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There are few professions that are quite as well-respected as that of the engineer.
When it comes aerospace engineers, though—well, let’s just say they really take the cake. After all, haven’t you ever heard someone refer to a difficult concept as “rocket science?”
Choose to become an aerospace engineer, and you’ll learn just what goes into that so-called rocket science as you learn how to design and build everything from airplanes to drones, helicopters to rockets, spacecraft, defense systems, and everything in between.
No two days will be alike when you pursue a career as an aerospace engineer. You’ll not only need to have the skills in design necessary to figure out how various environmental factors will affect a product, but you also need the technical skills necessary to see if your design will actually hold water when it’s tested in a real-world setting.
Of course, you need some business and logistical skills to be successful, too. As an aerospace engineer, you’ll need to be able to evaluate how long a project will take and whether it can be done on time and within a specific budget. When you work in aerospace engineering, you’ll also be responsible for meeting with customers to communicate all of these factors—from design logistics to budget concerns—in an effective way.
All things considered, there’s a lot that goes into becoming an aerospace engineer. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best-paying jobs you can pursue. You’re going to have a lot on your plate!
Because of this, it can be tough to find the right master’s degree in aerospace engineering—and believe us, a master’s degree is absolutely necessary. You’ll need this kind of advanced training to expose you to all of the challenging theories, concepts, and technical skills presented by the discipline, as well as to provide you with the hands-on experience and professional network necessary to land a job after you graduate.
Many students assume that in order to earn a degree in such a complex topic, you’re going to have to pay a lot of money. That’s not the case. You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to land the career of a lifetime. You just need to find the right program.
There are lots of ways you can reduce the overall cost of attending college, from choosing a program with low tuition rates to applying for all kinds of scholarships, assistantships, and other forms of financial aid. Ultimately, you’ll want a degree that not only offers an excellent return on investment, but also will provide you with the skills, experiences, and professional connections you need to be successful.
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable master’s in aerospace engineering, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re ready to start working on your applications to engineering school, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get started. Not so fast—take some time to review each school’s admissions requirements and to figure out whether you have what it takes to get in.
Don’t apply to every single school that piques your interest, either. Visit each program (if you plan on studying on campus—this is less important if you want to study online) and make sure the degree is taught by faculty who care about their students and have the credentials you’d expect to see in an aerospace engineering degree.
Make sure you can afford the programs to which you are applying but remember that many schools consider students for financial aid as part of their application review process. When you’re confused about any requirements a school might have listed on its webpage, it always pays to get in touch with the admissions department for more information.
While you might be tempted to submit an application to every program you’re qualified for, resist this urge. Not only will those horrendous application fees really start to stack up, but it’s only going to overwhelm you—not necessarily give you more options to choose from. Instead, select a few programs that interest you most (ideally one or two safety, target, and reach schools each).
To be eligible for a master’s degree in engineering, you will likely have to have a background in a field related to engineering, such as mathematics, statistics, or, yes, engineering! A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering specifically isn’t always necessary, but you may have to submit proof that you successfully completed certain prerequisite courses related to this field.
Often you will need to supply scores from the GMAT or GRE exam as well. Each school varies in its cut-offs for admission, so check in to find out whether your scores will make the cut. While you will likely only be able to submit scores from within the last five years, you will want to give yourself extra time to retake the test if necessary to boost your scores.
Other materials you might be asked to submit include letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume or CV. Some programs require that applicants have several years of work experience. Others aren’t as selective in that regard but may ask you to come in for an interview with the admissions team or with certain members of the faculty.
And if you’re an international student, make sure you take the time to carefully review the school’s admissions requirements, as these sometimes change for students from out of the country. Look over each school’s English language proficiency criteria and other requirements for admission.
You may be asked to take the TOEFL or a similar proficiency exam. It may also make sense for you to look for a program that is STEM-designated, since this will allow you to work in the United States for a period after you graduate.
One of the biggest concerns that most students going back to school have is the cost. Like most other graduate programs, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering isn’t necessarily affordable.
Fortunately, this kind of career is incredibly lucrative—you’ll likely earn a salary somewhere in the six-figure range, potentially more as you acquire more experience. However, that kind of potential comes with a cost, and attending engineering school certainly isn’t cheap.
The average annual cost of tuition for aerospace engineering programs can vary from $8,000 per year for public schools all the way up to more than $45,000 per year for a more expensive private university. Don’t forget, you’re going to have other costs to factor in there, too, like books, food, and housing, if you choose to live on campus.
It’s important that you put in the work to make your master’s degree more affordable. While some schools’ financial aid departments will consider you automatically for their financial aid awards, that’s not the case for them. In many cases, you’ll be responsible for applying for your own financial assistance.
Your first step is to choose a program with low tuition rates, but remember that these aren’t always listed as clearly as they could be. A school’s “sticker price” is often a lot higher than what its “net price” actually is. For example, you may find that the private university with the high tuition actually ends up being more affordable for you, personally, because you ended up qualifying for an all-expenses-paid fellowship.
Before you start comparing costs, fill out the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This document will use your financial information, such as your W2s and tax returns, to evaluate how much financial aid you might qualify for at the federal, state, and institutional level. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for much (or anything at all) it is important that you complete this document to the best of your ability.
The reason for that is this—many schools use the information generated by the FAFSA to determine whether you might be eligible for work opportunities such as fellowships, assistantships, and work-study. You may also be eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. Although these loans do need to be paid back, the interest rate on these government-sponsored loans is often a lot lower than what you might find for a private student loan.
Don’t overlook outside financial aid and scholarships, either. All kinds of civic, religious, and business organizations offer programs that can help make earning your degree just a little bit more affordable. Your own employer may even offer tuition remission, helping to pay for the cost of your college education in return for your commitment to work for them for a set period of time.
How Much Can I Make With an Affordable Master’s in Aerospace Engineering?
One of the biggest questions you have likely asked yourself when it comes to returning to college for your master’s in aerospace engineering is this—is it actually worth it?
Only you can decide that, but knowing how much you might be expected to make with one of these degrees may play a major role in your decision.
Most students who choose to earn master’s degrees in aerospace engineering will go directly into the workforce building and designing missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, or systems for national defense. Most are employed in manufacturing or analysis and design but there are many that go on to work for the federal government or in research and development capacities.
A bachelor’s degree tends to be the basic prerequisite for landing a job as an aerospace engineer. However, you’ll often be asked to go one step further than this and earn a master’s. Not only will earning a master’s provide you with the technical and academic training you need to be successful in this field, but it will also give you the credibility necessary to obtain a security clearance, something that’s often required for working in national defense.
Because so much training and work experience is necessary to enter into this competitive—yet highly rewarding and lucrative field—you can expect to earn an impressive annual wage of around $116,500 on average. The highest 10% of earners brought in more than $166,620 in 2019 while the bottom 10% earned around $72,450. Not too shabby, to say the very least!
Of course, you may find yourself working in a less hands-on capacity, perhaps engaging in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. These jobs are just as lucrative and easy to find—and only a master’s degree will provide you with the hands-on training in research and academia that you need to be successful in one of these roles.
Although aerospace engineers generally work full time, those who direct or oversee projects sometimes have to work additional hours in order to monitor progress and make sure deadlines are met with the work meeting certain standards. You can increase your likelihood of finding a job by pursuing additional credentials such as training and certification in things like stress and structural engineering and computer software and programs like C++.
The job outlook for the field of aerospace engineering is equally impressive. Employment is expected to grow by about 3-4% by 2029. Although this is slightly less than the national average (and less than the growth for engineering in more generalized areas), there is still expected to be an increase in demand for employment of these professionals.
That’s due in part to the creation and development of new technology that has made it possible for small satellites to have greater commercial applications along with a growing interest in unmanned aerial systems (or drones). Plus, aircraft are constantly being redesigned to be more efficient and effective.
The takeaway? Earn a master’s in aerospace engineering, and your odds of finding a job will be quite impressive.
What Are the Best Affordable Master’s in Aerospace Engineering Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:
25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there
20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research institution located in Atlanta, GA. With campuses in Savannah, GA along with China, Singapore, Ireland, and France, this school has humble origins but has grown to become a major player in the engineering education arena. In fact, when it first opened its doors in 1885, its primary goal was to provide a degree in mechanical engineering as part of Reconstruction plans. Today, the school has a whopping six colleges and 31 different departments and academic units.
Universally considered the best master’s in aerospace engineering by a long list of ranking publications, the Master of Science in aerospace engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology is one you should add to your list of programs to consider. It is offered by the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.
The Master of Science in aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology is a unique program that will allow you to specialize in a variety of fields, including fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, flight mechanics and control, structural mechanics and materials behavior, system design and optimization, propulsion and combustion, and aeroelasticity and structural dynamics.
Available both on-campus and online, this program is offered by the School of Aerospace Engineering, the same department known for offering the highly-ranked doctoral degree in this major.
You’ll complete the master’s with 33 semester hours of coursework, including three credit hours of “Special Problems” research credit. If you don’t want to complete this research project, you can instead do nine hours of thesis work. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to earn at least a 2.7 GPA in order to graduate.
You will take core classes such as Thermodynamics and Fluids Fundamentals, Technical Communications for Aerospace Engineers, Structural Analysis, and Introduction to Aerospace Vehicle Performance. You may also choose to participate in research assistantships or engineering competitions, both of which are offered for course credit.
You will have plenty of opportunities to get involved while you’re studying on campus, too. This school has more than 200 registered organizations you can pursue, many of which are solely dedicated to the engineering discipline. You can broaden your professional network and make lifelong friends by joining campus organizations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Vertical Flight Society, and the School of Aerospace Engineering Student Advisory Council, just to name a few.
Of course, you’ll also have access to all of the phenomenal student resources when you choose to study at Georgia Tech, too, such as the counseling center, the Stamps Health Center, the Campus Recreation Center, and tutoring services.
This degree is affordable regardless of whether you choose to take classes online or on campus, with tuition billed at comparable rates. You will pay less than $700 per credit hour, in most cases, with plenty of financial aid opportunities for you to consider.
To apply, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. Submit official transcripts along with GRE scores to apply.
A public research university located in Charlottesville, VA, the University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson himself. One of the oldest and most historic institutions of higher learning in the country, the University of Virginia offers more than 121 majors across its three professional and eight undergraduate schools.
When you graduate from UVA, you’ll join a prestigious network of equally accomplished alumni. Past graduates have gone on to found organizations like Reddit and CNET, just to name a few.
The master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia exists as a concentration in the Master of Science in mechanical engineering. In this program, one of the oldest and broadest disciplines, you will learn how to use principles of materials, energy, and mechanics to analyze, design, optimize, and manufacture devices and machines of all scales and types. You’ll learn how to create technologies and innovations that can be used in defense systems, aviation, space exploration, and more.
The department offers both Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering in addition to a Master of Engineering. You’ll be able to conduct plenty of independent research and to develop a final thesis or defense. In many cases, you may also be able to take classes in a convenient online format.
In your courses, you’ll work with state-of-the-art computational, analytical, and experimental technologies. You’ll take classes categorized in three areas: topical, numerical, and analytical math. When all is said and done, you’ll complete 24 credit hours of coursework. Your courses and research will cover topics such as complex nonlinear simulation restrain optimization, collision injury mechanics, mechanics of soft materials, dynamical systems, fluid control, and more.
Curious about the resources you’ll have access to on campus? The research facilities here are some of the best. Not only can you work in aerospace research facilities like numerous subsonic wind tunnel laboratories, a center for applied biomechanics, and an aerospace research lab, but you can also work in a control systems laboratory, an aerogel laboratory, and dozens of other options.
Classes are multidisciplinary in nature, meant to accommodate nontraditional students who might have undergraduate backgrounds in other fields of science or engineering. In order to be eligible for admission to this program, though, you will need to have some background in calculus-based physics and college mathematics through differential equations.
To apply, you will need to have an undergraduate degree from a recognized college or university. While it’s best if this degree is in engineering or applied science, in some cases, degrees in other fields may be accepted. You should have at least a B average in order to be accepted.
You will need to submit transcripts along with three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and scores from the GRE exam. An application fee of $85 is also required.
Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University at Raleigh was founded in 1887 and is home to more than 104 different master’s degrees—one of which is the highly ranked Master of Science in aerospace engineering.
Choose to enroll in the Master of Science in aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh and you’ll be expected to complete 30 semester hours to graduate credit, including nine in thesis-research work. You can also choose to participate in a minor in which you’ll take up to nine credit hours of non-departmental support courses. You can take classes both on-campus as well as online in most cases.
You will work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a “plan of work” detailing the classes you will take and the progression you’ll follow to earn your degree. You can complete an assistantship or fellowship, if you choose, too. These competitive programs offer students a wonderful way to earn course credit and receive a generous stipend toward the cost of admission, too.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is the largest in the state and also one of the largest in the nation. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of facilities and labs on Centennial Campus, working with a large body of faculty (members of which are all active in research).
You’ll also enjoy access to ample industry partnerships. You won’t have to worry about not being able to find a job after you graduate because the experience that you gain here will connect you with the region’s top employers. Because of this, NC State is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, marrying affordability and quality to offer high-value degrees.
While studying on Centennial Campus, NC State’s research campus, you’ll enjoy access to the Research Triangle Park, allowing you to explore further research opportunities with Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. You can participate in cooperative education and internship opportunities so you can work in the profession while getting your degree, or you can reach out to find your future employer at the Engineering Career Fair.
Not only that, but you will be able to participate in all kinds of study abroad opportunities and student organizations while studying here, too. NC State is home to numerous clubs and chapters of national organizations like the Aerial Robotics Club, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, just to name a few. You can pursue a number of valuable certifications to add to your degree, too, such as the Professional Engineer license.
An affordable program, this degree has a broad range of financial assistance options for you to pursue. You might receive funding through fellowships, teaching assistantships, research or service assistantships, work-study programs, and loans. Tuition is low, too, coming in at just around $1,136 per credit hour in most cases.
To apply, you will need to have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited university. You’ll need to have majored in a technical area, though a major specifically in aerospace engineering is not required. You will also need to submit three letters of recommendation along with scores from the GRE exam.
Master of Engineering in Aerospace Systems Engineering
With 16 colleges and schools and more than 250 different majors to choose from, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an excellent choice if you are looking for a high-quality, research-focused training in aerospace systems engineering.
This school has partnerships with some of the nation’s top employers. In addition, the university operates a prestigious Research Park, which is home to innovation centers for more than 90 different start-up companies and multinational corporations, like Yahoo, State Farm, Caterpillar, Capital One, and more.
A professionally-oriented program, the Master of Engineering in aerospace systems engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide you with a solid and interdisciplinary knowledge of aerospace systems engineering that you need to be successful in any setting. You’ll take classes that will train you in aerospace systems analysis and in how to apply techniques for developing mission- and market-based aerospace systems, from start to finish.
You’ll take classes that cover major concepts like functional decomposition, concepts of operations definition, requirement development, interface identification, and more. You’ll be able to explore research in areas like structural design, electrical system design, space systems design, control system design, aerospace vehicle design, material design, and aerodynamics, too. In this, you will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art research facilities that have been known for their excellence since the department was founded in 1944.
A nationally-ranked program, it is highly interdisciplinary and so will prepare you for many different career paths. It’s offered by the Department of Aerospace Engineering, a global leader in aerospace science and engineering. This department is home to ten separate nationally-ranked graduate and undergraduate programs and employs internationally-renowned faculty, too.
You will take 32 credit hours of study, completing a range of courses that will prepare you for work in optimization, reliability, design, human interfaces, data analysis, and networks. You will also take several classes of professional development coursework. In most cases, you can earn a professional master’s degree, a non-thesis program, in just one year or three total semesters of study.
You’ll be able to take classes both on-campus or online, or in a combination of the two. You can customize your degree with a wide range of electives and professional development opportunities, too.
This affordable degree has low tuition rates coupled with generous financial aid opportunities. You can apply for student loans along with other funding resources through the Office of Student Financial Aid, though fellowships and assistantships are not an option here.
When you are ready to apply, you will need to submit undergraduate transcripts with a competitive GPA based on the last two years of your undergraduate degree. GRE scores are not required, but you will need to submit strong letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, often referred to simply as just Iowa State, is a public land-grant research institution located in Ames, IA. The largest university in the state, it is a large school that offers nearly 300 different majors for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to choose from.
There are plenty of excellent reasons to consider enrolling in the aerospace engineering program at Iowa State. For one, the College of Engineering here is ranked among the 205 best graduate engineering schools in the country—and it’s 22nd when compared to public schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. Not only that, but the aerospace engineering program, in particular, is ranked as one of the best in the country by both U.S. News & World Report and the National Research Council.
If you’re wondering why this program continually ranks among the nation’s best, there are several factors to consider. For one, the faculty here are first-rate, regularly conducting research in in-demand areas such as complex system design, aircraft icing, tornado simulation, non-destructive evaluation, and more. As a student here, you’ll be able to work closely with faculty on these areas of interest along with many others.
These areas of interest are primarily focused in six interdisciplinary areas, including advance materials systems; aerodynamics and aero-structural interaction; optimization guidance, controls, and aerodynamics; nondestructive testing and evaluation; and aviation biofuels. The department has more than $10 million in research expenditures each year.
Graduates go on to work in some of the most sought-after roles in the aerospace engineering industry, working for major aerospace and defense companies and government organizations like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and NASA.
You will take core classes such as Wind Energy System Design, Airframe Analysis, Compressible Fluid Flow, Incompressible Flow Aerodynamics, and Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, just to name a few.
These research projects are funded both by government agencies as well as by industry partners. Because of this, you’ll enjoy an affordable degree that will give you ample access to career-building opportunities. Plus, Iowa State’s location lends itself nicely to a low cost of living. You’ll also enjoy plenty of financial aid opportunities, including tuition scholarships, fellowships, and stipends. This program is affordable and an excellent value both for students from Iowa as well as those from other states or countries.
Your opportunities to learn here will extend to those outside of the classroom, too. You’ll be able to participate in an exciting campus culture at a Big 12 Conference University, enjoying ISU Cyclones games (their football and basketball teams are some of the best in the country!). You can also set out and experience life in Ames, IA, where you’ll have access to historic venues, shopping, recreation, cultural events, and more.
To apply, you will need to submit all of your materials by February or September, depending on whether you are interested in enrolling in a fall or spring admissions cycle. The GRE is required, as are official undergraduate transcripts.
The University of Southern California, often referred to as USC or Southern Cal, is a private research university located in Los Angeles, CA. The oldest school of its kind in California, it was founded in 1880 and is one of the largest private employers in the state, too.
It’s because of this and countless other reasons why USC is one of the top schools to choose from when it comes to an education in aerospace engineering. You’ll find that this program provides you with some of the best industry connections, allowing you to work closely with major players in the aerospace and technology fields.
In fact, if you’re looking for a school with the clout and connections to get you a job, this is the one to consider. Become a Trojan, and you’ll be a Trojan (and have access to all of the benefits of being a USC alumnus) for life. A degree from this school is worth its weight in gold to say the least!
The Master of Science in aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California includes several areas of specialization, including aerodynamics/fluid dynamics, aerospace structures, aerospace controls, computational fluid dynamics, propulsion, hypersonics, and aerospace design. You’ll complete a grand total of 27 units of study.
The degree is designed to give you broad exposure to at least two areas of study in aerospace engineering. A STEM-eligible program, it will also allow you to take a variety of technical electives to give you more experience in a range of disciplines. You’ll build your skills as you work to establish and solve major problems in aerospace engineering by using modern tools and working with your peers.
It’s just one program among many offered by the war-winning Viterbi School of Engineering. Other degrees offered by this school include those in financial engineering, petroleum engineering, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, and more.
Curious about the classes you will take? These may vary depending on the area of specialty you select, but some common titles include Dynamics of Compressible Fluids, Engineering Analysis, Compressible Gas Dynamics, Flight Vehicle Stability and Control, and Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics.
Of course, you’ll be able to participate in a bevy of campus organizations here, too. Many students choose to join the aerospace engineering honor society on campus, Sigma Gamma Tau. If it’s easier for you to work with, you can even choose to take courses entirely online.
No matter where you choose to study, you will find that this program has excellent outcomes for its graduates, nearly all of whom go on to find jobs before ever leaving campus at graduation. Alumni work all over the country for top employers like Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, Crane Aerospace and Electronics, and Blue Robotics.
This affordable program has low tuition rates of just $2148 per credit hour. To apply, you will need to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Submit undergraduate transcripts and an application fee along with scores on the GRE or GMAT. Letters of recommendation are also required.
The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University-College Station is a thesis-based program that will require you to earn a minimum of 32 credit hours of study. Twenty-four hours of this is formal coursework while the rest is research-based. You will both write and defend a final thesis and work closely with a faculty advisor to expand your understanding of the discipline.
As a student in this program, you will work in state-of-the-art research facilities alongside other students in the aerospace engineering department, a large division that includes both bachelor’s and doctoral programs as well.
You will take a variety of classes to prepare you for doctoral study or work directly in the industry. Some examples include The Theory of Fluid Mechanics, Aerospace Structural Design, Theory of Elasticity, and Advanced Aerodynamics.
Graduates of this program go on to work at some of the country’s largest and most prestigious aerospace companies and organizations. From NASA to Boeing, Lockheed Martin and more, you’ll find Texas A&M graduates hard at work. Students participate every year in work-study programs in major design and production shops and at major aerospace companies. You will also be able to work in the many research centers and laboratories on campus such as the Advanced Vertical Flight Laboratory or the Aero and Fluid Dynamics Laboratory.
You will lend credibility to your diploma not just through the classes you take here but also through the organizations in which you participate. Texas A&M has a number of extracurricular organizations tailored specifically toward students in the aerospace engineering major, including the Aerospace Engineering Student Advisory Board, the Aerospace Engineering Graduate Student Association, and the Aerospace Engineering Student Ambassadors program.
In addition to the honors societies and other organizations mentioned above, Texas A&M is also unique in that it affords aerospace engineer majors the opportunity to participate in student-run organizations that aim to have a little fun, too.
You might join the Sounding Rocketry Team, for example, in which you can design, build, and test a high-powered rocket that will compete in the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition. Or you might join the Vertical Flight Society, the world’s only international technical society for scientists, engineers, and others working on vertical flight technology.
An affordable program, this degree pairs low tuition rates with ample funding opportunities for undergraduates and graduates alike. Many students qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships geared specifically toward graduate students.
To apply, you will need to submit a formal online application along with transcripts and a resume that includes information about your work experience and past internships. You should provide information about any publications you have been featured in along with a resume, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and TOEFL scores, if applicable. GRE scores are not required. Keep in mind that you will need to have a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for admission.
A public research university in Tuscaloosa, AL, the University of Alabama was first opened in 1831. The oldest and largest of all public universities in the state of Alabama, this school is also the flagship of the university system. You’ll find more than a dozen academic divisions to choose from here, where bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are available in unique areas like Romance languages, social work, metallurgical engineering, and of course, aerospace engineering.
The Master of Science in aerospace engineering and mechanics at the University of Alabama is offered by the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. It is available as both an on-campus program as well as one in a distance learning format through the College of Continuing Studies. A highly flexible degree, it makes it possible for you to earn your diploma by a coursework-only pathway or by taking a combination of courses and an approved thesis.
Choose to take classes online, and you’ll be able to complete your classes on your own terms. All live campus lectures are recorded and then posted online so that you can work on your own schedule.
A 30-credit hour program, this degree includes core classes in both the aerospace and mechanics core. You’ll take classes such as Orbital Mechanics, Airfoil and Wing Theory, Intermediate Fluid Mechanics, and Advanced Dynamics of Flight. Although the thesis, research-focused track is a popular option for many students, many others choose to participate in a comprehensive examination or culminating experience instead.
A convenient and flexible degree, it’s offered by a department that has been producing leaders in aerospace and mechanics for more than two decades. You’ll be prepared to work in any industry that designs or builds missiles, aircrafts, or national defense systems—even when you choose to take classes full-time.
This affordable master’s degree has rock bottom tuition rates (just $420 per credit hour!) along with plenty of opportunities for financial aid. Many students who choose the thesis pathway ultimately qualify for assistantships, making it possible for them to gain experience and receive ample funding for the cost of tuition.
It is also a program that is uniquely transfer-friendly. You can transfer in up to 12 hours of graduate credit, allowing you to save time and potentially money if you’ve already completed some classes for your degree.
To apply, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. If you do not have a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering, you may be required to complete 12 credit hours of calculus, ordinary differential equations, statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials and fluid mechanics in order to be eligible for admission. You will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a GRE score of at least 300. There are three application deadlines each year—one each in the fall, spring, and summer.
Founded in 1876, the University of Colorado Boulder has a legacy that predates even Colorado’s recognition as a state. This public research university in Boulder is the flagship institution of the University of Colorado System and it’s home to a variety of quality programs for you to explore.
The Master of Science in aerospace engineering sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder is one of the best in the country, offering a curriculum that’s sure to impress. This program will teach you how to work in all kinds of complex aerospace and related systems. You’ll learn how to design new technologies for use in defense systems, space exploration, and commercial aviation.
In addition, you may be able to specialize in fields like systems engineering, navigational guidance and control systems, propulsion systems, production methods, or many other in-demand areas. You’ll learn how to work in the field throughout every step of the process, from planning all the way to creation and prototyping. You’ll work in hands-on design classes and be able to compete in national competitions. You may participate in mission operations or even learn how to design and build satellites for launch.
With small class sizes and independent study options available, UC Boulder provides a thought-provoking learning environment where just about any student can succeed. The Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences here is not only globally recognized for its education opportunities and research in aerospace engineering, but it’s also ranked among the top four schools in the country by the National Research Council.
You’ll learn from more than 40 faculty members and study with fellow master’s and doctoral students as you engage in experiential learning to build your technical and organizational expertise. You’ll be able to explore research areas like aerospace engineering systems, astrodynamics and satellite navigation systems, bioastronautics, and remote sensing, earth and space science.
The reputation of this program simply cannot be overlooked. The FAA selected this university as a Center of Excellence for commercial space transportation and it is one of the country’s top five nonmilitary schools when it comes to producing astronauts, too.
In addition to the many opportunities you will have in the classroom and in the research laboratory, you’ll also be able to participate in a range of extracurricular activities. You can join the student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics or participate in fun clubs like CU Students for the Exploration and Development of Space.
Not only that, but this program is incredibly affordable. The university offers significant amounts of financial aid which, coupled with low tuition rates and excellent career placement percentages, is enough to provide this program with a phenomenal return on investment. Plus, students and faculty here frequently win grants for their research, providing additional opportunities for funding and for you to get involved in hands-on projects on campus.
When you are ready to apply, you will need to submit undergraduate transcripts showing that you earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You also need to submit standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)
Ranked as the sixth-best public university in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Florida is also at the top of our list when it comes to the best affordable master’s in aerospace engineering. Not only will you find more than 200 different majors here to choose from, but you’ll also be able to explore 150 world-class research centers and institutes.
Located in Gainesville, FL, this school is the only one in the state of Florida to have membership in the Association of American Universities. It’s also classified among R1: Doctoral Universities-Very High Research Activity, a fact that underscores this school’s commitment to outstanding graduate-level education.
The Master of Science in aerospace engineering at the University of Florida is offered by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Home to more than 400 graduate students, this department also offers a master’s in mechanical engineering as well as doctoral degrees in both aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering.
With this program, you’ll be able to take courses in three broad areas of study, including dynamics, systems, and control; solid mechanics, design, and manufacturing; and thermal sciences and fluid dynamics. A total of 30 credit hours of study is required, including 18 credits in your major field of study and other courses from related technical fields. There are both thesis- and non-thesis options available.
You’ll take a variety of classes such as Fundamentals of Production Engineering, Analytic Dynamics, and Advanced Manufacturing Processes, just to name a few. You may also consider adding on an additional graduate certificate to give you even more leverage when it’s time to search for a job. Some of the department’s most popular options include Advanced Manufacturing, Scientific Computing, Solar Energy, Energy Management, and Control Systems.
As you complete your courses, you will be able to work in faculty laboratories like the Precision Space Systems Laboratory and the Space, Automation, and Manufacturing Mechanisms Laboratory to help you gain real-world experience. These facilities are top-notch and some of the best in the country, housing state-of-the-art equipment and world-class technologies.
You will also be able to participate in student activities and organizations, many of which are campus-based chapters of national organizations. Some examples include Sigma Gamma Tau, the Solar Gators, and Dream Team Engineering.
And let’s not overlook this program’s affordability, either. In addition to affordable tuition, this program has graduate funding opportunities such as fellowships and student loans. You’ll find that this program has an excellent return on investment with a high job placement rate, too. When you are ready to apply, you will need to submit an online application and transcripts that show you earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely-related STEM discipline from a program that is ABET-accredited. You will also need to submit a statement of purpose outlining your goals, two letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores. You should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all of your combined undergraduate coursework, too.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
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Do you have outstanding attention to detail? Do you love investigating bugs, glitches, and tiny parts in computer software and hardware systems?
If so, a master’s degree in computer engineering might be the right choice for you. As a computer engineer, you need to have a knack for finding tiny details along with patience and persistence when it comes to solving challenging problems.
For many students, the biggest problem in earning a master’s degree has nothing to do with the technical issues they might investigate as a computer engineer. The biggest problem is one of convenience.
Getting an online degree can solve that problem since it will allow you to pursue your education from the comfort of your own home.
How do you know if an online master’s in computer engineering is right for you—and if it’s a quality program?
An online program is a perfect choice for just about anyone. If you crave the convenience and flexibility of an online program, whether that’s because you’re a single parent trying to navigate childcare options for your kids, a busy working professional, or just someone who would prefer to study at home, then an online degree is right for you.
Now, how to find the perfect fit?
In the past, online degrees had a reputation for being somehow “less than.” Critics argued that the quality of education wasn’t as high as if you were receiving your training on-campus. They said that online education providers were shoddy and didn’t provide students with the proper caliber of career training.
Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. As they rise in popularity across all disciplines, online degrees are not only just as good but are often better than their on-campus counterparts. They offer convenience and often are more affordable, too. After all, even if tuition rates are the same for online and on-campus learners, you won’t have to pay for “hidden” expenses like transportation, room and board, and student activity fees.
While online programs are no different (in terms of their quality) than on-campus degrees, that’s not to say that they are all made alike. There are a few tips you should follow to make sure you get the best possible education for your time and money.
When applying to college degrees of any level, major, or type, always look for a degree that is accredited. Accreditation is essential because it means you can receive federal and state financial aid, transfer credits in and out, and will be getting a quality education. Regional accreditation is something to keep an eye out for. If you can’t find information about this on a school’s website, call to confirm.
For computer engineering, you need to get even more specific in your search. Look for programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and TEchnology. If you can, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to campus or do a virtual tour (even though you know you’ll never set foot there as an actual student).
Taking some time to investigate and research everything you can about the school and the program, from the instructors to the student organizations to the financial aid that is available, will help you make an informed decision. That way, you can find the best possible online masters in computer engineering to help you meet your goals!
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.
Located in Gainesville, FL, the University of Florida was founded in 1853. Just a couple of miles from the downtown area, the physical campus has a lot to offer prospective students. However, the online campus is just as vibrant.
The University of Florida offers the best online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the unique EDGE (Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering) portal. Here, you will be taught by the same talented instructors who work on-campus, but all of your courses will be delivered exclusively online.
You’ll take 30 credit hours (or ten three-credit courses) but you can choose your own path. You can take up to three classes per semester, take just one class at a time, or even take a full semester off with no penalties. You can take additional online courses to supplement your degree, choosing from pathways in fields like computer science, innovation, entrepreneurship, and other engineering departments.
And if you decide that studying on-campus is right for you, you can “hybridize” your degree and take classes in a traditional format, too. Whichever avenue you choose to pursue, you will take core classes in topics like:
Foundations of Digital Signal Processing
Stochastic Methods for Engineering
VLSI Circuits and Technology
Principles of Computer System Design
You can also choose to tack on an additional certificate to your degree. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida offers such certificate programs as:
Hardware and Systems Security
Microsystem Technology
Machine Learning
For all of this, you might expect tuition rates to be astronomical. That’s not the case. In fact, Florida residents pay just $448.73 per credit hour, while non-residents pay just a couple hundred dollars more. You’ll be charged a distance learning fee but don’t have to worry about things like activity and service fees, transportation, and health fees, as you might on-campus. Plus, there’s plenty of financial aid to go around!
Online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
Are you ready to become an Aggie? When you enroll at Texas A&M University, even if you are studying online, that is what you’ll be!
The school spirit and pride are strong at Texas A&M University, located in College Station, TX. Here, you can join more than 1000 different student organizations or stick to your coursework in the Dwight Look College of Engineering, the Mays Business School, or the College of Education and Human Development.
A major research institution, Texas A&M University offers a variety of programs online as well as abroad, including in places like Qatar.
You will take 30 semester credit hours of approved courses in this non-thesis degree. You’ll be able to choose from one of seven focus areas as you complete your degree requirements and final project. Options include:
analog and mixed signal
device science and nanotechnology
information science and systems
electromagnetics and microwaves
computer engineering systems
biomedical imaging, sensing, and genomic signal processing
As you complete your courses, you will be able to conduct cutting-edge research in your area of interest. Your courses will prepare you both for research and development careers in industry or to pursue a doctoral degree.
While you study, even in a distance learning format, you’ll be able to tap into all kinds of resources offered by this department. You can receive free tutoring or join student organizations. There are countless options to choose from, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Eta Kappa Nu—the Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society, and the IEEE PELS/IAS/PES Joint Student Chapter. These activities will help you network with other majors and alumni and gain valuable real-world experience.
A public university founded in 1972, Florida International University isn’t the oldest university on this list by far—but it’s one of the best. This school in Miami, FL has a reputation as one of the Best Value Schools, top National Universities, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Offered by the College of Engineering and Computing, the online Master’s in Computer Engineering at Florida International University is one of the best in the country. The curriculum focuses heavily on leadership development and will enable you to earn a degree in as little as 10 months. That means less time in the classroom and more time doing what you love!
Although the Master’s in Computer Engineering here is available with multiple concentrations, it is only the specialty in Network Security that is available exclusively online. It will teach you how to protect and defend networks from attacks and cybercrime while also giving you the leadership skills you need to take on a managerial role.
You’ll be taught by faculty members who are leaders in the field and possess years of experience as computer engineers themselves. You’ll benefit from feedback and personal guidance every step of the way. Plus, you can acquire the most in-demand certifications, with options including:
Certified Ethical Hacker
Network+
Security+
Even if you decide not to pursue these certifications, this degree is one to watch. It contains a highly relevant and constantly evolving curriculum that includes courses in key topics like ethical hacking, network security, malware analysis, and forensics. You’ll have all the skills you need to work alongside some of the most highly-regarded professionals in the industry.
All courses are offered within six eight-week terms. You’ll take 12 credits each semester, with core classes including:
Random Signal Principles
Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering
Computer Communication Networks
A total of 30 credit hours are required.
This school is one of the few in the United States that has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Because of the specialization, you will be equipped to work not only as a computer engineer (and in ancillary fields) but also as a network security specialist.
Let’s not forget how affordable this program is, either. With a total tuition cost of $25,000, it offers an excellent return on investment. Plus, you can access Career Engage and associated scholarships to help you get ahead without having to take on student loans.
Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University, often referred to simply as NC State, is the largest four-year college in the state. As a result, you’ll have plenty of academic offerings to choose from.
This top Master of Science in Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is one of the best online computer engineering master’s in the world. It is designed for individuals who already have undergraduate degrees in engineering disciplines and want to pursue graduate work specifically in computer engineering.
This is a program that does require the GRE, so give yourself plenty of time to take the test. That said, know that this degree is worth the extra effort. IT will prepare you in in-demand topics such as very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) systems, computer architecture and systems, networking, and more. It does not require a thesis.
It’s offered by Engineering Online, a department at NC State that is ranked sixth in the country among online engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. The school has offered distance education in engineering since 1978 (more than 40 years!) and now has sixteen online graduate and certificate programs.
You will complete 30 credit hours of study, or up to nine credit hours per semester. Most students complete their degrees in less than two years, but you have up to six to finish your degree if you’d rather progress your degree requirements more slowly. When you enroll, you will be assigned a personal academic advisor to help guide you in these sorts of decisions.
In addition to the work you do in the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to work with partnering organizations to get hands-on experience in the field. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy affordable tuition. You’ll be billed at the on-campus rates and can apply for generous financial aid.
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Georgia Institute of Technology was founded in 1885. Referred to as Georgia Tech, this school is dedicated to research and career-oriented majors in things like the physical sciences, engineering, and business.
With a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 19:1, it’s easy to see that you’ll get unparalleled attention from faculty and staff as a student here. However, it’s not just the quality of instruction that’s outstanding—it’s the quality of the courses you’ll take, too. The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech has a phenomenal Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering that can be completed entirely online.
You’ll be able to choose from two start dates each year and enjoy low tuition rates of just $1,100 per credit hour. In addition to education loans, you can also benefit from veterans and employers’ tuition reimbursement benefits to help lower the cost of attendance.
You will take core classes such as:
Digital Image Processing
Numerical Linear Algebra
Computational Data Analysis
Unsteady Aerodynamics
You’ll be able to choose from dozens of different electives to help you specialize and customize your degree.
While you study, you will have access to all kinds of essential resources. You can tap into all the resources of the Georgia Tech library and download tools for collaboration like WebEx and Skype, often for free. Of course, the hands-on Student Services Team is always there to help with any questions or problems you might have, too.
Online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
Iowa State University is a public university located in the small midwest town of Ames, IA. Despite the town’s pint-sized population, this school is one of the largest in the state.
If you have a bachelor’s in computer engineering, you may want to consider the online computer engineering degree at Iowa State University. This master’s program is offered 100% online and is perfectly suited to working professionals who want to advance their careers. You only need to take one class per semester, letting you finish your degree in just five years.
Although the program is designed for students who already have a background in computer engineering, you can apply if you have skills and experience in other areas, too. You may have to take some prerequisite courses to catch up.
All in all, you’ll take at least 30 credit hours of coursework, 18 of which must be in electrical engineering or computer engineering.
You can also complete up to three credit hours of independent study. Core classes include:
Network Protocols and Security
Real-Time Systems
Information System Security
Computer and Network Forensics
Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling
In addition to your core courses, you can pursue a graduate certificate in topics like computer networking, cybersecurity, energy systems engineering, human-computer interaction, or embedded systems. These courses make it possible for you to earn graduate credits that can be applied toward the parallel master’s degree program.
Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The University of Texas at Austin offers multiple pathways for students to earn their degrees in electrical and computer engineering. There is an integrated Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering that can be completed at the same time (helping you save both time and money) or you can pursue a stand-alone Master of Science in Engineering.
The Master of Science in Engineering at Texas ECE offers eight different academic tracks. These include:
architecture computer systems, and embedded systems
bioECE, decision, information, and communications engineering
electromagnetics and acoustics
electronics, photonics, and quantum systems
integrated circuits and systems
power electronics and power systems
software engineering and systems
Of course, you can always design your own track, too, benefiting from the immense variety of resources there are for interdisciplinary work at this university. You will be able to participate in state-of-the-art research institutions and projects with faculty researchers. You’ll be able to complete your studies in just four semesters of study, after which most graduates go on directly to work in the field or to apply to the Ph.D. program at the University of Texas.
While you work, you’ll be able to participate in all kinds of opportunities and organizations. The Cockrell School of Engineering has a well-established honors program along with a variety of major-specific student organizations. Some examples include the Electrical Longhorn Ladies in Engineering, Eta Kappa Nu, Graduate ECE, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
No matter which of these opportunities you choose to pursue, know that you will be supported in your endeavors by talented, engaged faculty. You won’t have to break the bank for that kind of service, either. Tuition rates are low and you can supplement your financial aid with things like graduate research assistantships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. There are additional departmental scholarships you can apply for, too.
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Florida Atlantic University, located in Boca Raton, FL, has an outstanding Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program can be completed by itself or in conjunction with the Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology if you want to graduate more quickly.
The Master of Science will prepare you for leadership roles in hardware engineering, network engineering, embedded systems engineering, and more. You can complete your studies entirely on campus, completely online, or in a combination of the two.
Whichever you choose, you’ll take core classes like:
Advanced Computer Architecture
Multiprocessor Architecture
Embedded Systems Design
Structured VLSI Design
Software Engineering
Multimedia programming
You’ll take at least three core courses and seven electives for the non-thesis option, or three core courses, five electives, and six thesis credits if you select the thesis pathway. In total, you’ll complete about 30 credit hours of study.
You can join as many student organizations and societies as you’d like. These groups plan special exhibits and activities, arrange social activities, tour companies, network with professional speakers and industry experts, and participate in national competitions. Some of the most popular include:
Data Science and Machine Learning Club
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Engineering Student Council
Not only that, but you can choose to tack on additional certificates if you’d like to make your degree even more marketable. Available graduate certificate options include:
cybersecurity
energy resilience
biomedical engineering
big data analytics
artificial intelligence
When you become a student here, you will enjoy low tuition rates and access to all kinds of financial aid. Each year, the department also provides generous graduate assistantships to new students. These cover a significant portion of tuition and offer a stipend along with teaching and research experience.
If you want to take your understanding of computer engineering outside of the box, you’ve got to consider the online Master of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
The fully online MS Computer Engineering here will prepare you to work in the application, development, design, and testing of new computer hardware (and its integration with software). You’ll be able to advance the field of computing through our studies as well as through the research projects and initiatives you carry out on campus, many of which are supported by collaborative efforts with local industries and government agencies.
Your studies will allow you to take an in-depth look at the core topics of computer software algorithms, and compilers. There are both thesis- and non-thesis options available, allowing you to complete around 30 credit hours of study.
You can choose from multiple areas of specialization, including:
the internet of things
neuromorphic computing
robotics and autonomous systems
nanoscale electronics
computer vision
computer architecture and microarchitecture
The opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students at the University of South Carolina-Columbia are extensive. You will be able to network with alumni and other industry professionals and pursue hands-on research opportunities, a dedicated career center, and plenty of student organizations.
Tuition is affordable, with the primary academic costs consisting of university tuition and fees. You can apply for a graduate fellowship to offset the cost of attendance. In fact, fellowships often provide all or part of a student’s funding, making it possible for some students to earn their degrees for practically free!
Online Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering
The University of Michigan-Dearborn, located in Dearborn, MI, offers another one of the best online master’s programs in computer engineering. The 30-credit hour curriculum includes required core courses along with technical electives meant to expose you to hands-on experience with computers, microprocessor-based systems, high-[performance workstations, and more.
It can be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of the two. If you choose to study on campus as an alternative (or complement) to your online study, you’ll likely appreciate the fact that on-campus courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening hours.
However, you will get everything you need from studying online, too. It will provide you with a strong foundation in the theoretical techniques and principles of science, engineering, and mathematics that you need for advanced engineering development and design. You’ll also learn how to use all the tools that might be necessary in the modern computer engineering workforce.
You will take core courses such as:
Computer Networks
Computer Architecture
Embedded Systems
Advanced Operating Systems
In addition, you can choose a concentration area to further customize your degree. Options include networks and communications, multimedia engineering, intelligent systems, and computer architecture and design.
As a student in this program, you’ll benefit from access to quality instructors, extensive opportunities for hands-on learning, and low tuition rates. There are dozens of scholarship opportunities available for new and returning students, along with fellowships, grants, and student loans.
FAQs
How do you apply to a computer engineering degree?
Now that you’ve determined that a computer engineering degree might be right for you, it’s time to apply!
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, ideally one in computer engineering. While you can sometimes apply for a master’s in computer engineering with a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you may be asked to complete additional prerequisite courses to help you “catch up” to your classmates.
You will need to complete an online application and often, submit an application fee. You’ll typically be asked to submit transcripts from your undergraduate degree showing a minimum GPA of around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores are often required, as are essays that might detail your goals, background, or challenges you’ve overcome.
Finally, you may be asked to submit supplemental documents like letters of recommendation or a resume, too.
What sorts of jobs are available to graduates of master’s programs in computer engineering?
You can pursue just about any kind of computer engineering job with just a bachelor’s degree in this field. However, if you go the extra mile and earn a master’s degree, your opportunities will be much more plentiful.
One of the most common jobs pursued by master’s in computer engineering graduates is that of a hardware engineer. As a hardware engineer, you’ll be able to design, research, develop, and test computer systems and their components. You will typically work in a research laboratory and specialize in manufacturing.
Another common job is as a software developer. In this kind of job, you’ll work to design computer programs and applications. One position that is similar to this is as a software quality analyst and tester. In this role, you’ll identify problems with programs and applications, report defects, and recommend solutions.
Is a master’s in computer engineering worth it?
Absolutely. Prospective computer engineers might wonder if the investment in an online degree—even an online degree—is worth the cost, both in terms of the time and money involved. The average salaries for computer engineers tend to be quite high. Here are some examples, but know that nine times out of ten, the average pay is well into the six figures range!
As a computer hardware engineer, the average salary is more than $119,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports for 2020. That’s more than $57 per hour. You Can increase this salary even more by pursuing additional certifications as part of your master’s degree or by working in more specialized fields like computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing.
Your pay won’t be too shabby as a software developer, either. You could earn an average salary of $110,140 per year (or nearly $53 per hour), according to the 2020 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, these jobs are expected to grow rapidly with an anticipated growth of 22% by 2030!
Can you do computer engineering online?
You can! In fact, if you earn an online degree, you’ll not only be able to save some money, but you can complete your courses in an asynchronous fashion most of the time, too. This means you can study wherever and whenever it’s most convenient for you.
You’ll take classes in topics like:
Solid State Devices
Systems Engineering
Modern COmputer Architecture
Electronic Design
What is the best online master’s engineering—no GRE required?
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a common admissions requirement for many master’s in engineering. This requirement serves as a way for admissions officials to weigh individuals against each other, particularly individuals from different universities.
Fortunately, there are several schools that do not have GRE requirements. These include:
Arizona State University
Johns Hopkins University
North Carolina State University
Penn State
What is the cheapest online computer engineering degree?
It’s difficult to say which online computer engineering degree is the cheapest since it doesn’t always come down to basic dollars and cents. The cheapest school for one student may not be the cheapest for the next, since you might receive a different financial aid package depending on where you choose to attend.
However, all of the schools in this ranking are affordable options for you to consider, including NC State, Florida International, and Georgia Tech. A few other schools to consider in your search include Mississippi State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of New Mexico.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already earned a bachelor’s. Perhaps you’re just starting to think about pursuing advanced education. You probably already know that earning an MBA is a smart choice.
With an MBA, you’ll not only gain the skills necessary to succeed in business. You’ll also gain access to the professional networks you need to be a successful industry practitioner, too.
But if you also have interests that lie in the marketing world, you might feel torn.
Should you pursue a marketing degree or an MBA?
The good news is that more schools are adding online MBAs in marketing to their list of degrees. You no longer have to choose between the two for online education.
What is marketing?
If you choose to pursue a career in marketing, your work may take a variety of forms. All marketing professionals have one thing in common, though. You will be involved in creating value and communicating that value for a product or service. You will work to create a positive image for your client.
As a student in a marketing program, you’ll learn how to advertise, promote, and sell various types of services and products. You’ll also gain the business chops necessary to work in a variety of settings.
That includes those in:
finance
accounting
international business
information management
business law
financial management
sales management
strategic planning
cybersecurity management
marketing communication
human resource management
managerial economics
business ethics
data analytics
business research
managerial accounting
information technology management
global management
nonprofit management
public relations society management
sports management
healthcare administration
organizational leadership
Most MBA programs prepare you for careers in just about any business related field. But an academic background can open up even more doors. Some common career paths for graduates of this online master include:
Marketing manager
Marketing analyst
Marketing research analysts
Research analysts
Integrated marketing communications
Business managers
Healthcare marketing
Media marketing managers
Social media marketing
Global marketing managers
Brand management and marketing
There are countless other marketing jobs and options for marketing professionals as well. These jobs are in high demand and offer many benefits to graduate students. These benefits include significant flexibility when it comes to how they structure their careers.
Earning an online degree is a smart alternative to studying on campus. You will be able to follow and complete the same rigorous curriculum that you would complete if you were studying on campus. But you’ll also be able to access the same kinds of job opportunities that you would experience as a campus-based learner, too.
The flexibility of online programs allow full time students and part time students alike maximum convenience. Take classes in a part time format, and you can earn a degree while continuing to work. Study full time, and you’ll complete the degree’s curriculum quicker so you can get out into the workforce.
A degree online (whether it’s a full time MBA or a part time online master’s) is identical to one earned on campus. Most universities don’t even differentiate between the two when printing your diploma!
Online degrees offer many of the same experiences as campus-based programs, like a rigorous curriculum and access to internships, cooperative learning experiences, and other career-building opportunities.
The benefits of earning an online degree are tenfold. You will be able to follow a self-paced schedule. You can enjoy the convenience of studying from home. Plus, an online degree is perfect for someone with other commitments that make it a challenge to get to campus.
Earning an online degree is smart for another reason. It’s often more affordable.
Online degree tuition tends to be much less expensive than an on-campus counterpart. Why are there affordable tuition rates? For one, many of the administrative costs of offering a college degree are reduced or removed.
You won’t have to worry about paying for things like transportation, room, and board. You won’t have to worry about the logistics of traveling to and from campus, either. Plus, many schools charge in state tuition or cost based on semester instead of credit hour. That means you can easily make an online program one of the most affordable options just by taking more classes at once.
Affordable tuition rates? Check. Flexibility? Check. A degree that is consistently ranked as one of the best for giving business professionals a better understanding of the business world? Check and check.
An MBA in marketing management is one of the best ways to accelerate your progress toward a rewarding career.
So what are you waiting for? There are many options for online programs in business management and marketing for you to consider. But there’s no time to waste!
Consider these 35 Best Affordable Online MBAs in Marketing Management and start filling out your applications today.
You might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of applying to an MBA program. And that’s okay! It’s a daunting task to say the least. Even if you already went through the process of applying to a bachelor’s program, working on grad school applications is a whole new beast entirely.
Add to that the complexity of applying to an MBA. This is different than a regular master’s degree. It’s easy to see why this process is stressful for so many students!
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
First, consider the schools you are planning to apply to. It always pays to stop by the school for a visit. Take time to talk tot he admissions office to see what kinds of admission requirements they have for their undergraduate and graduate programs. Chat with faculty, staff, and local students.
This is the best way of determining whether a program is right for you. That’s important even for working professionals who plan to study online. It will also let you get a feel for the school’s admissions requirements.
Admission requirements will vary depending on where you choose to apply. In general, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree.
This bachelor’s degree doesn’t always have to be in a field like marketing or business. However, qualified applicants will have some related work experience in a relevant field. You will also be expected to demonstrate academic excellence in business-related topics.
Even some experience in a related field, like accounting or economics, is a good idea. You may be asked to provide approximately two years of related work experience or more. You’ll need to back this up with other requirements, like professional references and a personal goals essay.
If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s in a field related to business, don’t panic. Most schools will still welcome your application. Certain non-business majors, like English and communications, are relevant. Even if you only have one year of experience, it can help.
Most schools also require a minimum GPA for the bachelor’s degree. Again, this varies. Try to have a 3.0 on a 4.0 undergraduate GPA scale. You may have to submit GRE or GMAT scores (usually, a score of 600 or higher is a requirement for the GMAT). The GMAT requirement isn’t listed for all schools. Some have a GRE required while others waive testing altogether in favor of other requirements, like the personal statement essay.
But it’s not all about the numbers or the bachelor’s degree. Many universities also like to see that you have some work experience. Again, that’s about one year to three years for most working professionals. You will likely need to submit documentation to prove this. In addition to GMAT or GRE scores, submit a:
resume
letters of recommendation
personal statement
While you’re enrolled, you’ll take classes that build on the knowledge you acquired during your bachelor’s degree.
At the same time, your courses will help develop your understanding of advanced concepts. Some topics you might cover include:
public relations
management
advertising
data science and quantitative analysis
key marketing principles
understanding consumer behavior
new product development
accounting
finance
business marketing
international marketing
marketing research
project management
marketing communication
strategic planning
market analysis
business law
consumer science
Many programs offer unique concentrations in digital marketing and social media. Others will allow you to participate in internships to provide you with real-world learning opportunities.
Most MBA degrees will take you one year to two years to earn. Some are in between at around 18 months. That’s when you study on a full-time basis.
However, you may be able to pursue an accelerated degree that can save you both time and money. Or you might choose to spread out your studies over the course of several years. That way, you can manage your other life commitments. All while you are earning your MBA in marketing!
What Are the Best Marketing MBA 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. It is based on the following five aspects:
25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there
20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help prospective students reach their goals.
Best Affordable Online MBA in Marketing Management
This is a private evangelical Christian university to pay attention to! Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA. It is ideal for distance learners. It has one of the best online marketing MBA program options you will find.
Its campus is a suburban haven that consists of more than 7,000 acres. Yet this school is known for providing much more than just what its physical campus has to offer.
This school has 17 colleges. That includes a school of law and one of osteopathic medicine. Liberty University enrolls more than 15,000 students on campus.
However, what’s really impressive is that the school enrolls a whopping 94,000 learners on its online campus alone. Almost all of its on-campus programs are also offered online. This makes it one of the most accessible degrees for distance learners to pursue. That’s even truer if you’re looking for an online MBA in marketing!
In fact, more than 550 total programs are available. In addition to theMBA in marketing, there are 366 on campus and 289 online.
The School of Business alone has 67 master’s degrees to choose from. This school enrolls more students than any other university in the United States. Liberty University is ranked as the best online college in America by Niche.
The MBA in marketing at Liberty University consists of 45 credit hours of study. The MBA in marketing takes most learners just two years to complete. All classes for the MBA are offered 100% online. Each takes just 8 weeks to complete.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This is a testament to its quality and affordability. If you’re a transfer student, you don’t have to worry. You can transfer in up to half of the degree total. For busy online MBA students, this is a huge benefit. It can make earning a degree easier than ever.
The curriculum of this online MBA in marketing degree is structured to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers. The school is an industry leader among other online MBA marketing programs. It combines ethical coursework with practical, hands-on work.
You’ll be able to study modern issues in today’s marketing culture. At the same time, you will gain an in-depth understanding of topics like:
market research
consumer behavior
promotions
advertising
You’ll also gain the skills you need to flourish in a general business environment. Courses are taught by actual practitioners. They are business professionals with real-world experience. Your studies will culminate with a capstone course. This will allow you to demonstrate your business skills in a hands-on project. You will be able to collaborate with other distance learners.
Curious about the classes you’ll take? The list of classes varies between learners. In general, you can expect to take classes such as:
Supply Chain Management
Consumer Behavior
Marketing Promotions
Marketing Research
This online MBA in marketing has multiple start dates each year. It is one of the most convenient options you might consider as a distance learner or busy working professional.
