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Environmental science is a wide-open field. There are many subcategories within this field. Environmental science graduate degrees include:

• Natural resources
• Ecology
• Agriculture
• Conservation
• Environmental biology
• Environmental studies
• Environmental law and environmental policy analysis

If you want to become an environmental scientist, you’re in luck.These careers have exploded in popularity over the last few decades. Because of that, you might be wondering what the best environmental science graduate programs are. There are lots of environmental science degrees out there for you to choose from.

We are pleased to present the top 50 online Master’s of Environmental Science degrees. The list of graduate degrees is sorted by category. The top schools have programs for environmental science. The second tier incorporate similar subfields. The remaining group of top environmental science grad programs offers degree programs related to environmental science or engineering. Graduate school is great for an aspiring environmental engineer or someone interested in environmental policy. However, they are in more peripheral areas among a dozen colleges and schools.

See Also: 10 Best Food Science Masters Programs

1. Troy University

Troy University is a public, comprehensive university. It is a network of campuses scattered across Alabama and worldwide. The University’s main campus is in Troy, Alabama. It rests on a beautiful and historic 820 acres. Troy University is able to offer programs on its several campuses, centers, and online platform. Troy University has high-quality and affordable academic programs.

You will find one of the best environmental science degrees at Troy University. It is an interdisciplinary program that explores all kinds of environmental issues. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

Troy University offers a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Biological Sciences. This first school in our list of the best schools for environmental science is in The College of Arts and Sciences. 

This one of the top environmental science masters programs is available online. The M.S. in Environmental and Biological Sciences is a 30 semester-hour thesis option. There is also a 36 hour non-thesis option. Graduate students must complete a comprehensive examination. The program teaches graduate students how to manage conflicts. 

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree (a technical subject area is preferred). They should have completed foundational courses in biological sciences, general chemistry, and course statistics.

See Also: 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

2. University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois-Springfield is a university in Springfield, Illinois. It first opened as the Sangamon State University in 1969. Today the University of Illinois-Springfield is one of three campuses within the world-class University of Illinois System.

UIS offers many degrees. These are relevant to both the personal and professional student success of graduate students. There are four colleges (each of which house many departments).

UIS offers over 30 bachelor’s, 20 master’s and a doctoral degree program. There are both traditional on-campus and online options. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Illinois-Springfield offers two different environmental sciences masters programs. There is both a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences. The M.S. in Environmental Sciences is designed to provide graduate students with a “strong scientific understanding of ways to study, evaluate, and interpret environmental realities and their impact, as well as to manage and mitigate environmental problems.”

The M.A. in Environmental Studies purpose is to educate graduate students in the ways to “balance social and economic needs with environmental realities.” The M.A. is available in three concentrations. It is an interdisciplinary program that explores all kinds of environmental issues. These include:

• Sustainable Development and Policy
• Environmental Planning and Management
• Environmental Humanities

See Also: 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a private institution of higher education. It was the first research university established in the United States. The school  is named for Johns Hopkins, a 19th century Maryland philanthropist.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The University offers many undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs. It has nine academic divisions to ensure student success. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

Johns Hopkins University offers an online Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy. This one of the top environmental science masters programs is available through the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. It is described as a “springboard to leadership” for environmental professionals.

It is an environmental science gradate school that explores all kinds of environmental issues. The degree  is designed by the academic leaders of Johns Hopkins’ Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. It also incorporates feedback from experts in applied science at federal and regional agencies and institutes. It provides graduate students with an understanding of where “the sciences overlap and inform policy while providing insight into how policy is implemented and affects environmental outcomes.”

It is available online. There is one onsite class at the University’s D.C. campus. The program includes core courses including:

• Geology
• Hydrology
• Oceanography
• Meteorology
• Ecology
• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Policymaking

This is a flexible program. Students are able to customize their academic experience through electives. These vary from core courses focused on policy to those which  emphasize scientific inquiry.

4. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

The University of Arkansas is a public research university. It is on a picturesque campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It opened in 1871 . The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University as offering “the highest possible level of research.” This places it in the top 2% of all colleges and universities in the nation. The University’s ‘student-first’ philosophy helps it to stand out from the rest. It is often ranked among the top public research institutions in the country.

U of A is home to 27,000 students. They represent all 50 states and over 120 foreign nations. The University offers over 200 academic programs through its several colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Arkansas offers an online Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences. It is one of the best grad schools for environmental science. It is available through U of A Online. The program offers a 33-credit hour non-thesis option. This includes a comprehensive exam taken upon completion of core coursework. There is also a 30 credit-hour thesis option. It is an interdisciplinary program that explores all kinds of environmental issues. 

The M.S. in Environmental Sciences is available 100% online. It is available with concentrations in:

• Apparel Merchandising and Product Development
• Human Development and Family Sciences
• General Human Environmental Sciences

All core courses are taught by graduate faculty in Human Environmental Sciences. The  program is accredited by both the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

5. University of Idaho

The University of Idaho (UI) is Idaho’s flagship and oldest public university. It opened in 1889. UI serves as the state’s primary research university. It spends more than $110 million spent in research each year. The school is a noted national leader in student-centered learning and interdisciplinary research that promotes public service.

UI also offers a variety of online learning options. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Idaho offers an online and traditional Master of Science in Environmental Science. This one of the best environmental science masters programs is in the College of Natural Resources. It is available with a non-thesis or thesis option. The entire  program has 30 graduate-level credits.

Regardless of the chosen option (thesis/non-thesis), students must participate in a research project. This consists of “a substantial project in which the student demonstrates the ability to do rigorous independent work.” The M.S. in Environmental Science is structured around three option areas:

• Biology science
• Physical science
• Social sciences

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in the thesis option. There are 15 credits in the non-thesis option in one of the three option areas. Three credits at the Master of Science level must be completed in each of the other two option areas.

6. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public, land-, sea-, and space-grant research university. It is in Gainesville, Florida. The school is classified as a Research University with Very High Research by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University of Florida is home to about 5,000 faculty members. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Florida offers three of the best environmental masters programs:

• the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering Sciences
• the Master of Engineering in EE Sciences
• the Master of Science in Soil and Water Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Science

The latter program is in the Soil and Water Sciences Department’s online branch (SWS Online). The M.S. and M.Eng. are available through UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the Department of Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering (UF EDGE).

The purpose of UF EDGE is to provide convenient and accessible programs and core courses to students worldwide. This is done via online delivery of all course lectures and materials. It is an interdisciplinary program that explores all kinds of environmental issues. 

All degrees and certificates earned online are held to the same high-quality standards as their on-campus counterparts. Yet there’s the added convenience of being able to participate from anywhere in the world. The M.S. in Soil and Water Sciences Environmental Science track is designed to accommodate place-bound students. Students interested in the environmental issues surrounding the soil and water quality of various locations. These include agricultural lands, rangelands, forested lands, urban lands or wetlands.

7. University of Houston – Clear Lake

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (abbreviated UHCL) is a four-year state institution. It is one of four distinct institutions within the Houston System. It is in Houston, Texas on a 524-acre campus.

It opened in 1974. Yet it was not until 2014 that the University offered freshmen- and sophomore-level classes.  Over 80 graduate and undergraduate programs exist online and in a traditional campus setting. These are through the University’s four schools:

• the College of Business
• the College of Education
• the College of Human Sciences and Humanities 
• the College of Science and Engineering

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers an online Master of Science in Environmental Science through UHCL Online. It was created to be a diverse and affordable solution. The online  program option merges quality with convenience. It meet the unique educational needs of working professionals. This one of the best environmental graduate programs is a 36-credit-hour program. The M.S. in Environmental Science follows a comprehensive curriculum. It provides the necessary training and skills to excel as leaders and innovators in the field. It is an interdisciplinary program that explores all kinds of environmental issues. 

