill out Charleston Southern’s graduate application form. Provide official transcripts from all institutions attended. You will also need to submit a resume with your work experience and TOEFL test scores, if you are an international student. 

#6. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Online Master of Computer Science

You will find another cheap masters in computer science in Illinois.

The University of Illinois has two campuses. Both are just a few hours from major cities in the Midwest like St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis. That’s a good thing, too. This campus has a large total enrollment of more than 51,000 students! It’s a great place to pursue an MS in computer science degree. 

You don’t have to study on-campus if you don’t want to. This public school founded in 1867 hosts many programs online as well. 

The Grainger College of Engineering offers one of the nation’s best and most affordable online master’s of computer science. These online computer science programs are taught by leaders in computer science. Graduates of this program go on to work at and even found organizations like Yelp, PayPal, Microsoft, Match.com, and more. 

You can complete your degree at your own pace. You can finish your courses online while you still maintain your current career and personal obligations. The master of science in computer science can be completed in a full time or part time format.

This online computer science program offers many opportunities for financial aid. The value of this degree can’t be overlooked, as it will enable you to take classes in things like:

• databases
• artificial intelligence
• software engineering
• human-computer interaction
• high-performance computing

Online Master Admission Requirements

Are you interested in applying to this MS in computer science? You must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The degree does not need to be in computer science. However, you should have completed prerequisite coursework in things like:

• data structures
• algorithms
• linear algebra
• statistics 

You should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Letters of recommendation and GRE scores are not required. They are encouraged to help improve the standing of your application.

#7. Frostburg State University

Online Master of Computer Science

The Master of Science in applied computer science at Frostburg State is offered both online and on-campus. It is a cheap masters in computer science that will prepare you for a variety of exciting career opportunities. You could pursue roles like web development, network security, and others. This MS in computer science is a great choice for both part time and full time learners.

It will allow you the option to specialize in database or general computer science. That way, you can gain either a broad or more specialized focus in core concepts like:

• software engineering
• web design
• artificial intelligence

It’s an experiential program that focuses on doing rather than on theory. 

Through this full time or part time program, you’ll be able to work on real computer science challenges that are faced by government agencies and businesses alike. You don’t need to have a computer science background in order to apply. You will just need to take two extra introductory graduate courses if you don’t have such a background.

You can earn the degree in as little as one academic year. That’s if you have a computer science background. You can do it in one and a half to two years if you lack such a background. Courses are available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

While you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to tailor your graduate studies to your background and areas of interest. You’ll write a thesis in your area of applied computer science or you can choose an elective course instead.

Not only that, but you can apply for one of many different graduate assistantships. These are available to outstanding students who wish to participate in things like research studies, teaching, projects, and more. Regardless of whether you pursue an assistantship, you will be able to work and study in state-of-the-art computer labs. You’ll have access to some of the best resources and equipment. 

Graduates go on to work for companies like Apple, IBM, and Google. They also work for well-known governmental agencies like the FBI, the National Security Agency, and more. 

Admission Requirements

Ready to apply to the MS in computer science? You’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In rare case-by-case scenarios, a bachelor’s degree with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered. 

#8. University of West Georgia

Online Computer Science Master’s with a Major in Applied Computer Science

Another one of the cheapest masters in computer science can be found at the University of West Georgia. This is a public university in Carrollton, GA. The University of West Georgia also has a satellite campus in Newnan, GA. That is along with one in Atlanta. There is a grand total of 13,238 students. This school is the largest one on the list when it comes to the best master’s degrees in computer science. But it’s one of the most notable. 

Today, the University of West Georgia offers dozens of degree programs. There are lots of bachelor’s- and master’s-level majors to choose from.

The online Master of Applied Science in applied computer science at the University of West Georgia is a 24-month, 36-credit hour program. It is ideal for any student holding a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t matter what the discipline might be. You’ll gain the skills you need to pursue a career as a software developer as long as you have the drive to learn.

The master of science in computer science can be completed in a full time or part time format. You’ll be prepared to enter the technology job market immediately upon graduation. All classes are taught by qualified faculty with industry and academic experience and professional connections. 

You’ll take foundational and elective courses. These are in theoretical and practical concepts like:

• web technologies
• software development
• human computer interaction
• advanced tools and techniques
• computer systems architecture
• computer languages
• data science
• systems analysis
• enterprise architecture
• cloud services
• hardware construction
• software engineering concepts
• computer languages
• software systems
• information systems
• program construction

You’ll must also complete a final project. This final capstone course will enable you to bring together the skills you’ve learned across all of your courses. You’ll put together the core software engineering concepts you learned with your technical expertise. You’ll have a solid foundation in this advanced topics to build your career.

This degree includes a course structure that will enable you to move through your required classes as part of a cohort. You’ll take classes such as:

• Web Technologies
• Program Construction
• Advanced Tools and Techniques
• Database Systems

Multiple projects are integrated into the curriculum as well. 

Admission Requirements

You will need to complete the online graduate application. Be sure to review the graduate studies website to get more information on individual program-specific tasks and requirements. You’ll need to submit a current resume or CV. You’ll also need three letters of recommendation and a personal letter that explains, in narrative form, why you want to pursue the degree.

This program has a unique rolling admissions format that enables you to apply at any time. Cohorts of classes, however, only start in the fall semester. You should apply as early as possible to secure your place in the class!

#9. University of West Florida

Online MS in Computer Science

The University of West Florida opened in 1963 as part of the State University System of Florida. If you’re looking for a computer masters Pensacola can be proud of, this is the one.

Located right in this sunny city, it has the third-largest campus in the state. It encompasses more than 1,600 acres. However, you don’t need to ever step foot on this computer science Pensacola campus in order to get started.

Ready to explore all that the world of computer science offers? You should consider the online Master of Science in computer science at the University of West Florida. Through this traditional computer science program, you’ll learn more about software engineering or data analytics. You can choose to specialize in those topics. You’ll also benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention. 

The master of science in computer science can be completed in a full time or part time format.

The degree combines foundational skills with more modern technologies and topics in computer science. You’ll take classes that will allow you to specialize in things like:

• parallel computing
• algorithmic programming
• data analytics
• artificial intelligence

Class sizes are  small so that you can have the opportunity to interact with research faculty. Plus, the degree’s online format will allow you the flexibility you need to study at your own pace. 

Core courses include 15 credit hours in topics such as:

• Advanced Algorithms
• Data Science
• Database Systems
• Information Systems
• Parallel and Distributed Programming

You’ll also choose between a thesis or a computer science project, both of which are meant to be completed over two semesters and will bring together everything you have learned in your graduate courses. 

The program is complete with two separate concentrations for you to choose from, both of which consist of six credit hours of study. The options are data analytics and software engineering. Both of them are in-demand when it comes to finding a job after graduation.

Admission Requirements

Ready to apply? You will need to submit an online application for graduate admission and an application fee. You should submit official transcripts from your undergraduate program and a letter of intent that includes your work experience and reasons why you want to pursue the degree. 

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. You should also plan on providing contact information for two professional references. You’ll also need a resume that showcases your work experience. 

#10. Capitol Technology University

Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science

Capitol Technology University, formerly known as Capitol College, is a private university that is just outside of Washington, D.C. in South Laurel, MD. The school first opened as an engineering institute. Today, the school offers a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs still in engineering. There are also many in computer science, business, and information technology. 

This school is known as being one of the most military-friendly institutions in the country and it also has excellent career outcomes. Tech workers earn more than double the average national wage and, founded by a Navy veteran, this school is home to educators who know what it takes to best serve active duty and retired military members. 

The Master of Science in computer science at Capitol Technology University is located in one of the world’s most significant technology hubs and surrounded by world-renowned agencies. Because of this, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a job after graduating from this program!

You will complete a total of 30 credits of study. 18 of then will be in core computer science concepts and 12 of which are electives in focus areas such as data science and software engineering.

Some of the course titles you might take will include:

• Theory of Computation
• Accelerated and Parallel Computing
• Multithreaded and Distributed Programming
• Designing Intelligent Systems. 

Before you graduate, you’ll be able to collaborate with a faculty member to create a major project-based research paper. This paper is meant to draw on prior coursework and your own personal experiences to help you create a comprehensive project detailing what you have learned.

You’ll learn from top faculty who are current and former employees of high-tech companies, government agencies, defense contractors, and more. Your classes will be formed of like-minded peers who will help you learn through the simple act of collaboration.

The master of science in computer science can be completed in a full time or part time format.Not only that, but this program can be completed entirely online. After you’re accepted, all you’ll need is an internet connection to start learning—and succeeding—right away.

Admission Requirements

To apply, you should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field. If you don’t meet this prerequisite, you can take undergraduate coursework in computer science like programming, data structures, and object-oriented programming along with a mathematics equivalent to calculus through linear algebra. When you submit your online application you will need to provide transcripts from your undergraduate university as well as supplemental materials as requested by admissions officials upon review.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Georgia Southern University

Location: Statesboro, GA

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $8,728

Website

#12. Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $20,620

Website       

#13. DePaul University

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $19,422

Website 

#14. University of Idaho

Location: Moscow, ID

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $26,984

Website       

#15. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $29,934

Website

#16. Dakota State University

Location: Madison, SD

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $6,464

Website 

#17. Old Dominion University

Location: Norfolk, VA

Degree: Online Master’s Degree in Computer Science

Net Price: $12,552

Website      

#18. Jacksonville State University

Location: Jacksonville, AL

Degree: Online Master of Science in Computer Systems and Software Design

Net Price: $10,080

Website       

#19. Columbus State University

Location: Columbus, GA

Degree: Online Master of Science in Applied Computer Science

Net Price: $7,612

Website       

#20. Georgia Southwestern State University

Location: Americus, GA

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $4,836

#21. Southern Arkansas State University

Location: Magnolia, AR

Degree: MS in Computer and Information Science Online

Net Price: $8,300

Website

#22. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Location: Rolla, MO

Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $11,372

Website    

#23. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Location: North Dartmouth, MA

Degree: Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $16,337

Website    

#24. Purdue University-Main Campus

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Degree: Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $9,992

Website

#25. Auburn University

Location: Auburn, AL

Degree: MS – Computer Science and Software Engineering Online

Net Price: $11,282

Website

#26. Hofstra University

Location: Hempstead, NY

Degree: Online Computer Science Master’s

Net Price: $25,162

Website       

#27. National University

Location: La Jolla, CA

Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $14,170

Website

#28. Illinois Institute of Technology

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $29,628

Website     

#29. East Carolina University

Location: Greenville, NC

Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $7,485

Website      

#30. University of Illinois at Springfield

Location: Springfield, IL

Degree: Online Computer Science Master’s

Net Price: $18,126

Website       

#31. Clarkson University

Location: Potsdam, NY

Degree: Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $34,212

Website

#32. University of Bridgeport

Location: Bridgeport, CT

Degree: Masters in Computer Science MS Online

Net Price: $20,900

Website   

#33. University of Houston Victoria

Location: Victoria, TX

Degree: Online Master of Computer Science

Net Price: $9,314

Website  

#34. Lewis University

Location: Romeoville, IL

Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $14,960

Website      

#35. Drexel University

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Degree: Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Net Price: $54,516

Website      

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 HIGHEST PAYING MASTER’S DEGREES & 50 BEST NO-GRE ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS!

The Registered Nurse (RN) is a noble, necessay professional. Much more than the person administering shots or putting band-aids on skinned knees, nurses are part of a fast growing field with high-earning potential, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The profession promises to grow at a much faster rate than the national average over the next decade, and the median wage is around the $70,000 mark. A pretty nice set-up already, the move to pursue the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is often prompted by a desire to move into administration, education, or a specialized field. For RN’s who want to be a family nurse practitioner (FNP), midwife, mental health/psychiatric nurse, etc., an MSN degree is a must. And it bears mentioning that although it is not always necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (many RN to MSN programs can attest to that), it is pretty much commonplace for any online MSN program to require applicants to be currently licensed nurses.

We get it–you’re a working nurse, with very little time to spare looking for your perfect online MSN program. Don’t worry, we here at Master’s Programs Guide have got you covered! Since the online Master of Science in Nursing is one of the most popular online master’s degrees, there are a veritable plethora of MSN programs offered online. We waded through many programs to find the ones that really stand out, looking in particular at schools that are accredited. There are currently two main accrediting agencies for nursing programs, the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Educations) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which was originally called the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The “NLN” of the NLNAC is beginning accreditation services again as the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), so programs may soon be displaying their CNEA accreditation. We also looked for schools that have National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence (COE) in Nursing Education designation (less than 100 institutions of higher education in the United States currently hold the designation of NLN COE greatness). All of the information we gathered to rank the schools is publicly available, and in addition to using our Master’s Programs Guide Core Methodology Criteria, we also assigned points based on these features significant to an exceptional online master of nursing program:

• Program accreditation
• NLN Center of Excellence designation
• Coursework that prepares students to take certification exams such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) exams
• Any unique and extraordinary features that helped the program stand apart

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

#1. Johns Hopkins University

Online Master of Science in Nursing Health Systems Management Track; Online Master of Science in Nursing Health Systems Management/Master of Business Administration Dual Degree Program

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Program Details: The Johns Hopkins CCNE-accredited School of Nursing (which is also a designated NLN Center of Excellence) provides an entirely online MSN in Health Systems Management degree program that is grounded “in evidence-based practice” and can be customized based on the student’s coursework choices and practicum experience. The 35-credit Johns Hopkins MSN in Health Systems Management degree requires 376 clinical hours and a twelve-hour core of classes like “Context of Healthcare for Advanced Practice Nursing” and “Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice.” For students who desire more business coursework with their MSN curriculum, there is a dual degree option provided through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Carey Business School online MSN/MBA. This 65-credit hour program requires the same 376 clinical hours and MSN core and additional classes such as “Economics for Decision Making” and “Business Communication.” In addition to the rigorous and practical coursework provided by the “internationally recognized” Johns Hopkins faculty, students benefit from the new School of Nursing Academic Success Center (ASC). The ASC makes available all manner of academic support and resources at no cost.