Liberty makes it possible for distance learners to complete their degrees in a convenient, affordable fashion. Tuition has not increased in six years. That is despite the fact that other universities have increased their rates. This school is ranked within the top 1% of more than 2,100 online universities. It offers affordability, accessibility, and academic prestige.
You will find another one of the best and most affordable online MBA options at the University of North Texas. This school for graduate and professional studies is a public research university in Denton, TX.
There are many online MBA programs to choose from. The University of North Texas also has campuses in Frisco as well as online. This school is known for its broad offerings in a variety of disciplines. It was founded as a private teachers’ college in 1890. But it became a state university just over a decade later and began to rapidly expand its programmatic offerings.
Today, UNT comprises 14 colleges and schools. That’s along with an early admissions math and science academy. The G. Brint Ryan College of Business is home to five academic departments. That includes Marketing, Logistics, and Operations Management. It has seven undergraduate programs. There are fourteen MBA and master’s degrees. These graduate degrees are ranked as some of the best online MBA programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
The MBA in marketing at the University of North Texas is just one of many online program options. In fact, there are more than 80 online program options available. About 1,200 online courses are offered each term. You don’t have to commit to studying 100% online, either. Many of these programs include flexible learning options at the Frisco and Denton campuses.
In addition to the MBA in marketing, the University of North Texas offers related programs. These include the MBA in marketing analytics and the MBA in organizational behavior and human resource management.
The marketing MBA consists of 12 classes for a total of 36 credit hours. There are multiple start dates each year. This program, offered by the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, is convenient.
The degree offers the breadth of a traditional MBA. That’s along with the depth of a marketing program. The curriculum will give you a conceptual business foundation along with the managerial skills you need to be successful. Both full- and part-time degrees are offered in this accelerated program.
Courses are short. Most last just five to eight weeks. You can take classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. There are other optional concentrations for this MBA in marketing, too. That includes those in:
supply chain management
supply chain analytics
strategic management
You’ll acquire marketable skills in how to handle complex business situations. You’ll also learn how to become a valuable team player.
Core courses include:
Accounting for Management
Marketing Management
Seminar in Ethics and Social Responsibility
Retailing and Marketing Channels
You’ll become prepared for a wide variety of top managerial positions. Graduates go on to work as:
advertising executives
account managers
public relations representatives
As a Texas resident, you’ll pay just $23,900 in tuition and fees. You can’t beat that kind of value.
You will need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on your undergraduate coursework. A background in business, marketing, statistics, computer information systems, or finance is not required. It is, however, encouraged.
The University of Alabama is a regionally accredited school. It is known for its many online MBA degrees. It’s also home to some of the best affordable MBA degree programs.
There are programs of study in 13 different divisions. The University of Alabama Birmingham offers a variety of unique degrees in rare topics. These include metallurgical engineering, anthropology, and Romance languages.
The business programs here are remarkable as well. The online MBA in marketing is offered by the Collat School of Business. The online MBA in marketing at the University of Alabama Birmingham has multiple concentrations. That includes those in:
finance
management information systems
health services
marketing
There is also a general track for students who aren’t sure what kind of path they wish to pursue.
Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll find that this online MBA in marketing program will help you build your expertise. You will expand your economic and financial knowledge along with your skills in behavioral management and emotional intelligence. You can use the online MBA in marketing degree to prepare you for work in a variety of diverse fields.
The Collat School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. UAB is ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the Top 10 Universities in the United States for Diversity.
Graduate from this online MBA in marketing program, and you’ll be well-equipped with the skills you need for a vast array of careers. Graduates of the online MBA in marketing program have gone on to work as:
logistics directors
chief information officers
marketing officers
With this online MBA in marketing program, you’ll build and hone your skills in things like:
core business principles
web analytics
operations and supply chain management
organizational management
real estate decision analysis
You’ll build a strong professional network of accomplished peers and faculty. Finding a job upon graduation is as seamless as can be.
You will take 36 to 39 credit hours as you complete your courses. Required course titles include:
Economics for Managers
Marketing Strategies
Strategic Cost Analysis and Decision Making.
You will also complete a capstone. This will allow you to bring together everything you have learned into one comprehensive final project.
If you’re already working, this program is perfect for you. You’ll be able to choose from multiple concentrations. Available concentrations for this online MBA in marketing align with growing sectors of the economy.
You will also be able to focus on a variety of business concepts such as:
analytics
leadership
management techniques
business insights.
You’ll be able to draw from your coursework. You can apply the concepts you’ve learned in your online MBA in marketing to your job right away.
You can complete your courses for the online MBA 100% online in as little as two years. Relevant experience is not required for this online MBA in marketing. But students who do have experience in business or marketing may be eligible for a GMAT test waiver. This can help streamline and expedite the application process.
Southern New Hampshire University is home to some of the best online degree programs you will find. In addition to a top general MBA, it also has an affordable MBA. The online MBA in marketing is the perfect graduate degree for graduate students interested in a degree in marketing.
This school is a private, nonprofit university located between Hooksett and Manchester, NH. It is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States with new online programs added every day. Here, you’re sure to find an online degree that makes distance learning easy. And one that helps MBA students meet their career goals of all kind!
The MBA in marketing at Southern New Hampshire University will teach you how to maximize the market potential of businesses and brands. In this online MBA in marketing, you’ll go beyond learning how to sell a product. You will develop the skills necessary to build relationships between consumers and businesses.
You can complete this degree in just one year. With this online MBA in marketing, you will earn valuable, career-relevant credentials. The online MBA in marketing degree is accredited by ACBSP. It is affordable, with tuition coming in at just under $19,000. That’s not per semester, but for the entire program!
You will graduate not just with an online MBA in marketing credential. You will also have the skills and credentials you need to enhance your resume along the way. You’ll learn how to interpret and analyze data for strategic decision making. You will gain the skills necessary to create and implement plans that are sensitive to cultural, legal, ethical, and sustainability needs.
You’ll take core classes such as:
Optimizing Brands
Promotion Management
Brand Management
Consumer Behavior and Marketing
You’ll gain real-world experience through the business core. You will take three concentration courses that each explore a different area of marketing. In total, you will take seven core classes and three concentration classes. The curriculum of this online MBA in marketing will allow you to graduate in just a year should you choose to attend full-time.
Core business concepts are interwoven throughout the curriculum of the online MBA. You can build a toolkit of skills in a more relevant way.
Online MBA courses are flexible with no set meeting times. All materials are delivered online. You can access course resources whenever it’s most convenient for you. You’ll be able to transfer credits from previous institutions if you already started your online MBA in marketing elsewhere. You won’t have to worry about finding a job after you graduate, either.
In fact, since the school produced its first MBA class in 1974, it has welcomed more than 20,000 MBA graduates to the alumni network. You’ll be able to tap into an extensive business networking group. As a graduate of this online MBA in marketing program, you will enjoy college mentorship opportunities as you learn.
Your instructors are a wealth of knowledge, too. They offer real-world experience that that will help you navigate the challenging business world. You can even pursue internship opportunities as part of this program!
Southern New Hampshire University has racked up hundreds of accolades over the years. It is recognized for its innovative, affordable, and rigorous programs. In fact, it’s been ranked as one of the most innovative universities by U.S. News & World Report since 2015. It was hailed in 2017 as a digital learning innovator by the Online Learning Consortium.
Ready to apply? SNHU charges no application fee for this online MBA in marketing. It requires very few materials in order to complete your application. In addition to an online application form, you will also need to submit your undergraduate transcripts. No GRE or GMAT is required for the online MBA. All admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Marketing MBA Concentration (Online MBA in Marketing)
The marketing degree program at the University of Nebraska isn’t just one of the best online MBA programs to choose from. It’s one of the best marketing degree graduate programs, period.
This state university was first known as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney. Now, the school is a member of the University of Nebraska System and was founded in 1905. It was first a school for teachers. The university became Kearney State College in 1963, when it began the process of adding programs in other popular areas.
Today, the school offers a variety of campus-based undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In addition to the well-known online MBA in marketing, it has dozens of other high-quality offerings online. There are even blended programs available. The school is ranked as the best Public Regional University in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. It’s also received nods from the publication for its online college, too.
Enroll at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. You’ll become “Loper,” a title that alumni and current students bear with pride. You’ll have access to a variety of resources and support services as part of this online MBA in marketing. These include nonremedial tutoring, career placement services, and more.
Class sizes in the online MBA in marketing are small and close-knit. There is an average student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1. The vast majority of classes in the online MBA in marketing contain fewer than 20 students. This will allow you to foster close connections with your instructors and fellow classmates. There’s no better way to build your professional network than by interacting with a diverse group of peers!
The online marketing MBA at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is designed to provide learners with the decision-making, critical thinking, and leadership skills they need. In this online MBA in marketing, you will gain the skills needed to manage an organization. The online MBA in marketing is a blended program that is convenient. It offers all the flexibility of online learning. Plus there are the benefits of in-person interaction with faculty and peers.
The online MBA in marketing consists of 33 credit hours of study. There are 18 hours of core classes and 15 hours of electives. In addition to the popular online MBA in marketing, students can choose between emphasis areas in human resources and accounting. Or you can pursue a generalist pathway. If desired, the marketing MBA can be completed entirely online.
This online MBA in marketing has a curriculum accredited by the AACSB International. It is one of the best in the country. It will prepare you for a variety of in-demand careers. Graduates of this online MBA in marketing have gone on to jobs as:
a nonprofit organization director
a management consultant
an entrepreneur
You will take a number of industry-relevant courses. These include:
Principles of Accounting
Financial Administration
International Marketing
Consumer Behavior
You will also complete a final capstone project. This will bring together everything you have learned so far.
This degree isn’t just flexible. It’s also affordable. Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities are available, too.
To apply to this degree, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an AACSB-accredited program. You’ll need a GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If you have three or more years of relevant work experience, you can apply with just a 3.0 GPA. In most cases, a GMAT of 480 or the equivalent GRE scores are also required.
St. Bonaventure University is home to another one of the best online marketing MBA programs. This leader among regional universities is known for its marketing online courses. That’s as well as its general business graduate programs.
This school is located in sleepy Allegany, NY. With only 2,381 students total (including both undergraduate and graduate populations), it’s a small school. It was established by the Franciscan Brothers in 1858.
The physical campus sits on 500 acres near Olean, NY. Most campus buildings are designed with red brick and Italianate roofs. It’s a gorgeous campus that’s close to the Allegheny Mountain range. But you don’t have to study on-campus in order to benefit from the exceptional quality of education here. The marketing courses here are some of the best, but it’s not only the business school to pay attention to.
Today, this private university offers more than 50 academic programs, many of which are also available to distance learners who would prefer to study online. These include combined degree health care programs and award-winning journalism degrees. The business programs here are second-to-none, too.
Ready to accelerate your career and learn how to navigate the ever-changing global business environment? You may want to consider earning an accredited online MBA from St. Bonaventure University. This online MBA program will teach you how to conduct market research and apply it to strategic decision-making processes. It will also help you learn how to lead with ethics and influenza as you explore the role of management in any setting.
The School of Business at St. Bonaventure University is just one of 5% of business schools worldwide to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The marketing concentration will prepare you to explore diverse roles such as:
director of marketing
market research manager
public information officer
The online MBA includes courses like:
Quantitative Foundations of Management
Marketing Research
International Marketing
Consumer Behavior
This online MBA degree can be tailored to fit your unique career goals, work experience, and educational background.
Every step of the way, you’ll receive 1:1 attention from faculty members who are laser-focused on you as an individual. You can contact faculty in the online MBA at any time. This can be done by video, telephone, or email as you move through your courses.
You’ll be able to develop your skills through:
scenario-based projects
videos
readings
You’ll have access to plenty of professional development opportunities from the career center, too.
In addition to the concentration in marketing, this program features other unique concentrations. These are perfect for students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. If you aren’t sold on marketing as your concentration of choice, you may want to consider pathways in:
accounting
finance
business analytics
You can also choose to follow a general MBA plan of study. No matter what you choose, you’ll find that the curriculum of this online MBA in marketing helps you build your skills. You will cultivate a more interdisciplinary knowledge of business.
St. Bonaventure is ranked as one of the top Regional Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. This is a testament to its affordability, accessibility, and superior academic quality. It’s also ranked as the second-best value in education in New York State by the U.S. News & World Report. The rankings speak for themselves!
Another one of the best regional universities to consider on your search for the best online MBA programs in marketing degree options is Texas A&M University.
This school isin Canyon, TX. West Texas A&M University is a public university that is part of the Texas A&M University System. It was first established as the West Texas State Normal School. It was one of the first state-funded teacher’s colleges in the state.
Today, however, the school has much more to offer than just teacher education programs (though these are still going strong on-campus and online, too). Let’s take a look.
One of the best online MBA programs for veterans. One of the best online MBA programs overall. One of the best online MBA in marketing programs.
Based on these rankings, U.S. News & World Report knows it. And so does The Princeton Review. This is a publication that ranked West Texas A&M University’s online MBA programs within the top 25 in the country.
You don’t have to take our word for it when it comes to this online MBA in marketing. The praise speaks for itself. The marketing program here is one of the best in the country. The online MBA here offers a multitude of options for students who want to pursue a professional education from a top notch business school.
It offers five different specializations and is available 100% online as an asynchronous online MBA in marketing program. You can also choose to complete some courses on-campus. That’s perfect if you don’t want to complete your degree entirely online.
The online MBA is designed for full-time employed professionals. It allows for up to six years for completion. You can enjoy the perfect work-life balance. Most students find that they are able to complete their studies in just two years of work. You can take your classes throughout five semesters each year. That’s fall, winter, spring, and two summer terms.
28-30 hours of core courses are required to complete the MBA core. Requirements include classes in:
computer application and technology
quantitative analysis
accounting
corporate finance
economic theory
management
business integration
marketing
international business
You’ll also be required to complete a capstone course that will bring together everything you have learned into a final portfolio.
In addition to the marketing specialization, you can pursue a concentration in management, healthcare management, or computer information systems. West Texas A&M also offers an accounting concentration through the MPA program. There are economics and finance concentrations through the MFE programs.
‘Sample classes for the marketing concentration include Marketing in the Age of Social Networks and Seminar in Evolutionary Marketing.
After completing the MBA core for this online MBA, you’ll also need to complete 37-46 hours of marketing courses for your specialization. In general, this is around nine hours of study. You will need to have a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. You’ll be able to create your own personalized plan of study once you enroll.
West Texas A&M University offers one of the best programs, hands-down, for business students seeking a more research-focused education. You’ll have access to some of the best marketing and business minds in the industry. That’s along with all kinds of research facilities and centers for innovation. The school regularly teams up with other institutions to conduct innovative work, such as:
the Alternative Energy Institute
the Cooperative Research, Education, and Extension Team
Master of Business Administration – Marketing specialization (Online MBA in Marketing)
You’ll find another one of the best online marketing MBA programs at the University of South Dakota.
This school was created by the Dakota Territory legislature in 1862, the University of South Dakota is a public research university that was created decades before the state even existed! It’s the flagship university for the state of South Dakota and, as you might imagine, the oldest public university in the state, too.
It’s located in Vermillion, SD, just 63 miles from Sioux Falls and just north of the Missouri River. Home to the state’s only law and medical schools, the campus offers a variety of other unique features to learners, too. For example, it’s home to the National Music Museum and has graduated more than a dozen Truman Scholars.
If you’re interested in earning a business degree but don’t want to leave your current place of employment, the University of South Dakota has something for you, too.
With the marketing specialization at the University of South Dakota, you’ll learn the skills you need to be successful in a variety of marketing areas. You’ll gain in-depth skills in things like:
branding
new product development
consumer behavior
Your core MBA courses will prepare you for leadership in any business role. The marketing specialization in the online MBA will help you cultivate the skills necessary for a more focused career path.
You’ll complete 36 to 54 credit hours of study for this pathway. The degree is offered by the Beacom School of Business. It was established in 1927. The school has been accredited by AACSB International since 1949. The business school prepares leaders for industry, business, and government. It encourages those who have an interest in teaching as well as those who wish to enter right into the workforce.
Marketing isn’t the only specialization offered, either. You can also pursue pathways in:
business analytics
finance
health services administration
operations and supply chain management
The school is top ranked by publications like Forbes, Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report, and The Wall Street Journal.
With the marketing specialization, you’ll take core classes in subjects like:
Managerial Marketing
Strategic Management
Leadership Development
Supply Chain Management
There’s a fast-track option available if you don’t yet have a bachelor’s, either. The fast-track option will allow you to complete both a Bachelor and a Master of Business Administration. It takes just five years to complete the two degrees at the same time.
Your opportunities to learn will extend far beyond the classroom (online and on-campus) here, too. The University of South Dakota has more than 170 student organizations. That includes fraternities, concert-hosting organizations, clubs, professional development activities, and more.
There are even opportunities for students to join different media outlets! You will find plenty of opportunities to build your professional network, gain experience, and have a little fun. Yes, even when studying online.
To apply to this program, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Official transcripts are required. You’ll also need letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Still looking for the best and most affordable online MBA in marketing? Look no further than Montclair State University.
This is a public research university located in Montclair, NJ.
Montclair State University is the second-largest university in the state. In addition to the online MBA in marketing, there are more than 300 majors for you to choose from. These programs are supported by faculty who work hard to make sure students are granted plenty of opportunities for hands-on work experience. This comes in the form of internships, cooperative education, and research.
The online MBA at Montclair State University is offered by the Feliciano School of Business.
The online MBA offers concentrations in:
business analytics
human resources management
project management
marketing
digital marketing
The marketing concentration is one of the most popular specializations here. But the digital marketing concentration is a new offering. This unique online MBA in marketing degree prepares learners for in-demand careers in the ever-expanding digital marketing industry.
Through this online MBA in marketing program, you’ll be able to combine your passion for creativity with your business acumen. This will help you succeed in the fast-paced digital advertising world. The online MBA in marketing degree is accredited by AACSB International. This is a recognition shared by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide. Digital marketing is an in-demand discipline. The demand is expected to rise by 38% in the next year alone.
If your grades weren’t quite up to snuff prior to beginning your coursework in this program, don’t worry. If you did not earn a B- or higher in accounting, finance, or statistics, you can complete online foundation modules in these topics to get you caught up to where you need to be.
Otherwise, you’ll begin by taking MBA fixed core courses like:
Managerial Economics
Corporate Financial Decision Making
Achieving Competitive Advantage
Business Growth Strategy.
Then, you will move on to concentration courses like:
Omni-Channel Retailing
Digital Marketing Strategy and RODMI (Return on Digital Marketing Investment)
Digital Customer Experience Management
A total of 36 to 39 credit hours are required for degree completion.
Before you graduate, you’ll complete a practicum in e-commerce as well. This practicum will provide you with the practical understanding of how the Internet influences the way business is conducted. You’ll address a major digital marketing issue, like online market research. Then you will work to build an effective web presence that works around and solves that issue.
This online MBA in marketing degree is also available as a 12-month, 17-month, and mentorship-accelerated program. If you aren’t sold on the idea of studying online, that’s okay! Montclair State also offers on-campus hybrid Saturday, weeknight, and dual degree MBA programs too. The options for advancing your career are endless.
You can even expand your career opportunities by pursuing a variety of certificate programs. Montclair offers certificate programs in things like:
human resources management
professional accounting
project management
digital marketing
business analytics
forensic accounting
The degree is one of the most affordable among AACSB-accredited business schools, particularly in the state of New Jersey. There are six start dates each year. The degree is well-suited for busy working professionals seeking more flexible and convenient offerings.
Marketing MBA Concentration (Online MBA in Marketing)
Last but not least on our list of the best online MBA in marketing degrees is Saint Leo University.
Saint Leo University is a Roman Catholic university in St. Leo, FL. It opened in 1889. The private school is affiliated with the Holy Name Monastery and the Saint Leo Abbey. It was the first Roman Catholic college in the state. The school is now one of the five largest Catholic Colleges in the country. It’s also home to one of the best online MBA in marketing degrees.
It was one of the first schools in the nation to offer distance learning opportunities. These efforts began long before the Internet. The school educated military members in 1973 during the Vietnam War. Today, the school offers more than 40 majors for students to choose from. These degrees are at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate level.
Saint Leo University’s College of Business offers a dynamic online marketing MBA that is perfect for students who are working full-time. It’s also a great online MBA in marketing for those who wish to pursue careers in marketing-related fields like:
promotions
sales
marketing research
e-marketing
brand management
You’ll gain a broad foundational knowledge in the analytical technologies and tools you need to solve complex management problems. In this online MBA in marketing, you’ll also emphasize core leadership skills.
The online MBA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. It includes core classes that address topics like:
the business implications of the new economy
teamwork
oral and written business communication
You’ll take just two courses during every eight-week term for this online MBA in marketing. You can complete the 36 credits needed for graduation in just a year. Or you can extend your studies for up to five years. You aren’t limited to just the marketing concentration, either. With this online MBA in marketing, you can pursue two separate concentrations. You can start your courses during any one of the six terms each year.
You will take core classes like:
Brand Management
Marketing Research
E-Marketing
Strategic Management
A total of 33 to 36 credit hours are required. The online MBA in marketing has an optional internship toward the end of your degree. The internship is often done as a paid experience. This will allow you to practice master’s-level business skills in a real-world setting.
This degree is high-quality, but it’s also affordable. Saint Leo offers an impressive MBA Online Academic Achievement Scholarship to online MBA in marketing students. This can provide a savings of up to $6,000 over the course of your program.
This school is top-ranked bya variety of publications. That includes U.S. News & World Report. It’s considered one of the Best Regional Universities in the South. It’s also a Best Value University. Military Times has also ranked Saint Leo as one of the Best for Vets: Colleges.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application. Provide official transcripts showing a GPA of a 3.0 or higher. If your GPA is lower than a 3.0, you can use a minimum GMAT score of 500 to fulfill the rest of your eligibility requirements.
You’ll also need to submit:
a resume with two or more years of professional work experience
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
A good education is one that will allow you to get the perfect mix of practicality and theory in your degree. While it’s helpful to know the nuts and bolts of how software engineering came to be, it’s just as important to know how you can apply those fundamental theories to real-world practice.
Not sure how to find a degree that offers this ideal blend? Lucky for you, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect resource in our guide to the 10 best online master’s programs in software engineering.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to find the right degree for your needs—and why an online program might be the perfect fit for you.
But first, why software engineering?
There are several good reasons to consider a degree in this field. For one, software engineers are in high demand and can be found working in a wide variety of industries. From big tech to big pharma, software engineers are absolutely everywhere.
While a bachelor’s degree will often provide you with the fundamental skills you need to succeed in software engineering, only a master’s degree will give you the in-depth training you need to specialize in certain areas of the discipline (or to obtain a leadership position). You’ll also gain experience in academic research, which is important if you plan on pursuing a Ph.D. at some point.
If you’re ready to be at the forefront of this rapidly changing, highly rewarding field, then earning a master’s degree in software engineering might be a natural choice as you advance your career.
There’s a good chance that, if you’re reading this, you’re probably already employed (perhaps you are even working as a software engineer right now). You might be wondering how you can find the time and financial resources to go back to school if you’re already working 40 hours a week.
Fortunately, an online degree can offer the perfect solution. You’ll have the freedom to take classes whenever it is most convenient for you. Since most of these programs are offered asynchronously, you can complete your coursework at 4 am, at 11 pm, or even on your lunch break.
When you pursue an online degree, you can customize your studies so that it’s all about what works for you. There won’t be any more rushing to campus for a 9 am class, trying to rearrange your work schedule to get your homework done or anything of the sort. You’ll be able to earn your credentials with as little stress as possible.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time for you to find the online master’s program in software engineering that will help you meet your goals. Let’s get started!
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.
A public research university located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is one of the largest schools in the state. It is home to nearly 30,000 students and is known for its contributions to research in technology, healthcare, and more—but there’s one area in which it is even more well-known.
Of all the schools we’ve included in this ranking, there are none that are quite as highly regarded for their contributions to the world of distance learning as East Carolina University. This was the first school in North Carolina to offer a master’s degree in software engineering and it continues to offer one of the best online programs of its kind to this very day.
There are two separate options for students to choose from when they decide to study online at ECU—the traditional track and the nontraditional track. The traditional track is for individuals who have degrees in computer science information technology, or software engineering, while the nontraditional track serves as a great entry point to the discipline for students who do not have this kind of background
You’ll complete between 30 and 38 credit hours of study, with students in the non-traditional pathway completing additional credit hours to get them up to speed. Regardless of the track you fall into, you’ll be able to choose from a coursework-only, thesis, or project-based pathway.
An industry-recognized program, it offers financial aid to students who qualify. You’ll be able to tap into collaborative classroom activities along with internships, guest speakers, and other opportunities. You don’t have to be a traditional on-campus learner in order to get this kind of life-changing experience, either, since the exact same opportunities are offered to online learners as students learning on campus.
Are you interested in getting a degree from one of the best software engineering schools in the world—but not super interested in having to move to Texas (one of the hottest states in the country!) to do so?
Lucky for you, the online master of software engineering at Texas Tech University might be the perfect solution. This online degree is one of many offered by Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering.
Texas Tech was first established in 1923 and quickly rose to fame for offering tech-focused programs with a heavy research emphasis. It currently offers degrees in more than 150 courses of study within 13 colleges. It also hosts 60 research centers and institutes.
The online master of software engineering will give you the skills you need to understand software and system production, offering learners a strong foundational training in design and quality control. You will be able to choose between a project or thesis option, working closely with a thesis advisor to find the course options that are best for you.
Your course schedule will include requirements like:
Software Modeling and Architecture
Software Verification and Validation
You will also take course electives in two categories—computer science and software engineering. Other classes you might take include:
Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University-Fullerton is a public university with the largest enrollment out of all the schools in this massive system It is home to more than 100 different degree programs, including many in technology and other STEM disciplines.
California State University-Fullerton offers one of the best programs in software engineering in the country, especially if you aren’t interested in having to submit the GRE or GMAT. You also don’t need to worry about common admissions requirements like the personal statement or letters of recommendation, either.
One of the least expensive schools on this list, Cal State offers tuition that comes in at least $9,000 per year for most students. Students are admitted in the fall semester only and will complete a total of 10 courses (for a total of 30 credit hours) over the course of 22 months.
You will take two courses per semester and be grouped into a cohort. You’ll take your courses at the same pace and in the same order as the rest of your fellow students but you’ll have the flexibility to work on these courses from the comfort of your own home.
The program curriculum covers all industry-standard models, methods, and techniques, including software architectural design, software process assessment and improvement, maintenance metrics, and more. It is ranked as one of the 25 Best Online Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report, a testament to both its quality and affordability.
West Virginia University is a public land-grant research university located in Morgantown, WV. It has other campuses around the state, including those in Beckley and Keyser.
The software engineer master’s program at West Virginia University is one of the school’s most storied. Its roots can actually be traced back to NASA. It began in 1997 as a continuing education program housed at the NASA Independent Verification and Validation Facility located in Fairmont, WV.
This program began with the goal of training people for high-tech jobs that were springing up all over the region. Originally, the degree was offered as a hybrid program that contained both online and in-person instruction. Now, it is an entirely online program. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Graduate Computer Information Technology programs and has rigorous standards for admission as a result.
You’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA along with a “satisfactory” score on the GREs. You can complete a thesis option that requires 30 credit hours of study or a nonthesis track, which includes 33. Regardless of the pathway you select, you’ll take core courses in things like:
Validation and Verification
Software Project Management
Introduction to Object-Oriented Design
Software Analysis and Design
West Virginia University has one of the most supportive teams of professionals to help you on your journey. Not only will you be able to access all of your coursework via the WVU eCampus website (in tandem with classic distance learning tools like Blackboard VoiceThread, and ExamSoft) but you’ll have access to tech support for every class, too.
You can access WVU libraries, student health services, and even life coaches! Simply put, you won’t feel alone at any point in your educational journey here.
With the main campus in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the oldest technological universities in the United States. It was the first school to be solely dedicated to mechanical engineering and is home to two national Centers of Excellence, as designated by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Defense. These designations are a testament to the school’s quality and academic prestige.
The online master’s degree in software engineering is housed by the School of Systems and Enterprises at Stevens Institute of Technology. The program is approachable and easy to complete even for students without a formal computing background. All you need are solid undergraduate grades and good GRE scores–and of course some strong problem-solving and quantitative skills, too.
Ranked as one of the best online graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report, this program offers a rigorous, hands-on curriculum that will provide you with advanced knowledge in:
project management
software architecture
technical planning
Graduates have gone on to work for top-performing companies like IBM, Lockheed Martin, Verizon, At&T, Cisco, and more.
Although Stevens charges tuition at a rate that’s a bit higher than the other programs on this list, you’ll likely find that the quality of this program is well worth the added cost. Not only that but there is substantial financial aid available to qualifying students, too. You can pursue grants through the National Science Foundation along with many offered directly from SIT itself.
Founded in 1898, DePaul University is a private Catholic research institution. It follows the footsteps of its founders, making it a goal to recruit first-generation students as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It caters specifically to nontraditional learners, too, with about 90% of all students here either commuting or living off-campus.
DePaul University offers many benefits to its students, one of the biggest benefits is that it is located in the heart of Chicago. This location offers learners exclusive access to some of the most important tech companies and other industry players around. However, this location is not without its drawbacks—one of the most significant being that Chicago is known for its long, cold winters.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Chicago at all if you want to enroll at DePaul University. Instead, you can sign up for one of the school’s many online degrees. The online master of science in software engineering is one of these programs, offered exclusively online through the College of Computing and Digital Media.
This program comes with plenty of choices. You can choose to specialize in a certain emphasis area of software engineering like:
design
quality assurance
project management
requirements engineering
software architecture
There are even concentrations like entrepreneurship and technology leadership and real-time game systems to help you further diversify your degree.
If you choose to enroll in this program, you won’t just learn the technical skills you need to be successful in software engineering. You’ll also build your presentation and communication skills in a team-based environment. You can also participate in student research opportunities with faculty and other students, collaborating in a variety of specialized labs and centers as well as through research assistantship programs.
As a result, this degree has some of the best job placement outcomes around. 95% of all graduates were employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment within six months of graduation. The average salary? Roughly $80,000. Not too shabby, to say the very least!
While you can complete all of your required courses online, it’s important to note that a hybrid completion plan is an option, too. This school is ranked as one of U.S. News & World Report’s top National Universities.
Johns Hopkins University, often referred to simply as JHU, is a private research university located in Baltimore, MD. It was founded in 1876 and named for American philanthropist and entrepreneur Johns Hopkins itself. It has a storied history among American universities, known for being the first research university in the United States.
Ranked number two in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the computer science and software engineering program at Johns Hopkins will provide you with a full range of dynamic skill-building opportunities through its online, part-time options. You will be able to tailor your studies to meet your unique career goals, taking courses in things like the design, analysis, and theory of information systems.
Your courses will be structured and rigorous, providing you with the skills you need to make a difference in the field. You’ll learn from top-level researchers, engineers, and scientists, including experts from the Applied Physics Lab. You’ll even be able to design your own research program through the unique capstone course.
The program has multiple focus areas for you to choose from, including:
communications and networking
bioinformatics
cyber operations
cybersecurity
data science and cloud computing
data communications and networking
On average, it takes most students two years to complete their studies, but you’ll have five years to get it done on your own terms.
The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, CA. it was founded in 1880 and is the oldest private research university in the state. It is home to one major liberal arts school along with other undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.
It is the birthplace of multiple technologies, including the Domain Name System, DNA computing, antivirus software, image compression, dynamic programming, and more. As you can see, this school has a serious legacy when it comes to all things computers and technology!
You will find another one of the best online software engineering master’s degrees at the University of Southern California. This program provides its graduates with software development skills along with those in management, customer collaboration, and systems engineering.
It is a program that is constantly looking to the future, planning for emerging trends in things like high assurance, software-intensive systems of systems, agile methods, and rapid software development and evolution. You’ll gain hands-on experiences in real client class projects along with state-of-the-art evaluation assignments.
A STEM-designated program, the degree includes core classes in things like:
Analysis of Algorithms
Software Engineering
Testing and Analysis of Software Systems
Software Architectures
It is an affordable degree with tuition that starts at just $2199 per credit hour.
Online Master of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering
Auburn University is a public land-grant research university located in Auburn, AL. It is home to more than 30,000 students. Despite first being known as an agricultural and mechanical college, the university is now a prominent co-educational school with a high amount of research activity.
The online master of science in computer science and software engineering at Auburn University is ranked as one of the best in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs ranking. It can be completed in both a thesis and non-thesis form, requiring no more than 33 credit hours in total.
You don’t even have to have a bachelor’s in software engineering to apply! If you have a degree in any other STEM discipline, you are more than welcome to submit an application for this program (just keep in mind that you may have to complete additional prerequisite courses before you dive into the master’s level content).
You will complete core classes in topics like:
Advanced Algorithms
Advanced Operating Systems
Advanced Computer Architecture
There are both thesis and non-thesis options available, depending on your preferences and your post-graduation career plans.
As an online learner, you’ll take your classes through a learning program known as Panopto, along with the classic Canvas system of distance learning. You’ll be able to communicate with your professors, complete your assignments, and view lectures on your own time.
Plus, you will still get all the benefits of being an on-campus learner. You’ll have access to libraries, campus activities, and even discounted tickets for sporting events! This program truly offers the best of both worlds.
You’ll find another one of the top online software engineering master’s at North Dakota State University. A public land-grant research university, this Fargo, ND school offers more than 87 different master’s degree programs. Many of these programs are also offered online.
The online software engineering degree is designed for working professionals who desire to update or enhance their credentials. You’ll be able to complete all of your assignments from a distance and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to customize your projects and larger assignments as you see fit.
In addition to the master’s degree in software engineering, North Dakota State also offers a 10-credit online Software Engineering Graduate Certificate. This certificate will be a valuable tool for career advancement and is perfect for the student who wants to get a bit more experience before diving into a full master’s program.
In the master’s program, you will take core classes such as:
Software Development Processes
Software Project Planning and Estimation
Software Testing and Debugging
Empirical Methods in Software Engineering
You will complete a thesis or a master’s paper, allowing you to demonstrate the skills you’ve acquired over the course of the program.
You can even choose to complete an option in cybersecurity to further add to your resume! You will take additional courses in Defensive Network Security, Ethical Hacking, and other core cyber security topics.
With no GRE required for admission, this program is flexible and easy to apply to. It’s a fantastic option for students who wish to continue on to a Ph.D. as well as those who want to enter directly into the workforce. It features affordable tuition and a variety of financial aid opportunities as well.
FAQ
How long does a master’s in engineering take?
When you’re looking for a degree in software engineering, one of the first questions you might ask is, “exactly how long is this going to take me?”
For the most part, a master’s in software engineering shouldn’t take you any longer than two or three years. Most students finish in less than two, with some accelerated programs making it possible to graduate in less than 12 months!
Of course, you can usually spread your courses out a bit more if you have other personal or professional obligations to attend to. Some universities allow students to take up to six years to complete their courses on a part-time basis.
While you’re enrolled, you’ll complete a set of core courses. The exact master’s in software engineering requirements vary depending on the institution. Some programs require a thesis while others do not, instead allowing students to complete a capstone project, internship, or comprehensive exam.
You will usually need to complete around 30 to 35 credit hours of study. Core courses include:
Distributed Computing
Analysis of Algorithms
Risk Modeling and Assessment
You will also often be able to specialize in areas like:
data mining
bioinformatics
intelligent systems
What is the best online master’s in software engineering—no GRE required?
One of the biggest barriers for students who are interested in completing an online master’s in software engineering is the completion of the GRE. The GRE, or the Graduate Records Examination, is a challenging (and expensive) standardized test that is used as an admissions requirement for graduate schools all over the country.
Fortunately, there are several schools that no longer require the GRE or make its submission optional. Some of the best programs to consider include those offered by:
Colorado State University
Arizona State University
University of Illinois
Of course, there are plenty of others to choose from, too.
Even if a school does list the GRE as a requirement for admission, don’t rush to rule it out! Many programs offer GRE waivers to students with high GPAs, professional experience or certifications, or applications that are otherwise strong in other areas.
To apply for a master’s in software engineering, it is important that you contact the school to which you plan to apply. They’ll have more specific information on admissions requirements, which vary a bit between universities. In general, you’ll be asked to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your baccalaureate courses.
While a background in software engineering isn’t always required for admission, you may have to take courses in the fundamentals to “catch you up” before you start your masters-level courses. Other application requirements include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume.
Is a master’s in software engineering worth it?
It’s no secret that, in our fast-paced world, software powers everything. Software engineers are often referred to as the “architects of the 21st century”—and that’s a nickname that’s likely to endure long past this century, too. This is a field that’s expected to grow by a whopping 22% by the time the decade is over. That’s nearly five times the national average!
Software engineering is a broad discipline that includes a wide variety of subfields and specializations. You can work in a number of different positions, including as a software developer, an engineering manager, an app developer, a systems architect, and many more. This field is growing so quickly that there are new positions and job titles created on almost a daily basis.
Everyone needs software so software engineers are in high demand. Not only that, but they tend to bring in the big bucks, too. Needless to say, a master’s in software engineering is absolutely worth it. Even if you already have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree will provide you with an extra boost to make sure your resume always gets to the top of the pile.
What is the salary like for a master’s in software engineering?
Your salary potential as a master’s in software engineering graduate is truly unlimited. This is a broad field with countless job opportunities (the scale and salaries for which are growing by the day).
You will be able to pursue a wide variety of careers and job titles. Some of the most popular for graduates in this field include:
software developers
systems architects
database administrators
As a software developer, your job will be to design computer programs and applications as well as to identify issues with existing ones. You can earn up to $110,140 per year, with a master’s degree qualifying you for even higher pay.
Systems architects earn high salaries, too. The average salary for workers in this field is $116,780 per year, or an impressive $56.14 per hour. Your day-to-day work will involve designing and building communication networks, such as wide area networks and local area networks (or LANs).
And as a database administrator, you can earn up to $98,860 per year, on average. You’ll create systems to secure and store data, working in a firm that offers computer design services (or in one that has a large database of information, like an insurance company or educational institution).
Looking for ways to boost your salary potential even more? Consider pursuing an additional certificate or area of specialization as part of your studies. Holding certifications shows that you are committed to the field and that you have a high level of expertise in the discipline. Some to consider include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Certified In Risk and Information Control from ISACA.
What are the best software engineering universities in the USA?
Needless to say, earning a master’s in software engineering is a smart choice. You’ll be able to pursue jobs with more responsibility, such as supervisor or senior-level positions. With greater responsibility comes increased salary, but you’ll also have the flexibility to pursue work in a new industry, if you choose.
Of course, if you’re going to get a master’s in software engineering, you should get one of the best. All of the universities we’ve discussed in this guide offer quality programs—schools like East Carolina University, West Virginia University, and Stevens Institute of Technology are considered some of the best software engineering universities in the United States.
However, this list is far from all-inclusive—we’ve only just scratched the surface of potential options! Some other excellent institutions to consider include the University of California-Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Be as thorough in your search as possible–you’re bound to find the perfect program to help you meet your goals!
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Accountants have a reputation for being relatively average office workers, but nothing could be further from the truth. Accountants are skilled mathematicians and financial experts and are critical parts of any successful business or company. In fact, it’s no stretch to say that accountants are some of the most technically and mathematically skilled individuals in any organization. They serve many roles, from being dedicated accountants (which track the spending and income of companies or clients and devise ways in which to make or save money) to businessmen and women to financial managers.
A degree in accounting is an extremely versatile and valuable degree in just about any business sphere. Bachelor’s degrees in accounting are fairly valuable by themselves, but master’s degrees in accounting are even better.
For starters, they normally allow you to attain higher or managerial positions within an organization. Any accountants that want to become the head of their department will need a master’s degree at a minimum. Additionally, many states in the US require that aspiring certified public accountants, or CPAs, have 150 credit hours of education in accounting specifically. Depending on which bachelor’s degree you have, a master’s degree might be needed to become an accountant in your state.
Master’s degrees in accounting also provide you with several opportunities for specializations or certifications. For instance, several of these degrees let you focus on management accounting, which will make it easier for you to get that particular job in a company or organization, or internal auditing, which is a position that specializes in the accounting and auditing of a business’ own books. Either way, your options in the accounting industry and related financial professions open up much more widely if you have a graduate-level degree in this field.
To make things even better, accounting jobs are extremely plentiful and the majority of them are high paying. U.S. News and World Report calls accountants one of the top 10 best business jobs in the U.S. In a time when many people are unsure about the long-term viability of their careers and who may be worried about paying back college, accounting might be an excellent solution.
These jobs are typically quite stable and are always needed in the majority of businesses because of their crucial role and financial savvy. Accountants are usually paid excellent salaries, meaning that even extensive student debt can be handled within a reasonable amount of time if you obtain a decent accounting position. Accounting is also a relatively safe field as opposed to something like construction – although many do have to beware the issues with a sedentary lifestyle!
There are lots of reasons why someone might want an accounting job or a master’s degree in accounting. That’s why it’s a good thing that there are plenty of affordable and online options to pursue a master’s in this field. Online degrees are great because they provide additional schedule flexibility, enabling you to continue working at your job while finishing your education at a distance. These programs are usually asynchronous and don’t often incorporate field work, so the traveling or in-person requirements are quite low.
Applying to a master’s in accounting program is a little easier in some respects when considering your former schooling or bachelor’s degree. Many master’s programs require that all applicants have an extremely specialized bachelor’s degree, as those degrees can provide you with the foundational knowledge for graduate-level classwork.
But accounting is a versatile and useful discipline in a wide variety of industries and companies. It’s also not a specific discipline in and of itself; accounting as a craft or trade uses math, statistics, and business understanding together to keep track of expenses and income and come up with explanations for potential financial discrepancies. As a result, you’ll be able to apply to many master’s in accounting programs if you have an applicable bachelor’s degree rather than a bachelor’s in accounting degree. Other programs may have “catch up” programs that provide you with foundational knowledge at a fast pace. These can let you attend a master’s program after only a few months of study.
Bachelor’s degrees in subjects like mathematics, statistics, business, and so on will all likely be acceptable for the majority of programs. You’ll still need a bachelor’s degree, of course, although some master’s programs can be pursued in combination with a bachelor’s degree. These are often truncated five-year programs from start to finish and are excellent in terms of value for money since you pay for one less year of schooling to receive your master’s.
Your GPA should be quite high, however. Accounting is a STEM field, and these programs are typically very competitive and are usually filled with top-tier students in every regard. Most programs don’t allow applications from students with a sub 3.0 GPA. You should always aim for a GPA higher than this minimum to make sure your application is competitive.
Furthermore, some accounting programs may want work experience or a resume of any related skills or accounting work you may have done before the program. This is because many accounting programs are designed specifically for future accountants, so they only accept students with a minimum of some accounting experience.
In addition, you’ll want to ask your former professors and bosses for letters of recommendation. These letters can vouch for your skills and qualifications to the admissions board of any school and can drastically improve your odds of acceptance. Many graduate programs of any subject, not just accounting, require a minimum of two letters of recommendation. As with your GPA, more is always better; go for three or four letters of recommendation to make your application really competitive.
Finally, virtually every master’s in accounting program will require that you take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations. These are tests taken over the computer that measure your quantitative reasoning skills in several respects, and many programs will also have you focus on the mathematics portion of the exams. You’ll need to score at or above the minimum threshold to be considered for the program, so doing the best you can is critical. Thankfully, you can take the GRE up to five times over a year, which begins as soon as you sign up for the exams. You can submit your best scores out of those five times, so there are multiple opportunities to see what the tests entail and retry if you aren’t satisfied with your first or second scores.
What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?
Any students looking to get financial aid at any level of the college industry should first apply to the FAFSA, or the Federal Application for Student Aid. This application takes your yearly income and economic background into account to see whether you qualify for federal financial loans and grants. These are quite valuable, as several of the grants offered are subsidized by the government, meaning they won’t increase in amount as you complete your education. In addition, all colleges require that you first apply to the government for financial aid before moving on to other scholarships or their own financial aid offerings.
After the FAFSA, your next stop should be the financial aid page for your particular college or school within your university. The good news is that many business schools within top-tier universities have extensive alumni networks and very generous scholarship donors. In other words, the likelihood that you’ll be able to find at least some form of scholarship or grant from your university’s financial aid page is high. Many graduates in business go on to earn healthy salaries and give back to the university that gave them their start.
You’ll also want to look into AccountingEdu.org, which is a guide for aspiring accountants by state. Along with providing excellent information about state CPA license requirements, they also have a list of scholarships by state and university. You can use these offerings to potentially offset some of your financial debt. Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to apply to scholarships based on the state in which your education is taking place, but it’s still a great centralized resource to find financial aid options that you might not otherwise notice.
After all of those options have been investigated, your next step should be to check whether your accounting program offers teacher assistantships or internships. These are a little trickier to handle with online education, but there are still some opportunities for both assistantships and internships. Teaching assistantships will have you spend 20 to 25 hours per week doing busywork for one of your professors, like grading papers or organizing their lesson plans. In exchange, you’ll get some or all of your tuition waived and might even get a small stipend (although this bonus is usually reserved for on-campus assistantships alone).
Internships are rare as well, but there are some remote opportunities you can take advantage of given the computer-based and desk-heavy nature of accounting work. Internships don’t usually pay you a stipend, but they service valuable work experience that can go on your resume when you are looking for work after graduation and may remove some of your student debt at the same time.
All in all, students looking to graduate with a minimum of student debt will likely need to seek out multiple sources of financial aid. It’s rare that a single scholarship or grant will knock off all of your loans, but multiple might just do the trick.
How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Accounting?
Even if you do graduate with a heavy burden of student debt, you don’t need to worry about not being able to pay off your loans after you find a job. The fact of the matter is that accountants make great money, even at entry level, and gaining promotions is a surefire way to raise your tax bracket.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median annual wage for both accountants and auditors (who are like financial record investigators) is around $70,500. While the lowest-paid of these professions only earn about $43,650 per year, the highest 10% can earn over $122,000 per year. That puts you well into the upper-middle class in the United States, and far above the average wage for all occupations of the country, which only hovers around $38,640 per year.
In addition, accountants and auditors work full-time and many work more than 40 hours per week. This necessitates overtime pay, and it’s likely that you’ll have multiple opportunities to raise your yearly earnings even if you don’t start with a super high salary on paper. This is especially true during tax time, which is typically from January to April each year. These months are sure to be busy and will often require accountants and auditors to work longer hours just to handle the larger workload.
Even with a decent salary, accountants will also enjoy a 6% job position increase over the next 10 years, which is about as fast as average but good news for anyone looking to get into this field. This will translate to about 90,700 new jobs over the next decade, without considering accountants that are retiring and positions that may need to be filled with young blood sooner rather than later.
Accounting is likely to be an incredibly stable career field, as well, which increases the lifetime earnings of accountants who stick with the profession. It’s one thing to earn $100,000 one year and quite another to earn over $100,000 over 20 years, with regular raises and salary increases all the way. The globalization of businesses and the proliferation of Internet-based trade has only increased the demand for skilled accountants and expertise relating to financial analysis. Accountants, auditors, financial managers, and statistical specialists of all types and fields are crucial for any business that wants to do well on a global scale.
What about automation? Luckily for accountants, automation is unlikely to lessen the role of their profession over the next decade. While cloud computing is becoming more widespread and routine accounting tasks are becoming automated, all this means that accountants will be allowed to specialize and become even more efficient. Accountants will become more advisory and analytical rather than rote data crunchers, which is better both for general business productivity and for the sanity of accountants themselves.
In short, the financial future looks bright for anyone who can find themselves an accounting job. By far, the best way to ensure that you get a great job in accounting is to earn a master’s degree in the field, which will more than likely prepare you for certification along the way.
What Are the Best Master’s in Accounting Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year
30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.
Check out our ranking of the 20 best online master’s in accounting!
Liberty University is well known as one of the most affordable online colleges in the nation. It’s an evangelical liberal arts institution, meaning that it has a heavily Christian population in both its faculty and students. They offer an extensive alumni network and a very supportive faculty body. Of particular note is the online marketplace where students can buy and sell used course materials, and the IT marketplace, which offers heavily discounted rates on computers and other technology. Even compared to other budget schools, Liberty remains among the most affordable when you put various aspects and class choices together.
Their M.S. in accounting program is 100% online and includes a generous transfer credit policy, allowing you to bring in 50% of the degree total from other schools. All the classes are organized in eight-week terms, which allows for an accelerated completion period. At 30 credit hours total, you’ll likely be able to complete the entire program within one year if you attend the classes full-time. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the multiple start dates included with the program and finish all your requirements piecemeal.
Either way, it demonstrates the flexibility and easy attendance that online education is supposed to provide. The curriculum is quite rigorous and academically up to snuff to qualify you to sit for a CPA exam. In addition, many of the classes train you in the written and oral skills you need for the accounting field. While it is specialized in accounting overall, it also produces well-rounded graduates that will be suitable for a variety of financial and business professions.
To make things even better, Liberty University allows you to specialize your degree along several concentrations, including business, audit and financial reporting, financial services, leadership, taxation, and forensic accounting. The last choice is excellent if you want to combine your accounting expertise with criminal justice, while the leadership specialization is perfect if you want to become the manager of your accounting firm or department within a larger organization. You can alternatively choose a general specialization if you want an all-purpose accounting degree.
Each of the online classes is taught by professors who have real-world accounting experience, so you’ll benefit from their decades of accounting expertise and be able to ask questions as needed. Since the program is completely asynchronous, you’ll largely communicate with your professors via email or webcam. But you’ll also need to collaborate with your fellow students at several points over your course of study using posting boards and Liberty University’s award-winning online interface.
Additionally, LU gives all of its students opportunities for certification. You can pursue different certificates based on your state’s accounting requirements or any specific positions you might want to go after in your future. These include internal auditing, for example, which equips you to investigate the finances of your host company.
We’d also like to mention the excellent military benefits that LU provides. If you or your spouse are active or former military, seriously consider this university because of its high tuition discounts and general affordability.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides a high tech and pioneering academic experience for its students. It’s a leading research institution in the nation and was founded in 1867. Since its inception, it has been the scholastic birthplace of 29 Pulitzer Prize winners and the location of the first graphical web browser’s invention. Ranked No. 14 for best public universities by U.S. News and World Report, UIUC is one of the most excellent online and on-campus universities through and through. Although online students won’t enjoy the beautiful campus, UIUC also offers one of the largest public university library collections in the world and a plethora of study and research materials.
Their M.S. in accountancy is provided through their College of Business and is taught by world-class faculty ranked No. 1 by several organizations. In the curriculum, you’ll be able to take courses that prepare you to sit for the CPA exam; in other words, graduating from this program will make you ready to take an accounting job at any serious firm or business almost immediately after you’re done with school. You’ll also be able to build expertise in leading-edge analytics methods; many of the courses within this program use modern accounting technology and ideas, so you’ll bring newer and relevant accounting expertise to any position you hold in the future.
You can even become an information engineer with this curriculum because of its class offerings. Some business and leadership courses are offered, which might be great if you want to become an accounting manager or attain a leadership position within your company.
Either way, you’ll be able to attend this program on your own schedule. It typically takes students between 18 to 36 months to complete all of the requirements and take the CPA exam. The program is entirely asynchronous and 100% online, but all students will benefit from face-to-face meetings with their instructors periodically throughout their curriculum. Students who can take more classes at once will be able to graduate in less than two years, but you have up to five years to complete all of the class requirements.
There are also two start dates per year, so you aren’t limited to a narrow application window. Be advised that the application requirements for this university are quite rigorous; many applicants aren’t admitted to the program unless they have phenomenal grades and significant accounting experience already. However, making it into the program carries an additional benefit: the University of Illinois alumni network.
It’s no stretch to say that this alumni network is one of the most powerful and extensive throughout the United States. When combined with the dedicated career center that this university offers, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to network and find a place of employment shortly or immediately after graduation.
The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the fastest-growing research universities in the nation and has a particular emphasis on engineering, business, science, and the arts and technology. It’s the No. 1 best value public university in Texas according to Forbes, which demonstrates its overall affordability and suitability for the distance learning model. Even better, it has plenty of scholarship and financial aid opportunities: in fact, 67% of graduates don’t have student debt because of these options. The student to faculty ratio is 23:1, which is about average for most universities, although their online programs make use of web chat and frequent professor correspondence to ensure that distance learners get the personal attention they need to succeed.
UT Dallas provides lots of completion pathways for students of their accounting programs. The first option that many online students will appreciate is called “MS Accounting Flex”. In a nutshell, this allows students to complete the accounting program at their own pace and lets them choose classes out of order from the recommended list. It’s a great way for those who need to continue work or who need to balance a hectic family life while completing their education. There are three start dates for this variation of the program: fall, spring, and summer.
The other option follows a cohort schedule. Cohort college programs have a collection of students that work together and complete a program in a tight-knit network. Everyone takes the same classes at the same time and finishes together 20 months after beginning. This variation of the program is great if you want to network with fellow students or want to specialize in public accounting. There’s usually a lot more social cohesion in this variation of the program and it doesn’t allow flexibility for choosing electives, as well as being limited to a single admission window in the fall semester.
However, the cohort option also allows you to pursue a second MS degree in business analytics. This program is also 20 months, so you could theoretically graduate with two master’s level degrees in less than two years by following this path. It’s a particularly good choice if you have lots of time on your hands and can pursue your studies full-time.
Furthermore, UT Dallas allows all of its accounting students to “fast-track” some of their undergraduate accounting classes and place those credits toward the master’s degree. You can fast-track up to six credits in total, which might truncate your education time by several months.
Either way, all students will benefit from a diverse class catalog including classes like Ethics for Professional Accountants, Database Foundations, Auditing, and The Fundamentals of Taxation. One thing to note is that the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requires that 15 of your 30 hours needed to sit for the CPA exam have to be completed on campus. Keep this in mind if you want to take the CPA exam in Texas but plan to pursue most of your education over the Internet.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university in the United States. Since then, it hasn’t stopped developing and expanding, growing from its initial small campus in 1795 to today. It boasts an extraordinarily low student to faculty ratio of 13:1, making it easier for even online students to have personal connections with their professors. Ranked the No. 5 best public university in the US by U.S. News and World Report, it’s a phenomenal on or off-campus school with lots to offer.
The online Master of Accounting program uses the same top caliber curriculum as their on-campus format, and incorporates peer-to-peer interaction and several recruitment opportunities so the experiences are quite comparable. The total program will be 36 to 48 credits depending on how many accounting classes you’ve completed previously, and there are four start dates in total you can take advantage of: one in early January, another in late March, another in late June, and the last in late September.