Dedicated students can complete the program in as little as 16 months. This requires 3 core courses per semester across the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

It is taught by distinguished faculty members. The  program is available in a general track or in an occupational safety and health track. Both options provide access to core courses in a variety of subject areas, such as:

• Environmental biology
• Chemistry
• Geology
• Industrial hygiene
• Safety
• Conservation biology
• Health and environmental issues

8. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a research-intensive university. It is in College Station, Texas. The University opened in 1876 as Texas’ first institution of higher education. Texas A&M’s main campus sits on 5,200 acres. It is about 90 miles northwest of Houston. It is home to more than 67,000 students. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Ecosystem Science and Management. This is through its Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. It focuses on ecology and natural resource management. The  program is available with a thesis option. This option is for students interested in continued research experience. There is also a non-thesis option for students interested in a professional career outside of research.

It is an interdisciplinary program that explores all kinds of environmental issues. There are specializations in four main research areas including:

• Ecosystem science
• Ecosystem management
• Genetics
• Systematic
• Evolution
• Spatial sciences.
• Conservation biology

All students work with an advisor to develop a degree plan for the coursework and research credits they will take. This is based on their unique academic needs. It is 32-36-credit-hour  program. You can complete the degree after two years of full-time work.

9. Montana State University Bozeman

You will find another one of the best graduate schools for environmental science at Montana State University Bozeman. This one of the best colleges for environmental sciences is the state’s first institution. MSU opened in 1893.

It has regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). MSU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its several colleges.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Montana State University offers a Master of Science in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences through its online branch, Montana State Online. This online schools is one of the best grad schools for environmental science.

This degree is a 30-credit-hour program. It is a flexible, interdisciplinary program. It adapts to meet the needs and interests of each student. Elective course options include environmental issues such as:

• Environmental risk assessment
• Biodiversity survey and monitoring methods
• Applied watershed hydrology
• Wetland ecology & management
• Chemical ecology
• Herbicide physiology
• Toxicology
• Natural and social sciences

Montana State Online’s mission is to offer every student an active, hands-on learning environment. It also seeks to provide a flexible choice for many students. All of MSU’s online core courses utilize the Brightspace learning management system. Most programs are available 100% online.

Admissions

10. Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) is an international, public, research university. It is headquartered in Corvallis, Oregon. The University operates two campuses, 15 experiment stations, 35 Extension offices and offers over 200 academic programs. These are both on-site and online through its Ecampus. It draws students from all fifty states and over 100 foreign countries. OSU comprises 11 colleges.

The University’s Ecampus offers over 50 degree and certificate programs. These are  100% online. Each online course was developed by the same world-class OSU faculty who teach on-campus and online. Students can be assured that they will receive the same quality academics, transcript, and diploma as traditional students.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Oregon State University offers a Professional Science Master’s in Environmental Sciences (PMS ENSC). It is online through its Ecampus. The school is certified by the National Professional Science Master’s Association. OSU’s ENSC is unique in that it is designed to provide students with cutting-edge training in scientific disciplines.

Students can customize their degree to meet their unique interests with seven track options. These include:

• Biogeochemistry
• Ecology
• Environmental education
• Natural resources
• Quantitative analysis
• Social sciences
• Natural and social sciences
• Water resources

It is a non-thesis program. Students participate in an internship experience. This replaces the traditional graduate research project and thesis.

Admissions

11. New York Medical College

New York Medical College is a member of the Touro College and University System. It is a private biomedical health sciences university in Valhalla, New York. This school opened in 1860. New York Medical College (NYMC) has been a long-time bastion against anti-Semitism and bigotry. It is ahead of its time. Female students were admitted early, in 1863. The College’s first African-American graduate was valedictorian of the Class of 1870. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

New York Medical College offers a Master of Public Health degree. This degree has a specialization in Environmental Health Science. It is available through the University’s School of Health Science and Practice (SHSP). The  program is in a traditional classroom format and online. There is also a hybrid program where on-campus classes are mixed with online coursework. The Environmental Health Science specialization addresses issues such as:

• Air and water quality
• Solid waste
• Natural and social sciences
• Environmental studies
• Environmental and industrial toxicology

Core courses are taught by faculty members who are active practitioners and researchers. SHSP and the Environmental Health Science program have a special relationship with the Environmental Health Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). Students benefit by receiving personal career advice. There is also assistance with the application process for internships and assignments available through USAJOBS.

12. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is a leading research-extensive institution. It is in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is dedicated to “excellent teaching, the creation and application of knowledge.”

NC State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers a total of over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 60-plus departments.

Environmental Science Degree Details

North Carolina State University offers two programs in the field of Environmental Science. There is the online Master (MENE) and the online Master of Environmental Assessment (EA). The MENE degree program is for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline and wish to pursue a  degree. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in an area of engineering may still apply to the program. They may need to complete additional coursework before being accepted. Several areas of concentration are offered including:

• Air quality and air pollution prevention and control
• Groundwater hydrology
• Contamination and remediation
• Geoengineering
• Environmental exposure and risk assessment
• Solid waste management
• Environmental studies
• Water and water treatment
• Water resources

The program is designed for working professionals who are interested in pursuing graduate-level work but are not seeking a career in research. It is a 32-credit-hour program. The Master of Environmental Assessment degree is administered through the College of Natural Resources. It is affiliated with the Professional Science Master’s program. The latter is a 2-year innovative degree.

13. Villanova University

This school is in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Villanova University is a private, Roman Catholic institution. It opened by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. The University traces its roots back to the old Saint Augustine’s Church of Philadelphia. This opened in 1796 by Augustinian friars. It’s also linked to its parish school, Saint Augustine’s Academy. This opened in 1811. Today, the University has comprehensive education. It is rooted in the liberal arts. Villanova University has six colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Villanova University offers a Master of Science in Water Resources and EE (MSWREE). This is through its College of Engineering. It is 100% online. Most core courses are available online through the University’s E-Learning program. This provides additional flexibility and convenience for working professionals. Full-time students who take 2-3 classes per semester are able to complete the degree in as little as two years. Part-time students earn their degree in three years. This is by taking one course each semester. The MSWREE program has been nationally recognized for its distinguished leadership. It also has cutting-edge research and collaborative opportunities. These are available through the Villanova Center for the Advancement of Sustainability in Engineering (VCASE), the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership (VUSP), and the campus’s Green Infrastructure Stormwater Research Park.

14. Prescott College

Prescott College is a private liberal arts institution. The College was founded in the 1960s by Dr. Charles Franklin Parker.

Today, Prescott College describes its mission as being to “educate students of diverse ages and backgrounds to understand, thrive in, and enhance our world community and environment.”

Environmental Science Degree Details

Prescott College offers an online Master of Arts in Environmental Studies. This is through its online division. It is flexible degree option. There are minimal visits to the campus for orientation. There is also a one on-campus colloquium each semester. These limited-residency requirements are designed for the students benefit. They provide mentored studies and in-person opportunities. These connect classmates and faculty alike. Potential paths within environmental studies and sustainability include the areas of:

• Conservation science
• Environmental education
• Social ecology and social sciences
• Environmental studies
• Film studies
• Sustainability science

Students can design and customize their degree based on their interests and career goals. They will work with experts in the field. 

15. California State University – Fullerton

California State University-Fullerton (CSUF) is a leading campus of CSU. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The University offers many of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Environmental Science Degree Details

California State University-Fullerton offers an online Master of Science. This is through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. It is designed to educate and prepare future leaders to serve in environment–related fields. The program follows the cohort model.  Students progress through the 2-year curriculum as a group.