Admissions website

Named for abolitionist Johns Hopkins, who left money in his will for the establishment of an institution of higher education, Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1873 in Baltimore, Maryland. Hopkins also bequeathed money for a health center, which is the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Johns Hopkins University opened to students in 1876, and the current enrollment now exceeds 24,000 students. Ten academic divisions comprise this coeducational private research university, and Johns Hopkins is one of the original founding members of the prestigious American Association of Universities. Regional accreditation is granted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#2. Ohio State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Located in The Ohio State University College of Nursing and provided through Ohio State Online, the online MSN degree program trains students to excel in a multitude of clinical settings through rigorous “coursework, clinical experience and evidence based practice.” Offering four CCNE-accredited tracks online, the MSN degree requires a core curriculum, a specialty core curriculum unique to each track, and clinical hours (distance students must find their own clinical site in their area). The Ohio State online MSN specializations include tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP), and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). The core curriculum shared by all tracks include classes like “Quality Improvement and Informatics” and “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Life Span,” and the specialty coursework prepares each student to sit for their respective specialty certification exams. Ohio State Online’s “focus on faculty” translates into a winning situation for online students due to the level of expertise demonstrated by the Ohio State online MSN faculty, and all on-campus resources are available to online students as well through Ohio State Online Student Services and Benefits.

Admissions website

The Ohio State University (Ohio State), located in Columbus, Ohio, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university that was established in 1870 and had its first graduating class in 1878. Additional regional campus locations are spread around the state, and eighteen academic schools and colleges make up this institution of higher education (known for having the third largest campus in the nation). The flagship university of Ohio, this public research institution serves nearly 60,000 students at the main campus in Columbus and over 66,000 students statewide. The Higher Learning Commission has regionally accredited Ohio State continuously since 1913.

#3. Saint Xavier University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

Photo courtesy of Saint Xavier University

Program Details: Saint Xavier University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides students with three CCNE-accredited tracks through the SXU School of Nursing and Health Sciences, which is one of only a small collection of schools in the nation to be designated as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. Students can pursue the SXU online MSN in Clinical Leadership, Executive Leadership (Nursing Administration), or Saint Xavier’s online MSN Nurse Educator track. The Executive Leadership track requires 35-credit hours, and the other two tracks both require 38-credits—all three require some previous professional nursing experience. There is a practicum requirement for all three as well, and plenty of support is offered to help students successfully complete their hours. All coursework is taught by the SXU Online Master of Science Faculty, who are experts in the field with real-world, practical experience in both nursing and teaching, and successfully prepares students to take certification exams in their chosen area. The ample student resources include a dedicated Student Services Coordinator, and student testimonials attest to the program’s quality and accessibility.

Admissions website

Chicago’s first Catholic university, Saint Xavier University, was chartered in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy to originally educate women and the economically disadvantaged. Now, approximately 4,000 students are enrolled in the Chicago, Illinois campus, and nearly 100 academic degree programs are offered through the two schools and one college: College of Arts and Sciences, Graham School of Management, and School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Becoming coeducational in 1969, this private institution of higher education sits on over 100 acres in the southwest side of Chicago, and regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

#4. University of Kansas

Online Master of Science in Nursing

Photo courtesy of University of Kansas

Program Details: The KU School of Nursing, located at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), is one of the elite NLN COE in Nursing Education designated schools of nursing. The School offers an entirely online Master of Science degree program, and three of the focus area options can be completed online:  KU MS in Nursing Informatics, KU MS in Organizational Leadership, or KU MS in Public Health Nursing. The 37-39 credit hour (depending on which concentration is chosen), CCNE-accredited MS in Nursing degree program can be completed within two years on a full-time basis, or in three to four years if pursued part-time. Students engage in a curriculum including a common nursing core, a leadership core, a two-credit hour research project, and their chosen specialty core. The KU Center for Online and Distance Learning supports the impressive KU School of Nursing faculty as they “envision and implement online courses” for the benefit of online students. An online tutorial, the KUMC Student’s Guide to Online Learning, helps prospective students orient themselves to online learning and the KUMC.

Admissions website

In 1864, the University of Kansas (KU) was established in Lawrence, Kansas. Initially a coeducational preparatory school, the first college classes were held in 1869. The main campus in Lawrence is joined by branch campuses around the state. The School of Nursing is located in the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), which is in Kansas City and also houses the School of Health Professions and School of Medicine. KU is a public research university, and over 345 academic degree programs are offered through thirteen schools. Over 30,000 students are enrolled in this institution of higher education regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#5. University of Cincinnati

Online Master of Science in Nursing

Photo courtesy of the University of Cincinnati Creative Services

Program Details: University of Cincinnati Online (UC Online) provides an entirely online MSN degree program with four Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialties from which students can choose to customize their academic and career path. The specialties (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner) range from 44 to 57 credit hours and can all be completed within two years at an accelerated pace. All online program tracks strongly encourage applicants to have at least one year of RN experience, but some require specialized work experience. The MSN degree program is located in the CCNE-accredited UC College of Nursing, and the renowned faculty include “professors who are either practicing in the field or are accomplished researchers.” In addition to the CCNE accreditation, the UC Online Master’s in Midwifery program is certified by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and all programs prepare students to take their specific certification exams upon graduation. UC Online student support is provided from admission through graduation, and is evidenced by the student testimonials full of high praise.

Admissions website

Cincinnati College and the Medical College of Ohio merged in 1870 to establish Cincinnati College, which would grow to university status and become the University of Cincinnati (UC)–one of the largest in the nation. Multiple campuses are located throughout Ohio, and the Cincinnati campus remains the main location. A public research institution with the Carnegie Foundation’s designation of Highest Research Activity, UC enrolls nearly 45,000 students in more than 350 academic degree programs. UC is a space-grant school and part of the University System of Ohio, and regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

#6. University of Arizona

Online Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Systems Leadership

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Program Details: As a member of both the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Western Institute of Nursing, the UA College of Nursing provides respected and reputable nursing programs. The UA Online Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Systems Leadership degree is accredited by CCNE and provided as both an RN to MSN program (for students who hold an associate nursing degree—the ADN track) or an MSN program (for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing—the BSN track). Offered entirely online, the coursework is comprised of eleven classes for the AND track and eight for the BSN track, and students can complete the program in as little as fifteen months. Classes such as “Population Health,” “Healthcare Business Dynamics,” and “Healing Environments and Practices” are taught by the invested and caring UA College of Nursing faculty, who are “award-winning educators, motivated mentors, and accomplished scholars.” Student resources (from outreach counselors to enrollment advisors and more) enhance the online student experience, and interested RNs can read about AU MSN in Clinical Systems Leadership graduates and their positive experiences.

Admissions website

Tucson, Arizona was chosen in 1885 to become the location of the University of Arizona (UA or “Arizona”), and construction began on the school two years later. UA is the oldest university in Arizona, and 32 students enrolled in classes the first year the school opened in 1891. More than 44,000 students are now enrolled, and UA offers over 350 academic degree programs through 20 schools and colleges. Designated with Very High Research Activity, UA is a public land-grant institution of higher education, and the school’s regional accreditation is provided by the Higher Learning Commission.

#7. University of North Carolina Charlotte

Online Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration

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Program Details: The UNC Charlotte School of Nursing, which has NLN Center of Education Excellence designation, provides the MSN in Nursing Administration degree program completely online through Distance Education (DE) at UNCC. A CCNE-accredited program, the 36-credit hour degree can be completed in just over two years on a part-time basis, and it prepares students to pursue ANCC certification in Nursing Administration or Nursing Administration Advanced. The UNCC MSN in Nursing Administration curriculum presents core coursework such as “Health Policy and Planning in the U.S” and system core coursework like “Health Disparities and Nursing,” which is followed by specialty courses that cover a number of topics, such as “Health Informatics and Financial Management for Nurses” and “Curriculum and Instruction in Nursing Education.” A final capstone course (“Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice”) completes the degree, and students are provided with UNCC Distance Education resources and services throughout the course of their education to help them succeed. Additionally, UNCC School of Nursing faculty are accomplished and connected, and an Advisory Board helps support the program.

Admissions website

Opening as the Charlotte Center to offer college education to returning veterans, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte or UNCC) began in 1946 and officially became UNCC in 1965 when it joined the statewide UNC System. Nearly 30,000 students are currently enrolled, and UNCC offers over 225 academic degree programs through nine colleges. Comprised of three campuses, UNC Charlotte’s main campus is located in University City on 1,000 acres. This public research university is classified as having Higher Research Activity, and regional accreditation is granted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#8. University of North Carolina Greensboro

Online Master of Science in Nursing

Photo courtesy of UNCG

Program Details: The CCNE-accredited UNC Greensboro School of Nursing, through UNCG Online, provides two entirely online concentrations for the MSN degree: Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. The UNCG Online Master of Science in Nursing Administration degree requires 37-credit hours and 504 clinical hours—all coursework is delivered online, and the clinical experience is “determined by student interest area and geographical location” and coordinated by the student “in collaboration with the faculty and Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator.” Similarly, the 38-credit hour UNCG Online Master of Science in Nursing Education degree also requires a clinical practicum (210 hours), which students can set up in their area of residence along with assistance. In addition to the support offered by the Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator and various online student services such as the Career Services Center, the UNCG School of Nursing faculty have a wealth of experience and are “involved in collaborative, interdisciplinary research in community and health care settings.” Another stamp of quality on the online MSN program: UNCG is one of the few NLN Centers of Excellence.

Admissions website

Known as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) since 1964, the school was established as a school for women in 1891 as the State Normal and Industrial School. The school was originally located on donated land in Greensboro, North Carolina, and when the institution opened for classes in 1892 nearly 200 students were enrolled. Having joined the University of North Carolina System in 1971, UNCG now has just under 20,000 coeducational students enrolled in the eight academic schools and colleges of this public university. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits UNCG.

#9. Ball State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Ball State Online provides the online programs for Ball State University, including the fully online Ball State MS in Nursing program. The MS degree is located in the CCNE-accredited Ball State School of Nursing (which is also designated as an NLN COE) and offers three concentration options, two requiring 36-credit hours (Nurse Educator and Nurse Administration) and a 47-credit hour Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus. The curriculum for all three concentration options share a research core and a nursing core, and a specialized core unique to each. The Nurse Educator and Nurse Administration focus areas both finish with a 180-hour practicum experience, whereas the FNP concentration requires 690 supervised clinical hours (students are responsible for locating preceptors and clinical hours and supervision in their location). Additionally, students who complete the FNP program are prepared to sit for the FNP certification exam. All online courses are taught by the same Ball State School of Nursing faculty, who “are passionate about teaching and mentoring online students,” and online students are able to fully access all of Ball State’s student services to help them succeed.

Admissions website

When a school in Muncie, Indiana closed in the early 1900s, it was purchased by five brothers. The Ball brothers donated the school to the state of Indiana, and a new institution opened in 1918. The Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division was quickly renamed in the brothers’ honor and gained university status in 1965 to become Ball State University. Two campuses join the main campus in Muncie, and almost 350 academic degree programs are provided to the 22,000 currently enrolled students. Ball State is comprised of eight schools and colleges and has regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

#10. University of Texas at Arlington

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Several specialty areas are made available for the online MSN student at the UTA College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Students who are already licensed nurses can participate in one of three specific online MSN degree paths: a 36-credit hour MSN in Nursing Administration focus, a 39-credit hour MSN in Nursing Education focus, or an MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) focus. The UTA College of Nursing MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs are presented as Accelerated Online opportunities, and five specialty areas are offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC), Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC), Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG PCNP), and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP). All programs are accredited by CCNE and provide rigorous, relevant, 100% online coursework that prepares students for certification exams. The caring and committed UTA College of Nursing graduate faculty members are award-winning and share a passion for nursing as well as for teaching, and the small online class sizes allow for lots of individual attention. UTA distance learner testimonials provide insight into the program.

Admissions website

Established as Arlington College in Arlington, Texas in 1895, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) started out as a private institution of higher education. The school changed names multiple times prior to joining the University of Texas System in 1967, the point at which the name was restructured to UTA. A public research university, UTA has a High Research Activity designation and enrolls more than 40,000 students in over 180 academic degree programs housed with in the nine schools and colleges. Regional accreditation for UTA comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#11. Western Kentucky University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Designed for students who live in Kentucky or Tennessee, the WKU School of Nursing MSN with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration is available entirely online. The 43-credit hour online MSN PMHNP program is provided in a part-time cohort format, beginning every spring and summer. Already licensed RN’s will take courses such as “Advanced Physiological and Pathophysiological Concepts,” “Nursing, Politics and Health Policy,” and “Theoretical Foundations of Professional Nursing” and complete 600 clinical hours, and at the completion of the program will be fully prepared to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan) certification exam. All coursework is presented by the accomplished WKU School of Nursing faculty, who have experience in clinical practice, research, and teaching. Additionally, all faculty members have access to specific online resources, such as an “experienced staff of Instructional Designers and online media experts” to help them craft their online courses. The MSN program is offered through WKU Online, which also provides online student services and resources to help the online student successfully complete their program.

Admissions website

A complex and rich history of institutions of higher education moving locations, closing, merging, transitioning and changing names led to the foundation in 1906 of what is now Western Kentucky University (WKU). Sixty years later in 1966, the institution was definitively named WKU, and this public research university located on a hilltop in Bowling Green, Kentucky currently offers more than 300 academic degrees through its five colleges. More than 20,000 students (known as Hilltoppers) are enrolled, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission provides WKU with its regional accreditation.

#12. California University of Pennsylvania

Online Master of Science in Nursing; Online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration; Online MBA in Nursing Administration and Leadership

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Program Details: Through Global Online, Cal U offers two MSN degrees, a dual MSN-MBA degree, and an MBA degree with a Nursing Administration and Leadership concentration. The Cal U MSN in Nursing Education program (36-credit hours) and the Cal U MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership program (30-credit hours) are both CCNE-accredited and offered entirely online “for busy nurses who are looking to advance their careers.” Both specialty focus areas require 150 practicum hours and the relevant and rigorous curriculum, taught by the experienced and dedicated Cal U Department of Nursing faculty, leads students to successfully sit for their certification exams. Core courses for both cover topics such as “Health Policy in Nursing” and “Information Systems for Nurses in Health Care Organizations.” Students who want a stronger business focus can opt between the MSN-MBA Dual Degree or the MBA in Nursing Administration degree program. Both require 54-credit hours and are ideal for “nurse leaders who want to gain a competitive edge.” Regardless of program choice, graduate nursing students enrolled in Cal U Global Online programs receive full support throughout their education.

Admissions website

California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) was established in 1852 as a community school by the local residents of California, Pennsylvania. The school would grow to offer college education, and the name changed several times before the school gained its current name in 1983. Almost 8,000 students are currently enrolled at this public university, and more than 160 academic degree programs are offered. Cal U joined the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and this institution of higher education is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#13. Monmouth University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies at Monmouth University offers its MSN program online “to accommodate the working nurse.” The CCNE-accredited MSN program ranges between 36 and 48-credit hours depending upon which focus specialty area is chosen; students can choose between Forensic Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Nurse Practitioner (which also offers three additional tracks), and School Nurse. The 39-credit hour Monmouth School of Nursing and Health Studies MSN in Forensic Nursing is one of only a few programs of its kind offered in the United States. Provided entirely online, students engage in specialty coursework such as “Interpersonal Violence,” “Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology,” and “Advanced Health Assessment for Forensic Nurses” and are prepared to work in a myriad of settings—such as investigations, disaster response situations, and legal consultations. The faculty are caring and committed and have a wealth of creative research to share with their students. Monmouth University Graduate Studies Information Sessions are offered regularly throughout the year to provide insight into the online programs, and prospective online students can attend them virtually.

Admissions website

Monmouth University was originally founded as Monmouth Junior College in 1933. First becoming Monmouth College in 1956, the school became a university in 1995. Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth is conveniently situated within an hour from both New York and Philadelphia and is close enough to walk to the beaches. A primarily residential, private liberal arts institution of higher education with a current enrollment of over 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, eight academic departments and schools comprise Monmouth, offering over 50 programs and certificates. Regional accreditation for Monmouth comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#14. University of Colorado Denver

Online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (i-LEAD); Online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Health Care Informatics

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Program Details: The University of Colorado Denver CCNE-accredited College of Nursing offers two entirely online MS in nursing degree programs: the 30-credit hour i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Systems MS program and the 34-credit hour online MS in Nursing degree program with a Health Care Informatics concentration at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Both specialized programs are supported through CU Online and taught by the award-winning CU College of Nursing faculty. The i-LEAD program prepares nurses to become “effective leaders and managers in a variety of health care settings,” and, in addition to the MS in Nursing core, coursework includes topics such as “Relational Communication,” “Systems & Leadership Theory,” and a three-credit hour administrative internship. The Health Care Informatics program is interdisciplinary and students participate in a curriculum made up of the MS in Nursing core, informatics core coursework, specialty courses, and a practicum in their home area. The program progresses the ideals held by the American Nurses Association’s Scope and Standards of Nursing Informatics to produce competent informatics specialists. Both programs offer flexibility and CU Online student resources.

Admissions website

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) in the nearby town of Aurora are the two campuses of CU Denver. In 2011, the name of the school was officially designated as the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Denver/Anschutz). With a Carnegie Classification of Very High Research Activity, the Anschutz Medical Campus houses the School of Dental Medicine, the School of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy, Colorado School of Public Health, and the Graduate School. The Higher Learning Commission provides regional accreditation.

#15. University of Pittsburgh

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The University of Pittsburgh CCNE-accredited School of Nursing has made two concentration areas for the MSN degree program accessible entirely online through Pitt Online. Two distinct tracks are offered: the 42-credit hour Pitt Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL®) program and the 37.5-credit hour Pitt Nursing MSN with a Nursing Informatics concentration, and both tracks prepare students to successfully sit for their respective certification exams. The core MSN curriculum (which offers classes such as “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Culturally Diverse Populations” and “Ethics for Advance Practice Nursing”) is enhanced by both specialty courses and role development courses, and both specialty areas are taught by the same professors as the on-site program. The quality of the educational experience is evidenced by the impressive certification exam pass rates. All students are assigned an advisor to help them navigate the online MSN program and assistance is offered for distance students finding sites for their clinical hour requirement. For prospective students who desire to learn more, Pitt Online Virtual Open Houses (asynchronous online information sessions) are offered regularly.

Admissions website

The University of Pittsburgh was established as the Pittsburgh Academy by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Hugh Henry Brackenridge in 1787, and the school would grow and move locations to finally become University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) in 1908. A private institution of higher education until it joined Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth System of Higher Education in 1966, seventeen schools and colleges are housed within Pitt. Nearly 29,000 students are currently enrolled in this coeducational research university, and regional accreditation is provided to Pitt through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

#16. Regis College

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Regis Richard and Sheila Young School of Nursing, an ACEN-accredited, NLN designated Center of Excellence, offers students with either a BSN or an associate degree a fully online MSN degree program with five Nurse Practitioner focus areas. Students can specialize in Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), and the five tracks prepare graduates to successfully sit for their specialty area certification exams. All programs can be completed in about two years (three years for RN’s who hold an associate degree as opposed to a bachelor’s), and range from 46 to 49-credit hours. Regis’ dedication to social justice, equity, and lifelong learning is threaded throughout the curriculum to prepare nurses who will “promote lasting change in the medical field by providing patients of any age the knowledge they need to lead healthy lives.” The MSN degree is provided online through Regis College Online, and students can look forward to multi-layered support system and a nursing faculty that are industry experts as well as caring professors.

Admissions website

Founded in 1927 by the Roman Catholic religious order known as the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Regis College is located in Weston, Massachusetts. Named for the Reverend Mother Mary Regis Casserly, who founded the Boston contingent of the Order, the school was a women’s college until 2007. The first classes were held in the fall of 1927, and 55 students enrolled. A private university, Regis College enrolls over 3,000 students currently in the four schools that comprise the institution. A Military Friendly Institution, Regis is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

#17. Thomas Jefferson University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson College of Nursing provides a CCNE-accredited online MSN degree program for current RN’s with eight relevant specialty tracks. In addition to the six Nurse Practitioner tracks offered (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Family-Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and Women’s Health – Gender-Related NP), students can pursue Nursing Informatics or the Jefferson online MSN with Community Systems Administration (CSA) specialty. The core curriculum for the Jefferson MSN is shared by all programs, which all require 36-credit hours to graduate, and the specialization coursework prepares students to successfully sit for their certification exams. Courses such as “Health Policy, Legal & Ethical Dimensions of Practice,” “Epidemiology for the Health Professions,” and “Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse” are taught by the Jefferson College of Nursing faculty members, who are “outstanding clinicians and exemplary teachers.” Thomas Jefferson University is designated as one of the elite NLN Centers of Excellence, so prospective students can be assured that the online MSN will be a program of high quality and rigorous academics.

Admissions website

With a history that dates back to 1824, the institutions of higher education known as Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University united in 2017 (maintaining the name “Thomas Jefferson University”). Located in Center City and East Falls, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the school is known simply as “Jefferson,” and this private university has a strong focus on “redefining humanly possible.” Sixteen academic schools, colleges, and institutes make up Jefferson, and almost 8,000 students are enrolled in the over 160 degree programs offered. Regional accreditation is provided by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

#18. Florida Atlantic University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing (accredited by CCNE) provides a Master of Science in Nursing program with many concentration options and online core coursework. With tracks ranging from Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner to Nursing Administration & Financial Leadership to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (plus four other concentrations: CNL, FNP, Advanced Holistic Nursing, and Nurse Educator), students have many avenues of study with FAU. The percentage numbers for passing certification exams (such as the Family Nurse Practitioner) are an impressive 100%, so prospective students can be certain they will engage in a rigorous and insightful program within FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. The faculty have an impressive array of awards and research areas of their own, and the philosophy of caring deeply permeates the entire atmosphere at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, so students are surrounded by support and infused with a caring spirit in their studies. Additionally, the program can be pursued on a flexible full-time or part-time basis to accommodate the schedules of students.

Admissions website

Established in 1961, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offered senior-level and graduate classes on a former army base in Boca Raton, Florida in 1964 with an initial enrollment of nearly 900 students. In 1984, FAU welcomed underclassmen, and five satellite campuses across the state join the Boca Raton main campus. Now over 30,000 students are enrolled at this member of the State University System of Florida, and FAU has a High Research Activity designation, offering almost 200 academic degree programs through its ten colleges. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits this public research university.

#19. Lamar University

Online Master of Science in Nursing; Online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration

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Program Details: Two entirely online MSN concentration options are available through the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing at Lamar University, as well as an MSN-MBA dual degree in collaboration with the Business Department. The Nursing Education track (Lamar’s online MSNE degree program) and the Nursing Administration track (Lamar’s online MSNA degree program) are both 37-credit hours and share a common MSN core. Classes such as “Theoretical Foundations,” “Advance Nursing Issues,” and “Healthcare Policy and Finance” are taught by faculty who employ “innovative teaching strategies to assist students in gaining new knowledge and skills.” Graduates of Lamar’s MSN program “have high pass rates on national certification exams,” and a great deal of support is offered to current students through Lamar University Online. The Lamar MSN/MBA dual degree is 61-credit hours and can be completed in about three years. Information on the benefits of an LU Online degree are presented via a series of videos, and prospective students can explore topics such as “On-Campus Quality with Online Convenience,” “Why You Will Love Our Faculty,” and “Experience a Week in the Life of an Online Student.”

Admissions website

Established as the South Park Junior College in 1923, Lamar University (LU) first offered classes to 125 students. The school grew so successfully that a contest to rename it was held in 1932, and Republic of Texas President, Mirabeau B. Lamar became the namesake. Located in in Beaumont, Texas and a member of the Texas State University System since 1995, LU currently enrolls more than 15,000 students in over 150 academic degree programs. Seven colleges make up this doctoral research university, and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#20. University of South Carolina

Online Master of Science in Nursing Administration

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Program Details: Through USC Online, the University of South Carolina provides an entirely online MSN in Nursing Administration (NA) degree program for students who want to gain the skills to effectively “manage the delivery of nursing and health care services across the spectrum of health care.” Locate in the USC College of Nursing, the 30-credit hour MSN in NA program is completely online but is joined by three other USC MSN program tracks that provide 100% online coursework with some required on-campus clinical course “check-offs” (MSNs in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner). All coursework prepares students for certification exams and is taught by experienced University of South Carolina faculty who have real-world nursing experience and who genuinely care about their students. The MSN in NA curriculum is comprised of two leadership classes requiring field work hours, which can be completed at the student’s current place of employment. Other classes include topics such as “Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations for Nursing,” “Financing Health Care,” and “Introduction to Biostatistics,” and students can complete the program in twelve to eighteen months.

Admissions website

South Carolina College, the original name of the University of South Carolina (USC), was established in 1801. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, nine students and two professors were present when the first classes began in 1805. The Civil War caused the school to close for a time, but it reopened as USC in 1873. More than 34,000 students are now enrolled in the programs offered by the sixteen academic schools and colleges at this flagship of the University of South Carolina System. A sea-grant institution with High Research Activity designation, USC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

#21. Northern Kentucky University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Department of Nursing within the NKU College of Health Professions offers an entirely online, CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing degree program, with no less than six concentration options from which students can choose for a customized degree experience. The NKU Online MSN degree provides a core set of coursework required for all of the concentrations, with classes such as “Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice” and “Healthcare Policy & Economic in Population Health.” The MSN in Nursing Education and MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership degrees both require 33-credit hours, while the other four concentrations (Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) range from 43 to 47-credit hours. Students participate in NKU’s Online MSN program on a part-time basis, and it can generally be completed in about two-years on a part-time basis, depending on the concentration. All coursework is taught by the experienced and accomplished NKU Nursing faculty “who are focused on student success,” and students will find themselves positioned to take their respective certification exams upon graduation.

Admissions website

Northern Kentucky State College was founded in 1968 after the University of Kentucky’s educational extension classes had been offered in the northern region of the state since 1946. The school’s current location is in Highland Heights, Kentucky, just a few miles southwest of Cincinnati, Ohio.  In 1976, the school became Northern Kentucky University (NKU), and now nearly 15,000 students are enrolled in almost 130 academic degree programs within the eight schools and colleges. NKU is a member of the state university system and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#22. Columbus State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Students participating in the online MSN degree program at Columbus State University reap the benefit of not one but two prestigious institutions. The online MSN degree is offered in collaboration between Columbus State and Georgia Southwestern University as part of the Georgia Intercollegiate Consortium for Graduate Nursing Education (GICGNE). Offered through Columbus State’s School of Nursing within the College of Education and Health Professions, the online MSN degree program provides three 36-credit hour specialty tracks (Informatics, Leadership, or Nurse Educator), or students could pursue the 44-credit hour Columbus State MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree program. ALl MSN programs are accredited by CCNE, and the MSN core curriculum offers some shared coursework in classes such as  “Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice” and “Advanced Pathophysiology.” The CSU Online graduate nursing students get to partake in both the online student resources offered by the university, as well as the specialized support provided through CSU ADVISE. Within the School of Nursing, distance learners have access to support and resources such as a Clinical Placement Coordinator to assist them with finding a suitable practicum location.

Admissions website

Columbus State University (CSU) in Columbus, Georgia began as a junior college in 1958. Columbus College welcomed almost 300 enrolled students in its first year, and the school became a four-year institution in 1965. It was in 1996 that the school became CSU when it joined the University System of Georgia, and now two campuses—the main Columbus campus and the RiverPark campus—serve the current student body of over 7,000 with nearly 100 academic degree programs housed in six colleges. CSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#23. William Carey University

Online Master of Science in Nursing; Online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration

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Program Details: Through William Carey Online Learning, the CCNE-accredited Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing at William Carey University provides students with two entirely online graduate nursing programs. The 41-credit hour MSN degree with a concentration in Nurse Educator is ideal for RN’s “who are seeking advanced preparation and leadership roles.” Made up of a core curriculum, clinical experiences, and specialty electives (with choices such as “Integrating Holistic Healthcare in Nursing Education” and “Gerontology Nursing and Caring for an Aging Population”), graduates of the MSN program will be prepared to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification exam. The William Carey dual online MSN-MBA degree requires 53-credit hours, and “prepare nurses for administrative roles that facilitate quality patient care in the increasingly complex health care industry.” Coursework includes business classes like “Accounting for the Healthcare Decisions” and “Business Ethics and Leadership”. All online students are assigned an academic advisor as soon as they are admitted to their program, and William Carey Online provides tutorials and guides to help online students find answers and guidance.

Admissions website

With roots that stretch back to 1892, William Carey University has a rich history. Multiple fires and a move led to the Mississippi Baptist Convention establishing the Mississippi Woman’s College in 1911 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. By 1953, the Convention wanted the school to become coeducational, and so the next year men were admitted and the college was renamed after the eighteenth century missionary. The institution gained university status and became William Carey University (WCU or William Carey) in 2006. Nearly 5,000 students are currently enrolled at this private Christian liberal arts school, and regional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#24. University of Alabama in Huntsville

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration

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Program Details: Only offered online, the UAH College of Nursing online MSN – Nursing Administration degree is a flexible, entirely online program that can be pursued either full or part-time. The College of Nursing is designated as an NLN Center of Excellence, and the CCNE-accredited MSN is aligned with the competencies promoted both by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). Requiring 30-credit hours, the MSN in Nursing Administration is comprised of coursework and 225 hours of clinical experience (which can be completed locally at the student’s place of residence). The asynchronous curriculum is made up of classes such as “Foundational Concepts for Nurse Administrators,” “Scholarly Inquiry for Advanced Practice,” and “US Health Care System,” which are taught by the UAH College of Nursing faculty. The faculty, who bring their own “experience in leadership and administration, research, scholarship, and teaching,” are “dedicated to educating and inspiring individuals to become nurse leaders” who are competent and caring, and who become scholars and advocates who work for the best for their patients and fellow nurses.

Admissions website

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) started as an extension center for the University of Alabama in 1950. In the 1960s, the University of Alabama Huntsville Center was growing to the extent that a research institute was constructed. By 1969, UAH became an independent university, and now this public research university with a “high” designation from the Carnegie Foundation enrolls nearly 10,000 students. A member of the University of Alabama System and a space-grant institution, UAH is comprised of nine colleges that offer more than 100 academic degree programs, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits the school.

#25. Liberty University

Online Master of Science in Nursing; Online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration; Online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Program Details: Liberty University Online offers a fully online MSN degree program, as well as two additional dual MSN programs, also online. The Liberty University online Nursing and Healthcare Administration dual degree program (MSN/MSHA) and the Liberty MSN/MBA degree join the MSN degree, which is housed within the CCNE-accredited Liberty University School of Nursing (LUSON). The MSN degree offers five specializations—students can choose from Community Health, Health Policy, Nursing Administration, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics. The core MSN curriculum requires fifteen credit hours, and students take classes such as “Health Policy & Ethics,” “Managing Population Health,” and “Nursing Issues, Informatics & Technology.” All specialization areas provide concentration coursework, and the Nursing Educator and Nursing Administration tracks have a curriculum aligned with the standards determined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and CCNE and both require 200 clinical hours via four practicum courses. Students can complete the degrees in one year at an accelerated pace or, more commonly, in two years. Cultivating a warm and inviting virtual atmosphere, Liberty University Online provides many resources for online students.

Admissions website

Founded as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971, evangelical Christian minister Jerry Falwell started what would become Liberty University. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty started its distance education offerings in 1985, which is now known as LU Online. Over 110,000 students are enrolled in online programming currently, and they join the 15,000 on-campus students to make Liberty the largest Christian institution of higher education in the world. Seventeen schools and colleges provide over 600 academic degree programs at this private university, and regional accreditation is provided by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#26. Eastern Kentucky University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Located in the College of Health Sciences and provided online by EKU Online, two fully online MSN degree programs are offered by Eastern Kentucky University. EKU’s MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree is a 46-credit hour program, and the curriculum meets the “requirements of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensing, Accreditation, Certification, and Education” and has a “high certification exam pass rate” for graduates. Classes such as “Advanced Nursing Practice Issues,” “Principles of Epidemiology,” and “Advanced Pharmacology” are shared with the 47-credit hour EKU MSN Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner program. Proud of the graduates’ “100% pass rate on national certifying exams,” Eastern offers not only rigorous coursework and extensive clinical hour requirements, but also “unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed.” No on-campus visits are required at any point, and these CCNE-accredited programs are joined by three entirely online Post-MSN certificate options: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Admissions website

The Eastern Kentucky State Normal School was established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1906 to train teachers for the area. The school would be located in Richmond, Kentucky on the campus of the former Central University, which had been founded in 1874. Several name changes and expansion would lead to the definitive name change in 1966 to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU or “Eastern”). A public university, Eastern has multiple branch campuses and enrolls nearly 17,000 students in the academic degree programs of its six colleges. Regional accreditation is granted to EKU by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#27. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Provided entirely online through Distance Learning, the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing MSN degree provides working nurses the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge in a CCNE-accredited program. Four specialty focus areas are offered entirely online—students can opt to focus in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Nursing Educator, Nursing Management Leadership, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (there are two additional options—Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and FNP, but these specialty areas require some on-campus visits during the practicum courses). All students receive academic advisors once admitted to help them chart out their plan of study, and the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing faculty boast a “diversity in teaching experience, community service, clinical background and educational preparation” that they bring to the classroom. There are some shared courses between the specialty areas, such as “Analysis of Evidence-Based Practice” and “Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice,” and each specialty offers unique and specialized coursework as well. The programs are tailored to assure that students integrate the academic components in order to sit for certification exams.

Admissions website

The Saint Francis Medical Center is the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s teaching hospital. Located in Peoria, Illinois, the Saint Francis Medical Center is part of the OSF HealthCare System (Order of St. Francis). The hospital that led to the Center was originally established by the Franciscan Sisters in 1876. In 1905, the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing was established for the nuns, and in 1918 women who were not members of the religious order could enroll. The Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, now coeducational, is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#28. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: All seven of the MSN tracks provided through the UTMB School of Nursing offer entirely online coursework coupled with a two-day on-campus online student orientation. Two of the CCNE-accredited tracks do not require any other on-campus residencies (the other five tracks have varying levels of on-campus requirements): Executive Nurse Leader (ENL) and Nurse Educator (NE). The 41-credit hour UTMB MSN Nurse Educator Program offers a specialized curriculum and shares a common core of MSN coursework with five of the other tracks, with classes required such as “Pathophysiology,” “Innovations in Community Health Practice,” and “The Learning Environment” and finishes with a capstone teaching practicum in the final semester. The UTMB MSN Executive Nurse Leader Program requires 39-credit hours and can be completed in two years on a part-time basis, and classes cover topics like “Public Health Principles in Advanced Practice Nursing,” “Leader as Communicator,” and “Health Care Economics.” The faculty are encouraged to practice, being provided support through the UTMB School of Nursing Faculty Practice Website. MSN graduates can stay connected through the UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association.

Admissions website

Part of the University of Texas System, the University of Texas Medical Branch is located in Galveston, Texas. Founded as the University of Texas Medical Department in 1891 (an extension of the University of Texas, located in Austin), the school began with 23 students first in attendance and thirteen faculty members. Currently, over 3,000 students are enrolled and over 1,000 faculty work within UTMB’s seven schools and institutes, and there are four hospitals on campus as well as a comprehensive medical library. UTMB is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#29. Queens University of Charlotte

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Located in the Queens University of Charlotte Blair College of Health, the Presbyterian School of Nursing provides three entirely online MSN specializations. The CCNE-accredited degree program at Queens offers students a Nurse Educator MSN Specialization, Nurse Administrator MSN Specialization, and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) MSN Specialization. The Online MSN Nursing Curriculum at Queens requires for each specialization a set of core courses, which includes classes such as “Theoretical Foundations,” “Data Interpretations,” and “Health Policy,” and students can finish the program within two years. The three specialization options all feature specialized coursework that helps prepare students to successfully sit for their respective certification exams. All online classes are taught by the award-winning Queens Online MSN Faculty, who “act as mentors” in addition to providing rigorous coursework and who have an impressive array of collective experience. Current students and recent graduates provide MSN Program Testimonials to give prospective students a glimpse into the program, and the Queens Nursing Resource Center makes resources such as articles, student spotlights, and virtual open house information sessions available to assist students and those interested in the program.

Admissions website

Established as the Charlotte Female Institute in 1857, Queens University of Charlotte is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Men were first allowed to take classes in the 1940s, and the school became fully coeducational in 1987. The name changed several times through the years, and in 2002 when university status was granted, the school gained its current name. Nearly 50 academic degree programs are offered in the six schools and colleges that make up Queens, and over 2,500 students are enrolled at this private institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits Queens University.

#30. McKendree University

Online Master of Science in Nursing; Online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration

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Program Details: The McKendree University Division of Nursing in the School of Nursing & Health Professions provides three MSN specialty focus areas as well as a Dual MSN/MBA degree program online through McKendree Worldwide for convenience and flexibility. Students can opt between a focus in Nursing Education, Nursing Management/Administration, or Population Health (Palliative Care) to specialize their degree. The 60-hour online dual MSN/MBA degree program at McKendree is ideal for the  nurse who “desires to achieve an administrative role in health care” and offers classes, in addition to the MSN core, such as “Customers and Competitive Advantage,” “Stakeholder Management and Ethics,” and “Electronic Commerce.” The MSN core offers relevant coursework such as “Health Policy and Advocacy,” “Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Populations,” and “Health Promotion/Disease Prevention,” and each specialty track provides specific classes to enhance the chosen focus area. The CCNE-accredited MSN program faculty has experience in the field of nursing and teaching, and the McKendree Worldwide Online Student Resources offers services and support to help all online students find success in their program.

Admissions website

Both the oldest college in Illinois and the oldest in America to be continuously affiliated with the United Methodist Church, McKendree University was founded as the Lebanon Seminary in 1828. The Lebanon, Illinois institution of higher education welcomed 72 students in its first year. The first U.S.-born Methodist Bishop, William McKendree, became the namesake in 1830 when the school was renamed McKendree College, and university status was granted in 2007. Now nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in the academic degree programs offered by McKendree’s four schools and colleges, and this private university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#31. Sacred Heart University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Offering RN’s who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing an avenue to directly enter the CCNE-accredited program, Sacred Heart University’s Online MSN degree program is accessible completely online. The program can be completed in just two years, and requires either 36 or 39-credits hours (depending on specialization chosen). Students engage in core courses like “Theory and Professional Roles for Contemporary Nursing Practice” and choose from four Advanced Nursing Specializations (CNL, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, or FNP). The required practicum can be performed in the student’s area of residence, and understanding the need for flexibility and online convenience, Sacred Heart gives online MSN students up to six years to complete the program. All courses are taught by the same on-campus faculty, who have practiced clinically for many years and have participated in scholarly pursuits as well in order to strengthen their experience as professors. The program prepares graduates to sit for their certification exams and has many accolades–prospective students can read the SHU MSN Student Testimonials to learn more about the benefits of the program.

Admissions website

Sacred Heart University was established in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis as an institution open to all students regardless of sex, race or religion. The progressive university had less than 200 students in its first year, but has grown to become the second-largest Roman Catholic university in New England. Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sacred Heart offers more than 70 academic degree programs to 8,500 students through the seven schools and colleges that comprise the university. A private Catholic liberal arts school, Sacred Heart is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

#32. Jacksonville University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Jacksonville University Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences Keigwin School of Nursing presents a CCNE-accredited, fully online MSN degree program with three specialization options: Clinical Nurse Educator, Leadership in Healthcare Systems, or Informatics. The eighteen-credit hour MSN core includes classes such as “Organization, Delivery, and Policy in Healthcare,” “Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles,” and “Information Systems & Technology for Improved Healthcare.” The 33-credit hour MSN in Clinical Nurse Educator specialization provides the skills for RN’s to train other nurses as part of staff development or teach at the higher education level. The other tracks are both 30-credit hours; the Leadership in Healthcare System specialization provides a focus on Nursing Leadership and Management, and the MSN with a Specialization in Informatics offers coursework in “Law, Ethics and Public Issues in Healthcare Informatics” and “Data Analytics and Impact on Patient Care.” Graduates of all three specialization options will be able to pursue certification upon completion of their program. The MSN degree program has not just an experienced Keigwin School of Nursing faculty, but also a full Leadership Team to assure the quality of the program.

 Admissions website

Originally chartered as the junior college William J. Porter University in 1934, Jacksonville University (JU) went through several significant changes before gaining its current name in 1956 and becoming a full four-year institution in 1961. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the private non-profit university offers nearly 100 academic degree programs to 4,000 currently enrolled students. A member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), JU is comprised of four colleges and two academic institutes. This institution of higher education has been continuously regionally accredited since 1950 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#33. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Online Master of Science in Nursing Education

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Program Details: The CCNE-accredited College of Nursing provides the online UMass Amherst Master of Science in Nursing Education concentration (MS-NE) for currently licensed nurses who desire to “be a leader in nursing education in academia and practice.” A 33-credit hour MS-NE program, all coursework is offered entirely online with an in-residence practicum required, and students gain the skills to both train nursing students and “provide patient education in healthcare settings.” The UMass Amherst online MS-NE curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for Master’s Education standards, and includes courses such as “Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning,” “Curriculum Development & Evaluation Process,” and “Advanced Pharmacology,” and students can be confident they will be equipped to pursue NLN Nursing Education certification. The College of Nursing faculty have an impressive list of both academic and practice-based achievements to provide students with both practical and educational excellence. Online MS-NE students benefit both from the UMass Nursing resources and UMass Amherst office for Online Education resources, which include services such as one-on-one academic advising and professional development.

Admissions website

Begun as a land-grant institution, the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) started as the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1863 in Amherst, Massachusetts. Classes welcomed 56 all-male students in 1867, and women began being admitted in 1892. The name became the University of Massachusetts in 1947, and UMass Amherst is the flagship campus in the University of Massachusetts System. Over 30,000 students are currently enrolled in nearly 150 academic degree programs offered in the nine schools and colleges of this public research university with Highest Research Activity designation, and regional accreditation comes from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

#34. Samuel Merritt University

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

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Program Details: The CCNE-accredited School of Nursing at Samuel Merritt University offers the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track entirely online. Available for RN’s residing in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia (although authorization for other states may be in process—interested prospective students are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates), the entirely online coursework is coupled with three semesters of clinical practice (totaling 630 hours—and SMU helps with placement). The program provides a “thorough, rigorous 49-credit curriculum,” and students can finish in under two years on a full-time basis. Classes such as “Family Centered Advanced Practice Nursing,” “Health Protection, Promotion & Screening,” and “Analysis of Health Policy Issues” are taught in such a way as to place “an emphasis on meeting the needs of multicultural and underserved populations.” The SMU School of Nursing faculty are “distinguished scholars . . . who conduct research to advance their scientific fields” and pass that experience on to their students. Webinars providing information on the SMU online MSN-FNP program are provided.

Admissions website

Both Samuel Merritt Hospital and the Samuel Merritt School of Nursing opened in 1909 and are named in honor of famed Dr. Samuel Merritt. This was the beginning of what would become first Samuel Merritt College in 1981 and then Samuel Merritt University (SMU) in 2009. This private, degree-granting, health sciences institution of higher education was founded in Oakland, California, but has additional California campuses in Sacramento and San Mateo. Nearly 2,500 students are currently enrolled in the health science degrees offered through two schools and three departments of SMU. Regional accreditation for SMU comes from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

#35. University of West Georgia

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The University of West Georgia Tanner Health System School of Nursing provides the completely online MSN program through UWG Online. A 36-credit hour CCNE-accredited MSN program, tracks focusing on either Education or Health Systems Leadership are offered to customize the degree (within Health Systems Leadership students have additional opportunities to customize through either a focus on Leader/Manager or Clinical Nurse Leader). Students begin the program in the fall with an online orientation and finish in two to three years. Classes are varied, including topics like “Role of Caring Healthcare Professional,” “Curriculum Development in Nursing Education,” and “Epidemiology for Nursing Education and Practice,” and are taught by UWG Department of Nursing faculty, who are comprised of research and practice-based instructors. Additionally, both the Education and Health Systems Leadership focus area tracks are offered entirely online as CCNE-accredited, post-master’s certificate programs (the Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Systems Leadership offers both the Leader/Manager and the Clinical Nurse Leader tracks). Credit hour requirements range from thirteen to sixteen-credit hours, and students can transfer in up to six credit hours.

Admissions website

The University of West Georgia (UWG) was established as the Fourth District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1906 in Carrollton, Georgia. The school would transition into a junior college, a four year college (in 1957), and finally the university that it is today in 1996. Nearly 100 academic degree programs are offered through the seven colleges and schools of this public doctoral research university, and just under 14,000 students are currently enrolled. UWG is part of the University System of Georgia and regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#36. Old Dominion University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: ODU Online provides entirely online coursework for the CCNE-accredited MSN Nurse Administrator program. Housed in the Old Dominion University School of Nursing, the 36-credit hour MSN program can be completed in as few as five months on a full-time basis and can lead directly into ODU’s DNP program if students choose to continue their studies. Coursework is made up of relevant classes such as “Evidence-Based Research and Theories,” “Strategic Leadership,” and “Ethical Concepts and Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing.” The program promises “faculty committed to delivering high quality nursing education through the use of innovative teaching methods,” and resources are available for online students both through ODU Online and the School of Nursing (a particular benefit is the ODU School of Nursing Student Clinical Services Coordinator who helps Program Directors and students find the best fit for the student’s clinical practicum experience). The ODU School of Nursing also offers three other online MSN program tracks (with several additional specializations) as online programs with some on-campus requirements: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwifery.

Admissions website

Norfolk, Virginia’s Old Dominion University (ODU) had humble beginnings in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of The College of William and Mary. The extension center programs proved popular, and ODU became its own degree-granting, independent institution of higher education in 1962 and then gained university status in 1969. Over 200 academic degree programs are provided by this public research university to more than 24,000 enrolled students, and ODU has a Higher Research Activity designation in addition to being a space- and sea-grant school. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredits ODU.

#37. Ferris State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Ferris State University online MSN degree program, fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), is housed within the College of Health Professions School of Nursing and offered entirely online through Ferris Online. Two concentrations are provided with no on-campus requirements: Nursing Education and Nursing Administration (the Nursing Informatics concentration requires some on-campus courses offered by the College of Business). The 37-credit hour program starts with an orientation session (online students may access it virtually) and requires eighteen credit hours of core coursework, including classes such as “Introduction to Advanced Nursing Roles,” “Health Care Systems, Policy, & Advocacy,” and “Clinical Prevention & Population Health.” The remaining courses are determined by the student’s choice of concentration, and all students participate in two capstones: a practicum experience and final academic project. The Ferris MSN curriculum is aligned with the AACN Essentials of Master’s Education and includes the necessary competencies encouraged by the Institute of Medicine and QSEN. Students benefit from online resources, as well as from the highly skilled and caring Ferris School of Nursing faculty.

Admissions website

Ferris State University (Ferris) was established in 1884 in Big Rapids, Michigan by Woodbridge Nathan Ferris. Originally named the Big Rapids Industrial School, the institution would go through several name changes before becoming Ferris State College in 1963 and then gaining university status in 1987. Ferris became part of Michigan’s Higher Education System in 1950, and now this public university enrolls over 14,500 students, making it the ninth largest in the state. Eight colleges provide nearly 200 academic degree programs, and the Higher Learning Commission grants Ferris with regional accreditation.

#38. Herzing University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Herzing University provides their CCNE-accredited MSN degree program with entirely online coursework for RN’s who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students can choose from one of three specialty tracks: the Herzing Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program, Herzing’s MSN – Nursing Education program, or the Herzing MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration program. All three programs prepare students to sit for their certification exams, and the MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration curriculum is aligned with the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) core components. The MSN-FNP program requires 48-credit hours whereas the other two programs each require 36 hours. Another requirement of the MSN-FNP program is 675 clinical hours (for which practicum placement assistance is provided). A core curriculum is shared between all three, with courses such as “Health Policy and Management” and “Organizational Systems and Behaviors” taught by expert faculty members who provide individual attention and support. For nurses who already hold an MSN degree, additional online opportunities include Herzing’s post-master’s nursing certificate programs.

Admissions website

Initially a computer training institute, Herzing University was founded in 1965 by husband and wife team Henry and Suzanne Herzing. The original campus was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and now eleven campuses cover different parts of the U.S.—with corporate headquarters now located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (this is also where the online programs division is located). The school became Herzing College in 1996 and Herzing University in 2009, and gained non-profit status in 2015. Regional accreditation for Herzing is granted by the Higher Learning Commission.

#39. Nova Southeastern University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: NSU’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing offers a fully online, non-clinical MSN degree program (additionally offered is the MSN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse program, which is a hybrid online degree program requiring some on-campus residencies. Students of this program have several concentration choices).  The 36-credit hour MSN program offers students three non-clinical program tracks: Nursing Education, Executive Nurse Leadership, or Nursing Informatics. All three tracks begin with core courses such as “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention,” “Advanced Nurse Roles,” and “Evidence and Practice,” and they also require a practicum to complete the program. Ideal for nurses who want to advance in their career, “improve the practice of nursing, and support healthier communities,” NSU’s online MSN students will learn from the highly experienced and qualified faculty within the College of Nursing. The promise of successfully completing the program and achieving advancement is evidenced by spotlights on nursing alumni from the College of Nursing at NSU, and once prospective students enter the program the are surrounded by NSU Nursing resources and services.

Admissions website

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was established as the Nova University of Advanced Technology in in 1964. Thirty years later Nova merged with the Southeastern University of the Health Sciences to officially become NSU. An initial student enrollment of seventeen in 1964 has grown to a current enrollment of over 20,000 students, and more than 150 academic degree programs are provided through sixteen schools and colleges. Main campus is in Davie, Florida, and is joined by campuses across the state and in Puerto Rico. NSU has a High Research Activity designation, and regional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#40. Chatham University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: An entirely online, CCNE-accredited MSN degree program is available through Chatham University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). The MSN program is housed within the School of Health Sciences, and the three specialization tracks offered to students are in Nursing Leadership, Nursing Educator, and Nursing Informatics. The 33-credit hour “contemporary nursing curriculum” for the online MSN presents classes such as “Introduction to Organizational Leadership in Nursing” and “Health Assessment and Promotion Across the Lifespan” as part of the eighteen-hour core, and each track provides fifteen specialty track credits. All students complete the program with a practicum and a capstone, and are provided guidance as well as academic excellence throughout the program by the Chatham Nursing Faculty. The fast-paced MSN program begins each fall and students progress together as a cohort either as full-time or part-time students. Advisors and orientations help students get acclimated to the rigorous nature of the program, and the Chatham University SCPS Support & Resources (such as the Student Success Center and the University’s PACE Center) provides additional support.

Admissions website

Chatham University was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1869 as the Pennsylvania Female College. The first enrollment numbered over 100, and now the school has grown to become coeducational and has a student body of over 2,200. The name changed several times, becoming Chatham College in 1955 (named for William Pitt, First Earl of Chatham, who was also the namesake of Pittsburgh) and then Chatham University in 2007 when the school was granted university status. Over 60 academic degree programs are offered at this private institution of higher education, and regional accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#41. University of St. Francis

Online Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Administration

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Program Details: The fully online MSN in Nursing Administration (NUAD) degree program at the St. Francis Leach College of Nursing, a CCNE-accredited school, is ideal for RN’s who want to “ethically manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies.” The St. Francis MSN NUAD curriculum ranges from 36 to 45-credit hours, depending upon a student’s educational history and current goals (students entering the program who have already earned a MS in Health Administration degree receive twelve credits towards the degree, and students can opt for an additional nine-credit hours of optional education courses). The coursework includes the graduate core of classes such as “Advanced Practice Nursing: Roles and Issues” and “Evidence-Based Healthcare” with an advanced core of administration classes such as “Health Care Law and Compliance” and “Management & Human Resources of Health Care Organizations.” There are no clinical hour requirements, but a final capstone completes the degree for all students. USF offers other MSN tracks online with some on-campus requirements: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Nursing Educator.

Admissions website

The University of St. Francis was started by the congregants of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in Joliet, Illinois in 1920. Originally the Assisi Junior College, the school only admitted female members of the congregation. Within five years the school opened to all female students, and men were admitted when the school became coeducational in 1971. The name first changed to College of St. Francis in 1930, and again in 1998 when university status was granted. Nearly 4,000 students are currently enrolled in the four colleges of this Catholic, Franciscan university, and the Higher Learning Commission provides regional accreditation.

#42. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Online Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Advanced Population Health

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Program Details: Offering three “pathways” to enter into the online MS in Nursing degree program with a specialization focus in Advanced Population Health, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene provides many opportunities for “future leaders for population health nursing with a focus on Hawaii and the Pacific Region.” Students can begin the 30-39 credit hour program (the program is 30 credits but if students opt for a thesis it is an additional nine credits) as an RN with a bachelor’s or associate degree or as a non-nurse with a different undergraduate degree. Coursework is all offered online, and students complete their fieldwork and capstone within their own resident community. The UH Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene faculty have an impressive history of research and active practice (such as community disaster preparedness and response and global health initiatives), and the classes they teach (such as “Leadership, Role, Identity and Organizational/System Change,” “Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing,” and “Global Health”) provide a rigorous and relevant academic experience for students.

Admissions website

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) was founded in 1907, making it the oldest of the ten UH campuses. Located in the Mānoa Valley, UH Mānoa is also the flagship campus of the UH System. A land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant institution, UH Mānoa is a public doctoral research university with Very High Research Activity (as determined by the Carnegie Foundation). Over 17,000 students are currently enrolled in more than 240 academic degree programs offered through seventeen schools and colleges, and regional accreditation is granted by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

#43. Kennesaw State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Part of the MSN in Leadership in Nursing program at Kennesaw State, the CCNE-accredited Online MSN Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership track is a 40-credit hour program that can be completed in just fifteen months on a full-time basis. Located in the WellStar School of Nursing at KSU, the MSN in Nursing Administration degree program offers mostly asynchronous, entirely online coursework, in topics such as “Conflict Management & Ethics of Leadership for Advanced Practice Nursing” and “Global Initiatives in Healthcare, Changing World.” A 135-hour practicum is required within the student’s geographic location, but because the faculty and administrators are “committed to providing guidance and advisement through the academic process,” students feel fully supported. The faculty provide “innovative teaching and scholarship” to enhance the virtual learning atmosphere, and distance learning at KSU provides plenty of online student support and resources. Applying to the MSN program has become even more convenient—the WellStar School of Nursing recently did away with the GRE requirement, and up to nine credit hour may be transferred into the program.

Admissions website

Kennesaw State University (KSU) was founded as the Kennesaw Junior College in 1964 in Cobb County, Georgia with an initial enrollment of more than 1,000 students. Two campus locations in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia serve the more than 35,000 students currently enrolled. Over 150 academic degree programs are provided through the thirteen colleges, and KSU is classified as having Moderate Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation. A public research university and the third largest in the University System of Georgia, KSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#44. Indiana State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Indiana State University’s College of Health and Human Services offers an entirely online MSN degree with a Nursing Education concertation through the ACEN-accredited Department of Advanced Practice Nursing within the School of Nursing. The Indiana State Online MSN in Nursing Education degree offers students three culminating experience options (an Evidence Based Practice Course, Culminating Project, or Master’s Thesis), which determines the credit hour requirements of 37 or 40-credit hours. Classes such as “Nursing Theory Development,” “Measurement and Assessment in Nursing,” and “Advanced Pathophysiology” prepare students to meet the NLN certification competencies and are taught by “faculty who are leaders in nursing education, research, and community engagement.” Graduates of the Indiana State MSN in Nursing Education program sing the praises of the program, the faculty, and the curriculum, and current online learners reap the benefit of the ISU Online Students Service Concierge to help them succeed. Other resources include an online-accessible library, Career Center, Time Management Tools, and for prospective students who are considering the MSN program, an Online Education Readiness Quiz is made available.

Admissions website

The Indiana State Normal School was the first incarnation of Indiana State University. Established in 1865 as a teacher training school, the school in Terre Haute, Indiana opened for classes in 1870 to 23 students. Name changes occurred before the institution became Indiana State University in 1965 (Indiana State Teachers College in 1929, and then Indiana State College in 1961). A public doctoral research university, Indiana State offers almost 200 academic degree programs through seven colleges, and more than 13,500 students are currently enrolled. Regional accreditation for Indiana State is provided by the Higher Learning Commission.

#45. University of Arkansas

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The U of A Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, which is housed within the College of Education and Health Professions, provides an entirely online, CCNE-accredited MSN degree program. Offered through U of A Online, the online MSN with a Nurse Educator Concentration offers students both a 42-credit hour thesis option and a 39-credit hour non-thesis option (this option includes a project and final comprehensive exam). The U of A Online MSN-Nurse Educator degree program curriculum is sectioned into a graduate nursing core, a graduate clinical core, the nurse educator concentration core, and the thesis of scholarly project. A practicum experience is required, and students can arrange for it to be within their local communities. The award-winning Eleanor Mann School of Nursing faculty provides the rigorous online coursework but also “recognizes the uniqueness of individual students as adult learners and strives to provide flexible opportunities for learning.” All online MSN students are considered part of the U of A community, and U of A Online provides a myriad of student resources, services and opportunities to succeed.

Admissions website

Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas was established in 1871 as the Arkansas Industrial University. By 1899 the student body desired a name that better represented the expanded scope of the school, and the University of Arkansas (U of A) was chosen. Now over 27,000 students are enrolled in more than 200 academic degree programs offered through U of A’s eleven schools and colleges, and this land- and space-grant institution is also the flagship of the University of Arkansas System. This public doctoral research university is classified with Highest Research Activity, and regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

#46. Lewis University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Providing two online specialization options, the Lewis University College of Nursing and Health Professions offers RN’s a CCNE-accredited MSN degree that will help them advance in their career to become an “expert practitioner and innovative leader who will transform practice in an increasingly complex healthcare system.” Students can choose the 40-credit hour MSN in Nursing Education degree program, which offers specialty classes such as “Educational Theory and the Scholarship of Teaching” and “Role Transition for the Nurse Educator.” The 36-credit hour MSN in Healthcare Systems Leadership program provides specialty track classes like “Leadership Strategies for Administration and Nursing Practice” and “Financial Management for Nurse Leaders.” Both programs start with the MSN core courses, covering topics like “Applied Biostatistics for Advanced Nursing Practice” and “Healthcare Organizations, Systems, and Policy,” and the Lewis College of Nursing faculty all “have real world experience” and work with students individually to help them succeed. Online student resources start as early as the first inquiry—prospective students have available to them dedicated Graduate Admission Advisors, and that attention and care continues through to graduation.

Admissions website

Established in Romeoville, Illinois in 1932, Lewis University was begun as the Holy Name Technical School. The Chicago Archdiocese and Bishop Bernard J. Scheil founded the school to train young men in aviation technology, and Frank J. Lewis (a Catholic philanthropist) donated funding to help the school thrive. Renamed in his honor as Lewis College in 1948, university status was gained in 1973, and Lewis University is a coeducational private Roman Catholic with 6,500 currently enrolled students. The 410-acre campus is in the Chicago suburb of Romeoville, and over 115 academic degree programs are provided either on-campus and/or online. Lewis’ regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

#47. Drexel University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Drexel University Online presents an online MSN degree “designed to prepare nurses for leadership nursing positions in the rapidly growing and evolving healthcare landscape.” The Drexel Online MSN core curriculum offers fifteen-credit hours of coursework such as “Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care,” “Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments,” and “Research Methods and Biostatistics.” Located in the Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions, the program provides six specialty CCNE-accredited MSN concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader, Clinical Research, Leadership in Health Systems Management, Nursing Education, Nursing Innovation, and Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare. The Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty boast impressive and extensive research and practical experience that they pass on to their students. Some of the concentrations require a clinical practicum experience, whereas some require a final capstone project—the concentrations range in required credit hours as well. Drexel Online support is extensive for online students—with tutorials, resources, and services provided. Additionally, online MSN students whose concentration requires clinical hours will get assistance in placement.

Admissions website

Philanthropic banker Anthony Drexel founded the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1891, although classes would not start for the coeducational student body until 1919. This school would go on to become Drexel University, and the main campus is located in the Philadelphia neighborhood of University City. Almost 25,000 students are currently enrolled in more than 200 academic degree programs offered through Drexel’s fifteen schools and colleges, and this private research university (classified with Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation) is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#48. Appalachian State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: Appalachian State University’s online MSN program provides a concentration focus in Nursing Education and can be completed entirely online on a part-time basis in just two years. Located in the App State Department of Nursing within the Beaver College of Health Sciences and provided through App State Online, the 39-credit hour program curriculum is aligned with the core competencies found in The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Currently seeking CCNE accreditation, the online MSN program offers classes such as “Contemporary Issues in Nursing,” “Education Tests and Measurements in Nursing,” and “Educational Theories for Nursing Academic and Practice Settings,” as well as a research project, a clinical practicum, and a thesis. Ideal for nurses who desire to move in to “leadership roles as educators in a variety of complex academic or clinical environments,” current students of the MSN program give praise to the caring and supportive App State Department of Nursing faculty, who have extensive experience both in clinical and educational settings.

Admissions website

Founded in 1899, Appalachian State University (Appalachian or App State) was started as the teacher training school Watauga Academy. Established by the Dougherty brothers in Watauga County (now Boone, North Carolina), the school quickly grew to become the Appalachian Training School in 1903. Three more name changes through the years led to Appalachian State University in 1967, and in the early 1970s the school became part of the UNC System. Over 19,000 students are enrolled in 150 academic degree programs within the nine schools and colleges, and regional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#49. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences at UCCS provides an entirely online MSN degree with three Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialty focus options (the online MSN degree is not available in all states—students should check to make sure their state of residence is accepted). Students can choose between the 47-credit hour Primary Care Family NP, the 47-credit hour Primary Care Adult/Gero NP, and the 48-credit hour Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to customize their education—all three are CCNE-accredited. Core courses such as “Philosophical Foundations in Nursing Practice” and “Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics” are offered through Canvas, the online delivery system, and all students are required to participate in 630 contact hours of a clinical practicum. Students have up to six years to complete the degree, and student resources are provided to assist students both academically and professionally. The UCCS Beth-El College of Nursing faculty has a wide variety of experience, both clinical and scholarly, and students benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the College.

Admissions website

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) had its earliest beginnings as the Cragmor Sanitarium, which opened in 1905 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Many changes through the years would lead to the facility being purchased by the University of Colorado (UC) in the mid-1960s (extension classes had been offered by UC since the 1920s). The Colorado Springs Center of the University of Colorado would gain independence in 1972, and in 1974 the name became UCCS when the University of Colorado System reorganized. Over 70 academic degree programs are offered in six colleges to over 12,000 students, and regional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

#50. Vanderbilt University

Online Master of Science in Nursing

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Program Details: The Vanderbilt MSN in Nursing and Health Care Leadership (NHCL) degree program is new and all coursework will be offered entirely online in a part-time format to accommodate working nurses. Known as the Vanderbilt Master of Science in Nursing degree in the Nursing and Health Care Leadership Program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, the MSN NHCL degree joins several other specialty tracks, and online students will reap the benefits of the prestigious school’s faculty expertise. The 39-credit hour program is accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), and begins with an on-campus orientation (there may be other on-campus requirements periodically). A clinical placement is an expected requirement, and students receive assistance in finding a practicum site within their local community from both the Vanderbilt School of Nursing faculty and the Clinical Placement staff. The faculty of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing (VUSN) are involved in cutting edge research and practice, and will prepare students to “manage and lead the delivery of nursing and health care services across multiple settings and specialty areas.”

Admissions website

In 1873, “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, who resided in New York and had never been to the South, donated $1 million to endow a university in Nashville, Tennessee in order to try to heal some of the divisions amplified by the Civil War. Originally imagined as The Central University of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the school was named Vanderbilt University in honor of The Commodore. Ten schools and colleges comprise the university, and nearly 12,000 students are currently enrolled at this private research institution. Classified by the Carnegie Foundation with Very High Research Activity, Vanderbilt is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Public health professionals make the world a healthier and safer place.

This is a profession focuses on minute details and global issues. People who work in Public Health examine the causes of diseases and accidents. They also research the failing health of communities. This can prevent diminished livelihood and improve quality of life.

You’ll need a Master’s degree in Public Health to work in this field. The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs. Potential students have many solid online programs to choose from.

The GRE is a common part of the admissions process. But what if you don’t want to take an entrance exam like the GRE to get into online MPH programs? You’re in luck! This list provides excellent options for online MPH programs no GRE.

Quick Links to Our Top 10 Online MPH Programs

1. Northern Illinois University
2. University of New England
3. A.T. Still University
4. New York Medical College
5. University of San Francisco
6. California State University, Northridge
7. University of Vermont
8. Emory University
9. National University
10. Des Moines University

Master of Public Health Programs Without a GRE Requirement

Picture this. You are ready to fill out the application to the school of your choice. You realize you don’t have a standard piece of many Master-level programs—the GRE. No worries!

Many schools with online master’s programs no longer ask for GRE scores. Some offer waivers.  GRE scores are no longer a condition of admission. Schools look at a broader base of qualifications for admission into their online MPH programs. These include things like:

• Undergraduate GPA
• Other earned Master’s degrees
• Professional work experience

Just to name a few!

Read on to examine our list of some of the best online MPH degree programs. These are programs that waive or do not require the GRE.

Already have GRE scores or desire a larger pool of exceptional online MPH programs (some of which ask for the GRE)? Check out this list of the Best Online Master of Public Health Degree Programs.

Suppose you pursue one of these degrees in public health. In that case, you might pursue careers in several areas, including:

• Public health practice
• Public health education
• Community health
• Certified health education specialist

You might design public health programs or drive public health policy. You could work to diminish public health disparities. You could even concentrate on occupational health.

See Also: 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs

Methodology for Ranking the Best Online MPB Programs No GRE

Our goal? To provide a clear list of the best online No-GRE MPH degree programs. We looked for programs that stated that GRE scores are needed for admission. We also looked at ones that had GRE waivers under certain admissions criteria.

In order to do this and to determine other important ranking factors, we examined school websites. We also looked at other available sources such as U.S. News and World Report and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Here is the list of criteria that guided our rankings:

• Recognition (25%): Ranking among national recognized sources such as U.S. News and World Report
• Program Accreditation (25%): Accredited by CEPH, the leading accrediting body for MPH degree programs
• Flexibility/Affordability (25%): Extent that the program is 100% online and average out-of-state tuition per credit hour
• Application Simplicity (25%): Ease of GRE waiver and/or lack of requirement

See Also: Top 50 Highest Paying Masters Degrees

#1. Northern Illinois University Master of Public Health Degree Program

Northern Illinois State Normal School opened as Northern Illinois University (NIU). The campus covers 755 acres. More than 19,000 students are enrolled in this public research university. More than 120 academic degree programs are available through the seven colleges and online programs. The Higher Learning Commission provides full regional accreditation.

Details About This Program

The online MPH degree program at NIU’s School of Health Studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences utilizes a “multidisciplinary, collaborative approach that employs the latest research” in order to provide a comprehensive and relevant degree. Health Promotion or Health Services Management are the two specialization options for this program. Both can lead to specific licensure or certification. The credit hours for graduation range between 43 and 52 depending upon specialization choice and following the thesis or non-thesis track. Eight core courses include classes such as:

• Problems and Issues in Environmental Health
• Biostatistics in Public Health
• Community Health Planning

Students of the program praise it as a “an excellent, well-designed learning experience.”  Faculty mentors and program advisors offer both support and guidance to the online MPH student. The program takes two years. Students have up to six years if needed. The GRE is not needed for admission. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

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

#2. University of New England Public Health Program

Three independent institutions of higher education spanning over a century of educational history came together to form the University of New England (UNE). This private university serves over 13,500 students with more than 70 academic degree programs across five colleges. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education provides regional accreditation.

Details About This Program

UNE offers the only accredited online MPH degree program in the state. This is one of the best public health programs in the country. UNE Online provides a  online MPH that is “accessible anywhere there is a computer, and welcomes both adult learners and traditional students.” Twenty-five core credits combine with the student’s choice of twenty-one credits of electives to construct the 46-credit hour base. Classes cover topics such as :

• Public Health Law, and Ethics
• Principles of Public Health
• Social and Behavioral Health

In addition, there is a four-credit “Integrated Public Health Practicum.” This allows students to gain practical, real-world experience. This is done through an internship in their own communities. MPH students are supported at UNE through every step. Enrollment Counselors are on hand to assist with the application. Student Support Specialists are assigned to each student to help with the logistics of online programs. The UNE’s Student Association for Public Health keeps students abreast of the latest Public Health news. No GRE is needed for the application. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#3. A.T. Still University Master of Public Health Degree Program

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still founded the American School of Osteopathy (ASO) in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892. Five women and sixteen men were his first students. Now, this private, graduate-level non-profit institution is known as A.T. Still University (ATSU). It serves over 5,000 students. There are thirty degrees throughout the six schools. ATSU has full regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

Details About This Program

You’ll find another one of the best MPH programs at A.T. Still University. It is ideal for individuals who are “driven to make a difference and lead the future of healthcare,” ATSU’s College of Graduate Health Studies offers a comprehensive 64-credit hour online MPH degree program. Faculty in this healthy policy program are at the top of the field. All public health professors hold doctoral degrees provide rigorous classes on topics such as :

• Leading Healthcare Organizations
• Fundamentals of Research in Public Health
• Death and Dying, Life and Living

There is a six-credit-hour practicum. In it, students perform 240 supervised contact hours in a public health field experience. ATSU offers student services for online students. It also provides assistance both to prospective students and alumni. Before you apply, you can participate in an online MPH demo course. This is done to assess their readiness for ATSU’s exceptional program. For graduates of the program, ATSU provides extensive alumni services. These range from job assistance to continuing education to an ambassador program. There is no GRE needed. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#4. New York Medical College Public Health Program

New York Medical College (NYMC)opened in 1860 as the Homeopathic Medical College of the State of New York. The original student body in 1860 had 59 students. Now 1,500 students study in 28 academic degree programs. In 2011, NYMC joined the Touro College and University System. It has regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Details About This Program

You will get a quality global public health education  if you choose to study in the MPH programs at New York Medical College. This program has start times in the fall, spring and summer. The MPH degree program through the NYMC School of Health Sciences and Practice provides convenience. It prepares students “to preserve, protect, and improve the health of individuals, families and communities.” This is through education, investigation, practice and service.” It offers three specializations online. These are:

• Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion
• Environmental Health Science
• Health Policy and Management

Students have the opportunity to customize the 46-credit hour degree. They can take cutting-edge classes like:

• Principles and Techniques of Behavior Change
• Health Communication in the Age of Social Media
• Stress and Health

You might also be able to explore topics related to:

• Environmental and occupational health
• Public health practice
• Health policy
• Environmental health sciences

Core courses cover topics like:

• Health care in the U.S.
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Social factors and environmental influences on public and human health

Electives along with a Culminating Experience follow these. There is also a Comprehensive Exam to complete the degree. GRE scores are not needed for admission. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#5. University of San Francisco Master of Public Health Degree Program

This school first opened as the St. Ignatius Academy in the mid-1800s in California. The University of San Francisco had a strong Jesuit tradition from the start. The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition. It offers five schools and colleges to the 11,000  enrolled students. 

Details About This Program

This public health degree is located in USF’s School of Nursing and Health Professions. The online MPH degree is designed for students who desire to better the world. This can be done by advancing “public health, social justice, and well being.” The interprofessional, 45-credit hour degree program structures students together in a cohort. It takes two years. Core classes include:

• Communicating for Healthy Behavior and Social Change
• Social Justice, Health Policy, Ethics, and Public Health Law
• Epidemiology

Elective choices cover topics ranging from

• Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
• Disaster Preparation and Response
• Adolescent Health

Online students must complete two out of three residencies. These can be attended on campus or in a virtual format through webinars. A 300-hour Fieldwork Placement is needed. Fieldwork Coordinators help guide students to find the best organizational fit for their academic and professional goals. No GRE is needed for admission. You can use your education at USF to become a public health professional like a certified health education specialist.

Admissions website

#6. California State University, Northridge Public Health Program

The school opened in 1958. It became California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 1972. This public university is the largest in terms of enrollment of the 23-campus California State University system. It has a student body of over 41,000. There are more than 200 academic degree programs  in nine colleges. This is on the 350-plus suburban campus and in the online programs. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges grants CSUN with its regional accreditation.

Details About This Program

Looking for an MPH without GRE scores? The MPH programs at Cal State should be at the top of your list. The College of Health and Human Development and the Tseng College offer this degree. CSUN’s online MPH degree is a seven-term program that is ideal for both experienced and novice public health professionals. It requires 42-credit hours. This is average for a public health online program. The curriculum is guided by “professional preparation.” It is founded on the essential areas in public health:

• Biostatistics
• Environmental health
• Community health
• Epidemiology
• Global public health
• Occupational health
• Health policy and management
• Social and behavioral science

Students begin the online MPH programs as a cohort. They proceed through the coursework in a set course together to finish in two years. Classes are taught by the experienced and dedicated MPH faculty Classes cover subject areas such as:

• Environmental Health
• Cultural Issues in Health Care
• Administration, Supervision and Consultation in Health Education

A supervised “Field Training” practicum experience requiring 300 contact hours and a final Comprehensive Exam are needed for graduation. The GRE is not needed if the undergraduate cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#7. University of Vermont Master of Public Health Degree Program

The year 1791 was historic for Vermont. It became the 14^th state in the union. Plus, the University of Vermont (UVM) opened. After the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862, UVM became Vermont’s first land-grant school. It became a public university  renamed “The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College.” About12,000 students now study in the ten schools and colleges on the 450-acre campus and in its online programs. Regional accreditation is provided by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Details About This Program

This program has a curriculum designed in relationship with the Larner College of Medicine. UVM’s online MPH degree program “helps students explore timely public health and policy issues while providing a strong foundation in population health sciences.” It is a Generalist degree. The 42-credit hour program has an accelerated fourteen months or two years. However, students are allowed up to five years as needed. Core coursework covers the most relevant MPH foundations of:

• Behavioral Science/Health Education
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
•  Health Services Administration

Electives can be chosen from a selection of subjects such as:

• Health Economics
• Public Health and Food Systems
• Health Care Law & Ethics

A Culminating Capstone Project Experience can be local to the student. Dedicated MPH Advisors provide academic and professional guidance throughout the program. They ensure that online students are provided the support they need. Financial aid is available. GRE test scores are not needed for admission. Pursuing CEPH accreditation

Admissions website

#8. Emory University Public Health Program

Emory College opened in Oxford, Georgia by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1836. Its name is in honor of Methodist Bishop John Emory. Eleven schools and colleges enroll more than 15,000 students. Emory has regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Details About This Program

This program is designed for Public Health professionals who have been working in the field for three or more years. The Executive MPH (EMPH) degree program through Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health is a “a truly interactive program.” It is a hybrid program requiring two three-day on-campus residencies a semester. There is one at the beginning and one at the end. Students get to form close professional ties with both their fellow students and the Rollins faculty. The 42-hour curriculum is made up of core classes such as:

• Social Behavior in Public Health
• Fundamentals of Epidemiology
• Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System

Three concentration tracks are available:

• Applied Epidemiology
• Applied Public Health Informatics
• Prevention Science

All students engage in a 200-400 contact-hour practicum experience. EMPH students are only admitted in the fall. The program takes about two years. GRE test scores are needed for the Applied Epidemiology track (online masters in epidemiology no GRE).  CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#9. National University Master of Public Health Degree Program

National University (NU) opened in 1972 to 27 students. It had night and weekend classes leading to relevant and applicable degrees. With 25,000 students, NU is now a private not-for-profit institution of higher education. It has headquarters located in La Jolla, California. There are multiple campus sites across California and Nevada. It also has a strong online presence. National University has had continuous regional accreditation since 1977 (just five years after classes began). This is granted by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Details About This Program

National’s online MPH degree program is in the School of Health and Human Services department of Community Health. This is one of the best MPH without GRE requirements. It involves “multidisciplinary and collaborative strategies for solving health-related problems and promoting social justice.” The program is comprised of 72 quarter units. It  includes core courses such as:

• Theories of Health Behavior
• U.S. Healthcare System

Students choose between one of three specializations:

• Health Promotion
• Healthcare Administration
• Mental Health

They can also choose between a Global Health Experience or an internship and capstone. The Global option allows students to “experience a host country’s healthcare, economic, political, legal, and cultural environment.” The Public Health Internship has at least 120 supervised contact hours over two months. The Public Health Capstone entails a two-month experience. This is a “project focused on a relevant problem in public health theory or practice.” Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 2.50 may be asked to submit GRE scores. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#10. Des Moines University Public Health Program

Des Moines University began as the Dr. S.S. Still College of Osteopathy in 1898. Dr. Summerfield Saunders Still and his wife, Dr. Ella Still, established it. Women were treated as equal students at the school. The school grew and moved several times before being renamed Des Moines University (DMU) in 1999. There are nine academic graduate-level or doctoral degree programs and 2,000 enrolled students. It is the second oldest osteopathic medical college in the nation. There are just over 14,000 alumni. The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits DMU. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Details About This Program

The College of Health Sciences at DMU offers an online MPH degree program. This is another one of the best MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores. It has a goal to “provide an excellent, competency-based, interdisciplinary education that prepares public health leaders who preserve and promote health in our global community.” The 46-credit hour program provides three concentration areas in:

• General Public Health
• Health Service Management
• Health Promotion

Courses include:

• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Occupational and Environmental Health
• Public Health Administration and Management

Electives are varied (which is typical of a public health online program) and cover areas like:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals
• Maternal and Child Health

Students participate in an internship requiring 180 contact hours. They finish the degree with a culminating Capstone project. Online students are supported. This starts with an admission staff team to assist prospective students. It continues with faculty members who offer the benefit of their professional experience. Applicants who have already earned an advanced degree are exempt from the GRE. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#11. Creighton University Master of Public Health Degree Program

This school opened as Creighton College by the Society of Jesus. This was done with a bequeathed gift from Mary Lucretia Creighton. Creighton University had its beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska in the late 1800s. The name came from Mrs. Creighton’s husband Edward. Her brother-in-law John ran the school before the Jesuits and opened to 120 students in 1878. This private coeducational Jesuit Roman Catholic university is one of the 28 members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Details About This Program

Creighton University’s MPH online no GRE is aligned with the school’s “Catholic, Jesuit values of social justice and service to others.” It is a 44-credit-hour program. It provides two “service-oriented concentrations” in Health Policy & Ethics or Healthcare Management. Students take core classes in subjects like:

• Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health
• Public Health Ethics

Students engage in both a Pre-Practicum Preparation course and a Practice Experience.  This is done to get real-world contact hours and application. A final Capstone project combines everything the student has learned and experienced into an academic assignment. This is to be presented to the student’s peers and the MPH faculty. In addition, resources, academic articles, and research studies are provided to online MPH students. This is to help enrich their academic experience. It can also better prepare them for a career in the field. The GRE is not needed for admission. Pursuing CEPH accreditation

Faculty mentors

#12. University of Nevada, Reno Public Health Program

This school opened as part of the Morrill Act of 1862. The University of Nevada, Reno began as the State University of Nevada. It opened in Elko, Nevada in 1874. Most of the state’s population lived in and around Reno and Carson City. The Nevada legislature moved the school to Reno in 1885. This public coeducational university has high research activity (as recognized by the Carnegie Foundation). It has had regional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1938.

Details About This Program

This online MPH no GRE program has a goal of teaching “public health practitioners how to look beyond just physical health and consider environmental, economic and sociological factors”. This is done to assess the full impact on the health and happiness of various populations. The online MPH program through Nevada’s School of Community Health Sciences is comprehensive. The online MPH in Public Health Practice concentration has multiple start dates a year. It takes two years. The 45-credit hour program provides foundational core courses. It also has specialized courses in topics like:

• Public Health Law
• Epidemiological Surveillance
• Health Services Finance

An MPH Capstone and a Practicum field study experience are also needed for graduation. An emphasis on the values of excellence, inclusiveness, integrity and collaboration inform the program. A collection of resources and webinars is available to assist online MPH students. GRE scores may be needed for applicants who have not worked for three or more years in a health care setting. CEPH accredited

#13. Walden University Master of Public Health Degree Program

Walden has an enrollment of 57,000 online students and representation from over 150 countries. It has five colleges offering online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is a for-profit Public Benefit Corporation. Walden has a mission of providing students “with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change.” Regional accreditation has been awarded by the Higher Learning Commission since 1990.

Details About This Program

Walden’s online MPH degree program seeks to create “healthy communities through positive social change.” It includes 64 quarter credits. Students can transfer in up to 32 credits towards the master’s in public health degree. The sequential coursework consists of:

• One foundation course (“Perspectives of Health and the Developing Scholar-Practitioner”)
• Core courses (such as “Biological Foundations of Public Health” and “Socioecological Perspectives on Health”)
• A practicum and Capstone
• An ePortfolio

It is guided by a set of core values. These include “quality, professional integrity, student-centeredness, respectful engagement, cultural sensitivity, effective leadership, collaboration, social justice, and responsibility for positive social change.” Walden utilizes its emphasis on the Scholar-Practitioner model that is threaded throughout the entire school. For Walden, the intent is to graduate professionals who can “bridge the gap between academia and the real world, blending academic research with practical application to solve complex problems in their profession.” The GRE is not listed for admission. Pursuing CEPH accreditation

Admissions website

#14. Medical College of Wisconsin Public Health Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin merged from two independent medical schools. Both schools, Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Milwaukee Medical College, began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Several new campuses opened in the 2000s. The school boasts an alumni network of more than 16,000. The Higher Learning Commission grants regional accreditation, and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education also accredits MCW.

Details About This Program

This program is online through MCW’s Institute for Health and Equity. The online MPH program has embraced methodologies central “to the learning styles of active, self-motivated adult learners, making formal graduate education a reality for practicing professionals.” It includes 42-credit hours. One concentration is in Public Health Practice. This instructs students to:

• Excel at assessing the health of different communities and cultures
• Work towards creating plans that will improve society’s quality of life
• Perform the pertinent evaluations to gauge the difference they made

Core courses cover topics like:

• Principles of Epidemiology
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Ethical Issues in Public Health
• Community Health Assessment and Improvement

Students choose from a variety of electives. All students must participate in both a Field Placement and Capstone Project to complete the degree. Applicants who already possess a terminal degree may submit a waiver request to exempt them from the GRE component. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#15. University of Montana Master of Public Health Degree Program

Just four years after Montana gained statehood in 1889, the University of Montana chartered for the city of Missoula. It sits at the foot of Mount Sentinel. The main campus of the University of Montana (UM) encompasses over 230 total acres along with the South Campus. It is the second largest university in the Montana University System. UM serves as the flagship campus of the four-school system. There are eleven colleges and schools. These provide academic programs to the 13,000 enrolled students. Financial aid is available. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities offers regional accreditation to this public coeducational research university.

Details About This Program

The online MPH is housed within the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences’ School of Public and Community Health Sciences. This master’s in public health degree takes two to three and a half years. It has 42-credit hours. The mission of the master’s in public health degree program is to provide quality distance education to “prepare public health practitioners who will use global insight to improve the health of the people of Montana and other rural areas.” The MPH curriculum comprises core coursework, electives, and nine culminating credit hours in the form of a Capstone. The Capstone has a practicum of 160 contact hours. There is a professional paper and a comprehensive portfolio.

A Master in Public Health degree with a concentration in Community Health and Prevention Sciences (MPH-CHPS) is also available as a hybrid degree program. Some courses are only available on-campus. GRE scores are waived for applicants with a previous terminal degree. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#16. University of South Florida Public Health Program

This school is the first independent state university that was devised, designed, and constructed in the 1900s. The University of South Florida (USF) originated with the 1955 passage of a Florida House Bill. This created a state university in the Hillsborough County area. The campus is located on the former Henderson Air Field airstrip just north of Tampa. It now encompasses 2,000 acres. More than 50,000 students are enrolled across all three campuses. Fourteen colleges offer over 100 academic degree programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges provides USF with regional accreditation.

Details About This Program

The MPH degree program at the USF College of Public Health provides a multitude of online concentration options. It is all online. Students can choose to customize their MPH degree in:

• Social Marketing
• Nutrition and Dietetics (only available for applicants who have practiced as a registered dietician for two years or who are participating in an ACEND accredited dietetic internship)
• Health, Safety, & Environment
• Epidemiology
• Global Disaster Management
• Humanitarian Relief & Homeland Security
• Infection Control
• Public Health Practice

You’ll complete 42 credit hours but some concentrations require more. Core courses for all concentrations cover topics like “History & Systems of Public Health.” You’ll also complete an Integrated Learning Experience and a final Comprehensive Exam. There are thirteen online MPH graduate certificates. These are for prospective students who don’t desire a full graduate degree. Applicants with terminal or advanced professional degrees and who also have obtained individual licensure may request a GRE Waiver. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#17. University at Albany SUNY Master of Public Health Degree Program

This is a comprehensive public research university. The University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors. There are also 125 masters, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs. The curriculum is enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities. UAlbany launches great careers. Regional accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Details About This Program

UAlbany’s online MPH degree is a part-time program. It is presented through the School of Public Health. The 51-credit-hour online program provides a concentration in Public Health Practice. Online MPH students acquire the “skills and attributes associated with effective public health leadership.” Coursework covers core MPH disciplines. Plus you’ll cover topics like:

• Public Health Leadership
• Program Evaluation
• Program Development in Health Promotion

Courses are on Blackboard. The program takes three years, on average. All students are supplied with a faculty advisor who can help them navigate the MPH program. Nine credits of practice-based internships are an integral component of the master’s in public health degree. These are for students to gain practical application of course concepts.  Students who enter the program with previous public health work experience may be eligible to waive up to 6 internship credits.  Applicants who completed an advanced degree (master’s or doctoral level) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may request a GRE waiver. Students who complete UAlbany’s online Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals and Principles program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 can also waive the GRE.  MCAT, GMAT. PCAT, DAT and LSAT scores are also accepted in lieu of the GRE.  CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#18. Benedictine University Public Health Program

This school was first named St. Procopius College. It opened to educate young men who were or were descended from Czech or Slovakian parentage. Benedictine University was chartered by Benedictine monks in 1887. The monks were part of the St. Procopius Abbey of Chicago, Illinois. They opened the school in the suburb of Lisle. In 1971 the name changed to Illinois Benedictine College in honor of St. Benedict. It then changed again in 1996 to Benedictine University (BenU). There are over 80 academic degree programs. There are 10,000 students enrolled. It is a private Roman Catholic university. The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits benU.

Details About This Program

The online MPH program at BenU is a 58-credit-hour program that takes two years. Students can participate in additional certificate options to provide further specialization in:

• Health Management and Policy
• Emergency Preparedness
• Health Education and Promotion
• Epidemiology

Foundational courses comprise 46 credits. They cover topics like:

• Health Policy
• Biological Aspects of Public Health
• Environmental Health

An internship/capstone course satisfies six-credit hours. It must provide at least 240 supervised contact hours in a public health agency. The MPH faculty are practitioners and experts in the field. They “will pass on their knowledge of public health” and cultivate the student’s expertise. Resources are abundant for the online MPH student. They provide guidance in, among other topics:

• Public Health theory
• Practice
• Careers
• Online learning

Applicants can request a GRE waiver if they possess an advanced master’s in public health degree. They may also be able to request a waiver if their undergraduate GPA is satisfactory. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#19. University of Arizona Master of Public Health Degree Program

The Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862 enabled the Arizona Territory to establish a university for the area. The federal act provided the funding for schools through the selling of federal lands. The Arizona legislature chartered the University of Arizona in 1885. The first classes welcomed 32 students. Now over 42,000 students study more than 350 academic degree programs. This is in the nineteen colleges and schools of Arizona. The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits the University of Arizona.

Details About This Program

The MPH degree through the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at AU provides students with three 100%-online concentrations:

• Applied Epidemiology
• Health Services Administration
• Health Promotion

The concentration coursework comprises 50% of the 42-credit hour curriculum. The master’s in public health degree degree takes two years. Classes include:

• “Basic Principles of Epidemiology”
• “Biostatistics in Public Health”

This allows students to acquire the foundations before pursuing their concentration area courses. You’ll complete a Master’s Report internship over the last three semesters. This can be in your home location. In addition, AU provides online MPH students the same benefits as on-campus students by providing support and resources throughout the program. The GRE is waived for all applicants to the Health Services Administration concentration. It is also waived for applicants to the Health Promotion concentration who possess five-plus years of public health professional experience. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#20. University of North Dakota Public Health Program

When North Dakota was still a territory, there was a desire for a university with a distinct and unique (for that time) focus on liberal arts. The University of North Dakota (UND) opened by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in Grand Forks in 1883. This was six years before it joined the union. The school thrived. Now almost 15,000 students engage in 224 fields of study. It is the oldest university in the state. UND has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Details About This Program

The MPH degree program is in the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. It trains students to become “public health professionals who can transform data into information for decision-making.” All classes in the 42-credit hour program are presented in the evening on-campus. They are available to distance learners through a live broadcast. Students take core courses in topics like:

• Leading and Managing Public Health Systems
• Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

They choose between a specialization in Population Health Analytics or Health Management & Policy. A field placement practicum and a culminating project complete the master’s in public health degree. This can be finished in just eighteen months. Students have up to seven years if needed. Applicants with an advanced degree from an accredited university in the United States or Canada do not need to take the GRE. Nor do applicants with five years of professional, relevant public health experience. CEPH accredited

Admissions website

#21. Azusa Pacific University Master of Public Health Degree Program

Azusa Pacific University opened in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers. It was the very first Bible College of the West. It is located in Whittier, California. Classes began in a local home for twelve students. This school combined with others. It moved locations several times before becoming a full degree-granting institution in 1939. It set up a permanent campus in Azusa, California. This was in 1946. Regional accreditation for APU comes from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program Details

The 42-credit-hour MPH degree program is 100% online. This is through APU’s University College. Core courses include:

• Health Care Policy, Law, and Society
• Environmental Health
• Sexuality, Gender, and Public Health

Students choose one of three emphasis areas:

• Epidemiology
• Health Education/Behavioral Science
• Health Services Administration

A final Public Health Practicum allows students to practice and apply the theory and concepts they’ve learned in their coursework. There are “success coaches” to support students through their academic journey. There are also many other resources. For instance, there is a Career and Vocation Center. This highlights the spiritual fulfillment aspect of educational pursuits. APU’s University College helps online learners achieve success. The GRE is not listed as part of the application. Aligned with the competencies set forth by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)

Admissions website

#22. Liberty University Public Health Program

Liberty University began as Lynchburg Baptist College. This was in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1971. It is the largest Christian institution of higher education. Liberty enrolls over 15,000 residential students and 110,000 students online. It is a non-profit, Christian University. Liberty has seventeen schools and colleges. These offer more than 600 academic degree programs. Liberty’s regional accreditation is from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This has been since 1980.

Details About This Program

The online MPH is part of Liberty Online through the School of Health Sciences. This online MPH degree program equips students to understand “the leading health problems.” It also helps them to create strategies to address those issues. It has 42-credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer in up to 21 credit hours towards the master’s in public health degree degree. Core coursework includes:

• Biostatistics
• Principles in Epidemiology

There are also specializations in:

• Global Health
• Health Promotion
• Nutrition

These offer curricular focus on topics like:

• Cultural Aspects of Health Behavior
• Health Agency Management
• Nutrition and Chronic Disease

You’ll complete a Practicum course. All students must complete a minimum of 120 contact hours with a public health organization or agency. Students can begin the program at eight different start dates each year. Classes are presented in an asynchronous format. The GRE is not listed as part of the admission process.

Admissions website

#23. Southern New Hampshire University Master of Public Health Degree Program

Married couple Harry A.B. Shapiro and Gertrude Crockett Shapiro established the predecessor of Southern New Hampshire University in 1932. It is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science was a for-profit business school. It expanded in size and programmatic offerings. It became a not-for-profit in 1968. This was also when it moved to its current campus location. It has 300 acres on the border of the towns of Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. It is now known as Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The school offers six schools and colleges. It has a strong online education presence. On-campus students make up about 5,000 of the total enrollment of 80,000 students enrolled. More than 75,000 students engage in SNHU’s distance education programs. SNHU is a private, coeducational nonsectarian university. Its regional accreditation comes from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Details About This Program

SNHU’s online Master of Science in Public Health degree is a “purpose-built program.” It helps students address “the root instead of the branches of some of the keynote health challenges” of today. The program has:

• Eight core courses
• A Public Health Capstone practicum
• Three elective classes chosen from catalogue offerings in Healthcare Management, Integrated Health Management, or Public Health

There’s also an optional concentration in Global Health. Students choosing to pursue the concentration take global-focused courses such as:

• Population-Based Epidemiology
• Global Health Policy, Practice, and Partnerships
• Principles of Global Health

Students can complete the master’s in public health degree in just fifteen months. This can be done by enrolling in two classes during each ten-week term. Online programming at SNHU is integral to the school. The level of support for online students is exceptional. GRE scores are not needed. Core coursework aligns with competencies defined by ASPPH and the CEPH

Admissions website

#24.The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Public Health Program

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP or “The Chicago School”) opened in 1979 by a collection of psychologists. They had the idea to offer professional training in a not-for-profit institution. TCSPP has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission since 2011.

Details About This Program

The MPH degree program is all online. It is also at the L.A. campus location of The Chicago School. The 42-credit hour curriculum provides a solid base of 27 core credits. Class topics include:

• Healthcare Access and U.S. Payment Systems
• Public Health Law, Regulation, and Ethics
• Principles and Methods of Biostatistics

Students take three elective courses to customize the master’s in public health degree. There are two concentrations in the online MPH no GRE:

• Mental & Behavioral Aspects of Public Health
• Public Policy Development & Advocacy

Two Fieldwork Seminars are included. Students work in a public health internship setting to get real-world experience. A Capstone research paper culminates the degree. This is a full-time program that takes 27 months. The Chicago School’s “online Global Student Dashboard” provides students with all the pieces to have a successful online academic experience. The GRE is not part of admission. Pursuing CEPH accreditation

Admissions website

#25. Salus University Master Of Public Health (MPH) In Health Promotion And Behavioral Science

Salus University started as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in 1919. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher education focusing on optometry. The school opened during the annual conference of the Pennsylvania Optical Society in 1918. The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools provides Salus with regional accreditation.

Details About This Program

Last but not least on our list of MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores is Salus. This program is a collaboration between the Salus University and Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences partnership (called the Mid-Atlantic Consortium of the Master of Public Health). The online MPH degree program is ideal for “for deeply motivated and intellectually curious individuals who seek the strategic skills necessary to advance the health and well-being of the public worldwide.” It has 42-credit hours. Students complete the program on a part-time basis. They are allowed up to five years to finish. The curriculum covers core subjects such as:

• Cost Effective Analysis in Health Care
• Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
• Introduction to Bioterrorism

Electives include:

• Health and Human Rights
• Epidemiologic Study Design and Grant Writing
• Improve Quality and Manage Costs

Two certificate options are also available: Health Policy and Humanitarian Healthcare. An Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience culminate the degree. The GRE is not needed for acceptance into the MPH programs.

Admissions website

Online MPH Programs No GRE FAQ

How to choose an online MPH – no GRE required?

When you’re looking for a master’s in public health online no GRE, there are a few things to consider for the best possible public health education.

First, what are the qualifications of the faculty? Do they hold advanced degrees in their respective fields?

Will you be able to work one-on-one with these instructors? How big are the class sizes? Will you have opportunities for hands-on learning?

Whether you’re looking at MPH online programs no GRE or on-campus programs, make sure you take a close look at the program quality. Factors like the student-to-faculty ratio and accreditation can give you a good idea of this.

What are the best MPH programs no GRE needed?

Searching for the best MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores? The list of schools above is a great place to start. Other top master’s in public health programs can be found at schools such as:

• George Washington University
• Florida International University

While online learning is the right choice for many public health students – and online community health education often does not require GRE scores – don’t be afraid of an on campus program either. An on campus program may offer you the health education credentialing you need and allow you to network in-person with health professionals.

How to apply to MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores

When you’re looking for an MPH without GRE scores, you might assume that you can put less overall effort into the application process. That’s not the case. In fact, most MPH programs without GRE requirements have even more stringent application procedures.

Admissions officials will look carefully at your transcripts. If you’re applying for an MPH no GRE, you may need higher grades to qualify. You might also need work experience and fantastic letters of recommendation to be eligible.

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