This program is slightly different from other online master’s pursuits because it’s not totally asynchronous. At Chapel Hill, you’ll be required to attend virtual classrooms, which means you’ll pay attention to your professor and their lecture at the same time as your fellow students. This helps you complete group assignments and gain leadership immersion with your teachers. It’s an interesting and effective hybrid of a traditional classroom model with distance learning techniques. This is great for networking as well, as a means that you’ll collaborate with your peers more seriously and form better connections with your teachers before graduation.
Even so, it’s still a flexible online option to pursue a master’s in accounting. The classes take place in the evening in most cases, so you’ll be able to work during the day or handle family matters before attending class. You can also speak with your advisor and pursue the program at a slower than average pace, taking fewer classes each semester if you need to balance your workload even further.
The curriculum emphasizes real-world experiential learning and academically rigorous lectures. You’ll cover all the basic subjects like math, statistics, and business models, but there’s also a significant emphasis on leadership.
After graduation, all students can benefit from the alumni network ranked by LinkedIn as, “the best university for accounting professionals”. Anyone who’s ever had to hunt for a job knows how important connecting with others in your field is when it comes to finding a position. The value of this alumni network, which stretches across most states in the US, can’t be understated.
Chapel Hill also provides an extensive selection of career support. In fact, they provide their online students with active career coaching and access to a powerful “recruiting engine”. This system, put simply, actively looks for jobs that’ll suit your skills and experience level, acting like a second pair of eyes to help you find a place of employment soon after graduation.
The University of Connecticut is a nationally leading public research university with over 32,000 students. They only have a relatively small catalog of graduate degrees—17 in total—but each degree is cultivated with quality in mind and composed of high-quality classes taught by stand out faculty. They hand out over $200 million in scholarships and grants every year and have a wide and diverse alumni network totaling over 260,000 worldwide.
Their MSA program is quite worth pursuing, especially as U.S. News and World Report ranked it No. 9 in the nation. While it has a fairly rigorous curriculum focusing on traditional accounting subjects, it also has a high number of electives that make it among the most customizable accounting programs online. Students will be able to tailor their accounting degree to their specialization or interests far beyond what other programs allow.
Even their core courses are often focused on modern accounting techniques and technologies. As a result, accountants to graduate from this course will be equipped to jump into an accounting position well aware of advances in technology and their primary role as advisors and analysts rather than number crunchers. The online curriculum is delivered in an asynchronous fashion to allow students to flexibly complete all of their course requirements at a pace that works best for their daily lives.
You’ll even be able to complete the program in less than two years if you manage to take the classes on a full-time basis. Considering that it’s already one of the more affordable MSA degrees available from an accredited institution, this potentially means you’ll spend less money on this degree than if you chose a different school. You’ll also, of course, be given the opportunity to take additional classes to fulfill your CPA requirements based on the state you wish to work in as an accountant.
They also provide you with opportunities to take graduate-level certificates in both accounting fundamentals and accounting analytics. These certificates are excellent choices if you don’t have an accounting degree at the bachelor level but still want to pursue this MSA. Either of these certification options will provide you with foundational accounting knowledge and are taught by industry experts. They are a great shortcut so you don’t have to go back to school or pick up a bachelor’s degree if you already have a related degree, like one in business or statistics.
To make things better, Uconn offers three start dates throughout the year so you have multiple opportunities to join this program. Their application standards are rigorous but not among the hardest in the nation, meaning you have a little leeway when it comes to your GPA and GRE scores.
Rutgers University in New Brunswick is one of the top schools in New Jersey and on the entire eastern seaboard. It’s also recognized as one of the top Republic business schools among the “Big Ten” universities, as well as the highest-ranked public business school in the Northeast. In short, its academic rigor and online offerings are equally valuable. Most of its programs heavily incorporate modern technology already, meaning that online students will benefit from the same caliber of education and professional attention as their on-campus counterparts.
Their program is ranked No. 8 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report in the category of best online graduate business programs and accounting. The name of the program gives you a hint as to its focus, as it blends both traditional accounting knowledge with an emphasis on governmental and business accounting. In fact, this particular program and some of its classes are the only of its kind online.
The program is very flexible and each class is taught by industry leaders who have real-world experience in the field of government financial management, accounting, and auditing. To be more specific, this accounting program teaches you how to work as an accountant for large-scale government operations, including classes that detail how to handle all of the bureaucratic elements that are often absent in traditional corporate environments. If you ever want to work for the government as an accountant—which might be a great idea given the stability of most government jobs—then this program should be a serious contender in your mind.
It’s only 30 credits and can be completed part-time as you work or full-time to finish everything in just one year. In addition, all students will have the option to pursue additional credits if you need more accounting hours to sit for the New Jersey CPA exam. You could theoretically graduate and have your CPA license in just a year to a year and a half depending on your schedule and availability.
It’s all taught online and doesn’t require any GMAT scores, either, making it a little easier to get into compared to other master’s in accounting programs. What’s more is its low tuition, which is the same for residents of New Jersey as it is for out-of-state students. Many online programs are somewhat hampered by high fees for students who attend out-of-state, but not here. An additional four-course online graduate certificate program is available if you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree in accounting but still want to pursue this program. Like other certifications, it does a great job of jumpstarting you when it comes to foundational accounting knowledge.
But that’s not all. Rutgers also allows any MPA or accounting students to take a certified government financial manager, or CGFM, exam. This specialized exam is often needed to fulfill a government post as an accountant or a financial manager. Being able to take this while at school or shortly after graduation can shorten the amount of time to find a job.
Finally, Rutgers has a dual-degree option, allowing you to combine your studies with a Master of Public Administration. This dual degree program is ideal for future government administrators and leaders, as it includes classes that teach you professional competencies in government accounting and public administration at the same time.
Auburn University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the South. While it was originally a male-only college in 1856, it has since become a diverse and female-majority university with a large campus of 1800 acres, which even online students will get to visit over the course of their studies. It also includes a student to faculty ratio of 19:1. Beyond that, Auburn provides all of its students with a high-quality career services center, enabling them to find employment more easily after graduation, and access to a complex alumni network numbering over 45,000 strong.
This online program is unique compared to many other distance-learning options in that it requires an on-campus residency period for graduation. Despite this apparent inflexibility, it has been designed for working professionals and is very similar to the on-campus option. You’ll receive the exact same assignments and exams and be taught by the same professors. Furthermore, all graduates will have specific prep classes so they can pass the CPA exams on their first attempt. In fact, the latest class who took this program averaged a 94% pass rate for this exam, which is far above the national average.
The program can be completed in just two years over five semesters by taking two classes per term. This schedule still allows you to work full-time with the exception of the residency period. You can alternatively complete the program in one year and three semesters if you take even more classes per term.
The campus residency mentioned above takes place over three days during the final spring semester of the program. It begins on the last Wednesday of April and concludes on the following Friday evening. The residency focuses on a leadership summit, which includes social events, leadership workshops, and business seminars. While this is a little abstract, most students will benefit from what is offered during the residency term. It’s a great time to network with peers and your professors you’ve only met over the computer and it prepares you to take leadership positions in the accounting sphere, especially in corporate industries.
Aside from the residency, the distance-learning format is familiar to anyone who’s attended online education before. It’s an ultimately asynchronous educational option as campus classes are recorded and streamed online to all distance students. You’ll have the opportunity to attend the classes with your fellow students or watch the recorded sessions later. Most of your work will be turned in via digital boards, as will any collaborative assignments and discussions.
The offered classes from the program are both general and specialized. They include topics like income tax, advanced accounting topics, fraud examination, real estate finance, and information risk analysis. In short, there are lots of classes to choose from and several ways in which you can specialize your knowledge even though you can’t formally declare a concentration with the degree.
Southern New Hampshire University is a relatively unique higher education institution in that it has only around 3000 on-campus students but over 90,000 online students. To say that they are masters of distance education would be an understatement. They’re one of the more innovative universities in the country and focus on leveraging technology whenever possible to make distance-learning experiences better. This includes the use of a focused digital learning platform that’s excellent for facilitating discussions and classwork exchange between students and professors.
This program has been designed for corporate accountants, fraud examiners, financial analysts, auditors, and more, featuring in-depth and complex class options and a high-quality curriculum that prepares you for CPA certification depending on your state requirements. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months depending on your schedule and there are multiple term start dates throughout the year. You’ll be able to complete the degree at your own pace: either lightning fast if you have time to spare or more passively if you need to juggle a busy family or work life.
The program is totally asynchronous, allowing you to attend virtual classes or watch free recorded lectures—whatever is most convenient for you. It also allows for four concentrations: accounting, forensic accounting, management accounting, and taxation. You must declare a concentration in order to graduate, so students looking to take a career in any of these areas will find this degree option valuable. This is especially true given that SNHU has one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, even for out-of-state online students.
Regardless of concentration, all accounting students will take classes focusing on professional auditing methods, cost analysis for informed decision-making, and using information technology to evaluate financial information. These modern skills will be highly sought after, as accountants are nowadays more useful as advisors and analysts as opposed to rote mathematicians or data collectors.
Terms are 10 weeks long and most students take two courses per term. Another notable aspect of this university is a lack of GRE or GMAT requirements. This is extremely rare for master’s programs overall, but it doesn’t indicate a lack of academic rigor or a subpar program. It’s just an easier than average school to get into for working professionals and doesn’t skimp on accreditation.
Furthermore, all of the students at this university will benefit from dedicated academic and career advisors who are specialized in your area of study. Many career centers only provide students with general advisors who don’t understand the ins and outs of your profession or employment sphere. Having career advisors dedicated to finding young accountants new jobs will be a big benefit if you are worried about employment after graduation.
There’s also the nationwide network of alumni, plus multiple internship opportunities over the course of your studies. Internship availability will, of course, vary dramatically based on what the employer needs and your own availability. But these might be good ways to reduce your student tuition or gain valuable work experience that you could leverage into a job after your education has concluded.
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst only recently began offering its broad catalogs of courses and certifications online in 2001. Since then, it’s become one of the most popular and affordable online college options across the country. It boasts an internationally recognized faculty and alumni network that is 330,000 strong. UMass also provides online students with the same financial aid opportunities as their on-campus students, including hundreds of scholarships, several grants, and even a few tuition waivers. Be sure to check out their financial aid page if you decide to go with this university for your master’s in accounting.
Their program gives students a greater understanding of both accounting and business, making it an excellent choice for future accountants in the corporate sector. It’s comprised of 30 credits of graduate coursework, split between six core classes and four electives. This grants you a little additional flexibility in terms of what you learn and how your degree is specialized, although there aren’t any formal concentrations you can declare. The good news is that each class is only incorporated into the program under advisement from a specific council made up of alumni partners and executives with experience in accounting. In other words, the curriculum is quite rigorous and features modern topics that will be valuable in any future accounting position.
You can potentially get into this program even if you don’t have an accounting background. UMass Amherst offers an accounting transition program through which you can gain the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the advanced classes without having to get a separate bachelor’s degree in the topic. The transition program can be started in either fall or spring and it usually takes less than a year for most students to complete all the requirements.
There are three terms throughout the school year, including a summer semester. Classes and topics you’ll cover include Financial Statement Analysis, Tax and Business Decisions, and Exploring Data Analytics for Accounting Professionals. The courses offered here are ideal if you want to take an accounting position in corporate business or if you want to become an analyst or advisor in a leadership capacity for an accounting department. Furthermore, this program and its coursework meet all the requirements for education for the Massachusetts CPA license. You’ll be able to get your license immediately after graduation if you so choose.
Other business topics like leadership and business writing are also included as electives. There is a dedicated focus in forensics available if you choose the right combination of electives with your core classes, making it a perfect choice if you want to become an auditor or work in the criminal justice system in an accounting capacity.
Whatever class schedule you choose, the program can be completed entirely online and is entirely asynchronous. You can theoretically complete the program in only two semesters if you take a heavy course load, although you are given up to four years to complete all of your graduation requirements before you need to reapply.
George Mason University is the largest public research university in Virginia, and it’s located very close to Washington DC. As a result, it’s home to many professionals in both the government and corporate sectors and it currently enrolls around 37,000 students. This results in a low student to teacher ratio, which works well with its online offerings. Sixty percent of their students receive some form of financial aid. More important is their dedicated career services center that provides access to on-campus job fairs and internship opportunities across the country and beyond. Accounting students with particularly good grades may find that acquiring a position before or after graduation isn’t too challenging.
The program has been designed from the ground up to help you meet the requirements for licensure and educating you in both accounting and business ethics and governance. It’s an excellent degree that includes not only staple accounting classes but also several courses surrounding business and leadership skills. The program and its associated career services workers are so effective that 64% of graduates from this program have a job before they graduate. Be aware that there’s only a single application window each year, as all students start in the fall.
Once accepted, you’ll be able to complete your degree part-time and still in as little as two years. The courses are offered in a module format, and you can enroll in up to two courses every eight weeks. This accelerated schedule makes it a great choice if you already have a background in accounting and enough time to focus on your studies. As indicated by the single start date each year, all students of this program progress as a cohort, meaning you’ll have multiple opportunities to network with your peers and professors.
Class selection is relatively regimented, and everyone will go over the same material together at the same time. This makes collaboration and asking questions of your professor or peers much easier than other asynchronous online programs.
Mason also provides you with an opportunity to gain professional accounting skills in a competitive global arena. A one-week international study tour, led by an MSA professor, takes place each year. This is a required part of the program, and previous residencies have taken place in such places as London, Prague, and Frankfurt. It’s another excellent opportunity to spread your wings and meet interesting people, as well as find opportunities for employment after graduation.
The curriculum consists of 15 credits of core classes and 15 electives. This lets you tailor your degree according to what you want to specialize in. You can also take an optional forensic accounting concentration. Be aware that Mason offers some of its accounting classes only in a face-to-face format; however, you can complete this program in a blended format if you can make the trip down to campus some of the time.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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What is an Online Master’s in Counseling?
An online master’s in counseling is a graduate-level program. It equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the counseling industry.
Students can access course materials, lectures, and discussions online. Online counseling programs offer the same coursework as traditional in-person programs. That includes classes on psychological theories, counseling skills, ethics, and research methods.
Often, online students can choose from a range of counseling specialization tracks. Examples include:
school counseling (counseling students)
counseling clinical patients
mental health counseling
career counseling
substance abuse counseling
marriage and family therapy
One of the top advantages of pursuing an online master’s is flexibility. Online programs allow students to complete their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule. That makes it easier to balance their education with other responsibilities like work and family.
Online programs tend to be more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. Students don’t have to pay for room and board or commute to campus. Online students can also choose from a wider range of programs. They aren’t limited by their location.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for Graduate Programs in Online Counseling?
The field of online counseling is becoming popular. Pursuing a graduate degree in online counseling can be both rewarding and fulfilling. But what does it take to get accepted into a graduate program in online counseling?
Bachelor’s Degree
The first and most basic requirement for entry into a graduate program in online counseling is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. This degree does not necessarily need to be in counseling or psychology. It can be in any relevant subject such as social work, nursing, or education.
Make sure you have your official transcripts ready to go!
GPA
Like many graduate programs, applicants for online counseling graduate programs are required to meet a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, but some programs may require a higher GPA or have a GPA cutoff for admissions consideration.
Completion of Prerequisite Courses
You may have to complete prerequisite courses.
These courses are often in subjects like:
human development
statistics
abnormal psychology
Research the programs you are considering to complete all the necessary courses before applying.
Letters of Recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation from a professional in the counseling field, such as a supervisor or professor, can go a long way in the admissions process. Most graduate programs in online counseling require two or three letters of recommendation. Make it a priority to choose someone who knows you and your strengths well.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an opportunity for the applicant to describe themselves. They can demonstrate why they’re a great fit for the program. They can even provide an account of their goals and aspirations. The personal statement can also provide insight into the applicant’s personal and professional background and experiences. These may make them unique or an asset to the program.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Counseling Online?
There are all kinds of jobs you might pursue after completing a master’s in counseling program. Some common job titles after completing this kind of rigorous curriculum are:
Rehabilitation counselors
Counseling ministries
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
Licensed clinical counselor
Substance abuse counseling
Clinical mental health counselors
Career counselors
Adolescent counseling
Behavioral disorder counselors
School counselors
How Much Do Online Counseling Programs Cost?
The cost of tuition varies based on many factors, such as the institution, program, and length of the program.
On average, in-state students can expect to pay around $400 to $700 per credit hour. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $700 to $1,000 per credit hour. The total cost of tuition can range from around $20,000 to $70,000. There is a significant difference between the cost for in-state and out-of-state students.
It’s also important to keep in mind other expenses beyond tuition. That includes textbooks, online platform fees, and other course materials. Ask schools about program-specific fees. For example, exam fees, graduation fees, or any technology fees for the online platform.
Many schools offer financial assistance for counseling students. Doctoral students tend to receive more funding. Ask about master’s-specific programs, like scholarships and grants that target counseling students.
Many online programs have synchronous and asynchronous components that must be taken into consideration when calculating the cost. Synchronous components refer to real-time online classes. These can be more expensive. Asynchronous components refer to materials that can be accessed at your own pace. These may be less expensive.
Investigate any professional affiliations your online counseling program may offer. Professional associations may offer discounts or scholarships. For example, the American Psychological Association.
Our Methodology for Finding the Best Master’s in Counseling Degree Options Online
Counseling is a growing field with more demand than ever. A master’s degree is often required to become a counselor. Master’s Programs Guide is pleased to offer this list of 50 Online programs to help aid in the decision process.
Each entry includes specific programs available from the schools.
The methodology for this ranking was to generate a list of schools that offered 100% online master’s programs in counseling.
This list was then sorted using the following data points:
number of different programs available
enrollment
overall cost
The overall student to faculty ratio determined any ties (student care and engagement). All criteria were given equal weight. The results are designed to assist degree seekers in their decision-making process.
Ready to learn more about the best online masters of counseling? Let’s dive in!
Indiana Wesleyan University is an Approved Education Provider of NAADAC (the National Association for Addiction Professionals). The University’s graduate-level Addiction Counseling programs are accredited by NASAC (The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission).
The School Counseling online masters degree is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Palo Alto University has a Master of Arts in Counseling degree program. It has two areas of emphasis. These are Marriage, Family and Child and Clinical Mental Health.
The program is on-campus and online. It is CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). It provides the necessary training to pursue licenses as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). The program’s distance learning (online) option does have some low-residency requirements. Most of the program is online.
The counseling masters onlineprogram strengthens skills in four primary areas:
Washburn University offers a Master of Arts in Human Services/Addictions Counseling. It is available 100% online. This is a 36-credit hour program. Students may enroll full- or part-time.
The Program is approved by NAADAC and the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). Its goal is to provide the educational curriculum to become a Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC). It can also help you become a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC).
Washburn University works with students from other states. That’s depending on what their state licensing board requires. Continuous enrollment in the program is expected. Students have up to six years from their first semester to complete the program. However full-time students often take just two years.
Core coursework covers 30 credit hours. It includes courses on:
Wake Forest University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling. It has concentrations in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling.
This is a CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) program. The School Counseling program has accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The program prepares students to take the National Counselor exam. The University currently boasts a 100% pass rate for graduates taking the exam.
It is offered through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The program and its courses take three years.
Many graduates of the program have gone on to pursue Ph.D. programs. Several have gone on to serve as faculty members at institutions such as:
Thomas University has a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program available 100% online. This program prepares students to pass the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam. It also equips students with the necessary academic requirements to sit for the professional counselor credential in their home state.
This is a 60-credit hour program. The degree does have practicum and internship requirements. These can be completed from a distance.
Benefits of the online masters programs for counselingprogram include:
Ottawa University has a Master of Arts in Counseling through its online campus. The program combines online coursework with a residency component. This is held at the University’s Ottawa, Kansas campus during the summer months.
The program meets the educational requirements held by the states of Arizona and Wisconsin. It gives eligibility for licensure as an associate counselor.
This program has six concentration options. Students can choose to delve into the topics of:
Lock Haven University has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is through its Department of Social Work and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
This is a CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited program. Lock Haven University’s M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is consistent with the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania.
The program is also compatible with several other state licensure codes. Non-PA residents should inquire into the specific requirements of their state to determine license eligibility.
The CMHC program follows a year found schedule (fall, spring, summer). It has an online delivery format. This is ideal for working adults who need extra flexibility. It is a 60-credit hour program. Students can earn their degree in three years with full-time study. They can do it in four-years with part-time enrollment.
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Seton Hall University offers two online counseling degree programs. There is the Master of Arts in School Counseling and the Master of Arts/Education Specialist in Professional Counseling.
The former prepares “competent, socially conscious and reflective counselors for work in ethnically, geographically and socially diverse K-12 educational settings.”
It is a 48-credit hour program. The M.A. in School Counseling is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. It is NCATE accredited.
The program includes foundation, counseling and clinical courses. It culminates in a school counselor internship.
Seton Hall University’s Online Professional Counseling program is combined, 60-credit degree. It is a Master’s and Education Specialist program. It is for students seeking careers in professional mental health counseling. The program equips students with skills and models of intervention that are grounded in theory.
It is online. However, the program does require two on-site residencies. These allow students to meet their professors and peers face-to-face.
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Master of Arts/Education Specialist in Professional Counseling
Salem College has an online Master of Education in School Counseling program (MEd-SC). It prepares “passionate educators who want to make a difference in the lives of students.”
This degree is a research-driven program. The Med-SC degree program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become licensed school counselors.
The program covers a wide range of counseling-related subjects. These include:
advocacy
ethics
legal issues
assessment and evaluation
career counseling
personal development counseling
action research
program management
While most of the degree can be completed at a distance online. Internship experiences are a must. So are two-weekend seminars on Salem College’s campus. The Med-SC program takes 36 months. It follows a cohort model. Students progress through the entire program as a group. New students begin during the fall semester.
Huntington University has a Master of Arts in Counseling. This is through its Institute for Leadership and Counseling.
The program prepares students through a theoretical breadth and depth of training, “addressing cognition, emotion, behavior, and spirituality.”
The program is in both online and onsite formats. It allows students to pursue licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana (or equivalent licensure requirements for other states).
Online students must take a 3-day “Personal Development Skills Process Group” intensive on the Huntington campus. This is before the start of their first semester. This intensive experience follows a unique counselor development program. It combines dynamic teaching sessions with process groups. These are led by trained faculty members. They are designed to allow students to take the information learned to a deeper level.
Northwestern University has a Master of Arts in Counseling. This is through its Family Institute. These are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The M.A. in Counseling program allows students to “explore the depth and complexities of the psychodynamic perspective.” At the same time they emphasize the “centrality of the therapeutic relationships, and the importance of therapist self-reflection.”
This program combines innovative teaching with pioneering research. It provides a thorough education for students within a collaborative environment. The M.A. in Counseling degree program is built on the foundation of two cornerstone experiences. There is an emphasis on the reflective practitioner and complete immersion in clinical work. These serve to facilitate counselor development.
The University of the Southwest has an online Master of Science in Education (MSED). It has concentrations in both School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. The latter program has both a 48-hour and 60-hour option. Minimum credit hour requirements vary state to state.
The program prepares students for licensure as a qualified Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Coursework for this concentration includes:
learning and human growth and development
career development/life planning
group work
the helping relationship with children, adults and families
psychoeducational assessment
The MSED School Counseling program is a 42-credit, 100% online program. It is designed to prepare students for licensure as a school counselor in primary, elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Master of Science in Education – School Counseling
Master of Science in Education – Mental Health Counseling
Hampton University has a Master of Arts in Counseling with a General Counseling concentration. It is a 31-credit hour program. The course length is 16 weeks. Financial aid is available to qualified applicants.
The General Counseling concentration has a foundational curriculum and coursework in counseling. It may be used for certification in Virginia as a Qualified Mental Health Provider.
It is a two-year program. Specific courses include:
the Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy
The University of North Dakota offers a Master’s degree in Counseling. It has an emphasis in K-12 School Counseling.
The program prepares individuals to promote the academic, career, personal and social development of K-12 students. Completion of the program leads to eligibility for the state department of education licensure in North Dakota as a school counselor (this eligibility for licensure is also compatible in other individual states).
This is a 50-credit hour program. The degree takes 2.5 years to complete with full-time study. Classes are held in the evening online as Live Interactive Classes. This allows students and professors to meet together. There are two four-day on-campus stints (equaling four visits total). All students pay in-state tuition regardless of their residency.
Grace College Online is the online division of Grace College & Theological Seminary. It has a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program.
This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The 60-credit hour program was developed in 2010.
The majority of the coursework is online. However, a seven-to-ten day residency must occur on the College’s scenic Winona Lake campus.
The program is also committed to developing the professional and interpersonal skills necessary to become a competent counselor.
Specific courses include:
Theological Foundations in Counseling
Personality/Counseling
Psychopathology
Counseling Skills
Addictions Counseling
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Auburn University has a Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program. It has an online option through the University’s College of Education’s Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling.
This is a 60-credit hour program. The degree trains students for work in State/Federal, private and nonprofit rehabilitation agencies. It prepares students for certification and licensure.
It is online. However, the program asks that students be on campus one week each semester. This is often during the first or second week of the semester. This week on-location allows students to interact face-to-face with their professors. It provides an opportunity to accomplish parts of the program that are difficult to do from a distance.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a Master of Science in Counseling degree program. This is through the University’s School of Health Profession (SHP). It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program meets or exceeds national standards for counseling programs.
The M.S. in Counseling has two degree concentration options in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling. You can also pursue a combination of the two.
Mercy College has a Master of Science in Counseling. This is through the College’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. It is designed for both full- and part-time students.
The program is held at a number of locations and online. It prepares students to work in a school setting as a school counselor. The M.S. in Counseling qualifies students who complete school internships to receive a New York State certification.
The degree program is available with specialization options. These include:
Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling and Bilingual Extension
Advanced Certificates in Alcohol/Substance Abuse Counseling
Advanced Certificates in Retirement Counseling (CASAC)
It is a 48-credit hour program. It includes core courses in:
California Baptist University has a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. It is available in an online format. This is a 62-credit hour program. The average completion time is 24 months.
This program is “designed to prepare students to enter the field of either marriage and family therapy or professional clinical counseling with a firm understanding of psychological science from a distinctly Christian worldview.”
The program prepares graduates to “assess and treat individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing relational difficulties.” It meets the current requirements for licensure. That’s as either a marriage and family therapist or licensed professional clinical counselor. That’s in the state of California.
University of Alabama has two online master’s degrees in counseling. There is the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and the Master of Science in Consumer Sciences: Family Financial Planning and Counseling.
The M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling program is available 100% online. It has 60 credit hours. It is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to offer encouragement and support to clients with disabilities and their families. UA’s M.S. in Consumer Sciences with a focus on Family Financial Planning and Counseling is also available 100% online. It has 30 credit hours. It is accredited by the Board of Standards for Certified Financial Planners.
This program prepares students to sit for the CFP certification after graduation.
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Master of Science in Consumer Sciences: Family Financial Planning and Counseling
Colorado Christian University has a Master of Arts in Counseling. This is through its College of Adult and Graduate Studies. This is a rigorous program that combines coursework, experiential learning, and mentoring relationships.
The M.A. in Counseling equips students to become professional counselors who are culturally responsive. It has national accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program meets the professional standards upheld by the accrediting body. It prepares students to take the National Counselors Exam (the clinical mental health licensure exam for the state of Colorado and several other states).
This is a 60-credit hour program. Classes exist in 7-week blocks. Coursework can be completed in 2 ½ years of intensive study. This is a Christian program. CCU’s M.A. in Counseling program is built upon a “Christian framework that encompasses every aspect of the curriculum.”
Campbellsville University has a Master of Arts in Education in School Guidance Counseling (P-12). It’s available in an online format.
This is an ideal program for teachers interested in advancing their career in the area of guidance counseling. The online format allows adult students to balance education with busy schedules. The curriculum covers the topics of:
cultural competency
group counseling
college readiness
substance abuse
It is a 48-credit hour program. The coursework for the M.A. in Education School Guidance Counseling takes 18 months. Internships in School Counseling are part of the program.
Campbellsville University offers real-world preparation. They do this by helping students develop the necessary skills and tools to be “a voice for change and growth in today’s educational environment.”
Benefits of the University’s School Guidance Counseling program include:
access to dedicated support staff
lessons that are taught by experienced guidance counselors
courses that “reach beyond teaching methods and into advanced counseling theory and strategies for connecting with students“
The University of Massachusetts-Boston has three online master’s degrees in counseling:
the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
the Master of Education in School Counseling
All three programs are through the University’s College of Advancing and Professional Studies. All are available 100% online. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit hour program. It meets the academic requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as a Mental Health Counselor.
The M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling is also a 60 credit hour program. It is offered through the School for Global and Social Development (which is under the umbrella of the College for Advancing and Professional Studies). It has national accreditation through the Council on Rehabilitation Education.
The M.Ed. in School Counseling is available through the College’s Department of Counseling and School Psychology. It meets the academic requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as a School Guidance Counselor.
Southern Arkansas University has three online master’s degrees in counseling. These are:
Master of Education in School Counseling
Master of Education in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health and Clinical Counseling provides graduate-level training in clinical and developmental counseling. The M.Ed. in School Counseling is also available either on-campus or online. It’s also in a hybrid (combination of the two) format.
An add-on K-12 Licensure is open to students who hold a valid Arkansas teaching license. Last of all, the M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs prepares “individuals for professional counseling and administrative positions in student services departments at a college or university.”
This program is available in hybrid, on-campus, and online formats. It has 51 credit hours.
Concordia University Wisconsin has a Master of Science in Education in Counseling program. It has two concentrations: School Counseling (Licensed & Non-Licensed) and Professional Counseling.
This program will “prepare school and professional counselors for a life of service in the field of counseling.” Graduates have gone on to work in private and public schools. They also work in agencies and communities.
This degree may be earned on-campus, off-site or online. Online classes are taught in 8-week sessions.
The University of Tennessee Martin has an online Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling. It has three separate concentrations:
School Counseling
Clinical Mental Health
School Counseling Endorsement
These programs prepare students to earn their license as either a Clinical Mental health Counselor or a School Counselor.
The concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has an internship. It includes courses such as:
Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
Theory and Techniques of Counseling
Mental Health and Psychopathology
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The concentration in School Counseling includes several of the same courses plus:
Group Dynamics
Principles of Crisis Intervention
Organization and Administration of School Counseling Programs
The School Counseling concentration with an Endorsement features courses such as Multicultural Issues in Counseling. It includes an Internship in both Secondary and Elementary Counseling.
Missouri Baptist University has an Online Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA-SC). This program equips students with the Missouri Certification requirements for guidance counselors serving in elementary and secondary school settings.
Potential careers for graduates of the MA-SC include:
school counselor
mentor
church staff member
The degree meets the lifestyle and needs of professional adults. The program offers flexible scheduling options. The entire program takes an estimated 24-36 months. It is taught from a biblical perspective from Christian faculty members. The program includes courses such as:
Amridge University has two online master’s degrees in counseling:
the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
the Master of Divinity in Professional Counseling
The former program is designed for professionals. It prepares students for licensure in Professional Counseling in their resident state. The Master of Divinity in Professional Counseling program is geared toward individuals who plan to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry.
The program also prepares students for licensure as a Professional Counselor. Both programs have practicums and clinicals. Students, not Amridge University, are responsible for making arrangements for their practicum and clinical experience.
During their clinical training, students must accumulate a minimum of 500 hours of client contact. They must be supervised by an additional 100 hours with an approved supervisor.
Clarks Summit University has a 60-credit, online Master of Science in Counseling degree. It is geared towards students interested in professional, entry-level ministry careers that require state licensure. This program emphasizes a “biblical counseling model while equipping students for state licensure or doctoral work in the fields of counseling or psychology.”
The degree has several specialization tracks including:
Addictions
General Counseling
Hospital Chaplaincy
Marriage and Family
Mental and Mood Disorders
Therapeutic Recreation
The program’s 60 credits are divided into 48 credits of required coursework. There are 12 credits of elective courses. The Master of Science in Counseling degree does require that three courses be completed on campus. All other classes are offered 100% online in eight-week sessions. The three courses with residency are one-week modules during the summer.
Nova Southeastern University has a Master of Science in Counseling degree program through its College of Psychology.
It is an “innovative academic program.” The M.S. in Counseling degree meets the needs of working professionals who are seeking to enter the field of counseling or are already actively involved.
The degree has multiple concentration options. These include:
a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration (60 credit hours)
It is available in an online format. This is to offer more convenience and flexibility for busy students. The program has a partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Electronic Campus.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has three online master’s degrees in counseling. These are through its School of Health Professions:
a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This is a 60 credit hour program. The program’s training is offered in congruent with requirements of the CACREP. The Center’s Master of Science in Addiction Counseling is seeking CACREP accreditation. It is designed to train practitioners in clinical counseling skills and distance service provision techniques.
The Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling equips students with the awareness and skills to focus on the whole person. They work one-on-one to assist individuals dealing with physical, emotional or learning disabilities.
This program meets the CORE standard.
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Amberton University has a Master of Science in Family Studies. It has a Specialization in Christian Counseling. This is an interdisciplinary program. This degree combines the fields of Christian Counseling and Human Behavior Development.
It has an emphasis on family life education. The program equips students with crisis management skills for family enrichment.
Possible careers for graduates include:
social service agencies
parent education programs
juvenile services
religious institutions
day care facilities
foster care programs
retirement/assisted living facilities
It is a 36-credit hour program. It’s in a distance learning format, making it convenient, flexible, and accessible for all students. You must take nine credit hours for the Christian Counseling Specialization. This covers the topics of:
The University of Central Arkansas has a single online master’s in counseling degree. It is the Master of Science degree in School Counseling (SCCN). It is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. This program “prepares individuals for school counseling programs in K-12 settings and as members of school leadership teams.”
The program has two tracks:
an Add-On Track designed for individuals who already hold a valid Arkansas teaching license
an Initial License Track for individuals who do not have their teaching license.
It is online. The program does have both practicum and internship requirements. These must be completed at the University of Central Arkansas.
Courses include 48 semester credit hours worth of work. The curriculum includes courses in:
Foundations of School Counseling
Development Guidance
Educational Assessment and Measurement
Individual and Group Counseling in the K-20 Education Environment
Faulkner University has two online master’s degrees. There’s the Master of Science in Counseling and Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministries.
The former program is for professionals seeking a new credential to support their counseling career. It is a61-credit hour program. The Master’s in Counseling has a hybrid format. This provides students with the convenience of online learning combined with the accountability and access of a traditional classroom.
The M.A. in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry is an interdisciplinary program. It includes five family studies courses. These are through the Kearley Graduate School of Theology. There are seven counseling courses from the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences. This program is for church workers who are not seeking licensure. Instead, their goal is to provide ministerial counsel and family guidance.
Master of Science in Counseling
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministries
Edinboro University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling degree program through its School of Graduate Studies and Research. It is an award-winning program. It is designed to prepare students for careers in several counseling areas.
The program integrates theory, research and practice.
The degree has several concentrations. Areas of emphasis include:
Art Therapy (approved by the National Association of School of Art and Design [NASAD] Commission on Education)
Clinical Mental Health (accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP])
College Counseling (also accredited by the CAREP)
Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (accredited by Council on Rehabilitation Education [CORE])
School Counseling (accredited by CACREP)
The concentrations in Art Therapy, College Counseling, and School Therapy are available online.
Lamar University has a Master of Education. It has a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is through its College of Education and Human Development. This is a 60-hour program.
A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for the program. It is geared toward students interested in careers in clinical mental health counseling. This program is CACREP accredited (The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Specific courses include topics such as:
Human Growth & Development
Counseling Skills
Group Counseling Theory/Technique
Multicultural Counseling
Professionalism Ethics & Law
Practicum and Internship requirements include 40 clock hours of direct service. There are 60 indirect hours with clients (practicum). There are also 120 clock hours of direct service and 180 indirect hours with actual clients (internship).
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Regent University has four masters in counseling programs online. These are specific to counseling. There is:
the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
the Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
the Master of Arts in School Counseling
The programs are through Regent University’s School of Psychology and Counseling. Each has accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Three of the programs (M.A. in School Counseling, M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) are also accredited by the CACREP (The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Regent University was recognized for its exceptional standards for online education. It is one of only 25 institutions in the United States to receive an “A” rating by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Angelo State University has two master’s degrees in counseling. There is the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and the Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling.
Both programs are in the University’s College of Graduate Studies and Research. Both are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology prepares students to become licensed professional counselors or licensed psychological associates. It has 60-semester-credit hours.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree. No specific major is required for admission into the program. ASU’s Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling program prepares individuals for careers as public school counselors, college and university counselors, and other counseling positions.
The degree is divided into 8-week courses. It is 100% online. A minimum of 36 semester credit hours are required for the Professional Certificate of School Counselors exam.
Bellevue University has two online master’s degrees in counseling. There is the Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. The school has institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education. The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling is also accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
This program is modeled on national licensing standards. It prepares students for the national licensing exam for mental health counselors. It is a licensure-track program. The Master’s in Clinical Counseling lasts 60-credit hours. It includes 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship.
Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree concentrates on the “scientific study of human behavior in the workplace.” It is offered in an online accelerated cohort format. Students progress through the program together as a group.
Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
The University of West Alabama has five online masters counseling degrees online. This is through its internet-campus, UWA Online. These include:
the Master of Education in School Counseling
the Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education: Psychology and Counseling
the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
the Master of Science in Family Counseling
the Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling
The online counseling masters programs range from 33 to 60 credit hours. Most take just one year. That is, except for the M.S. in Guidance and Counseling which has an estimated length of 3-4 years. Each course lasts eight weeks.
The cost per credit is the same for each degree the University is dedicated to keeping tuition costs affordable. It’s also committed to offering students a full range of financial aid options.
Each program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The M.Ed. in School Counseling has additional accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the NCATE. It is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education.
Master of Education in School Counseling
Master of Science Adult Continuing Education: Psychology and Counseling
Master of Science Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Science in Counseling-School Counseling program. It is available through a hybrid. The program has 48 hours of coursework. Potential students must achieve a 3.25-grade point average or higher in the coursework to qualify for an Initial School Specialist License in Kansas.
Students must also pass a comprehensive exam. It covers the subject fields of the program. The degree is available in three routes leading to a School Counselor license in Kansas. Students may choose the Traditional Program, the Parallel Pathways program or the Restricted License Program.
All master’s degrees students must be finished within six calendar years after starting the program.
Capella University offers five online masters programs counseling degrees. These are:
a Master of Science in General School Counseling
a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
a Master of Science in Addiction Studies
a Master of Science in Human Behavior
This school has regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Capella University also holds accreditation through:
the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Each of Capella University’s counseling programs has a professional curriculum that is focused on real-world application. Each program builds practical skills that can be put into practice immediately.
Each member of Capella University’s counseling faculty holds a doctorate and is active in their field. Each program meets professional standards. This helps students prepare for state licensure eligibility.
Master of Science in General School Counseling
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
The University of the Cumberlands has a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling available 100% online. It is a flexible program. The Master’s in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It sets students on the path to becoming a licensed professional counselor.
Grand Canyon University has many online degree programs. This includes several counseling degrees. Specific programs include:
Master of Science in Professional Counseling
the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
the Master of Arts in Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness
The University’s M.S. in Professional Counseling is in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It provides students with the knowledge and skills to assist counseling clients who are impacted by a wide range of psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
Liberty University offers several online masters counseling programs. These include:
the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
the Master of Education in School Counseling
the Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling
the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
the Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
Many of Liberty’s online master degree programs take just 12 months. Each program is unique with different admissions and credit hour requirements. This school is a pioneer in distance education. Liberty University has had distance education programs since 1985. Benefits of earning an online master’s degree at Liberty University include:
low-cost tuition
generous transfer credit policies
no set login times
a convenient eight-week format for classes
the opportunity to earn a regionally accredited degree (the highest accreditation possible)
Online students are also given access to exceptional resources including:
Liberty University’s online library
the Online Writing Center (offered through a partnership with Tutor.com)
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics, managed by the Department of Labor (DOL), notes there are nearly 20,000 biomedical engineering jobs in the United States (as of May 2018), in fields like navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing; research and development; medical equipment manufacturing; healthcare; and educational sectors. DOL also runs CareerOneStop, a career resource that pulls data from multiple sources such as the National Labor Exchange, Career Building, America’s Job Exchange, and Indeed.com. This site lists over 41,000 training programs for bioengineering and biomedical engineering training programs.
Clearly there’s no shortage of employment opportunities as well as programs to train workers to get those jobs. That said, 48% of workers in the field start out with a bachelor’s while 26% hold a master’s (and 9% a doctorate). Those possessing graduate degrees are able to fill critical gaps in jobs that require advanced skills and increased responsibilities. Multidisciplinary in nature, this field requires putting knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to work in order to create and test systems and products ranging from artificial organs to prostheses, and a variety of health-related systems.
Among other traits, a deep understanding of engineering and technology, computers and electronics, math, design, biology, and physics are all necessary to be successful. Biomedical engineers also have to be active listeners, decision-makers, and critical thinkers able to solve complicated problems. DataUSA lists several statistics related to bioengineering & biomedical engineering, such as 10,652 total degrees awarded, an average wage of $111,636, and a count of 4.48 million people in their overview of the global workforce and related careers.
Average employee age is cited as 43.1, and 56.5% of the workers are male. As a sample of the diversity of degree-seekers, out of all the master’s degrees awarded in bioengineering & biomedical engineering, 620 were conferred to Caucasian males, 408 to non-resident alien females, and 400 to non-resident alien males. The most common countries of origin for international students were India, China, and Mexico, while the highest relative numbers were students from India, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates.
Biomedical engineers need professional engineering (PE) licensure in some states and situations, even after graduating with their master’s. This licensure involves passing two exams—Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering—which are not part of the graduate degree and, again, not always required but are recommended. Benefits of PE licensure include documented proof of competency, the public authority to sign drawings, the potential for increased salary, and extra opportunities for work, especially when it comes to federal and state agencies.
According to Forbes, biomedical engineering is the No. 1 best college major for students to spend their time and money on. If all the above is enough to convince you a graduate degree in this field is well worth pursuing, then let’s explore a few application and admissions topics before we delve into our list of the best affordable online master’s in biomedical engineering.
Roughly half the employees in the biomedical engineering field hold a bachelor’s, yet many positions require advanced degrees to get promoted or hired. Not every worker can afford to quit their existing job or put their life on hold to go back to school, though. That’s why online programs are an ideal solution for many would-be grad students who want to return but need a more flexible way to do so.
Applying to an online program is essentially the same as for on-campus. There’re a few differences, depending on the university and program, but by and large, the process is the same. In some cases, you’ll need to be accepted by both the program and the institution’s graduate school, so take note since there’s extra work involved. Each program offers a slightly different degree, with its own focus areas and each thus has unique prerequisite requirements you must meet to be eligible.
As you review programs, pay attention to such details to ensure your undergraduate major, as well as coursework, meets the stated requirements. Otherwise, you could end up having your application rejected out of hand, or be asked to take make-up classes to gain the foundation necessary for advanced classes laying ahead. Most programs list a general requirement of a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for the bachelor’s (or at least on the last 60 credit hours of it). Meeting minimums, however, isn’t a promise of acceptance even if all other application materials look great.
Browse through our list of the best and most affordable online programs and you’ll notice some big names sprinkled into the mix. A few have historically low rates of admission and they wish to maintain that high standard for distance learners, too. Don’t make the rookie mistake of assuming an online program is going to be easier to get into. Hard data on online graduate admission rates is tough to come by for some schools, so never take anything for granted.
Nearly every online program shares one attribute: they’re made for working students and can be taken part-time. This means the admissions review board will take special note of your resume or CV, to see how your work aligns with their program objectives. Some schools place more emphasis on the resume than others, but read up on what they ask for and tailor your resume to match. If, for instance, they expect a year of work experience related to the field, be clear in your resume how your specific career background meets those criteria.
There’s a good bit of self-marketing involved with applying to these programs, and your statement of purpose is the best vehicle for that. Use it to demonstrate your commitment to contributing to the program you’re applying to, and reveal how that specific degree will help you reach your professional goals after graduation and contribute to the greater good. It’s also always wise to utilize an editor who can help massage your written content and check for clarity and errors.
Graduate school isn’t cheap, even if classes are taken online. Even the most affordable degree will set a student back several thousand dollars. Still, a master’s is a good investment, especially for those majoring in Biomedical Engineering. When funding is a problem students need to look into every financial aid and scholarship opportunity out there. The “go-to” for undergraduates is Federal Student Aid, but federal grants are rarely for graduates.
There are a few exceptions, such as Fulbright Grants and TEACH Grants, but by-and-large these won’t apply to students in this major. The main federal aid option left is to take out a loan. The trouble there is that the student assumes debt they’ll have to pay back later. The return on investment for a master’s is usually worth it, though, and a loan allows students to go now and pay later by deferring payments until after graduation.
Rules for taking out unsubsidized federal loans are governed by the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Designed to help students get the funding they need without racking up additional debt due to high-interest rates, these loans are usually a better bargain than ones from banks and private lenders. It never hurts to shop around, but most students come back to Uncle Sam when it’s time to borrow money.
Direct loans aren’t based on financial need and go as high as $20,500 a year. If related college costs exceed that, a Direct PLUS loan can be taken to increase the borrowed amount. Note that students with more than one loan can take a consolidated loan so there’s just one monthly payment. The application process involves Free Application for Federal Student Aid as if applying for a grant.
Scholarships are obviously the funding method of choice for those who can acquire them. Dozens of state-specific, private, and professional organization scholarships exist for students studying biomedical engineering. While some offer just ~$1,000, it’s a good idea to apply to as many as possible. Smaller funding can add up quickly and usually there are no restrictions on receiving money from multiple scholarships. Pay attention to application deadlines and consider prioritizing the ones that pay the most, as well as those you’re most likely to get based on qualifications and other factors.
Universities offer their own scholarships, as do specific departments, so don’t gloss over those. Comb through those financial aid sections and contact them with questions. There aren’t usually chances to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship or research assistantship since these are online programs. For students living near the campus of the program they attend, however, it’s worth inquiring about. Lastly, military and veteran students (and their eligible dependents) have additional options to help cover tuition and fees. The GI Bill, managed through Veterans Affairs, is an amazing benefit but can be complicated to understand. That’s why many schools have their own military assistance section, with specialists who can help navigate the paperwork.
How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?
So let’s get to the good stuff—how much can someone with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering earn? The largest variable in that equation is going to be the exact job title one holds, with other factors being the company, agency, or institution one works for, the geographic location, and the total number of years of experience. Holding professional engineering licensure can also impact salaries.
There are several sub-disciplines, such as biomedical electronics, biomechatronics, bioinstrumentation, bionics, computational biology, cellular, tissue and genetic engineering, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, neural engineering…the list goes on. In general, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary is $88,550 (as of May 2018) with the lowest 10% making under $51,890 and the highest bringing home over $144,350. That’s a vast difference, but BLS doesn’t break these wages down by the highest level of education the employees obtained. Still, it’s safe to assume those high-end salaries are for workers with graduate degrees who are sitting in top positions.
Compared to the median wage of $93,080 for the broad category of “engineers,” biomedical engineers come in ~$4,500 a year behind. However, the median in some disciplines is much higher. For instance, those working in “navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing” have a median income of $101,960. Workers in R&D can average $93,250, while those manufacturing medical equipment have a median income of $83,450.
BLS lists more related fields and salary reports for the following:
Popular career websites like Glassdoor and Payscale offer us an inside look by taking inputs directly from workers in the field to arrive at some aggregate statistics. Glassdoor allows users to filter fetched results based on variables like company size (number of employees), years of experience, and industry. For instance, based on 1,047 salaries, a Biomedical Engineer with 7-to-9 years of experience, working for a biotech & pharmaceuticals company that employs between 501-to-1,000 workers has an average base pay of $73,443 a year. On the higher end of that same spectrum, they might make $95,000, not counting additional compensation between $504 up to $12,561.
Additional sections of the site can filter simply by the employer. For instance, filtering by employer and listing results with the highest salaries first, the top of the list for job and company combination is senior biomedical software engineer working for Integrated Systems Management. The reported income is $242,000 to $264,000. Clearly, this is a field with high-income potential for those near the top. Another Glassdoor sample is from a biomedical engineer (director product quality) working for Intuitive Surgical, with a reported income between $201,000 to $215,000. Other salaries for related jobs include the medical device sector ($99,000), clinical engineer ($66,000), and biomechanical engineer ($66,000).
What Are the Best Affordable Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?
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.
Check out our ranking of the best affordable online master’s in biomedical engineering!
Master of Engineering (M.E.) – Biomedical Engineering Specialization
When it comes to effectively combining top-of-the-line graduate education with the flexibility of online delivery, it’s tough to beat Colorado State University. Its transdisciplinary online Master of Engineering with a biomedical engineering specialization is taught by experts who know which skills the healthcare industry needs right now. The 30-credit hour program is coursework only and customizable, allowing students to pick electives most suitable for their specific career and goals. Specific areas of extra focus include biomechanics, materials, and tissue.
The program of study, instructed by faculty from CSU’s School of Biomedical Engineering, features a required 7-credit core and 12 credit hours of foundation work on a specific area of interest, followed by up to 8 depth credits and a breadth class. Core and foundation classes include:
Bioengineering
Bio-Inspired Surfaces
Biological Physics
Cell/Tissue Engineering
Material Issues in Mechanical Design
Materials Engineering
Quantitative Systems Physiology
Structure and Function of Biomaterials
The depth and breadth listing contains classes such as:
Advanced/Additive Manufacturing Engineering
Advanced Composite Materials
Biomedical Signal and Image Processing
Biomedical Signal Processing
Cardiovascular Biomechanics
Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II
Mathematical Statistics with Applications
Nonparametric Methods
The Biomedical Engineering curriculum is kept current and relevant thanks to ongoing input from the department’s knowledgeable advisory board. Students will have regular access to faculty, through online discussion boards, email correspondence, and general office hours. For planning purposes, CSU recommends between 9 to 12 hours of expected workload per 3-credit hour class, with significant time spent on reviewing lectures, working on assignments and papers, reading assigned texts, engaging with student peers, and studying for exams.
Test proctoring can be done via ProctorU, at the University Testing Center for those in the area of a campus, or through a local proctor such as a library, community college, or other suitable location. Most class content is available via Canvas, which is supported by most browsers. Distance learner students may need to download a free copy of Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat Reader, among meeting other basic computer and technical requirements. The program doesn’t list an average time for completion since it varies depending on course load and prior experience.
Admission requirements for Colorado State’s online Master of Engineering with a biomedical engineering specialization include official transcripts showing an accredited bachelor’s degree (preferably a B.S. with a major in engineering, life or natural sciences). Students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA on engineering or life science classes and must have completed calculus 1-3, ordinary differential equations, physics 1 & 2, and life science classes.
Additional materials to submit include three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose outlining prior work in the area, goals, and interests. GRE scores are optional. CSU welcomes international students, who may be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores (waiverable if they hold a bachelor’s from an American institution). Minimum TOEFL paper-based test score – 550, Internet-based test – 80; minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign teamed up two of their most prominent colleges to create a cutting-edge online professional master’s that’s perfect for busy workers ready to upgrade their careers or launch new ones. Through multidisciplinary collaboration between the College of Engineering and College of Business, Illinois’ Master of Engineering in bioengineering can be completed via one of three challenging concentration tracks: bioinstrumentation, computational genomics, or general bioengineering.
Tracks allow students to focus on topics most applicable to their careers. The bioinstrumentation track covers engineering concepts related to medical imaging technologies, microscopy, and biodetection. This option requires the completion of a group project tackling real-world issues presented by external partner institutions. Aspects of this complete product life-cycle project include analysis, design, prototyping, and testing. Coursework includes:
Biological Measurement I & II
Managing Business Operations
Innovation and Introduction to Financial Decision Making
Team Project
Electives and Seminars
The computational genomics track dives into gene expression, gene finding, genome annotation, sequence alignment, phylogenetic reconstruction, plus operational management techniques related to products and business processes. This option requires classes and work such as:
Algorithms, Statistics, and Modeling
High-throughout Genomics Data Analysis
Innovation and Introduction to Financial Decision Making
Managing Business Operations
Team project
Electives and speaker series
The third concentration track, general bioengineering, allows the greatest flexibility and customization. Students take:
Innovation and Introduction to Financial Decision Making
Managing Business Operations
Team project
Technical and general electives, plus seminar series
Illinois’ online classes may use Echo360, Skype, Blackboard, and/or Adobe Connect. Live lectures are recorded and viewable at one’s leisure, however, online students follow the same schedule and meet the same assignment and exam due dates as on-campus attendees. Local area exam proctors are used after approval by the department. Depending on the course load, students can finish degree requirements in just five semesters but have up to five years.
Illinois places great importance on preparing graduates for successful career outcomes. Potential job titles for grads include microfluidics engineer, systems engineer, biomedical project engineer, regulatory affairs specialist, research engineer, chemist, field clinical engineer, and others. A few of the companies alumni work for are US Med-Equip, Baxter, Harvard Medical School, Qualcomm, Phillips, Accenture, MedLine, Abbott, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as overseas institutions. U.S. News & World Reportranks the university No. 9 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs in the nation for 2020.
Illinois’ M.Eng. in bioengineering degree doesn’t require a thesis and graduates receive diplomas identical to those given to on-campus students. Applicants must hold a 3.0 minimum GPA on the last half of coursework on their bachelor’s degree. The undergraduate degree should ideally be in science or engineering (with knowledge of statistics, molecular genetics, and programming). Additional materials needed include three letters of reference, a statement of purpose, optional GRE scores, and English language proficiency exam scores (as applicable). Note, the school reviews materials on a rolling basis and screens for proof of leadership potential, so keep that in mind when writing supplemental items.
Master of Business and Science in Biomedical Engineering
Although New Jersey’s Rutgers University-New Brunswick isn’t an Ivy League school, it is one of the nine original Colonial Colleges predating the American Revolution. Rutgers made the decision to be a public institution, which is fantastic for students looking for a top education with a less exorbitant price tag. Known for its business and medical programs, it has a Master of Business and Science in biomedical engineering (BME) which combines the best of both worlds into one flexible degree.