The  program equips students with both technical knowledge and practical information on a number of relevant environmental topics and issues. Examples include:

• Potable water treatment
• Wastewater treatment and disposal
• Stormwater runoff management and treatment
• Water reclamation and reuse
• Solid and hazardous waste management
• Environmental studies
• Landfill design
• Remediation of contaminated groundwater and soil
• Global warming issues
• Air pollution control engineering
• Sustainable development

Students are prepared to sit for the professional engineering exam.

16. Auburn University

Auburn University is a public research university in Auburn, Alabama. It was the first land-grant institution in the south. The University opened as the East Alabama Male College under the Morrill Act in 1872. It became co-educational in 1892. Auburn University offers over 100 degree programs through its several colleges and schools.

It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Auburn University also offers several programs which may be earned 100% online. There are also some that are a blend of on-campus and online delivery methods.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Auburn University offers a distance graduate degree program in Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences. It is available as either a Master of Science or a Master of Agriculture. Both environmental studies programs consist of 30 total credit-hours. However, the former requires the GRE. The Master of Agriculture does not. 

The distance learning program resembles the University’s on-campus program. There are options to customize the curriculum to meet each student’s individual needs and professional goals. Course options include:

• Plant & Weed Science core courses
• Soil Science core courses
• Landscape Entomology
• Food Laws and Regulations
• Analysis of Plant, Soil, and Animal Data
  
• Environmental Policy analysis
• Environmental studies
• Developing, Implementing, and Auditing Food Safety Programs
• Introductory Mycology

Auburn University also offers both the Master of Science and the Master of Agriculture in Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences. It is a 36-hour, multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary program. This environmental scientist degree is a collaboration between the University of Georgia, North Carolina State University, and Texas Tech University.

Admissions

17. Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University is a public, comprehensive, historically black university in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Kentucky State offers many undergraduate and graduate programs. These are through its several colleges and schools.

The University also comprises an Honors College, Distance Education Department, The Institute of Life Long Learning, Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), and Atwood Institute.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Kentucky State University offers a Master of Science in Environmental Studies. The program helps students become aware of the issues surrounding the restoration of balance between humanity and the changing environment. It is built on an understanding of the interactions between ecology, sociology, economics, and other disciplines.

The M.S. in Environmental Studies is available through the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems. It “emphasizes the agricultural interface between humans and the environment.” Core course requirements include:

• Introduction to Environmental Studies
• Population and Community Ecology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Energy and the Environment
• Student Team Project and Research

18. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (abbreviated U of I) is a public institution in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. These are in east-central Illinois. It opened in 1867. U of I has  a reputation as a world-class leader in teaching, public engagement, and research. It was named #1 among all universities according to the National Science Foundation, of whom the National Science Foundation awards funding. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers two online graduate programs in the area of environmental science. There is the Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) and the Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The program exists on Illinois Online. The NRES program is available through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The degree is available through the College of Engineering.

The latter program requires 36-credit-hours (no thesis requirements). It offers specialties in:

• Construction Management
• Infrastructure
• Transportation Engineering
• Structural Engineering

The NRES degree is a flexible program. It takes 32 credit-hours to complete. It covers the areas of:

• Natural Resources and Environmental Studies
• Agricultural Education
• Crop Sciences
• Environmental Policy
• Horticulture
• Environmental Studies
• Plant Patholog

19. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts. It opened in 1865. It has 14 academic departments. WIP is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The environmental science degrees are taught by faculty members who are ranked top in the nation for quality and accessibility. WIP’s curriculum features a flexible, rigorous program.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a Master of Science. It is available online. The program is designed with the unique needs of adult learners in mind. It offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to focus on their areas of interest. It is available with thesis or non-thesis options. The program may be pursued either full- or part-time.

Through WIP’s program, students are able to participate in cutting-edge research. They can also work on course projects. These provide a fuller understanding of both the professional and technical aspects of preserving the environment and protecting public health. Students gain many beneficial experiences in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research.

20. Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, nonprofit institution. It is on West and Broadway in New York, New York. This graduate school is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. Columbia University opened in 1754. Columbia University was the King’s College by the royal charter of King George II of England. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

Columbia University offers a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering through the Fu Foundation Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science. It is a 30-credit-hour degree. The program is delivered online. It requires the GRE as well as a GPA of 3.0. It concentrates on the central theme of conscientious stewardship of natural resources.

The M.S. degree is designed for engineers and environmental scientists who are pursuing or already engaged in environmental management/development careers. The program’s focus is on sound mining and processing of primary materials. This is as well as the proper disposal of used materials.

21. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) is a four-year, public, research university. It is in Boulder, Colorado. The graduate school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. CU-Boulder offers over 3,800 courses in 150 fields of study. It is several colleges and schools.

It is one of just 34 U.S. public research institutions to belong to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). CU-Boulder is also the only member in the Rocky Mountain region to hold this membership. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Colorado Boulder offers two online master’s programs in the area of environmental studies. There is the Master of Science in Environmental Studies and the Master of Science in Environmental and Architectural Engineering. It serves as a “hub” for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration in sustainability and environment. The  program is designed to provide interdisciplinary academic training.

At the same time, it provides guidance for students with career goals in environment and sustainability-related fields. CU-Boulder’s Civil Environmental and Architectural Engineering program is in the Graduate School’s Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department. This focuses on producing environmental scientists engineers who are capable of “identifying, preventing, and solving building, construction and environmental problems.”  

Both Masters programs are offered with online delivery options. CU Boulder’s distance education courses are synchronous. Students can watch classes live and participate in classes from a distance.

22. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T for short) is a four-year public research university. It is in Rolla, Missouri. It was one of the first technological institutions established west of the Mississippi. Missouri S&T was founded in 1870. It includes the prestigious association of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and the College of Engineering and Computing.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a Master of Science. It is a 30 credit-hour program. The degree focuses on “engineering analysis that incorporate the fundamental physical, biological and chemical characteristics of natural and engineered environmental systems, while putting these engineering solutions in the context of societal needs the requirements of environmental laws.”

It is available online through the University’s distance education department. The Master of Science degree program has no residency requirements and most classes do not require live participation. This allows students to view course material on their own schedules. Exams are handled by each environmental scientist professor. Some require a proctor. Others assign projects rather than exams. Graduate students have six years to complete the program. However, most students take 1 to 2 classes per semester and finish in 3 years.

23. University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN on a 910-acre campus. The university (abbreviated UT) is a public research institution. It is Tennessee’s flagship  university. UT is a member of the University of Tennessee System. It opened in 1794 as Blount College. UT has seen countless changes and weathered many storms. UT is a Carnegie Engaged University. It is classified as a Doctoral University with the highest research activity by the Carnegie Foundation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

There are more than 900 programs (including over 360 undergraduate programs and 530+ graduate programs).

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering.  There are thesis and non-thesis options. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours for completion. This includes six credit hours of thesis (thesis option) or a three-hour special problems course (non-thesis).

You will also need to complete at least 24 credit hours of coursework. All non-thesis students must pass a final comprehensive written exam at the end of the  program. The  program is available with several concentration options. These include:

• Climate Impacts Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering
  

24. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven is a private, nonprofit, coeducational institution in West Haven, Connecticut. It opened on the Yale campus in 1920.

It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. New Haven offers over 100 academic programs through its several colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of New Haven offers an online Master of Science in Engineering. It is a 30-credit-hour degree. The online program builds on the rich tradition already established by its on-campus MS. It provides busy students the option to continue their education from anywhere in the world.

The online program is taught by the same world-class faculty members who teach on campus. It combines the same flexible curriculum with innovative instructional delivery methods. It is designed to create an ideal learning environment for adult learners.

The program can  be completed within 2 years of dedicated study. Each class lasts just 6-7.5 weeks in length. Each class integrates theory with real-world applications.  Many include a project in lieu of a final exam. This allows students to put into action what they learn in the classroom. 

25. Clarkson University

Clarkson University is an independent, nonprofit, technological university in Potsdam, New York.

It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Clarkson University offers many undergraduate and graduate programs.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Clarkson University offers a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering. 

The MS degree is available with both thesis and non-thesis options. The former typically takes 18-24 months to complete. It requires students to write and defend a thesis on their independent research. The latter option is a project-based program. It requires 30 credits in total. This includes all coursework and a project. This option is also available with a concentration in construction engineering management. Both  program options include interdisciplinary research. This is facilitated through the:

• Institute for a Sustainable Environment
• Center for Air Resources Engineering & Science
• Center for Advanced Materials Processing 
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Natural Sciences
• Cold Regions Engineering Research Group

26. Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University is a private, nonprofit research university in Dallas, Texas. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The University offers many undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs.

It has small class sizes, abundant research opportunities, leadership development, and innovative programs. The University’s mission is to “create, expand, and impart knowledge through teaching, research, and service.”

Environmental Science Degree Details

Southern Methodist University offers a Master of Science through the Lyle Graduate School of Engineering. The program is designed to address the fundamental science and regulatory aspects of the field. It also emphasizes engineering analysis and design of technological and management-oriented solutions to environmental problems. It is a flexible program. Students are able to enroll in either a master degree part- or maser degree full-time. Working individuals benefit by taking the non-thesis route.

This requires 30 credit hours of coursework. It is available with evening classes and online delivery options. The program accommodates the schedules of busy professionals.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline or in a quantitative science. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of one year of college-level calculus. They should have completed at least one year of college-level chemistry, and possess a solid background in the fundamental engineering sciences (including thermodynamics and fluid mechanics).

27. Illinois Institute of Technology

The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is a private, nonprofit, technology-focused research university. It is in Chicago, Illinois.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The Illinois Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. It is available through the Armour College of Engineering. Foundational courses include:

• Environmental chemistry
• Chemodynamics
• Biological science
• Natural Sciences
• Environmental Policy
• Physicochemical processes 
• Hazardous waste engineering

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0/4.0 in the core areas. In addition to the core course requirements, students may also choose to concentrate in one of several areas of specialization. These include:

• Air Pollution Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy/Environment/Economics (E3)
• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Resource Management
• Hazardous Waste Engineering
• Water and Wastewater Engineering

28. American Public University

American Public University (APU) is a private institute. It is a member of the accredited American Public University system. This graduate school is a leader in online and distance-learning higher education. The University is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia.

The  graduate school is one of the largest providers in online higher education. APU offers over 200 degree and certificate programs. These are available in asynchronous, online formats. Classmates and professors stay connected via discussion boards, forums, blogs, and other forms of social media. Online students also have full access to APUs library, study resources, and academic advisors. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

American Public University offers a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. It is a 36 credit-hour  program. The degree is online. It can be completed in as little as two years with full-time study.

The coursework equips students with the environmental management tools and strategies necessary for resolving complex environmental controversies and problems. The MS in Environmental Policy and Management has several concentration options. These help students gain further specialization in their field and include:

• Environmental Planning
• General
• Environmental Sustainability
• Global Environment Management
• Biological science
• Environmental Policy
• Natural Sciences and Social Sciences
• Fish and Wildlife Management
• National Environment Policy Act (NEPA)

29. University of Maryland – University College

The University of Maryland-University College (UMUC) is a four-year, public university. It is a member of the University System of Maryland. It is in Adelphi, Maryland. The University opened in 1949. It was the College of Special and Continuation Studies. It was a branch of the University of Maryland’s College.

It is dedicated to serving working adults and servicemembers. UMUC was the first university to send faculty overseas. This was to educate active-duty military personnel in Europe in 1949.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Maryland University College offers the Master of Science degree in Environmental Management. It is available through the University’s Global Campus.

The program equips students with the necessary:

• business management skills
• industry-standard technology
• environmental science 

to assume high-level management responsibilities in many programs and organizations.

It is available 100% online. The s program requires 36 credits. Up to six of which may be transfer credits. