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There’s no doubt that project management is a vital skill set in today’s job market. 

The rise of digital transformation across industries has opened up new doors. It’s expanded opportunities for professionals in project management. 

Are you curious about the best degrees? We’ll take a closer look at them in this post. 

Methodology: Points are awarded with equal weight. This was determined by the following criteria. There’s a range of point possibilities from zero to one within each category.

• Program Accreditation (25%): Accreditation from the PMI-GAC or comparable body
• Accessibility (25%): Extent degree can be completed online
• Reputation and Recognition (25%): Placement in well-known and reputable rankings such as U.S. News & World Report
• Clear Career-Advancing Focus (25%): Specific Career Services and resources and clearly stated on website that the program 

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

See Also: 10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

20 Best Online Masters in Project Management

#1. Stevens Institute of Technology

Project Management Online MS

The MPM degree at Stevens is a 30-credit hour degree. It is a Master’s in Enterprise Project Management degree program. It’s all online through Steven’s School of Business. 

This is a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) school. The Steven’s master degree program curriculum provides 35 professional development units (PDUs). This is towards Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. This can also go toward maintenance of the certification. 

The core curriculum covers topics such as:

• Leader Development
• Project Analytics

You will learn how to manage projects and become an effective project manager in any setting.

There are three concentration areas to customize the degree. Students can choose the general track. It focuses on strategy, finances, and leadership. They can also choose more specialized technical-focused concentrations. These are in either Software Engineering or Construction Management. 

This program offers convenience and excellence through live, interactive classes and collaborative group projects. 

There is plenty of assistance for online students in the nationally-recognized Stevens Career Center. Online students receive dedicated and specific online support through the Continuing and Professional Student Care Center as well. Accredited by PMI-GAC

See Also: 20 Best Online MBA in Strategy

#2. Northeastern University

Master’s in Project Management 

The MPM program at Northeastern University is hands-on and focused on practical applications.

Core courses include:

• Project Scope Management
• Risk Management
• Leading Remote Project Teams
• Negotiation, Mediation, and Facilitation

Students have eight concentration areas from which to choose. Full-time students can complete the program in just one year. Part time students take around two. Students can take full advantage of the College of Professional Studies Career Resources. It offers students assistance with everything from career-planning to technical help such as resumé-building. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#3. Florida Institute of Technology

Master’s in Project Management 

One of the best online masters degrees in project management you’ll find is in the FIT Virtual Site. Florida Tech’s online master’s can be completed online (or on-site at several different locations). 

There are two dedicated concentrations in Information Systems and Operations Research. 

Students can select electives to create their own concentration customization. The degree has 33-credit hours. The curriculum is “relevant to today’s workplace.” Classes include:

• Organizational Behavior
• Cost and Economics Analysis
• Project Tools and Techniques

There’s also a final, hands-on Capstone project. The Florida Tech Project Management curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 

There are prerequisite courses that may be waived depending upon a student’s undergraduate degree. Applicants should consult with an advisor. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#4. Western Carolina University

Master’s in Project Management 

If you’re looking for a project management master degree online with some serious accolades, look at WCU.

This project management program has the distinction of being the very first PMI-GAC accredited project management program. The Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program is through WCU’s School of Economics, Management and Project Management. It covers all the bases!

All courses are pre-approved to allow students to sit for the PMP Credential certification. For students who already have their certification, it lets them receive the professional development units (PDUs) to maintain their credentials. 

All faculty members have both a doctoral degree and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The program is housed in the AACSB accredited College of Business. It has a “global focus.” 

Classes in the 36-credit hour program are all online. They begin in either January or August, and take two years. Students should be mid-career level with two years of relevant work experience. The Center for Career and Professional Development is available to all online students and graduates as a resource. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#5. Boston University

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

The next project management masters degree online on our list can be found in Boston.

The AACSB accredited Boston University’s Metropolitan College provides a Master of Science in Project Management degree program. 

The program exists as a hybrid program, or on-campus. It has 40 hours. Most students take between eighteen to 24 months to graduate. Those who have achieved their PMI credentials can gain up to 45 PDUs. 

This program is a huge boon for the online student. BU employs specific Instructional Designers to guide instructors as they craft their online coursework. This leads to an exceptional distance education curriculum and student experience.

BU collaborates with the resource Smarthinking™. It offers both current online students and alum the assistance of 24/7 online tutoring support. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#6. University of Texas at Dallas

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

The MS in Management Science (MS MAS) degree with a Project Management concentration is another one of the best online masters programs in project management. It is just one of three possibilities through the Project Management Program. This is at the AACSB accredited UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management. 

Students can participate in the 20-credit hour project management core to pursue a certificate. They may also further their education with 19 more hours through the MS MAS degree program. They may continue even further to gain an MBA degree with project management emphasis by taking 14 more credits. 

All students start as a cohort. They experience the core and obtain their certificate in twelve months. 

Then, students engage in an International Study Trip. 

Classes include:

• Project Execution Planning
• Information Technology for Management

These courses allow UT Dallas to issue PDUs to certified individuals to maintain their credentials. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#7. City University of Seattle

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

CityU’s ACBSP-accredited School of Management has an online degree in Project Management that is one of the best online masters in project management around. 

Classes cover topics like:

• Measuring Project Performance for Success
• Mastering Portfolios and Programs
• Leading Domestic and Global Teams

The courses in this 45-credit hour program count as continuing education credits to maintain project management certification. 

They also gain the assistance of the Online Career Management Community. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#8. Colorado State University-Global Campus

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

As one would expect from a university that only offers online programs, the CSU-Global Campus has a superb online master of project management.

The 36-credit hour program is in line with the PMBOK®. The curriculum helps students prepare to sit for the certification exam. 

• Students study relevant topics such as:
• Project Metrics, Monitoring, and Control
• Contracts, Procurement, and Risk Management

They may choose from a vast array of specialization options. There are fifteen specializations, including:

• Applied Business Management
• Finance
• Information Technology

CSU-Global provides start dates at the beginning of each month. Students can start at the best time for their schedules. As an added bonus, every class is offered every term for ultimate choice and convenience. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#9. Granite State College

Online Master’s in Project Management

Next up on our list of master project management online degrees is Granite State College. This is a 30-credit hour degree. It’s available all online in a “practice-oriented program.” 

Students engage in classes such as:

• Risk Management
• Leading Teams
• Project Planning and Scheduling

Granite State focuses on providing in-depth and applicable education to working adults. All Career Services resources are made available to online students. Not just current students, but also alum and individuals who are even considering attending a Granite State program! Accredited by PMI-GAC

#10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Online Master’s in Project Management

Another top online master of project management is the MS in Project Management degree in the College of Business at ERAU. 

This 30-credit hour program is offered online through Embry-Riddle Worldwide. It provides students with professors who are all PMP certified. 

The curriculum is crafted by certified Project Management Professionals.

The final Capstone Project consists of an e-Portfolio. 

ERAU also assists students in their career search. This is through the free online service “EagelHire.” This resource allows students and alum to send resumes to potential employers through the database system.  Accredited by PMI-GAC

#11. Penn State University World Campus

Online Master’s in Project Management

Pennsylvania State University provides one of the top project manager masters degree online. It’s along with the Penn State Erie Black School of Business. This is an interdisciplinary online master’s degree. It’s guided by the PMBOK® principles as well as the APM. This is the European equivalent. 

This program is accredited by AACSB. The 30-credit hour program “uses problem-based learning.”

Penn State is a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P). Students can work toward their certification in a program that takes two years to complete. 

Core classes include topical subjects such as:

• Interpersonal and Group Behavior
• Strategy: Corporate, Business, and Project
• Engineering Product Innovation
• Enterprise Modeling

#12. Georgetown University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The next program on our list of the top project management online masters programs is through Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies. This is an exceptional Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Project Management. It’s available 100% online. 

This 30-credit hour program has hands-on project management experience. The online program is identical to the on-campus format. It offers the same resources and rigorous coursework. This is in topics such as:

• Communication & Collaboration for Managers
• Project Initiation & Development

Students benefit from the asynchronous online format. It gives students the ability to watch lectures on their own time. 

#13. Missouri State University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The next best online project management degree on our list is a STEM-centered (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree.  Missouri State’s Master of Science in Project Management is online through the Department of Technology and Construction Management. 

This interdisciplinary degree curriculum is built upon the standards and guidelines of the PMBOK®. It has 33 hours. Students take classes such as:

• Project Control Systems
• Cost Analysis for Project Management
• Management of Innovation and Technology
• Readings in Technology Management
• Statistical Quality Control and Design of Experiments

Students can choose between a thesis or a seminar project to complete the degree. They’re provided with many resources to help them succeed. These resources extend for the Project Management student to learn how to pursue and achieve PMI PMP certification. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#14. Bellevue University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The Master of Project Management (MPM) degree at Bellevue is another top online master in project management. Classes are taught by PMP-certified instructors. They are also industry practitioners. 

Professors offer rigorous coursework to train and prepare students for a career advancement. They can offer guidance and career advisement. Students can complete the program online. 

The 36-credit hour curriculum is aligned with the principles in the PMBOK®. It includes classes like:

• Organizational Structures and Practices
• Cost Control in Projects
• Schedule Management

Graduates of the MPM program will gain an “extensive network and a life changing experience.” That makes them quite attractive to hiring professionals. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#15. Colorado Technical University

Online Master’s in Project Management

This next project management masters online is the Master of Science in Management degree at Colorado Tech. It has a concentration in Project Management. This provides students with “tangible skills in project design, scheduling, team-building and creative problem-solving.” It is a 48-credit hour program.  

This program is an Educational Provider Program (PMI R.E.P.). The CTU program offers courses like:

• Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments
• Database Analysis, Design and Implementation
• Schedule and Cost Control Techniques

For a more business-oriented degree, there’s also the CTU ACBSP accredited online MBA. This has a concentration in Project Management. It’s also 48 credits. Courses include:

• Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making
• Applied Managerial Finance
• Strategic Human Capital Management

There are multiple start dates a year. This allows students to begin the program when they need to. The long list of career development resources assures prospective students that CTU is involved in making sure students succeed in their online programs. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#16. University of Wisconsin—Platteville

Online Master’s in Project Management

There are countless benefits of pursuing a 100% online Project Management degree from UW-Platteville. The 30 to 36-credit hour curriculum is aligned with the PMBOK®. Each course allots 45 PDUs. 

Students start with foundational courses (if needed) and then take required core courses. An academic advisor is assigned to each student. They can help students choose the best electives to customize their degree. UW-Platteville offers an array of electives. These include:

• Consumer Behavior
• Taguchi Method of Designing Experiments
• International Supply Chain Management
• Business Ethics

And for students who have already earned their PMP credentials? UW-Platteville even allows that experience to count towards their degree. Full-time students finish the degree within a year or two. Part-time students are allowed up to seven years. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#17. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The next online master’s degree is through the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics. It is an AACSB accredited Online MBA Emphasis in Project Management. It’s “developed by local project management experts.” 

The PMBOK® aligned courses include subjects like:

• Quality Issues in Operations
• Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity
• Global Project Management

All coursework in work towards initial achievement or maintenance of PMI credentials. As an MBA degree, students receive a quality online education. This is through UW-Whitewater’s MBA Assurance of Learning. This assurance covers important learning objectives in the curriculum and the professional business traits to which they lead. These include ethical behavior, innovation and critical thinking.

#18. George Washington University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The AACSB accredited GW School of Business Online MS in Project Management (OMSPM) is one of the most established degree programs of its kind. It’s been around since 1996. The 36-credit hour curriculum “goes beyond the PMBOK®.” It can be completed in eighteen months to two years when taken full time. 

Students begin with an on-campus orientation. They then progress through the online coursework in a sequence. They complete the program with a week-long residency. 

Classes include challenging topics like:

• Statistics for Managers
• Cost Estimation & Control
• Directed Computational Project Management

#19. Saint Leo University

MBA in Project Management

Saint Leo University has an MBA degree with a concentration in Project Management. It’s accredited by both the ACBSP and IACBE. 

The concentration is only available online. The coursework is aligned with PMBOK® standards. This helps students successfully sit for the professional certification exam. 

The 36 credits cover relevant topics like:

• Monitoring, Controlling and Closing Projects
• Human Resource in Management
• Managerial Economics
• Applied Project Management Case Capstone Course

You’ll complete project management control projects as well. These complex projects will prepare you for leadership positions and to sit for exams for professional certifications.

Saint Leo’s promises online student support through every step of the academic journey. This includes Student Advisors to Career Services.

#20. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Online Master’s in Project Management

The next program is aligned with the PMBOK® standards. Saint Mary’s online master’s degree prepares students to become PMPs. 

It has 36 credits. Some classes are waived for students who possess professional certification. It takes 24 months to complete. The curriculum is rich with both managerial and project management classes such as:

• Planning and Estimating
• Product Integration and Quality
• Managerial Ethics and Issues

There is a final Capstone project. 

All incoming students receive a fully-equipped iPad. Accredited by PMI-GAC

What is MPM Degree?

An MPM is a professional master’s degree program. It’s  focused on providing students with valuable project management skills for various industries. 

MPM coursework develops the necessary expertise to manage all aspects of a project. This includes planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling through to successful closure. 

The curriculum includes real-world scenarios. This enables learners to apply theoretical concepts in practical situations. 

MPM programs may offer students the option to specialize in specific areas. These might include:

• IT
• Construction
• Finance
• Healthcare project management.

A project management program focuses on topics like change management and resource allocation in project planning. You’ll learn how to make informed decisions. You’ll gain a deep understanding of all required materials and skills for the field.

Project management courses may  cover:

• Stakeholder Management
• Project Leadership
• Risk Analysis and Risk Mitigation
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Financial Management and Financial Reporting
• Human Resources Management
• Project Communications
• Information Systems 
• Managing Project Cost Without Sacrificing Project Quality 
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Information Systems
• Quality Assurance
• Strategic Planning
• Conflict Resolution
• Agile Methodologies in Inventory Management
• Contract Management of Large Scale Projects
• Managing Team Dynamics
• Agile Project Management
• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Technical Requirements of Project Management
• Social Responsibility in Project Management
• Contemporary Issues and Global Standards of Project Management

You’ll gain the technical skills needed for leadership roles and professional licensure. A project management master’s online can prepare you for continuing education opportunities.

Completing an MPM degree can lead to various benefits. These might include a higher salary and career growth opportunities. MPM graduates are well-versed in project management concepts. They have in-demand project management tools and techniques.

MPM curriculums promote leadership skills and team-building skills. This allows graduates to build dynamic project teams that drive project success.

Admission Requirements for Project Management Programs

Before you can begin studying, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements. 

Most project management programs ask applicants to have a high school diploma. You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree unless you’re completing a 4+1 program. This kind of degree lets you complete a four year degree and master’s program at the same time.

A personal statement is necessary for admission to project management programs. Take time to craft a well-written statement that is both honest and compelling.

Many project management programs look for applicants who have experience leading projects. This can be found through work experience.

Some project management programs require two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from professional or academic sources. These should be individuals who can speak to your ability to study at the graduate level.

Most schools also ask for official transcripts, a resume, and English proficiency exams. Check with your desired institution for any other materials required for admission. You may need to meet a minimum undergraduate GPA from your bachelor’s degree. 

Some project management programs may ask you to submit GRE scores (Graduate Record Examination). GMAT scores are often taken as a substitute.

When looking at project management education programs, pay attention to accreditation. Look for a nonprofit institution. Ideally, this should be a regionally accredited institution. It should have accreditation from organizations like:

• The Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Global Accreditation Center
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

What Can You Do With a Project Management Master’s?

A project management degree can open up new career opportunities. For example, program managers and project managers. 

You can expect higher salaries. The best data is found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for a project manager is around $95,370 per year! 

Look at the project management program overview for the school you want to attend. This will not only tell you what kind of classes the program focuses on. It will also give you an idea of the project management cost for the program and

Related Rankings

Best 50 Online Masters Engineering Management

50 Best Online Masters in Public Administration

In this ranking, we highlight the best online graduate programs no GRE.

So you’ve made the smart decision to pursue an online master’s degree. You’re ready to start pursing it sooner rather than later. You’ve made up your mind to get your degree. You know which online master’s programs online are the best fit. Do you want to take time to study for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

Fortunately, there are masters programs online no GRE needed.

The Graduate Record Examination is the standard test. It is used to assess an applicant’s readiness for graduate programs from many schools. These include online graduate programs. Many schools now waive test scores as part of the admission process.

Some examples of online master’s programs no GRE include:

• Online MBA in Human Resources (No GRE)
• Online Master’s in Education (No GRE test scores)
• Online Master’s in Educational Leadership (No GRE)
• Online Master in Public Administration (MPA) (No GRE)
• Online Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education (MAE) (No GRE test scores)
• Online MBA (No GRE)
• Online Master’s in Criminal Justice (No GRE test scores)
• Online Master of Public Health (No GRE)
• Online Master of Liberal Studies (No GRE)
• Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) (No GRE test scores)
• Online MPH (No GRE)
• Online Master of Arts in History (No GRE test scores)
• Online MBA in Finance (No GRE test scores)
• Online MS in Finance (No GRE test scores)

Want to start learning in the program of your choice rather than study for a standardized test? There are plenty of online programs that don’t ask for GRE test scores.

This list of online master’s programs that don’t require GRE test scores is not exhaustive. Yet it is a good starting point. We’ll show you that you have some solid options when it comes to graduate programs.

Methodology: To avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons, we looked at the attributes of online graduate degree programs that are available. These are common across disciplines. In addition, we kept our pool of graduate programs within the top quarter of the 50 Most Popular Online Master’s Degree Programs to provide some boundaries for the review. Points are awarded in varying degrees in each criteria below. For online graduate degree programs with the same point value, the school with the lowest out-of-state tuition per credit hour ranks higher. This allows us to rank the best online master’s programs for you.

• Commendation (25%): Ranking among national recognized sources such as U.S. News & World Report
• Accreditation (25%): Program has recognition by the leading accrediting agency for that particular field of study
• Accessibility (25%): Extent that the program can be accessed online
• Specialization Available (25%): Degree customization or concentration areas

Let’s have a look at the best online graduate education programs in the ranking below!

See Also: Best Industrial Engineering Master’s Programs

#1. Northeastern University Online MBA

Online Graduate Degree Program Details

Looking for an online masters degree no GRE or GMAT required? The MBA is for “seasoned business professionals.” The program is for individuals who already have years of experience in business. You don’t need to take the GRE for these online programs unless you lack work experience.

The 50-credit hour program offers core courses such as:

• Global Competition and Market Dominance
• Strategic Decision Making in a Changing Environment

There are eight dedicated concentration options. There is also a general track. Focus areas in this online master’s degree no GRE include:

• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• High Technology Management
• Innovation Entrepreneurship
• International Management
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainability

You can customize their degree to suit your individual needs. Graduate students can complete this online master’s degree program in business administration part-time in two years. You’ll access services tailored toward MBA business students.

See Also: Best Online Master’s in English

#2. Western Governors University Online Master’s in Education

Master’s in Education Program Details

There are five degrees leading to initial licensure. There are fourteen degree programs for current teachers. The WGU Teachers College provides many online master’s degree options. Some of these online master’s include:

• Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
• Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Education in Learning and Technology

You’ll become a more competent practitioner. All online master’s degree programs at WGU follow the competency-based education model (which WGU developed and has championed on a school-wide scale), meaning that students progress through their coursework based on what subjects they have mastered as opposed to a specific timeline set by an instructor. This is unique among many graduate programs. Graduate Record Examination test scores are not necessary for admission for this master’s degree, rather, applicants are expected to participate in a meeting with an Enrollment Counselor as part of the process.

See Also: Best Online Masters in Statistics No GRE

#3. California State University Dominguez Hills Online MPA

Graduate Degree Program Details

Another one of the best online master’s programs no GRE required is here. The online Master in Public Administration is one of the Graduate Programs at CSU Dominguez Hills College of Business Administration and Public Policy. It provides the same rigorous academics as the on-campus graduate level public administration program. Yet it’s also unique. Master’s degree students have the option, based on their concentration choice, between two academic calendars – which is uncommon in graduate programs. There are concentrations in:

• Criminal Justice Policy and Administration
• Health Care Policy and Administration
• Nonprofit Management

These are presented in three sessions. The Public Management concentration has four sessions. There are 9 three-credit hour core courses such as:

• Administrative Theory and Behavior
• Public Budgeting
• Foundations of Ethical Administration

These are followed by the student’s concentration electives. Then there is either a Capstone or Honors Thesis. You don’t have to provide test scores for admission to this online master’s degree. All MPA students are provided with student resources like career training.

See Also: Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs

#4. Ball State University Online Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education

Master’s in Education Details

The Online Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education program (MAE) through Ball State Online provides many customization options. You’ll find the perfect fit in this 30-credit hour education degree. In addition to the Elementary Education degree, there are three other focus areas:

• Early Childhood Education and Middle School Education
• Applied Teaching Practices
• Reading and Literacy Instruction

Once graduate students have chosen their online master’s degree focus, they also have seven specialties from which to choose:

• Autism
• Computer Science and Education for Teachers
• Gifted and Talented Education
• Human Development and Learning
• Middle School Education
• Response to Intervention
• English as a New Language

These specialities are applicable regardless of the focus. Having this many specialization options is rare among online degree programs. It is housed in the Department of Elementary Education in the Teachers College. All online MAE degree students have access to comprehensive student services. You’ll also have faculty mentors and resources to ensure academic success. You don’t need to provide GRE test scores for the online master’s degree programs here.

See Also: Highest Paying Masters Degrees

#5. Colorado State University Online MBA

Online Master’s Degree Program Details

Colorado State University Global College of Business presents an online MBA program. It can be completed in just twenty-one months. The “caring and experienced faculty” provide classes such as:

• Business Systems and Processes
• Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues
• Corporate Risk Management

Master’s degree students have many start date options. You can take up to five years to complete this 42-credit program. You can choose to participate in an international study trip. You’ll learn international business culture. You’ll also become acclimated to environments that are different from your own. It will prepare you to work in a global economy. It will also boost their business intelligence. Business intelligence is a must for students in MBA graduate programs. There is a dedicated College of Business Career Management Center. This is available to online MBA students as it is to on-campus students. Once you graduate, you can still access many business-specific resources that the Center offers. You don’t need to take the GMAT for this online master’s degree. If you want more information, there are regular webinars about admission you can attend.