Offered as a professional science master’s, this degree is geared towards preparing investigators and practitioners with the latest knowledge and skills to put into use immediately upon graduation. As noted on the program’s FAQ page, most job openings in this sector require business skills like budgeting, finance, and project management. However, first and foremost classes focus on biomedical topics, which include:
Biomaterials and tissue engineering
Biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering
Biomedical imaging
Computational bioengineering
Molecular, cellular, and nanosystems bioengineering
Physiologic systems and bioinstrumentation
The plan of study includes 24 credits of sciences plus 19 business-oriented credits. This program is not entirely online, so colloquium events must also be attended. The 24 credits for the BME concentration vary depending on prior undergraduate coursework. Students who took physiology before will take a BME core course, plus graduate math, graduate cell biology, and 15 credits of electives. Those who’ve not had physiology will take graduate Physiology, mammalian physiology, and 12 credits of electives. The business curriculum includes six classes from the following:
Ethics in Science and Technology Management
Market Assessment and Analysis for Business and Science – Life Sciences
Principles of Accounting and Finance for Science and Technology
Principles of Communication and Professional Development
Science and Technology Management Capstone
Two electives from project management, supply chain, or intellectual property (IP) topics
Most classes are at night, fitting into the schedule of working students. The program doesn’t require a thesis, but there is a capstone that relies on a team-written paper and presentation. Not every course is available online, so students in the area are able to take advantage of the campus’ proximity to numerous industry-related companies. Businesses abound locally and around the nation in this booming age of biomedical technology, making this degree perfect for those interested in a business-oriented healthcare profession with a solid job outlook.
To apply, students will submit transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Those without sufficient undergraduate preparatory coursework should expect to take prerequisite classes in relevant areas of chemistry and biology as well as highly-specific courses in various maths. Applicants with questions can contact a coordinator or program staff member for details.
Rutgers ranks No. 62 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 22 in Top Public Schools nationwide for 2020. Rutgers also offers a fully online Master of Business & Science (MBS), plus MBS concentration options in drug discovery, analytics, global food technology, and personal care science (note, these distance education concentrations also have an on-site residency requirement).
The Graduate School at University of Maryland in College Park has gone to great lengths to make as many of its 107 master’s degrees available online as possible. With its reputation as a respected public research institution, students interested in earning a 30-credit hour Master of Engineering in bioengineering need look no further. This professional degree is fully online and taught using Clark School of Engineering’s Distance Education Technology and Services (DETS).
There is no research or thesis needed. Students will take just 10 courses, after filling out a plan of study worksheet for departmental review. Core classes are in Modeling of Biological Systems, Application of Biomaterials, and Biological Transport Phenomena. The remaining 21 credits can be taken from electives, letting students tailor their degree to fit their career needs (note, not every elective is offered each term).
Additive Manufacturing for Bioengineering Applications
Application of Biomaterials
Applications in Biopharmaceutical Engineering
Applications of Bioinformatics
Applications of Tissue Engineering
Biosensor Techniques, Instrumentation, and Applications
Genome Editing and Synthetic Biology
Other options include independent study, or technical, biological science, math, and engineering electives. Students can seek approval from an advisor to count non-approved electives towards their degree. DETS allows for both synchronous or asynchronous class attendance and uses discussion boards and a video chat feature that lets students have full access to faculty and peers.
This degree was made for working students ready to learn new technologies that help patients with disabilities, combat disease, and improve population health in general through advanced understandings of pertinent engineering, biology, and medical practices. To keep things more affordable, University of Maryland’s tuition rate for this online program is the same for residents and non-residents alike. However, the school does not offer assistantships or fellowship opportunities, as it might for on-campus attendees.
University of Maryland has an amazing array of student services to offer support in all areas of student and academic life. New graduate students and international students are given additional aid to ensure their entry into the program is seamless and helps lay the foundation for success. The university is part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance which comes with benefits for grad students, including enhanced access to research and library materials. After graduation, the 100,000-person alumni & friends network is standing by with additional support opportunities available for years to come.
General admissions requirements for University of Maryland’s online Master of Engineering in bioengineering include submission of transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three letters of reference. For international students, the program notes that it’s “not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.” There are several program-specific criteria to meet, as well, but in summary, applicants should have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a bachelor’s related to engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics, and must have taken specific courses in math, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering, or else have finished sufficient coursework in bioengineering.
Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering
When it comes to the world of medicine, few universities are name-checked as frequently as Johns Hopkins. Its global research reputation has been hard-won, and its standards of excellence make earning a degree from this private university challenging but very rewarding. Students can earn a Master of Science in applied biomedical engineering on-campus or online, selecting from focus track options in imaging, instrumentation, or translational tissue engineering.
Taught by acclaimed, highly-experienced faculty, courses offer students the practical lessons needed to be successful in a variety of professional careers. The program has several general and focus-specific outcomes that empower graduates with the necessary skills to use in their respective fields. This program requires completion of ten courses, including a core Biomedical Engineering Practice and Innovation that counts as one course and includes two weekend residencies on campus and at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
The core plan of study also includes three more courses:
Mathematical Methods for Applied Biomedical Engineering, or Math Methods for Engineers
Physiology for Applied Biomedical Engineering I & II
Prior to taking the core, prerequisite course requirements must be met for Signals and Systems, Molecular Biology, and General Applied Mathematics. The core is followed by a focus area class, chosen from lists for each of the three tracks—imaging, instrumentation, or translational tissue engineering. The focus area does not actually reflect on final transcripts, however. Lastly, four electives are selected from the dozens offered, such as:
Bioentrepreneurship
Build-a-Genome
Cellular and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
Frontiers in Neuroengineering
Human-Robotics Interaction
Introduction to Brain-Computer Interfaces
Ionic Channels in Excitable Membranes
Psychophysiology
Systems Pharmacology and Personalized Medicine
Theoretical Neuroscience
Program advisors must approve all classes prior to enrolling. Note, not all classes are offered online every term, so students should refer to the schedule planner as they create their proposed plan of study. The program can be completed in three terms of study, however, part-time students can take up to five years, if necessary (transfer credits may be considered but are subject to a $440 charge per course). Interested students can learn more by viewing a prerecorded online information session.
The Whiting School of Engineering’s student demographics snapshot lists an average age of 28, a 26% female population, and 82% online enrollment. Out of over 490 faculty members, 300+ teach online courses. 53% of the student body is out-of-state, with 1% international. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and conferred 626 master’s degrees and certificates as of the last year data was recorded.
Admission requirements for admittance into Johns Hopkins’ rigorous online Master of Science in applied biomedical engineering program include the successful completion of several prerequisites in math, physics, chemistry, and molecular biology. Applicants without the needed foundational work are still eligible for provisional acceptance. Professional background is also taken into consideration, as most students are practicing scientists themselves. Other general criteria are a 3.0 GPA or higher on the last half of undergraduate studies, transcripts, and optional GRE scores.
Located in bustling Los Angeles, the University of Southern California has been around since 1880, before the city even had electric lights or paved roads. Today it’s a hub of technological innovation and cutting-edge science, offering several flexible graduate degrees online for working professionals to use as career boosters. The Master of Science in biomedical engineering, run by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, is an interdisciplinary degree perfect for those already working—or ready to start working—in the medical technology field.
Requiring just 28 units, UCS’s master’s can be finished in under two years and allows for an optional thesis or a simply coursework only route. Blending physiology and engineering science, class lectures can be watched live or asynchronously. Online assignment and exam assistance is offered by the Instructional Support Center whenever needed. Some courses allow for blended delivery of content in which students can come to campus.
The 28 units include 15 units of core coursework plus 13 units of electives. If a thesis is done, it may count in place of four elective units. 19 of the total units need to be 500-level or higher, and enrollees must satisfy the overall 3.0 GPA requirement to finish. Required courses are:
Advanced Topics in Biomedical Systems
Advanced Studies of the Nervous System
Physiological Control Systems Units
Signal and Systems Analysis Units
Seminar in Bioengineering Units
USC’s schedule of classes offers complete details on class online availability. Graduates of USC’s biomedical engineering program are able to begin exciting roles of significant responsibility related to:
Bioinstrumentation
Biomaterials
Biomechanics
Cellular, tissue, genetic, clinical and rehabilitation engineering
Drug design and delivery
Medical imaging
Orthopedic surgery
Pharmaceuticals
Systems physiology
USC has over 28,000 enrolled graduate/professional students, of which 55% are female. Diversity-wise, its demographics are impressive, with a student body comprised of 25.4% international students. The school is home to countless seasoned faculty members from around the world, including distinguished professors, Lifetime Achievement Award winners, MacArthur Fellows, National Academies members, and Nobel laureates. As an academic powerhouse in the region, USC’s activities directly result in an over $8 billion impact on California’s economy.
The university is keen on helping students succeed even before arrival. Its tips for master’s applicants is a handy resource to walk you through the process. General admissions materials include transcripts, GRE scores no older than five years, a resume, personal statement outlining goals and background, and three letters of recommendation. TOEFL or IELTS scores are needed for international applicants, but there are no minimum scores listed (note, in order to avoid possible English language prerequisite courses, a TOEFL Internet-based score of 90 or IELTS of 6.5 may be advised).
The University of Southern California is ranked in a tie for No. 22 in National Universities and tied again for No. 4 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Program by U.S. News & World Reportfor 2020. It also offers related master’s degrees to biomedical engineering, including medical imaging and imaging informatics and medical device and diagnostic imaging.
Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering with Biomedical Engineering Concentration
Though it’s not an Ivy League university, Purdue is often labeled a “public Ivy” due to its high caliber educational offerings and demanding expectations. For those up to the challenge, it features an online interdisciplinary Master of Science in engineering (MSE/MS) program which allows students to customize their degree based on their professional needs. Based on the enrollee’s bachelor’s, this degree can come as an MS or MS in engineering. It’s flexible enough for engineers seeking to major in a new discipline by adding a concentration such as biomedical engineering.
Suitable for working students, this program can be taken part-time and can even be started with just one course. Purdue’s 30-credit hour MSE/MS degree requires 18 hours of engineering coursework and can be finished with or without the optional thesis. The plan of study includes six credits of biomedical engineering, from options such as:
Introduction to Biomaterials
Biomedical Signal Processing
Tissue Engineering
Polymeric Biomaterials
Human Motion Kinetics
Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Technologies
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
There are also three credits in regulatory sciences, such as Preclinical and Clinical Study Design or Quality Systems for Regulatory Compliance; at least three credits in life sciences, such as Neural Mechanisms of Health and Disease; and at least three in quantitative/analytical, with classes such as Biostatistics, Random Variables and Signals, Lumped System Theory, Industrial Applications of Statistics, and more. Remaining credit hours will be taken from the elective graduate courses list. Purdue Online’s course menu features complete details on each class’s availability and description.
Online classes are taught by Purdue’s acclaimed faculty and feature the same curriculum used by on-campus courses. Academic advisors help newly admitted students create their unique plan of study after discussing interests, goals, and schedules. For some students with specific career aspirations, a certification may also be recommended.
Purdue’s online MSE/MS with biomedical engineering concentration is accredited by ABET and the university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Purdue is known to have a high bar when it comes to admissions. Students must meet graduate school and program-specific requirements, but basic materials to submit include:
Official transcripts, showing a 3.0 GPA or higher
An ABET-accredited engineering or related degree (such as math, science, or technology)
Statement of purpose (no longer than 500 words)
Resume
Three letters of recommendation
English proficiency exam scores for international applicants (for example, the TOEFL Internet-Based Test – minimum score of 80, plus minimum section requirements)
Purdue Online’s average class size is 24 students. Most content is delivered via Blackboard Learn, and the school offers easy tutorials and has support services provided when needed. Tech requirements are basic, with a Pentium 4 computer or similar Mac, 1 GB of system memory, speakers or headphones with mic, high-speed Internet, a printer, a current operating system with office software, current browser (such as Chrome), e-mail, Adobe Acrobat Reader, video player software, and video chat programs like Skype. Note, students may be eligible for software discounts.
Arizona State University is a sprawling public research-focused university in sunny Tempe with a long history of innovation and can-do spirit. With over 500,000 alumni, an annual $4.3 billion economic impact, and dozens of highly-ranked programs, ASU has been a leader in the higher education arena since 1885. Students from around the world can take advantage of its numerous online graduate offerings, including the 30-credit online Master of Science in biomedical diagnostics. Graduates of the program are ready to tackle roles of increased responsibility within biomedical and related healthcare fields.
Taught by renowned faculty of the College of Health Solutions, ASU Online’s professional master’s requires 10 classes, each 7.5 weeks long. The degree can be finished in as little as one year, though two is normal. The specialized curriculum is designed to teach the roles of diagnostics in improving the quality of patient lives within the healthcare system, and also covers research topics, finance, and patient management. The four core areas of focus are in diagnostics technology, science, business, and application. Required core classes are:
Introduction to Biomedical Informatics
Current Perspectives in Biomedical Diagnostics
Health Economics, Policy and Payment Models
Principles of Diagnostic Technology
Electives such as Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics, Imaging in Diagnostics, Translational Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Device Design. Students will also complete a culminating experience featuring a three-credit applied project related to diagnostics and relying on collaboration with peers, professors, and industry partners. Graduates of this program have gone on to exciting careers such as R&D management, clinical lab research specialist, quality systems analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, analytical chemist, biospecimen management, genetics data curator, and more. Many also venture forward with entrepreneurial endeavors or additional medical schooling.
ASU Online’s graduate programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school lists details for specific state authorization FAQ. It strives to offer affordable education options to increase access to all students and has been listed as a “best buy college” in the annual Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward Fiske, the former education editor of The New York Times. Distance learner ASU Sun Devils have access to a plethora of student support services, including library help, career services, the Success Center, disability resources, military support, and online tutoring. Venture Devils is another amazing resource for students who have a product or idea they’d like to potentially commercialize.
ASU is ranked No. 1 Most Innovative School and No. 13 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Its College of Health Solutions employs 160+ faculty and has over 6,500 enrolled students, of which over 250 are Barrett honors scholars. Check out the Graduate Insider to learn the latest happenings! To apply, students should have a 3.0 GPA or higher on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework and will submit official transcripts, a personal statement or essay, a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and English proficiency exam scores for international students.
As lovely and historic as Columbia University’s Ivy League campus is, living in the hustle of New York City isn’t for everyone. Luckily, thanks to the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Columbia Video Network, students can attend this prestigious college without ever leaving home. Its MS in biomedical engineering degree is 100% online and will fully prepare grad students with the engineering and applied science knowledge and skills needed to work in this field.
The degree requires 30 graduate credits (aka points of academic work) with a final overall GPA of 2.5 or better to graduate. Students can attend part-time and take up to five years to complete all classes. Exams are proctored using remote proctoring and through approved local proctors in the student’s area. Note, Columbia doesn’t allow transfer credits for this online program.
The plan of study consists of:
Computational Modeling of Physiological Systems: Cellular/Molecular
Three core classes from the following:
Computational Neuroscience: Circuits In the Brain
Physiological Control Systems
Quantitative Physiology I & II
Solid Biomechanics
Sound and Hearing
One math course, such as Principles of Applied Mathematics, Intro to Non-linear Dynamical Systems, etc.
Two Biomedical Engineering electives, such as:
Artificial Organs
Cardiac Mechanics
Solid Biomechanics
Sound and Hearing
Tissue Engineering I (Biomaterials)
Ultrasound in Diagnostic Imaging
Four free electives, taken from a range of engineering school areas, with advisor approval
Columbia’s Department of Biomedical Engineering is home to world-class faculty with experience in their subject areas as well as online teaching. Ivy League institutions are known for their competitive admissions standards, so online applicants must pay close attention to requirements. These include holding a degree in engineering, science, computer science, or math (or closely related major, as determined by the department). The program also notes that a year of calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics should have been completed, or else prerequisite courses will be necessary.
The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.0. GRE scores are needed (no minimum, but rarely waiverable), along with transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL scores from international students. Columbia Video Network offers rolling applications, so students can apply anytime, but it’s suggested to apply 4-to-6 weeks prior to class start. Students can take up to two classes before being formally admitted.
The Columbia Video Network was launched in 1986 to allow for distance learning programs using the same curriculum as on-campus students would receive. Ninety-two percent of its online students are working at the time they enroll. It received a U.S. News & World Report score of 100 for student engagement as well as student excellence, meaning how selective the program is.
Columbia University in the City of New York, established in 1754, is ranked No. 3 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best National University rankings (tied with Yale and MIT). Surprisingly, it also ranks No. 6 in Best Value Schools in the nation. Less surprisingly, it’s No. 1 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs.
Master of Liberal Arts, Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
One of the most well-known and highly-regarded universities in the world, Harvard University has gone the distance to make their most sought-after degree programs available online. Unlike many programs, instead of offering a Master of Science it has a Master of Liberal Arts in bioengineering and nanotechnology. Learning outcomes include understanding new innovations and breakthroughs in the biomedical realm, learning experimental design, and conducting proper data analysis. The program of study also incorporates a focus on collaboration, communication skills, and ethics.
Harvard’s 48-credit hour program isn’t 100% online; it does require two classes to be taken on its fabled campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Another unique aspect—the school demands not only excellence but commitment, so it looks closely at the performance of students’ first two courses. Therefore students will not actually apply until they’re already taking their second course. If that doesn’t motivate one to excel, nothing will!
This degree is made up of 12 courses and should be undertaken by those with a bachelor’s in either physical, life, or computer science. Additionally, it’s necessary to have a year of scientific research experience under your belt, plus a solid background in biology. Curriculum includes:
Proseminar
Five engineering science classes
Two life science classes
Ethics and Trends in Biotechnology
Master’s thesis (done as two classes) plus a tutorial
Course descriptions and availability information can be found in the Course Catalog. Not all classes are offered online every term, and students must work with their program advisor to determine which two are best suited to be taken in-person. Not every class fulfills the on-campus requirement. Generally, standard 15-week fall and spring or compressed summer classes may count, if they are listed in the catalog as “on campus” and don’t mention “online.”
The thesis process will begin after taking 24 credits (but before reaching 32) and involves consultation with an assigned thesis director. Focusing on researching and producing publication-quality work, the proposed topic should be related to a subject of interest that fits the student’s experience and career goals. Students have up to five years to complete all degree requirements and earn their Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies, field: bioengineering and nanotechnology. Commencement is in May, though degrees can also be awarded in March and November.
Since Harvard doesn’t look at admissions applications for this online program until after a student successfully finishes two classes, the process starts by taking an online reading and writing skills test (this can be bypassed for those who’ve taken Writing in the Sciences and got a grade of B or better). Afterward, students register for Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in Biotechnology, as well as one life science class. Both must be passed with at least a B.
Once the two pre-admissions classes are passed, applicants should be ready to begin Harvard’s somewhat lengthy but user-friendly online application process. There’s a helpful admissions advising section that can answer questions. International graduate applicants should also check out the details related to international credits and degrees.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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What does it take to be an effective communicator?
If you’re interested in a career in marketing management, you probably already know the answer to that question. As a marketing manager, your job is to improve and refine the ways in which a brand communicates with its target market.
Marketing is integral to just about every industry. A good marketing manager will know how to track and predict customer behavior, as well as how to deliver a message that reaches a target audience. It doesn’t matter what sector you want to work in—a master’s degree in marketing management makes a lot of sense.
Not all marketing management degrees are built alike. At their core, a marketing management master’s will focus on how to apply marketing methods, techniques, and strategies as well as how to manage a firm’s marketing activities.
You’ll be in control of a company’s current marketing strategy and also help make plans for marketing and advertising later on down the road. You’ll play a pivotal role in the success of a company, as you’ll be responsible for helping to develop its customer base and to foster and continue relationships with existing customers.
The road to becoming a marketing manager is not complicated, but it will require you to put in some long hours and hard work. There are no formal education requirements for becoming a marketing manager, but you’ll need to have some skills and experience in marketing in order to be a good one.
For example, many employers want to hire marketing managers who have worked in marketing in the past (with ideally three to five years of experience in doing so). Although a bachelor’s degree in marketing or public relations is sometimes enough to push your resume toward the top of the pile, a master’s degree will give you even more leverage.
Not only does a master’s degree show that you have the tenacity and grit necessary to complete a rigorous program of study, but it demonstrates your commitment to the field and your passion for the field of marketing.
Many master’s programs in marketing management also include hands-on work experiences, cooperative learning options, study abroad, and built-in projects that are meant to increase your expertise in the field, too. The benefit of these experiences is that they will give you on-the-job training to boost your confidence and help to familiarize you with marketing problems and solutions you would see in the real world.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that an online master’s in marketing management is inferior. There are plenty of good reasons to get an online masters in marketing management—one of the best is because these programs tend to be much more convenient and affordable. You already paid several thousand dollars’ worth of tuition to receive a bachelor’s degree—don’t fork over even more money to get your master’s.
An affordable online master’s in marketing management will allow you to meet your goals without having to go further into debt. Since you can study from home, you can eliminate the expenses of travel and housing from your student loan payment sheet.
Best yet, you can pursue one of these degrees while you’re still employed at your current job—there’s no need to relocate or take time off work. You’ll be able to continue to get experience in marketing while also receiving a formal education in the discipline.
Common Application and Admission Questions
Marketing management degrees are frequently offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level, with many graduate certificate programs available, too. The requirements for a master’s in marketing management are a bit more stringent than they might be for a bachelor’s in the same field.
You’ll need to have a four-year degree in order to apply. Although a bachelor’s degree in marketing management is a no-brainer when it comes to choosing your major, it’s not always necessary. Many universities frequently accept applicants with backgrounds in public relations, journalism, communications, business, and other disciplines, too.
You will likely be asked to submit transcripts from any colleges you have attended. High school transcripts are not usually necessary. While all colleges vary in terms of the minimum GPA they will accept, in most cases, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended.
Some schools are now GRE-optional, but many are not, so make sure you research the specific requirements of your university before you complete your application. If GRE scores are necessary, try to take the test as far in advance of your application deadline as your schedule will allow. Do keep in mind, of course, that some schools have limits on how far back they will accept test scores.
When you apply, you’ll be expected to demonstrate a distinct set of skills. Communication skills are first and foremost. You cannot be a successful marketer if you don’t know how to communicate effectively. This applies to written, verbal, and other forms of communication. You’ll need to have the ability to communicate the benefits of the product or service that is offered by your company.
How do you demonstrate strong communication skills? You may be asked to submit a personal essay when you apply for admission—but even if an essay is not required, it may be worth your time to send one in regardless. This will show how serious you are about earning your master’s degree—and it will also demonstrate your whip-smart communication skills when it comes to the written word.
Another skill that you will need to showcase is your ability to lead a team. As a marketing manager, you can’t be just another face in the crowd. You need to be driven, motivated, and a team player. You can’t be a follower—you must be a leader.
You may be asked to demonstrate evidence of your leadership abilities through a record of activities and work experiences (like a resume or CV) or by submitting letters of recommendation from professors, colleagues, or employers.
Some universities request supplemental material, too, such as portfolios. These can showcase your past work experiences and will really help your application shine. Include anything and everything that might help your application rise to the top, but make sure you adhere to the specific requirements in place at your chosen institution.
What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?
Earning a master’s in marketing management is a smart choice if you want to dramatically improve your future earning potential. That’s not to say, though, that the high cost of further education isn’t a daunting prospect!
Getting a degree is a smart investment, but it’s a costly one at that. You’re going to have all kinds of expenses to factor in, including tuition, technology, and books. Luckily, when you choose to enroll in an affordable online master’s program, you won’t have to worry about paying for things like housing, transportation, and student activities fees.
That’s a common reason why many students opt for an online program. Online degrees no longer have the stigma that they used to. In fact, most employers will happily accept a degree from an online university, as it represents the same high quality of education as what you would get when studying on-campus.
Not only that, but most universities don’t even differentiate between online and on-campus degrees when it comes to printing your diploma. If you earned a degree from X University, your diploma will say that a degree was earned from X University—nothing more, and nothing less!
You might be wondering if there are other ways to cut costs when you are earning an online master’s. There certainly are.
First, consider the tuition at the school you are applying to. Many students shy away from private schools, mistakenly assuming that the tuition at a private school will be far too expensive. That’s rarely the case. In fact, many private universities have final prices that are far lower than their “sticker prices.” They are sometimes able to offer more substantial, more generous financial aid than what you might get from a public institution, where resources are sometimes tapped to the max.
That’s not always the case though, so just be sure to do your research.
In any event, it’s a good idea to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) the year you plan to enroll in school. It’s available starting January 1 and uses your prior year’s tax information to determine your eligibility for state and federal financial aid.
Many universities use the information from the FAFSA to determine whether they can award you institutional aid, too, including grants, scholarships, and work-study.
Although the amount of financial aid available to graduate students is often less than what is awarded to undergraduate learners, many universities have systems in place to help counter this imbalance. For example, you might qualify for a graduate assistantship where you can continue to expand your knowledge of marketing management—while also getting paid for your troubles, too.
Don’t overlook the value of internships, cooperative learning experiences, and other paid opportunities when it comes to paying for your education, either. Not only will you be able to get a high-quality degree, but you can do so affordably, too. It’s all about knowing where to look! Apply early, and apply for any financial aid you can find and might be eligible for.
How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Marketing Management?
The average salary for marketing management graduates can vary. It’s important to note that you’ll earn every last cent of your salary. As a marketing manager, you’ll likely spend long hours at work and you may also have to travel quite a bit, too.
Nonetheless, you will be handsomely rewarded with a great salary and benefits package, in most cases—so the long hours of doing what you love will be well worth the effort. Since you’ll be given a high level of responsibility in your position (which generally also includes a moderate amount of stress to go along with it!) you’ll earn a high average salary.
Marketing managers earn around $149,200 per year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a higher wage than what is earned by most other marketing professionals, though not quite as high as the salaries earned by managers in other industries, like computer systems and aerospace manufacturing.
Plus, that’s only an average salary. Although the lowest earners bring in an annual salary of $71,010 (still not too bad!), the highest earners bring in well over $185,320 per year.
The outlook for finding a job isn’t too shabby, either. Marketing managers are needed all over the country, with the highest demand found in urban or densely populated areas such as New York, California, Florida, Texas, Washington, and Connecticut.
In the next ten years, the demand for marketing managers is only expected to grow. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that these jobs are expected to grow by at least 20%. Why such a swing? Companies are going to need to hire individuals who can develop to the unique and constantly-changing demands of an increasingly digital world.
Earn a dialed-in master’s degree from one of these universities, and you’ll put your resume at the top of the pile. You won’t have to wait long to land a high-paying job! If you’re able to add other skills and certifications to your resume, you could improve your chances of finding a great job even more.
As the marketing world continues to adjust to a digitized society, you’re going to need to know how to market according to ever-changing social media venues. Knowing the trends (as well as how to continue staying apprised of them) will help accelerate your career success.
Another way you can improve your earnings? Consider making yourself more marketable on an international level. Companies want to know that they will be able to sell products to any market, so being a business-savvy professional will help you be more competitive. If you’re able to study abroad or engage in any hands-on business activities or projects while you’re in school, that will only improve your job search success.
What Are the Best Marketing Management 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.
Completing an online degree can be a daunting task, but that doesn’t have to be the case with Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Science in marketing.
This degree is just one of many offered entirely online by this large evangelical Christian university. As one of the largest private not-for-profit institutions in the United States, the school has more than 15,000 students studying on campus in Lynchburg—but well over 94,000 enrolled in its online programs.
Liberty is home to 17 colleges, including a renowned school of medicine and a prestigious school of law, but the real star is its School of Business. This is where you will find the 36 credit hour master’s in marketing.
A transfer-friendly degree, it is designed for busy working adults. You can transfer in up to 50% of the degree total, allowing you to complete your courses in a way that makes the most sense to you. All classes are offered exclusively online with no on-campus attendance required. Each class lasts only eight weeks, too, so you don’t have to worry about spending weeks on a topic you’ve already mastered.
The curriculum provides extensive graduate-level training to students at all stages of their marketing leadership journeys. It has a strong core curriculum along with options for learners to specialize in fields like advertising, digital marketing, sports marketing and media, public relations, and project management.
Even with such a rigorous, hands-on curriculum, very few students take more than a year and a half to complete their degrees. You can study full-time or part-time, working according to the schedule that makes the most sense to you.
Liberty University is one of the best-ranked schools in the nation. According to Niche.com, it is ranked as the second-best online school in the country and also has affordable tuition. In fact, Liberty has not raised tuition for the online marketing degree program in more than five years—and it’s not expected to increase, either.
The school offers affordable tuition with substantial discounts for current service members and military veterans. In fact, military members will pay just $275 per credit hour for graduate courses.
You don’t have to sacrifice value for convenience and affordability. In this program, you’ll benefit from the instruction of dedicated, experienced instructors who have a wealth of knowledge to share. You’ll also gain access to extensive networking opportunities with other professionals who are studying in this program from around the country.
After all, learning from your peers is one of the best ways to gain expertise in a given subject. You’ll not only benefit from their valuable insights, but you’ll be able to leverage your degree with helpful career partnerships, too. Liberty has an extensive alumni network of graduates all around the world—you’re practically guaranteed to meet a Liberty grad just about everywhere you go.
If you’re going to be a successful marketer, you’ve got to be flexible.
Nobody understands that better than the faculty and enrollment team at Southern New Hampshire University. This online university, headquartered in Manchester and Hooksett, NH, offers some of the best (and most versatile) online programs to distance learners from all over the country.
The Master of Science in marketing is one of several dozen fully online programs. The school has more than 34,000 students studying full-time online, and is only expected to grow. These programs offer students 24/7 access to the curriculum and to their instructors, paired with timely, relevant course content—they are second to none when it comes to quality.
This degree is aligned with the standards set forth by the American Marketing Association’s professional certified marketer plans. It allows learners to transfer in up to 12 graduate credits, making it a transfer-friendly option, and also includes Hubspot-and Hootsuite-aligned content for the best applicability to the modern work setting.
Not only that, but you’ll develop timeless skills in brand management, audience engagement, and customer loyalty. This degree is best for students who wish to work as brand directors, marketing analysts, and other leadership-oriented positions in the private, public, or government sectors.
It’s one of the few marketing management degrees out there that helps students develop international marketing strategies, too. Instructors work closely with students to teach them ways they can address various cultural environments in a growing global economy.
The degree comes with multiple concentration options, including digital marketing, marketing research and analytics, new media and communications, and social media marketing. All of these relevant concentration options are timely and career-focused. You’ll add even more credibility to your resume as a qualified marketer.
Southern New Hampshire University offers classes that feature no set class meeting times. You can learn on your own schedule while taking advantage of some of the country’s lowest online tuition rates.
Some colleges offer super low tuition rates but leave applicants hanging when it comes to financial aid. That’s not the case with Southern New Hampshire University. You’ll still be eligible for a wide array of financial aid opportunities.
Enroll at Southern New Hampshire University, and you’ll join a nationwide network of dedicated alumni and talented graduates. There are more than 200,000 students, staff, and alumni all over the world who are eager to help you on your journey toward becoming a marketing manager. You’ll be able to tap into all kinds of internship and networking opportunities both while you are enrolled in your studies—as well as beyond.
To apply, you’ll need to submit a formal application. You can submit all of your materials entirely online. One of the benefits of applying to Southern New Hampshire University is that you can apply at any time throughout the year. The school’s convenient rolling admissions policy means you can apply whenever you’re ready and you’ll receive a decision in just days. Plus, there’s no GMAT or GRE required.
Master of Science in Marketing with a Specialization in Marketing Analytics
Applying for a master’s degree can be stressful—especially when you add in the fact that everything all seems to come due at once.
When you apply to the Master of Science in marketing at the University of Alabama, though, you can say goodbye to those tough, stressful deadlines and enjoy a more convenient, relaxing admissions process instead.
How, you might ask?
The University of Alabama offers a variety of online programs, many of which accept applications year-round. It’s easy to apply for admission—all you need is a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 and a GMAT score of 580 (a GRE score of 308 is also accepted) to apply. You’ll have to submit a statement of purpose, a resume, and three letters of recommendation, too. Depending on when you apply, test scores might not even be required. In fact, test scores are waived for the 2020-2021 academic year.
As a candidate studying in the University of Alabama’s Master of Science in marketing, you don’t even have to have a relevant degree or work experience in marketing to qualify. You’ll learn everything you need to learn in this dynamic, hands-on program.
And what you’ll learn! You’ll take 33 hours of coursework, taking in-depth online courses in data mining and marketing analysis such as Advanced Marketing Analysis, Global Business, and Advanced Import/Export Strategy. This program is equal parts communication and technology—and it’s one that’s really worth applying to.
It will give you a leg up on today’s competitive market, providing you with the analytical skills you need to stay ahead. You’ll learn from the same exceptional faculty who teach on campus. Plus, you’ll graduate with a degree from one of the top business schools in the country.
This degree is one of the few on our list that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only a handful of institutions all over the world meet this distinctive designation. As a public research institution established in 1820, the University of Alabama is a longstanding recipient of this accolade.
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to attend, either. The Master of Science in marketing with a specialization in marketing analytics has tuition that starts at just $420 per credit hour. Significant amounts of financial aid, including generous scholarships, are also available.
The degree is ranked tenth in the country for the best online graduate business programs by U.S. News & World Report and has the prestigious honor of being acknowledged as the most affordable online marketing master’s degree by SR Education Group.
Established in 1889, Texas A&M University-Commerce is one school among many in the massive Texas state university system. Despite that—and despite the fact that you’ll join more than 12,000 other students when you enroll at this Commerce, TX-based school—you will never feel like just another face in the crowd when you study here.
Texas A&M University is home to a dynamic Master of Science in marketing that is not only academically distinguished but also close-knit and attentive to the needs of all of its students. In this degree, which can be completed either face-to-face or online (or a combination of the two!) you’ll learn everything you know to harness the power of cutting-edge analytics in marketing.
You will take classes in subjects like Customer Relationship Management, Customer Insights, Market Analysis, Strategic Decision Making, and Digital Marketing. It’s the perfect degree for students who are looking to add a marketing edge to expand their professional skills. You will expand your horizons and employability in areas like international marketing, digital and internet marketing, and marketing analytics.
It’s also incredibly convenient. Offered online and in Commerce, the degree consists of 30 total credit hours and takes most learners just two years or less to complete. To apply, you won’t have to submit any foreign language credits (nor are any required for degree completion) and you don’t have to submit a thesis, either.
The degree is housed in the College of Business, which is nationally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It’s one of only 800 schools worldwide to receive this prestigious designation. You’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are accomplished and regularly produce cutting-edge research in their fields.
You’ll get access to all kinds of valuable industry connections. From guest speakers to professional networking, company internships, and tours, the marketing degree at Texas A&m offers you everything you need to connect with the local and global business community. Yes, even if you’re studying online!
The degree is practically focused and includes internships for credit, regardless of where you live. In the past, marketing students have worked with Vex Robotics, the Texas Rangers, JP Morgan Chase and Co., and more.
For students who aren’t sure where they want life to take them, Texas A&M is the perfect solution. Here, you’ll have access to an in-house career services center that deals exclusively with students in the College of Business. You’ll find everything you need here, from access to internships and even employment opportunities.
Best yet, this degree is affordable and easy to apply to. You only need an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and once accepted, you’ll pay low tuition rates. Financial aid is available for students who qualify, too.
Online Master’s of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration
Although it was originally founded as a teacher’s college, the University of North Texas is now one of the best public research universities in the state of Texas—and beyond. It’s home to a dynamic school of business, which is where you’ll find the online Master of Business Administration.
Plenty of schools offer MBA programs, but there are very few that are quite as distinguished as this one—and even fewer that offer exemplary concentrations in marketing and marketing management. You’ll learn everything you need to know to understand how leading executives maintain a competitive advantage.
In this program, you’ll learn how to interact with professionals in both business and academic settings. You’ll be able to apply marketing and logistics practices that are employed by leading companies today—and you’ll also be able to predict future developments. This degree focuses on problem-solving in a practical, hands-on, and analytical way. You’ll move through various case-based dilemmas to help give you a better understanding of how to become a better marketing manager.
This isn’t the only concentration available in the MBA, and you might choose to take courses in the other specialties to hone (or broaden!) your scope of interest. Other concentrations include logistics and supply chain management, marketing analytics, supply chain management, and supply chain analytics. Choose to concentrate in logistics, too, and you can get a professional certification from the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.
All of these degrees can be completed in as little as two years. You’ll be able to learn from faculty members who are global leaders and outstanding researchers and instructors of their own accord. They’ve conducted research in many areas of marketing, including advertising, sales promotion, service marketing, and professional selling.
These instructors routinely partner with major corporations through their executive development programs and research. As a student, you’ll benefit from close connections to companies such as IBM, Lockheed Martin, JCPenney, Verizon, and more. The department even has partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense!
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, this program promotes interaction between fellow students, faculty, and industry leaders. Admissions are competitive, but the application process itself is simple. You’ll just need to supply official GMAT scores, a formal application, and transcripts from any schools you have attended. You’ll have to submit a resume, a personal essay, and three letters of recommendation, too.
Tuition is affordable, and there are many measures in place to help make degrees even more affordable for students. You might qualify for internship opportunities—which are often paid and provide you with a competitive advantage when it comes time to apply for jobs—along with various financial assistance opportunities, like graduate assistantships.
Online Master’s of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration
Want to begin a graduate program in marketing as quickly as possible—ideally without having to submit GRE or GMAT test scores? If so, you might want to consider applying to the University of Texas at Dallas.
Although the application process does formally require test scores, waivers are available for many students. That’s just one of the many flexible, convenient features of this phenomenal online program in marketing.
You’ll also benefit from special tuition rates, which are lower for residents of Texas and Oklahoma. If you’re a veteran or the spouse of a veteran, you can also get in-state tuition here regardless of where you actually live.
The marketing degree consists of 12 courses or 36 semester credit hours. You can study at your own pace so you won’t get overwhelmed by taking too many classes at once—or too bored by taking too few. Core courses cover topics like Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, and Marketing Management. You’ll also complete a final capstone project that will allow you to evaluate some method of marketing decision making.
Beyond the core classes, you’ll have enough flexibility to pursue other electives. You can complete up to 21 semester credit hours in courses of your own choosing. Some of the most popular electives include Advertising and Promotional Strategy, Global e-business Marketing, Negotiation, and Marketing Web Analytics and Insights.
There are numerous specialty tracks available in this program. Plus, when you take an online class, you’ll be able to access the pre-recorded material from any location at any time. Even your exams can be taken at a remote testing center of your choosing.
There are plenty of reasons to choose the University of Texas at Dallas. It is ranked as one of the Best Graduate Schools for Business by the U.S. News & World Report. There are various fast tracks available, too, so you don’t have to spend unnecessary time in school when you could be working in the job of your dreams.
If you decide to continue your education in marketing, know that the University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management offers several potential pathways for you to do this. You could pursue a professional program in marketing or a Ph.D. with a concentration in marketing.
The school is known for its high research activity, and is in fact ranked as one of the Carnegie Foundation’s doctoral research universities with highest research activity. It reached this designation faster than any other school in Texas, growing to a high research paucity in less than half a century. Today, the school offers more than 140 academic programs for you to choose from—needless to say, you’ll have plenty of room to grow here.
No matter how you decide to pursue your goals, the University of Texas at Dallas is a great place to do so.
Online Master of Science in Management with Marketing Specialization
Whether you’re changing careers or simply want to move up the corporate ladder, the online Master of Science in Management with a specialization in marketing at the University of Maryland Global Campus is one of the best places for you to earn a degree.
Here, you’ll be able to develop your skills in marketing and gain state-of-the-art management skills all at the same time. The leadership skills you will develop as part of this program will help you move into a senior position in just about any sector, while the marketing courses will give you the foundations you need to succeed in analytics and advertising.
The University of Maryland is globally recognized for its dedication to student learning and research. It’s often referred to as a “Public Ivy” for its high quality of education that is comparable with many private Ivy League institutions. It’s also ranked among the top 100 universities both globally and nationally by ranking affiliates such as the U.S. News & World Report.
With just 36 required credits, the degree is flexible and effective. You’ll learn how to understand research design and choose between multiple media options. You’ll learn the skills necessary to use media effectively in marketing and how to analyze and assess the utility of a marketing program, too.
Designed with careful consideration of input from industry experts, scholars, and employers, the degree offers the perfect blend of theory with real-world skills and practical applications. If you’re already working in marketing, you’ll love this degree—you’ll be able to apply what you’re learning in your classes directly to your daily work.
You’ll take core courses in topics such as Organizational Theory and Behavior, Statistics for Managerial Decision Making, and Financial Decision Making for Managers. Then, you can move on to specialization courses in topics like Marketing Management, Legal and Ethical Issues, Brand Management, Digital and React Marketing, and International Marketing Management.
Before you graduate, you’ll also participate in numerous career preparatory activities. For example, you’ll complete a strategic management capstone that will synthesize what you have already learned and prepare you for the workforce ahead.
While enrolled in this program, you can take all of your classes and complete other program requirements entirely online. You’ll be able to interact with the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus. Plus, you can network with other students via the online course platform and through the many student clubs and organizations at the University of Maryland, such as the Marketing Club.
The degree is one of many affordable online options at the U of M, with other options including the Master of Science in management: nonprofit and association management and the Master of Science of management: public relations. All of these programs are convenient and charged at tuition rates that start as low as $480 per credit hour. You may qualify for additional financial aid and scholarships, too.
Online Master’s of Business Administration in Marketing
As the oldest public university in the United States (tied with two other universities) the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hasn’t failed to grow with the times. In fact, despite its historic legacy, this school offers some of the most modern and beneficial programs you’ll find.
That reputation extends to the online campus. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of programs to choose from. UNC Chapel Hill, as it’s affectionately known by students and faculty, offers degrees in more than 70 courses of study, divided into 13 professional schools. Many of these programs are available both on-campus and online.
The online Master of Business Administration has a specialty in marketing that is perfect for students who are interested in beginning or advancing a career in this rapidly changing field. You’ll learn how to connect with a global audience and also gain the skills necessary to leverage new tools and technologies and predict behavioral and purchasing trends.
The curriculum of the program recognizes that the marketing field is constantly diversifying and that the development of digital marketing has increased the demand for professionals who are creative and can solve problems in a quantitative, deliberate way.
In your classes, you’ll learn about all of the functions and aspects that drive business and not just those that are related to marketing. Because of this, you’ll bring a one-of-a-kind skillset to the table when it comes to applying for jobs.
The Master in Business Administration in marketing provides you with a more well-rounded understanding of organizations than a simple master’s in marketing might. As a result, it’s a perfect choice both for students who wish to pursue leadership roles as well as those who don’t work directly in marketing (but simply want to understand marketing a bit better).
You’ll take core courses in topics like marketing, analysis, and development. You can also pursue related electives in things like sales, pricing, negotiations, and more. Graduates have gone on to work for leading corporations such as Ebates, Xerox, GlaxoSmithKline, and more.
The best part of this program? It’s not only easy to apply to, but it’s also quite affordable. Scholarships and fellowships are available for many students. You might also qualify for military education benefits or employer sponsorship. If you plan on applying to the MBA program at UNC-Chapel Hill, it’s definitely worth checking with your employer to see if you might be able to transfer financial support to your tuition costs.
To apply for admission, you will first need to select your start date. The school offers four convenient start dates each year—one each in January, April, July, and October. You will need to submit transcripts from the schools you have attended, GMAT or GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Messiah College is a school of many names. First known as the Messiah Bible School and Mission Training Home, this school was founded in 1909 in Harrisburg, PA. Today, the school is located in Mechanicsburg, PA, and it changed its name to Messiah College in 1964.
Although this school is no longer owned by its original founders, the Brethren in Christ Church, the schools are still influenced by its traditions, which are rooted in the Anabaptist, Radical Pietist, and Wesleyan holiness movements. As a nondenominational Christian college, the school welcomes employees and students from a variety of denominations.
Messiah College has a diverse student body, but one thing that all students have in common here is a desire to learn in a hands-on way. The online Master of Business Administration in digital marketing reflects that passion.
This program, with affordable no-fee tuition and tuition rates that start at just $710 per credit hour, consists of just 36 credit hours. If that sounds like a lot of credit hours for a simple master’s degree, keep in mind that most students move quickly through the curriculum, taking only two years to finish their degrees.
In this program, you’ll gain the skills necessary to employ all the latest online advertising tools and techniques. You’ll also learn how to leverage the most up-to-date digital marketing strategies, mobile marketing, and big data analytics strategies to reach a wide audience in any area of business.
A nationally ranked MBA, this program is perfect for recent baccalaureate graduates and working professionals alike. If a full MBA isn’t what you have in mind, know that this program is also offered as a graduate certificate.
Classes start every eight weeks, with course content covering everything you need to be successful in marketing management. You will take hands-on classes such as marketing analytics, social media strategy, digital marketing, and decision-making with data.
Before you graduate and move on to a rewarding new career in marketing, you will also complete a management capstone. This capstone is meant to serve as an independent learning experience that will give you the opportunity to incorporate everything you learned in an integrative, Apple ID project. You can complete this at an organization of your own choosing.
The degrees offered by Messiah allow learners to become part of an extensive community of alumni and professionals. You’ll enjoy the prestige of a nationally ranked and recognized institution while you’re taught by faculty who have the right combination of academic credentials and practical experience to help you succeed.
To apply, you will need to submit official transcripts along with a completed application. Most successful candidates have GPAs of 3.0 or above. You will also need to submit a letter of recommendation, a resume, and a statement or purpose. Messiah has course start dates at several times throughout the year, including multiple dates each fall.
Online Master of Business Administration, Marketing Strategy Specialization
With three member institutions—the University of South Florida Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee—the University of South Florida is extensive and well-known. That’s not to say that you’ll be swept away by the crowds here, though. Despite the university’s high national ranking and global prestige, it still offers small class sizes and a close-knit learning environment to all of its students.
That’s especially true in the online graduate programs, which are facilitated and taught by the same dynamic instructors who teach on campus. While there are several graduate programs available entirely online, one of the best is the online Master of Business Administration.
The USF MBA comes with several potential concentrations, all of which are ranked highly in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best business schools. Far from being a one-size-fits-all program, this degree comes with concentrations in data analytics, healthcare analytics, compliance, risk and anti-money laundering, and of course, marketing strategy.
In the marketing strategy specialization, you’ll learn everything you need to know to succeed in marketing. For example, you can take classes in things like Supply Chain Management, Brand Management, Promotional Management, Sustainable Marketing, Marketing Strategy, and more.
A globally-regarded program, it is taught by industry leaders and can be completed on campus in Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee as well. Regardless of the location you choose, you’ll be able to network with all of your classmates and employers to enhance your skills. The school hosts regular Corporate Connections events, too, where you can interact with corporate recruiters to get a leg up on the competition.
When you enroll in the Muma School of Business MBA program, you will also be able to receive placement with an alumni mentor. You’ll receive tips on how to balance your obligations and discuss potential career paths, too, helping to expand your professional network.
There are all kinds of other ways that getting a degree from the University of South Florida can open doors for you. You’ll be able to work with a 1:1 MBA coach, participate in case competitions, and even attend career fairs. The school offers extensive career placement assistance, too.
Best yet, this degree is highly affordable. You’ll pay a total tuition cost of just $17,000 for the entire program if you live in the state. If you live out-of-state, your costs are only slightly higher at $32,000. You can apply for various scholarships and financial aid, along with corporate reimbursement programs, too. The school also offers reimbursement under the Post 9-11 GI Bill for Veterans along with several teaching and graduate assistantships.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application and application fee. You will have to submit transcripts showing that you completed a bachelor’s degree and, in most cases, GMAT or GRE test scores.
You will also be required to send in a resume, three letters of recommendation (one of which must be from a business professional or instructor) and a statement of purpose. The most qualified applicants will have several years’ worth of work experience.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
If you’re considering earning a master’s degree, it’s important that you pay attention to the hard facts and numbers—after all, the numbers don’t lie.
According to a study conducted by Northeastern University (one of many!), a Master of Business Administration is one of the smartest degrees you can earn. Not only does an MBA provide you with valuable skills that are transferable to a large array of industries, but there are also plenty of concentrations and specializations you can pursue to make your degree even more marketable.
Best yet, graduates of MBA programs tend to earn high starting salaries and are elevated quickly to managerial or other leadership positions.
But what exactly can you do with an MBA? The list of options is seemingly endless. Earning an MBA can open the door to a higher salary and advanced career position across all sectors and industries. Graduates work in in-demand fields such as marketing, finance, information technology, and even healthcare.
Regardless of the industry you choose, they all need talented business leadership that can help pave the way for success and growth.
Because of this, there are a variety of online MBA programs for you to consider, each of which offers numerous concentrations and the potential to specialize in diverse fields. Some schools offer opportunities for capstones and internships, too, so that you can not only enjoy a robust curriculum at your computer, but also get out and see what the workforce has to offer. This is a great way to explore potential career interests!
Earning a degree is going to cost you some money—there’s no way around that. However, the best online MBA programs aren’t just those that offer quality education. They’re also affordable. You don’t have to sacrifice financial freedom for a top-notch education! Many of these affordable online MBA programs offer access to a variety of financial aid options along with low tuition rates to boot.
Plus, earning an online degree tends to be cheaper overall. Because you won’t need to attend a physical campus, you can cross a lot of the major college expenses off your list (including transportation, room, and board). Some schools offer lower tuition rates for online courses, too, though this can vary.
And let’s not forget the flexibility and convenience of an online degree. When you earn an online MBA, you can earn a no-frills, no-fuss degree that doesn’t require you to abandon your current career in order to improve your education. You’ll be able to meet your professional goals and remain working at the same time.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that online programs are sub-par or somehow “less than” their on-campus counterparts, either. While it’s true that online degrees once carried a stigma, that’s no longer the case. Today, employers and universities look at online degrees with no more scrutiny or prejudice than they do programs that are offered on campus.
In fact, online programs offer the same academic rigor you’d experience on-campus along with many of the same resources. You’ll be able to access dedicated career services, library, counseling, and other resources to help you get ahead—and stay ahead.
Common Application and Admission Questions
Your first step in applying to college is to find an MBA that checks off all of your boxes. College experiences vary, but in general, most MBA programs will share a variety of common characteristics.
Accreditation is one of the most significant. In the United States, a school receives accreditation only after receiving a thorough and decisive review of its resources, faculty, and programs.
While a vast majority of the top schools in the country are regionally accredited, only a few MBA programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This is a designation earned by a small percentage of colleges around the world, and it’s a good sign that a program is well worth your time.
This is not the only factor you should consider as you are looking for programs to apply to, though. You’ll also want to consider how long it will take you to complete your online MBA. In general, most online MBAs can be completed in just three to five years (or less), but this can vary.
You may want to start by considering online schools in your area, as this will give you the flexibility to attend campus if you need or want to. However, this is of course not necessary if you are considering an online degree. You should look for a program that offers online courses that fit your schedule as well as one that offers partnerships with local and national businesses. Naturally, you’ll want to consider the affordability of the program, too.
Once you’ve made a list of colleges that sounds appealing, it’s time to decide where you want to apply. Most admissions experts strongly recommend against applying to a large number of colleges. Instead, choose just a handful. Not only does it get expensive to pay application fees to all the schools you choose to apply to, but it will make your to-do list a whole lot longer, too. Narrow down your list of options so that you have a few back-ups, but not so many that it becomes overwhelming!
As you prepare to apply, you’ll want to gather up your transcripts, create an updated resume or curriculum vitae, and take any necessary standardized tests. Transcripts are generally required from all colleges you’ve attended. While some MBA programs will require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in a specific major (such as business), others are more flexible, enabling you to apply regardless of your background.
A resume or curriculum vitae is often required to showcase that you have sufficient work experience to enroll in an MBA. If you’re fresh out of your undergraduate degree, you might want to consider alternative ways to “beef up” your resume. You can engage in internships, community service opportunities, and network with local industries to gain more experience. It’s also a good idea to collect a list of names of individuals who can serve as your professional references.
Check with your school to find out if there are any other requirements for admission. Some universities request that students have a certain grade point average (3.0 is common) while others will request a personal essay, interview, or visit to campus as part of the application process.
What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?
Did you know that, each year, thousands of dollars of scholarship monies go unawarded—simply because nobody bothered to apply?
It’s an unfortunate tragedy, but it’s a reality for many organizations and universities who regularly award merit- and need-based financial aid to students. As the costs of attending college continue to rise, it’s imperative that you, as an MBA applicant, look for ways to finance your education.
College is expensive! Unfortunately, one of the most common ways that students pay for their MBA degree is with student loans. Since the average program can cost well over $75,000 for the lifespan of tuition, according to the Financial Times, this isn’t a smart choice.
Instead, you should first exhaust all of the financial aid opportunities out there for MBA applicants.
Your first step in securing financial aid is to complete the FAFSA—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form can be filled out as early as January 1 of the year in which you plan to attend college. It utilizes information from your financial history (as well as that of your parents, if you are still a dependent) to evaluate how much financial “need” you have.
It takes some time to fill out the FAFSA, but it’s worth it, as it could make you eligible for a large assortment of federal and state grants, loans, and work-study experiences. You will need to have a few documents on hand as you prepare to file, including your most recent tax returns, W2s, and other financial statements.
Even if you don’t have any financial need, according to the FAFSA, it’s still worth your time to fill it out. Although a vast majority of need-based financial aid is set aside strictly for undergraduate students, there are still plenty of options for you to pursue. For example, many universities use the results of the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for things like student loans, work-study, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
Once you’ve exhausted all of your financial aid options with your university, it’s time to consider what else the world has to offer. There are all kinds of MBA scholarships out there via third-party organizations—it’s all about knowing what to look for, and making yourself competitive.
The key to landing one of these scholarships is to apply early. MBA scholarships can be competitive—after all, there are so many highly-qualified applicants. Get a head start by sending in your application as early as possible. Make sure you’re a great candidate, too, both on paper and off. You’ll want to polish up your GMAT or GRE scores and have a solid undergraduate GPA. Don’t be afraid of adding some work or volunteer experience to your resume, either. Often, these experiences alone are enough to land you a few thousand dollars of “free” money.
Ask around about other opportunities that might be available to you, too. Former students of a university or a specific program are often a wealth of information about scholarships (and sometimes, universities offer alumni scholarships for which the recipients can be handpicked by past students, too). You might even check with your employer, as some offer tuition reimbursement plans for higher education expenses.
How Much Can I Make With an MBA Degree?
A master’s in business administration is a highly marketable degree—and it’s also highly versatile. You might work directly with people or with products, but either way, you’re likely to find a business angle that you can pursue in just about any industry.
Because this field is so versatile, it’s tough to estimate exactly how much you will make with your MBA. The good news is that the answer is pretty consistent across the board—you’re going to earn a lot. MBA graduates tend to earn high average salaries, with data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that wages for business-related occupations were much higher than those for all workers.
Granted, you might log a few more hours on the job, especially when you’re getting started—but as long as you find a job you love, you likely won’t notice the added hours.
Some of the most common career options for MBA graduates include those in business operations, management, sales, and as financial specialists. The highest earners are those employed as management analysts or as CEOs of major companies. A management analyst in the 90th percentile of earners, for instance, will earn well over $150,220 per year. Financial analysts and personal financial advisors also earn high salaries, with some bringing in more than $187,200 per year.
And if you’d rather be involved in the day-to-day management of a company, don’t worry—you’ll find good company in the high-earning category there, too. The top earners are those who are employed as chief executives, computer and information systems managers, and marketing and sales managers. Although all salaries are respectable across this industry, these owners regularly bring in more than $119,000 to $175,000 on average.
Naturally, the highest earners in the field of business are those who go on to earn a master’s degree—and usually, that’s a Master in Business Administration. Business has been one of the most popular college majors for years, and while there are certain intrinsic traits that will help you get ahead (such as being hardworking, analytical, and a good communicator), a master’s degree has the potential to skyrocket your career success and potential wages.
If you want to increase your potential earnings, a great way to do so is to consider earning additional certifications. These certifications will help you obtain a more advanced or specialized position and help you further demonstrate your skills.
One example is a certificate with the Association of Professionals in Business Management as a certified business manager. This certification is granted to individuals who are involved in the practical management of commercial enterprises.
Another option is a certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certificate endorses your ability to lead a complicated project to successful completion.
Choosing a specialization in a field of personal interest is a good idea, too. This will enable you to pursue leadership positions in a “niche” field almost immediately upon graduation, particularly if the online program in which you enroll includes opportunities for hands-on learning via internships, co-ops, and other experiences. Some of the most popular specializations for MBA graduates include finance, healthcare, marketing, information technology, supply chain management, and project management.
What Are the Best Affordable MBA 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.
Informally established in 1876, the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University has a storied and impressive history. The school offered its first general MBA program in 1951, an expansion of its original business core that was intermingled with agricultural and mechanical programs.
Since then, the school has received a medley of accolades. It’s repeatedly recognized as one of the top public business schools in the country for its programs and faculty research. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the school is highly ranked by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and more.
In addition to multiple undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs, Texas A&M University is also home to full-time, professional, and executive MBAs. Although all of these degrees are knock-out choices for students interested in online MBAs, it’s the full-time MBA that’s best for online learners.
With this program, you’ll be able to complete two semesters in year one followed by a summer break, then a third and final semester in the second year. If you desire, you can also complete an optional fourth semester. As a result, it takes most students less than 18 months to complete their studies.
You’ll get an excellent return on investment with this program’s intensive curriculum, high internship placement rates, and instruction from world-class faculty. Class charts are small and you’ll be supported by exceptional career services.
The program includes the opportunity to pursue multiple academic tracks, including business data analytics, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, supply chain and operations, and healthcare. You’ll also take core courses in subjects such as Business Analytics, Financial Accounting, Marketing Management, and Leading People in Organizations.
While enrolled, you’ll enjoy participation options in more than 1,000 different student organizations, many of which have been developed for and by graduate business students. You’ll enjoy the support of several networks, too, including the Aggie Network. One of the most active alumni groups in the world, this network contains more than 62,000 Mays Business School alumni.
This degree is incredibly affordable, with tuition and fees coming in at around $62,000 total for Texas residents. There are four separate applications and start dates each year. Although this program is highly selective, admitting only 40% of its applicants each year, it is nonetheless quite easy to apply to. You will just need to submit a web-based application, a copy of your professional resume, transcripts, and contact information for two professional references. You will also need to supply an essay and GRE or GMAT test scores.
Ranked best in Texas and nineteenth among all U.S. public schools by Financial Times 2020, this degree is clearly worth applying to. In fact, in 2018, 89% of all MBA graduates secured employment within three months of graduation—and with an average salary of $101,878, no less.
Although most students in the Master of Business Administration at the University of North Texas are already employed when they enroll in this degree, it goes without saying that this degree is one of the best ways to enhance your career prospects.
In fact, that’s one of the top reasons why learners choose to pursue this degree—they can remain at their current positions, earn an MBA completely online, and then be promoted to an advanced position.
It’s a smart choice, that’s for sure.
The majority of classes in this online program are recorded and archived, and all are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Virtually all of the courses are taught by the same tenure- and tenure-track faculty who teach in the traditional MBA program on campus. You’ll enjoy access to all of the same assignments, exams, lectures, and course materials that you would if you chose to study on campus.
Not only that, but you’ll be able to complete this program in as few as 14 months. Courses are broken down into bite-sized eight-week chunks, making it possible for students to enjoy more flexibility as they work their courses into their professional and family lives.
As a 36-credit hour program, this accelerated degree offers easy-to-manage courses in the fall and spring along with five-week courses in the summer. You can start your studies at one of five annual start dates. You’ll learn marketable skills in teamwork, ethical conduct, quantitative analysis, and the strategic integration of business subjects.
Sample courses include Advanced Topics in Financial Management, Investment Analysis and Management, Theory of Finance, and Theory and Application of Financial Derivatives, just to name a few. You’ll have the structure of six or so required core courses, plus the freedom and flexibility to pursue elective courses in chosen areas of interest. The course—and career!—possibilities are endless.
The degree has numerous concentrations, including a business analytics pathway that is STEM-designated. Other options include marketing, marketing analytics, supply chain analytics, strategic management, and more. The average class size is just 18 students, so you can rest assured that you will get the attention from faculty members that you want and deserve.
You’ll have access to all kinds of services when you study with the University of North Texas. Not only will you still be able to receive individualized academic advising, but you can get assistance with career placement, access to a live librarian and library services, mentoring, technical support, live tutoring, and more. The school even offers dedicated resume help services just for MBA students!
Tuition is highly affordable, starting at just $800 per credit hour, and with rolling admission, there’s no reason not to consider this exceptional online program. It’s ranked as one of the Best Online MBA programs by the U.S. News & World Report, receiving high marks for its faculty credentials and training, services and technology, and student engagement.
Want to earn a starting salary of at least $67,000 per year? If so, you might want to consider enrolling in the Master of Business Administration at the University of California-Riverside.
Not only are starting salaries high, but you’ll also increase your chances of finding a job. In fact, 90% of MBA graduates from the University of California-Riverside are employed within just three months of graduation. As a result, this school is ranked as one of the Best Graduate Business Schools in the U.S. News & World Report along with many other ranking publications.
There are seven in-demand concentrations to choose from as part of this program—accounting, information systems, marketing, finance, management, and operations and supply chain management. Regardless of the one you choose, you’ll find that you gain unique skill sets and the ability to differentiate yourself as a leader in a particular field of business. You can choose just one or even two MBA concentrations, each of which requires five courses.
Not only that, but you can also take a range of electives within your concentration to continue to tailor your MBA experience to your unique interests. Not sure which classes are best for you and your goals? You’ll be able to work 1:1 with a faculty advisor to help you figure it out along the way.
Irrespective of the concentration you select, you’ll take nine core courses (or 36 quarter units) covering major topics like organizational behavior and theory, managerial economics, information systems, strategic management, and operations management. You will also be required to complete two professional workshops—Business Career Professional Development Workshop and Communication, Leadership, Teams, and Ethics.
Another mandatory component of the University of California-Riverside MBA is the fieldwork in management internship. This internship component normally begins after all other core courses have been completed. You can take a full-time internship during the summer or a part-time one during the fall or winter. If you’re already employed, you can use your experience at your job to fulfill the internship requirement.
A final capstone is also required to help you bring together everything you have learned through the duration of your studies.
As you can see, this program is not only robust and highly academic, but it’s cross-disciplinary and internationally-recognized, too. The School of Business at the University of California-Riverside is one of the fastest-growing among all of the University of California campuses. You’ll be able to build and diversify your professional experience as you accelerate your professional career.
You’ll learn from award-winning faculty as you enjoy a curriculum that builds strong theoretical foundations. The degree is a STEM-designated program so that international students may apply for 36 months of optional practical training to work in the United States, too.
Tuition is highly affordable, with military discounts and financial aid available. To apply, you will need to submit an online application along with your transcripts. GMAT/GRE test scores are not required for most candidates.
Earning an MBA doesn’t have to take ages—at the University of California Los Angeles, it can take less than two years.
Here, the Anderson School of Management prepares aspiring MBA candidates to become leaders in the business world. Recruiters from all over the world actively seek Anderson graduates for their companies. Some of the top names include Google, Goldman Sachs, and BCG, all of whom work with UCLA year after year.
Not only will you graduate with an advanced tool kit of skills and competencies that you can take with you as you build your professional expertise, but you’ll also be able to tap into a professional alumni network of more than 39,000 strong to help you build your career.
The curriculum of the full-time MBA is designed to help you create the maximum impact as you approach your career goals. You’ll take nine core courses that will help you develop a solid business foundation. Then, you can choose your own academic journey of elective courses, choosing either one or two different specializations.
Sample courses include Marketing Management, Data And Decisions, and Communication for Leaders. When it comes to specializations, you’ll have plenty to choose from, too. Options include Accounting, Corporate Finance, Brand Management, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Easton Technology Leadership, Global Management, Real Estate, and more.
All students, regardless of their concentration, are required to complete a final real-world master’s thesis that takes the form of a capstone field study project. You’ll get hands-on client experience as you research and recommend strategic solutions for some of the world’s top companies. You can either take the applied research management pathway or create your own company through the business creation option.
In addition, you’ll be able to complete a professional internship. This is meant to be carried out with one of the top companies in the world to give you insider knowledge of the business world. You’ll get hands-on experience and valuable credentials to add to your resume.
There are even global options available! You can participate in a global immersion course, complete an international field study project, or take on-campus global management elective courses. The school has study abroad programs in target regions of Asia and Latin America, with partnerships in countries such as Brazil, Chile, China, Argentina, Hong Kong, and more.
The Anderson School of Business is top-ranked by a variety of publications for its dynamic programs and exceptional career services. Of note, the school’s Parker Career Management Center is the MBA program’s dedicated connection to top companies. Advisors here work with top recruiters at organizations like Deloitte, Microsoft, Mattel, AT&T, Bank of America, and more. In short, it shouldn’t be tough for you to find a job.
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get there, either. This program is renowned for its affordable tuition and myriad of financial aid opportunities.
Looking for a program that’s top-ranked by a variety of ranking publications, including U.S. News & World Report? If so, look no further than the Master of Business Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It’s ranked not only the Best Online MBA Program by this publication, but it has also received top marks for its MBA programs in marketing, business analytics, and finance.
This is due in part to the exceptional curriculum offered via this program, but also its small class sizes. The average class contains fewer than 14 students so you’ll always feel as though you’re learning as part of a family instead of just being another face in the crowd. Most students take around two years to graduate, but you can move more quickly through the curriculum, too.
This liberal arts institution located in Chapel Hill, NC, is home to a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Master of Business Administration here consists of 62 required credits, which includes nine required courses and two in-person summits. These summits can be conducted on campus in Chapel Hill or in a city around the world via UNC-Chapel Hill’s extensive study abroad programs.
The program gives online students a tangible leg up on the job market, providing them with the skills they need to add value to organizations and for employers. In addition to the online MBA, the school also offers a full-time on-campus MBA, an evening MBA, a dual degree, and a weekend executive MBA.
While enrolled, you’ll take classes that cover topics such as analytical tools for decision making, strategic economics, business communication, and more. The program is also home to numerous elective concentrations—you can pursue concentrations in finance; entrepreneurship; data analytics; and decision-making, marketing, or strategy and consulting, depending on your personal aptitudes and professional goals.
The online MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is offered virtually through an incredibly flexible learning platform. The campus offers innovative technologies so that learners can attend from anywhere, and the flexible program length options (from 18 to 36 months) make it possible for learners to complete their studies around their schedules.
However, you won’t be solely limited to online courses, though. This program, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, also enables students to take some courses in person through the EMBA and MBA programs offered on-campus at the Kenan Flagler School of Business. You’ll also have access to individualized career management plants that can be tailored specifically to your professional and personal goals.
With rolling admission and affordable tuition that starts at just $2,205 per credit hour, this program is a no-brainer. To apply, you will need to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree and supply transcripts, a resume, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. GRE or GMAT scores are required, but waivers are often available. You can generally qualify for one of these waivers as long as you have six or more years of work experience.
No matter where you are in your career, the University of California Irvine likely has a program to help you meet your goals—and to take your career to the next level.
The full-time MBA is one of the most popular options here. It is best for early- to mid-level consultants, managers, and analysts. As a 21-month program that starts each fall, it’s best for individuals who don’t yet have a lot of work experience. There’s also a fully-employed MBA. It’s similar to the full-time MBA except that it’s meant to be carried out on a part-time basis over the duration of 24-to 33-months.
With this option, courses start each spring and fall and there’s a hybrid option for online learners. You’ll only have to attend campus a few Saturdays per year. Again, this is a great option for students with limited work experience.
However, if you have a bit more experience, the University of California Irvine does also have an MBA for executives. This program is designed for directors, managers, and executives with at least eight years of professional experience. Also a 21-month program, it is meant to be carried out on campus.
Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll find that these MBA programs, offered by the Paul Merage School of Business, are incredibly forward-thinking and perfect for aspiring business professionals. They are co-curricular and offer flexibility for unparalleled learning experiences.
All have a focus on technology, including unique integration of core technologies like IoT, blockchain, 5G, and AI. You’ll learn all about the core business concepts necessary for success in the past, as well as the competencies that are needed in a 21st-century business world.
This MBA program is fully STEM-designated, meaning you can deepen your understanding of both management science and quantitative methods. The program is also one of the few of its kind to offer analytics in digital leadership concentration. This concentration is directly aligned with specific managerial functions in data science, data analytics, strategy, and business intelligence.
Although you’ll take most of your classes remotely, you’ll still benefit from the University of California’s idyllic location. Situated in the heart of Orange County’s Tech Coast, you will find yourself surrounded by a network of cutting-edge tech businesses, such as Google, Amazon, and Western Digital. You’ll also have access to a variety of digitally-savvy firms like Disney, Hyundai, Taco Bell, and Capital Group.
This business school is consistently ranked among the top 5% of business schools worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. When you choose to study here, you’ll gain the professional competencies necessary to step into any learning environment and you’ll be able to collaborate with dynamic classmates on a daily basis.
An affordable program, this degree is ranked as one of the best full-time MBA programs in the United States by Financial Times and features an innovative, career-focused curriculum.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International since 1976, Appalachian State University is among just a third of U.S. business schools and 15% of business programs worldwide to hold such accreditation.
It’s consistently ranked as one of the best business schools by the Princeton Review—and as you might expect, it’s also one of the best places to earn a Master of Business Administration.
This degree will provide you with the professional preparation necessary to engage in a dynamic global environment as a business leader. You can complete it in just one year by taking classes full-time on campus in Boone, or you can complete it in two years by taking classes part-time online.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll find that you receive initialized attention via customized classes, dedicated career services, and personally-tailored academic advising. You’ll also have access to extensive professional development activities and soft skills training. At the heart of this program are networking and team building—two concepts that are integral as you build your career as a business leader. You’ll find yourself surrounded by Appalachian support both before, during, and after you have completed your studies.
The program features seven concentrations, many of which are also available to online learners. These concentrations include business analytics, interdisciplinary business, economics, international business, supply chain management, leading and managing human resources, and sustainable business.
You will take classes in the Walker College of Business, receiving an education in business that offers high value for its cost. You’ll be guided by a dedicated academic advisor who will assist you with your program of study throughout every step of the way. You’ll have access to plenty of professional, leadership, and career development opportunities, including an optional international experience. Even if you choose to take most of your courses online, you can participate in a study-abroad opportunity in another country regardless.
All classes here have small class sizes, meaning you’ll enjoy intimate classroom interaction both on-campus and off. You can choose to pursue a global emphasis, which can include study abroad in traditional and emerging markets. Many students choose to study via the Holland Fellows Program for Business Study in Asia, which will enable you to study and collaborate with students from Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
You will benefit from a large variety of additional campus resources, too, even as you pursue your journey online. Student support services include scholarships, academic advising, and the BB&T Student Leadership Center, which gives opportunities for business students to build valuable life and job skills through professional development training.
With three potential start dates per year, this program is easy to apply to and features affordable tuition. There are a number of financial aid opportunities available as well. There are scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships available to support degree-seeking students.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application along with contact information for three professional references. A resume is also required, as are official transcripts and results from the GRE or GMAT examination.
Choose to study at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University, and you’ll learn from the very best.
This school is home to a number of MBA programs that are designed to help and train students at all levels of their professional lives. Available as a full-time MBA, a professional MBA, and an executive MBA, it will be easy for you to find the path that’s right for you. Each MBA comes with a medley of specializations for you to choose from, three of which are STEM-designated to appeal to international students in particular.
The full-time MBA is a two-year program comprising 30 credit hours of courses, or the equivalent of ten core courses, along with six electives (18 credits). You’ll take classes both on-campus and online. You can customize your program with optional specializations and a variety of international study tours, while at the same time enjoying the universal benefits of cohort-and team-based learning.
The program offers comprehensive, personalized academic and career services—plus, you’ll learn from faculty who are engaged in cutting-edge research and committed to excellence in teaching.
The degree features numerous STEM-designated specializations in Information Systems, Finance, and Business Analytics. As an international student, you will also have the opportunity to extend your Optional Practical Training work permit for up to 36 months after graduation.
Are you still exploring options at the undergraduate level? If so, you may want to consider the 3+2 concurrent MBA program at Ivy. This degree is available for students in science and technology, engineering, and ensign majors at Iowa State, and enables students to earn a degree both in their undergraduate major as well as an MBA within just five years.
In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to work with your classmates to develop your leadership, communications, and collaboration skills. The core curriculum will encourage you to solve problems by thinking in an analytical and creative fashion.
You’ll also be able to interact with guest speakers and workshops that will enhance your soft skills and networking. You can work alongside MBA peers to serve as a consultant for a local nonprofit organization or you might choose to participate in a case competition—an experience that is often viewed as a culminating event within the MBA core curriculum.
As the highest-ranked full-time MBA program in Iowa, this degree is perfect for students who want to enjoy all the benefits of team-based learning. You’ll have access to personalized career and academic services as you learn from faculty who are engaged in cutting-edge research. Ranked as one of the best by U.S. News & World Report, this degree is also incredibly affordable. There is financial aid funding for scholarships as well as graduate assistantships.
Still not sure? Consider this—within just 90 days of graduation, 100% of 2017-2018 full-time Ivy MBA graduates were employed in their respective fields. Not too shabby!
If you’re looking for an MBA with an international focus, you won’t find a better option than what is offered by Texas A&M International University. Surprised? You shouldn’t be—after all, it’s in the name! Offered by the A.R. Sanchez Jr School of Business, this degree is clearly one of the best.
Texas A&M International University offers multiple MBA concentrations that make it possible for you to earn a degree regardless of your career aspirations or background. There are three out of four potential concentrations that include electives based on international courses—international business, international banking and finance, and international trade and logistics. The final concentration option, management, is an inclusive program that is a wonderful fit for generalists.
All concentrations consist of 30 credit hours of study and are meant to be completed in just over a year. You’ll deepen your knowledge of core business concepts through accelerated seven-week courses. There are numerous start dates per year so that you can begin making progress toward the career of your dreams whenever the mood strikes you.
Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll find that this Master of Business Administration program can hone your financial and planning skills by helping you learn how to analyze market and financial variables. You’ll examine a wide variety of business scenarios in your work as you gain a robust knowledge base that enables you to evaluate and resolve an array of modern business challenges.
Not only that, but the concentration in international business is also offered in Spanish. This program is ranked as one of the Best Online MBA Programs by the U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans. Most classes have fewer than 20 students—you will love how close-knit your classes are.
The program is not limited to applicants with business backgrounds, but if you already hold an undergraduate degree in business, you can complete the program in just 15 months. If you don’t have this background, not to worry—you can complete an MBA Prep Module in one semester or in a summer term. That way, you’ll be able to catch up with the rest of the cohort without having to spend more time in school.
Tuition for this program is incredibly affordable, starting at just $499 per credit. A medley of financial aid opportunities are available for new and returning students alike, including grants and other forms of financial assistance. You can apply at any time, since this program has rolling admissions. The program does not require GRE or GMAT test scores in many situations.
In fact, Texas A&M International has an incredibly generous admissions policy. As long as you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a resume with three references, you can be granted automatic admission. Otherwise, you’ll just need to submit a 300-word essay, two letters of recommendation, and test scores.
Although admission to the MBA program at SUNY College at Oswego is rolling, you won’t want to wait long to apply to this rewarding degree.
It’s perfect for working professionals—in fact, up to 90% of current MBA students here are already employed when they enroll. Because of this, the degree is designed to offer maximum flexibility to learners. All online classes are recorded and archived. Not only that, but the program’s courses are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
You’ll enjoy an affordable value in this accredited degree, along with a curriculum that can be more or less customized to meet your unique career goals. You’ll also get flexible student support and instruction from the same faculty who teach on-campus in traditional courses. It features numerous concentrations, including those such as marketing, general management, finance, accounting, and healthcare administration.
Customizable, affordable, and diverse, this degree features award-winning faculty who stress practical problem-solving scenarios. The coursework in the program is constantly evolving with the latest trends in business and industry. Not only can you pursue the stand-alone Master of Business Administration here, but SUNY College at Oswego has an array of other options you might consider, too.
Many are offered on-campus with online course options. These include the MBA in health services administration, the advanced certificate in nursing home administration, and the MBA in public accounting. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to be successful. In the college’s last career survey of graduates, 32% were promoted while in the MBA program, while another 20% were promoted after receiving their MBA (either by their employer or by receiving a new position).
The average class size here contains fewer than 17 students, so you can rest assured that you’ll receive only the closest, most personalized instruction. Online courses are taught via a medley of instructional approaches, including live streaming video and audio, recorded video and audio, smartphone apps, and more.
As a student in this degree, you’ll have access to all the technical support you might need along with resources like writing workshops, academic counseling, career placement assistance, and more. You will be able to customize your curriculum with an elective focus so that you can combine your foundational coursework with your passions.
Tuition starts at just $750 per credit hour in this affordable program, which is ranked not only as one of the Best Online MBA Programs overall by the U.S. News & World Report, but also as one of the Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans. It is also recognized as a top-5 program nationally for the enrollment of women in 2018 by the U.S. News & World Report.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application along with your supporting documents. Generally, this includes a transcript from every college you have attended (there is no specific major listed as a prerequisite for the master’s degree). You will also need to submit a resume describing your work experience along with letters of recommendation. Although admissions is rolling, you should aim to get your materials in as soon as you can—there’s no time to waste!
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Earning an online MBA degree can be one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. But how long does it take to get an MBA online?
It can be a bit overwhelming to imagine hitting the books again. That’s especially true if you’ve been out of school for a while. It’s even more intimidating if you’ve just completed your bachelor’s degree and can’t imagine having to attend one more class.
How long is an MBA degree?
The good news is that many of the best online MBA degree programs offer many different options to meet students’ needs. Some programs last less than a year while others can take up to ten. Whatever the case may be, there is definitely a program out there that will fit your schedule.
MBA programs vary in length. Answering the question of how long it takes to earn one can be tricky.
Whatever the case may be, completing an MBA program of study, whether on-campus or through the many online programs out there, is a smart choice for your personal and professional life.
There are a few factors that affect the length of your MBA program.
Full Time MBA Program vs. Part Time MBA Program
First, consider how long you want to take to complete your degree. Consider family, work, and all other factors. This will help you determine how many credits you can take at once from the business school without feeling overwhelmed.
A 3-credit class generally requires up to 18 hours of coursework per week. Most graduate schools consider anything less than 9 credits per semester to be part time MBA programs. An accelerated MBA program will be one that includes more than 9 courses per semester. You will be able to graduate in a year or less, but you’ll have to put in a lot more work to earn an accelerated MBA, too.
On-Campus vs. Online Program
The amount of time for an MBA degree varies based on whether you want to study on-campus or online. Taking courses on a college campus works better for some students. However, these classes tend to meet at fixed times. That’s why many working professionals find it easier to get an MBA as online students.
The flexibility offered by online business schools is something that can’t be beat. There’s no commute and no scheduled meet time. You can get an MBA education even while working full-time.
Standard vs. Fast Track
Even if you don’t think you’ll be able to take more than 9 credits per semester, you might want to consider an accelerated master’s degree. Also known as a fast track program, these don’t always require more credit hours of study. However, they might condense semesters into shorter 8-week terms. They might include fewer core course requirements or the ability to start taking classes when you are still an undergraduate as well.
Admissions Requirements
Most MBA programs require the completion of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Council) test. This doesn’t necessarily add time to how long it takes to get an MBA. However, it does add time before you can even start your degree. This can be significant for people who are interested in completing MBA programs in a hurry!
How Long to Get MBA Online With Dual Degrees
Some full-time MBA programs have other built-in options that you may want to pursue. Are you interested in executive MBA programs? Dual degree programs, like a joint JD/MBA or MPH/MBA? If so, this will add time to your degree completion timeline. However, most MBA students find it well worth the extra effort. There are more career options to choose from when you graduate, after all!
MBA Degree: How Long to Prepare
When considering how long to get MBA online, you’ll want to consider not just the program length but also how much time it will take you to prepare.
We mentioned earlier that you may have to account for time to take the GMAT. It’s important to contact your business school when you apply. They will be able to tell you if the GMAT is a requirement for your degree program. You might qualify for a waiver even if it is. Usually, work experience is necessary for this waiver.
If you’re pursuing an online degree, some admissions requirements might be more relaxed. You may not have to do an interview (or it might be completed over Zoom). Most degree programs, including an on-campus program or even an accelerated one year MBA program online, will require the following:
Letters of recommendation
Transcripts
Resume
Personal essay
It can take more than a year to apply for a business education. It takes time to take the prerequisite tests and meet all the requirements. You need to budget for this time even before you are able to attend classes!
Once you are enrolled, many MBA programs will let you come up with your own course of study. Consider which elective courses will help you earn the graduate degree that best advances your career. Also think about which will allow you to study at your own pace.
While a traditional MBA with few electives or work experiences will take less than two years to complete, it may not be ideal. You might be better off choosing a program that provides you with more job opportunities, networking opportunities, and the ability to pursue dual degrees.
What is the Maximum MBA Length of Time?
How long do MBA programs take?
On average, most online MBA degree programs last about two to three years. Many programs use a cohort approach to coursework. This means that a group of students enter the program together and progress through all requirements together.
The classes have a lock-step format. There is a prescribed order of coursework that must be followed. A lot of the programs that use the cohort model will still allow students to break out of the sequential program. This makes it possible to pursue a more relaxed pace of their choosing.
Other schools that do not use the cohort approach have a wider range of expected completion dates. Again, on average, most students finish in approximately two years. With either method, there are programs that allow students five, six, seven–even up to ten years–to complete their online MBA degrees.
The online MBA programs with the longest completion allowances we discovered in our research are:
How Long Does it Take to Earn An MBA Online in an Accelerated Program?
There are plenty of online MBA degree programs that offer accelerated programs.
The average time commitment for many accelerated MBA programs ranges from 18 to 21 months. These programs cater to the professional that wants to get a degree as quickly as possible. Some follow the cohort format, and some do not.
Often these programs are offered to the professional who has a business degree from an accredited undergraduate school. Examples of such schools are:
How long are MBA programs? The short answer – it depends. “How long is MBA program” is a question that’s commonly asked. You need to know how much time you’re going to have into this pursuit, and that’s fair!
But when considering how long for MBA degrees, know that it’s always worth it.
Whether your goal is to get an online MBA degree quickly (in as little as twelve months) or if you want to take your time (up to as long as ten years), there is an online MBA degree program for you.
Check out the best MBA programs online for more information. However, know that regardless of the online MBA you choose, you’re sure to benefit from the extra effort. An MBA not only increases your earning potential but will provide you with the professional networks you need to be successful.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you looking for the best schools for masters in public administration degrees? You’ve come to the right place. We can help with your school search for online MPA programs.
As a public administration graduate, you’ll be well-versed in both the holistic and humanistic approaches to administration—as well as those that are more technical and practical in nature. You’ll take classes in liberal arts disciplines like sociology and anthropology as well as those in more hands-on fields like urban planning and public policy.
This unique blend of theoretical and hands-on training will provide you with the skills you need for a successful career in the public sector. A professional degree is best suited for individuals who want to develop their leadership and management skills while still having a wide variety of careers available for them to choose from.
If you’re not sure what the benefit of earning a public administration graduate degree is, just look around you! The evidence of this degree’s value is everywhere.
From the traffic signals at your town’s busiest intersection to the fire hydrants that dot the sidewalks, the work of a public administration graduate can be seen just about anywhere. From residential to commercial construction, utility work to road projects, there is a lot that happens behind the scenes to maintain necessary facilities and services.
That’s where you come in.
If you’re interested in contributing to these inner workings, whether it’s at the local, state, or federal level, or even if you’re just passionate about helping a cause in the community, a career in public administration is a good fit for your passions. You could work in a variety of roles, including as a city manager, recreation manager, urban and regional planner, in public and nonprofit sectors, human resource management or even a policy analyst.
Your background in public administration—combined with a few years of leadership experience—could even land you a role in public office or a job teaching at the college level!
There’s truly no disadvantage to earning a master of public administration, and with the now-widespread availability of online degree programs, there’s no reason to continue procrastinating on earning a degree.
You can earn a degree from anywhere in the world, including from your very own couch (or hey—you can work on classes while you’re lying in bed. We won’t judge you!). Online degrees are often more affordable than their on-campus counterparts and they add a great deal of value to your already-impressive resume. There are many online MPA programs, so let us help with your school search.
Plus, you’ll be able to schedule your classes around your personal and professional obligations. We get that you’re busy and have other commitments—with an online master, you no longer have to choose between advancing your education and living the rest of your life. You truly can have your cake and eat it too! Students complete these MPA online programs and go onto leadership positions in a variety of careers. You may be interested in community development, government agencies, nonprofit management- consider an online education that will move your career forward.
By now, you likely realize the benefit of earning a degree in public administration. But do you know what to look for? Finding the right master’s degree can be tough, but fortunately, we’re here to help you on your journey toward finding the perfect fit.
So without further ado, here are some masters in public administration best schools to consider in your search! You can find an online MPA program that will work best for you.
What Are the Best Online Master of Public Administration Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start when looking for a master’s in public administration. 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.
Executive Master of Public Service & Administration
As the only school in Texas to hold simultaneous designations as a space, land, and sea grant institution, it’s easy to see why Texas A&M University, College Station tops our list of the best online master’s in public administration.
The online degree in public administration from Texas A&M University, College Station is offered by the Bush School of Government & Public Service. It has only one week of residency per year, meaning just two weeks of seat-time on campus total during the entirety of this two-year program.
It comes with multiple options for tracks, making it possible for you to tailor the degree toward your unique career goals. You can choose from concentrations in nonprofit management, public management, or even homeland security. All courses for all of these selections are available entirely online. You’ll complete 18 hours in your selected track area to give you a more customized approach to public service and administration.
In total, you’ll complete around 39 graduate credit hours of study. You can graduate in just two to three years depending on your schedule and how quickly you’d like to move through your coursework. Courses start in the fall, spring, and summer semesters for maximum convenience.
Before you graduate, you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to your final project in a culminating applied capstone experience. In this experience, you’ll work 1:1 with a nonprofit or government profit, putting your new skills to work in a real-world setting.
Graduate from this program and you’ll automatically become a part of the Aggie Network. This network connects more than 527,000 proud former students around the world. There’s a strong sense of community in this degree,
This kind of practical experience is just one reason why this program is ranked as one of the best programs in public affairs by the U.S. News & World Report. It’s also named a “Best Value” in Online Executive MPA Programs by Value Colleges and is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. If you want to work in nonprofit organizations or public service you should consider this public administration program.
Another top MPA university is Liberty University. Here, you’ll be able to truly maximize your potential as a future leader by earning a master’s degree in public administration. The master’s in public administration is delivered 100% online and broken down into 8-week courses. You can transfer up to 50% of the total degree requirements, too—a beneficial feature if you’ve already started earning credits at another institution.
In this online master’s, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to work as a civic leader at the county, state, national, or global level. Whether you’re interested in working in government, the private sector, or for a nonprofit organization, this online master’s is the right choice for you. Public and nonprofit organizations will both be good career options for you.
The curriculum for this online master’s is incredibly diverse and varied, taking you on a journey of self-exploration and a broader understanding of public administration as you earn credits. You’ll complete 36 credit hours of study as you delve deep into topics like community economic development and the art of public policy analysis. This will help you learn how to develop a sense of community while also helping an existing organization adapt to new policies.
You can complete all of your requirements for this program in less than two years. It comes with optional specializations in things like:
urban planning
public and nonprofit management
law and public policy
fire administration
healthcare
disaster management
business and government
There is also a general track if you don’t have any interest in a specialization.
This online master’s, offered by the Helms School of Government, takes a highly practical approach to public administration. The school is ranked by Niche.com as one of the top 5 online schools in America—and it’s also one of the most affordable. While most schools have increased their tuition dramatically in recent years (even if just to keep up with the pace of inflation) Liberty has not. Tuition has not increased in six years! When looking at online MPA programs, consider this one from Liberty University.
A public university in Los Angeles, CA, California State University-Northridge has had a major influence on the local and state economy. If you decide to pursue the Master of Public Administration degree here, you, too, can learn how to best impact and improve local communities.
The Master MPA at California State University-Northridge is another one of the best in the country. In fact, it is California’s leading provider of MPA degrees and the third-largest in the country (ranked just behind Harvard and Columbia). You can choose to complete this degree either fully online or in-person, depending on your needs and preferences.
With more off-campus locations than any other provider, California State makes it easy for any student to earn a degree in public administration. The school partners closely with 10 Los Angeles County Agencies as well as two counties and eight cities outside of LA. This close connection with the public sector ensures that all graduates can become effective agents of change in their local communities as well.
The online master’s is perfect for administrations and staff who are currently employed in the private, public, or nonprofit sectors and wish to enhance their skills in those areas. You’ll build a strong working relationship with countless public sector administrators as you go about your courses, something that will help you both personally and professionally.
Not only that, but you can choose between multiple concentrations in high-growth areas of the public sector. These include:
Public Sector Management and Leadership
Nonprofit Sector Management
Health Administration
As a result, this online master’s is one of the highest-ranked degrees in public administration in the entire country. In addition to the many attributes and accolades listed above, California State is also ranked second in Wall Street Journal’s listing of the schools with the most diverse learning environments. Not too shabby!
Originally known as Texas Technological College, Texas Tech University has degrees in more than 150 courses of study.
The Master of Public Administration at Texas Tech University is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Through your courses, you’ll gain a professional skills-based education that will support you as you work as a manager, policy analyst, or public leader.
It is offered entirely online as well as on campus in Lubbock, Waco, Sherman, and Dallas/Fort Worth. There are multiple specializations available including:
health care administration
public management
environmental policy and administration
nonprofit management
Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll enter the workforce equipped with the skills in general public management that you need to be a successful leader. Class sizes are small for this public administration degree, with all capped at 15 students and some having as few as just five students.
Before you graduate from this online master’s, you will also complete an internship in the surrounding community. Texas Tech has partnerships with dozens of nearby organizations but you can also self-select a partnering organization in your community to suit your needs. This will help give you valuable hands-on experience with a public service organization before you even graduate.
An affordable program, it costs less than $30,187 for most students. There are numerous scholarships and assistantships to help lower these costs even more, with about 70% of all full-time students here receiving financial support of some form.
Most courses for this online MPA program are offered in an asynchronous fashion to offer you the flexibility you need to complete your degree. The program has a 90% job placement rate within six months of graduation, a figure that shows a promising and solid return on investment.
Another one of the best masters of public administration programs can be found at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Offered by the School of Government, this program is top-ranked for public affairs by the U.S. News & World Report. It has an impressive 96% job placement rate within six months, an impressive figure that is due in part to the program’s broad alumni network of more than 1500 proud graduates all around the country.
When you decide to enroll in this online master’s, you’ll be making a smart choice. The UNC School of Government has provided quality education in programs like public administration for more than eight decades. You’ll benefit from the same top-ranked MPA program that is offered on-campus and still be able to work closely with classmates and faculty all around the world.
The degree is accredited by the Network of School of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. A 45-credit hour program, it is designed to fit your unique career interests. To that end, a number of concentrations are available for this online MPA program including:
public health
public management
local government
international relations
nonprofit management
There are multiple immersion experiences you can participate in, such as on-campus meet and greets and presentations. You can even take cross-university electives to allow you to diversify your degree even more.
Throughout every step of the way, you’ll benefit from close interactions with expert faculty. You will receive one-on-one mentoring and enjoy class sizes that are small and close-knit. You’ll take classes in things like:
Public Administration Analysis and Evaluation
Public Financial Management
Law for Public Administration
A highly affordable program, this degree has multiple options for available scholarships. Online students can apply for funding via merit-based scholarships, local and state government employee tuition matching, and other more specific awards, like the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy Scholarship.
A private Catholic research university, Villanova University is located, as you might guess, in Villanova, PA. Founded by the Augustinians in 1842, it has a commitment to public service and to the improvement of local communities.
It is here where you will find another one of the best master’s programs. The public administration degree program offers the same curriculum, faculty, and degree options as the on-campus program of the same name. In fact, the two are totally identical—with the exception, of course, being that online students get the added convenience of a 100% flexible course format.
You can complete your courses in as little as two years, if you choose, or take up to six to complete your course requirements. You’ll benefit from a vibrant alumni network, a proud student body, and plenty of community partnerships to boot.
You can choose to complete the degree by itself or in combination with one of three different public administration graduate certificates such as:
City Management
Nonprofit Management
Public Administration
Classes start every eight weeks, making it easy to jump in when you feel ready to begin your studies.
This school is ranked as one of the top 50 National Universities for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report. The MPA program itself is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Public Affairs, and Administration—a hallmark of its excellence and affordability.
The University of Central Florida is home to another one of the best schools for public administration degrees. It takes just two years to complete and is designed for future leaders who want to make a serious impact.
Recognized as one of the top public affairs programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the degree will provide you with training in a variety of fields, including strategic planning, organizational management, public policy, and financial management.
Core courses include topics such as:
Strategic Planning and Management
Advanced Concepts and Applications in Public Administration
Public Administrators in the Governance Process
One more feature to note? This program has affordable tuition that starts at just $369.65 per credit hour. You can’t beat that kind of affordability! This master’s in public administration can help you continue a career in public sector organizations, community development or government and nonprofit agencies.
Another one of the best masters of public administration schools is San Diego State University.
It requires no GRE for admission and takes just 16 months to complete.
You’ll pay a total of less than $20,000 for your entire program, making this one of the most affordable degrees around. A total of 36 credit hours are required, with all courses taught in six two-month modules for maximum convenience.
You will take courses such as:
Public Financial Management
Public Personnel Administration
Research Methods in Public Administration
You’ll be able to complete a capstone course addressing a challenge in a local community organization (or in your own place of employment, if you choose). If financial management, public affairs, or public management is interesting to you, this could be the public administration online program for you.
The degree is ranked as one of the top five public administration programs in California, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
At the University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, you’ll find another one of the best public administration programs. This degree is ranked within the top 15% of MPA programs around the country. In Colorado, this is the only accredited program of its kind.
You will take a total of 36 credit hours of study in this program, taking a unique blend of public policy and public administration courses. You’ll study topics such as organizational management, human resources, leadership, budgeting, and more.
You’ll also take a deep dive into the ways policy affects public administration, how to write effective policies, and how to critically analyze policies of all kinds. It is an immersive program that will improve your ability to make evidence-based management decisions to improve policy.
It comes with multiple options for concentration, including those in:
Disasters
Hazards and Emergency Management
Education Policy
Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Nonprofit Management
Environmental Policy and Management
If you’re looking for a public administration program that offers a quality education paired with affordability, this is the one you need to consider. Tuition starts at just $526 per credit hour.
Florida International also has one of the best masters in public administration. The degree is ranked as the ninth best in the country by U.S. News & World Report and makes it easy for you to earn your credentials on your own time.
Classes are offered exclusively online on an annual rotation, allowing you to take one to four graduate courses at once. The program has rolling admissions for maximum flexibility and is taught by an MPA faculty body that is the largest in all of South Florida.
You will complete a total of 42 credit hours of study. There’s an option to complete a public service internship, but if you already have extensive hands-on experience, you may be able to waive this requirement.
You’ll also take courses in things like Human Resources Management and Policy, Smart Governance, and Policy Analysis and Program Planning, just to name a few. You can choose to specialize in other areas like:
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Comparative and International Public Administration
Urban Policy Innovations
The program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. You’ll gain access to one of the largest alumni networks in the region, with over 3,500 MPA graduates represented all over the country.
In addition to that extensive alumni network that is in place and ready to start helping you network immediately, you’ll also be able to tap into the resources offered by the extensive Career Services Department at FIU.
You can easily take a look at the master of public administration rankings we gave you in this post to get an idea of which schools are the best fit, but without understanding what a public administration master’s degree actually is, that’s not a lot of help.
A master of public administration is a master’s degree specializing in public affairs. It prepares graduates to serve in state, municipal, federal, and nongovernmental roles. As a graduate of one of these programs, you’ll understand the specific challenges faced by those in public administration, working toward developing and managing policies, managing and implementing public programs and setting up infrastructure and development plans.
Essentially, an MPA is the equivalent of an MBA, but in the public sector rather than the business world. It’s the perfect fit for candidates who want to work at the global scale and prepares graduates for upper level management positions.
What is the best online MPA, no GRE required?
The GRE, or the Graduate Records Examination, is a core requirement for many master’s programs around the country. Most MPAs require this test for admission, too.
However, there are plenty of schools that do not. Some online programs that waive this requirement include:
Temple University
Johns Hopkins University
Purdue University
Northcentral University
There are other programs, like the University of Nebraska MAP, that require the GRE but offer multiple opportunities through which you can receive a GRE waiver. Do your research if you’re concerned about taking this exam! You have options, to say the least.
Besides the GRE, other admissions requirements for MPA programs vary between different schools. In general, you’ll be expected to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college usually with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Most colleges do not require a bachelor’s degree in public administration in order to fulfill this undergraduate education requirement—any major will do. However, it’s important to touch base with your school of choice before you complete your application so you know exactly what will be expected of you.
In addition to the GRE (sometimes) and your undergraduate transcripts, there are a few other documents you should plan on submitting. Again, these requirements vary between schools. Most of the time, you’ll need to submit things like letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. In some cases, work experience is another core requirement.
What jobs can you get with a public administration (MPA)?
When you graduate with an MPA, your job opportunities will be incredibly varied. You’ll be primed for just about any leadership role in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. You could work in:
business
policy
finance
law
management
You can work as an analyst, grant writer, research, or program manager. You can work in local government, in strategic planning, public affairs, nonprofit organizations, public management, or human resource management.
Just about every industry requires MPAs, from charitable organizations to schools, human rights groups to public media. These jobs can be highly competitive, however, which is why it is so important to get a quality education from one of the best schools around.
Three of the most common job titles for people who have earned MPAs are budget analysts, fundraising managers, and an urban and regional planner.
As a budget analyst, your job will be to help public and private organizations plan out their finances. Although a bachelor’s degree and a few courses in things like accounting and statistics are usually the basic requirements for admission to this program, keep in mind that earning a graduate degree will make you that much more competitive.
You could also work as a public relations and fundraising manager. You’ll be in charge of creating materials that will improve the public image of your client or employer and coordinate campaigns to help bring in donations for your organization.
Finally, you could also work as an urban or regional planner. A master’s degree is a basic requirement for this job, particularly one that’s offered by an accredited planning program. You’ll work with communities and municipalities to develop programs and plans that revolutionize facilities, accommodate population growth, and create and support
What kinds of public administration course requirements are there?
When you enroll in a public administration degree, you’ll take interdisciplinary courses that cover topics like:
sociology
economics
economic analysis
anthropology
law
political science
Most students will take around two years to complete their degrees, although there are some executive MPA programs that can be completed in just one year, provided that you have some experience in your industry.
Aside from the broad liberal arts requirements, you’ll likely take more specialized courses in things like:
international affairs
law
urban planning
political theory
public service leadership
Many MPA programs provide students with the opportunity to intern or complete other hands-on work in the discipline.
Not only that, but another benefit of earning a master’s in public administration is that you will be able to expand your professional network. You’ll be working in a public sector role that will afford you access to a large network of professionals with varying levels of experience. That’s great news when it comes to building a network for finding a job later on.
Last but not least, a master’s of public administration may enable you to find additional job opportunities around the world. Many of these programs have an international focus, examining the ways in which other global governments and economies respond to public issues.
Is a public administration master’s worth it?
If you’re curious about whether it’s worth the effort to earn a public administration master’s degree, the short and sweet answer to that question is this—absolutely.
As a budget analyst, you could earn up to $78,970 per year. The top earners in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, were those who worked for the federal government and in professional, scientific, and technical services, though wages were comparatively high across all sectors.
If you choose to work as a fundraising manager, your job prospects will be even better. This job is expected to grow at a rate of more than 13% which is much faster than average. Again, all you need is a bachelor’s degree to qualify for one of these jobs, but if you choose to pursue a master’s, you could earn an annual salary in excess of $118,430 per year. The highest 10% earned more than $208,000!
Last but not least, consider the potential salary you might receive if you work as an urban and regional planner. These jobs are also in high demand, expected to grow at a rate of about 7% by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for these positions can be found all over the country, with many employers even allowing remote work in some cases.
Although the salary isn’t quite as lofty as what you might expect from a job as a fundraising manager, it’s still impressive. You could bring in an average salary of around $75,950 per year, with the top 10% of workers earning $102,390!
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
The computer science industry is booming. More businesses than ever are developing online spaces. More businesses are shifting more of their business to the digital world.
There’s no better time to earn a masters of computer science.
The world is more connected to the growing web of computers, mobile devices, and cloud networks. The need for skilled programmers and computer experts is growing, too. Master’s degrees are essential.
Computer science is now a standard field at most major universities. You can accomplish a lot with a bachelor’s degree in the subject. But acquiring a computer science masters degree is still valuable. It can lead to a higher salary ceiling and more interesting job opportunities. It’s not often intended as a degree for further research pursuits or as a stepping stone to a PhD.
Ready to get started? The first step is to take a look at our list of the best computer science programs.
This masters degree in computer science is a terminal degree. It prepares you for specialized work in the computer science field.
Plus, it is more important than ever before to stand out from the high number of computer science majors entering the workforce. A Master’s degree is a perfect way to do just that. Do you enjoy solving mathematical or logic problems? Do you like completing projects through quantitative reasoning? Then you will be a great fit for a Master’s in computer science.
A Master of Science in CS at a top school for computer scienceallows you to do lots of things for a career. You won’t be limited to data crunching or programming.
Computer science majors can enter dynamic and interesting fields. Examples include cyber-security, data analytics, or digital design.
With a master’s in computer science, you’ll be able to:
Design and develop software
Make existing software more efficient
Help businesses secure themselves against growing malware threats
You aren’t limited to one sector when you earn a Master of Science in Computer Science, either. Both the government and private companies need skilled computer science experts. This variety demonstrates the multitude of positions available for those with the right skills.
Keep reading to learn more about the best computer science masters programs!
The exact admissions criteria for any Master’s program will vary among each of the top computer science universities in USA. But most computer science programs have a few common requirements to be aware of.
Can you get a masters in computer science without CS undergrad? Yes and no. Almost all computer science programs ask that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. An acceptable bachelor’s degree will deal with math, statistics, programming, or computer engineering.
Of course, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is the logical degree to pursue, too. Most computer science programs also have a preferred programming language, such as C++ or JavaScript. Not having a computer science background in a specific language does not often disqualify you from acceptance.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated subject, you may have to take additional prerequisite courses to qualify for a CS Master’s program. There are a few Master’s computer science programs that may accept graduate students without a bachelor’s degree. In most cases, these are joint BS/MS degree pathways where students enter a fast-track program. In this program, you will be able to complete both a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in five years. That’s from start to finish for this fifth year master’s program!
Most Master’s computer science programs have a minimum GPA requirement. This is usually around 3.0 or above. This number can vary from school to school. It’s always a good idea to target a higher than required GPA. In addition, all Master’s students must take the Graduate Record Examinations or GRE.
These computer tests measure your aptitude in a number of areas. It includes verbal reasoning, critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. All of these are important for graduate work in any field. Computer science Master’s programs may have high GRE minimums or thresholds that must be met.
Students who have some level of professional experience will be given a higher priority for acceptance. Lots of Master’s computer science programs want at least two letters of recommendation. These should be from the faculty of your previous school or your employers.
Other topics and areas of specialization for a degree in computer science include:
Computer graphics
Software development
Database systems
New programming languages/older programming language
Data structures
Data analytics
Computer science theory and theoretical foundations
Scientific computing
Software systems
Distributed systems/networked systems/embedded systems
Creative technologies
Advanced algorithms and computer design
Computational biology
Information security
Database management systems
Analysis of algorithms
Computer and network security
Computational systems
High performance computing
Intelligent robotics
Software theory
Information science
Computer programming
Applied science
Computer and information research
Of course, there is some variability among each computer science master degree online. Many computer science students choose to add specializations to their professional master’s program as well. In this way, a degree in computer science prepares students for just about any career, including the coveted positions of information research scientists. With a degree in computer science, graduate students are well equipped to tackle any research project.
After earning a master’s in computer science, you could work in the following information technology occupations:
Information research scientists (added bonus – information research scientists can work just about anywhere!)
Computer scientists
Computer security specialist
Web developer
Computer and information research
Computer sciences professors
Software publishers
Information science
Software development engineers
Software developers/software development
Computer and electrical engineering
You’re sure to have a fruitful academic career and meet any career goals you might have! If you already read some undergraduate computer science rankings to find the best bachelor’s, you might want to know what some good computer science colleges are for a master’s degree.
So what is the best school for computer science degree? Let’s take a deeper dive into our computer science school rankings to find out!
WHAT ARE THE BEST COMPUTER SCIENCE MASTER’S PROGRAMS?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year
30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.
Check out our list of the 10 best computer science master’s programs!
You will find one of the best masters in computer science at Georgia Institute of Technology. So why is the Georgia Tech masters computer science program so amazing?
The Georgia Institute of Technology began as a trade school. After its first 50 years, it transitioned to a recognized technological university with cutting edge computer science programs. They’re ranked as 8th overall for U.S. Graduate computer science programs by U.S. News and World Report. They are 16th for ranked Global Universities for CS by the same organization.
These degrees in Computer Science hold tremendous value. In fact, the College of Computing has the highest job placement rate of any major at Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech’s Master of Science in computer science degree is designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. They do accept applicants from other backgrounds or fields. They prefer that applicants have a strong background in computer science.
In the Georgia Tech masters programs, you will take core courses and conduct cutting edge research in subjects like:
Data science
Software engineering
Computer engineering and electrical engineering
Computer networks
Computational biology
Computer and information science
Real world computing
Software systems and computer systems design
High performance computing
Big data
Game development
Artificial intelligence
Human computer interaction
Computer security and network security
Journalism and computer science
Programming languages
Operating systems and computer systems
Regardless of which path you choose to take, you’ll get to specialize in one of 11 distinct areas. These degrees in computer science are available in both full time and part time tracks.
Another one of the best CS masters programs can be found at Stanford University. Stanford’s Master of Science in computer science has 45 units of study. Each Stanford unit equates to about three hours of work per week. This program is quite rigorous compared to others. Most students who qualify for this program complete it in six quarters because of the overall difficulty of each class. Completing the Stanford program will prepare you for any job. This private research university is one of the best in the nation.
All students must complete five foundational courses as part of the Stanford masters computer science degree:
Probability
Algorithms
Computer Organization and Systems
Principles of Computer Systems
Logic, Automata and Computability
Students can choose from 10 different specializations. Students can hyper specialize with a single-depth path that requires 27 units in a single area of specialization to be completed before graduation. These degrees in computer science are perfect for students who know exactly what field they want to go into.
Another option is a dual-depth pathway for these degrees in computer science. In this, a student can select both a primary and secondary area of specialization. You’ll complete twenty-one units in the primary area. The remaining units are in the secondary area. This pathway is a great choice for students who don’t have a single overriding interest. It’s also great for those who wish to diversify their qualifications.
Breadth courses in these degrees in computer science include:
The University of Texas at Austin has one of the best grad schools for computer science. This computer science department offers multiple part and full time master’s degree options for the working professional interested in advanced study in computer science and information technology.
UT Austin has two on-campus Master’s in Computer Science degree options. There is one with a thesis and one without. Both master’s degrees have 30 credits of coursework. The non-thesis option has a more structured and organized coursework catalog. The thesis path for master’s degrees requires that students take two thesis classes.
One of these degrees in computer science is for research and the other for thesis development. The non-thesis option is also offered as an online option. The online master is ideal for aspiring managers who don’t want to leave their current jobs. It is ideal for those who can’t attend school in person.
This Master of Science program does not offer specific areas of specialization. UT Austin’s program has both thesis and non-thesis graduate students take courses from their main CS catalog as part of their master’s degrees. That is as well as nine hours of “diversity” courses. These nine credits for these degrees in computer science are taken from three areas:
theory
systems
application
These diversify the master of computer science degrees beyond general computer science understanding. Although there are only three areas for these diversity courses, each area has a significant number of distinct classes for students to choose from. There’s a lot of personalization possible in these degrees in computer science.
You should expect to take two years to finish. It’s rare that students complete UT Austin’s program in less time. But you can shave it down to one and a half years. This can be done if you take an additional course each semester.
UT Austin also boasts an extensive alumni network for these degrees in computer science. There are many computer science graduates spread across national and local businesses. There are over 10,000 people in the computer science major alone. This group has a special email forwarding service and digital groups.
You will find another one of the best graduate computer science programs at Cornell University. This private research university is second to none when it comes to degrees in computer science.
Cornell’s computer science Master’s program is a four-semester program. The computer science department emphasizes advanced coursework and research. It is a terminal degree. Yet it is much more research-focused than other Master’s in Computer Science degrees.
The computer science major has 34 credits. Six to 12 of those credits relate to your thesis research. There is no non-thesis option for this graduate program. The remaining non-thesis credits consist of six or eight graduate-level courses.
In addition, Cornell requires that all graduate students have an outside minoras part of the graduate program. The thesis for the graduate program must be accompanied by an oral presentation
You will take core and elective courses in subjects like:
Data science
Software engineering
Computer engineering
Computer and information science
Software systems
Information science and information systems
Human computer interaction
Operating systems and computer systems
To apply to this master’s program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area. This computer science master’s program includes plenty of research opportunities and specialization options in information technology and other areas of the computer science industry.
UIUC offers another one of the top computer science masters programs in the nation. The MS in Computer Science offers students the rare opportunity to earn a professional Master’s in Computer Science degree in just three to four semesters. These semesters are taken over a single year. This is shorter than the majority of other Master’s in Computer Science programs.
This top computer science graduate school program requires 32 credit hours of coursework to finish. Four of those courses selected from a core bracket of computer science classes. Each of these four “breadth” classes must be chosen from a different core area. This is to ensure that each graduate has significant experience in a variety of different computer science aspects. These core areas are:
Graphics
Scientific Computing
Theoretical Computer Science
AI
The remaining coursework can be selected from other computer science courses. It can also be taken from the core areas. To apply to this master’s program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Harvard University has one of the top CS masters programs in the world. It provides a one-year Master’s computational science and engineering program. It was developed by the Institute for Applied Computational Science. It provides training in the core mathematical and computing aspects of computer science. It includes independent research projects and several elective courses. These focus on how computation affects one or more distinct domains.
It is a deep-dive master of computer science program with an emphasis on research opportunities in information technology. It’s a great choice for students that want to get into the nitty-gritty aspects of computation. This private research university is regarded as one of the world’s best.
Each plan of study for accepted students will include a single required class called Numerical Methods. Plus, graduate students must take two of three possible core courses. All students must have at least one research experience by graduation. This requirement can be fulfilled with a capstone project or a semester-length independent study project.
The rest of the credits are electives from computer science and applied math.
You can take technical courses and optional thesis coursework such as:
Data science
AI
Computer and information technology
Operating systems and computer systems
You can also take domain electives for these graduate programs that are essentially specializations. Domains for electives include:
Machine Learning
Data Systems
Data Science
Visualization.
By the end of the graduate programs, all students will have completed eight classes or the equivalent.
Carnegie Mellon University offers one of the best graduate schools for computer science. This school shares the No. 1 ranking for Best Computer Science schools with Stanford according to U.S. News and World Report. This school emphasizes student choice and program flexibility. Their Master of Science in computer science program comes in three distinct varieties.
The largest and most common Master’s in computer science option is the standard Master of Science in computer science pathway. This is developed for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree. They’ll accept anyone with a bachelor’s degree. They prefer those with computer science or related degrees. You won’t rely on a fixed course of study. Instead, students in this program will construct their own personalized study plan. There’s no thesis or research component for these computer science degrees.
The second Master’s in Computer Science option is the Fifth Year Master’s in Computer Science Program. It was designed for students attending CMU earning a BS or a double major with computer science. The program incorporates a research component. The program lasts 12 months from start to finish. These master’s programs include a summer semester.
Students can also pursue an accelerated MBA program. In these master’s programs in information technology , they can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Computer Science at the same time. This MBA degree has a business component. It is suitable for computer science students who wish to emphasize the field’s role in business and economics. It’s also great for those who wish to become software entrepreneurs.
You can even pursue course offerings in subjects like:
Data science
Artificial intelligence
Database systems
Operating systems and computer systems
Information technology
To apply to this master’s program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area.
You will find another one of the best computer science graduate schools at the University of California, Irvine. UCI’s Master of Computer Science degree is perfect for students who want to jump straight into the technology workforce. The program spans 16 months in total. There are four academic quarters and a summer component. In this, students must either complete additional coursework or complete an internship. You’ll study from the fall of one year to the fall of the next year in these computer science programs. You can finish everything in less than two years.
These computer science programs are intense. It has a restrictive selection process. The program does admit some students without computer science backgrounds. This is the exception rather than the norm. All applicants must have a year of programming in Python, Java, or C++. Equivalent professional work experience may be accepted as an adequate substitute. This work experience must be approved by the application team. All students must be proficient in C/C++ . You’ll also need to complete an introductory statistics course. Three letters of recommendation and high GRE scores are also needed.
The program is taught by world-renowned faculty from UCI’s Computer Science Department. The MCS program integrates a computer science writing and communication course. Most programs don’t focus on this subject. Yet this course can be beneficial for your professional career going forward. That is especially true for students seeking positions in computer science research.
You’ll learn how to apply your writing and analytical skills. This can be a huge advantage when you need to present material to your superiors, ask for grants, or make design plans.
You can take three foundational courses in subjects like:
Data science
Artificial intelligence
Neural networks
Intelligent systems
Information technology
Real time systems
Database systems
All MCS students must complete a capstone design course. This includes professional writing, development and design components. These classes let you show off your skills. You can prove your expertise when coming up with your own computer science work.
To apply to this master’s program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area.
Looking for the best masters degree for computer science? You will find a great option at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This computer science master is truly second to none.
UW-Madison offers two pathways to attain a Master’s degree in computer science. The first traditional program allows students to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science degree with the option of continuing on to a PhD. . This program accepts students from all kinds of backgrounds. It does request that applicants have some programming experience. The program consists of 30 credit hours. 24 of these must be for CS courses. 15 of them are from a curated selection of core classes. The remaining three to six credits for the degree will be made up of a project and report or a Master’s in Computer Science track.
Some required course offerings and capstone courses for part and full time students include:
Data science
Artificial intelligence
Operating systems and computer systems
Information technology
Students can pursue the professional Master’s in Computer Science that is designed for working computer scientists. It’s also ideal for those in the technology industry. It allows you to complete the program within two years.
Yes, even with a busy job schedule. It only admits students once a year for enrollment during the fall semester. Keep the application deadline of March 15 in mind if this pathway appeals to you. To apply to this master’s program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area.
The program is very similar to the traditional Master’s in Computer Science. It only requires 15 credits of core graduate-level master of computer science classes. The remaining courses can be taken from CS-related subjects at the 400 level or higher. All students must complete both a Master’s research class and Master’s thesis class.
Both of these count toward the 15 credit requirement described above. Independent study credits are available. That is, provided the student can show proof of their professional experience. They must receive approval from their faculty or advisors.
You will find another one of the best schools for masters in computer science at North Carolina State University. NC State is one of the leading research universities in the country. It has an excellent student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1. It’s no surprise that their Master of Science in computer science is a research-oriented degree. That is as opposed to an industry-focused one. It requires a thesis track plus the completion of a structured curriculum. The only non-thesis track option is for students interested in PhD computer science programs. The Master’s in Computer Science track with the thesis consists of 31 credit hours. Six of these are dedicated to your thesis research and development. All incoming Master students have to register. They must take an orientation course regardless of work experience.
You must take two courses from each category: theory and systems. The theory collection of classes emphasizes algorithmic and numerical knowledge. It is particularly useful for computer scientists who are interested in the developmental side of the subject. The systems class bracket emphasizes large data groups, graphics, and software engineering. It also covers the integration of computers with various types of networks. Both class groups are important. You are free to switch between them once you’ve fulfilled the requirements of one from each. This allows you to specialize.
Sample courses for part and full time students in this master’s degree program include:
Data science
Computer architecture and machine learning
Artificial intelligence
Information technology
Operating systems and computer systems
To apply to this master’s program, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related area. This degree is meant to accommodate students seeking full time study but is also great for those who want to take just one course at a time.
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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The study of human-computer interaction has been around for decades.
Yet it gained the most steam after Stuart K. Card, Thomas P. Moran, and Allen Newell published The Psychology of Human-Computer Interactionin 1983. This was a cornerstone of work in the field.
Fast forward to today. We see HCI throughout society, with almost all of us engaged in it during our day to day lives. It has become one of our most critical STEM research areas.
Necessity is the mother of invention with more businesses jumping on board. This translates into a growing need for experts. These were hard to come by in earlier years. Higher education institutions have stepped up to the challenge of creating cutting-edge programs.
The National Center for Education Statistics has interesting information. Of all the STEM fields that students study in college, it’s the computer and information sciences that have the most enrollees.
Many students won’t enter the U.S. workforce but instead the international one. This is an example of how statistics don’t tell the whole story.
HCI is one of the hottest fields around. The demand is growing. There aren’t enough trained workers to fill the gaps. Universities offer the most flexible HCI programs in history. Many universities offer 100% online programs.
Scholarship opportunities abound.
There’s never been a better time to jump into a human-computer interaction graduate program. Keep reading to find the best human computer interaction degree online to help you meet your personal and professional goals.
Most human computer interaction master’s programs on our list feature very similar application requirements and program details. Often, applicants must have:
A 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
A resume
A personal statement of purpose or goals
Letters of reference or recommendation
Since so many people apply to online HCI masters programs, it’s important to find ways to set yourself apart. Reading the admissions requirements for each separate HCI online degree is a smart choice.
Graduate programs are selective. They have a reputation to uphold! Too many students don’t recognize that valuable connection between higher education institutions and employers. Keep the big picture in mind as you write your application materials. Programs want to know what you bring to the table. They also want to know what they can expect after your graduation.
Focus your applications on the schools you think you will get into. This does not mean to not try and break into the best institutions out there. You should manage expectations. Try to put the bulk of your efforts in the schools where you exceed every minimum program requirement.
What is ideal for one program may not work for another. That’s another reason why you don’t want to recycle your application materials. Instead, tailor everything. Show that you understand what they want. Show them how you meet those requirements.
The cost of college rises every year. It makes sense to think about student debt. Graduate school costs even more than its undergrad counterparts. Universities charge, on average $30,000 for public schools and more for private. It makes sense to see what grants, scholarships, and other opportunities exist. The problem is that many opportunities are unavailable for grad students. At least in terms of Federal Student Aid, options like Pell Grants, which don’t have to be paid back.
There are Fulbright Grants and TEACH Grants. Often, these won’t apply to a master’s in human computer interaction. So before we look at the other federal options—loans—let’s consider state-based and college-based funding sources. Each state has its own funding options to help students pay for college. California gives away about $809 million a year to students in need.
Each university will have a financial aid page. It may list other forms of aid on the human computer interaction program page. You may need to do some research. Programs often offer scholarships that aren’t listed anywhere else. They also often offer paid teaching or research assistantships. These don’t always apply to graduate students online. If you live in the area, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you qualify. Yes, even if you’re taking the program online.
One of the most important factors to consider for any awards is deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute. Nothing hurts worse than missing out on free money.
The federal government offers low-interest unsubsidized loans of up to $20,500 per year regardless of need. The school itself helps determine the loan amount based on costs of attendance. Students can apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If a student gets approved for a loan, they’ll complete a master promissory note. This is a document stating that you agree to loan term and a short online entrance counseling session.
Companies and agencies around the world send out recruiters to jump on the best human computer interaction program graduates. As long as you do well in your program, the job outlook is promising.
The human computer interaction workforce is large. There aren’t enough workers holding advanced degrees. This is a problem. In such a high-tech, changing field, businesses need people who can help them get ahead of the competition. Colleges have scrambled to make their human computer interaction programs more accessible. They have put them online so working students can still attend classes. That way, they can ramp up their skill sets to meet those industry needs.
The biggest source of salary information comes from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. BLS lists computer and information research scientists as the nearest professional category to human-computer interaction fields. Granted, it’s not a perfect match. Yet it is a good starting point.
The average salary listed for workers in computer and information research scientist jobs breaks down to $118,370 per year for those with a graduate degree. There is a whopping 16% job growth over the next decade. The average job growth outlook for all other professions is just 5%.
Computer and information research scientists at the top end of the pay scale include software publishers. These hard working professionals rake in over $140,00. Research and development workers earn over $128,000. Computer systems designers get over $124,000. All that money for just 2 years of study in human computer interaction and user interface design? Yes please!
What Are the Best Online Master’s Programs in Human-Computer Interaction Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:
25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate out of state and in state tuition per school
25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and finish there
20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who 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 fruitful academic career paths. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.
You will find a top online HCI masters at Iowa State University. Iowa State’s reputation for teaching humans how to work with machines goes back to its earliest days. It opened as an agriculture and farm school in the mid-1800s.
Iowa State University’s 30-credit hour online Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction is offered through Engineering Online. This online HCI degree is designed to produce tech experts.
Iowa State University’s human computer interaction master’s is flexible but rigorous. This advanced degree in human computer interaction at Iowa State University is an interdisciplinary program that requires students to take a total of six core classes. The courses explore methods in the design, implementation, phenomena, and evaluation areas.
Core class options cover advanced topics in information technologies and human computer interaction. They also cover interactive media and communications as well as interaction design for user interfaces. Graduate students at Iowa State University online will take classes like:
Cognitive Psychology of HCI
User Engagement
Computational Perception
Virtual Worlds and Applications
Design for Behavioral Change
Design and Ethics
Visual Communication of Quantitative Information
Foundations of Behavioral Research.
ISU’s cutting-edge HCI program features ~80 renowned faculty dedicated to invention and dynamic research. The curriculum is informed by research from 32 fields.
Students will learn a variety of advanced topics in this project based program. They will take at least two courses in topics like:
Aerospace engineering
Atmospheric sciences
Biosystems engineering
Educational studies
Hospitality management
Architecture
Family studies
Program goals for graduates are part of a well established methodology. They include the ability to:
Understand HCI theories and models
Recognize key organizations
Explore interaction technologies
Form data representation structures
Understand analytic process results and visual analytics
Knowledge discovery in technologies related to user experience
Collaborate with product development teams
ISU’s online graduate programs exist with working students in mind. The school allows students to start off on a certificate path to see if it’s right for them. Students enrolled in this online human computer interaction degree gain experience in project based classes and reading assignments.
The 12-credit hours Certificate Program in Human-Computer Interaction lets students take three classes in a non-degree-seeking status. It can serve as a stand-alone professional development cert. It can also serve as the stepping stone into the master’s program.
The Engineering Online Learning (ELO) platform delivers classes. They feature pre-recorded lectures, chatrooms, email, and phone calls with instructors.
Admission into ISU’s online Human computer interaction program requires the following admission requirements:
Submission of official transcripts from the bachelor’s degree and graduate examination scores
A resume
Statement of professional goals
GRE scores
A statement regarding proficiency in software development.
No online learning experience is necessary for this human computer interaction advanced degree. Iowa State University ranks No. 61 in a tie for Best Computer Science Grad Schools on U.S. News & World Report‘s 2020 list.
The University of California is often regarded as a Public Ivy school. It is renowned for its killer combination of reputation, accessibility, and relative affordability. The institution is also known for its interdisciplinary approach to many subjects. An example? The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design (MHCID). Although this is not one of the 100% online HCI programs, students can still take many of their classes in the distance format.
The one-year course of study requires nine classes. It relies on a cohort model. UC Irvine’s MHCID uses accelerated on-campus courses along with distance learning to keep the program flexible. This enables students with jobs to continue working (per the program’s FAQ page.
The program introduces students to topics like:
Human behavior and cognition
User-facing software
User experience (UX)
Visual design
Empirical methods
Ideation and design
T theory
Communication technologies
Storyboarding
Graphic design
How to evaluate instruction in data science and human computer interaction
Modern trends required to learn relevant GIS and analytical reasoning
The program has a low student-to-faculty ratio.
MHCID graduates become armed with practical tools and real-world problem-solving skills. They’re in high demand by industry and governmental agencies. The department’s program director assists students with job placement after graduation. The school hosts a UX Career Conference each September at the Beall Applied Innovation Center.
You will find another one of the best HCI masters programs online at DePaul University. DePaul University is located in Chicago, Illinois. It promotes itself for providing an “urban education with a global perspective.”
The plan of study allows for those who need a bit of prerequisite coursework to take the following waiverable classes:
Scripting for Interactive Systems
Website Design for HCI
Foundations of Digital Design
Statistics and Data Analysis
All students in this human computer interaction graduate program must take domain knowledge courses. Taking classes in both the fall and spring semester (and for an affordable tuition fee!), students will learn:
Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction
Prototyping and Implementation
Inquiry Methods and Use Analysis
Technical Visual Analytics topics
Visual Analytics
Machine Learning and Human Cognition
Computing Technologies
User Interface Design
Usability Evaluation Methods
Digital Design
The capstone human computer interaction master’s project relies on technical documentation. It is done as a team. Online learners in the human computer interaction HCI master’s degree will tackle the same curriculum as on-campus students in the traditional human computer interaction program. They develop strong analytical reasoning facilitated in four courses per year (at least). These four courses cover everything from remote sensing to visual information, multivariate analytics to inferential statistics. Students enrolled in this program gain experience in project based classes, working with large datasets and even in product design.
Online learners in the human computer interaction HCI master’s degree can participate in several of the student and professional organizations.
These include XD Roundtable, Chicago Interaction Design Association, and Speculative Futures. After graduation, it’s time to link up with the 189,000-strong DePaul alumni network. It hosts informative events every year and offers financial aid to students in need.
94% of DePaul HCI degree program graduates find employment within six months. They work in career paths and technologies related to:
Interaction design or user experience design
User research
Extreme scale visual analytics
Interactive visual interfaces
Machine learning
Design patterns and software applications
Design solutions
Information architect work
Spatiotemporal data representation
Geographic information systems and geographic information science
Tool building technologies
Developing instructional systems for user interface design
Web mapping
Cognitive psychology
Reported median income from this ISD model program was $78,917.
Reported employers include companies like Allstate, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and Motorola. The school has countless industry partnerships.
Bentley University might not have the most recognition. However, it offers one of the best online masters in HCI. It is located in Waltham, Massachusetts.
The online master degree in human computer interaction is designed for students who want to work in either user or customer experience fields. The program’s content is flexible enough to work in a variety of other areas.
Distance learners attend class via Zoom at the same time as on-campus students. This live experience allows for greater participation and a better learning experience. It is taught by seasoned faculty. The curriculum features a required four-class core of:
Foundations in Human Factors
Managing a UX Design Team
User Experience Leadership and Management
Testing and Assessment Programs
Elective options in human factors include:
Localization and the Global Market
Measuring the User Experience
Intelligent User Interfaces
Mobile Design
Visual Analytics
Emerging Interfaces
Prototyping and Interaction Design
Field Methods
Internship in HFID
User Experience Thesis
There is one requirement to visit the campus for the program’s Innovation Boot Camp residency. This is held in July. Massachusetts residents have to enroll as on-campus students.
Graduates of the program have gone on to work for:
Apple
Bose
Carbonite
Cisco
ESPN
Fidelity
Google
Raytheon
Wayfair
Alumni reported a 95% job placement rate. Many students gain hands on experience in internships both in the fall and spring semester. The school projects an average income of $101,000.
Bentley University is ranked well in several categories by U.S. News & World Report. This includes No. 2 in Regional Universities North. It is also No. 3 in Most Innovative Schools. It is No. 7 in Best Value Schools.
Bentley’s financial aid section reports average awards of $11,000 for full-time master’s degree program students.
Northern California is home to Silicon Valley, sure. Yet the southern half of the state sees more than its fair share of high tech action and industry. You’ll find proof of that in the human computer interaction masters degree online at the University of Southern California.
The program in human computer interaction consists of a 38-credit hours curriculum. It is taught by faculty from the Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. They work hard to systematically develop instructional materials. These help students get in depth exposure to human computer interaction topics.
It is multidisciplinary and covers 13 courses plus two residential experiences. There is a five-day Integrative Practices Residential on campus and a five-day Professional Practices Residential, with variable locations. Prior locales include Boston, Dallas, and San Francisco.
Many students gain hands on experience in internships with other working professionals. This is both in the fall and spring semester. In the advanced degree, students explore basic processes in the scientific domain. This is as well as major research trends. They complete practical lab experiences. They explore tool building technologies in geographic information science, spatial analysis, visual representation, and more.
The core includes:
Processes and Perspectives
Opportunity and Uncertainty
Narrative and Storytelling
Decisions and Solutions
Electives go deeper into describing knowledge and research trends of specific subjects. They work on things like instructional systems and visual analytic case studies. They can include:
Independent study
On-campus mini-intensives
Extra labs
More coursework in design, business, or tech.
The capstone is done as a team project. Online learners in this degree program collaborate with each other, faculty, and industry experts on practical real-world topics.
You will find another one of the best online HCI masters programs at Kent State University. Kent State in Ohio started out as a teacher prep school in 1910. It has gone on to be a pioneer in multiple academic subjects.
The school put its programs online about fifteen years ago to enhance accessibility. Kent’s State Online’s 36-credit hours Master of Science is one such program.
This online masters in human computer interaction offers a modern curriculum. The master of science in human computer interaction is focused on:
Core instructional systems design topics
Usability
User research
Global positioning systems
Design solutions
Spatial data science
Content strategy.
The master of science in human computer interaction program features 12 classes. These dive deep into the scientific domain. Each is just seven weeks long. There are small classes and plenty of opportunities for engagement with faculty and peers.
The program mixes technical and soft skills training. Many students gain hands on experience in internships both in the fall and spring semester. The seven core courses are:
UX Design Principles And Concepts
UX Design In Practice
Information Architecture I
Principles Of Interaction
Researching The User Experience I
Usability I
Content Strategy I
Electives include:
Knowledge Organization
Information Architecture II
UXD Leadership
A project based seminar or internship in UX Design
Kent’s Blackboard Learn offers the online classes. Students can access required readings, video lectures, assignments, and PowerPoint shows. It doesn’t matter where they are. They’ll also participate in live chats, quizzes, and discussion boards on a regular basis.
The distance education program’s UXD faculty are well-versed in the industry. They stay familiar with up-to-date techniques to educate graduate students.
Admission requirements to get into Kent State University’s online Master of Science in UX Design program include:
Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies with a Concentration in Information Technology & UX
You’ll find a top HCI masters degree online at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Here, the iSchool, or Information School, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was built to prepare students for roles within the instructional systems and information sphere.
UW-Madison keeps its master’s general. It allows for customization through five different concentrations. The 39-credit hours online Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies (LIS) with an Information Technology & UX concentration has classes in:
Strategic Information Services, or Management
Pedagogy
Systems Analysis & Project Management
Information Ethics and Policy
You can design your own program of study.
Distance education students don’t have to worry about excessive costs. The school keeps its online tuition rate the same as for Wisconsin in state students. The iSchool also offers first-year scholarship awards up to $6,000. 30% of incoming students receive a scholarship!
UW-Madison’s Information School has its own student organizations. Examples include the:
American Library Association Student Chapter
The Library And Information Technology Student Group (LITA)
Phi Beta Phi Mu (the International LIS Honor Society).
Online learners in the human computer interaction HCI master’s degree program also have access to a range of student resources and services.
Examples include Career Services, which offers a Career Toolkit to help prepare for employment after graduation. There’s even a national job board that filters by industry type.
The iSchool keeps things tight-knit. There is a ~4,000-strong global alumni network. It is devoted to providing ongoing career help to students and peers. Many students work in internships both in the fall and spring semester. In these, they get in depth exposure to instructional materials covered in course lectures. Their work explores vast topics like:
Master of Business & Science, UX Design Concentration
You’ll find a top human computer and interaction design masters online at Rutgers University. From websites to mobile apps and even physical products, this online program teaches the necessary high-tech skills that employers seek.
It features the most up-to-date curriculum.The flexible program blends principles of HCI design. It also includes business, psychology, and sociology. Business courses include:
Principles of Communication and Professional Development
Principles of Accounting and Finance for Science and Technology
Market Assessment and Analysis for Business and Science
Ethics in Science and Technology Management
Science and Technology Management Capstone
Students will learn science topics, too. Additional electives and project based core classes include:
Introduction to UX Design
Visual Design for UX
Contextual Inquiry
Usability Evaluation
Information Technologies
User Interfaces
Software Development and Design Implementation
Information Architecture for User Experience Design
The practicum runs through the summer. It allows students to work with industry clients on real-world projects in this rapidly changing industry. Three electives include:
Web development
Mobile app development
Customer experience design
Online students can attend graduation events and internships. On average, online students finish the program within two to three years. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts. GRE scores and two letters of recommendation are required but some requirements can often be waived for this master’s degree in human computer interaction.
MS in Interaction Design and Information Architecture
The University of Baltimore began as a night school for lawyers and business professionals in 1925. It was intended to serve working students looking for a better future through education. Baltimore continues that long tradition of improving access with its online programs. These include the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences’ 36-credit hour MS in Interaction Design. It is focused on design, development, and application aspects. The program blends computer science and the arts to create a creative yet practical learning experience.
It is designed to attract students from a variety of backgrounds. The interdisciplinary curriculum is taught by experienced faculty. The diversity of the student body also helps to enlighten peers with insights into other fields.
These include the arts, social sciences, languages, and others. The program does require a certain level of HTML experience. Those lacking sufficient backgrounds will take an Intro to Web Development course or Code Academy classes. Examples include:
Intro to HTML
Learn CSS
Make a Website
Learn Responsive Design.
18 credit hours of core classes include:
Interaction and Interface Design
Information Architecture
Humans, Computers, and Cognition
Research Methods
Topics in either Advanced Interaction Design or User Researcher
Dynamic Web Sites or Interactive Multimedia
The program lists full course descriptions to give an idea of potential options. The graduate thesis route begins with a proposal form given to the director. This is followed by:
An in-depth literature review
Institutional review board approval
Research
A draft submission
The final, formatted thesis.
The computer science faculty core is small. Yet it is dedicated and passionate about the subjects they teach. The program’s academic advising staff is adept at offering assistance for:
Registration
Scheduling
Issues with repeating or withdrawing from classes
Transfer credit hours.
The Career and Internship Center provides resume and interview prep services. Graduates become part of the University of Baltimore’s 48,000+ alumni community. There are associated benefits and opportunities to attend events and make new friends.
Baltimore also offers a variety of scholarships. These include merit awards up to $1,000 a year and foundation awards based on application credentials. Students don’t have to apply for these. There is automatic consideration at application time. Check the out of state and in state tuition fee aid page for more opportunities and deadlines. Application requirements for the program include:
Submission of all official transcripts
A3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
Two letters of recommendation from either professors or employers
Brandeis University is a small but friendly campus in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. It was established as an inclusive institution on a mission of academic excellence, critical reflection, and improving the world.
It has a student body of just 5,700. Students never get lost in the shuffle and reap the rewards of more personalized attention. This still holds true in the school’s 100% online programs. One example? The Master of Science in User-Centered Design.
The 30-credit hour master’s is offered through the school’s Graduate Professional Studies (GPS). It is a part-time STEM program based on subject matter fundamentals. It has just seven core classes and three electives. Students achieve program goals such as:
Learning prototyping
Application of human factors relating to user interactions
How to use research to make design decisions
How to collaborate on UX products
Core coursework includes:
Cognitive/Social Psychology of User-Centered Design
Design Ideation & Prototyping
Design Operation & Leadership
Information Architecture
Research Methods
UX Design
Capstone
Three electives include:
Demystifying Agile Project Management
Information Visualization Theory and Techniques
Mobile Applications & Responsive Web Design
Special Topics in User-Centered Design
Web Development Technologies
Course content is informed by advisory boards with strategic industry expertise. This ensures that students receive the most current, practical education possible. The Brandeis faculty stay abreast of recent developments in the field. This keeps the curriculum up-to-date. They have training in delivering instruction in online courses.
Students work with an advisor who does orientation and is there for support throughout the program. Classes are small. They are often between 12 and 20 students. Everyone receives ample assistance to understand challenging topics and complete all assignments over the weekend. Students also have opportunities to engage with faculty and peers live during review sessions.
Brandeis allows curious students to take two classes without applying to the official master’s degree in human computer interaction. This lets them see if they like it. Those who do enroll in the program finish within one year. They can take up to four years if needed. Many students take just 2 years to complete this project based program.
The school hosts a handy online Student Briefcase portal. This offers assistance with everything. That includes:
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Do you see yourself advancing in your career to lead and mentor employees?
Do you want to do this in a non-profit, governmental, or business setting?
But you can’t picture yourself pursuing an MBA degree?
Don’t worry. We have the perfect solution for you. It’s an online master’s degree in Organizational Leadership!
This is one of the most popular online master’s degrees. The Organizational Leadership master’s provides graduates skills to manage people and businesses. It is just like a traditional MBA degree.
Yet it has an educational approach that is unique. It puts more emphasis on qualitative and skills-based experience.
But don’t think that this means this degree is all warm-fuzzies with no substance.
The top 30 ranked degree in organizational leadership have rigorous coursework. This type of business administration curriculum can help you. You will become a well-rounded leader of tomorrow.
A degree in organizational leadership will help you develop skills like:
conflict resolution
business-place ethics
community development
corporate social responsibility
leading organizations with proper communication
business decision making
managing conflict in real world situations
strategies for motivating employees
global leadership
organizational behavior and organizational contexts
organizational culture and organizational structure
developing strategic goals
Organizational Leadership graduates learn to manage. You will learn to encourage others to maintain a healthy, inspired workplace.
You’ll be able to pursue optional concentrations. Courses cover topics like:
These experiences prepare busy professionals for career opportunities of all kinds. That’s in about any job market. You’ll learn the essential skills necessary to work with a diverse group.
Not sure what to look for? Want the top online master’s in organizational leadership?
Check out our methods below for picking the best of the best. Then look at our countdown to the number one pick for best online master of organizational leadership degree!
What Do I Need to Apply to an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
To apply for a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership is a good first step.
You don’t always need a bachelor’s degree in that discipline. Some schools allow applicants with degrees in related fields. Examples include:
human resources
business administration
economics
You will need to submit official transcripts. Undergraduate transcripts often must show an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. You may need to submit proof of full time work experience. This should show experience handling leadership responsibilities.
Pay close attention to application deadlines. Some schools have hard admit dates. Others operate on a rolling basis.
Plan to provide:
standardized tests (often GMAT scores)
two letters of recommendation
an essay
International students may need to submit other documentation.
You’ll take classes on either a part time or full time basis.
You may complete:
required courses
electives
a capstone experience
The capstone project provides real world work experience. All other courses besides the culminating experience are online.
Most programs take between two and four years to complete. This varies, though. Some part time students take six years to complete their programs or even more.
Also pay attention to financial aid requirements in addition to admission requirements. Total tuition rates for online students tend to be low. But costs do still add up. Look into any and all financial aid opportunities. There are special discounts available for service members.
Look for a school with regional accreditation. A regionally accredited institution must meet rigorous curriculum standards.
Examples of organizations that list all the accredited college options include:
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Higher Learning Commission
New England Commission of Higher Education
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Most programs offer a flexible curriculum. You can pursue a full course load while continuing to meet your full potential at work. Some offer concentrations. There are often even graduate certificates. You can pursue the courses that interest you most.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
Are you curious about what earning an online organizational leadership master’s might do for you? In short – this. Career advancement and career opportunities in all realms of the business world.
Operations manager
HR manager
Business managers and other executive positions
Supply chain manager
Management consultants
Training and development manager
Public policy creation
Business talent development and team building
Business management instructors/professors
Of course, graduates find work as other managers of all kinds of
An online organizational leadership program will provide you with the professional experiences you need to fulfill all kinds of personal and professional obligations.
If you want to earn a higher annual salary, then pursuing a degree in organizational leadership is a smart choice.
Quick Links to Our Top 10 Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
How We Chose the 30 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
To find the top online master’s in organizational leadership, we did hard work. We only looked at available information to the public. This was from such sources such as:
US News and World Report
Forbes
the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
the school websites
These three factors influenced our determination:
The extent to which the program accommodates working professionals
Reputation of the school
Affordability
There are plenty of other schools that didn’t make the final cut of our top 30 degrees in organizational leadership. They include:
Pepperdine University
Baker University in Baldwin City (Baker University offers a master’s in organizational leadership perfect for working professionals)
Jacksonville University
Arizona State University
San Diego State University
Western Governors University
Crown College in Saint Bonifacius, MN
Purdue University Fort Wayne
George Washington University
So if you see a school missing, know that there are plenty of other options out there.
So is a degree in organizational leadership worth it? Absolutely. Let’s dive in to our ranking of the best online programs in organizational leadership!
Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership Online
Fort Hays State University is home to another one of the best organizational leadership online masters.
The school offers a multi-disciplinary Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree. It has a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Fort Hays State University has Virtual Campus that is open for students to begin classes in spring or fall.
This is a 30 credit hour program.
There are three required core classes that cover theory. You’ll also learn research methods.
Then there are twelve required major credit hours in topics such as:
Leadership in Teams and Collaborative Environments
Organizational Intervention Strategies
The three final credits consist of either on internship or a research project. Online through the Virtual Campus is the only way to access this degree without special permission.
Charleston Southern University offers a top online master’s in organizational leadership.
The MA in Organizational Leadership is 33 credit hours. There are eleven classes total. These use Charleston Southern’s “Encounter-Engage-Energize model of faith integration.”
This model allows faculty to teach the central theories and methods of leadership. These are rooted in the Christian faith tradition.
There are nine credit hours of foundational classes. These include:
Fundamentals of Leadership
Managing with Excellence and Integrity
Business Ethics from a Christian Worldview
These are followed by twelve credits of core coursework. This rounds out the online organizational leadership master’s. That includes classes like:
Power and Influence
Organizational Change and Transformation
The program culminates with nine credit hours of electives. There are also three hours of a capstone course. This is Leadership Dynamics and Decisions.
This organizational leadership degree features required courses in subjects such as:
Strategic Orienteering and Execution Tactics
Communicating and Leading Across Cultures
Approaches to Human Capital
That is plus concentrations:
Business Leadership
Healthcare Leadership
Organizational Leadership
These concentrations are available to students in other programs. It’s not just the online master’s in organizational leadership. Students at Creighton University can focus on the areas they need to study to succeed.
Student support is also available to help distance students succeed. There is:
The online MA in Organizational Leadership degree at Western Kentucky University is a customizable program with 30 credit hours.
Nine required core course credit hours in topics such as:
Effective Leadership Studies
Leadership Ethics
Leading Teams
Elements of Public Administrations
Students then choose twelve credit hours of electives to customize their degree from within the department or any other department at the school. That is with prior approval.
Courses are presented in an asynchronous format. Students can study at their convenience.
Rolling admission leads to two enrollment dates during the year. Western Kentucky University provides prospective students with several resources before they even apply.
These include a “Distance Learning 101” tutorial. This organizational leadership master’s degree also has a team of support professionals.
This program requires 33 program credit hours. The online Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies (MLOS) degree at APU is one of the best strategic human resources management degrees. It is ideal for working professionals.
The degree is through the University College (UC). This is APU’s distance learning and nontraditional “campus”. Coursework for the program occurs in a set order. There are two classes a semester.
The eleven required classes include such topics as:
This master of organizational leadership focuses on the “three levels of leadership:
Personal Leadership Development
Interpersonal Leadership
Organizational Impact
The Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree at Trevecca Online focuses on elements of:
communication
religion
business
It has the cohort model for coursework delivery. This provides students with a community of fellow learners. That is an intentional goal of Trevecca Online.
The 33 credit program allows students to take courses in topics such as:
Leading in Diverse Communities
Cultivating Networks and Fundraising
It is envisioned to be completed in eighteen months.
California Baptist University offers another top master of leadership degree. The online MA in Organizational Leadership degree takes twelve months. Then, students can move on to that leadership job at the most accelerated-pace.
The California Baptist University online program offers flexibility and support to its online students.
Classes start every eight weeks. There are three semesters a year.
Students can get started fast. They move through the program to move on to the profession of their dreams. CBU offers many resources to the online student. These include:
an Academic Success Center
Personal Enrollment Counselors
Career Services
The 30 required credit hours include classes like:
The 100% online Master of Science in Administration (MSA) program. It has a concentration in Organizational Leadership offered by USD is “designed for mid-career professionals.”
Specializations include:
Health Services Administration
Long-Term Care Administration
Criminal Justice Studies
Addiction Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
This online master’s is a flexible program with the same professors as on-campus. It offers training and development in the ideal degree.
The online master’s focuses on:
leadership skills
communication methods
conflict mediation
The MSA in Organizational Leadership curriculum is relevant and applicable. Core classes include:
Budgetary and Fiscal Management
Administrative Thought and Ethics
Nine credit hours cover the Organizational Leadership specialization electives.
If you’re looking for one of the best organizational leadership programs in the country, this private institution is one of the best. The online master’s degree has the same standards as the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program on-campus. The online master’s has the added bonus of flexibility.
All in all, the online MSOL at WJU is a solid degree. Classes exist in the cohort format. The program is 33 credit hours. The classes in this master’s degree break down into a set sequence of coursework. It takes around twenty-two months to complete.
The classes in this master’s degree cover topics including:
six credits of foundations
five credits of environmental dimensions
eight credits of structural dimensions
seven credits of personal dimensions
even credits of a thesis that students are to work on for fourteen months
These topic areas focus on key elements in leadership in a cohesive way.
You’ll find one of the best master’s degrees in organizational leadership at National University.
The National University online MSOL is a broad-focused and skill-based program. It has enrollment dates at the beginning of every month.
These master’s degrees include core topics like:
Ethics and Class Theory
Analysis and Decision-Making
World View & Adult Development
These make up the required 45 quarter units of core coursework for the master’s degree. Students must also choose two electives from the School of Business and Management. This completes the degree with nine more quarter units.
Southern New Hampshire University offers one of the best online leadership masters degree programs. This is a school that has participated in online learning for over twenty years! There are a variety of master’s degrees to choose from.
But the organizational leadership courses are some of the best.
Southern New Hampshire University Online has perfected online student support. Admission counselors guide students through the application process. They can also help discuss financial possibilities.
The master’s degree is made up of six core courses. There are three electives with a leadership focus. There are also three electives with a business focus.
The required 36 credits can be completed in as little as fifteen months.
Some students at Southern New Hampshire University may need to take two brush-up courses. These are:
Mathematics and Statistics for Business
Economics for Business
That’s if they don’t have a strong background in those topics. These two courses count towards the three required business electives.
The online Master of Science in Leadership program at Norwich University is supported by almost two centuries of leadership training. The organizational leadership programs here feature stellar faculty teaching the curriculum.
There are four possible enrollment dates a year for the program. This master’s degree program has 36 credits. It is an eighteen to twenty-four month-long program.
Six courses exist over eleven week terms. All students in this master’s degree program start with the three six-credit core courses:
Leading Change in Organizations
Leadership Fundamentals–Ethical Leadership and Value-Driven Organization
Emotional Intelligence & Leadership Style
The next step in these organizational leadership programs is to take three six-credit electives. Concentration areas include:
Organizational Leadership
Public Sector/Government/Military Leadership
Human Resources Leadership
Leading Change Management Consulting
The Organizational Leadership concentration focuses on:
The online MSOL degree is through RMU’s School of Communications and Information Systems Department of Organizational Leadership. It is another one of the best organizational leadership programs in the country.
This organizational leadership master’s gives graduates a serious edge.
This master’s in organizational leadership is an interdisciplinary program. It takes at least 36 credits to graduate. Students start with twenty-one credits of core coursework.
Examples of core classes include:
History and Theory of Leadership
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Conflict Resolution
Legal Issues for Leaders in Organizations
Group Dynamics and Interpersonal Relationships
All students complete an “Organizational Leadership Capstone” as a final project.
The MA in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) at LCU is another one of the best organizational leadership programs you will find.
This organizational leadership master’s encourages students to take one asynchronous class at a time over a period of twenty-one months.
The online MAOL program is both flexible and accommodating of busy schedules. This makes it perfect for organizational leaders who work full time.
The organizational leadership master’s features courses like:
Vision, Values and the Voices in Organizational Leadership
Dynamics of Conflict and Change in Organizational Leadership
Interpersonal Leadership for Organizational Effectiveness
LCU wants students to learn using their faith as a cornerstone and guiding principle.
LCU prides itself on being a different kind of school community. This is both on-campus and online. This online organizational leadership master’s offers a community designed for students who “crave a life of meaning.”
Crown College states on its website that its online MAOL program is unique. In fact, it’s one of the best master’s degrees around for aspiring organizational leaders!
This organizational leadership master’s boasts a curriculum that “educates students in leadership philosophy, skills and strategies.” This is all from a Christian perspective.
The 36 credits program takes two years. The curriculum of this organizational leadership master’s begins with a 24 credit “core phase.”
Students then go on to choose one three credit general elective and nine credits of electives. These form their degree “emphasis tracks.” There are twelve tracks to choose from. They cover both religious:
Regent’s School of Business and Leadership has offered an online MAOL program since 1997. Students in the online master’s in organizational leadership know they have a quality program. It has perfected online delivery.
This online master’s in organizational leadership allows students up to five years to complete the 33 credit program. The organizational leadership online courses exist in eight week sections.
Core courses make up twenty-one of the required credits. The master’s in organizational leadership includes classes like:
Information Research & Resources
Motivation, Teams, Coaching & Mentoring
Future Studies
Kingdom Business
Small Business Information Technology
Servant Leadership
Students in this master’s degrees can also opt to not have a specific concentration. Instead, they take “individual special topics” courses of their choosing.
The Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program is one of the best in the world. It gives aspiring organizational leaders the knowledge and skills they need for success. This master’s degree in leadership online is in USF’s prestigious business school. This is the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Online courses are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus courses. Classes in the organizational leadership program are asynchronous.
Students can choose from concentrations like:
Non-Profit Organization
Higher Education
For-Profit Organization
Healthcare Services.
Twenty-four of the required 36 credits are core courses. These include:
Ethics and Franciscan Values Business
Organizational Communication and Diversity
Leading Change
All students in the program must finish with a Capstone Senior Project. They can create it to fit in with their goals. They create their ideal organizational leadership online degree under advisement from an Academic Advisor.
The ease of registering for classes in an organizational leadership online program cannot get any more convenient than the online MA in Organizational Leadership. This is at Indiana Wesleyan’s School of Service and Leadership.
Students register for classes in this cohort program once. They never have to worry about it again.
The master’s in organizational leaders has 36 credits. It can be completed in twenty-three months. That’s if students take the courses one at a time in the prescribed order. Classes break down into five sections of study:
Foundations of Leadership
Transformational Leadership
Organizational Foundations
Practical Leadership
There is also a final Leadership Thesis.
Students get to participate in:
virtual tours
video presentations
case studies
interactive CD-ROM or Web-based activities
simulations
This allows them to process the information they learn.
Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership
The 36 credits online Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership (MSODL) degree at SJU focuses on people.
Teamwork is an integral part of the organizational leadership master’s degree. Students take all of their ten, three-credit classes online. They also participate with their classmates in a four-day, six-credit on-campus residency in Change Leadership.
Admissions is rolling. There are six enrollment dates a year. Past experience is a key admissions requirement. SJU requires eight years of relevant, professional work experience.
Aspiring organizational leaders can take classes such as:
Johns Hopkins’ Division of Public Safety Leadership offers one of the best master’s in organizational leadership you will find.
The 36 credits program is a new version of the successful on-campus program. It boasts of graduating more “than 70 Police Chiefs.”
This organizational leadership online master’s degree program has a focus on public safety and law enforcement. This cohort model program can be completed in under two years.
Students take classes such as:
Crisis Mitigation, Management, and Communication
Ethics, Integrity, and the Responsibility of Leaders
The Master of Science in Management (MSM) at Colorado Technical University is another top master’s degree program. It prepares students with courses in Organizational Leadership and Change. This online master’s degree program at CTU is well-rounded.
This forty-eight credit program is made up of twenty-eight core courses. Aspiring organizational leaders take classes to prepare them as training and development managers. Core classes include:
Applied Managerial Marketing
Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments
The Organizational Leadership and Change concentration makes up the remaining twenty credits. Those classes cover subjects such as Foundation of Organizational Design.
Lewis University offers an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) degree program that is one of the best.
These organizational leadership online programs focus on “the human side of leadership in the workplace.”
This 36 credits program provides students with five different concentrations:
Higher Education Student Services
Nonprofit Management
Organizational Management
Professional and Executive Coaching
Training and Development
Studnets take core coursework in subjects like:
Leading Change
Psychology of Motivation
These make up twenty-four of the required credits. The remaining twelve credits focus on the student’s chosen concentration. Six start dates a year are offered. This gives students the opportunity to complete the eight-week long courses. It can be done in about eighteen months to two years.
Quinnipiac University offers another excellent online leadership masters degree.
The MSOL through Quinnipiac University Online helps students “develop the self-awareness and understanding of others.”
It offers “four professional focus tracks” in:
Health Care Management
Human Resource Leadership
Public Service/Nonprofit Leadership
Strategic Leadership
Students can customize their degrees. This allows them to maximize their academic potential for career success.
The thirty-three credit program devotes nine elective credits to four concentration areas. The other twenty-four credits are core requirements. There is also a capstone course.
The core coursework covers topics such as:
Leadership Across Boundaries
The Power & Politics of Communication
Ethics & Governance
Quinnipiac University offers many services. These include academic advising, tech support and financial aid.
The UW-Platteville Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership is one of the best for working professionals. These organizational leadership online programs exist through the Distance Education program. This 30-39 credit program is 100% online. Foundational courses include:
Applied Accounting
Human Resource Management
Research Methods
These are optional. It depends upon a student’s chosen emphasis. Students must also take courses like:
Organizational Communication
Intercultural Change Leadership
Consumer Behavior
Creative Problem Solving
There are six credits in optional emphasis areas. These are:
You will find another top online organizational leadership master’s degree at Regis University.
Regis University has six start dates a year. This is a 30 credit program. Classes occur in eight week terms.
Students take nine credits in foundational courses:
Logic and Critical Analysis
Leading in a New Era
Business Intelligence and Analytics
This is followed by eighteen credits of required courses. There is also a three credit-hour Capstone course titled “Leading Responsible Organizations.”
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) is online through Saint Mary’s. This organizational leadership online program develops the knowledge and skills students need. It helps them succeed in strategic human resource management.
To ensure success, all students receive a brand new “iPad®. This is loaded with a mobile learning platform” unique to Saint Mary’s.
This organizational leadership program is a thirty-six credit hour, twenty month program. The coursework exists in six themed “clusters” of asynchronous coursework:
The Learning Leader
The Connected Leader
The Global Leader
The Organizational Leader
The Change Leader
The Adaptive Leader
Students move through courses together as a cohort. In addition to challenging coursework taught by a strong team of experienced faculty members, students bond with and learn from each other in their cohorts in classes such as:
Last but not least is Gonzaga University. Gonzaga University is home to the best online masters organizational development.
This program contains thirty credit hours that take less than two years to complete. Some people may think that the online MAOL offered through Gonzaga Online is a no-frills program. That couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Gonzaga University requires fifteen credit hours of required courses. There are fifteen of electives in its online masters. Concentrations include:
Servant-leader
Global Leader
You will complete one three-day on-campus residency. There are multiple study abroad and domestic immersion possibilities. That makes this degree a cut above.
Electives include “Renaissance Leadership in the 21st Century.” This is a study abroad class offered in Florence, Italy. There’s even a three-day immersion experience in Mt. Adams, WA. This is called “Leadership and Hardiness.” Students have several life-changing experiences from which to choose.
Each online student is provided with a faculty advisor to help them navigate their education. Support starts from the very beginning with Admissions Counselors and faculty members.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to find your ideal master's program?
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Do you want to gain the fundamental knowledge you need for solving problems in mechanical engineering or a related field?
If so, a mechanical engineering degree program might be the right fit for you.
Mechanical engineering is one of the most popular jobs in the country and for good reason. In the USA, mechanical engineers are in high demand. They are elsewhere in the world, too. Graduate students can find job opportunities in engineering design, safety engineering, and just about any other related field no matter where they look. This popular course of study prepares students for the most popular jobs you’ll find in the job market. And for a high average annual salary, too!
The sheer magnitude of areas impacted by the work mechanical engineers do is staggering. This is why so many universities feature entire departments devoted to it.
You’ll gain all the skills and learn the fundamental concepts you need to succeed in all kinds of mechanical engineering jobs. Most programs are interdisciplinary, too. You can study related fields like:
Control Systems
Aerospace Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Computer Science
Mechanical Systems
Modern Applications of Mechanical Engineering
For students who can’t decide which course offerings or career paths interest them most, this is an important factor!
There is a diverse range of engineering disciplines that fall within the scope of mechanical engineering. It’s important to decide which areas interest you the most as you review the variety of graduate programs out there.
The beauty of an online program? You can study at your own pace, even on a part time basis. Some full time programs take as little as 2 years to complete.
You will earn a high average salary upon graduation, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. But that’s not all.
Often, you can pay less to get there. The average salary is high but the average cost of attendance is not. Most of the best MS courses for mechanical engineering feature low tuition. It’s often charged at an in state rate. The average scholarship amount is quite high. Top recruiters are willing to pay a high scholarship amount to the most talented domestic and international students.
Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at the best universities for MS in mechanical engineering degrees.
You will find one of the best colleges for MS in mechanical engineering degrees in Berkeley, CA.
This school first opened its doors in 1868. UC Berkeley grew to become the flagship campus of the University of California system. It is now home to more than 41,900 students from around the world. Berkeley and its motto Fiat Lux (“Let there be light”) have inspired generations of graduates to strive for excellence in virtually all realms of academia.
Berkeley’s Department of Mechanical Engineering features three exciting graduate degree programs for mechanical engineering in USA study.
There is a Master of Science (MSME). There is also a Master of Engineering. There is even a Doctor of Philosophy mechanical engineering program.
The MSME degrees focuses on the application of natural sciences. It covers these fundamental concepts as an engineering systems approach to problem-solving.
Coursework includes:
Design, Evaluate, and Scale Development Technologies
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes
Nanoscale Processing of Materials
Admission requirements for this mechanical engineering masters are pretty standard. They include the standard minimums for all modern applications to mechanical engineering masters. For example:
A bachelor’s degree (or eligible equivalent) from an accredited institution
A minimum 3.0 GPA
Acceptable undergraduate preparation to complete graduate-level course work
Sufficient English proficiency
If proof is required, a TOEFL score of 90 or higher on the iBT test; or 570 on the paper-and-pencil test; or an IELTS Band score of 7 or higher on a nine-point scale are all acceptable.
Applications must include:
Unofficial transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Proof of English proficiency
Berkeley ranks as one of the most prestigious universities on Earth. It currently ranks 15th among the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities. It also comes in at No. 4 in the U.S. News & World Report.U.S. News & World Report has some of the most well-regarded national rankings for ME programs.
You’ll find another one of the best colleges for MS in mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Georgia Tech’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering offers an MSME. This program is perfect both for aspiring global and USA mechanical engineers. It provides extensive foundational training and professional development in the fundamental concepts of mechanical engineering.
It goes beyond what other top universities offer. Students pursuing this mechanical engineering degree will appreciate its interdisciplinary nature. It not only tackles mechanical engineering but also related fields. Courses cover all the nuts and bolts, including:
Control Systems
Computer Aided Design
Mechanical Systems
Modern Applications of Mechanical Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Because of that, it is a great fit for students with strong engineering, mechanical, mathematical, and/or physical science backgrounds. Its flexible design allows students to complete the degree through a combination of studies. These could occur at different campuses. Or they might exist through online offerings.
The Woodruff School offers other Mechanical Engineering degree in addition to the MSME. Examples include:
Nuclear Engineering
Medical Physics
Paper Science and Engineering
Bioengineering
Georgia Tech’s master’s degree programs take just one to two years, or four to six semesters.
The graduate degree track features two options. There is a thesis or non-thesis for this MS degree.
The thesis option in the MS degree includes close collaboration with a department faculty member. You will be able to work full time on a project that is being researched by school faculty at the time.
The advantage of this option is the one-on-one mentorship and practical experience in a working research environment. It boosts your odds in the job market. You’ll have an improved resume that leads to a higher annual salary and better mechanical engineering jobs.
This program combines fundamental concepts in course offerings that span the breadth of the mechanical engineering field. The non-thesis option has 10 classes that. You can take two classes that are part of your undergraduate coursework. These are counted toward the MSME. If you do this, the entire mechanical engineering program can be completed in just one year!
Admission requirements for the Georgia Institute of Technology graduate school are similar to the admission requirements you might find at just about any other mechanical engineering degree program.
You’ll need to submit:
Transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
A background in the field of study
International applicants must possess sufficient TOEFL or IELTS scores
Three letters of recommendation
An application fee (in most cases)
Georgia Tech’s Woodruff School upgraded its Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility. This was sponsored in part by Boeing and Delta.
The school also expanded its Robotics and Automation research group. This best undergrad maintains continuing ties with other institutes. These include the Georgia Institute of Technology departments for:
You will find more of the best courses for MS in mechanical engineering in sunny California.
This top master’s degree for mechanical engineers is in Palo Alto, CA. This is at Leland Stanford Jr. University, a school more often known as Stanford. This university is dubbed the “Harvard of the 21st century.”
It is a West Coast cousin to its Ivy League peers in the east. Stanford ranks among the best universities in the nation. It has an acceptance rate of about 4%. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report.
Stanford’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering has 45 units of coursework. There is no thesis requirement. Students are encouraged to pursue research or partake in independent study course offerings. This is true for everyone. It is more important for those seeking to enter directly into the job market and for those who want to explore Ph.D. options.
Stanford is stringent about its course requirements. These can seem complex, especially compared to master’s programs at other top colleges.
Admission requirements are complex. Full time MSME candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Stanford comes in at No. 7 among National Universities. It is No. 1 in Best Colleges for Veterans. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. It sits on a sprawling 8,180 acres. Its total student population is around 17,000.
You’ll find another best masters degree after mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign holds its own with the best of the best masters programs when it comes to standard of living!
This MS after mechanical engineering is ranked No. 2 in the list of Best College Towns. This is a compilation by the American Institute of Economic Research. This town is cited as a quintessential Midwestern college town. It also scores high on diversity, accessibility, and innovation.
UIUC’s prestigious Grainger College of Engineering’s Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (MEngME) program features three main tracks:
Design
Energy
Manufacturing
The MEngME degrees are terminal. These professional development degrees do not lead to a Ph.D. track. They are ideal for graduate students who wish to enter directly into the workforce. However, there are options to do Ph.D. work afterward. This program is more geared toward those who are either working in the industry.
UIUC’s three flexible tracks can be completed either full time or part-time. They take as little as two semesters or one year of study.
The MEngME also offers an online option. This is useful for many students. The application process is the same for full time on-campus and full time online enrollment.
Design track course options include:
Applied Control System Design & Analysis
Computational Modeling of Industrial Transport Processes
Intermediate Thermodynamics
Viscous Flow & Heat Transfer
Energy track options include:
Internal Combustion Engines
Fundamentals of Photovoltaics
Finite Element Analysis
Introduction to Tribology
Manufacturing options include:
Computational Modeling of Industrial Transport Processes
Introduction to Robotics
Robot Dynamics and Control
Micromanufacturing Process & Automation
Master of Engineering students can take advantage of the school’s Center for Professional and Executive Training and Education. This center offers internship assistance, help with resumes and cover letters, and career fairs for aspiring mechanical engineers. Grainger also partners with industry employers looking to hire mechanical engineers through the school’s job postings. There are more than 60 engineering societies and organizations for aspiring mechanical engineers here. Students have ample opportunities to learn from each other!
Many full time and part time students seek out fellowships and assistantships. About 85% of students are in graduate research programs that are funded that way. UIUC ranks No. 10 among the Best Engineering Schools. It is No. 7 in Mechanical Engineering. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings.
You will find another one of the top universities in USA for MS in mechanical engineering at Purdue University.
It is part of the Purdue University system (including West Lafayette). Purdue University Northwest was born from a merger of two extension campuses. These were Calumet and North Central.
Today, the combined campus features a new, unified name. It continues to operate under the proud Purdue banner.
Purdue Northwest’s Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, as well as other degree programs. These are focused on:
communications
control systems
digital systems
software engineering
aerospace engineering
automotive engineering
computer science
energy
mathematics
metallurgy
statistics
thermal sciences
This program combines fundamental concepts from all kinds of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, environmental, and aerospace engineering. It is designed for the aspiring mechanical engineer who wants to graduate in less than 2 years.
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering can be completed with or without a thesis. It can be either full time or part time. The program has 30 credit hours. This top mechanical engineering in USA department also offers teaching and research assistantship. These are for qualified students who are looking to expand their skills in a hands-on setting.
Purdue also offers an MSE in Interdisciplinary Engineering. There is an MSE with ME Specialization. There is even an MSE with ECE Specialization. It has also recently launched a 4+1 Combined Degree program. This is ideal for undergraduates who want to knock out both degrees in five years. What better way to start earning a high average salary faster?
The Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering maintains numerous engineering labs. These include ME labs for the following areas:
Heat Transmission
Finite Element Analysis
Materials Heat Treatment
Engineering Metrology
Materials Polishing
Engineering Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction
Fluids Mechanics & Computational Fluids Analysis, Fatigue & Fracture Research
Manufacturing and Robotics
Mechanical Engineering Experimentation
Mechatronics
There are also interdisciplinary research centers. These include the Energy Center and Water Institute.
PNW is ranked No. 35 among the Best Engineering Programs. It promises personal attention, small class sizes, and easy access to professors.
They say everything is bigger in Texas. Perhaps ambition is no exception.
You’ll find the best MS courses for mechanical engineer candidates here in Texas. This larger than life program is one of the best mechanical engineering in USA degrees for students from all over the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are from New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, or London. Top recruiters from all over the world look for students of the caliber produced by the University of Texas at Austin.
Texas’ Cockrell College of Engineering is home to the acclaimed Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering. This school, top ranked by U.S. News & World Report, offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. It takes as little as 18 to 27 months on a full time basis.
There are three paths to attain a MSME degree:
a thesis option
report option
no-thesis/no-report option
This decision is made near the end of the student’s first semester. It allows each aspiring mechanical engineer a great deal of flexibility.
The program’s faculty are lauded inventors. They are recognized for contributions in:
lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
selective-laser sintering 3D printing techniques
other innovations used around the world
The campus attracts domestic and international students alike. It is a top mechanical engineering in USA degree for students seeking collaborative opportunities.
The school features state-of-the-art facilities and research centers. These include the:
Advanced Manufacturing Center
Center for Nano- and Molecular Science
Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
Microelectronics Research Center
Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory
Texas Materials Institute
The department boasts a strong network of industry partnerships. It is always ranked well in U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings. It comes in at No. 12 in Mechanical Engineering Programs (tie).
Looking for one of the top universities in USA for MS in mechanical engineering – but in New York?
Cornell University in New York, which is in rural New York’s Finger Lakes region, should be a top contender. Whether you are looking for full time or part time study, this program has everything aspiring mechanical engineers could want.
Cornell is an Ivy League institution. Students can expect high standards of academic excellence and selectivity in admissions.
Cornell’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering’s MEng is a terminal degree. It has a master’s thesis. The MEng programs rely on interdisciplinary study. There is a flexible curriculum to prepare graduates in engineering science, technology, and design. Yet they can also explore their own interests and goals.
MASTER OF ENGINEERING (MEng) IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Texas A&M has a long and storied history. It opened in 1876. The college has a sprawling 5,200-acre campus. It is home to one of the largest student body populations in the nation.
Oh. And it is offers the one of the best course for masters in mechanical engineering study!
The J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University has a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Mechanical Engineering. It is a 30-credit hour, non-thesis degree. It can be taken either on-campus or via distance learning.
The degree is listed as non-thesis. But there is also a thesis option available for select students.
The department is home to state-of-the-art labs. These include a turbomachinery lab and energy systems lab.
Students and faculty are also deep in research on a wide variety of ME areas, such as:
polymers
crystalline materials
heat transfer
fluid mechanics
energy systems
combustion
mechanics
turbomachinery
Texas A&M has close ties with federal, state and industry partners and stakeholders. There is funding from the:
Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, PA, stands unique among its peers when it comes to top fields for MS in mechanical engineering. It is a private research institution devoted to experiential learning, global perspectives, and community service.
Last but not least on our list of the best mechanical engineering in USA degrees is NC State.
North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, has invested in engineering since Day One. It is now considered a preeminent, multidisciplinary research institution.
It is often ranked byForbesat a hot spot for tech jobs. It is one of the best cities for young professionals, and one of the easiest cities in which to find a job, Raleigh continues to turn heads as a go-to destination.
NCSU’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest in the U.S.. There are ample graduate offerings. These include an MSME. Current students may qualify for the department’s accelerated BS/MS degree plan.
This full time and part time program for mechanical engineers is focused on six core areas of research. The department covers:
Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Propulsion and Space Exploration Systems
Dynamics, Vibrations, Controls, and System Design
Structural Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing
Thermal Sciences and Energy Systems
Biomedical and Biological Systems
Nanoscale Science and Engineering
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering lists two options. There is a thesis or no-thesis.
Non-thesis degrees take between 18 months and two years to finish. That’s depending on whether you pursue full time or part time study. They are geared toward students wanting to begin work in industry.
Admission requirements for full graduate standing require:
Competitive TOEFL scores for international students
NCSU’s Department of MAE puts strong emphasis on the following areas:
thermal sciences
energy systems
fluid mechanics
propulsion
structural mechanics and materials
engineering design
nanoscale systems.
Its award-winning faculty are cited researchers who work in cross- and inter-disciplinary areas. They collaborate with the College of Sciences and other departments.
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Recipients of a Masters of Engineering Management understand that Engineering is a critical field of study with a vast array of manifestations in terms of disciplines, career options and opportunities. Whether studying electrical engineering, civil or mechanical engineering, the related trades offer many opportunities to use skills for the betterment of national infrastructure, manufacturing and construction areas, to name but a few. Management within engineering is a vital component to ensure that projects stay on track and progress is steady.
Managers are the decision-makers within a business or project. Engineering managers are involved with such tasks as new product review and analysis, coordination of various teams within the organization, direction of maintenance, production and quality assurance as well as oversight of equipment, machinery, product and system designs. Career disciplines include automation, chemical, client services, construction, design, hardware, firmware, IT, cost, process, structural and technology.
A candidate with an engineering background and an aptitude for problem-solving would benefit from a Master’s of Engineering Management (MSM) and they can bridge the gap between management and technical disciplines. A graduate with a Master’s of Engineering Management (MSM) can speak both ‘languages’ within an organization and demonstrate their value to the company as a whole. Specific duties typically include (but are not limited to) team leadership, interaction with corporate stakeholders, interaction with business and accounting executives and technical creators to provide the “oil that helps the corporate machine run smoothly.”
Masters Program Guide is pleased to offer the Top 50 Online Master’s in Engineering Management (MSM) 2018. The methodology for this ranking is as follows: available online masters in engineering management programs were gathered. Values were assigned based on data points, which were designated for each of the following criteria: total enrollment (30%), % of students enrolled online (30%), student-faculty ratio (30%) and the overall net cost of the program (5%). Any tie-breaker was resolved by comparing % online enrollment. The Top 50 Online Master’s in Engineering Management (MSM) 2018 follows:
Program Details: Lamar University offers an on-campus and online Master of Engineering Management through the Department of Industrial Engineering. A 36-credit hour M.E.M. program, the non-thesis degree is available with both on-campus and online delivery options. Lamar’s Master of Engineering Management online degree pulls courses from the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, and College of Business to create a unique program of study. The program is designed to build on the education gained while completing an accredited undergraduate degree in engineering as well as the student’s unique professional experience. The coursework combines courses focused on business administration and general management, plus courses specific to the chosen technical field. Concentration options for the online M.E.M. include the areas of Construction Management, Management Information Systems (ERPs-SAP), Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Web-Mobile-Analytics development, Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
Lamar University, located near Houston in Beaumont, Texas on a 292-acre campus, is a public institution and a member of The Texas State University System. Established in 1923 as South Park Junior College, in 1932 the institution was renamed in honor of Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas and the “Father of Education” in Texas. One of the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities, Lamar is focused on student’s success. Its mission is to engage and empower students by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen career path and in their personal lives. Comprising multiple colleges, these include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts and Communication, the College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Graduate Studies, and the Reaud Honors College. Lamar emphasizes hands-on learning at every level and is nationally recognized for the academic excellence of its core curriculum. The University is institutionally-accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Details: Arkansas State University offers an online Master of Engineering Management degree designed to equip students with the technical and leadership skills necessary for advancement into management positions within a variety of engineering disciplines. An accelerated interdisciplinary program, the online M.E.M. degree was created for both managers of technology in the areas of manufacturing, engineering, and high-tech organizations as well as engineers. Identical to the University’s on-campus Master of Engineering Management program – which is recognized as one of the top engineering programs in the country, – the online degree consists of eleven online 7-week courses and has no thesis requirements. Designed to offer convenience and flexibility to working professionals, the M.E.M. online program features multiple start days throughout the year as well as a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers through A-State Online.
Arkansas State University-Jonesboro is a public university located on a 1,376-acre campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Established in 1909, the University began as one of the first four Arkansas high schools created by Act 100 of the 37th Arkansas General Assembly. The new school originally provided a high-school-level education on the subjects of agriculture, horticulture and the art of textile manufacturing. Today, Arkansas State University is a doctoral-level national institution and has grown to become the second largest university in the state. More than 150 fields of undergraduate and graduate study are offered through the University’s several colleges. These include the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, & Technology; Business; Education & Behavioral Science; Liberal Arts and Communication; Nursing & Health Professions; and Sciences & Mathematics. Arkansas State University’s mission is to enhance intellectual growth, educate leaders, and enrich lives. More than 14,000 students are currently enrolled who are taught by more than 1,500 faculty and staff members.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: National University offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management through its School of Engineering and Computing. Offered entirely online, the M.S.E.M. degree combines the benefits of modern technology with high-quality instruction for scientists, engineers, and technologists who are seeking managerial positions within various technological disciplines. Specializations for the online M.S.E.M. are offered in the areas of Project Management, Systems Management, and Technology Management. A highly customizable degree, learning outcomes of the online Master of Science in Engineering Management program include the ability to demonstrate quantitative analytical and critical thinking skills and techniques; identify, prioritize and select relevant solutions in solving complex engineering problems and processes; and assess tools and techniques, resources, organizational systems, and decision making processes for the successful management of projects and processes.
Headquartered in La Jolla, California, National University serves as the flagship institution within the National University System. Created in 2001 to meet the need for higher education, the System currently has 28 locations throughout the United States. The University’s nonprofit status is key to its core identity as one of the largest nonprofit institutions in California. The University is directly responsible to its students, rather than shareholders and is able to focus on providing top-quality education that is both affordable and highly accessible. The University’s nonprofit status also allows it to invest its resources in outstanding faculty and the latest learning technology; its overall goal is to “provide students a personalized experience in a modern setting with small class sizes and good faculty-to-student ratios.” Comprising several colleges and schools, these include the College of Letters and Sciences, School of Health and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computing, Sanford College of Education, School of Business and Management, and School of Professional Studies.
Online Engineering for Professionals Engineering Management
Program Details: Johns Hopkins University and the Whiting School of Engineering offer the University’s Engineering for Professionals Engineering Management program. Designed to help professionals succeed in high-level leadership positions, the program prepares individuals to take on increased technical responsibilities in their career field. Culminating in an online Master of Engineering Management, the degree is available with a vast range of concentration options, including: Applied Biomedical Engineering; Applied and Computational Mathematics; Applied Physics; Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering); Computer Science; Cybersecurity; Electrical and Computer Engineering (Communications, Controls, and Signal Processing); Electrical and Computer Engineering (Computer Engineering); Electrical and Computer Engineering (Optics and Photonics); Electrical and Computer Engineering (RF and Microwave Engineering); Information Systems Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering. Available online, on-site, or in a combination of the two, the online M.E.M. degree program’s mission is to prepare “ethically grounded, technically competent professional leaders with technical, managerial, and leadership skills to produce innovative solutions to technical organization challenges.”
Johns Hopkins University is a private institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. A leading academic and research institution and the United State’s first research university, Johns Hopkins University is named for the 19th century Maryland philanthropist, entrepreneur, and abolitionist, Johns Hopkins. The University reported $2.306 billion in the fiscal year 2015 in medical, science, and engineering research and has ranked #1 in higher education research spending, according to the National Science Foundation, for 37 consecutive years. Johns Hopkins University’s institutional mission is to prepare students for lifelong learning, cultivating an appetite for original and independent research, and produce graduates who are eager to share their discoveries for the benefit of the world. The University boasts an impressive faculty and has been home to over 35 Nobel laureates, both past, and present, including several current faculty members. Maryland’s largest employer, the University has a total enrollment figure of approximately 25,000 students and is comprised of nine academic divisions.
Program Details: Pennsylvania State University offers an online Master of Engineering Management degree through the Penn State World Campus, also known as “Penn State Online.” A 33-credit hour program, the online M.E.M. degree is designed to prepare professionals for positions of leadership in their field, blending technical expertise with essential business and management skills. Admission requirements for the M.E.M. online degree include an accredited undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or science as well as a minimum three years of applicable work experience which demonstrate the skills necessary to manage complex engineering projects, products, and services within a typical engineering organization. The M.E.M. program comprises 11 courses delivered in seven-week terms over two years. Coursework covers a range of applicable topics, including engineering management strategy, creativity and problem solving, technical project management, decision and risk, financial studies for engineering, and organizational behavior.
Pennsylvania State University (commonly referred to as Penn State) is a public, land-grant, research-intensive university headquartered in University Park, Pennsylvania on a 7,343-acre main campus. With 24 on-site campus locations across Pennsylvania as well as a teaching hospital and strong online presence, Penn State encompasses over 23,000 acres and 1,784 buildings statewide. Established in 1855, the University enrolls approximately 100,000 students and boasts over 600,000 living alumni worldwide. Out of its 17,000 faculty members, 30 are members of National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. Penn State offers more than 160 bachelor’s degree programs as well as over 160 graduate degree programs. The largest public university and Pennsylvania’s only land-grant institution, Penn State’s land-grant mission “embraces teaching, research, and public service to support the citizens of the Commonwealth” and the University is built upon the core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management through its School of Business and School of Engineering. Offered entirely online, the joint M.S.E.M. program combines technical engineering coursework with managerial and professional studies. The technical engineering coursework specifically focuses on teaching a multidisciplinary, systems-oriented approach to problem-solving for complex issues. The online M.S.E.M.’s business-related courses provide essential business acumen combined with the cultivation of professional work habits and the ability to think strategically. The M.S.E.M. online degree program combines 18 hours of core courses with 12 hours of a student selected concentrations and three hours of a capstone. Concentration options for the online M.S.E.M. degree include design and commercialization; biomaterials and tissue engineering; safety engineering; vehicle and robotics engineering; construction engineering; software engineering; power systems engineering; manufacturing engineering; and environmental engineering. An option to design a customized concentration is also available.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public, four-year, comprehensive urban university and the only one of its kind in Alabama’s largest metropolitan area. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, UAB is the state’s largest research institution and its largest single employer. The University origins date back to the founding of the Medical College at Alabama in 1859. In 1936 the institution branched out and opened the Birmingham Extension Center. By 1969 the campus became a fully autonomous institution. UAB’s mission is to meet the immediate educational and health-related needs of students, the community, and medical patients as well as the global need for knowledge dissemination, discovery, creativity, and application of innovative solutions. Comprising multiple colleges and schools, these include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Dentistry, the Collat School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Medicine, the School of Engineering, the School of Public Health, the School of Health Professions, the School of Nursing, the School of Optometry, the Honors College, and The Graduate School.
Program Details: Ohio University offers an online Master of Engineering Management for working professionals. Available entirely online, the M.E.M. degree program has no GRE requirements for qualified students, features curriculum taught by full-time OHIO faculty members, and allows students to graduate in as little as two years. Recommended for professionals who already hold an undergraduate degree in an engineering or engineering-related field, Ohio University’s online M.E.M. is an advanced degree which provides an advanced understanding of the specific engineering and management skills necessary to excel as a competent engineering leader. The M.E.M. online degree curriculum is delivered 100% online and its dual focus allows students to immediately apply what they learn in the classroom in the workplace.
Ohio University is a public research university headquartered in Athens, Ohio. A large and primarily residential institution, Ohio University is comprised of several regional campuses and centers located throughout Ohio in Chillicothe, St. Clairsville, Lancaster, Pickering, Ironton, Proctorville, and Zanesville as well as extension sites in both Cleveland and Dublin. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and comprises several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, the Patton College of Education, the College of Business, the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Fine Arts, the Scripps College of Communication, the College of Health Sciences and Professions, the University College, the Honors Tutorial College, and the Graduate College. Ohio University’s vision is to provide the best transformational education within a student-centered environment. Its mission is to cultivate the intellectual, personal, and professional development of students and to be recognized for its outstanding educators and scholars.
Master of Science in Engineering Management online
Program Details: George Washington University offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management through its School of Engineering and Applied Science. Also available as a Doctor of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy degree, the Engineering Management degree program is available at several campus sites, including the University’s main campus, as well as through online delivery. The M.S.E.M. online degree program provides a broad education in management and technology geared towards technical managers who are responsible for smooth operations within their organization and are interested in having an advantage over their competitors. The online M.S.E.M. program provides several areas of technical focus paired with courses on the most current management techniques specifically designed for scientific and technological organizations. Concentration options for the M.S.E.M. degree include economics, finance, and cost engineering; knowledge and information management; crisis, emergency, and risk management; environmental and energy management; and engineering and technology management.
Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington University (GW) is a private, independent institution of higher education. Established on February 9, 1821 by an act of Congress, GW is the alma mater of several notable alumni including former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy; the first woman to manage a U.S. space launch, Marjorie Townsend; former U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell; Arnold “Red” Auerbach, 16-time NBA Champion Coach Executive; and Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actress, Kerry Washington. George Washington University’s mission is to instill in students the desire for lifelong learning by providing outstanding academics combined with top-quality and hands-on learning experiences for all students both domestically and abroad. As an institution, the University is committed to the ideas of intellectual and cultural diversity and values integrity, openness, creativity, and exploration.
Master of Science in Engineering Management Online
Program Details: Kettering University offers the Online Master of Science in Engineering Management. Created for professionals who require a program which goes beyond the scope of a typical MBA, Kettering’s Online Engineering Management degree takes the professional engineering knowledge of its students and applies it into a project management context. A highly customizable program, the online M.S.E.M. degree can be completed in as little as one year and provides an opportunity for immediate practical application. Graduate certificates may be added to the M.S.E.M. online degree with options including Healthcare Management, Supply Chain & Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Global Leadership, and Operations Management. The M.S.E.M. degree is accredited by the Accredited Council for Business Schools and Programs. The online engineering management program equips students with holistic communication and leadership skills which are necessary for the management of cross-disciplinary, high-technology teams.
Kettering University, located on a 90-acre campus along the Flint River in Flint, Michigan, is a private, cooperative education and experiential learning-based institution. Established as the School of Automobile Trades in 1919, the institution eventually came under ownership by the General Motors Corporation who undertook the financial support of the school in 1926, utilizing the facility to develop engineers and managers for its company. GM gave up complete ownership of the school in 1982. The University is known for its outstanding STEM programs and business-related degrees and certificates. Comprising several colleges and schools, these include the College of Sciences and Liberal Arts, the College of Engineering, the Graduate School, the School of Management, and Kettering Online. The University’s mission is to educate students for lives of service and leadership by providing a transformational learning experience. Over a dozen undergraduate and several graduate-level programs are offered including at least five 100% online program options.
Online Master of Science in Engineering (Engineering Management concentration)
Program Details: Purdue University offers a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management and Leadership. The M.S.E./M.S. online degree is offered through the College of Engineering and Purdue Online. A 33-credit hour program, the online M.S.E. curriculum is designed to equip professionals with the practical and engineering skills as well as the business and management necessary to lead within the context of the global marketplace. Hosted by Purdue Online, the M.S.E./M.S. program’s engineering courses are administered by the College of Engineering while the business courses are taught by Indiana University and the Kelly School of Business. A flexible online engineering management program, students are guided by an academic advisor who helps to create a Plan of Study (POS) best suited to meet each individual’s educational needs and career goals. Applicants are required to have earned their undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited (or equivalent) engineering program.
Purdue University is a four-year, public, land-grant institution headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869 following the Morrill land-grant act which was signed into law by Abraham Lincoln, the University has graduated many notable students. Distinguished alumni include a first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong; Philip Nelson and Gebisa Ejeta, both recipients of the World Food Prize; and 2010 recipient of the Nobel Prize in chemistry, Ei-ichi Negishi. Purdue University is well recognized for its important contributions, scholarly excellence, and research in the areas of engineering, aerospace, technology, science, and math. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Liberal Arts, the Krannert School of Management, the College of Agriculture, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Engineering, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, the College of Health and Human Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Education, the College of Science, The Graduate School and the University’s Honors College.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: The University of Southern California offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.T.) through the Verbiti School of Engineering. Appropriate for students of any engineering discipline background, the program is specifically geared towards adults who hold an undergraduate degree in engineering or related discipline. The online M.S.E.M.T. is designed to prepare professionals for the management responsibilities of a technological organization. The curriculum focuses on how to lead technology projects and manage teams, engineering functions, and companies. A hands-on program, the M.S.E.M.T. online degree offers more than just theory and is taught by instructors who have accumulated years of relevant industry experience. Courses cover topics including information systems, technology creation, quantitative methods, management of invention, and managerial accounting. A 30-unit online engineering management program, 21 units must be at the 500 level or above and a minimum of 18 units are required to be administered through the Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. The offered online, the M.S.E.M.T. degree is available as a distance learning program.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California in University Park, the University of Southern California is recognized as one of the leading private research universities in the world. An anchor institution of Los Angeles, USC is known as an international center for the arts, business, and technology. Established in 1880 and beginning with a little over 50 students and less than a dozen instructors, today the University boasts over 45,000 students, including more than 19,000 undergraduates, yet maintains a low student to faculty ratio of 9 to 1. The University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Online Master of Engineering (Engineering Management specialization)
Program Details: Colorado State University offers the Master of Engineering (M.E.) through its online division with a specialization in Engineering Management. Designed to teach the industry-specific skills necessary for roles of leadership, the online M.E. in Engineering Management program combines engineering processes with business elements. Offered through CSU’s College of Engineering and College of Business, the M.E. online degree curriculum follows the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Knowledge Base standards. Concepts taught in the M.E. program include procurement and supply chain management; business analysis, communication, finances, and marketing; engineering project management and maintenance; and systems engineering foundations and architecture. Taught by industry leaders and faculty members, the online M.E. degree program is designed to bring real-world examples into the online curriculum, providing hands-on projects so that students can immediately apply what they learn in the classroom in their place of work.
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University is a public, doctoral, research institution. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Colorado State University (CSU) is known for its solid academic results and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences; Business; the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering; Health and Human Sciences; Liberal Arts; Natural Sciences; Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; the Warner College of Natural Resources; and the Schools of Music, Theatre and Dance; Biomedical Engineering; Education; Global Environmental Sustainability; Social Work; and Public Health. The University also possesses a strong online presence in the CSU-Global Campus. The University is committed to student’s success and to enhancing the quality of life among residents of Colorado and beyond by providing access to excellent academics and educational programs.
Program Details: The University of Idaho offers the online Master of Engineering Management degree. Available through the University’s College of Engineering, the multidisciplinary M.E.M. program integrates business approaches that apply to technology and engineering methods designed to solve complex technology-related concerns. UI’s online M.E.M. degree program is designed for working professionals and is available as a distance learning program with online course delivery. As a multidisciplinary online degree, the M.E.M. program is specifically designed to “bridge the gap” between engineering and business with the goal of equipping engineers with leadership skills and expertise necessary to advance in their career. The online engineering management program combines the application of organizational insights, communication skills, and business knowledge with technical knowledge in order to produce managers who are effective as leaders. A minimum of 15 engineering course credits is required within the 30-credit-hour M.E.M. online program. At the end of their program, students may either complete an optional capstone project or an additional elective with a written comprehensive exam.
The University of Idaho (UI), located in Moscow, Idaho, is the state’s oldest, flagship, land-grant public university. Established in 1889, UI serves as the state’s primary research university with approximately $110 million spent in research annually. A noted national leader in interdisciplinary research and student-focused learning, the University seeks to serve the local community and help businesses with a focus on instilling in students the values of citizenship, diversity, and global outreach. UI offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees and programs through its several campuses, centers, and colleges. These include the Colleges of Arts and Architecture, Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Education, Agriculture and Life Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Business and Economics, Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, and Graduate Studies. UI also offers a variety of online learning options including undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Details: The University of Arizona offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management through its College of Engineering and the department of online graduate programs. A practical focused degree, the online M.S.E.M. degree blends business, engineering, and mathematics electives in order to equip professionals with the necessary skills for effective leadership in a range of technology and science-related careers. The M.S.E.M. program’s curriculum is designed to teach skills that may be applied immediately in the workplace. Available with online course delivery, the M.S.E.M. online degree program is flexible and may be customized to suit individual students’ desired outcomes and career goals. The M.S.E.M. degree requires 15 units of required core courses including Law for Engineers & Scientists; Technical Sales & Marketing; Decision Making Under Uncertainty; Project Management; and Financial Modeling for Innovation. Students may conclude their studies with a capstone project or provide a written thesis.
The University of Arizona is a public, land-grant university located in Tucson, Arizona. An international leader in research, the University contributes over $622 million annually in research investments. A member of the Association of American Universities, UA produces real-world prepared graduates, thanks to its 100% Engagement initiative. UA is dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona and beyond by providing top-quality education programs, opportunities for research, and encouraging creative expression. Comprising several colleges, these include the Colleges of Letters, Arts and Sciences; Fine Arts; Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Humanities; Agriculture and Life Sciences; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Education; Nursing; Sciences; Pharmacy; Optical Sciences; Medicine; Engineering; Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health; the Eller College of Management; the James E. Rogers College of Law; the Honors College; and the Graduate College.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology offers the Master of Science degree in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through SD Mines Online. A highly flexible, affordable, and user-friendly online master’s program, the M.S.E.M. coursework is designed with industry input in order to equip students with the necessary technical and management knowledge. The M.S.E.M. degree courses are delivered online with classes streamed live or recorded to be viewed at the student’s convenience. An interdisciplinary program, the online M.S.E.M. degree blends technical skills with management and leadership abilities in order to produce graduates who are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the field. Course topics for the M.S.E.M. online degree cover a wide range of engineering management including economics and finance, safety and ergonomics, project management and risk assessment, and taking innovation from the workspace to the marketplace.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a private institution of higher education located in Rapid City, South Dakota in the beautiful Rushmore Region. SD Mines is recognized for its excellent STEM academic programs, great value, and outstanding internship opportunities. The University’s mission is to provide academic excellence for students and the community in the areas of engineering and science academics and research. Each program is taught with the goal of developing the future generation of problem solvers and leaders. The School was established in 1885 for the original purpose of providing instruction in the region’s primary industry of mining. Today the institution is known as one of the leading science and engineering universities in the region, offering rigorous academic experiences taught by committed faculty members in small classes. SD Mine’s vision is to be known for its outstanding science and engineering programs and community where leaders are prepared to lead and serve in the local region, nation, and beyond.
Program Details: Rowan University offers the Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.) through a combination of courses from the College of Engineering and the Rohrer College of Business. An interdisciplinary degree, the program is aimed at working professionals and offers a convenient, flexible option for pursuing higher education while balancing career and personal commitments. The program is specifically designed to prepare engineers who are equipped to lead as managers in a wide range of technical disciplines. The online M.E.M. courses focus on a number of proven business practices including strategic decision making, supervising, and budgeting. The M.E.M. online degree is offered in a part-time, accelerated, online format, requiring 30 graduate semester hours (10 courses). By scheduling two courses per semester for five consecutive semesters, students can complete the entire online M.E.M. degree program in less than 24 months. Each course is scheduled in 8-week modules. Required courses include Systems in Engineering Management, Engineering Decision Making, Engineering Economics, Management Skills for Engineers, Engineering Law And Ethics, Facilities Management, and Strategic Risk Management.
Rowan University is a public, comprehensive research university located in Glassboro, New Jersey. The University began as a teacher preparation college in 1923, gradually evolving into the vibrant institution it is today. The University is dedicated to providing a broad-based liberal arts education combined with practical career preparation with programs ranging from undergraduate to doctoral. Rowan University’s mission is to serve as a student-centered learning community made up of diverse members where collaboration, research, creativity, and community service, are integrated with scholarship and teaching. As a regional institution, the University desires to enrich the lives of students and members of the local community and is committed to service that begins locally and advances to the world. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs through its several colleges and schools.
Online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (MEEM)
Program Details: The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs offers an online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (M.E.E.M.) designed to prepare professional engineers for effective technical management. Available exclusively online, the UCCS’s M.E.E.M. degree program is consistent with the guidelines for the Master’s programs in Engineering Management as outlined by The American Society for Engineering Management. The online M.E.E.M. degree program’s core courses focus on the key skills necessary for success in a technology-driven work environment. The M.E.E.M. online degree program’s flexibility and online delivery format are designed to meet the unique needs of working professionals. Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in engineering or related science discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They are also required to have a minimum of two years of experience in a civil, government, or industrial technology or engineering position. A 30 semester-hour program, the M.E.E.M. degree’s courses are divided into 21 core courses and 9 hours of emphasis in Business.
The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (abbreviated UCCS) is a public comprehensive university located in northeast Colorado Springs. One of four campuses within the University of Colorado System, UCCS was established in 1965 and built on the original 1964 gift of 80 acres given by George Dwire, a local businessman. Today, UCCS is the fastest growing campus within the University of Colorado System and is a Member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCCS offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 22 master’s and five doctoral degrees through its six colleges and schools. The University’s vision is to be recognized as a premier research institution. UCCS is committed to providing academically rigorous programs combined with hands-on experiential learning for the advancement of knowledge.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: The University of South Florida offers the online Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through the College of Engineering and the Office of Graduate Studies. An interdisciplinary program, the M.S.E.M. degree prepares professionals from a range of engineering and technology-related disciplines for positions in technical management. The M.S.E.M. online degree’s courses blend the concepts of resource management, engineering management, productivity, and strategic planning with qualitative approaches and quantitative techniques. A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete the online M.S.E.M. program, including 18 credits of core courses and 12 credits of electives; a thesis option is available for students who are interested in applied research. Core courses include Engineering Management Policy & Strategy (the program’s Capstone), Management of Technological Change, Technology and Finance, and Principles of Engineering Management.
Headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) is a major metropolitan, public research university. A member of the University of South Florida System, USF was founded in 1956. Home to several colleges, these include the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Arts, Behavioral and Community Sciences, Global Sustainability, Engineering, Nursing, Public Health, Marine Science, Pharmacy, Graduate Studies, the Honors College, and the Morsani College of Medicine. More than 43,000 total students are enrolled as well as over 31,000 undergraduates with a 22 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, USF offers 180 undergraduate majors and concentrations and numerous graduate, specialist and doctoral programs. The University is dedicated to serving students well, positioning them for success within the global marketplace. USF’s mission is to cultivate the intellectual, academic, professional, and personal success of each of its students.
Online Master of Science in Systems and Engineering Management (MSSYEM)
Program Details: Texas Tech University offers the Master of Science in Systems and Engineering Management (M.S.S.Y.E.M.). The online M.S.S.Y.E.M. degree is designed to prepare professionals to advance as technical managers within the areas of engineering, science, and other technical disciplines. The M.S.S.Y.E.M. online degree program provides a solid foundation in management and financial issues and is specially designed for individuals with professional engineering or technology-related backgrounds. The M.S.S.Y.E.M. program includes an option to add on 3-5 courses as a minor. These courses must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor and focus on a specific area of specialty; however, they are not required to come from the same department. Sample minors include (but are not limited to) Power Systems Minor, Formation Evaluation Minor, Software Engineering Minor, Drilling and Production Operation Minor and more.
Texas Tech University is a public research university located in Lubbock, Texas. The University is one of four institutional members of the Texas Tech University System (TTUS and is governed by the TTUS Board of Regents. The University is named as having the “Highest Research Activity” possible according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Texas Tech is committed to providing top-quality academics for the intellectual, personal, and professional development of each student. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts & Sciences, the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration, College of Human Sciences, the College of Architecture, the College of Education, the College of Media & Communication, the School of Law, the Honors College, and the Graduate School.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: Drexel University offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through the College of Engineering. The first institution to launch a graduate engineering management degree, Drexel’s online M.S.E.M. degree is taught by experienced faculty members with successful professional careers in the field, features a highly customizable curriculum which allows students to take electives from any engineering discipline, and automatically qualifies students for the Certificate in Engineering Management (CAEM) without needing to take the exam. Several dual degree options and related certificates are also available with the M.S.E.M. online degree, allowing students to earn two master’s degrees affordably with fewer credits. Hosted through Drexel Online, the Master of Science in Engineering Management program features a highly interactive online learning environment that is designed to be convenient for working professionals as well as challenge and engage students.
Drexel University is a private comprehensive institution, located on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The University was established in 1891 and has grown to be recognized as a top ranking institution and is currently one of the largest private institutions of higher education in the United States with a solid global reputation for its many contributions. Comprised of over a dozen colleges and schools plus Drexel Online, the University offers more than 200 degree programs. A pioneer in online education since 1996, the University is committed to providing accessible options for busy students with innovative online programs. Recognized as a leading globally engaged research institution, the University is committed to fulfilling its founders’ vision to prepare each new generation of leaders to lead productive civil and professional lives. Drexel is further committed to focusing the expertise of its members on solving the world’s most challenging and pressing issues.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through the College of Engineering & Computer Science and the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems. Students are required to already hold a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline plus have experience of at least two years within an engineering field. The M.S.E.M. online degree is designed to prepare professionals who already possess a degree of technical proficiency in managing projects, organizations, and engineering teams. Offered on-campus in evening programs, entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses, UM-Dearborn’s M.S.E.M. online degree comprises 11 required courses (divided into 12 business credits, 18 engineering credits, and a final capstone project worth 2 credits) and 3 credit hours of elective requirements. Learning goals for the online M.S.E.M. degree program include providing the requisite knowledge and skills to manage the engineering function at both lower and upper levels of management; providing experience in the integration of technical and managerial aspects in “real life” engineering project or problem; providing an understanding of core management areas vital for a technical manager, and providing knowledge of topics inherent and common to all engineering disciplines.
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, the University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is a four-year, public, comprehensive university. Established in 1959, the University is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and holds accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. UM-Dearborn is dedicated to providing the highest quality in teaching, scholarship, and research. Committed to student success, the University’s mission is to provide an inclusive, accessible, and affordable education to students. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, available both on-site and online through its four colleges. These include the College of Business, the College of Education, Health & Human Services, the College of Arts, Sciences & Letters, and the College of Engineering & Computer Science.
Online Master of Science in Administration (Engineering Management specialization)
Program Details: Central Michigan University offers the Master of Science in Administration with a specialization in Engineering Management through the College of Graduate Studies. The program is designed to equip professionals from a variety of engineering backgrounds with the necessary problem-solving skills for effective management and leadership. The online M.S.A. program specifically focuses on strategic planning and best practices. The online M.S.A. degree’s intention is to prepare students to manage engineering, industrial, green energy, and high-tech organizations. An interdisciplinary degree, the University’s M.S.A. is designed to equip professionals with the leadership, organizational, and management skills necessary for leadership and administration. A 36-credit-hour program, the M.S.A. online degree is divided into 18 hours of core classes and 18 hours based on the selected concentration.
Central Michigan University is a public research university located Mount Pleasant, Michigan on a 480-acre main campus. One of the nation’s largest public universities, the University began as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute, offering classes in teaching business and stenography. In 1895 the Michigan State Board of Education became responsible for the operation of the school and it was renamed Central Michigan Normal School. Central Michigan University focuses on student success, providing accessible education designed to cultivate intellectual, personal, and professional growth leading to meaningful lives and careers. The University values wisdom, knowledge, discovery, and creativity. Over 200 academic programs are offered through the University’s several colleges. These include the College of Communication and Fine Arts, the College of Health Professions, the College of Business Administration, the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Medicine, and the College of Graduate Studies.
Program Details: The University of Kansas offers a graduate-level Engineering Management (E.M.G.T.) specialization through the School of Engineering. An interdisciplinary program, the Engineering Management curriculum blends management, business, and leadership courses with the technical skills necessary for successful management in various engineering or technology-oriented organizations. KU’s online E.M.G.T. program studies provide an emphasis on employable skills such as written and oral communication skills, team-based approaches, leadership, analysis and design, and management of technology skills. KU’s EMGT Program is designed with the working professional in mind and courses are offered as evening classes and online as a Distance Learning program.
The University of Kansas is a public research university located in Lawrence, Kansas. The University of Kansas offers a wide range of academic programs through its several schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Public Affairs and Administration, the School of the Arts, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, the School of Architecture and Design, the School of Engineering, the School of Business, the School of Social Welfare, the School of Health Professions, the School of Education, the School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Medicine, the School of Law, and the School of Music. The University is also home to the University of Kansas Medical Center, a unique and integral component of the University which provides professional training designed to meet the wide range of health needs ranging from primary care and prevention to highly specialized and innovative clinical care. Valuing scholarship, learning, and creativity, the University of Kansas serves as a major comprehensive research university and is the only Kansas Regents University which is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Details: Florida International University offers the Online Master of Science in Engineering Management. The online M.S.E.M. degree’s general track features coursework that provides hands-on learning experiences that allow students to apply managerial theories, engineering tools, and best practices to both design and operate industrial systems. A flexible interdisciplinary program, the M.S.E.M. online degree coursework combines business and law courses with technical skills. Students are expected to build a solid technical foundation in their chosen engineering track while simultaneously acquiring contemporary engineering management theories and techniques. A fast-tracked program for engineering leadership, the M.S.E.M. degree program is available entirely online, requiring 30 credits.
Located in Miami, Florida, Florida International University (FIU) is a metropolitan, public, research university and the oldest and only research institution in Miami. A top-tier research institute, FIU is classified by Carnegie as having the Highest Research Activity. Major emphasis is placed on research as a key component of the University’s mission. FIU is committed to cultivating a collaborative environment, providing top-quality academics with state-of-the-art research and creativity. The University offers more than 200 bachelor’s, masters and doctoral programs through its several schools and colleges. These include the Colleges of Business; Communication, Architecture & The Arts; Law; Arts, Sciences & Education; Engineering & Computing; the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs; ; the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences; the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work; the University Graduate School; and the Honors College.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Details: Robert Morris University offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management through the RMU School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Available both on-campus and fully online, the M.S.E.M. program equips professionals with practical engineering principles and best business practices that combine theory and practice into the development and design of engineering management systems. A flexible, interdisciplinary program, the M.S.E.M. online degree requires 30 credits and combines high-level engineering specialties with financial analysis, project management, and system design skills. Sample courses from the program include Project Engineering Management; Engineering Systems Analysis & Design; and Engineering Cost Estimation & Financial Analysis.
Robert Morris University is a private institution of higher education located in suburban Moon Township, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. The University began in 1921, established by Andrew Blass, an accountant and educator. With humble beginnings, the school first met in downtown Pittsburg and was called the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. In 1935 this name was changed to Robert Morris School for Business, chosen to honor American Founding Father, Robert Morris, who is known as the “financier of the Revolution.” The institution achieved its four-year status in the 1960s and was granted university status in 2002 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The institution emphasizes engaged learning and operates with a mission to transform the lives of its students by providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and inspiration to serve as responsible leaders and citizens within a global community. The University’s vision is to be known as a leader with the highest quality academics, providing programs within a proactively engaged learning community.
Online Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM)
Program Details: Texas A&M University offers the Master of Engineering Technical Management (M.E.T.M.) through the College of Engineering. A part-time, lock-step program lasting 21 months, the bulk of the M.E.T.M. degree program is delivered via online courses; two weeks of residency is required as well as a final presentation/graduation on campus. An interdisciplinary program, the online M.E.T.M. blends industry-specific technical skills with project and people management skills for increased profitability within technical and engineering disciplines for the purpose of producing successful leaders who are prepared assume managerial positions within their industry or organization. Outcomes of the M.E.T.M. online degree program include the ability to lead a manage a diverse team of technical professionals; have a framework for data-driven decision making; to develop a technical program for an engineering project; effectively communicate with non-technical customers and colleagues; and create and implement corporate strategic technology plans.
Texas A&M University is a research-intensive university located in College Station, Texas. The flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System, the University was established in 1876, as the state’s first public institution of higher education. The University’s main campus sits on 5,200 acres and is approximately 90 miles northwest of Houston. Nearly 68,000 students are currently enrolled, including over 12,000 graduate and professional students, and the University boasts more than 440,000 living alumni around the globe. A wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs and degrees are offered including over 130 undergraduate options, more than 150 master’s degree programs, over 90 doctoral programs and more. Texas A&M University is committed to the development, discovery, dissemination, and application of information across a wide range of professional and academic fields for the benefit of society at large. Its institutional goal is to offer the best quality education, promoting and developing new and increased understanding through scholarship, research, and creativity.
Program Details: Old Dominion University offers Master of Engineering Management through the Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology and the Department of Engineering Management & Systems Engineering. A specialized, interdisciplinary field of study, the M.E.M. degree program is grounded in the principles of science and systems engineering and builds upon student’s existing engineering experience. Hosted by ODM Online, students can access online course materials from any location. Certain classes feature live, regular online meeting times, while others are asynchronous. Likewise, instructors may schedule exams and assignments at specific times; however, the emphasis is placed on making the online M.E.M. program flexible and accessible for working professionals. A 31-credit hour program, the M.E.M. online degree is divided into 18 credits of core coursework, 12 credits of elective courses chosen by the student, and culminates in a one-credit capstone course.
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is a public urban research university. Formally established in the 1960s, the University was born out of an extension of The College of William and Mary, created as the Norfolk Division of the College. In 1962 the Division gained its independence, gaining university status just seven years later. Today Old Dominion University enjoys a reputation built upon its rigorous academics, entrepreneurial research, energetic community, and strong collaborations. A wide range of undergraduate and graduate level degrees are offered, including more than 60 bachelor’s degrees, over 130 graduate programs culminating in over 50 master’s degrees and over 40 doctorates and specialists degrees. The University comprises several colleges including an honors college and graduate school. It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Old Dominion’s mission is to be known as a dynamic community built on a strong foundation of research and scholarship. Dedicated to serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world, the University is committed to student success offering rigorous academic programs within a community committed to civic engagement and backed by strategic partnerships.
Online Master of Engineering and Technology Management
Program Details: Washington State University offers an Online Master of Engineering and Technology Management degree program through the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. The M.E.T.M. online degree is tailored for working professionals with the goal of producing graduates who are equipped to make operational and strategic decisions as they lead in the management of technology. Designed to equip practicing engineers with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to lead as effective managers, the M.E.T.M. degree is offered online via recorded lectures that may be accessed at any time. Outcomes of the online M.E.T.M. program include the ability stay at the leading edge and become a leader in the management of technology; the development of skills for managing changing technology; the ability to develop a systematic and analytical framework to support decision making; and demonstration of business and human resources management skills.
Washington State University is a four-year, public land-grant institution headquartered in Pullman, Washington. Washington State’s original land-grant institution, the University was established in 1890 and has grown into a top-tier research university. The University operates with a three-fold mission of advancing knowledge by means of strong scholarship and creative research in a variety of disciplines; to make education innovative and accessible; and to apply knowledge by means of local and global engagement for the benefit of society. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs both on-campus and online through its several colleges. These include the Colleges Arts and Sciences, Business, Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Education, Communication, Engineering and Architecture, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and the Honors College.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: The University of North Carolina-Charlotte offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through the Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management in The William States Lee College of Engineering. Available both online and on-campus, the curriculum is taught by the same professors regardless of the course delivery format. A technical alternative to the traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, UNC-Charlotte’s online M.S. Engineering Management degree combines elements of advanced study in various engineering disciplines with business and systems operations studies as well as organizational behavior. Designed to prepare professionals for careers in managing projects, programs, systems and organizations, the interdisciplinary M.S.E.M. online degree program provides students the combines business, leadership, and technical acumen.
The University of North Carolina-Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is a public, comprehensive institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The State’s urban research university, UNC Charlotte offers an array of competitive programs which highlight creative activity and research. Noted for its exemplary undergraduate, professional, and graduate programs, the institution is committed to providing hands-on experiential learning especially through means of community engagement. Dedicated to serving the needs of the greater Charlotte region and beyond, UNC Charlotte offers more than 70 undergraduate degrees plus a variety of graduate-level degree and certificate programs through its several colleges, schools, and departments. These include the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the College of Arts & Architecture, the William States Lee College of Engineering, the Belk College of Business the College of Computing and Informatics, the Cato College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, the Graduate School, the Department of Continuing Education, the Department of Online & Distance Education, and the Honors College.
Program Details: The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers the Master of Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through the College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Collaboration with The Isenberg School of Management. An interdisciplinary degree, the online M.S.E.M. degree program consists of 10 courses. Designed for working professionals, the program is available on-campus, entirely online, or in a blend of the two formats. The online M.S. Engineering Management degree, which builds on a long tradition of excellence in engineering management education, was recently redesigned for a fresh group of leaders. The M.S.E.M. online degree is designed to equip managers for successful leadership within a wide range of engineering-related disciplines, providing them with insights which foster creativity, utilizing management perspectives with engineering technology to provide solutions to complex issues, and to gain the skills necessary to manage risk and make decisions within the framework of an analysis and design system.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst (abbreviated UMass Amherst) is a public research and land-grant university located on a nearly 1,450-acre campus in the scenic Pioneer Valley in Amherst, Massachusetts. Within 90 miles of Boston and 175 miles of New York City, UMass Amherst offers residential students a “rich cultural environment” within a rural setting close to major urban centers. The flagship campus of the Commonwealth, the University is nationally ranked and offers over 200 academic programs including several undergraduate programs and more than 75 master’s degrees through its nine schools and colleges. These include the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the Isenberg School of Management, the College of Education, College of Natural Sciences, the College Engineering, the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, College of Information and Computer Sciences, the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Commonwealth Honors College, and the Graduate School.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Details: The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management through the College of Science and Engineering. The online M.S.E.M. curriculum offers the unique option of customizing the degree to meet the local industrial needs of the Greater Houston metropolitan region. Featured classes cover the topics of decisions analysis, entrepreneurship, product design, negotiations, and technology management. Each course within the online M.S. Engineering Management degree program equal three credits and are 8 weeks in length. Two 8-week sessions are offered per semester (up to five sessions per year) in order to provide maximum flexibility to the schedules of busy professionals. The M.S.E.M. degree program is offered in several formats including 100% online, on-campus, and a blend of the two, making the program flexible and convenient for working professionals. Students also have the option of earning their Six Sigma Green Belt and Project Management certificates as part of the program.
The University of Houston-Clear Lake (abbreviated UHCL) is a four-year state institution and one of four distinct institutions within the University of Houston System. Located on a 524-acre campus in Houston, Texas, UHCL was founded in 1974; however, it was not until 2014 that the University began offering freshmen- and sophomore-level classes which enabled students to begin their college career at UHCL without needing to transfer from other institutions first. Currently, over 80 graduate and undergraduate programs are available both online and in a traditional campus setting through the University’s four schools. These include the College of Human Sciences and Humanities, the College of Business, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Education. Committed to student success, the University pairs its solid academic programs with community engagement and strong partnerships designed to enhance the educational, cultural, and economic environment within the greater metropolitan area.
Program Details: Iowa State University offers an Engineering Management Master’s Degree through the Colleges of Engineering and Liberal Arts and Sciences. Available as a residential or online program, the M.E.M. degree emphasizes the development of engineering, science, and management skills which are necessary to succeed in a technology-driven environment. A multi-disciplinary degree, the online Engineering Management degree program equips leaders who have the necessary managerial and technical skills to face the unique challenges within various engineering-relate disciplines. An Engineering Management Introduction and Core are included among the required courses; electives are offered in the areas of Engineering and Business. Taught by Iowa State’s outstanding faculty members, “real world” experience is prioritized and valued and most courses within the M.E.M. online degree are taught by faculty who possess extensive work experience in the field.
Iowa State University is a public, comprehensive, land-grant university. Ranked as one of the most beautiful in the country, Iowa State University’s 1,900-acre campus, located in Ames, Iowa, is just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the state’s capital and most populated city and business center. Established in 1858, Iowa State is known for its student-centered culture and excellence in science and technology. Famous alumni of the University include George Washington Carver, Carrie Chapman Catt, and John Vincent Atanasoff. Today home to more than 36,000 students, Iowa State University offers more than 100 bachelor’s, 112 masters and over 80 doctoral programs through its Several Colleges colleges and schools. The University’s mission is to “create, share and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.” A member of the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only organization of the top 62 research institutions in the United States and Canada, Iowa State’s research enterprise includes nearly 100 centers and institutes with world-class facilities and award-winning researchers.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Program Details: Syracuse University offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) through the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the College of Engineering and Computer Science in cooperation with the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. An interdisciplinary degree, the online M.S.E.M. degree program is designed to meet the needs of active professional engineers and scientists, preparing them to assume managerial and leadership positions within their current organization or industry. The M.S.E.M. online degree program provides a blend of management theory and practice, quality control, economics, statistics, finance, legal issues, and information/data management. Courses are hand selected, providing an opportunity for increased technical competency. Applicants are required to hold a bachelor of science degree in an engineering or pure science field (physics, chemistry, etc.).
Syracuse University is a private, nonprofit, research university located in Syracuse, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University serves over 22,000 students each year. The University is committed to student success, encouraging interdisciplinary scholarship and creativity, experiential learning, global study, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Professional studies are balanced with a broad-based liberal arts education, resulting in graduates who are well prepared to face the challenges and responsibilities of the real world. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, The Martin J. Whitman School of Management, School of Architecture, The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the School of Information Studies, the School of Education, the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the College of Law, College of Visual and Performing Arts, the University College, and the Graduate School.
Program Details: Kansas State University offers the Master of Engineering Management degree through its Global Campus and the College of Engineering’s Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. The online M.E.M. degree program is designed for current industry professionals, equipping them with the business acumen and technical skill necessary to act as effective managers within engineering and technology-based organizations. Available almost entirely online, the M.E.M. degree program caters to working professionals and requires that students come to Kansas State’s campus only once at the end of the program for an oral examination conducted by the supervisory committee.
Kansas State University is a comprehensive, land-grant research institution located in Manhattan, Kansas. The University is committed to serving the needs of the students and citizens of Kansas and beyond by providing top-quality academic opportunities, excellence in scholarship and research, and by offering programs that produce highly skilled graduates who are ready to serve as global citizens for the well-being of society. Its institutional goal is to produce graduates who embrace diversity, are committed to the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, and are focused on making improvements to the standards of living and quality of life of the world around them. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Kansas State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs and degrees are offered through its several colleges, schools, and departments. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, College of Business Administration, the College of Agriculture, the College of Architecture Planning and Design the College of Human Ecology, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Engineering, and the Graduate School. Several programs are also offered through the University’s Global Campus and Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campus.
Program Details: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offers the Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.) as a 30-credit hour distance education program. The online M.E.M. program is designed for practicing professionals in the fields of engineering, technology, or applied science. The M.E.M. online degree is offered live via distance education from the University’s main campus in Socorro. A synchronous program, courses are delivered through a virtual classroom which can be streamed on a student’s desktop, laptop, or other mobile devices. Courses are scheduled during the evenings and lectures are available for streaming for a period of time after each class. Applicants are required to possess competence in engineering, science, and mathematics comparable to a calculus-based Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or an applied science discipline. Outcomes of the online M.E.M. degree include the ability to understand the structure of databases; the ability to apply Management Science-based optimization techniques to problem situations in the real world; and an understanding of economic and financial modeling and simulation and its application to analysis and valuation of risky investment projects and portfolios.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (also known as New Mexico Tech) is a private science, engineering and research university located in Socorro, New Mexico in the colorful and historic Rio Grande Valley. Established in 1889 as the New Mexico School of Mines, the University’s vision is to serve as the region’s premier institution recognized for its dedication to education, innovation, research, and service. Committed to meeting the needs of the state, nation, and world, the University provides affordable, accessible programs of education that focus on professional development, applied research, and teacher education. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the University offers a wide range of programs available both on campus and online.
Online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (MEEM)
Program Details: The University of Louisville offers the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. Available through the J.B. School of Engineering, the program is offered entirely online and is designed for experienced professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related scientific field. The M.E.E.M. online degree equips students in the development of sharper skills for managing engineering projects, products, and services. The program builds on the mathematical and analytical expertise gained through professional experience and prior engineering education and requires 30 credit hours (10 courses) to complete. Offered entirely online there are no GRE requirements and each course within the online M.E. Engineering Management degree lasts 6-weeks in length with an accelerated format. With five starts per year (Fall, Spring, or Summer admissions), the online M.E.E.M. program is designed to offer maximum convenience and flexibility to busy professionals.
Located on a 287-acre campus in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the University of Louisville is a public, comprehensive research institution. Founded as the Jefferson Seminary in Louisville, the institution’s roots reach back to 1798, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the nation. The University is currently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees and certificate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, the School of Dentistry, the Kent School of Social Work, the Brandeis School of Law, the School of Music, the School of Public Health and Information Sciences the School of Medicine, the Speed School of Engineering, the School of Nursing, and the School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Online Distributed Master of Engineering Management (d-MEMP)
Program Details: Duke University offers a Distributed Master of Engineering Management (d.-M.E.M.P.). Available with an innovative distance education option, the online degree blends the flexibility of online classes with the best features of a cohort-centric traditional residential program. A two-year program, the online d.-M.E.M.P. coursework covers finance, intellectual property, business law, marketing, and management. Most classes consist of recordings of on-campus classes and provide an opportunity for distance students to interact with classmates and faculty via email, social media, web conferencing, and instant messaging. The degree focuses on building expertise in operations and supply chain management, product design and development, data analytics and commercializing technology innovations. Additional technical electives are also offered in other areas. The d.-M.E.M.P. online degree program requires three weeklong residencies on Duke’s North Carolina campus which provide the opportunity for students to connect with fellow distance students, campus peers, program faculty, and the larger Duke network.
Located in Durham, North Carolina Duke University is a private, nonprofit, research institution. Established in 1924 by James Buchanan Duke as a memorial to his father, Washington Duke, the University is known for its top-quality academics, faculty members, and research. Recognized for its superior liberal arts education, the University is committed to creating an intellectual community that builds upon a foundation of open and free inquiry. Its mission is to promote the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge and to produce graduates who are committed to lifelong learning, active citizens, and engaged professionals. The University offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs through its several schools. These include the Fuqua School of Business, the Nicholas School of the Environment, the Sanford School of Public Policy, the School of Nursing, the Divinity School, the Duke-NUS Medical School, the Pratt School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Medicine, the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, the Graduate School, and Duke Kunshan University.
Program Details: Lawrence Technological University offers the Master of Engineering Management through its College of Engineering. An interdisciplinary degree designed for engineers who are in or seeking to advance into roles of mid to upper management, the program combines management, leadership, and technical courses to create an engineering-specific alternative to the traditional MBA. Hosted by Lawrence Tech Online, LTU is committed to providing internet-based learning that is convenient, collaborative, engaging, and on-target. Students can study when and where they like without sacrificing academic quality or attention from professors and many electives are offered to make the degree customizable and help students achieve their unique career and educational goals. Taught by faculty members within the College of Engineering, the College’s mission is to prepare industry professionals who are prepared to apply their knowledge into a real-world setting.
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a private institute of technology and higher learning located in Southfield, Michigan. Founded in 1932, LTU enjoys an established reputation of excellence, built by delivering “well-prepared graduates to their respective industries.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, LTU offers over 100 academic programs through its four colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Architecture and Design, and the College of Business and IT. The University is committed to the values of Character and Integrity, Theory and Practice, Student-focused and Caring, and Teamwork and Trust. Its vision is to be known for its innovative, transformational STEM and Design programs and for producing leaders who operate with a global perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Program Details: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers the Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.). The program is also available with an optional specialization in Construction Engineering and Management. Offered entirely online, the 30-credit-hour M.E.M. degree program has no thesis requirements but does require students to pursue a minor of at least 9 credits. Offered through the UNL College of Engineering in collaboration with the College of Business, the online M.E.M. is a professional practice-oriented advanced degree and a technical alternative to the MBA. The program is designed for professionals who already hold an undergraduate degree in engineering or quantitative area and is appropriate for engineers in all fields. Integrating business and engineering principles for solving problems, making decisions, and managing risks in complex engineering professionals, the MEM program’s mission is to provide students with “technical project management and organizational skills in the engineering workplace.”
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. A member of the University of Nebraska system, UNL is governed by a Board of Regents. The University was founded in 1869 and is comprised of several colleges. These include the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Sciences, Business, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Engineering, Architecture, Law, Journalism and Mass Communications, Graduate Studies, and the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. A member of the Big Ten Conference as well as the Big Ten Academic Alliance, as a land-grant institution UNL is also a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Details: The University of Dayton offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management through the Department of Engineering Management, Systems and Technology of the School of Engineering. An interdisciplinary course of study, the master’s degree program is designed to provide engineering professionals with skills to accelerate their career by equipping them with the business acumen combined with technical knowledge and skill necessary for successful leadership in engineering management. A flexible program, the degree requires 30 credits to complete and is designed to meet the educational needs of both traditional students and practicing professionals. 21 credit hours are spent on core courses with the remaining credits divided between management-focused electives, application-focused electives, and approved electives of choice.
The University of Dayton is a top-tier national Roman Catholic research institution. Located in the state’s sixth largest city in Dayton, Ohio, the University sits on the banks of the Great Miami River just a short walk away from the downtown section of the city. Founded in 1850 by members of the Society of Mary, the institution opened its doors to a first class of 100 students. Today, the University of Dayton is one of the largest private institutions of higher education in Ohio with over 114,000 alumni located around the globe. The University is committed to providing an academic experience that equips the whole person – intellectually, spiritually, and physically – and inspires students to become better citizens, professionals, and people for the benefit of society. The University of Dayton is well-known for its excellent academic programs and its solid commitment to community involvement and research. The institution is one of the top Catholic institutions in the United States for sponsored engineering and sponsored STEM research.
Online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
Program Details: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. Available through the University’s Department of Engineering Professional Development, the M.E.E.M. online program is a practical alternative to the traditional MBA designed for engineers and professionals within technology-related careers. The M.E. Engineering management degree blends the practice of engineering with business, helping working professionals transition into management roles or grow as a successful technical leader. Offered primarily online, students progress through the program with a supportive cohort, working together on group projects; the program also has an optional residency each summer at UW-Madison. A 30-credit hour program, the online M.E.E.M. degree requires a total of 12 courses and students typically take two courses each semester spending about 20 hours a week on coursework and participating in team project activities.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a four-year, public, research institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 1848, the University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Letters & Science, the School of Business, the School of Journalism & Mass Communication, the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, the School of Human Ecology, the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, the School of Education, The Information School, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, the Mead Witter School of Music, The Wisconsin University Law School, the School of Social Work, the School of Medicine & Public Health, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Nursing, the School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The University’s mission is to create an environment which fosters discovery, scholarship, the preservation and transmission of knowledge, and critical examination.
Program Details: The University of Maryland offers the Professional Master of Engineering through the College of Engineering. An online program, the M.E. degree is designed to provide professionals within engineering and technology-related careers with the practical expertise and business acumen necessary for effective management within rapidly changing industrial, business, and government environments. All courses within the program are taught by University faculty members as well as industry experts and the program is accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center – the first project management program in and engineering school to be so. A 30-credit program, the online M.E. degree consists of 10 courses and all students are expected to complete a preliminary course plan for their intended degree program. Required courses in the program include an Introduction to Project Management, Project Risk Management, Project Cost Accounting and Finance, Legal Aspects of Engineering Design and Construction, and Management of Project Teams.
The Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland, The University of Maryland, located just outside of Washington, D.C. Established in 1856, the institution began as the tiny Maryland Agricultural College and has grown to become one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities. Recognized globally as a leader in entrepreneurship, research, and innovation, the University is dedicated to the “pursuit of Fearless Ideas.” Its mission is to cultivate a community dedicated to excellence in academics, research, and service. Committed to meeting the needs of the local region and beyond, the University serves as a national center for research and graduate education and endeavors to be the institute of choice among Maryland’s students. The University of Maryland offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Online Master of Science in Engineering (Engineering Management concentration)
Program Details: The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers the Master of Science in Engineering through the ISEEM Department of the College of Engineering. The online M.S. in Engineering degree is offered as either a thesis or non-thesis degree and is available with concentrations in Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, and Systems Engineering. The Engineering Management concentration within the M.S.E. online degree contains a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate-level coursework with required courses including Engineering Management Theory; Engineering Project Management; Engineering Management Structures & Systems; and Managing Change in High Tech Organizations.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is one of the nation’s premier research universities. A research-intensive, internationally recognized technological institution located in Huntsville, Alabama, the University enrolls over 9,000 students from nearly all 50 states and over 80 foreign countries. The University offers nearly 90 degree programs through its several Colleges. These include the College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences; the College of Education; the College of Nursing; the College of Engineering; the College of Business; the College of Science; the College of Professional & Continuing Studies; the College of Honors; and the Graduate School. UAH is committed to the core values of Diligence and Excellence, Integrity and Respect, and Inclusiveness and Diversity. The University is committed to the values of exploration, creativity, discovery, and communication of knowledge. Its goal is to provide outstanding education, training students in critical thinking, leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility all while inspiring a passion for lifelong learning. UAH’s vision is to serve as a preeminent institution recognized for its top-quality programs in technology and research and to be the university of choice were “technology and human understanding converge.”
Program Details: Case Western Reserve University offers an Online Master of Engineering degree through the Case School of Engineering. A professional graduate engineering degree, the program equips professionals within engineering and technology-related fields with applicable business and management skills to give them an edge against the competition. The online M.E. degree program addresses critical competencies necessary to increase personal and professional effectiveness in the industry. A practice-oriented (rather than research-oriented) degree, a thesis is not required and students complete core courses plus electives. Four elective courses provide opportunities to enhance technical competencies within the student’s chosen discipline of engineering.
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve University is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive institution of higher education. Established in 1826, the University is founded upon the core values of Inclusiveness and Diversity; Academic Excellence and Impact; Effective Stewardship; Integrity and Transparency. Its vision is to serve as an internationally recognized institution of higher education which both influences and redefines the future. Case Western Reserve University’s mission is to enrich the lives of its students and those they go on to impact through transformational education paired with collaborative research. The institution is committed to scholarship, learning, and global citizenship. Case offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, the Case School of Engineering, the School of Dental Medicine, the School of Law, the School of Graduate Studies, the Weatherhead School of Management, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, and the School of Medicine.
Online Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management (MSETM)
Program Details: Oklahoma State University offers the Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management. The online M.S.E.T.M. degree was created for professionals within engineering and other related technology-driven fields and pairs engineering-specific courses with business and management courses. A flexible degree option, the online M.S. in Engineering and Technology Management curriculum may be tailored to meet each student’s unique needs. The program is available entirely through distance learning with no on-campus requirements, making it a highly convenient and accessible option for working professionals anywhere in the world. The M.S.E.T.M. online degree requires 32 credit hours and can be completed in approximately three years. The program’s courses are selected from the ETM approved course list and graduate-level embedded certificates are also available to help students gain depth in specific areas.
Oklahoma State University is a four-year, public, land-grant university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The University’s mission is to provide outstanding academics which enriches lives, advances knowledge and stimulates economic development by means of scholarship, outreach, research, and creative endeavors. Committed to the betterment of Oklahoma and beyond, the University’s vision is to advance the quality of life for others and to provide a first-class education noted for its excellence in scholarship, research, and creativity. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oklahoma State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Health and Aviation; Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Education; Human Sciences; the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences; the Spears School of Business; the School of Global Studies and Partnerships; the College of Osteopathic Medicine; the Honors College; and the Graduate College.
Online Master of Global Engineering Leadership (MGEL)
Program Details: Ohio State University offers the Master of Global Engineering Leadership (M.G.E.L.) through the College of Engineering with support from The Fisher College of Business and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. The program is offered entirely online and is designed specifically to equip engineers with leadership and management skills that they can immediately apply within their industry. The online M.G.E.L. degree’s mission is to equip individuals with a solid understanding of business and management and to teach the skills necessary for leading strategic initiatives. The M.G.E.L. online degree program provides a strong engineering focus through its technical track specializations. Specialization options include Enterprise Services and Architecture, Welding Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Automotive Systems Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Radar Systems, and a Custom Track.
Ohio State University (OSU) is a public institution of higher education headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. As part of its strategic vision, the University is committed to the values of Research and Creative Expression; Access, Affordability, and Excellence; Operational Excellence and Resource Stewardship; Teaching and Learning; and Academic Health Care. OSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Human Ecology, the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture, the Fisher College of Business, the School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Engineering, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the College of Dentistry, the College of Optometry, The John Glenn College of Public Affairs, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Social Work, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Public Health, the College of Medicine, the Michael E. Moritz College of Law, the College of Nursing, and the Graduate School.
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Details: Missouri University of Science & Technology offers the Master of Science in Engineering Management. The online M.S.E.M. degree focuses on converging engineering, management, and technology and is designed equip professionals with the necessary skills to lead as effective managers, teaching them to see the broader vision, understand the business impact of their decisions, communicate effectively, collaborate, and apply critical thinking. A 30 credit-hour program, students are required to take four courses in an area of specialization and two elective courses in addition to the degree’s set of core courses. Specialization track options include management of technology, industrial engineering, project management, financial engineering, manufacturing systems, and quality engineering.
Located in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri University of Science and Technology is a four-year public research university. Abbreviated Missouri S&T, the institution was founded in 1870, one of the oldest technological institutions established west of the Mississippi. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University offers over 95 degree programs in more than 35 areas of study through its two colleges, namely, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and the College of Engineering and Computing. Missouri S&T is committed to the dissemination of knowledge, the application of research, and effective service that benefits society and helps to meet the greatest challenges around the world. Its vision is to be known as a preeminent technological institution of discovery, innovation, and creativity. The University is committed to the cultivation of curiosity, confidence, and creativity and strives to instill in students a passion for lifelong learning, a commitment to innovative research, and a desire to act and serve as responsible citizens within a global society.
Program Details: Northeastern University offers the Master of Science in Engineering through the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering in the College of Engineering. With the goal of intersecting technical expertise and business acumen, the online M.S.E. program provides an opportunity for students to gain necessary business competence combined with technical expertise that will put them ahead of the competition within technology-based industries. The M.S. Engineering online degree program provides a competitive edge for professionals who are seeking or are currently in a wide range of leadership positions within technology-based product or service industries through its combination of technical proficiency and business skills. Available at the University’s Boston campus as well as online, the M.S.E. online degree offers enough flexibility to make it convenient and accessible for busy professionals.
Northeastern University is a global, experiential research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Categorized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 Institution, Northeastern is home to more than 21,000 students. In addition to its main campus, the University has graduate campuses located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Toronto and comprises nine colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts, Media and Design, the College of Computer and Information Science, the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Professional Studies, the School of Law, the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the College of Science. Northeastern is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The University offers a wide range of comprehensive programs, including 150 undergraduate majors and concentrations, over 100 graduate programs which are available online, on-campus or in hybrid (a combination of the two) formats and nearly 40 Ph.D. programs and industry-aligned professional master’s degrees.
Program Details: The Stevens Institute of Technology offers the Master of Engineering Management degree through its School of Systems & Enterprise. The online M.S.M. degree program’s mission is to equip students with a solid understanding of technology and engineering combined with applicable business and management skills. The overarching goal is to produce engineers who have the capabilities of interfacing between the technical and business aspects and provide valuable contributions to their respective enterprises. Potential careers for graduates are many and include data analyst, operational research analyst, project manager, application engineer, risk manager, and research and development. Taught by world-renowned and industry-connected faculty, the program is offered on-campus or online with flexible learning options, making it ideal for busy professionals.
The Stevens Institute of Technology is a premier private research university located in Hoboken, New Jersey, overlooking New York City. Established in 1870, the University is known for its unique curriculum which blends technological training, teamwork, design projects, internships, and cooperative education opportunities. The Stevens Institute of Technology is committed to educating, inspiring, and nurturing the future leaders of tomorrow without neglecting the most pressing needs and issues of the current times. As a private institution, the university is governed by a Board of Trustees, the Stevens Institute of Technology and comprises several colleges and schools. These include the School of Business, the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science, the School of Systems & Enterprises, and the College of Arts and Letters. Home to 7,000 students, the value of Stevens’ education is evident as graduates are in constant high demand by both industry leaders and agencies.
Online Master of Management Science and Engineering
Program Details: Lehigh University offers a Master’s degree in Management Science and Engineering administered by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Available entirely online, the program is offered as either a Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree. The latter is designed for students whose interests are in the practice of engineering management, rather than research, and requires 30 credit hours and concludes with a capstone project. The online M.S. Management Science and Engineering degree requires 30 credits, including a 6 credit thesis. Required courses generally include several offered outside the ISE department in computer science, mathematics, other engineering disciplines or business and economics. Regardless of the resulting final degree chosen, the Management Science and Engineering online program is designed to equip students with the necessary business acumen to make strategic decisions, analyze risk and cost, and act as competent managers within an engineering or technology-driven industry.
Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University is a private residential research university. The University was established in 1865 by an industrial pioneer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Asa Packer. An internationally recognized premier research university, Lehigh University provides a comfortable, small college atmosphere. Located just a short drive away from both New York City and Philadelphia, the University boasts one of the largest campuses in the country with over 2,000 acres of land. The University holds regional accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Lehigh University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools, including the College of Business and Economics, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Education.
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
It’s not all about rocks and volcanoes. Geology is an immersive field that is important for many other disciplines.
This field of science involves many methods and training. From mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology, it covers it all.
As a geology graduate student, you’ll learn about a variety of topics. These include the ways in which landscapes are formed and developed. You’ll learn about how humans interact with the planet. You’ll learn how groundwater flows. You’ll even learn about geological sustainability. Geology graduates can work just about anywhere.
If you like to be outdoors, a geology major is a smart choice for you. You will gain technical expertise in this advanced degree that will prepare you for any role in geological and geophysical engineering. This is one of the few scientific disciplines that will enable you to work outside, in the field, a vast majority of the time. You might even be able to travel around the world. Geology graduates are found just about everywhere! A degree in geology is a smart choice.
You’ll gain skills in all the sciences when you pursue a degree in geology. Plus you’ll gain many that are transferable to other fields. You will become adept at collecting data, solving problems, communicating, and even working with a team.
With a degree in geology, you could go on to work in:
pollution control
geological surveying
environmental geology
geoscience
field seismology
… and a vast array of other careers.
Fortunately, there are all kinds of affordable online master’s in geology out there. These online geology masters can help you save money. That’s all while pursuing the career of your dreams. It’s all about knowing where to look for the right degree in geology!
Online degrees are smart for a myriad of reasons. They tend to be more affordable, since you can study from your own home without having to pay for things like parking, transportation, room, and board. You will also be able to pursue your studies without leaving your current place of employment.
Are you already working in geology or a related field? If so, earning an online degree makes a lot of sense. You’ll be able to apply what you learn in your online classes to your fieldwork on a daily basis.
The skills that you learn in your geology degree will be useful and transferable to many other careers. You’ll gain proficiency in things like:
project management
communication
quantitative reason
research.
If you choose to pursue a career outside of geology, you’ll have plenty of success after earning an online master geology degree. That’s true regardless of whether you are looking for a job in a laboratory, in journalism, in research, or in civil engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports high salaries for careers in physical science and historical geology work. That’s true whether you work for a private company, the federal government, or even another graduate school.
Are you ready for better career options and a more in-depth knowledge of the exciting field of geology and other physical science areas? Then it’s time for you to consider pursuing one of the best affordable online master’s in geology.
What Are the Best Online Master’s in Geology Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:
25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per graduate school
25% Graduation Rate: Number of graduate students who start at the university and actually finish there
20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
20% Selectivity: The number of graduate students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.
Majoring in geology is a wise choice if you want a lucrative career in the sciences. But in order to truly be successful, you’re going to need to spend a lot of time in the research laboratory and out in the field. You will find an online masters in geology at the University of Houston that allows you to do just that. The online master in environmental geology is one of the best.
The University of Houston was founded In 1927. This school is the third-largest university in the state of Texas. It is home to more than 46,000 students, many of whom are graduate students in the geological sciences degree. It is a public research university. It is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity.
That’s quite the designation to hold. Plus, consider that the school offers some of the best interdisciplinary research facilities in the world. The university conducts more than $150 million a year in research. It has 40 research centers and institutes. As a graduate geology student, you’ll have opportunities to participate in this kind of research yourself.
You can choose from several different graduate programs. Many are in an online master’s degree format. These include master’s degrees in:
geology
geophysics
atmospheric science
Plus, there are doctoral degrees in geophysics, geology, and atmospheric sciences.
You’ll take most of your classes in conjunction with the department of geosciences. You will need to take core classes such as:
Mineralogy
Paleobiology
Stratigraphy
Structural Geology
Sedimentary Petrogenesis.
You’ll also be required to participate in a field camp as part of this online master’s degree.
You can choose between a specialization in petroleum geology and one in petroleum geophysics. The latter is designed for students who major in geophysics. You can also choose to add supplemental online certificate options and short courses to your degree. Examples of online certificate options include geographical information systems (GIS), hydrogeology, and petroleum.
30 credit hours are required for the master’s degree. Six of these credits in the geological sciences degree are thesis hours. You can opt not to take the thesis. Keep in mind that you will need to complete 39 credit hours instead.
You will be supported in your studies by your faculty mentor. That’s along with a broad alumni base. The school has an alumni base that is more than 260,000 students strong. At the University of Houston, you will truly become part of a community. You are not just another face in the crowd. This school is ranked as one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
To apply, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. You should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You will also need GRE scores. You can start in the spring or fall semester for these online master’s degrees. If you plan to attend the geological sciences degree in the fall semester, you have to submit all of your materials no later than January 1.
Another university that is well-respected for its high level of research activity is the University of Florida. Here you will find a top masters in geology online. This public university is a public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research institution. It is in Gainesville, FL.
This school was established in 1853. lt is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity. It is ranked as the seventh-best public university in the United States. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is home to numerous Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Choose to major in geology. You’ll have your hands full with all of the hands-on research opportunities you can explore. The Department of Geological Sciences is home to numerous world-class analytical facilities.
The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida offers a variety of hands-on programs in geology. These are at both the master’s and Ph.D. level. You can focus your studies in a variety of in-demand fields. Examples of environmental geology classes in this online master of science include:
environmental science and hydrology
marine and coastal geology
geochemistry
geological sciences
seismology and planetary science
paleoceanography and paleolimnology
…and more.
You’ll enjoy an up-close-and-personal degree. You can interact with major employers and research organizations. Examples include the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Land Use and Environmental Change Institute.
Curious about the classes you might take? Some of the core courses required for graduate students include:
Hydrogeochemistry
Geologic Evolution of North America
Surface and Groundwater Interactions.
In these online master’s degrees, your learning will extend well beyond the classroom walls. You can participate in an active student body and various student organizations. Some of the most common include:
the Florida Geophysical Society
GeoClub
Geoscience Ambassadors
the Gator AAPG Student Chapter.
Consider getting in touch with some faculty mentors at the university. You can ask any questions you have. You can explore funding opportunities that will make your University of Florida education even more affordable. There are also a range of fellowships and teaching assistantships offered. There’s even funding for students from under-represented groups.
You can submit all application materials online. You will need to supply three letters of recommendation. These should be from individuals who can speak to your potential to succeed as a graduate student. You should also supply a two-page personal essay and official transcripts. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Missouri University of Science and Technology is best known for its engineering school. But that’s not all that this public land and space grant university in Rolla, MO has to offer. As a member of the University of Missouri System, the university is home to more than 8,000 students. They are studying business, mathematics science, and, of course, engineering. The geology masters degree online here is one of the best.
It was founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. So it makes sense that geology would be at the top of the list of programs, too. It is located close to the Southeast Missouri Lead District. This district is known for producing about 70% of the United States’ supply of lead and much of its zinc. The school no longer specializes in that area. But you’ll love what the geology program can do for your career.
To earn the online geology masters degree at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, you will need to complete at least 30 hours of study. That’s beyond your bachelor’s degree. 15 of these credit hours should be at the 8000 or 9000 level. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.
You’ll be partnered with a faculty mentor. He or she will monitor your progress and help as you take your courses and prepare your thesis. You will develop a personalized plan of study. It will be customized to your personal and professional goals. You will work closely with an advisor even for a non thesis program too.
Sample classes for this online master in environmental geology (both thesis and non thesis program options) include:
Plate Tectonics
Solar System Science
Geological Sciences
Research in Geological Sciences
Hydrological Processes
Continental Tectonics.
Your courses will prepare you for in-depth research. That’s along with high-profile careers in geology, environmental risk assessment, STEM teaching, public policy, and more.
Your degree will take you to new places both inside and outside the classroom. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of hands-on activities.
You will need to apply by January 31 if you intend to apply for financial aid. You should have a Bachelor of Science degree either in geology or a similar related scientific field.
You should plan on supplying official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. You will also need to submit a personal statement. This should underscore your interest in graduate study at Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Plan on applying for financial aid? Smart. At Missouri University of Science and Technology, you will be considered for financial aid like grants and loans. You’ll also be considered for geological sciences departmental aid like sponsorships and fellowships. You can pursue graduate teaching or research assistantships as well.
If you’re going to study geology, you might as well do it where your studies will matter the most. You’ll find one of the best geology masters programs online at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Here, you’ll benefit from a campus that’s set right in the heart of the Black Hills. It is adjacent to the magnificent Great Plains. Learners have access to a phenomenal and unique outdoor classroom. It’s a living laboratory, in fact.
Scientists from all over the world travel to this area to study its unique geology. If you choose to study geology on-campus, you can expect to spend a lot of time outdoors or conducting research. This might be in affiliated facilities like:
the Engineering Mining Experiment Station
the James E. Martin Paleontology Laboratory
the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
The campus even has its own on-campus Museum of Geology!
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology also operates the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station. This is one of the largest summer field camp stations in the United States. It offers learners opportunities to study in:
the Black Hills
Hawaii
Turkey
Nepal
Spain
France
the Bahamas
Andes-Ecuador
Morocco
New Zealand
Death Valley
Arizona
Montana
Utah
California
…and more.
You will benefit from exemplary faculty attention as part of the geological sciences and earth science programs. There’s also the complex, diverse geology of the Black Hills region. You can choose from several majors as part of the online master of science. These include:
a Master of Science in paleontology
a Master of Science in geology and geological engineering
a Ph.D. in geology, geological engineering, and mining engineering.
This program is offered by the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. You can pursue a specialization in either geology or geological engineering. Both are similar in their quality and structure. They have a few different course requirements.
You’ll be able to explore a variety of research areas. That includes those in:
energy and mineral resources
paleontology
groundwater and environment
petroleum data management
scientific communication
structure and tectonics.
There is even a separate master’s degree here. It’s for students who are interested in specializing in paleontology.
There is an accelerated Master of Science, too. This is ideal if you want to streamline your coursework. You can hasten your progress toward a degree.
You’ll take about 30 credit hours of study. Six of these are dedicated to thesis research. If you choose the geological engineering specialization, you’ll be able to focus on one of three areas:
You will find another top geoscience online degree at the University of South Florida. It is the fourth-largest public university in the state of Florida. The University of South Florida opened only in 1956. This school has three campus locations. There is one in St. Petersburg, one in Tampa, and one in Sarasota-Manatee. You can always choose to study online here, too.
You will appreciate the high level of research activity that any program in the sciences will allow. The school offers more than 180 different bachelor’s degree and graduate-level degree programs. But those that involve extensive amounts of research are some of the most impressive. According to figures released by the National Science Foundation, the University of South Florida spent more than $581 million on research and development in 2018 alone.
The University of South Florida offers a superior education in geology online that prepares students to work in a variety of environmental and natural resources-related fields. Faculty here are some of the best. They lead the academic community as they explore a range of global earth science questions and concerns.
Students participate in firsthand research as they pursue topics in the online master of science like:
atmospheric sciences
geochemistry
geophysics
hydrogeology
earth sciences
karst studies
…and more. The department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
The Master of Science in geology includes advanced study of the fundamentals of:
chemistry
biology
physics
mathematics
earth sciences
geosciences.
You will complete 30 credit hours. Six of these consist of core requirements. Six of them are for a thesis. The remainder of them are dedicated to electives.
You can choose from a variety of interesting and hands-on courses here. Common options include:
General Geochemistry
Analytical Techniques in Geology
Topics in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.
For a thesis, you can choose between a standard thesis pathway or a professional science master’s. The professional science master’s will allow you to take one of two tracks. You can engage in a professional geologist-led internship or a faculty-led internship. All of these experiences will bring together the knowledge you acquired throughout the duration of your internship.
You’ll have access to a long list of resources and activities. You will benefit from resources specifically for online learners. You can also join student organizations like:
the Geoscience Graduate Student Organization
Gamma Theta Upsilon
the Student Environmental Association.
You can apply by submitting an application form, three letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. You will also need to supply a writing sample, a personal statement, and current GRE scores. Of course, you will also need to submit official transcripts.
You’ll find another great online geophysics degree at the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming offers some of the best and most hands-on classes to distance learners. This school is headquartered in Laramie, WY. It has more than 41 different degree, online certificate, and endorsement programs. The online master of science degrees are available for distance learners in Wyoming and beyond.
This school opened in 1887. The University of Wyoming is one of the best places for studies in more than 120 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. These are delivered through online and video conferencing classes. The outreach school also has nine additional regional centers. Many of these are on community college campuses.
This program helps students plan and perform research at the cutting edge of geological sciences. You will hone your skills in scientific communication. You will also gain key technical skills. These are necessary for Ph.D. programs all around the country.
You can choose between majors in geology or in geophysics.You will complete around 26 semester hours of credit at the 4000 level or above. You will also complete an oral examination and a final thesis project.
Sample classes include:
Groundwater Flow/Transport
Metamorphic Petrology
Petroleum Geology
Integrated Science and Geological Data
Space Sciences
Geographic Information Systems
Vertebrate Morphology and Evolution.
Faculty who teach in this program pride themselves on working closely with students to provide one-on-one interaction. They help students develop the skills necessary to be research scientists.
You will learn the laboratory and field methodologies for data collection. There are research locations available all over the world, including Africa, Antarctica, and Greenland. You’ll also learn how to analyze the data you collect.
All students must participate in a distinguished lecture series, a fundamentals of research course, and a Rocky Mountain field trip. The latter is a six-day trip taken during the first week of the first semester. The skills you acquire will enhance your job prospects upon graduation.
You will be able to expand your learning outside of the classroom. You can work with faculty who are working hard to address some of the most significant problems in geology today.
Submit your application before January for admission the following fall. Contact a professor in your intended area of interest to discover student research opportunities. Many of these are funded to make the degree more affordable.
You will need to submit an online application along with three letters of recommendation. You will also be asked to submit a curriculum vitae that details your academic accomplishments, qualifications, and other relevant information. You will also need a two-page statement of interest in graduate research.
Become an Aggie when you enroll at Texas A&M University in the engineering geology masters! You will join a community of more than 500,000 current students and proud alumni.
This school is located in College Station, TX. It opened in 1876 as the flagship university of the Texas A&M University System. It has the largest student body in the United States. It is the only university in the state of Texas to hold all three designations of land, sea, and space grant intuition.
You’ll have lots of opportunities to get involved in research here. The school has a number of ongoing research projects. These are funded by top organizations like:
the National Institutes of Health
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
the Office of Naval Research
the National Science Foundation.
You can explore a variety of new, evolving areas in geoscience as part of this online master of science. Examples include:
petroleum data management
ocean data science
geographic information science and technology.
integrated science
geological data
land and space sciences
Geographic Information Systems
The program’s curriculum is structured to teach value-added skills. These are for petroleum professionals. However, they could be useful for anybody at any stage of his or her career.
This geology online degree is a non-thesis program. You’ll take 36 credit hours of study covering all aspects of geoscience. It’s offered online in a unique carousel model. You can complete your studies in as little as 18 months.
You can choose from multiple emphases. Examples of courses include:
Geographic Information Science and Technology
Remote Sensing for Geographical Analysis
GIS in Land Management
Data Management for Geosciences
Petroleum Geology.
You’ll start your courses at one of five times throughout the year in this online learning option. You can also be admitted at three different times for the master’s degree in geological sciences.
Set your own pace with this program for maximum flexibility. You will complete a total of ten courses. Each lasts eight weeks in a fast-paced format. The only exception to this is the capstone course. The capstone course in geological and geophysical engineering is a natural part of this advanced degree. You will work with your academic advisor to plan out how to best display your technical expertise. The capstone course is offered as a 16-week class during the fall and spring semesters.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the motivation and dedication necessary to complete a degree in an online format. You should also be able to balance this challenging degree with your personal commitments and career responsibilities.
Provide evidence of two years of professional work experience. This should be in energy or geosciences. You should also submit an official transcript. It should show that you have completed an undergraduate degree.
This degree features tuition starting at just $800 per credit hour for Texas residents. Financial aid is available for most students as well.
Do you have what it takes to succeed in the Master of Science in geology at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology? More than likely! This online geoscience degree program is competitive and challenging. But it also features dedicated instruction from attentive instructors. They want nothing more than to see their students succeed.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is also known as New Mexico Tech. It was once known as the New Mexico School of Mines. It is a public university located in Socorro, NM. This school has more than 30 different bachelor’s degrees. Plus there are graduate degrees (both master’s and doctoral levels).
It is ranked as one of the best public institutions by a National Science Foundation study of Baccalaureate Origins of S&E Doctorate Recipients. This school is small and close-knit. It is home to just 1,412 students. You will gain technical expertise in this online master’s degree. The online master of science focuses on research and teaching in the areas of:
hydrology
atmospheric physics
information technology
earth science
petroleum recovery
geophysics.
This one of the best geology masters programs online is offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Science. The Master of Science has with two options. There is an option with or without a thesis. You will complete 30 credit hours of study. You’ll enjoy a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1.
You can also specialize in a variety of concentrations in the online master degree. There are:
geochemistry
geophysics
hydrology
In addition to your major, you may also want to pursue a minor in a field like:
geobiology
hydrology
petroleum geology
mineral resources
geophysics
earth science.
The department is home to 14 faculty members and more than 40 affiliated adjunct and research faculty. The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is quite prestigious. Many of the faculty here are also staff scientists at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. The department also has close connections with the EarthScope USArray Operations Facility and the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center. Both of these are major NSF-funded seismological facilities.
You’ll benefit from strong interdisciplinary research opportunities. You will have access to all kinds of research computing laboratories and facilities.
To apply, you will need to submit a standardized online application. Submit unofficial transcripts from any universities attended. Also supply three letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, and a statement of purpose. You will also need to submit a resume that provides evidence of your work experience.
This affordable program is offered online. This can reduce your cost of attendance. You can complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after applying. You may qualify for financial aid, like fellowships, assistantships, work-study, and scholarships through the university.
One of the best online geoscience degrees can be found at the University of Minnesota. There are 16 bachelor’s degrees in 87 different majors. The University of Minnesota-Duluth is a good first stopping point on your way to a rewarding career. You don’t have to quit after you finish your bachelor’s. This school is located in Duluth, MN. It is also a great place to earn a graduate degree.
It first opened as a school for teachers. The school soon became known for its attention to student success. Now it is best known for its medical programs and other science-focused degrees.
This university is home to a number of centers, institutes, and research labs. They provide students with some of the best hands-on experiences. You’ll enjoy access to facilities like the Center for Water and Environment and the Center for Community and Regional Research.
The Earth Sciences Master of Science was once known as the Geological Sciences Master of Science, at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. It is one of the most outstanding of its kind. You will have the opportunity to partner with faculty members in a variety of hands-on research programs. You can pursue studies in things like:
petrology
sedimentology
tectonics
basin analysis
geographic information systems
ecohydrology
…and more.
Duluth has one of the best environments for students who wish to explore the region’s geology. The master’s degree in geological sciences collaborates with the Natural Resources Research Institute, the Precambrian Research Center, and the Large Lakes Observatory. You will be prepared for all manner of work. That might be in education, industry, government, or further training. Graduate students in geological sciences could work as one of the best earth science educators, in project management, or in resource management. Earth science educators are in demand everywhere, as are many of these other roles. Even government administration or work in energy systems is a smart choice with an online master’s. These master’s degrees are versatile!
The master’s degree is designed to be completed in two years or less. That’s even if you hold a graduate assistantship. You can select a research area of focus when you enroll in this geology degree.
You will need to take 31 credit hours in the master’s degree in geological sciences. Sample classes include:
Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Well Hydraulics
Advances in Paleoclimatology
Environmental Protection
Glacial and Quaternary Geology.
A final thesis project is also required as part of this master’s degree in geology.
To apply, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in geology. It could also be in a related field in science, mathematics, or engineering. You should have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All materials can be completed and submitted online. This includes the application itself. No GRE scores are required for admission to this master’s degree in geology, even if you are interested in geological science education.
After submitting your application, be sure to take the time to explore the many financial aid opportunities offered here. You can pursue a range of programs to help you close the financial gap. These include assistantships, scholarships, and more. Both teaching and research assistantships are available. There is some support for travel to meetings and thesis research.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research university in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, MN. It has the sixth largest student body of any college in the United States.
You’ll enjoy hands-on classes and dedicated attention from your faculty. It is considered a “Public Ivy” university for its attention to individual students’ success. It also has a high academic quality. The school is designated as an R1 Doctoral University-Very High Research Activity. It spends more than $954 million in research and development each year, on average.
As an aspiring geology major, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.
The school has roots tracing all the way back to 1872. The study of geology at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities has always been a priority. It has graduated thousands of students. It is home to numerous departments and sub-institutes. The courses as part of the master’s degree in geology include:
the Limnological Research Center
the Minnesota Geological Survey
the Institute for Rock Magnetism.
The master’s degree in geology department is home to more than 350 faculty, 30 research labs, 20 teaching labs, and many other valuable resources for on-campus and online learners alike. In the master’s degree in geological sciences, you’ll enjoy a close-knit, attentive learning environment. Here, each faculty advisor is assigned no more than three to five students.
You can choose between multiple different master’s degrees in earth science as part of this online program. Your science education will include:
geophysics
geology
responsible land management
biogeology
hydrogeology.
You can also choose three different degree completion plans as part of this master’s degree in geology. One online program requires you to complete a thesis and final oral exam. Another allows you to complete a project and final exam. The third online program option requires coursework only. It is only available for the hydrogeology online program.
Each of these three master’s degree in geological sciences options requires 30 course credit hours. There are 14 credit hours in the online program major and others taken outside, either in a minor or some other supporting field. Each track is a great pathway for candidates interested in pursuing an eventual Ph.D.
These degrees are offered by a diverse department. It is made up of students from throughout the United States as well as many other countries. There is a strong connection between the department and program alumni. Many of them are well-established in their careers. They continue to support faculty and current students in their research endeavors.
This program is easy to apply to. It’s also affordable. The department offers generous financial aid. It can support 10 to 12 new students each year via assistantships and fellowships. Financial aid guarantees 50% support for two years of a master’s program. You can apply for assistantships and research stipends.
For students who wish to pursue summer research opportunities, there is even summer support available. You can receive financial assistance to travel to professional meetings or engage in other valuable professional development opportunities.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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From creating software applications for online shopping websites to video games and everything in between, the work of a software engineer has become some of the most in-demand.
The unique skills possessed by software engineers are required in just about every industry, so it only makes sense that the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be about 189,200 new openings for these professionals each year, on average, before 2030.
That’s a growth of about 22%— a rate that’s nearly three times the national average! The demand for new applications for tablets and smartphones alike has contributed to this rapid increase in jobs, as has the need for industries like healthcare and insurance to be able to administer policies and care digitally.
The pandemic that impacted us in 2020 and beyond only underscored the importance of being able to do things digitally and from your device, so it only makes sense that there’s a massive demand for skilled software developers who have the skills necessary to program and test these new programs.
To become a software engineer or software developer, you will need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related field, like computer and information technology. However, a master’s degree will help you gain top-notch skills in communication, problem-solving, analysis, and of course, more technical areas like coding that you need to rise to a leadership position.
That’s not to say that the road to completing your degree is always a smooth one, though. In fact, the courses involved in a software engineering degree, though enjoyable, can be somewhat challenging.
There’s also the expense to be considered. Many would-be students find themselves hesitant about the high cost of earning a graduate degree. That’s a valid fear—U.S. News & World Report states that total tuition for some two-year graduate programs can cost more than $100,000.
However, that doesn’t have to be the case—especially not when you consider that there are plenty of affordable online masters in software engineering out there. Earning a software engineering degree is more attainable than ever if you have the drive and motivation to study hard.
An online degree makes learning more convenient than ever. You can study from the comfort of your own home without having to relocate to a new city to attend class on campus. That way, you can continue to care for your family members or attend to other life commitments, like a full-time job.
So what are you waiting for? There are programs to create and apps to test. Consider one of these top most affordable online master’s in software engineering today!
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.
A public university founded in 1907, East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC. It offers more than 175 different programs of study, many of which are found online. The school is ranked as one of the Top Public Schools and National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
This publication has also ranked East Carolina University as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility. This means that it has enrolled and graduated larger proportions of disadvantaged students. One of the ways that the school makes education more accessible for everyone is through its online programs.
This best online master’s degree in software engineering is just one example of such a program. Offered both on-campus as well as digitally, this program combines traditional areas of computers and the more rapidly evolving field of software engineering. You’ll graduate with the skills you need to develop, design, maintain, and test reliable software systems.
A program that is rooted in both theory and practice, it covers a broad range of topics, including software systems architecture object-oriented design, programming languages (including Java), and software project management techniques and tools.
You can pursue specializations both as a new software engineer or for one who has been working in the field for quite some time. Class sizes are extremely small, with all students required to complete a final project or thesis before graduation.
You’ll take core classes like:
Software Engineering Foundations
Foundations of Software Testing
Software Project Management
You may also be able to complete a degree-specific internship as part of your studies here!
It first debuted in 2008 and provides students with the hands-on skills they need in the modern job market. It is recognized as one of the best degrees in terms of its quality and value alike.
Tuition rates are low for this program, starting at just around $7,536 per year for residents of the state of North Carolina. In addition to affordable tuition rates, this program also offers financial aid to those who qualify.
A large research institution with a reputation for academic and industry excellence, Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, TX. In addition to dozens of undergraduate majors, graduate students will have plenty of top master’s degree options to choose from, too, including those administered by the award-winning Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration and the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering.
Texas Tech is ranked the Top Public Schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report—and for good reason. In addition to quality academics, the school has a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 19:1.
Another high-value master’s software engineering can be found at Texas Tech University. This program will provide you with a solid foundation in the design, creation, and maintenance of complicated software systems. You’ll learn how to use traditional engineering process methods along with newer and more advanced software engineering concepts and practices in software design and quality assurance.
The program is offered by Whitacre College of Engineering, a globally recognized college composed of a community of scholars. The school is ranked among the best in the nation, with intimate classes and award-winning faculty. You’ll be able to participate in hands-on internships and study abroad experiences like the International Experience Initiative to give you the experience you need to be successful in your career.
You’ll have access to a variety of international research facilities, including the Center of Excellence in HIgh-Reliability Organizations and Processes and the National Institute for Engineering Ethics. In fact, this school is one of only 81 public institutions listed in the top tier by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The master’s in software engineering is one of several different programs offered by this department, with other programs including:
Master of Science In Systems and Engineering Management
Master of Science in Computer Science
There are numerous graduate certificates you can choose from, too.
While the academics are certainly impressive on their own, you can’t beat the affordability of this program, either. At Texas Tech University, nearly half of all students receive some form of need-based financial aid. There is also merit-based aid available to students who qualify. Many graduate students are supported by fellowships and assistantships, which pay at least $29,000 per year!
West Virginia University has an idyllic location in Morgantown, WV, resting along the shores of the Monongahela River. However, you don’t have to step foot on campus (ever!) if you don’t have the time or desire to do so. This school is home to a myriad of online degrees. It offers nearly 200 different bachelor’s and graduate programs spread out among 15 colleges, and many of these are available partially or wholly online.
This university is just one of many in the large WVU System. With an enrollment of more than 29,000 students, the school has a record $195 million in research funding, with researchers working hard to develop new theories and solutions in software engineering and related fields. In fact, the school is ranked in the top 3% of more than 19,000 universities around the world in recent Center for World University Rankings.
This top online master’s degree in software engineering is offered by the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. It will provide you with the skills you need to better understand the development design and management processes of various software systems and applications. From how to identify and analyze client needs to gaining the skills you need to implement software-based solutions, this program is one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
You will take a set of core courses including:
Software Project Management
Software Verification and Validation
Software Analysis and Design
Software Evolution
Object-Oriented Design
After completing the core classes, you’ll be able to move on to advanced electives like Software Engineering of Mobile Applications and Data Analytics with Applications in Software Engineering.
Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in things like research and independent study/experiential learning projects, too!
At just $682 per credit hour, this program is one of the most affordable in software engineering that you will find. It consists of 33 total credit hours and 11 courses. Generous financial aid is available. In fact, the school is one of the best in terms of financial aid for out-of-state students, awarding many out-of-state scholarships each year.
In addition to extensive financial aid and low tuition rates, you’ll also have access to resources that will help you land a job. The Career Services Center will walk you through every aspect of the job search, including resume preparation to interview training. The school also hosts multiple virtual and in-person career fairs that bring hundreds of employers directly to you. Some of the most impressive? Apple, NASA, and the U.S. Department of State, just to name a few.
Despite only being founded in 1957, this relatively young state university in Fullerton, CA is one of the best and most prestigious in the state. Located just 30 miles from Los Angeles, the school’s location in the heart of Orange County makes it a premier spot for everything “tech.”
You’ll find another best value master’s software engineering at California State University-Fullerton. This degree is designed for professionals who are already working in the field of computer science who want to further their skills and pursue graduate-level training in software engineering.
You’ll learn all the industry-standard skills you need including:
software process
software requirements
software process assessment and improvement
software architectural design
software engineering ethics
Core classes include:
Software Verification and Validation
Systems and Software Standards and Requirements
Software Maintenance
You will have the opportunity to network extensively with other like-minded software engineering professionals. This degree is a high-value option for learners who want the same quality of education they would get on-campus without having to physically step foot on campus.
You don’t just have to take our word for it, either. This school is top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Intelligent.com, and more.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning the affordability of this program, too. Like all of the schools on this list, California State University has affordable tuition that starts at a total program cost of just $14,076 for California state residents.
Online students not only can apply for the same types of financial aid as on-campus students, but are also able to access all the same facilities including:
A public university founded in 1963, Kennesaw State University is ranked one of the best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Despite being a major public university the school has a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 21:1. You’ll get to know your fellow students and expert instructors closely—even when you’re studying online.
The online Master of Science in Software Engineering offers a comprehensive education in the discipline. It is one of the many programs administered by Kennesaw State’s Digital Learning Innovations Team, with other options including a graduate certificate in Software Engineering Foundations and much more.
The degree consists of seven required core courses, three to four electives, and a final capstone experience.
For this capstone experience, students have the option of choosing either a thesis or a project. Courses you take may include:
Requirements Engineering
Software Architecture
Software Testing and Verification
Software Project Planning and Management
This affordable degree has plenty of financial aid opportunities you can apply for including federal work-study, graduate research assistantships, and much more. Internships and cooperative learning experiences are a core element of this degree too, with many students choosing to work with an industry partner during their time in school.
Plus, the KSU Career Service is actively involved in helping students find jobs both during their time in school as well as after. It’s a great resource for any student who wants to be able to land a rewarding job after graduation (or perhaps even before)!
#6. North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Online Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering
North Dakota State University is a public school that was founded in 1890. Located in the city of Fargo, the school offers more than 100 different academic majors to choose from along with more than 300 campus clubs and organizations.
While the university is perhaps best known for its programs in things like agriculture, business, and education, you’ll also find one of the nation’s best software engineering master’s online here, too. The software engineering program is just one of many transformations online degrees you can pursue as a distance learner at North Dakota State.
This top master’s degree in software engineering is just one of the many programs offered by the Department of Computer Science at North Dakota State. Here, you’ll learn all the tools, techniques, and methodologies you need to know to manage the entire software life cycle.
It has a curriculum that is meant to appeal to full-time and part-time students alike. There are two graduate degrees in software engineering here—a Master of Software Engineering and a Master of Science in Software Engineering. The latter is ideal for students who are interested in research. There’s also a graduate certificate if you’re only seeking foundational knowledge in software engineering.
Whichever you choose, you’re sure to be successful in software engineering after completing this program. You’ll take core courses such as:
Software Testing and Debugging
Introduction to Database Systems
Software Complexity Metrics
Knowledge-Based Systems
In all, you’ll complete around 33 credit hours of study.
This affordable degree features low tuition rates that start at around $8,951 per semester. Generous amounts of financial aid are available for students who qualify, too.
Online Master of Computer Science degree in Software Engineering
A public university founded in 1963, the University of West Florida is a suburban university located about 10 miles from downtown Pensacola. If gorgeous scenery is what you’re after, you’ll find it at this school, which has its own wilderness preserve and beachfront property in Pensacola.
However, you don’t have to study on-campus in order to benefit from this university’s quality academics. It has a variety of programs that are available entirely online to make earning a degree easier and more convenient for distance learners.
Ranked as a Best Value School, a Best College for Veterans, and a top Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report, the University of West Florida should be at the top of your list as you search for the ideal master of computer science in software engineering.
This program has small class sizes and allows you to interact and receive individualized attention with research faculty just as you would on campus. You’ll have the flexibility you need to study at your own pace and be able to take courses in topics like:
algorithmic programming
parallel programming
machine learning
data processing
It’s the perfect degree for the learner seeking a greater understanding of the field as well as for computer science professionals. It includes a total of 30 credit hours of study including 15 credit hours of core computer science topics. You can choose to customize your degree in software engineering or data analytics with nine credit hours of elective courses in either area.
An affordable program, it charges fees on a per-semester basis (meaning you can save money by taking more courses at once). It requires six semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. As part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, the university makes it easy for active duty and veteran military members to afford their education, too.
Online Master of Science in Information Technology with a Specialization in Software Engineering
The University of Maryland-College Park is a public institution that was founded in 1856. It is located right in the middle of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. with an urban campus that’s easy to access by most. The school even has its own subway stop on the D.C.-area Metro system!
However, if you have no interest in ever taking classes on campus, that’s okay, too. There are still options! The university offers many programs entirely online, including the Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in software engineering.
This program will teach you how to develop and maintain reliable software systems. There is both a master’s degree and a graduate certificate in engineering for you to choose from. Your courses will focus primarily on three technical areas—systems engineering, computer engineering, and cybersecurity.
You’ll take around 30 credit hours (or 10 courses) of study, choosing electives in areas like cybersecurity and systems engineering to customize your degree. You will also complete a set of core courses that include:
Software Engineering
Software Design and Implementation
Software Testing and Maintenance
System and Software Requirements
This program has low tuition rates that start at around $768 per credit hour. You can apply for financial aid, too, including grants, scholarships, and assistantships.
With five campuses in and around Chicago, DePaul University is another top school to consider if you value convenience over anything else. This school is home to all kinds of services and facilities that cater to nontraditional students, including the School for New Learning, a facility that is designed specifically for adult learners.
That’s just one of the reasons why we have included DePaul University on our list of the best master’s in software engineering. Here, you’ll gain skills that are widely applicable in many kinds of industries.
It features multiple optional concentrations so that you can further customize your degree. Choices include:
Entrepreneurship and Technology Leadership
Real-Time Game Systems
Software Architecture
Software Development
You’ll learn all the technical aspects of software engineering including:
software construction
quality assurance
software project management
The degree can be completed either online or on-campus, but you’ll find that either way, you’ll likely have wonderful career outcomes.
In fact, the School of Computing reports that 95% of its master’s graduates were employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment within six months of graduation. The average salary of these graduates was around $80,000!
Nova Southeastern University is a private university that was founded in 1964. It’s ranked as one of the country’s top National Universities by U.S. News & Report and is known for its programs in healthcare, education, and of course, computer and information sciences.
You’ll find another one of the best online master’s in software engineering at Nova Southeastern University. This school will prepare you to become a leader in computer science, either as a programmer, analyst, developer, or something else.
You can choose from six different concentrations in real-world computing, artificial intelligence data science software engineering, or computer systems. There’s even a concentration in information assurance and cybersecurity that’s recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency and its affiliated federal agencies!
This accelerated program is one of the best options to consider if you want to advance your future in as little time as possible. Courses last eight weeks each and can be completed in just one year of study.
30 total credits, or 10 courses, are required. There are three start dates per year, with courses offered online as well as on-campus at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. Tuition starts at just $905 per credit hour with significantly discounted rates available through the employer tuition program. It’s a bargain for its overall value, to say the very least!
FAQ
What is the cheapest online software engineering degree?
The schools listed in our ranking, including East Carolina University, Texas Tech University, and West Virginia University, represent the least expensive software engineering degrees. However, that list is by no means exclusive.
Other schools with affordable online software engineering degrees include:
University of the Potomac
University of Maine at Augusta
Southern New Hampshire University
Keep in mind that the posted tuition of a university might not be what you actually end up paying, either. There are all sorts of financial aid options available to students in software engineering programs, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Many students participate in fellowships that make the cost of attendance more affordable–or sometimes make it so that a degree in software engineering costs nothing at all!
Not only that but it may make sense for you to check in with your employer to see what sorts of tuition reimbursement programs they offer. These programs make earning a degree low cost or sometimes even free since employers like to see that you have the skills necessary to be successful in your job.
What is the top online master’s software engineering—no GRE required?
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, has long been considered the standard requirement for graduate schools around the country. However, more and more universities are turning to a no-GRE or GRE-optional policy for admissions, choosing instead to rely on other areas of your application to evaluate your readiness for graduate work.
Some of the best universities that do not require the GRE for admission include:
Arizona State University
Johns Hopkins University
Iowa State University
North Carolina University
Pennsylvania State University
George Mason University
Is a master’s degree in software engineering worth it?
Graduate student loans account for 40% of all federal student loans issued, a scary thought when you acknowledge that there are no caps on how much graduate borrowers can take out.
However, there are all kinds of ways to make earning your master’s degree more affordable. Starting with the list of affordable programs is one such way, but it’s also a good idea to consider how you’ll pay back your student loans after you graduate.
Fortunately, a master’s degree in software engineering has an excellent return on investment. With a master’s degree, according to U.S. Census Bureau data you can expect to earn around $15,000 more per year (or higher) with a master’s degree than you would with just a bachelor’s. That’s true of graduates in all fields, but especially in-demand tech fields such as software engineering.
Plus, the demand for software engineers is extremely high. You won’t have trouble finding a job in any industry (or in any city) with this kind of degree.
So is a master’s degree in software engineering worth it, both in terms of the time and money you must invest to earn your degree? Only you can be the judge of that—but most people would say, “absolutely!”
How many years is a master’s degree in software engineering?
Most master’s degrees in software engineering take around two years to complete when you study full-time. If you decide to take classes on a part-time basis to accommodate other commitments, it will take you around three years to finish when you are taking two classes per semester.
You may also be able to pursue an accelerated software engineering degree. In many cases, earning an accelerated degree will allow you to graduate in a year or sometimes even less!
Once you’re enrolled in a program, you will take classes that teach you how to design each piece of an application or system as well as how to create a variety of models, diagrams, and other demonstrations to show programmers the appropriate software code for an application. You’ll also learn strategies that will help you identify project risks, document various aspects of applications or systems, and recommend software upgrades to companies and individuals.
You may be able to specialize your studies in things like:
applications software development
systems software development
Of course, an internship or cooperative learning experience is often at the core of these degrees, too, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in the industry before you graduate.
What is a software engineering salary?
With a software engineering degree, it’s most likely that you will go on to a career as a software developer, tester, or quality assurance analyst. In this kind of job, you will design computer programs and applications or test programs for problems and defects.
As you might expect, these jobs are not only in exceptionally high demand but they pay remarkably well too. The average salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2020, is around $110,150 per year, or a whopping $52.95 per hour.
Although that’s simply an average, the lowest 10% of earners still managed to bring in around $65,210 while the highest 10% of earners received more than $170,100. Not too shabby!
The wages do vary slightly across industries, with workers in the software publishing niche and manufacturing bringing in significantly more money than those working in insurance, computer system design, and related services. Nevertheless, you can expect to earn quite a high salary when you decide to work as a software engineer!
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