#6. Ohio University Online MBA

Graduate Degree Program Details

The online MBA is a top ranked online master program. There is a choice of four different concentration options. The degree is both flexible and customizable. There are twenty-six credit hours of master’s degree core courses. You’ll cover subjects like:

• Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• Strategic Use of Information

You can choose from concentrations in:

• Finance
• Healthcare
• Executive Management
• Business Analytics

There are many resources available to online MBA students. You can access new and archived papers and infographics. There are even educational and instructional webinars. These enhance business intelligence. Business intelligence and high student satisfaction is evident throughout the website. Faculty involvement at Ohio University provides a supportive environment. This bolsters online students’ academic experiences. Don’t worry about taking the GMAT for this online master’s degree. The Ohio University online MBA promises to help graduate students become leaders “who make a difference.

#7. Western Carolina University Online Master of Arts in Education

Master’s in Education Details

The online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) degree is in WCU’s School of Teaching and Learning.  It continues the strong tradition of educating talented teachers. Two 30-credit hour online graduate education programs are available:

• Elementary Education
• Middle Grades Education
• Early Childhood Education

Each are comprised of four professional core courses, four track courses, and two Capstones. The Elementary track options include:

• Literacy
• STEM
• AIG

The Middle Grades tracks are:

• Language Arts/Literacy
• Math
• STEM

The degrees can be achieved in about two years. Advisors are available to help graduate students construct their timeline and plan of completion. Students can apply at any time. This is uncommon for graduate programs. You can transfer in up to six credit hours of graduate coursework. You don’t need to provide Graduate Record Examination test scores for the online master’s degree programs here. However, you should have existing teacher licensure.

#8. West Texas A&M University Online MBA

Online Master’s Degree Program Details

The online MBA offered through the Department of Management, Marketing and General Business is housed in the West Texas A&M Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business. It can be completed online in as little as a year.  Graduate students can take three years or more if completing the program part-time. It includes 31-49 credit hours. This depends upon a student’s bachelor’s degree and choice of emphasis area. Graduate students can choose from a selection of core online courses such as:

• Econometrics
• Financial Management of Biotechnology and Health Care
• Project Management for the Enterprise

Four emphasis areas are available in this master’s degree in addition to the General Business Track:

• Computer Information Systems (with some computer science coursework)
• Management
• Marketing
• Healthcare Management

As with many online degree programs, all coursework is taught by the same experienced faculty as the on-campus MBA program. It has the added flexibility and convenience of online learning. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 can request a GMAT waiver. This will allow them to continue their online education without taking a test. It’s one of the best online graduate programs without GRE requirements.

#9. Southern New Hampshire University Online Master’s in Criminal Justice

Online Graduate Programs Details

This program prepares students for careers in criminal justice. SNHU offers three versions of an online master’s degree in criminal justice for graduate students who want to work towards a safer society. The MBA in Criminal Justice degree provides a unique curriculum. It broadens a student’s “knowledge of the field of justice and its applications in the business world.” The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree offers two concentrations:

• Public Safety Administration
• Advanced Counterterrorism and Homeland Security

The 36-credit hour master’s degree can be completed in as little as fifteen months. There are five start dates from which to begin the graduate program. Coursework covers topics such as:

• Ethical Leadership in Criminal Justice
• Criminology and Public Policy

Many criminal justice electives are available. SNHU is well-versed in the needs of online master’s degree students, so there are dedicated and specific academic advisors and career counselors for MS and MBA Criminal Justice degree program students. You don’t need to provide GRE test scores for the online master’s degree programs here.

#10. Northern Illinois University Online MPH

 

Online Graduate Programs Details

Northern Illinois University provides an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program through the College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Health Studies. It is a reputable and respected degree. You’ll be able to access an online community of support made up of faculty members and fellow classmates. It is a 43-52 credit hour program. It is geared to the busy, working professional. Two specializations are offered in this master’s degree. Students can choose between Health Promotion or Health Services Management. There is also the choice of a thesis or a non-thesis path. You’ll take classes such as:

• Community Health Planning
• Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
•  Applied Research Methods in Public Health

Students who opt against the thesis must complete the program with a Master’s Comprehensive Examination. You’ll need to submit letters of recommendation. You will also need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here. That’s what you would expect for graduate programs in this ranking!

#11. Florida Atlantic University Online MBA

Online Graduate Programs Details

The Florida Atlantic University College of Business provides an online environment that is hands-on and personal. The resulting MBA degree program provides the convenience and flexibility to study anywhere at any time. This is thanks to the asynchronous delivery of the 100% online coursework. The 40-46 credit hour master’s degree program prepares students for future careers by progressing as a cohort through the classes, which include subjects like:

• Global Environment of Management
• Advanced Analysis of Accounting Data

Students can also participate in an International Business Specialization, which explores the “growing impact of international business and competition.” Information sessions for prospective students are held on-campus, but individual phone information sessions are available for those who cannot travel to campus. Do you have at least four years of relevant work experience and an advanced degree?  You don’t have to take the GMAT or GRE!

#12. Florida International University Online MBA

Online Graduate Programs Details

The Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University presents an online Corporate MBA (CMBA) that kicks off with a three-day on-campus Residency that is free for online CMBA students. The 42-credit hour online education program can then be completed in eighteen months for students who desire an accelerated pace. Two other tracks are offered. These allow students to complete the graduate program at slower paces. There is a 1 year masters programs online no GRE option. There is also a nine month track option. There’s even a two year, nine month option. This online master’s degree covers topics such as:

• Corporate Simulation
• Legal Environment of Business

You can choose between seven different specialization areas like:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• International Business
• Business Analytics

There is dedicated technological support for the online CMBA student to assist with whatever needs a student may encounter, as well as other student services. You don’t need to provide GRE test scores for the online master’s degree programs here.

#13. American University Online MBA

 Online Degree Programs Details

American University’s Kogod School of Business is the oldest accredited business school in the Washington, D.C. area. The online MBA has all of the rigor and resources of the on-campus graduate program. It is “for domestic and global business professionals who want to start or advance their career.” It includes 48-credit hours. Students participate in twelve core courses . They can choose from five concentrations to customize their online master’s degree. These include:

• Marketing
• Finance
• International Business
• Business Analytics
• Consulting

You’ll complete two immersion experiences during this online master’s program. One of these in on-campus in D.C. The other takes place abroad.  Past immersion locations include:

• Brussels
• New York City
• San Francisco

You don’t need to take the GRE for these online programs.

#14. Fort Hays State University Online Master of Liberal Studies

Online Degree Programs Details

The Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) degree program at FHSU is all online. This is through the Virtual College. This is a graduate program to prepare students for pursuing many different careers. It is an online masters without GRE requirements. The MLS degree program provides a bridge to interdisciplinary learning at its best. It is a 31-credit hour master’s degree program. This is a typical number of credits for many graduate programs. Students engage in ten credits of core courses such as:

• Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society
• Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective

Students have the option of a culminating thesis or internship to complete the program. To customize the degree there are twelve online predetermined concentrations. These include:

• Art History
• Global Management
• Political Leadership
• Public Service

An MLS Coordinator is on-hand to provide academic guidance and support to online students, and as a pursuit of liberal studies “focuses on intellectual, social, and moral growth,” students can be assured that their success is a goal of the graduate program as well. You don’t need to provide GRE test scores for the online master’s degree programs here.

#15. Texas A&M International University Online MPA

Online Degree Programs Details

The online MPA degree program at Texas A&M International is housed in the Department of Social Sciences. Courses are offered in conjunction with Nursing and Health Sciences. The 42-credit hour graduate program has been provided since 2001. It is for both mid-career professionals and beginning career professionals.

You’ll take classes like:

• Advanced Methods of Social Research
• Communication for Public Administrators
• Principles and Politics of Public Budgeting

These are taught by the experience MPA faculty. In addition to the MPA degree, the master’s degree program also offers a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management (CNLM). You’ll complete twelve-credit hours. You don’t need to provide GRE test scores for the online master’s degree programs here.

#16. Troy University Online MPA

Online Degree Programs Details

Troy University’s MPA degree program is through the College of Arts & Sciences. It can be completed online in as little as fifteen months. The program includes  36-credit hours. Core courses include:

• Governmental Budgeting and Financial Management
• Public Policy

Students can choose one or two areas from nine concentration options:

• Government Contracting
• Justice Administration
• National Security Affairs
• Nonprofit Management
• Public Health Administration
• Public Human Resource Management
• Public Management

The MPA at Troy is “both a practitioner’s professional degree as well as an academic degree.” You’ll get the perfect combination of theory and real-world application. You’ll learn from the specialized faculty. Resources and student support are available to online master’s degree students. There are services such as a Writing Center and an online tutor network. There’s even an active Career Center. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree program.

#17. Colorado State University-Global Campus Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Organizational Leadership Program Details

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) provided by CSU-Global Campus offers two track options to prospective students. There is a Research track and a Practitioner track. The program requires 36 credit hours of study. You’ll be able to choose between fifteen specializations. These include:

• Strategic Innovation and Change Management
• Online Learning Innovation and Design
• Human Resource Performance
• Business Intelligence

There are other customization options, too. The MSOL at CSU-Global will prepare leaders and innovators in a variety of fields. All faculty are masters in their respective fields. They are trained to provide online instruction. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

#18. Kent State University Online Master of Liberal Studies

Online Graduate Degree Programs Details

The KSU College of Arts and Sciences allows you to create an online and unique Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) degree. There are 33-credit hours in this online master’s degree program. Two are in “Introduction to Liberal Studies” course. There’s also a one-credit Liberal Studies Research Paper. You’ll complete a three-credit Liberal Studies Essay. All remaining credits can be electives. you must submit a Goal Statement. In this, you will describe the degree you want to pursue. You’ll work with a Program Director for guidance as you craft your degree. At least twelve credits must be from within one single department. This is to assure the degree has a sense of cohesion. Yet up to fifteen credits can be distributed between many departments. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

#19. University of New England Online MPH

 Online Program Details

UNE Online offers the only CEPH-accredited online MPH degree program in Maine. It is a 46-credit hour MPH online program. You’ll twenty-five credits of core coursework. There are twenty-one credits devoted to electives. You can choose from classes such as:

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Health Literacy and Plain Language

A Student Support Specialist exclusive to the MPH program is on hand. This professional can provide online students with the support they need to be successful in the graduate program. There are other services and faculty advisors available, too. Classes are administered in three terms. They are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Each term is eight-weeks long. Students are expected to take one course per term. You don’t need to take the GRE for these online programs.

#20. Nova Southeastern Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Online Master’s Program Details

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program is online. This is through the Department of Justice and Human Services in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. There are 15 credits of core courses. You’ll take 30 credit hours in criminal justice in total.  In addition to a practicum placement or a Master’s Thesis, you can choose between twelve concentrations. Concentration options vary. Some can be in collaboration with another department at NSU.

Criminal justice concentrations include:

• Investigative Forensic Technology
• Information Systems
• Public Administration

Criminal justice students can complete the graduate program in about two years. You’ll take  two courses a semester. You can accelerate your pace if desired. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online criminal justice degree.

#21. American Public University Online Master of Arts in History

Online Program Details

APU’s online Master of Arts in History program is located in the School of Arts & Humanities. It includes 36 credit hours. Students are able to transfer in up to fifteen credits. They have a choice of concentration focus areas in:

• American History
• Ancient and Classical History
• European History
• Global History
• Public History

You’ll choose a capstone course or a supervised practicum. Online students at APU have access to the Richard G. Trefry Library. This has a mission “to provide quality resources to support learning across all disciplines”. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

#22. University of Arkansas Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Educational Leadership Online Master’s Program Details

The U of A Online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership is an all- online degree program that can be completed in just two years. The Educational Leadership program is ideal for licensed teachers seeking administrative positions. It includes 33-credit hours and an internship. U of A’s educational leadership program boasts a 100% passage rate on the SLLA (School Leaders Licensure Assessment). The Educational Leadership program is through the College of Education and Health Professions. It has a mission to produce “educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, ethics, and motivation to transform educational organizations.” The curriculum covers topics such as:

• Principalship
• School Law
• Statistical Literacy
• School Finance

You’ll also receive guidance and advisement in this educational leadership degree. You don’t need to take the GRE for these online graduate degree programs.  However, that’s only for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

#23. Wilmington University Online MBA in Finance

Graduate Programs Details

The MBA in Finance degree program can be completed all online. It has nine concentrations , a Finance concentration and a general track. You can customize your degree with options such as:

• Business Administration and Technology Management
• Environmental Sustainability
• Management Information Systems
• Organizational Leadership

It is a 36-credit hour graduate program. You’ll take core coursework classes such as:

• Global Marketing Management
• Organizational Behavior and Ethical Leadership

The Wilmington University MBA core has a strong Finance focus. You can also choose from electives like:

• Advanced Financial Analysis
• Corporate Taxation
• International Finance

You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

#24. Belhaven University Online Master of Business Administration in Human Resources

Graduate Programs Details

The online MBA with Human Resources Concentration at Belhaven guides graduate students through human resources principles. These include good employee-organization relationships and best practices in compensation. It is housed in the School of Business Administration. It is a 42-credit hour degree program. It offers concentrations such as:

• Ethical Problems in Business
• The Legal Environment of Business
• Quantitative Decision Making

There’s also a 36-credit hour Master of Science in Leadership with Human Resources Concentration. This is also offered online. The MSL degree curriculum shares some classes with the MBA in Human Resource program, and offers other subjects like:

• Leading Productive Teams
• Coaching, Mentoring, and Resolving Conflicts
• Organizational Change

You’ll complete an online orientation before starting your online master’s program. You’ll be assigned a Services Representative to help navigate your online learning. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

#25. University of Saint Mary Online MBA in Finance

Graduate Programs Details

The online MBA in Finance combines rigorous academics with a great deal of online student support. You’ll complete 36-credit hours with a strong MBA core curriculum. You’ll also take Finance concentration coursework such as:

• Advanced Financial Topics
• Financial and Capital Issues

The degree is an accelerated graduate program. It can be completed in just one year. Graduate students can opt to take the program part-time and complete it in two years. You’ll complete both a Capstone course and a final comprehensive exam. Program resources are MBA-specific. These are through the Master of Business Administration Resource Center . They cover industry articles and research. You’ll have other student services via the Admissions Advisors. There’s also 24/7 access to a Personal Support Center (PSC). You don’t need to take the GRE or GMAT for the online master’s degree programs here.

#26. University of North Carolina Wilmington Online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Graduate Programs Details

The online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree program is through UNCW’s Graduate Liberal Studies (GLS). There are two concentration certificate options online:

• Conflict Management and Resolution
• Women’s and Gender Studies

Class selections are broad and include topics such as:

• Religion and Sex
• The Social Organization of Cruelty
• Post-Modern Childhood
• The Historical Geography of Food
• American Roadways

This is by definition an interdisciplinary degree. You’ll complete a final project. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s programs here.

#27. University of Wisconsin-Platteville Online Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership

Graduate Programs Details

The UW-Platteville Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership  program is all online. It is crafted “for individuals who wish to cultivate their change leadership skills, drive positive change and enable organizational innovation.” You’ll take 30 to 39 credit hours. The online program provides up to nine credits of foundational courses. There are 21-credit hours of core courses. There are four optional emphasis areas offered in:

• Healthcare
• Project Management
• Human Resources
• Safety Risk Control

You can also choose from electives like:

• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Business Ethics
• Quality Management

Students who have certain certifications may be eligible to receive credit. This goes towards the Organizational Change Leadership degree. UW-Platteville offers a dedicated Online Student Services center. You’ll have resources such as advising, on-campus services for distance learners, and tech support. You don’t have to take any entrance exam for this online master’s.

#28. Anna Maria College Online MPA

Graduate School Program Details

The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program helps educate students for  careers in the public sector. There is an MPA General Track. There are also four specializations are offered to customize the degree:

• Criminal Justice
• Emergency Management
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Homeland Security

It includes 36-credit hours. All students take classes such as:

• Strategic Management of Human Capital
• Organizational Theories & the Public Sector

A MPA Resource page provides the most up-to-date Public Administration and Criminal Justice news. Students are supplied with support from the beginning. Admissions advisors and other services are on hand, as are expert and caring faculty. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

#29. Brenau University Online Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management

Graduate School Program Details

Brenau’s Master of Business Administration with a Human Resource Management (HRM) Concentration is online in addition to at many on-campus locations. It has 45-credit hour degree program. The curriculum is “updated to ensure real-world relevancy to today’s global marketplace.” It is through the College of Business & Mass Communication.  Students take core MBA classes such as:

• Business Law and Ethics
• Strategic Management and Policy
• Talent Acquisition & Management
• Human Resource Strategy
• Employment Law

The program provides specialized training and real-world experience. You’ll get personal attention, while developing solid business fundamentals. The Brenau online MBA HRM degree is rigorous. Yet it is delivered by a caring and knowledgeable faculty. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs at this school.

#30. Concordia University Wisconsin Online MBA Finance

Online Master’s Program Details

The MBA in Finance is taught by professionals in the field of finance. It provides students with mastery of the “key aspects of real estate investment, securities analysis, risk management, and other essential topics within the financial field.” It consists of 39-credit hours. You can start the program at your convenience. You’ll engage in MBA core classes such as:

• Ethics and Organizational Leadership
• Management Science and Analytics
• Portfolio Mathematics
• Securities Analysis
•  Real Estate Investment

Al students participate in an internship. This includes at least 120 contact hours of real-world work. You’ll be provided with enrollment advisors. Once admitted, you’ll have many other resources at your disposal. These graduate programs are housed in the Concordia School of Business. You don’t need to take the GRE for the online master’s degree programs here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a masters degree without GRE?

Some graduate programs waive the GRE requirement, allowing students to pursue a master’s degree without taking the exam. However, admission criteria may vary by institution and program, so it’s essential to research specific requirements for each program of interest.

Is the GRE no longer required?

Some graduate programs have waived the GRE requirement, making it optional for applicants. However, it’s essential to check the admission requirements of individual programs, as policies may vary.

Is it okay to get a master’s degree online?

Getting a master’s degree online is perfectly fine and increasingly common. Many reputable universities offer online programs that provide quality education and flexibility for students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes.

Which master’s degree is most in demand?

The most in-demand master’s degrees often align with fields experiencing growth or facing critical needs in society, such as healthcare, technology, business, and education. Degrees like Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Computer Science are frequently sought after by employers due to their relevance and potential for career advancement.

What is the highest paying master’s degree?

The highest paying master’s degrees typically include fields like healthcare, business, engineering, and technology. For example, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) are known for offering lucrative career opportunities with high earning potential.

Related Rankings for Other Online Graduate Degree Programs

Online MBA programs With No GMAT

Most Popular Online Masters

Fastest Online Masters Degree Programs

While earning a history degree will let you learn more about the past and discover your future career, there are plenty of other good reasons to pursue one of these affordable degrees.

For starters, earning a degree in history will provide you with transferable skills that will prove to be useful in dozens of other fields. You’ll learn how to conduct research, advance ideas and arguments, clearly express your ideas, and form conclusions based on your research.

Of course, earning a master’s degree in history will open the door to numerous careers, too. Although many history majors work strictly as historians, conducting analysis and research in laboratories, libraries, and in the field, you could also find yourself teaching classes at the community college level. 

You might work in a museum, in a library, or in a research center, or you could even seek out restoration work. You could even pursue a degree in law!

There’s a common misconception out there that the work of the historian (and consequently, the historian himself!) is stuffy and boring. That’s not the case. When you earn a master’s degree in history, you’ll join the ranks of individuals like George W. Bush, Sacha Baron Cohen, Woodrow Wilson, and even Jimmy Buffet! 

Just as no two students are exactly the same, no two history degrees are alike, either. While many graduates go on to become high school history teachers, specializing in teaching European, U.S., or world history, others will go on to archival work. Whatever the case may be, you’ll find that the curriculum in your master’s in history instills skills that are broadly applicable, helping you to excel in a number of occupations. 

Of course, the cost of a graduate education can be overwhelming for many. Most students take around two years of full-time study to complete their degrees, paying thousands of dollars in tuition—and often, those tuition costs are added on top of what a student may have paid to earn an undergraduate degree.

Because of this, it is important that you select a program that you can afford. You’ll want to look at the overall tuition and fees for a program, applying to those that offer the lowest rates and the best return on investment, but you will also want to pay attention to what kinds of financial aid is available.

Online programs tend to be more affordable than those provided solely on campus, but of course, that’s not always the case. Look for a degree with ample assistantship, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities to help make your program more budget-friendly. In addition, try to find a degree that has solid career placement rates so you know that your efforts (and the tuition you fork over!) will pay off in the long run.

Earning a degree doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider pursuing one of these 15 Best Affordable Master’s in History and you’ll find yourself on the fast track to advancing your career—without going into piles of debt.

See Also: 10 Best History Masters Programs

Common Application and Admission Questions

Enroll in a master’s degree in history, either online or on campus, and you’ll usually complete around 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework. This, of course, can vary based on your background and the institution you choose to attend. You’ll complete a combination of courses that offer a general survey of historical topics and eras (like European history or the rise of the Roman empire). 

You might also participate in reading- and writing-intensive courses known as seminars. These will help you develop your skills in critical analysis. You’ll broaden your horizons in this area by completing historical methods courses—these are meant to encourage you to try out the research methods you’ve learned about on paper, but in real life.

Some history degrees will enable you to customize your studies by taking on an area of interest or concentration. You might be able to explore specific eras, cultures, religions, and events.

At the end of your program of study, you may also craft a thesis. This thesis usually involves preparation, writing, research, and collaboration with peers in faculty. You’ll eventually write a lengthy paper addressing a pressing issue that you’ve encountered in your studies. Some schools offer non-thesis tracks as an alternative to the thesis, with options including research projects and academic portfolios. 

All of that sounds great, of course—but how do you apply? There are several steps you will want to take. The first is reviewing which of the curricular options above are most important to you. Do you want to complete a thesis? Be able to choose an area of specialization? If you answer yes to these sorts of questions, make sure the programs you decide to apply to offer those options.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of schools, it’s time to get the ball rolling in filling out your applications. Most schools have their own university-specific applications, which can be found on their admissions webpages. You’ll usually need to provide the formal online application along with an application fee. 

You will then need to submit supplemental documents. Most history programs have minimum GPA requirements, often asking that applicants earn a 3.0 or higher GPA in their undergraduate coursework (though this does, of course, vary depending on the program). You might be required to take the GRE to show that you are ready for the rigors of graduate-level work, too.

Some universities may ask you to go one step further and submit things like a personal essay, a resume, or letters of recommendation. You may even need to participate in an interview. Whatever the case may be, it pays to be prepared and do your research ahead of time. Be sure to look into each school’s unique academic requirements and admissions checklists so you can make sure you don’t miss a thing!

See Also: Best Online History Master’s Degree Programs

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

If you’re worried about being able to pay for your college degree, don’t worry—you aren’t alone. Affordability and return on investment are concerns shared by most prospective college students. 

And for good reason! The cost of college is getting more expensive every day and since you aren’t guaranteed a job as soon as you graduate, it’s smart to put some thought into ways to pay for your degree.

Fortunately, you’re already on the right track by reading this article. We’ll give you some suggestions for places to look when you’re looking for the best affordable master’s in history. All of the degrees we’ll tell you about in this article offer low tuition rates and generous financial aid. Because of this, you won’t have to worry quite as much about how you are going to pay. 

After looking at a school’s overall tuition rates, you might also want to consider what kinds of financial aid and scholarships are available. The process will begin with filling out the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Available as early as January 1 of the year in which you plan to attend college, this form should be completed by each and every student who plans to attend college—yes, even if you think you won’t qualify for any financial aid!

There is a slight misconception out there that graduate students won’t qualify for any kind of aid at all, not from the state, the federal government, or from their universities. While it’s true that most aid is reserved for undergraduates, there are still significant amounts of funding available for master’s degree-seekers. 

The FAFSA will take your financial information (drawing conclusions about how much you can reasonably afford to pay based on your income and assets) and will determine whether you are eligible for things like grants, student loans, and work-study. 

Awards can come from the federal or state government as well as from your school of choice. Grants tend to be limited to only the most financially needy students, but almost all students will qualify for things like unsubsidized student loans, work-study, and assistantships. 

Even if you think your income might disqualify you from need-based financial aid, the FAFSA is still an important document to fill out. Many schools require it to award assistantships or fellowships even if financial need is not taken into consideration. 

Outside of need-based financial aid, consider other forms of financial aid, such as outside scholarships. These can be tricky to find and you will want to put some time and effort into the applications. However, rest assured that if you do, there’s a good chance that you will be handsomely rewarded. 

Each year, thousands of dollars worth of scholarships go unawarded simply because no students took the time to apply! Hedge your bets and spend some time filling out scholarship applications. If it takes you four hours to complete a pile and you receive $1,000 in return, then hey! That’s probably the easiest $1,000 you will ever make in your entire life. 

See Also: Best Affordable Master’s Degree Programs

How Much Can I Make With a History Degree? 

Because a history degree provides such a strong background in liberal arts and will give you transferable soft skills, such as those in communication, problem-solving, and research, you will find a wide range of potential salaries, too. 

For example, you might choose to work as a historian. Historians work to draw conclusions about the past, typically examining historical documents or serving as educators in some capacity. Many historians go on to become history professors, a career choice that will allow you to earn an average annual salary of $79,540. Plus, these jobs are in high demand, with postsecondary teachers of all kinds enjoying an expected job outlook of a 9% growth by 2029. 

As a historian, a career in which you’ll research and write about the past by examining historical documents, you’ll find that there is a growth rate of about 3% and you’ll likely earn an average salary of around $63,680 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Another career in education that you might pursue is that of a high school history teacher. Earn a master’s degree in history and take a few additional education courses and you might find yourself teaching subjects like world history, European history, social studies, or U.S. history to middle or high school students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for high school teachers in 2019 was $61,660 per year. 

You could also become a museum curator. As an archivist, curator, or other kinds of museum worker, you’ll oversee an institution’s collections, like artwork or historical times. You might also work to prepare or restore items in collections. You will earn an average salary of $49,850 per year, a salary that’s not quite as impressive as the others on this list. However, you won’t have any trouble finding a job—this field has an anticipated growth of 11% by 2029. 

A final career you might consider pursuing is that of the librarian. As a librarian or library media specialist, you will help patrons find information and to conduct research for either professional or personal use. In most cases, a master’s degree is required, but you’ll enjoy an average pay of $59,500 per year. Librarian jobs are expected to grow by about 5% before 2029, which is slightly faster than the national average. 

There are certain certifications and areas of licensure that you might consider pursuing in order to advance your career prospects. Some positions, like those as secondary teachers or librarians, may require additional training in education and pedagogy. 

You may find that pursuing the Academy of Certified Archivists certified archivist credential is beneficial, or you might find that pursuing additional education through conferences, meetings, and workshops is the best way to expand your understanding of the field—and earn a bigger paycheck.

Earning a master’s degree is the best thing you can do to improve your chances of earning a high wage. While some of the positions listed above will ultimately require you to also earn a doctoral degree, your odds of finding a job (especially one in academia or a leadership role) will be much higher if you have a master’s. 

What Are the Best History Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1. Sam Houston State University

Master of Arts in History

Known colloquially as simply “Sam,” Sam Houston State University is the third-oldest public university in the state of Texas. Named after Sam Houston himself, the famous Texas Revolution leader and politician, this university is home to multiple groundbreaking degrees. In fact, it has more than 50 different master’s programs for you to choose from! 

Although Sam Houston first opened its doors as a college for teachers—and remains an excellent college choice for aspiring secondary and postsecondary educators—it now enrolls more than 20,000 students across hundreds of degrees, many of which rank as being the best in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. 

The Master of Arts in history at Sam Houston State University will allow you to study the past so that you can get ahead in the future, featuring an innovative and hands-on curriculum. It’s a great option for candidates interested in teaching, civil service, the military, professional programs, public history, and eventual doctoral study. 

You can choose from three separate delivery options as a student in this program—you can study entirely online at the award-winning online campus, you can study completely on campus in Huntsville or at the Woodlands Center, or you can engage in a hybrid model that offers the best of both worlds. 

To complete this degree, you will need to defend a portfolio of written work or complete a master’s thesis. The choice is yours. Either way, you’ll complete between 30 to 36 credit hours of study, taking classes in the fall, spring, and summer months. 

After being accepted, you’ll meet with a faculty advisor who will guide you toward the best courses you should take for your career goals. You’ll choose from three tracks, each of which represents “mainstays of the human experience.” These tracks include war and violence, encounters and exchanges, and rights and identity. 

Depending on the track you select, you will take core classes such as Latin American History, Intellectual History, US Civil War, Early Medieval Europe, and China in Revolution. Your courses and extracurricular experiences here will provide you with transferable skills that will prove to be useful in a wide variety of settings. You’ll find that you graduate with highly marketable skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. 

Sam Houston State University is known for its affordability, offering low tuition rates that start at just $10,756 for in-state students. You will also be considered for multiple types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans—so be sure to apply early!

Admission to this program is offered on a rolling basis, with start dates available in the fall, summer, and spring. To apply, you will need to submit a graduate application and an application fee. You’ll also need to provide transcripts for all previous degrees, two letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and an academic writing sample. In addition, Sam Houston State requires that all applicants to this program complete at least 18 semester credit hours in history at the undergraduate level. 

#2. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Master of Arts in History

Founded in 1905 in Kearney, NE, the University of Nebraska at Kearney first opened its doors as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney. A school dedicated to educating aspiring teachers, it still offers countless programs in elementary and secondary education. 

It’s a great school to consider attending if you have your heart set on becoming a history teacher of any grade level! However, it’s also a good option if your passions lie elsewhere within the broad and diverse history major.

Earning a master’s degree in history at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is a smart choice. Not only will it teach you how to think critically and to become an effective communicator, but it will also allow you to engage with faculty who provide high-quality instruction and mentorship. The program includes thesis, non-thesis, and public history options so you can customize the degree to your unique career goals. 

A 36-credit hour program, this degree includes core classes such as Historical Methods, America Interpreted, Readings in American History, and Digital History. You’ll have the option to complete an internship in history or to participate in a directed research experience. The degree is an excellent pathway for aspiring history researchers, museum curators and directors, historical interpreters, political analysts, and more.

Available both online and on-campus, this degree is one of the more than 50 online program options offered by this university. Choose to study online, and you’ll enjoy the same small class sizes and hands-on instruction from full-time, credentialed faculty who are dedicated to your success. The school is ranked a Top 10 Regional University by U.S. News & World Report. 

Studying online poses several benefits. Not only is it a more convenient method for most students to complete their courses, but it can also be more affordable, too. Tuition is low, with rates starting at $315 per credit hour for in-state students. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. 

You can make payments on your own terms with the tuition payment plan, which allows you to make three monthly installments each semester. Plus, you’ll have access to a close-knit community and alumni network. 

As an online or on-campus student here, you’ll have access to some of the best and most intensive student resources, such as library services, tech help, tutoring, a writing center, and more. In addition to ranking as one of the best regional universities, this school’s eCampus is highly regarded, having been ranked as offering some of the best online graduate education programs in the country—something to consider if you plan on studying online!

To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 18 credit hours of courses in history. You should have a minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA. If you do not meet that cut-off, be prepared to submit GRE scores. Applicants should also provide a writing sample, a letter of intent describing your goals and interests, and two letters of recommendation. 

#3. University of North Alabama

M.A. in History

A public university located in Florence, AL, the University of North Alabama is the state’s oldest institution of higher education. The university also has campuses in Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia. Together, these campuses offer some of the best bachelor’s and master’s degrees around. 

The University of North Alabama was the first state-supported teacher’s college south of the Ohio River. It was also one of the country’s first coeducational colleges! Today, the university offers dozens of programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike, including the in-demand Master of Arts in history. 

The Master of Arts in history at the University of North Alabama is perfect for students who are considering careers in teaching history. It offers high-quality training with an affordable price tag, with classes taught on a campus surrounded by landmarks. From Civil Rights landmarks to Civil War battlegrounds, you’ll find yourself entrenched in history no matter where you turn. Of course, you can always choose to study online, too!

A generalist program, the degree focuses mostly on U.S. history. It will prepare you for secondary teaching careers as well as eventual doctoral studies. Your courses will be taught by qualified instructors who are published authors themselves and who have a vast array of research interests. You’ll find yourself well prepared for a long list of careers, including those in law, education, journalism, library science, government, business, and even seminary training. 

You can pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option, completing roughly 33 semester credit hours before you graduate. You will take classes like Seminar in US History to 1877, Seminar in World History to 1815, and Historiography and Methodology. In addition to the Master of Arts in history, the department also offers a Master of Arts in public history and a certificate in public history, so you are sure to find a program that meets your unique career goals and aspirations. 

There are also study abroad programs in which you can participate. Planned trips include those to London, Scotland, Hawaii, and Italy. You’ll normally receive up to six credit hours for participating in these rigorous courses abroad. While they are optional and do require you to pay for living expenses and travel costs, these experiences offer a great way for you to make your degree more exciting and marketable.

This program offers affordable tuition rates and plenty of financial aid. In addition to a limited number of assistantships, awarded on a competitive basis, you can also apply for federal student loans. There are scholarship opportunities for a select number of students who are interested in studying abroad, too.

To apply for admission, you will need to submit an online application along with official transcripts of credit from any university you have attended. 

#4. Fort Hays State University

M.A. in History 

Founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas Normal School, Fort Hays State University was meant to cater to some of the very first settlers in the region. First a teaching school, this Fort Hays, KS school is now a public university that offers high-quality degrees in a wide variety of areas. 

You’ll find plenty of resources on campus to help you advance your career as a historian, history teacher, archivist, or museum curator when you choose to study here. The university is home to a unique Sternberg Museum of Natural History, where you will find more than 100,000 square feet of exhibitions related to dinosaurs, natural science, geology, paleontology, history, ethnology, mammalogy, and more. 

That said, you don’t have to study on campus. Fort Hays is also home to a vibrant and award-winning virtual college, a unit that evolved from the Department of Continuing Education and Learning Technology at the turn of the century. 

There are two separate graduate programs in history available at Fort Hays—the Master of Arts in history and the Master of Arts in public history. Both will prepare you with the skills you need for carers in academia, private corporations, law, the media, and government. They are available both with thesis- and non-thesis- tracks.

Typically, you will take 30 hours of coursework at the 600 level or above, with course topics covering things like historical methods and historiography. You’ll be able to take a whopping 18 credit hours of electives, too. Some other classes you might take include United States History to 1877; History of World Technology; History of Christianity; and Religion, Heresy, Magic, and Myth.

The degree offers breadth as well as depth in its courses. You can focus your research in an area of historical interest or in a research opportunity such as European History, World History, Western History, History of Science and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Studies, or Local History. 

An affordable degree, this program is a budget-friendly option regardless of whether you choose to study online or on-campus. There are even graduate teaching assistantships available that will allow you to expand your knowledge in a field of study and to build skills that will make you more marketable when you graduate. With these assistantships, you’ll enjoy teaching opportunities, nine credit hours of tuition assistance, a generous salary, one-on-one mentoring opportunities, and professional development opportunities. 

When you’re ready to apply for admission, you will need to provide transcripts from your bachelor’s degree, typically showing that you completed at least 18 hours of history courses. You will need to provide proof that you completed a historical research methods course, too. In addition, you should submit a writing sample, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. You will need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

#5. University of North Carolina

M.A. in History

The University of North Carolina is a massive, multi-campus public university system that oversees the 16 public universities in the state. One of these campuses is the University of North Carolina Wilmington, located in Wilmington, NC. This school enrolls nearly 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students and first opened as a junior college with the goal of providing four-year liberal arts programs to soldiers returning home from World War II.

Today, the school offers nearly 100 different programs spread out among the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the Graduate School, the Honors College, the University College, the Watson College of Education, and the Cameron School of Business. 

The Master of Arts in history is offered by the Department of History within the award-winning Graduate School and is available both on campus as well as online, with the online program catering primarily to aspiring history teachers. You can pursue either a thesis option or a non-thesis option, and there’s also a public history professional track. 

You will complete roughly 30 credit hours of study, depending on which track you pursue. Choose the thesis track, and your studies will focus on U.S., European, Global, and Public History while the public history professional track will prepare you for work in historic sites, museums, preservation agencies, businesses, and other organizations that utilize historical collections. 

Finally, the online program in history, which is ranked among the top ten in the nation, is a 30-credit hour program that may qualify you for certification, depending on the state in which you plan to teach. It’s a highly affordable degree with tuition starting at just $259.01 per credit hour. 

In this track, you’ll take classes such as The Historian’s Craft: Issues & Approaches, Internal Combustion Revolution, Scientific Revolutions, and Indians and Settlers in Colonial America. You will not have to complete a thesis but a practicum experience in a nearby school may be required in order to qualify you for teacher licensure where you live. 

As part of the online program, you will also participate in two on-campus summer institutes for each year that you are enrolled in the program. These institutes last just one week and allow you to interact with peers and professors right on campus. The online program is a two-year degree that will provide you with ample access to industry experts and features a more streamlined admissions process.

Speaking of admissions, when you’re ready to apply to the University of North Carolina, you will begin by filling out an online application. You should submit transcripts from a regionally accredited university where you received your bachelor’s degree and demonstrate that you held a B average or better in your undergraduate courses. You should also submit GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. 

#6. Eastern Illinois University

Master of Arts in History

With a main campus in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public university that was first established as the Eastern Illinois State Normal School. 

Originally designed only to offer two-year degrees for aspiring teachers, this university now offers a broad curriculum, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees in everything from art to science, business to humanities. Of course, the education programs here are still a mainstay, making this school a smart choice if you have your sights set on becoming a high school history teacher or a professor.

The Department of History at Eastern Illinois University offers one of the nation’s best Master of Arts degrees in history. A broad-based program, it will enable you to take classes in things like Modern World History, American History, and Premodern World History. Available both online as well as face-to-face, the program comes with both thesis and non-thesis tracks. There is even a pathway for aspiring teachers who want to be able to complete their degrees in history completely online!

You’ll find that this degree is flexible enough to help you meet a vast array of career objectives. You can complete the program in as little as three semesters or you can take a bit longer to complete your studies. For many students who are interested in eventual doctoral work, taking two years to complete this degree is more preferable. There are even evening seminars so that you can more easily balance your studies with your current employment!

Regardless of when and how you choose to take classes, you’ll find that all programs here share some common threads. For example, you will take a course called Historiography, in which you’ll be introduced to the main theoretical frameworks and methodologies commonly used by historians. You’ll also engage in detailed seminars in various areas of study, allowing you to engage in important scholarly debates.

You will typically take around 30 credit hours of study, up to six of which may be thesis work. Other core courses include subjects and options like Proseminar in Modern World History, Summer Institute in Graduate History, and Independent Study.

An affordable degree, this program pairs low tuition rates with extensive financial aid opportunities. Among these are the competitive graduate assistantships. These assistantships provide monthly stipends as well as tuition waivers. Not only that, but you’ll be able to broaden your horizons and expand your skills by conducting research, teaching classes, assisting with technology, and even offering editorial support for academic journals. 

When applying for a face-to-face program in history at Eastern Illinois, you will need to have your application materials submitted no later than February 15. For the online program, materials are due April 15. You’ll need to submit a completed online application and a $30 application fee. Official transcripts, two or more letters of recommendation, a statement of personal goals, and a resume or CV are also required. A writing sample is encouraged though not mandatory. 

#7. Missouri State University

Master of Arts in History

Yet another university on this list that was originally established to provide education to aspiring teachers is Missouri State University. Founded in 1905 in Springfield, MO, the school’s first class had only 543 students. Today, the space-grant university now enrolls more than 23,500 students and offers programs in nearly 200 different disciplines. 

With a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 20:1, this school is one of the best if you’re looking for dedicated attention from accomplished faculty. In fact, more than 90% of full-time faculty hold terminal degrees in their field. You’ll truly be learning from the best of the best and you’ll get to know your instructors and classmates quite well, too.

The Master of Arts in history at Missouri State University is an engaging program taught by full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty. It is available online as well as on-campus, meaning it caters to both traditional and nontraditional students alike.

The degree has a broad curriculum that will allow you to specialize in all kinds of fields in the world and U.S. history. You can even add a secondary education “sub-track” that will enable you to pursue a career in teaching upon graduation. There are both thesis and non-thesis options available, too.

You’ll be able to choose from concentrations such as American studies, US and world studies, or specific global area studies (like Europe or the Islamic world). You don’t necessarily have to commit to studying solely on-campus or online, either—there is even a hybrid option that will allow you to conduct classes in a mixture of the two settings. You can even skip semesters or take time off if you need to! It is also available as an accelerated program if you want to speed things up a bit.

As a student in this program, you will have a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing your courses and creating your degree. You might take classes such as World History Primary Source Seminar, Women’s History, Ancient Near East History, and Latin American History. The traditional master’s degree is a 30-hour program that can be completed in just a year and a half. You’ll complete either a thesis or a seminar (which includes a paper and an oral presentation) before you graduate. 

This degree features affordable tuition and a variety of financial aid opportunities, including graduate assistantships and generous scholarships. It has an excellent return on investment, preparing learners for a variety of careers including those in law, education, and government.

When you’re ready to apply, you will need to do so via the GradCAS system. Submit your transcripts from your undergraduate degree to the GradCAS system. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required. You’ll also be expected to have completed 24 undergraduate hours in history. You should provide three references and a writing sample as well as evidence of teaching certification if you plan on entering the education track. No GRE scores are required. 

#8. Arizona State University 

M.A. in History

A public research university located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona State University is one of the largest public universities in the United States. It enrolls more than 150,000 students between its main campus in Phoenix, its five campuses and four regional learning centers, and its vibrant online community. 

Of course, you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd here. ASU offers majors in more than 350 different areas, many of which are small, close-knit cohorts. You’ll also be able to explore accelerated and honors courses here, many of which are ranked as some of the best among public universities by U.S. News & World Report. 

A leader among its peers, ASU also offers one of the very best Masters of Arts in history degrees. The program offers dynamic content that will not only boost your understanding of history but will also help you develop your core skills—skills that will be applicable in a variety of settings. You’ll graduate with the ability to both analyze and discover new information, to organize projects, and to communicate effectively in all forms and mediums.

You can choose to study North American, European, public, and global-comparative history. You will learn not only in the confines of the traditional classroom setting but also through internship experiences, colloquia, and conference attendance. The program is the perfect option for individuals who are interested in careers in teaching, research, government service, and public history. 

Available as a traditional program as well as an accelerated degree, the program is flexible enough so that you can complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years. You can choose from a final thesis, applied project course, or capstone course to culminate your degree. 

It is available on campus as well as online, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Unlike many other universities, Arizona State is unique in that there are multiple joint degrees you can pursue along with your master’s in history, allowing you to craft a truly one-of-a-kind degree.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find that this program equips you with the skills you need to be successful in the field of history. You will take core classes such as Public History Methodology, Historical Methods, North American History, Global History, and Area Studies in History. This school is ranked top in the United States for innovation for six years running, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

An affordable program, this degree is offered by a university that has an excellent reputation when it comes to awarding financial aid. In fact, more than 84% of all ASU students receive some form of aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. Plus, tuition is affordable, too, with base tuition starting at just $11,720 for in-state students. Don’t forget to apply for fellowships, too!

To apply, you must submit a graduate admissions application and application fee along with a writing sample, official transcripts, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. A resume or curriculum vitae are also required. 

#9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Master’s Degree in History

A private Christian university located in Waxahachie, TX, Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers a variety of programs in the liberal arts as well as in Church ministry. The School’s motto is “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” and as a history major here, you’ll likely find that the master’s degree in history helps you discover and fulfill your own personal purpose—whatever that may be. 

Southwestern Assemblies of God University has three colleges: the College of Music and Communication Arts, the College of Business and Education, and the College of Bible and Church Ministries. All of these offer programs both on campus as well as online.

The Master of Arts in history at SAGU is an extremely flexible degree, enabling you to study all kinds of topics such as historiography, medieval history, military history, religion in America, biblical backgrounds, American history, and more. 

Class sizes here are small and individualized, creating an atmosphere that will provide you with 1:1 attention from your instructors. All courses are facilitated and delivered from a Christian worldview, allowing you to learn in an environment that will strengthen both your faith and your mind.

You will have access to full campus resources and support services, including the Career Center for job training, the Counseling Center, and the Wellness Center for access to all of its facilities and fitness classes. 

In addition to the master’s degree in history, Southwestern Assemblies of God University also offers programs in related fields like history education. The history education program will allow you to choose between a thesis- or non-thesis track and gives you ultimate flexibility in designing your degree.

When you choose to study at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, you can be confident that your degree will be nationally recognized. The university holds accreditations with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the history major employs instructors who are some of the most accomplished in their respective fields of study.

A degree with affordable tuition, this program also offers a 20% grant that will award you with $1,000 per semester. That’s renewable over the entire life of your degree. As a result of these sorts of financial assistance programs, you will graduate with far less debt—up to 20% less debt, in fact, than your peers from other private universities. Other financial aid offered here includes scholarships and grants. 

To apply, you will need to submit an online application. Southwestern Assemblies of God University has a rolling admissions deadline so you can apply at any time. You will need to submit a $35 application fee and transcripts from any other colleges you have attended. GRE scores are not required but are encouraged. You do need to submit letters of recommendation. 

#10. University of Massachusetts-Boston

M.A. in History

The University of Massachusetts-Boston in Boston, MA offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees along with certificate programs, distance learning programs, and corporate education programs.  With dozens of majors for you to choose from along with numerous free-standing centers and institutes, you’ll find plenty of ways to meet your career goals as a student here.

Class sizes are small, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of just 16:1. You’ll learn from some of the best and brightest minds in the field, too, with 96% of the teaching faculty holding the highest degrees in their fields. 

The Master of Arts in history, offered by the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Massachusetts-Boston provides a rigorous, albeit flexible, program of study. Meant to serve as a terminal degree, this program will prepare students for a wide variety of jobs, including those as archivists, teachers, public historians, writers, museum professionals, and more.

Available both online as well as on-campus, this degree is offered at the only public research university in Boston. Because of this, you will have unparalleled access to a wide variety of libraries, archives, historical sites, and museums. In fact, the campus is located on Columbia Point, a landmark it shares with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, the Commonwealth Museum, the Massachusetts State Archives, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

As you can see, you will have unparalleled access to some of the top historical sites in the country. You will take all classes from full-time faculty, most of whom have attained the highest level of education in their respective fields. Classes are conducted as small seminars, each of which contains no more than 15 students apiece. Most are offered in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate working professionals, too.

You will study a wide variety of topics in European, U.S., and world history in your classes, allowing you to explore a vast array of historical topics. When you choose to study in this program, you can choose from three separate tracks: history, public history, and archives. This will allow out to concentrate on specialized training for a certain professional path.

Regardless of the path you select, you’ll be able to receive a solid foundation in the methods and craft of history. In addition to the specializations offered above, the department also offers certificates in archives and public history, allowing you to add further marketability to your degree. 

To apply, you will need to have all of your materials submitted by January 15 for the on-campus program or by March 15 for the online degree. In addition to an online application, you will need to provide transcripts from all colleges you attended along with a writing sample, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. 

The statement of purpose should address why you think you should be admitted to the program as well as your individual career goals. GRE scores are not required but are strongly encouraged. An affordable degree, this program has multiple opportunities for financial aid and graduate assistantships. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Emporia State University

Location: Emporia, KS

Degree: Master of Arts in History

Net Price: $8,464

Website

#12. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Location: Monroe, LA

Degree: Master of Arts (MA) in History

Net Price: $9,068

Website

#13. Indiana State University

Location: Terre Haute, IN

Degree: Master’s Degree in History

Net Price: $7,616

Website

#14. Jacksonville State University

Location: Jacksonville, AL

Degree: Master of Arts in History

Net Price: $10,080

Website

#15. Jackson State University

Location: Jackson, MS

Degree: Master of Arts in History

Net Price: $8,051

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST FREE GRADUATE CLASSES ONLINE AND THE 50 BEST ONLINE MASTER OF FINANCE DEGREE PROGRAMS!

What if you could somehow make an extra $17,000? 

When you earn a master’s degree, you can.

Does that sound like a lot of baloney to you? It shouldn’t—because it’s true. When you take the time to earn a master’s degree, you can, on average, earn $17,000 more per year than you already do with just a bachelor’s. 

Although $17,000 might not sound like much, consider how much it will add up over your lifetime. If you’re new to your career or fresh out of your undergraduate program, earning a master’s degree could be a financially savvy choice. 

Plus, earning a master’s degree can help you make a career change. Gone are the days when someone entered into a career at the beginning of adulthood and stayed in that same job until adulthood. No, now, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs around a dozen times in their lifetime. 

Earning an affordable master’s degree will make it easy for you to explore other options and have a more versatile career that meets your current needs and professional goals. Graduate students will have the skills and expertise necessary to pursue work in a wide variety of fields. Because of this, the unemployment rate for individuals with master’s degrees is much lower than it is for people with a bachelor’s degree or less. 

Not only that, but with a master’s degree, you’ll enjoy increased respect and credibility. It takes a lot of guts to earn a master’s. Also, a lot of time, sacrifices, and money. Plenty of employers view a master’s degree as a testament to a person’s drive to succeed. 

Because of this, you and your unique skill set will be highly sought-after in the job market. You’ll be able to level the playing field when it’s time to apply for jobs. It will give you a greater sense of confidence and competency in your field. The skills for your resume that will no doubt set you apart from the competition. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of master’s degree you decide to pursue. Or even if you want do an online master’s degree program. Graduate students may be interested in interested in studying:

• business
• business administration
• romance languages
• anthropology
• data analytics
• data science
• nurse practitioner
• social work
• homeland security
• social justice
• project management

With affordable masters degrees, you will graduate with skills in things like:

• communication
• problem-solving
• leadership
• writing
• research
• critical thinking

These skills that will prove to be invaluable regardless of where you choose to work. 

Of course with a master’s degree or online master’s degree program, there’s the cost of attendance to be considered. Master’s degrees offer a higher earning potential. This might eliminate the need for you to live paycheck to paycheck or stress about your bills.  You do have the tuition of higher education to consider. 

Fortunately, earning a master’s degree doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find an affordable masters degree or affordable online master’s programs. Many graduate programs and employers offer stipends for students enrolled in graduate study. This helps to significantly lower the cost of attendance. Many have programs like research and apprenticeship programs that will give you hands-on experience and pay for the bulk of your college expenses. Online master’s degree programs can be especially flexible and attainable. 

If you really want to advance your career and save money at the same time, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 35 of the cheap master’s programs for you to consider. 

See Also: Top 50 Highest Paying Masters Degrees

What Are the Best Affordable Master’s 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. Find a master’s degree or online master’s program that works for you.

Affordable Online Master’s Degree and Online Graduate Programs

#1. Georgia Institute of Technology 

Georgia Institute of Technology, or “Georgia Tech,” has campuses not only in Atlanta, but also in places as far away as France, Ireland, China, and Singapore. The school was first created as part of Reconstruction plans to reboot the industrial economy in post-Civil War America. It was founded in 1885.

This school originally only offered degrees in mechanical engineering. Today it has programs in more than 31 departments. Many of which are offered at the graduate level. No matter what you’re interested in studying, there’s a good chance that you’ll find it at Georgia Tech. The school offers affordable master’s programs in departments like:

• business
• computing
• design
• engineering
• liberal arts
• sciences

A vast array of these cheapest masters programs are even offered online. For example, you’ll find online master’s degree programs in-demand majors such as:

• sustainability, energy, and environmental management
• cybersecurity
• analytics

Choose to study at Georgia Tech’s 400-acre campus in a wooded section of Atlanta, and you’ll benefit from a close-knit, stimulating learning environment. Located in Midtown, the school combines the educational, economic, and entertainment opportunities of an international city with all kinds of opportunities for hands-on learning. You’re just a short walk away from:

• parks and green spaces
• multinational corporations
• small businesses
• museums
• concert venues
• restaurants

On campus, Georgia Tech offers graduate students more than 400 student organizations to choose from. Cheer on your favorite sports team. Atlanta is home to the Atlanta Hawks, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the Falcons football teams. Take in a concert at Philips Arena. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, you’re sure to find an activity that is relaxing and rewarding at the same time. 

Although earning a master’s degree might be a daunting endeavor (both in regards to the time and monetary commitment required) the return on investment is there when you choose to study at Georgia Tech. You’ll be granted access to a wide range of options and opportunities to help you offset programmatic costs, including:

• competitive scholarships
• financial aid (such as loans, grants, and work-study)
• earn-while-you-learn internship and co-op programs
• research opportunities that will grant you stipends or class-credit

Let’s not forget that when you choose to study at Georgia Tech, the affordability and quality truly speak for themselves. You’ll earn a well-respected degree from one of the top-ranked institutions in the world. In fact, PayScale has ranked this school as number one in the country for its annualized return on investment in higher education. 

Ready to apply for one of the cheap master’s programs at Georgia Tech? To do so, you will need to complete an online graduate application along with supporting materials such as:

• transcripts
• test scores
• letters of recommendation
• variation of lawful presence

The deadlines for admission vary depending on your program of interest, so it pays to check in with your school and program before you start gathering your materials. All students are also required to pay a $75 application fee, although waivers are often available. Master’s degrees or online master’s degree programs from Georgia Tech are a top choice.

Georgia Tech is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

#2. Texas Tech University

A residential college in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public research institution that attracts students from all over the world. In fact, the hometown of most students here is more than 300 miles away, on average, from Lubbock. It has many cheapest masters programs and online programs.

Texas Tech has more than:

• 150 undergraduate
• 100 graduate
• 50 doctoral degrees

The school is among the more than 130 schools listed in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “Very High Research Activity” category. Created in 1923, the school is the only campus in Texas that is home to a law school, medical school, and a major university alike. Although it first opened its doors as the Texas Technological College, the school now offers a variety of programs in the liberal arts and humanities as well. 

If you’re thinking about studying at Texas Tech, likely your biggest challenge will be in deciding which major to pursue! No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a good chance they haves it as a major such as:

• animal science
• anthropology
• kinesiology
• public administration

The school offers a variety of affordable graduate programs through noteworthy schools like:

• Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration
• School of Law
• Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering

Ranked as one of the Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Tech has a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 21:1 with the most popular majors including:

• business
• engineering
• communication
• human sciences

Ultimately, if you can’t decide which major to pursue, don’t fret—because Texas Tech also offers a multitude of certificate and dual-major programs as well. Some programs that are unique to Texas Tech include the global food security graduate certificate, the autism graduate certificate and the agricultural leadership graduate certificate. 

Your learning will extend far beyond the limits of the campus, too. You’ll be able to participate in sports teams that compete in the NCAA Big 12 Conference or to sign up for one of more than 450 student organizations. Texas Tech even has an extensive Greek community with 50 different sororities and institutes. Of course, you can choose to make your experience strictly academic, working to improve your resume as you work at one of the school’s many university-run research institutes and centers, like the National Wind Institute. 

If the cost of attendance has you worried about attending graduate school, don’t let it. Texas Tech offers multiple ways for you to make ends meet when it comes to financing your education. Not only is tuition extremely low, but the school also has a multitude of financial aid opportunities for you to explore. For example, you can apply for grant funding as long as you are enrolled in at least five credit hours of study per semester. 

Texas Tech also has many affordable online master’s degree programs.

When you are ready to apply for admission, you will need to submit a formal online application along with an application fee. Unofficial transcripts for any post-secondary institutions you’ve attended are necessary, as is documentation of citizenship or similar materials for international graduate students. Other admissions requirements vary depending on the major you’ve selected as well as whether you plan to study fully online, fully on campus, or in a hybrid fashion. 

Texas Tech is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

#3. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public university that was founded in 1853. With a large enrollment of more than 52,000 students, this school is ranked as one of the best National Universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The only member of the Association of American Universities in Florida, the school is home to 16 academic colleges as well as more than 150 different research centers and institutes. 

If you’re hoping to study in the Sunshine State, you won’t find a better option than this Gainesville, Florida-based institution. It’s just two miles from the downtown area. This provides graduate students with the best possible access to a bustling college town and community. You’ll love taking in a game from the Florida Gators, sports teams who compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. 

If sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry—you can join in while participating in one of the school’s many other student activities. In fact, the University of Florida has more than 60 different fraternities and sororities. 

But if you’ve stumbled upon this ranking in search of one of the best affordable graduate programs, you might be wondering what the University of Florida has to offer in terms of its majors. The university has multiple well-regarded graduate programs through:

• the College of Medicine
• the Levin College of Law
• the Warrington College of Business
• the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering

There are plenty of graduate degrees for you to choose from. With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 17:1 and more than half of its classes containing fewer than 20 students, this school is home to popular majors in professions such as:

• business
• engineering
• biological and biomedical sciences
• health care professions

The school has multiple professional programs, too, including:

• veterinary medicine
• dentistry
• engineering
• law
• business administration
• medicine
• pharmacy

You’ll have access to plenty of support services to help you meet your goals. From nonremedial tutoring to a career placement service and even daycare, security services, and more, the University of Florida offers everything you could possibly need in order to be successful. 

You won’t have a hard time paying for your education, either. As a state-funded institution, the school has low tuition and fees that total just $6,380 for in-state students and $28,658 for those studying from out of state. The average student receives a need-based scholarship or grant award of more than $8,000—the return on investment here just can’t be beaten. In fact, the school is home to thousands of successful alumni including two Nobel prize winners and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners. You will find a cheapest masters program here.

Even applying is a cinch. You will need to have a recognized degree from a regionally-accredited intuition with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. For some degrees, such as the graduate degree in law, you must meet additional requirements and have certain credentials in order to be eligible for admission. 

UF is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

#4. Colorado State University-Fort Collins

At Colorado State University-Fort Collins, you’ll be able to study at a location where world-class research and teaching come together to produce an educational experience that is nothing short of spectacular. The school is consistently ranked as one of the country’s top universities in many categories. This includes:

• student achievement
• research

A recognized doctoral university with very high research activity, it’s one of the best places to turn to if you are looking for a best affordable master’s degree or online master’s degree programs. 

Colorado State is a public land-grant university that is the flagship university of the state university system. There is an enrollment of more than 34,000 students studying both on-campus and online. The school is ranked as one of the best in the nation when it comes to research and medical school spending in particular. 

You’ll have plenty of options to choose from as you pursue graduate study here. There are more than:

• 2,000 faculty teaching in eight colleges
• 55 academic departments
• 55 total master’s degrees
• 40 doctoral degrees

Degrees are offered online, on-campus, and in a hybrid fashion. Some featured majors include:

• cell and molecular biology
• accountancy
• public health
• advanced silviculture
• agricultural sciences
• anthropology
• arts leadership and cultural management

With a main campus in Fort Collins, a city that’s nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado State offers one of the best locations for students who want their education to take place not just in the classroom, but in the world. CSU is one of the country’s top research universities so you’ll be able to work closely with faculty and staff as you explore innovative concepts in a variety of fields. 

You may also consider an online master’s degree program for CSU.

It’s not all work and no play, though. The school has more than 350 campus organizations and 35 fraternities and sororities. Not only that, but there are plenty of sports you can choose from, too, with teams at the varsity, club, and recreational level. Known as the Aggies, a testament to CSU’s agricultural school past, the sports teams here compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference. 

It’s easy to see why Colorado State is ranked as a Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report. The class sizes are small, typically featuring a student-to-faculty ratio of just 14:1. You’ll have access to all kinds of student services, including tutoring, a women’s center, and career placement services. 

Tuition is incredibly affordable, coming in at just $12,495 for in-state students. Numerous financial aid opportunities, including grants, fellowships, and scholarships, are available for qualifying students, too. Master degree online affordable programs are also available. 

To apply, you’ll need to first choose between fall or spring admission dates. This will determine your deadline. An online application is required as is an application fee. GMAT or GRE scores are required for many programs, though not all. You will need to also submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and other documents as requested by the program to which you are applying. 

#5. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has a reputation for being one of the most research-focused graduate schools in the nation. There are two campuses to choose from:

• downtown Denver
• Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO)

The National Science Foundation reports that this school granted more graduate degrees than any other school in the state. 

Founded in 1912, this school was first opened as a nursing and medical school before rapidly expanding its offerings to other programs in the health sciences and beyond. Today, UC Denver has a variety of affordable masters degree offerings including those for students who wish to continue their education after earning a bachelor’s degree at the university. You can choose from a variety of master’s and doctoral programs along with graduate certificates and accelerated degrees. 

You can study on campus or online, with plenty of online master’s degree programs through CU online.

Online programs include:

• accounting
• master of business administration
• marking
• health sciences

There are doctoral degrees in 14 programs, six different MBAs, and ten master’s of science degrees in the business school alone. Other degrees can be pursued through:

• the College of Engineering, Design, and Computing
• the School of Public Affairs
• the College of Architecture and Planning

In fact, the University of Colorado Denver is the only school in Colorado with accredited degrees in:

• landscape architecture
• urban planning
• architecture

You can also choose a more interdisciplinary pathway by pursuing a degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The opportunities are endless!

No matter which affordable master’s degree program you choose, you will be supported in your endeavors by faculty who rank among some of the best in the nation. Class sizes here, particularly at the graduate level, are extremely small. The student-to-faculty ratio is just 17:1!

You’ll have access to plenty of support services here, too, including:

• tutoring
• career placement service
• health services
• daycare

The school is home to more than 100 different campus organizations, volunteer opportunities, and various publications. Although there aren’t any varsity athletic teams on campus, there are plenty of intramural sports and fitness classes you can pursue to stay active.

Let’s not forget about this school’s affordability, either. At the University of Colorado Denver, you’ll pay just $8,017 as an in-state student and $23,821 if you’re coming in from out of state. Provided that you complete a FAFSA and submit any supplementary materials, you can also be considered for numerous types of:

• financial aid
• scholarships
• grants

When you’re ready to apply, you will need to submit an online application for admission along with a $50 application fee. Transcripts from any college you have attended are required, too. Some programs may have additional application requirements, such as:

• standardized test scores
• letters of recommendation
• a statement of purpose
• a resume
• portfolio
• essays

#6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was founded in 1869 under the 1862 Morrill Act. It opened its doors just two brief years after Nebraska became a state and is, as a result, the oldest university in the state and the largest in the state university system.

Today, this public land-grant research university offers a variety of programs and online programs that conduct groundbreaking research and involve students in hands-on training every single day. You can pursue all kinds of majors here, including those at the graduate level. The online master’s programs available can be found here. 

You’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to affordable master’s degree programs. Just to name a few, you can pursue:

• Master of Science for teachers
• Master of Professional Accountancy
• Master of Legal Studies
• Master of Fine Arts
• Master of Engineering Management
• Master of Community and Regional Planning

For most graduate degrees, you can choose a program of study with one of three options. You can pursue:

• a thesis track
• a non-thesis track with additional classes outside of the major
• a non-thesis, non-minor track that requires you to focus on advanced courses in your chosen field of study

Depending on the program, most students take just two years to complete their graduate degrees, but you’ll be given up to ten regardless.

With a total enrollment of nearly 26,000 students, it might seem as though, at this school, you’ll be just another face in the crowd. That’s far from the case. While taking classes in one of the school’s highly ranked graduate schools, like the College of Law or the College of Education and Human Sciences, you’ll be part of a close-knit learning environment. In fact, the student-to-faculty ratio here is just 17:1. 

This public school is ranked as one of the Best National Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll have access to all the help you could possibly want, including:

• tutoring
• health services
• career placement
• alumni networking

Not only that, but if you choose to study on campus (the online master’s degree programs are noteworthy, too) you can choose from a variety of student organizations. The university is home to more than 400 student organizations, including an extensive Greek network of more than 40 fraternities and sororities. 

Tuition here is some of the lowest in the country, making this school one of the most affordable you will find. On average, you’ll pay just $7,588 per semester as an in-state graduate student. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid here does a wonderful job of helping to keep the cost of attendance affordable. You’ll have access to all kinds of programs, including:

• scholarships
• fellowships
• grants
• loans

When you’re ready to apply to this graduate school—which is ranked as ninth-best in the country when it comes to its online graduate education programs by the U.S. News & World Report, we might add—you will need to complete an online application and submit academic transcripts from any schools you have attended.

#7. Texas A&M University-Commerce

As the fourth-oldest state university in the entire state of Texas, Texas A&M University-Commerce is a public research university with plenty to offer potential graduate students. Founded in 1889, this historic and groundbreaking school is situated just 65 miles from downtown Dallas with a premier location on the edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It offers affordable online master’s degree programs and top graduate programs.

Commerce is a city of roughly 8000 people. Here, you’ll enjoy a unique combination of rural life with festivals, local music, dining, and plenty of other opportunities to pursue. You’ll also have nearby access to one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas. 

The Graduate School at Texas A&M University-Commerce offers aspiring and current students plenty of guidance when it comes to finding the right pathway for study. As a student here, you’ll gain the skills you need to conduct original research, become an independent thinker, and forge the way for your own successful career.

Not sure what you want to study? Don’t worry. At Texas A&M University-Commerce, you’ll have plenty of majors to choose from. With more than 40 accredited, nationally-recognized programs at the doctoral and master’s level, you’ll have your hands full just in deciding what you want to study! There are numerous graduate certificates and educator certification programs available, too.

The best affordable master’s degrees are administered through:

• the College of Business
• the College of Education and Human Services
• the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources
• the College of Science and Engineering
• the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts

There are dozens of cheap masters programs to choose from, but some unique titles include:

• applied criminology
• educational administration
• health, kinesiology, and sports studies
• physics

Of the university’s many graduate certificates, popular options include:

• business analytics
• film studies
• chemical dependency counseling
• sustainable food systems

In these affordable masters degree programs, you’ll not only be able to work closely with internationally-recognized instructors who are at the pinnacle of success in their respective fields, but you’ll also be able to network with other professionals. You can pursue your program on-campus, online, or at one of the school’s many branch campuses. 

You don’t have to break the bank in order to earn a degree from this award-winning school, either. The average student will pay just $6,424 in tuition when coming from the state of Texas—out-of-state students pay just over twice that amount, still an incredibly affordable sum. You will be considered for many types of financial aid, too, including scholarships and grants. The school provides multiple grant opportunities for students including:

• the Federal TEACH Grant
• the Texas Aggie Graduate Grant
• the Texas Public Education Grant

If you’re convinced that Texas A&M University-Commerce might be a good choice for you, it’s time to start filling out your applications. You will need to complete an online application and submit an application fee of $50. All official transcripts for any bachelor’s degree coursework is required, as are official GRE scores.

Texas A&M is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

#8. University of the Cumberlands

A private institution founded in 1888, the University of the Cumberlands is a rural university located in Williamsburg, KY. Ranked as one of the country’s best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, this school has an academic reputation that is just as renowned and unique as its history and background.

This private school was created by Baptist ministers and originally known as Cumberland College. The school changed its name only in 2005, adopting the mascot of the Patriots for its 13,000 enrolled students at approximately the same time.

Currently, it is home to four colleges, including:

• Cumberland College (dedicated primarily to undergraduate programs)
• the Hutton Center for Leadership Studies
• the Hutton School of Business/Management
• the Graduate/Professional Education school

There are 12 academic national honor societies and several master’s degrees available to students, including:

• Christian studies
• psychology
• education
• business administration

The motto of the university is “A Life More Abundant”—and abundance you will find here for sure. The University of the Cumberlands is home to a diverse student population with representation from more than 37 states and 15 countries. It’s home to numerous unique extracurricular opportunities, such as a Campus Activity Board, a forensics team, and a low-power radio station.

You can study on-campus in Williamsburg, or you can study an online master’s degree program. In addition to those two options, the University of the Cumberlands also has a Northern Kentucky facility just south of Cincinnati, OH in Florence, KY. 

Not only that, but the school provides opportunities for campus ministry through:

• Appalachian Ministries
• Campus Family and Life groups
• Mountain Outreach
• Baptist Campus Ministries

It’s committed to improving the lives of those in the surrounding community, so as a student here, you’ll also be able to participate in countless volunteer experiences. In fact, students are encouraged to participate in community service, and those who accumulate more than 200 hours of community service are awarded with special certificates upon graduation.

Curious about what you might be able to study here? In addition to the popular affordable graduate programs listed above, there are dozens of majors and minors available to graduate students, both on-campus and online programs, including:

• education
• coaching
• Christian studies
• nursing
• strategic management
• mental health counseling

With tuition rates as low as $5,970 for in-state students, there’s no reason not to consider the University of the Cumberlands on your quest for one of the most affordable master’s degrees. By completing a FAFSA with the University of the Cumberlands, you can be considered for eligibility for a variety of financial aid types, including:

• scholarships
• grants
• loans
• work-study

Once you’re ready to apply for admission, you can do so by completing an online application. For most programs, graduate admissions requirements are the same, but certain competitive programs may require supplementary materials. In any case, transcripts from any university you have attended are required. 

University of the Cumberlands is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

#9. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh was first established in 1887 as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. A land-grant college, it forms one of the corners of the “Research Triangle,” a well-respected cluster of schools and academic powerhouses that includes the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University in Durham.

Classified among the “R1: Doctoral Universities-Very High Research Activity,” North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers one of the best opportunities for graduate students who really want to get their hands dirty. If you’re interested in learning by doing and want to explore opportunities for research and innovation, this is one of the best places you can be. 

With an enrollment of more than 35,000 students, NC State is one of the largest in the country. While many of these students are enrolled in the school’s 106 fields of undergraduate study, you’ll find plenty of master’s and doctoral programs to choose from, too. You will also find online master’s degree programs. 

The largest four-year college in the state, North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers students plenty of opportunities to get involved. There are nearly 600 clubs and organizations you can join along with a large Greek community (roughly 13% of the student body is involved in some kind of fraternity or sorority). There are plenty of events in Raleigh you can explore, too, including the North Carolina State Fair and Winterfest. 

At NC State, as it’s frequently called, you’ll gain mastery of complex ideas and acquire the skills necessary to put those ideas into practice. U.S. News & World Report ranks nearly a dozen of the school’s graduate programs among the top in their disciplines on a national level. Some of the top-ranked—and most popular—programs include:

• textiles
• statistics
• veterinary medicine
• engineering
• nonprofit management

With more than 160 master’s and 60 doctoral programs to choose from, you will have unparalleled opportunities to become a leader in:

• education
• agriculture and life sciences
• natural resources
• engineering
• veterinary medicine

As a graduate student, you will likely take courses in departments such as the highly ranked engineering school, the Jenkins Graduate School of Management, or the School of Education. 

Tuition at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is some of the lowest in the country, offering many cheap master’s programs. It starts at just $11,495 for in-state students. As a student and applicant, you’ll be eligible for financial aid funds from federal, institutional, state, and private sources. As a result, this school isn’t just considered a top National University by U.S. News & World Report, but it’s also ranked as a Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans, too. 

To apply to the graduate school at North Carolina State University, you will need to submit an online application along with transcripts from a previously earned bachelor’s degree. Depending on the program, supplementary materials like essays or letters of recommendation are often required as well.

North Carolina State University is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

#10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Home to 16 different schools and colleges and more than 100 graduate programs of study, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the last school on our list of the best affordable master’s degrees—but it’s certainly not the least. 

A public land-grant research institution in Illinois, this school has campuses in both Champaign and Urbana. As the flagship university of the University of Illinois system it is a member of the Association of American Universities. 

As a graduate student here, you’ll find plenty of resources to support you on your journey toward achieving higher education. Not only is the campus library system home to the second-largest university library in the United States (it is second only to Harvard) but it also offers a Research Park that is home to innovation centers for nearly 100 different multinational corporations and start-up companies. Some of the biggest names here include Yahoo, State Farm, and Capital One. 

You will find dozens of graduate majors and concentrations to choose from here, including:

• accountancy
• agriculture
• anthropology
• architecture

You will learn from instructors who are at the top of their game. The school is home to:

• 30 Nobel laureates
• 2 Turing Award winners
• 27 Pulitzer Prize winners

Your life doesn’t have to focus solely on academics while you’re here, either. Although the graduate schools, including the College of Law, College of Engineering, and School of Information Sciences, are ranked as some of the best in the nation, there are plenty of extracurricular offerings here, too. You can choose from more than 1600 student organizations including:

• political
• philanthropic
• professional clubs

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is also home to one of the largest Greek systems in the nation. Nearly a quarter of the student population here is involved in some way! Because of the extensive opportunities for personal and professional advancement, this university is ranked as one of the top National Universities and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

U of I also offers many online master’s degree programs. The iMBA is a top degree program if you are looking for a master’s degree online that is flexible and of academic excellence.

This school is known all over the country for its low tuition rates. On average, you’ll pay just $18,126 as an in-state student. In 2020 alone, more than $961 million in financial aid was administered with more than two-thirds of all applicants receiving some form of financial aid. You’re not going to miss out on anything just because you’re paying less money, either. Although tuition is low, class sizes are small, featuring an average student-to-faculty ratio of just 20:1. 

Once you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to start by gathering the requisite documents. Although some programs, such as those in the College of Law and College of Veterinary Medicine, have additional, separate requirements for the application, most require an online application and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In many cases, letters of recommendation are also required. 

Whether you are looking for online learning or an on campus experience, you will find affordable option that fits your budget.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS AND ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES 

#11. West Texas A & M University

Location: Canyon, TX

Degree: Master’s and Online Degree Programs

Website

#12. Fort Hays State University

Location: Hays, KS

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#13. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#14. Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#15. Clemson University

Location: Clemson, South Carolina

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#16. Fitchburg State University

Location: Fitchburg, MA

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#17. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Degree: Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#18. Stony Brook University 

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Degree: Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#19. Maryville University

Location: St. Louis, MO

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#20. University of Arizona

Location: Tucson, AZ

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#21. National Louis University

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#22. Lamar University

Location: Beaumont, TX

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#23. Concordia University-Chicago

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#24. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#25. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Location: Greensboro, NC

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#26. Auburn University

Location: Auburn, AL

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#27. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Location: Rolla, MO

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#28. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, AL

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#29. University of Oklahoma

Location: Norman, OK

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#30. University of Illinois at Chicago

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#31. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Location: Monroe, LA

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#32. Texas Woman’s University

Location: Denton, TX

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Net Price: $7,336

#33. Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, MA

Degree: Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#34. Augusta University 

Location: Augusta, GA

Degree: Master’s and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Website

#35. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, PA

Degree: Master’s Degree Programs 

Website

Other Schools to Consider for Master’s Degrees or Online Master’s Degree Programs

University of South Dakota

Check out the master’s degrees and online master’s degree programs at University of South Dakota here.

Arizona State University

Check out the master’s degrees and online master’s degree programs at Arizona State University here.

University of Texas- Austin

Check out the master’s degrees at University of Texas- Austin here.

Western Governors University

Check out the master’s degrees and online master’s degree programs at Western Governors University here.

University of South Carolina

Check out the master’s degrees and online master’s degrees at University of South Carolina here.

University of North Dakota

Check out the master’s degrees and online master’s degree programs at University of North Dakota here.

Common Application and Admission Questions about Master’s Degrees and Online Master’s Degree Programs

Applying for a master’s program or an online master’s degree program sounds like a daunting task, but really, it’s quite straightforward. You’re already familiar with the process of applying for a bachelor’s degree. While a master’s degree is one step forward, the process is more or less the same.

First, start by making a list of the schools to which you’d like to apply for your master’s degree or online master’s degree program. This list should include:

• dream schools
• safety schools
• target schools

A dream school, of course, is one with competitive admissions, but that you’d really like to attend. A safety school is one that you’re practically guaranteed to be admitted into, while a target school is right in the middle. 

You don’t need to make this list super long. In fact, just four or five schools is really all you need to apply to for a master’s degree or online master’s degree programs. Any more than that and you’ll find yourself overwhelmed once the letters of acceptance start rolling in (or worse, before that—when you’re trying to fill out applications and pay for costly application fees). Any fewer, and you might not have a lot of options to choose from if your top schools decide that you are not the right candidate for them. 

Once you know where you want to apply, take the time to get in touch with the admissions office at your top schools. Make a checklist or spreadsheet that includes the application requirements for each school. This will allow you to be more efficient as you move through your applications. Some require personal statements and provide prompts for your responses. Making a spreadsheet will help you keep tabs on what you need to submit, and to whom.

Not all graduate schools require GMAT or GRE scores for admission. For those who do, it’s important to take the time to research the minimum and average scores. Take note of the averages that are in the 75th percentile and 50th percentile of admitted students. This will give you a good target to shoot for as you begin working your way toward graduate school.

In general, most graduate schools will accept scores from these exams that were taken in the last five years. Don’t wait too long to take the test, though, as it can take several months for scores to become available. You should also leave yourself enough time to retake the exam if necessary. Taking practice tests is a great idea if you’re shooting for a particular score! 

There are other kinds of documentation you will need to provide, too. Official transcripts are pretty much universal, although the GPA requirement for most schools will vary. Usually, it’s around a 3.0. You will also need to supply things like:

• a personal statement or essays
• letters of recommendation
• resume

You will need to decide if you want to be on campus or do online master’s programs. Both have perks.

The key to applying for graduate skill is this—stay calm and stay organized. You’ve got this! A cheap masters degree can be within your reach.

See Also: 50 Best Master’s Degree Programs

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships for Graduate Students?

The FAFSA might seem like a headache. When it comes to financial aid and paying for graduate school, it’s something you’ve really got to make the time to complete if you are looking for cheapest masters programs.

The FAFSA isn’t just a funny-sounding acronym. It stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If you are reading this after already having graduated with a bachelor’s degree, you’re probably already familiar with what the FAFSA has to offer. FAFSA may be your key to affordable master’s degree programs. 

Fill this form out, which is available starting January 1st of the year in which you plan to attend college, and you’ll be considered for all kinds of financial aid. All you have to do is spend a bit of time gathering your financial documents, such as your W2s and tax returns. If you’re still living at home, you’ll need your parents’ information, too. 

The FAFSA will be used to determine whether you are eligible for a variety of federal- and state-subsidized funding, such as:

• grants
• scholarships
• low-interest federal student loans

In many cases, universities use the information from the FAFSA to determine whether you might be eligible for:

• institutional scholarships
• grants
• fellowships
• assistantships

One of the biggest considerations that sets undergraduate and graduate students apart is whether you are a dependent or independent from your parents. If you file as an independent, you’ll likely earn far more financial aid than if you still rely on your parents for financial support. 

Once your dependency status is determined, the other difference is that, as a graduate student, you won’t be eligible for subsidized federal loans. You can still apply for unsubsidized loans and there are also a number of federal grants that do not have to be repaid, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant.  

You can also consider applying for federal work-study funds. These are often given in exchange for working in the community or on campus, meaning you can gain experience while also saving money on the cost of attending college. 

There is no set amount of federal funds that graduate students can receive. You can borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Stafford Loans and up to the cost of attendance in PLUS loans. Make sure you only borrow what’s realistic for you, though, and don’t borrow more than is needed. 

If you don’t qualify for any federal financial aid, don’t panic! You still have options. You can apply for local and regional scholarships, as well as national scholarships through organizations such as:

• Educators for Fair Consideration
• Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund
• Golden Door Scholars

Many employers offer remission plans, too. The key here is that you leave no stone unturned when it comes to finding money for college. Keep reading and find affordable graduate programs.

See Also: 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs

How Much Can I Make With a Master’s Degree? 

Earning a master’s degree or an online master’s degree really pays off. There are many advantages to pursuing graduate study. A bigger paycheck is one of the most significant. According to information from the 2000 U.S. Census, workers aged 21-64 who had just bachelor’s degrees earned around $42,877 per year. Those who had a master’s degree earned $55,242. Of course, the difference between those two figures has only become more pronounced in recent years. 

Of course, your average salary will vary depending on whatever it is you choose to study. Salaries vary by field as well as the level of degree you earn. The location of the company that ultimately hires you will also play a role, with workers in large metropolitan areas earning higher wages than those in rural communities. 

There are several master’s degrees or online master’s degree programs you might want to consider if you’re looking for a lucrative, high-paying career. One of the most prominent is a software engineer. As a software engineer with a master’s degree, you can earn nearly $96,000, according to CareerBliss. This is a salary that’s nearly $20,000 more than if you just had a bachelor’s. Those two extra years will really pay off!

Management is another popular field for individuals who want to earn high salaries. Earn an MBA, or a Master of Business Administration, and you could work in just about any field. Managers and administrators are needed in all industries, so you’ll find that an MBA will help prepare you with the leadership skills and management chops you need to lead any team to success. The average MBA graduate earns well over $106,757, according to the U.S. News & World Report, with some professionals earning even more depending on where they land.

Finance is another common pathway for graduate study. If you’re thinking about becoming a financial advisor, a graduate degree is almost a given. While many companies hire individuals who only possess bachelor’s degrees, those with master’s degrees earn almost 20% more per year. How much money does that add up to? On average, you’ll earn around $78,000 per year. 

For aspiring educators, a master’s degree or online master’s degree program isn’t just a luxury that can help enhance your salary if you decide it’s the right pathway for you. A master’s degree is an outright necessity. Many states require educators at both the elementary, secondary, and administrative level to earn master’s degrees to show that they have the right training to handle diverse populations of students. Again, you’ll enjoy a salary increase of nearly 20%, with some program directors in education earning more than $89,000 per year.

Big tech is another field in which earning a master’s degree is a smart choice. Web designers and database administrators alike find that master’s degrees are the best pathways when it comes to drawing a bigger paycheck. Come payday, the average web designer with a master’s degree earns more than $59,000 per year—that’s compared to just $46,657 for workers who only have bachelor’s degrees.

As a database administrator, you’ll earn an extra 21% if you pursue a master’s degree. The average wage for master’s-holding workers in this field is around $96,028. Now that’s an impressive increase! 

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

We use computers in practically every aspect of our daily living. From work to school, play time to chore time, computers are essential for helping us get by. But have you ever really thought about the ways in which computers affect us—or how our daily interactions shape future technological developments?

If you’re interested in learning more about this complicated topic, you may want to consider earning a master’s in human-computer interactions. Not only will you be able to learn how to design, develop, and evaluate current and future computer systems, but you’ll also graduate with a more concrete understanding of how technology and computers impact individuals and society.

An incredibly interdisciplinary program, it’s perfect for helping you develop the practical and theoretical skills you need to be a successful practitioner in this field.

A degree in human-computer interaction will open up many doors for you. You could pursue a number of careers, including those in front-end design and development, project management, and interaction design. You could work as a human factors engineer or a user experience designer, or you might decide that you want your career to take you in a more research- or teaching-oriented profession.

Your work could help you develop user-friendly, intuitive web experiences, or it could help you solve problems in computer design and technology. You might even work in product design to help create technologies that are as amenable to human behavior, sound, motion, time, and aesthetics as possible. 

Whatever the case may be, earning a master’s in human-computer interaction is a smart choice.

That’s not to say that the journey will be entirely smooth sailing, though. 

Earning a master’s degree is a serious undertaking, particularly if you are already working full-time. Finding the time to attend campus to take daily or weekly classes can be a challenge, as can finding the funding to pay for your degree if you have other life commitments that might come first. 

One of the best ways to achieve your goal of earning a master’s in human-computer interaction is to consider an affordable online degree. Not only will you be able to tailor your course schedule so that it fits in well around your other commitments, but you have the potential to save some serious coin, too. 

Almost always, an online program is going to be much more affordable than one that is offered on-campus. Some schools offer reduced tuition fees for students who do not plan to attend classes on campus. In other cases, there might not be a reduction in tuition but you’ll save money regardless because you won’t have to worry about paying for things like room and board, transportation, and even parking.

So what are you waiting for? Earning an affordable online master’s in human-computer interaction is a win-win situation for your schedule, your budget, and your career. Plus, you’re sure to enjoy the journey! Keep reading to learn more about the 15 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction.

See Also: Best Online Master’s Programs in HCI

Best Online Master’s Programs in HCI

Common Application and Admission Questions

Naturally, every school is unique, but when it comes to applying to a master’s in  human-computer interaction, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

First, most online programs have similar requirements for applying as their on-campus counterparts. Certain pieces, like an on-campus interview, might be waived for students who live very far away, but that’s not always the case. Take the time to research your school’s individual requirements when it comes to applying so that you don’t accidentally leave something out.

You will want to tailor your application to each and every university to which you apply. Try not to get too caught up in all the excitement of the application process, either—you might be tempted to apply to as many programs as possible, but this is a mistake. Not only will you have less time to devote to the individual requirements of each application, but you may end up having to shell out a ton of cash, too. 

Make sure you take the time to understand the individual application requirements of your university and narrow your selection down to just a few choices. Your wallet—and your sanity!—will thank you. 

Be sure to set aside some time when it comes to completing your application. You should not send out a generic document to multiple programs (although you might be tempted to do this for supplemental materials that are required such as an essay, statement of purpose, or resume). Instead, edit each and every one to make sure it is addressed specifically to the college you are sending it to. 

Research the qualifications you must have for your application as well. Competitive programs usually request minimum GPAs of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but sometimes this is higher. You might have to submit letters of recommendation, a resume, and an employer’s statement to show that you have ample amounts of work experience, too.

Almost always, a bachelor’s degree is required, but the subject in which this is received can vary depending on the institution. While some universities require master’s candidates to have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field, like computer science, information technology, or data analytics, you may be able to get by with an unrelated major by taking a few general prerequisites to fill in the gaps once you begin your graduate studies. 

Of course, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time for securing all of these documents, from your transcripts to letters of recommendation—and don’t forget about the time it will take for you to schedule, study for, and take the GRE or GMAT. These tests aren’t required by all schools, but if your university requests your scores, it’s imperative that you do your absolute best. 

Don’t give your university of choice any possible reason to pass you over. Even the most qualified student can be turned away from a program because he left out a simple detail or ignored a basic instruction in the application process. Before you submit your application, go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. It only takes a few extra minutes, and it’s absolutely worth the time. 

See Also: 10 Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Paying for college can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. According to a report by Petersen’s, the average annual cost of attending college is up to $40,000 per year. However, this depends on a lot of factors, including whether the university is private or public, whether you receive any financial aid, and what kind of major you are pursuing.

As a result, it’s imperative that you spend some time researching the many financial aid opportunities that are out there. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you might be familiar with the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is a form that can be completed and filed starting January 1. You should complete this document in the year in which you wish to attend college, and it must be resubmitted each and every year that you remain in school. 

The FAFSA will utilize information about your financial status and history to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid. These include opportunities like Fulbright Grants, TEACH Grants, federal work-study, and low-interest, unsubsidized student loans. 

Although there is admittedly far more financial aid available at the state and federal level for undergraduate students than there is for graduate students, it’s still essential that you complete the FAFSA in a timely fashion. You don’t have to have your taxes finished for the year, either. You can use estimates from last year to get an idea of what sort of aid you might qualify for. The FAFSA may ask for documents like your W-2s, pay stubs, and income taxes, so you might want to have copies on hand once you start completing your paperwork.

The FAFSA does not only determine what you might qualify for at the federal and state level, either. It also helps to evaluate whether you might be eligible for any institutional aid. Universities often use the information from your FAFSA to determine whether they can award you any need-based institutional aid. They do this via the Student Aid Report, a document that is automatically calculated by the FAFSA and sent to your university. 

If you decide to take out any student loans, you’ll have to go through a half-hour entrance counseling session online and sign a master promissory note that indicates that you agree to abide by the conditions of the loan. 

Loans aren’t the only option even if you don’t qualify for any need-based aid, either. Often, schools provide assistance in the form of scholarships, teaching assistantships, and paid research fellowships. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with your college and departments’ websites. Here, you’ll find information about funding opportunities that are available to all students.

Sometimes you will be automatically considered for such opportunities, but that’s not always the case. Make a spreadsheet or a detailed list to help you keep track of all of the application deadlines, requirements, and details of the funding opportunities to which you’d like to apply. Staying organized is the key to an affordable online education!

How Much Can I Make With an Online Master’s in Human-Computer Interactions?  

As an up-and-coming degree, human-computer interactions seems to be a highly marketable and lucrative career to consider. However, you might be cautious about whether this is the right program for you, particularly when you consider the rising cost of graduate education. 

Since this discipline is a relatively new field of study, it can be tough to gauge a long term return on investment for a worker with a degree in this field (especially when compared to established fields, like medicine and engineering).

To complicate things even further, there is a wide range of careers that a degree in human-computer interactions can qualify you for. Every job pays differently just as every company does, and even things like your geographic location can affect your salary. Naturally, you’ll have the best bet at a higher wage if you choose to live in an urban area, but you’ll have a higher cost of living here, too.

Nevertheless, you may be able to find some guidance on your expected return on investment by visiting national statistics provided by organizations like the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a report published by the Department of Labor, offers some data on the average salaries for computer and information research scientists. Of course, this does not include all potential jobs you might pursue with a degree in human-computer interactions, but it does give you a good close estimate.

You’ll earn a salary, in this field, that is an average of $118,380 per year (a whopping $56.91 per hour!). Of course, your wages will be much higher if you earn a master’s degree, with additional room for growth that often isn’t possible when you only earn a bachelor’s. Professionals with more work experience tend to earn higher salaries, too, so this is yet another field where it pays to stick around for the long haul.

There is quite a bit of variation between careers, too. Professionals who earn the highest wages are those who work in software publishing (earning more than $140,220 per year) followed by those who work in research and development and computer systems designs. The top 10% of all earners exceed $183,000 per year! Even the lowest earners still bring in a respectable $69,000. Needless to say, this is a field that’s worth the investment. 

This is also a field that shows exceptional room for growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will continue to be about a 16% growth in this field through 2028. This dramatically exceeds the national average for other careers (which is about 5%). This growth is likely to be driven by advancements in technology and further exploration into the ways we use computers. 

Of course, all of these numbers are averages—but the figures look good, don’t they? Once you earn a master’s in human-computer interaction, you’ll be well on your way to a profitable, enjoyable career that truly makes a difference. 

What Are the Best Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction 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. Georgia Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

If you’re going to major in a tech-related field, there’s no better place to do it than at Georgia Institute of Technology. This school is not only one of the top research universities in the United States, but it’s also a top-ranked public college. 

Here, the school focuses on providing technologically-focused education to more than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students alike in six colleges and 28 schools. The majors here specialize in disciplines in business, liberal arts, computing, engineering, science, and design. 

A highly interdisciplinary program, the Master of Science in human-computer interaction at Georgia Institute of Technology is designed to help students create user interfaces that are usable, useful, and above all, enjoyable. You’ll learn everything from how to design and develop computer systems to implement new types of technology that can have major impacts for people and society.

This program is unique in that it is offered by four separate schools: industrial design; literature, media, and communication; psychology; and interactive computing. When you enroll in this program, you will do so via any of the four participating units. Your choice here will reflect your area of specialization and your general background.

In your selection, you will gain the skills and theoretical training you need to become leaders in designing, implementing, and evaluating the next generation of human-computer interfaces. Requiring 36 credit hours, the degree can be completed online and is usually completed in just four semesters (though there is the option to complete it in just three with the accelerated pathway to completion).

Regardless of how long it takes you to complete your studies, you will take the same set of core courses, with requirements including Human-Computer Interaction Foundations, Psychology Research Methods for HCI, and HCI-Professional Preparation and Practice. 

Then, you will take classes in your chosen concentration, with sample electives including Computational Journalism, Design of Online Communities, The Computer as an Expressive Medium, Visualizing Communication for Interaction, and Topics in Cognitive Aging.

Your electives don’t have to fall within your specialization area, either. You can also take electives in fields like architecture, music, computer science, human factors, cognitive science, and technology. If you choose, you can even earn a certificate in management of technology from the college of management at Georgia Tech. 

Altogether, more than 50 faculty members work in these areas as well as other closely-related areas. They are associated with prominent research centers and laboratories like the Aware Home, the GVU Center, the Health Systems Institute, the Human Factors and Aging Lab, and the Sonification Lab. This affordable program offers low tuition rates and plenty of research funding for these opportunities. 

In addition to the nearly 90 students enrolled in the human-computer interaction program at Georgia Tech, there are also more than 200 students earning degrees in related areas, like social computing, engineering psychology, and digital media. Alumni of these programs are active participants in creating new opportunities for current students. They work all around the world for national and international companies alike.  

#2.  Iowa State University

Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Human-Computer Interaction (M.H.C.)

Located in Ames, IA, just half an hour from Iowa’s capital of Des Moines, Iowa State University has a reputation for discovery, innovation, and a student-first approach. Despite being one of the nation’s best and most prominent research institutions, this university has a culture that prizes student involvement and success. 

The Master of Science in human-computer interaction at Iowa State University is offered by the graduate college and is available primarily online. It is an excellent pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy in human-computer interaction but also serves as a great stand-alone program that will prepare you for a rewarding career. 

When you choose to enroll in this program, you will benefit from instructors who work constantly to accelerate and promote current research in this field. You’ll work with faculty representing departments in every area of the college as well as prominent researchers at the Virtual Reality Applications Center. 

By the time you have finished your studies, you will know how to design, evaluate, and adjust systems with a focus on user-centered design. You will be able to participate in multidisciplinary product development teams and to apply user-centered design approaches in your work. 

The online program is similar in structure and content to the one offered on campus. You will take four courses that fall into four main categories: phenomena, evaluation, implementation, and design. Sample classes include Virtual Worlds and Applications, Evaluating Digital Learning Environments, and Design and Evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction. 

You can also pursue a variety of electives through your credits, with options including Human Factors, Foundations of Game-Based Learning, and Optimization Methods for Complex Designs. All online courses are offered via streaming media over the web, with content consisting of recorded lectures, teacher-student interaction via chat rooms, emails, and phone conversations. 

To apply, you will need to submit all of your documents, including your academic records, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation via the online portal. You can apply for online studies at any time throughout the year. The program requires no GRE or GMAT for admission. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to this program, however. 

You will be billed for tuition based on your residency. Tuition rates are affordable and a myriad of financial aid opportunities are available. 

Choose to study in this affordable online program, and you’ll benefit from a school that has a reputation for offering a great return on investment. 

In fact, Iowa State University is cited as being within the top 12% for college value, according to Money Magazine, and is also highly ranked for the quality and affordability of its programs by Value Colleges, Schools.com, and Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. The degree has excellent career placement outcomes and offers distance learners a great way to break into the exciting world of human-computer interaction. 

#3.  University of Maryland 

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM)

The University of Maryland, located in College Park, may be home to nearly 400,000 alumni—but that doesn’t mean that you will be just another face in the crowd if you choose to study here. 

On the contrary, studying at the University of Maryland will allow you to become part of a large family of fellow scholars and faculty members. This university is considered one of the country’s preeminent public research universities and is a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and research.

The Master of Science in human-computer interaction at the University of Maryland prepares learners to develop unique, innovative technologies that will improve the way society connects to information. In this program, students will learn how to evaluate, design, and implement new information technologies and interfaces that are not only usable but also appealing. 

The curriculum of this program is highly interdisciplinary, incorporating perspectives from many disciplines, including computer science, information studies, engineering, education, design, psychology, and the social sciences.

Upon graduation, you will have the skills you need to leverage information technology to make a positive difference in the world. You will be able to create interfaces, understand modern methodology in design, and conduct a host of other functions that are essential in becoming a valuable member of the workforce.

This degree will allow you to combine hands-on learning, practical skills, and theoretical training so that you can apply your new skills to whatever new opportunities your career might present. Current students are able to work on projects with the school’s more than 400 different industry partners. There are also plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning through the college’s world-renowned labs and research centers. 

To graduate, you will need to complete 30 credit hours of academic work with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This must be done in five calendar years, but most students take fewer than two when completing their courses full-time. You may take classes on either a full- or part-time basis. 

The core curriculum consists of classes such as Introduction to HCI Fundamentals, Intro to Programming for Information Professionals, and Interaction Design Studio. You will complete a capstone or thesis in your second year of study to help you synthesize everything you have learned in your program. You can also pursue electives like Analyzing Social Networks and Social Media and Visual Analytics. 

This program is incredibly affordable. As an online student, you’ll pay the same rates that you would pay if you were studying on-campus, with tuition starting at just $731 per credit hour depending on residency. A number of generous financial aid opportunities are available. 

To apply, you will need to complete an online application to the UMD Graduate School and pay an application fee of $75. You should plan to upload transcripts for all courses you have already completed as well as a statement of purpose that describes your interests and experiences. Professional references, a current resume or CV, and the HCIM supplementary application are also required.

#4.  University of California-Irvine

Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design

Ready to think outside the box? You might want to consider the Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design program at the University of California-Irvine. Here, the department offers the only mixed format, low-residency Master of Human-Computer Interaction that you can complete in just one year. That’s not just in the state—but in the world.

Not only will you benefit from in-person, high-touch learning at an accelerated pace, but you’ll also have the added flexibility of online distance education. The program will prepare you to become a leader in user experience research and design, product design, interaction design, information architecture, and human-computer interaction. 

The degree is fully accredited and includes nine courses that are meant to be completed over the course of a single year. The program offers you the flexibility to complete a graduate degree while still working in your current profession along with a highly interdisciplinary orientation to the field.

Core courses include topics such as User Needs Analysis, Design and Prototyping, User Experience and Evaluation, and Advanced Design and Prototyping, just to name a few. You’ll take classes through the fall, spring, winter, and summer months for a whirlwind experience you’re sure to enjoy.

You will learn from faculty who are highly skilled in the field of human-computer interaction as well as those who have backgrounds in business, media arts, psychology, information science, and art and design. Before you graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a large project for a real-life client. This project will enable you to bring together everything you have learned in your studies and to gain some hands-on experience that will look fantastic on your resume.

That’s not the only opportunity you’ll have to get some real work experience, either. You will also be able to work toward solving real-world problems in diverse teams, gaining important practical and academic experience. You can collaborate with groups and industry sponsors to modify, improve, or innovate a new (or existing) technology.

With low student-to-faculty ratios, this program includes classes taught by full-time faculty members and multiple teaching assistants. It is flexible and affordable, lending you access to a large range of networking activities through its extensive alumni network. 

The degree has a self-supporting fee that is the same regardless of your residency and includes all costs. You will pay $51,800 for the entire program, with significant amounts of financial aid available. For example, the program has a “20 for 20” merit-based scholarship that is in the amount of 20% of all program fees for the top 20% of each admitted cohort. All students who apply to the program are considered automatically for this and all other scholarships.

To apply, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0-grade point average. You will submit an online application, a statement of purpose, a personal statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. You should also send either a portfolio or GRE scores (the choice is yours as to which).

#5.  SUNY College at Oswego

Human-Computer Interaction Master of Arts.

The Master of Arts in human-computer interaction at SUNY College at Oswego is available entirely online and takes most students just two years to complete. Consisting of 33 credit hours, the program has a flexible rolling admissions policy and allows you to start your classes at any time—you can choose between enrolling during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

A highly interdisciplinary degree, this program enables you to draw upon methods and concepts from a variety of fields, including graphic design, the social sciences, and computer science. You’ll learn helpful user-centered design approaches as you create communication and information technologies that are relevant and user-friendly, such as mobile apps, software design, computer games, and websites.

The program comes with two potential tracks—a professional track and a project/thesis track. The professional track is a hybrid program that will enable you to study within the core human-computer interaction curriculum along with industry-relevant skills in fields like marketing and management. You’ll work side-by-side with students in the accredited Master of Business Administration program to do this. 

This award-winning track will enable you to make and to translate discoveries in computers to important developments in the business world. However, if you’d rather work in a more project-based, experimental setting, you should pursue the project/thesis track. This track will enable you to put your teamwork skills and knowledge of human-computer interaction to the test as you take numerous project courses.

This track is best for students interested in conducting immersive research. Not only will you be able to do plenty of research while you’re enrolled in this plan of study, but you can also complete a culminating thesis that will enable you to synthesize and formally present everything you learned during your studies.

Whichever track you choose, you’ll take core courses such as HCI Methods I-Design and Evaluation, Graphical User Interfaces, and Software Design. You will have plenty of opportunities to build and incorporate skills that will enable you to be successful in your career. Graduates of this program frequently receive fellowship funding to work on large projects with major businesses, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, MedTech, and Welch Allyn.

In addition, this program regularly connects with regional businesses to offer significant opportunities for professional growth and industry exposure. You’ll have access to some of the best and most lucrative career opportunities in the industry, including those as a mobile app developer, front-end web designer, and graphical user interface designer.

At just $471 per credit hour, tuition for this program is incredibly affordable and boasts a myriad of generous funding opportunities. For example, the Diversity Graduate Fellowship Program is an award that any prospective student may apply to. It not only includes an annual stipend but also has fully-paid tuition for full-time study. There are more than 120 graduate assistantships offered to help students gain experience and fund their education at the same time. 

All in all, SUNY College at Oswego awards more than $500,000 in funding each year to its graduate students.

#6.  Indiana University-Bloomington

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCI/d)

Looking for a program in human-computer interaction that truly thinks outside the box? You might want to consider the Master of Science in human-computer interaction design at Indiana University-Bloomington. It not only was the first in the United States to emphasize design as an equal partner in HCI, but it is also incredibly affordable, too.

A unique graduate program, the Master of Science in human-computer interaction design is a hands-on program that will help you become a design professional with the ability to shape the future of this field. An intensive two-year program, it incorporates courses that will show you how to develop new interactive tools, systems, media, and artifacts in ways that not only offer an engaging user experience but enriches the lives of those users, too.

The degree includes four major program themes: interaction design, UX research, design strategy, and academic scholarship and creative activity. When you enroll, you will choose one of these themes based on your intended career. Regardless of the pathway you select, you will culminate your studies with a two-semester capstone project. In this, you’ll be able to work on a design project or problem of your own choosing.

You will take a variety of hands-on core courses, including those such as Interaction Design Practice, Foundations of HCI, and Meaning and Form in HCI. You may also choose to take elective credits (you’ll complete up to 12 total) such as Info Architecture for the Web, AI and the Future of Work, and Design Entrepreneurship. The program even comes with an optional built-in professional internship.

This program is hands-on and close-knit, with seven core faculty and just 46 students per cohort. You’ll take a total of 36 credits and learn within a diverse body of fellow learners. In fact, this program, despite its small size, includes representation from eight separate countries.

You’ll enjoy an accelerated curriculum that blends creativity, technology, and the social sciences. As a student in this program, you’ll be able to participate in a number of international conferences, including CHI, the largest conference in the field. Students regularly compete in and win at international design competitions. 

Before you graduate, you will be able to access a variety of career services. From next-day interviews to career fairs, design challenges to networking receptions, you’ll have plenty of ways to engage with potential employers before you ever step foot out of your graduate program (yes, even when studying online!). 

This highly affordable program offers partial financial support to all admitted students. This might consist of a travel award, a fellowship award, or even a ten-hour-per-week appointment for various studies in the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering (such as grading finals or other administrative duties). You will automatically be considered for financial support when you apply to graduate school here. 

To apply for admission, you will need to submit an online application and provide supplementary documents such as a personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. 

#7.  DePaul University

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

If you’re looking for a Master of Science in human-computer interaction that will practically guarantee you a well-paying job immediately upon graduation, you may want to consider the graduate degree at DePaul University. 

This program will not only help you learn how to design, evaluate, and implement computer-based technologies, making them more user-friendly, but it will also serve as an interdisciplinary program that draws elements from the social sciences, graphic design, and computer science.

You’ll take a foundational core of human-computer interaction courses along with a smattering of diverse electives. You can take classes in a variety of disciplines, including social media, mobile computing, information visualization, and accessibility. Your opportunities will extend outside of the major, too, enabling you to take classes in software engineering, computer science, and information systems.

Of course, the job outcomes aren’t too shabby, either. Upon completing this program, you’ll enjoy an average salary of $82,000 per year (at least, that’s the median salary reported by program graduates six months after graduation) and a 94% employment rate. Graduates work at a large array of companies, including Allstate, JP Morgan Chase, Motorola, Microsoft, Grainger, and more.

This kind of career success is due in part to the extensive alumni network that is supported by the College of Computing and Digital Media. There are human-computer interaction professionals from DePaul located all over the country, including at numerous Fortune 500 companies in Chicago. You will not only benefit from networking events and industry opportunities in this city, but also an informational email list that announces job and internship openings, research projects, and more. 

The curriculum of this program is incredibly diverse and will teach you how to work with and create technologies like desktop applications, mobile apps, dynamic web sites, and more. It can be completed entirely online, with 100% of all program lectures captured and available in a remote environment. You’ll enjoy all kinds of resources as an online student, too.

For example, you will be able to participate in a myriad of student research opportunities. You can get involved in research projects for independent study credit, plus have your publications featured in peer-reviewed venues. You’ll be able to add lots of real-world experience to your portfolio and resume.

You can even join a variety of professional organizations. Students and alumni alike regularly contribute to professional organizations like Chicago Interaction Design Association and XD Roundtable. You’ll enjoy lifelong independent learning opportunities through these on-campus programs.

To apply, you will need to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale with a bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited university. You should complete an online application and supply official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your resume with any relevant industry certifications. 

When you apply, you will be automatically considered for a variety of financial aid opportunities as well. This program is highly affordable and a wonderful option for financially-conscious online learners.

#8.  Carnegie Mellon University

Master of Human-Computer Interaction – CMU HCII

With more than 14,500 students representing more than 100 countries, it’s easy to see that Carnegie Mellon University values diversity in all of its cutting-edge programs.

When you choose to study here, you will join an esteemed group of fellow learners and instructors who are part of one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions. Their motto? Carnegie Mellon doesn’t just imagine the future—they create it.

Since graduating its first class in 1997, the Master of Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University has graduated more than 700 students. Since then, the school has continued to redefine the ways in which humans interact with technology. 

Enroll in this interdisciplinary program, and you won’t regret it a bit. It’s a three-semester program that can be completed over the course of just one full calendar year. You’ll be prepared for rewarding industry work in areas related to human-computer interaction, user experience, and more. 

You don’t have to have a computer background to enroll in this program, either. In fact, every year, class cohorts are a diverse body of students with different levels of backgrounds and industry experience in the social sciences, computer science, business, and design. Faculty both define and drive the world of human-computer interaction, bringing together a range of experiences in this discipline as well as others. 

Starting as soon as your first semester, you’ll immerse yourself in core HCI methodologies and technologies. You will work through a set of core courses before moving on to a series of electives of your own choosing.  This rigorous, highly interdisciplinary program includes interactive classes such as User-Centered Research and Evaluation, Interaction Design Studio, Programming Usable Interfaces, and Software Structures for User Interfaces. 

Finally, you’ll complete a seven-month capstone course that will enable you to work on a research and design project with an industry partner. This capstone is vital in helping you to synthesize everything you have learned—and to gain valuable work experience that will look great on your resume.

This program includes courses that typically consist of 9 to 12 units each. You’ll take 36 units, or just four courses per semester, and pay tuition on a per-semester basis. Rates start at just $24,000 per semester when studying full-time, an affordable rate that can be offset by substantial amounts of financial aid. The Carnegie Mellon Financial Aid office and Fellowships and Scholarships Office both offer student loans and fellowships to students who choose to apply.

To apply, you will need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. However, your degree can be in any area—the admissions team values an interdisciplinary cohort with a range of work and academic experiences.

You will need to submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume or CV, and official transcripts. GRE scores must be submitted (with the test taken within five years of the application date) along with TOEFL scores, if you are a non-native English speaker. A portfolio and video essay are both optional but recommended. Applications can be submitted for the fall semester only. 

#9.  Michigan State University

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Ready to help contribute to success in the Information Age? If so, you may want to consider enrolling in the Master of Arts in media and information at Michigan State University, a program with four hands-on concentrations. 

Whether you’re already an industry professional or you’re just breaking into the field of human-computer interaction, the Master of Arts in media and information with a focus in human-computer interaction at Michigan State will help prepare you for a rewarding career. You could work in a range of roles, including those in information architecture, usability, or interaction design.

The degree’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on project experiences, helping you navigate human-centered design theory, methods, and practice. You will take classes such as Understanding Users, Interaction Design, and Theories of Media and Information. You can even complete the courses necessary to earn an additional certificate in Serious Game Design and Research. 

All in all, you’ll complete 30 credits before finishing this program. You can take additional courses outside of your focus area, with the media and information program including concentrations like user experience, management, policy and society, and game design and study. 

This program is one of the best ranked in the country, according to the 2018 QS World University Subject report. It is ranked as 11th in the country and 16th in the world, in fact. Not only that, but the department is top-ranked for its programs by ranking affiliates such as The Princeton Review, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and Times Higher Education. 

Alumni work all over the country, with a phenomenal placement record for graduates in both government and business. Graduates work for companies like Facebook, Quicken Loans, General Electric, Electronic Arts, and the World Bank, just to name a few.

Their success is bolstered in part by the many hands-on opportunities students get as part of their daily learning. Even as an online student, you’ll enjoy ample access to research opportunities. The department has research groups that cover all aspects of the modern information world, with teams studying everything from social media to serious games and information and communication technology for development.

The department receives research funding from organizations like the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense, and more. As a student, you’ll be able to gain hands-on experience in campus labs and facilities like the Quello Center and the Behavior Information Technology lab. 

To apply, you will need to submit an online application to the Graduate School and have completed a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s program. You will need to submit official transcripts along with official GRE test scores. Three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an academic statement are also required. 

This program is highly affordable, with low tuition rates and multiple funding opportunities available. Scholarships are awarded every year to students in this program, with sample graduate scholarships including the Robert W. Schlater Graduate Scholarship, the Thomas F. Baldwin Endowed Fellowship, and the Nancy Seidman Dempsey Memorial Scholarship.

#10.  Rice University

Master of Human-Computer Interaction & Human Factors

Rice University, located in the heart of Houston, TX, is perhaps best known for its scenic 300-acre urban campus. Here, students have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research and to engage in innovative opportunities for collaboration.

Ranked within the country’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report, Rice University has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a college system that works to support students at the intellectual, cultural, and emotional level. With a strong campus tradition and an even stronger network of diverse professionals, Rice is easily one of the immersive colleges in the country.

In addition to the accolades it has received from U.S. News & World Report, Rice is also ranked as one of the best schools in the country for resources by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. It has also received nods as the second most international university in the country and as one of the top five private universities in the United States. Not too shabby!

A full-time, two-year professional master’s program, the Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors at Rice University allows students to explore and expand their understanding of critical methods in psychology. You’ll not only learn about those concepts, but you’ll be able to apply those concepts to real problems in human-computer interaction, too.

This diverse program is home to students who will later go on to lead human-computer interaction endeavors in a broad range of industries, such as health care, energy, e-commerce, defense, and IT. 

The program has excellent job and internship placements, with students working for companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Google. The master’s degree offers a collaborative environment that is perfect for students who wish to go on to a doctoral degree. 

The degree is one of only 20 programs that is fully accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. You’ll be able to take classes such as Computer Applications in Psychology; Human Factors/Ergonomics; and Reasoning, Decision Making, and Problem Solving. 

Not only is tuition for this program incredibly low, but most students who apply receive tuition waivers. You can receive funding for up to five years with a $27,000 stipend from the department. You’ll be able to engage in a variety of research and teaching opportunities through these funding opportunities and go on to work in internships at local consulting, government, medical, and industrial organizations.

To apply, you will need to submit all materials for admission in the fall semester only. You will need to submit the official application along with official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and an updated CV or resume. You must also supply a two-page essay that serves as a statement of purpose and a writing sample. The GRE is optional.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. University of Kansas

Location: Lawrence, KS 

Degree: M.A. in Interaction and User Experience Design

Net Price: $18,415

Website

#12. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Degree: Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

Net Price: $9,371

Website

#13. University of Washington

Location: Seattle, WA

Degree: Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design

Net Price: $9,765

Website

#14. Drexel University

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Degree: MSI In Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience

Net Price: $36,727

Website

#15. Rochester Institute of Technology

Location: Rochester, NY

Degree: Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

Net Price: $31,798

Website

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

There is an ever-growing importance of technology in our world. It’s no surprise that the field of computer engineering is booming. There are now more programs than ever before that cater to those interested in this field.

But with so many options available, how can you choose the right one?

There are all kinds of top computer engineering masters programs out there.

To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best master’s programs in computer engineering.

We considered factors such as the quality of the faculty, and the breadth of course offerings. Of course, we also considered the strength of the cutting edge research.

So whether you’re looking for a broad-based program or one that’s focused on a specific area of interest, you’re sure to find a match on our list.

WHAT IS COMPUTER ENGINEERING?

Before you start looking at the best computer engineering programs,
let’s get a good understanding of what computer engineering actually is!

Computer engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design and construction of computers and computer-related systems. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from hardware design and architecture to software engineering and programming.

Computer engineers often work on teams with other engineers, scientists, and technicians. They develop new technologies and products.

They may also be involved in testing, deploying, and maintaining these systems. In recent years, computer engineering has become more important. The world is becoming more reliant on computers and other digital devices.

Computer engineers are in high demand in many industries.

What Will I Learn in a Computer Engineering Master’s?

Most computer engineering graduate programs focus on the following subjects:

• Other fields of engineering, like electrical engineering, software engineering, communications engineering, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering
• Computer architecture (and computer architecture laboratory)
• Programming languages
• Embedded systems
• Applied science
• Software systems
• Parallel processing
• Computer aided design
• Operating systems
• Biomedical imaging and biomedical engineering
• Physical electronics
• Systems theory and energy systems
• Computer networks
• Signal processing and digital signal processing
• Data science
• Analytical skills
• Electro optics
• Wireless networks
• Communication networks
• Nanoscale devices
• Artificial intelligence

To earn a graduate degree in computer engineering, you will usually need to take at least 30 credit hours of elective and required courses. Most programs include independent research.

There are more than 250 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology-accredited CE programs throughout the country. Case Western Reserve University was the first American institution ever to award a computer engineering degree. This was in 1971. 

The concept of computer engineering itself emerged in 1939. This was when John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry created the first electronic digital computer. It was known as the Atanasoff-Berry computer. 

Other early pioneers in the world of hardware include: 

• Blaise Pascal – the inventor of the mechanical calculator
• J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly – the builders of UNIVAC, the first commercial computer
• William Shockley et. al., – inventors of the transistor at Bell Labs
• Steve Wozniak – the designer of the Apple I and II computers and co-founder of Apple Computer

Computer engineering differs from computer science. It focuses more on hardware and software interfaces than on software-level troubleshooting. There is an overlap between the fields. Both rely on theory and practical applications. Computer engineering blends computer science with the field of electrical engineering. 

All computer engineers must have a solid grasp of science and math. Interpersonal relationships with teams require strong verbal and written communication skills. These are two critical traits that graduate students must also master to be successful in the industry. 

There are countless programs in the country. U.S. News & World Report only ranks 148 computer engineering graduate schools in its annual listing of the Best Computer Engineering Programs.

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Computer engineering is a challenging field. It’s true at the graduate level for sure. It is perhaps even more challenging to be accepted into a good computer engineering program. The threshold for entry can be competitive. That’s why undergraduate GPAs are so important. Believe it or not, these programs aren’t just interested in your grades. They’re interested in you! 

Finding the Right Program

Computer engineering grad programs are relatively small. The computer engineering departments must ensure the best matches out of all applicants. They look at the whole person. This is done through grades, test scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, resumes, etc. The departments want to see how an applicant’s background and goals sync up with their current activities. Expectations run high. Admission standards vary. 

Build three lists for the computer engineering graduate schools you’re interested in. Your “dream schools,” “good shot” schools, and “safety” schools.

If you could snap your fingers and be admitted into any computer engineering university, which would be your top picks? Those are your dream computer engineering graduate schools. Perhaps they are also the hardest to get into. Next are the ones you meet every qualification for. You have a good shot of getting in. But there’s no guarantee. Finally, there are the safety computer engineering graduate schools. These are ones you’re most likely to be admitted to. This is based on historical admittance rates and your own qualifications. 

We’ve assembled a shortlist of fantastic Master’s programs at top ranked institutions for computer and software engineering. Our information is based on data from publications like the BLS and U.S. News & World Report. We will help you build your lists. Yes, these schools are all competitive. Depending on your qualifications they may fall into either your “good shot” or “dream school” columns. One thing is certain. A computer engineering degree from any of these computer engineering universities will accelerate your career!

Do Your Research

Read through the descriptions and then head to their individual computer engineering websites. Review the ones that grab your interest. Do your research. Read each requirement (and prerequisite) for admission. Pay attention to any minimum GPA or test scores listed. Ensure you meet them. Understand, too, that to be competitive, you’ll need to exceed the minimums. 

Some programs spell out computer engineering recommendations to applicants. We encourage you to heed that advice. Every academic year is different. These criteria are based on the number of applications received. Since there are only a select number of open seats available in any given program, admission rates vary. This is depending on how many applicants exceed the minimum entry requirements. The minimum may be, for example, a 3.0 GPA. But if the school is able to fill the seats with applicants holding an average GPA of 4.0, they will! 

The barrier for admittance to computer engineering programs is a moving target. There’s no way for any master’s degree to see into the future. There’s no way to know how stiff the competition is going to be. However, they can let you know what to expect based on past trends. 

Additional Requirements

As for letters of recommendation, they must meet the exact requirements the computer engineering school specifies. Don’t take anything for granted by submitting generic letters. The same holds true for statements of purpose and resumes. These should address whatever the program tells you it needs to see. Give schools the data they’re looking for. Tailor the content of each document to each specific program. You might even consider hiring a trained editor to review them for you before you submit them.

International applicants must pay very close attention to English-language proficiency test score criteria. Fluency is crucial for success in a graduate program. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

The only thing tougher than finishing a Master’s degree program in computer engineering is paying for it. Tuition rates for computer engineering are higher than ever. It’s important to be realistic about funding. Tackle the issue sooner rather than later. This holds true for all graduate students in computer and electrical engineering.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, teaching assistantships, and loans are all viable funding options. Students should take the time to research and apply for everything they qualify for. Sure, it’s time-consuming. But it is always better to find sources that don’t have to be repaid before seeking loans. Need-based grants and merit-based scholarships should be your first considerations.

Filing the FAFSA

Just like undergraduates, computer engineering grad students can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA, to apply for Federal Student Aid opportunities. Federal Student Aid disburses more than $120 billion annually to assist millions of higher ed students. Check out the federal aid website and the Financial Aid for Graduate or Professional Students brochure for details about the various programs available. Examples include:

• Pell Grants
• Fulbright Grants
• TEACH Grants
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

Not everyone qualifies for aid. Anyone can apply for it. Closely review the eligibility requirements. Pay close attention to application deadlines. Grad students should also take advantage of the helpful Graduate School Preparation Checklist. According to the checklist, grad students are considered “independent students.” They don’t need to provide their parents’ financial information.

SAR

A Student Aid Report is sent to everyone who submits a FAFSA. This outlines any Expected Family Contribution and other information. It is to be forwarded to the financial aid offices of the schools indicated by the applicant. The schools should then submit applicants’ data for any aid they have qualified for. It is important to contact each school to ensure this is done. Make sure they have everything they need. You should also ask financial aid office representatives about Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and any college-based financial awards that might be available. The details for these should also be listed on the individual university or program websites. 

Other Options

There are also state aid and private/non-profit aid opportunities to explore. Computer engineering students have access to several generous scholarships. These are often donated by a range of businesses, associations, and philanthropists. 

Veterans and their eligible dependents can tap into their GI Bill benefits. Contact a Veterans Affairs representative or call the university’s financial aid office. Ask to speak with the VA liaison or program manager. Many universities also take part in the national Yellow Ribbon Program. Post 9/11 GI Bill recipients may have little to no out-of-pocket expenses.   

Students who opt to take on loans can also use Federal Student Aid to apply for an Unsubsidized Loan or a PLUS Loan via StudentLoans.gov. Applicants must sign a master promissory note. This obligates them to repay any loans, interest, and fees to the Department of Education. Your school’s financial aid office can help determine which loans you’re eligible for. Some students also opt to take out private loans from a banking institution. These tend to be more expensive than federal loans. 

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

In today’s high-tech world, most college students can’t go wrong with a Master’s degree in computer engineering. This broad field covers a lot of territory. It deals with constant advances in the realms of digital technology, networking, and systems. It spans the gap between hardware and software. Computer engineers may find themselves more focused on systems and components, microprocessors, routers, and circuits. Or they can opt to lean into the software side of things. They might work on the latest and greatest programs and apps. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook lists several careers suitable for computer engineering majors. Examples include:

• computer hardware engineers
• software developers
• computer and information research scientists

Average Salaries

Computer and information research scientists have the highest median income, at $118,370. This is followed by hardware engineers at $114,600 per year. Then there are software developers at $105,590 per year. Of course, under each of these broad categories are several more specific career fields. 

For example, under the umbrella of computer and information research scientists, there are: 

• Computer systems designers, making $124,220 per year
• Research and development positions (in the physical, engineering, and life sciences areas), earning up to $128,570
• Software publishers, earning a median of $140,220.

Hardware engineer areas include: 

• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing – $126,610
• Federal government fields – $113,430
• Research and development (in the physical, engineering, and life sciences) – $128,340
• Semiconductor (and electronic component) manufacturing – $119,540

Software developers work in: 

• Computer systems design – $100,080
• Finance and insurance – $107,960
• Management (of companies) – $104,420
• Manufacturing – $110,290
• Software publishing – $114,320

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for computer engineers is $87,001. The high end is $127,000. Salaries in associated fields include computer software engineer, at $103,000. There’s also a computer hardware engineer, at $104,000. 

PayScale lists salaries for workers holding a bachelor’s computer engineering degree as follows: 

• Embedded software engineer – $76,000
• Firmware engineer – $82,000
• Principal software engineer – $$127,000
• Senior software engineer – $109,000
• Software developer – $71,000
• Software engineer – $80,000
• Senior software engineer/developer – $99,000

Pay is dependent not only on the field of work in computer engineering. It’s also dependent on one’s level of education, years of experience, geographic location, and employer. The BLS predicts significant job growth for computer and information research scientists. It is around 16%, over the next decade. That’s considerably higher than the rate for most jobs. Software developers do even better. They skyrocket to a projected 21% growth rate. Computer hardware engineering is projected to grow by 6%. This is greater than the average for most careers.

State Statistics

The states with the highest number of workers in all of the above computer engineering fields are:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington.

Workers in the field are highly satisfied. A few of the top computer engineering employers cited by the BLS are:

• Northrop Grumman
• Lockheed Martin
• Intel
• Raytheon
• Boeing.

Most of these computer engineering businesses are also defense contractors with the federal government!

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

We have a time-tested four-part formula. It is designed for ranking the best colleges in the nation. We’d love to share it with you. We prioritize four major factors, based on information from U.S. News & World Report:

• Earnings Potential
• Affordability 
• Student Satisfaction
• Selectivity.

Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success. We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions, or financial incentives. Our revenue and content are completely separate. Sponsored schools have no impact on our computer engineering grad school rankings. The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program! If you want to know more we encourage you to check out our methodology page. 

You’ve familiarized yourself with our admission tips, notes on financial support, a few career options, and some interesting stats about computer engineering. Now it’s time to shift gears and dig into the schools on our list of the 10 Best Master’s Programs in Computer Engineering! 

#1. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, ​BERKELEY 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

You’ll find one of the top computer engineering grad schools at UC Berkeley. The University of California has 10 outstanding schools in its state-wide system. The flagship institution is its recognized Berkeley campus. It is just east of San Francisco Bay and only 30 minutes from San Francisco. 

UC Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) has three grad programs in Computer Science. There is a  (MS) in Computer Science only track. There is a PhD only option. There is also a combined option (MS/PhD). 

The department’s MS is research-intensive. It is considered foundational for further doctoral studies. The two-year computer engineering program can be completed as a Master of Science. It paves the way for graduates to pursue a computer engineering career in industrial research and development. It is important to note that, according to the program’s website, the MS only option is for “exceptional applicants with research experience.” UC Berkeley admits more applicants into the MS/PhD program than the MS only option. It is recommended that students who aren’t sure should go ahead and apply to the MS/PhD program. 

Required Courses

The computer science areas of specialization are: 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Database Management Systems
• Education
• Graphics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Operating Systems & Networking
• Programming Systems
• Scientific Computing
• Security
• Theory

Each specialization area features its own unique curriculum and covered topics. Most area groups have their own research centers and reputable faculty. The AI option covers Learning and Probabilistic Inference, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, Search and Information Retrieval, Speech and Language, Vision, and Robotics. The group’s research centers include: 

• Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab
• Berkeley Laboratory for Information and System Sciences
• Center for Human Compatible Artificial Intelligence
• CITRIS People and Robots
• FHL Vive Center for Enhanced Reality
• International Computer Science Institute
• VeHICaL: Verified Human Interfaces, Control, and Learning for Semi-Autonomous Systems
• Video and Image Processing Lab

General graduate admission requirements are:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• 3 letters of recommendation listing goals, accomplishments, skills, and academic work
• GRE test scores
• International applicants have a more extensive list of requirements, including proof of English language proficiency

Admission Requirements:

Program-specific requirements for the school of engineering include a few more specifics: 

• GRE scores in all sections, taken within the last five years 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores from within the last two years, if the applicant’s bachelor’s degree was completed in a non-English speaking country
• A statement of purpose. This should outline research goals, reasons for wanting to pursue the degree, and intentions after graduation
• A personal history statement. This should explain what led the applicant to pursue this field of study
• Letters of recommendation should be from prior professors
• Unofficial transcripts

UC Berkeley’s computer engineering reputation speaks for itself. It has a storied history. The school is dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives. The EECS graduate program is ranked in a four-way tie for Best Computer Science Program by U.S. News & World Report. 

In 2018, there were 309 Computer Science grad students. Among alumni, the average starting salaries from the engineering  department are between $110,000 and $119,999!

#2. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

You’ll find a top master degree for computer engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Computer Science offers a Master of Science in Computer Science (MS CS). It is considered a terminal degree. It is designed to prepare students to launch their careers in the CS industry. The school also offers a 30-hour online version of the degree. This is the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMS CS). 

Applicants to Georgia Tech should hold a bachelor’s degree in the field. Or they should be ready to take remedial coursework that does not count toward the MS CS degree’s requirements. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation (any classes with a grade below “C” do not count toward the degree). No credit is given for CS courses below CS 4140 – Comp Model Algorithms. See the program rules for a full overview of completion requirements. 

Required Courses

On-campus students at Georgia Institute of Technology select one computer engineering specialization from three options:

• the coursework
• project 
• thesis 

On-campus course offering dates for Georgia Institute of Technology can be found on the Three-Year Course Outline page. 

The Georgia Tech course option has 30 hours. 24 credits of CS and Computer Science Engineering courses must be at the graduate (6000 – 8000) level. 

The project option at Georgia Tech has 21 hours. There must also be a 9-credit hour project (CS 6999). Fifteen credits of CS/CSE courses must be at the graduate (6000 – 8000) level. 

The thesis option at Georgia Tech requires 18 hours of coursework. There’s also a 12-credit hour thesis (CS 7000). Fifteen credits of CS/CSE courses must be at the graduate (6000 – 8000) level. 

On-campus MS CS program students at Georgia Institute of Technology have many areas of specialization to select from. This will allow you to customize the degree to meet your educational goals. These computer engineering options at Georgia Tech are:

• Computational Perception and Robotics
• Computer Graphics
• Computing Systems
• Signal processing
• High-Performance Computing
• Human-Centered Computing
• Computer Architecture
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Interactive Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Modeling and Simulations
• Scientific Computing
• Social Computing
• Network Engineering
• Visual Analytics

Online students at Georgia Institute of Technology can view course offerings here. Students gain expertise from the following specializations: 

• Computational Perception & Robotics
• Computing Systems
• Interactive Intelligence
• Machine Learning

Admission Requirements:

On-campus application requirements for the school of engineering include: 

• A strong undergraduate background in computer science is highly recommended
• Three recommendation letters
• GRE scores of at least 153 in the verbal, 155 in the quantitative, and a 3.0 in the analytical sections 
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (Note: Admitted candidates usually score higher than this.)
• TOEFL scores for candidates from non-English speaking countries (Note: The minimum score considered for admission is 100 on the Internet-based exam. Successful applicants usually score higher.)

Online computer engineering program admissions guidelines do not include GRE scores or recommendation letters. 

Georgia Institute of Technology’s Career Development web page lists helpful resources for finding internships and co-op positions. There are also:

• job boards
• career fairs
• work abroad opportunities
• business start-up connections
• research portfolio-building
• lots of student organizations! 

Georgia Tech’s College of Computing hosted 6,838 Master’s students in 2018. An incredible 6,365 of these were OMS CS students. It holds numerous prestigious rankings, such as the No. 8 Graduate computer engineering program. This is as noted by U.S. News & World Report for 2018. It was No. 16 among Global Universities for CS. It’s No. 7 for Artificial Intelligence programs. It is No. 16 in Programming Languages.

#3. STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY  

COMPUTER ENGINEERING MASTER’S PROGRAM

Stevens Institute of Technology has an outstanding master degree computer engineering. Stevens Tech opened in 1870. It was named after “America’s First Family of Inventors.” Stevens Institute of Technology has a long history of innovation and excellence. It has a close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. It’s also positioned for maximum modern networking opportunities.

There are a variety of hands-on co-op computer engineering programs. Students of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering’s master’s in computer engineering program can garner ample real-world experience in hardware and software development. 

Core and Elective Courses

There are options to specialize in:

• computer systems
• real-time and embedded systems
• data communications and networks
• digital systems design
• image processing and multimedia
• information systems
• computer architecture
• information systems security
• intelligent systems

Graduates are guaranteed to be sought-after subject matter experts.  

The engineering program has two study tracks: Master of Science or Master of Engineering. A third option allows for a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This is in collaboration with the Stevens School of Business. There’s even an online option through StevensOnline. 

Concentrations for the degree are: 

• Embedded Systems
• Software and Data Engineering
• Networks and Security
• Artificial Intelligence

Core classes include: 

• CPE 517 – Digital and Computer Systems Architecture
• CPE 555 – Real-Time and Embedded Systems
• CPE 593 – Applied Data Structures and Algorithms
• CPE 690 – Introduction to VLSI Design
• EE 608 – Applied Modeling & Optimization
• A mathematical foundation course (CPE 602 Applied Discrete Mathematics or EE 605 Probability and Stochastic Processes I)

To graduate, students need a minimum 3.0 GPA in both their major and core courses. Students have up to six years to finish the degree and may transfer in up to nine credits. That is if the grade in each course was at least a “B.” 

Admission Requirements:

The academic catalog features full details of the engineering program’s requirements. General requirements for admission include: 

• Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Two letters of recommendation
• Optional resume and personal statement
• Competitive GRE or GMAT scores (for full-time students only)

On-campus students can enjoy working within the department’s advanced modern research centers. There are dedicated labs to: 

• Analytics and Information Security for Complex Systems
• Sensing, Machine Learning, and Robotics Technologies
• Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing
• Hardware Utility Design and Software Optimization Networking

Career opportunities for graduates for the school of engineering include positions as:

• computer engineers
• design engineers
• project engineers
• systems integration engineers
• systems engineers
• field service engineers
• network engineers.

Stevens graduates have been snatched up by some of the biggest firms in the business. Examples include:

• AT&T
• Comcast
• Facebook
• Goldman Sachs
• Google
• Microsoft. 

Stevens collects honors and high rankings across the board. That’s from academics to athletics, thanks to its award-winning faculty and top-notch quality of life. The Princeton Review cited it as among the Best Value Colleges in 2019. It was at No. 7 in the nation for Best Career Placement (2019). It was within the Top 25 for Internships (2019). U.S. News & World Report places Stevens at No. 74 among National Universities. 

Other notable rankings include:

• No. 4 in the nation in CNBC’s “25 Colleges That are Worth the Money” list for 2018
• No. 5 in Financial Advisor’s “10 Colleges That Offer Students the Best Bang for the Buck”
• in the Top 25 STEM Colleges, according to Forbes.

As you can see, there’s something big going on at Stevens!

#4. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS – URBANA-​CHAMPAIGN

PROFESSIONAL MASTER OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Another great master degree in computer engineering can be found at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. The elite Grainger College of Engineering at the University Of Illinois – Urbana-​Champaign has been making research breakthroughs in STEM fields for decades. Through the Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science, it’s able to continue that proud tradition. It has a cutting-edge, 32-credit hour Master of Computer Science (MCS) program. 

Esteemed school alumni include business titans from:

• Match.com
• Microsoft
• Netscape
• PayPal
• YouTube
• Yelp

The MCS professional degree sets students up for similar success. This is through a world-class curriculum taught by award-winning faculty. They are devoted to positive student outcomes. In fact, UIUC College of Engineering graduates often receive two or more job offers upon graduation!

The MCS engineering program may be completed either at the school’s campus or online. The on-campus MCS is full-time and competitive. This is due to limited space. It offers the widest range of class selection. The coursework includes four required classes. These cover breadth topics. That, plus advanced courses and electives.

The online MCS is built for students who are working or have other obligations and need to attend classes through distance learning. UIUC uses Coursera to deliver its massive open online courses. This is done via a series of video lectures, assignments, projects, and exams. The platform can also be used for advising and other communications with faculty, staff, and teaching assistants. The online engineering program is self-paced. It can be completed in as little as one year or spread out over up to five years. 

Core and Elective Courses

Four courses from the list below must be completed for the school of engineering  with a grade of “B-” or better:  

• CS 484 – Parallel Computing 
• CS 498 – Applied Machine Learning 
• CS 410 – Text Information Systems 
• CS 411 – Database Systems 
• CS 412 – Introduction to Data Mining 
• CS 421 – Programming Languages and Compilers
• CS 427 – Software Engineering I 
• CS 498 – Data Visualization
• CS 425 – Cloud Computing Concepts
• CS 498 – Cloud Computing Applications 
• CS 498 – Cloud Networking 
• CS 450 – Numerical Analysis 

In addition, three advanced classes and STAT 420 – Methods of Applied Statistics are required. 

The other option for students is the online MCS in Data Science. This allows for a specialization in learning statistical and computational methods. Specific coursework includes:

• Machine Learning
• Data Visualization
• Data Mining
• Cloud Computing

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements for the school of engineering are straightforward: 

• Transcripts
• Three letters of reference
• A statement of purpose
• A resume/CV
• No GRE tests are needed

In 2018, there were 1,111 grad students enrolled in the school. It awarded 92 on-campus MCS computer engineering degrees and 41 online MCS computer engineering degrees. The engineering program is ranked No. 5 in Best Computer Science Schools in the nation. That’s per U.S. News & World Report. The school also receives a great deal of research funding from the National Science Foundation. It maintains countless multi-million-dollar industry partnerships.  

The engineering department awards incredible graduate fellowships.  Examples include the Computer Science Excellence Fellowship and the Computer Science Gene Golub Fellowship. This is in addition to many other awards to help students. There are also campus, industry-sponsored, and national awards, fellowships, and scholarships to compete for. The University of Illinois – Urbana-​Champaign truly has it all!

#5. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

You will find another one of the best computer engineering graduate schools
at the University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas at Austin says it does things bigger. It means it! In the last decade, UT Austin has been awarded more than 786 patents. It has completed over 6,200 externally sponsored projects. It has received more than $652 million each year in research grants and contracts. That’s massive. That kind of money attracts a world-class faculty and students! 

The university’s Department of Computer Science is no exception. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. They are prepared to push further into their studies. Applicants without a CS degree are much less likely to be admitted. There are some exceptions for online students. 

Core and Elective Courses

This program is designed to be finished in two years. The 30-credit hour on-campus degree features two options. There is a thesis or no thesis option. The no thesis (coursework only) option has three major requirements. They are: 

• 1) Meeting all prerequisite courses: 
  • Discrete Math for Computer Science (CS 311)
  • Introduction to Programming (CS 312)
  • Data Structures (CS 314)
  • Algorithms and Complexity (CS 331)
  • Computer Organization and Architecture (CS 429)
  • Principles of Computer Systems (CS 439) 

• 2) Major coursework for 24 hours (including nine hours of diversity courses and 15 hours of CS graduate courses)
• 3) Six hours of minor coursework in a “supporting subject” 

The thesis option features the same criteria for completion as the no thesis option. Instead of 15 hours of CS graduate courses, students complete nine hours plus the thesis courses. 

The new online MSCS degree also calls for 30 credit hours. These cover foundational coursework plus electives. These electives are focused on in-demand industry specialties. Students have up to three years to complete the online program. It can also be done in half that time. 

Admission Requirements:

Admissions requirements for the school of engineering are as follows: 

• Official transcripts
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science with a 3.0 or higher GPA (Note: Online students may hold a degree in another field if all undergraduate program prerequisites are met.) 
• GRE general test scores (no waivers are available, but there is no minimum required score); competitive applicants should have high quantitative and math scores from the undergraduate program
• An optional CV, personal statement, and up to three letters of recommendation

For international applicants:

• TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test, or 
• IELTS: an overall band of 6.5 on the academic test

The numerous areas of research in CS include:

• artificial intelligence
• bioinformatics and computational biology
• computer architecture
• data mining, machine learning, and natural computation
• formal methods
• graphics and visualization
• model-driven engineering
• programming languages and implementation
• scientific computing
• security
• theoretical computer science.

Leading all of these programs are:

• Turing Award winners
• National Academies of Engineering and of Sciences members
• Computers and Thought Awardees, Simons Investigators
• several other lauded faculty members from around the world. 

The department’s Friends of Computer Science (FoCS) program ensures close ties between a wide roster of industry partners and CS students and faculty. The program impacts the regional economy with a breathtaking $8.7 billion economic impact per year. U.S. News & World Report ranked UT Austin at No. 10 in Computer Science. It is right under its Ivy League counterpart, Princeton. 

Here’s some interesting trivia! UT Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center is home to the fastest academic supercomputer in the world!

#6. CORNELL UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (MSCS)

Another one of the best graduate programs in computer engineering is at Cornell University.

Cornell University is nestled in the rolling hills of Ithaca, NY, in the Finger Lakes region. Cornell University has a relatively small campus (745 acres). It has a massive reputation! It is an elite member of the Ivy League. Competition for admission is fierce. Gaining acceptance into the Computing and Information Science Computer Science grad program is even tougher! 

The engineering department opened in 1965. It is one of the oldest of its type in the nation. The engineering schools are home to just 14 Master of Science students. This makes it one of the most selective programs on our list. The program at Cornell University admits about seven or eight students each year.

The Master of Science in Computer Science is designed to be finished in four semesters. The master’s degree is geared toward students wanting to enhance their understanding of the field. This is done at Cornell University via advanced courses, intense research, writing, and teaching practice as teaching assistants (during which time they receive full tuition and a stipend). 

Core  Courses

A summary of MSCS degree requirements is: 

• A total of 34 credit hours are required
• Six to 12 credit hours tied to thesis research (CS 7999)
• Six to eight grad-level courses, of which four must be CS courses at the 5000 level or above and one at the 6000 level
• An outside minor involving two or three grad-level courses
• A thesis and oral presentation

Please see the List of CS Courses to review the dozens of course offerings and their full descriptions. 

When it comes to research, Cornell is in a league of its own. The master’s degree is recognized as an industry leader. The school’s current projects include transformational research in areas such as:

• artificial intelligence
• computational biology
• database systems
• human interaction
• programming languages
• robotics
• scientific computing
• theories of computing

Admission Requirements:

It goes without saying that applications for any Ivy League institution should be stellar. Cornell’s CS program requires: 

• Transcripts of all college-level work
• Three letters of recommendation 
  • One should address the student’s expository skills and capacity for working in a classroom setting
• An essay discussing how the program and thesis are connected to the applicant’s career goals 
• GRE general test scores (recommended, except for Cornell undergraduates) 
• Non-native English speakers must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores

Note:  Cornell’s MS program only admits students who have not only excelled as undergraduate teaching assistants. They must also show an aptitude for independent research. 

This selectivity extends to the school’s faculty as well. The engineering department reaps awards from around the world. The engineering schools include:

• Turing Award honorees
• National Academy of Engineering members
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellows
• Guggenheim Fellows
• MacArthur Fellows
• Fulbright Scholars
• National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigators

An Oral History of Computer Science at Cornell University is an insightful look at the program’s founding. This is as told by 12 senior faculty members who played roles in shepherding this field of study into the institution. The school hosts several events, such as BigRed//Hacks, a three-day, student-run hackathon of epic proportions! 

Students in the engineering schools also enjoy participating in Computer Science Hockey and the camaraderie of the EGSA (Engineering Graduate Student Association). All of them benefit from the school’s architectural wonder. This is Bill & Melinda Gates Hall. It is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification winner. The light-filled, 100,000-square foot building is home to the Computing and Information Science department’s numerous projects and office spaces.  

#7. PURDUE UNIVERSITY WEST LAFAYETTE

MASTER’S IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING

You will find a top masters degree in computer engineering at Purdue University West Lafayette. Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN. The beautiful campus attracts engineering students from around the world. It is the No. 1 destination for international students in STEM disciplines. That’s per the Department of Homeland Security. It is home to cultural centers like the:

• Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center
• Black Cultural Center
• Latino Cultural Center
• LGBTQ Center
• Native American Educational and Cultural Center

Purdue offers a welcoming educational atmosphere for people from all walks of life. the school of engineering is proof.  

Engineering students in Purdue’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department may elect to pursue a Master’s in computer engineering degree. The master’s degree is one of the seven Electrical and Computer Engineering Primary Areas. There is an option for thesis or non-thesis programs. There is also an MS-only and MS/PhD track. 

Curriculum

Requirements for the program’s Plan of Study include:

• Completing 30 credit hours of coursework approved by the advisory committee, with 15 credit hours of graduate-level Electrical and Computer Engineering and two core courses covering the student’s research area
• At least six approved math credit hours for non-thesis engineering students and three for thesis engineering students (see Appendix A of the Master’s Program Handbook for approved courses)
• Research credit is not necessary for MS-only track engineering students pursuing the non-thesis option, but engineering students can choose to include three credit hours of Electrical and Computer Engineering 69600 (Advanced Projects) or Electrical and Computer Engineering 69700 (Directed Reading)
• Research credit hours are necessary for all other tracks, and the rules governing them are moderately extensive
• Demonstrated proficiency in written English 
• A graduate seminar – Electrical and Computer Engineering 69400
• At least half of all credits must be earned in residence. Courses completed via distance learning are considered to be “in residence” ones. Please review the department’s website for full details. 

Want to see an overview of requirements for the MS-only (thesis or non-thesis options) and the MS/PhD (thesis or non-thesis) programs? The master’s degree information is available on the program’s page. 

This is one of the best computer engineering programs around. 

Admission Requirements:

Criteria for admission for the school of engineering include: 

• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation 
• A statement of purpose 
• A resume
• A fellowship essay (for engineering students who attended a U.S. high school)
• Average GPA of 3.60 or higher for U.S. applicants (the minimum is typically 3.25); international applicants are usually in the top 5% of their graduating class
• GRE scores that meet or exceed:
  • 152 – Verbal
  • 166 – Quantitative
  • 3.6 – Analytical writing
• International engineering students are required to submit: 
  • TOEFL: iBT overall minimum score of 80, with minimums: Writing = 18 for grad school admissions and 22 for Electrical and Computer Engineering admissions, Speaking = 18, Listening = 14, and Reading = 19
  • IELTS minimum score = 6.5, with minimums: Reading = 6.5, Listening = 6.0, Speaking = 6.0, and Writing = 5.5
  • Note: There are some exceptions. 

Computer engineering students and faculty stay busy with cutting-edge research. It is conducted in multiple labs and groups, such as: 

• Computer Architecture
• Dependable Computing Systems Lab (DCSL)
• Haptic Interface Research Lab (HIRL)
• High-Efficiency, Low-Power Systems Group (HELPS)
• Internet Systems Lab (ISL)
• Machine Learning, Planning, and Reasoning
• Purdue Programming Languages Research Group
• Robot Vision Lab

Purdue comes in at No. 20 in U.S. News & World Report’s Computer Science rankings. It is No. 14 in Programming Languages. The master’s degree is No. 15 in Systems. The program is the largest master’s degree program at Purdue. There are 258 MS students and more than 100 faculty and related staff. It has over $41 million in annual research expenditures. The department is able to fund projects other computer engineering graduate schools can only dream of. 

The Electrical and Computer Engineering department maintains strong corporate partnerships. This ensures that engineering students in the computer engineering master’s degrees are armed with the in-demand skills needed by today’s industry professionals. From recruitment to career fairs, and other means of hiring outreach. Companies are lining up to hire Purdue grads for lucrative new careers!

#8. STANFORD UNIVERSITY

COMPUTER SCIENCE MS DEGREE

The Stanford Center for Professional Development has a great Computer Science Master of Science (MSCS). It is for full- and part-time students wanting to take advantage of online learning opportunities. The terminal, 45-unit program takes three to five years to finish. Most classes are available online. This depends on the exact program of study and the school’s calendar of online course offerings. 

Core and Elective Courses

There are four broad requirements for degree completion. The first is the basic foundations requirement. Students must finish the courses listed below, or their equivalents. Engineering students must earn a final grade of “B” or higher in these courses. Those who completed these courses as undergraduates may request a waiver. The areas computer engineering graduates can study are: 

• Logic, Automata, and Complexity 
• Probability 
• Algorithmic Analysis 
• Computer Organ & Systems
• Principles of Computer Systems 

Visit the program page for a full list of courses. 

Stanford has a significant implementation requirement. This means students must demonstrate a capacity for software development. They must finish an SI class as part of either their breadth, depth, or elective credits in computer science and engineering.

The third program requirement is the breadth requirement. It means students must take classes that expose them to topics outside of their depth area. Students may focus on a single depth or dual depths. For the single depth track, students gain a specialization through 27 units in a certain area of study. In the dual depth option, students complete 21 units in a primary area and 15 in a secondary one. 

The fourth program requirement is the selection of a specialization. The options for the school of engineering are: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Biocomputation
• Computer and Network Security
• Human-Computer Interactions
• Information Management and Analytics
• Mobile and Internet Computing
• Real-World Computing
• Software Theory
• Systems

The program page offers a complete listing of the dozens of courses in computer science and engineering. To graduate, at least 36 credits must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 or more. 

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements for the school of engineering include submission of: 

• A statement of purpose detailing the reasons for applying to the program, preparation, research interests, career plans, and other background information 
• Three recommendation letters, preferably two from academic sources
• A resume, listing all publications
• A supplemental form also listing publications and websites, if applicable  
• Official copies of all transcripts 
• GRE scores, dated within the last five years
• TOEFL scores, from applicants whose native language isn’t English

Stanford is ranked No. 1 in a four-way tie for Best Computer Science/ Computer Engineering Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranked the school at No. 1 in Computer Science programs and No. 3 in Artificial Intelligence. It was No. 3 in Programming Language and No. 4 in Systems. Consider the prestige of a Stanford degree combined with the flexibility of an online learning option. What more can a person ask for? This is one of the best computer engineering programs around. 

#9. CORNELL UNIVERSITY – CORNELL TECH

MASTER IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Cornell Tech is the progeny of a partnership between Cornell University and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. This institute of technology has a one-of-a-kind graduate school model. It blends the academic prowess of Cornell’s faculty member body with industry experts and entrepreneurs to explore visionary new technologies for the business world. Make no mistake. The emphasis on research and education is designed to power the commercialization of digital age innovations. Graduate students are an integral part of that mission. 

Cornell Tech has a cutting-edge, one-year Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). Students work with the latest prototype hardware, advanced algorithms, innovative lab projects, and cross-disciplinary teams and ventures. Grads have unprecedented opportunities to link with industry leaders. They can work with start-ups in the heart of New York City as they complete courses at the institute of technology, one of the top computer engineering schools around.

Curriculum

This degree falls under the Master of Engineering category. At this computer engineering school, courses in computer science and engineering cover:

• principles and practices of analog/digital devices
• ASIC design
• machine learning
• data science
• signal processing
• communications
• robotics/autonomous systems

There’s also an integral Studio course component. This allows students to create solutions for real corporations. The studio culture focuses on:

• entrepreneurship
• product design
• management
• prototyping

It is considered a defining experience of the computer engineering major. 

The fall and spring semester credit breakdown includes: 

• Twelve technical credits per semester
• Three to four project & interdisciplinary credits
• Semester totals of 15 – 16 credits

Tech courses for the computer engineering school could include: 

• Fall: 
  • Applied Digital ASIC Design
  • Embedded Systems
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Spring: 
  • Intelligent Autonomous Systems
  • Applied Digital Signal Processing and Communications
  • Introduction to Computer Vision
  • Deep Learning

Project and Interdisciplinary credits for the computer engineering major could include: 

• Product Studio
• Becoming a Leader in the Digital World
• Classes that are taken with other Cornell Tech Master’s students
• Startup Studio
• Product Management

Admission Requirements:

To apply, applicants should submit to the school of engineering : 

• A resume
• A personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program, as well as experiences demonstrating their creativity, leadership, and technical abilities
• Two letters of recommendation (suggested) 
• GRE scores (no waivers are available) 
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges 
• For international applicants, a certified English translation of transcripts, if needed
• A valid TOEFL or IELTS score

Cornell Tech also offers a Master of Engineering in Computer Science degree. Courses in computer science and engineering cover topics such as:

• Algorithms and Data Structures for Applications
• Applied Machine Learning
• Blockchains & Cryptocurrencies
• Networking
• Computer Vision
• Cryptography
• Cybersecurity
• Data Mining
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Natural Language Processing. 

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering program was once housed at Google’s New York City-based Chelsea Building. It relocated to Roosevelt Island in 2017. It is a new branch of the esteemed Ivy League institution. Cornell Tech’s buildings are modern. They are built with sustainability in mind. The inspiring, four-story Bloomberg Center is Cornell Tech’s educational nexus. The Tata Innovation Center is the place where academics and industry merge into a beehive of creativity and ideas. 

The campus also includes 12 acres on Roosevelt Island. It has stunning views of the New York City skyline, the Verizon Executive Ed Center, and the 270” residential high-rise known as The House. Courses are taught by a diverse faculty of experts. They are dedicated to impactful research and the creation of technological breakthroughs. 

As Business Insider put it, Cornell Tech is minting the next generation of Mark Zuckerbergs. As of early 2018, it had already helped 40 start-ups amass $32 million in funding! Cornell ranks among the top 1% of universities in the world. It holds the No. 6 spot in Computer Science. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report. 

#10. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

MASTER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

The University of California, Los Angeles has a great master’s degree computer engineering.

The University of California has always been a pioneer at the forefront of the information revolution. It opened in 1947. The University of California’s Institute for Numerical Analysis began researching mathematics relevant to developing high-speed automatic digital computing machinery. Twenty-one years later, the University of California Computer Science Department was born. 

It operates under the purview of the Samueli School of Engineering. the University of California has a distinguished Computer Science Graduate Program that draws graduate students from around the globe.

Core and Elective Courses

The school’s Master in Computer Science is an MS degree at the University of California. The computer engineering school features a wide selection of courses in computer science and engineering for the graduate degree. You’ll take classes in fields such as: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science Theory
• Computer System Architecture
• Computational Systems Biology
• Databases (Information and Data Management)
• Graphics and Vision
• Network Systems
• Programming Languages and Systems

The bulk of applicants at the University of California have a strong background in computer science. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another major will still be considered. All applicants should have two years of calculus, one year of physics, and a statistics course.

The degree at the University of California can be completed within five to six quarters. Course requirements include breadth courses and a completed Program of Study. There are options for a thesis or capstone project during the second year. Then, students are assigned “Advanced to Candidacy” status.  

Admission Requirements:

Basic requirements for admission into the computer and electrical engineering program for the school of engineering  include: 

• Holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, with at least a 3.0 GPA (3.5 is considered competitive, and the average for admitted students is 3.6) 
• A necessary academic foundation for graduate CS coursework
• Competitive GRE scores

An MS degree in computer or electrical engineering at the University of California prepares students for careers in the computer science and engineering industry. MS applicants also demonstrate an interest in developing and applying technical skills and translational knowledge in computer science and engineering. 

Admission requirements include submission of:

• At least three letters of recommendation from prior professors from the applicant’s undergraduate engineering majors
• Official transcripts from all colleges ever attended
• A statement of purpose, following instructions on the application (Note: The statement will also suffice as a writing sample.) 
• GRE scores

For the Fall 2018 term, the Computer Science program at the University of California had 2,219 applicants.  It admitted 240 of them, of which 128 students enrolled. According to the department’s FAQ page, the average GPA of the applicants was 3.5. That of admittees was 3.7. Meanwhile, the average GRE percentiles for these graduate programs at the computer engineering school were: 

• Domestic applicants: V: 74; Q: 85; AW: 58
• Domestic admittees: V: 83; Q: 91; AW: 71
• International applicants: V: 62; Q: 92; AW: 36
• International admittees: V: 72; Q:96; AW: 52

UCLA’s computer science program attracts many international applicants. The demographics for the MS computer science program show that 41% of MS students hold Chinese citizenship. 25% come from India. The remaining students cat the University of California computer science programs come from the United States or another country. 

This is one of the best computer engineering programs around. 

The University of California operates many exciting research labs. It is ranked No. 13 in Computer Science by U.S. News & World Report. UCLA itself was ranked as the No. 2 Public University in the United States in the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities! Its graduate programs are some of the best. 

OTHER NOTABLE GRADUATE PROGRAMS

#11. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania‎

Carnegie Mellon University Degree: M.S. in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University Net Price: $30,847

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#12. Texas A&M University College Station

Texas A&M University Location: College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University Degree: Master’s in Computer Engineering

Texas A&M University Net Price: $19,118

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#13. University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Degree: Master of Science in Engineering in Computer & Information Science (CIS/MSE)

University of Pennsylvania Net Price: $26,266

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#14. University of California, ​Irvine

University of California, ​Irvine Location: Irvine, California

University of California, ​Irvine Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

University of California, ​Irvine Net Price: $15,014

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#15. University of Washington

University of Washington Location: Seattle, Washington

University of Washington Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

University of Washington Net Price: $9,765

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#16. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Location: Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University Degree: MS in Computer Science and Engineering

The Ohio State University Net Price: $18,694

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#17. University of Virginia

University of Virginia Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Virginia Degree: MS Computer Engineering

University of Virginia Net Price: $17,845

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#18. University of Southern California

University of Southern California Location: Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

University of Southern California Net Price: $36,161

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#19. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Degree: Master of Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Net Price: $18,971

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#20. University of Michigan Ann Arbor

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Degree: MS EECS

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Net Price: $16,856

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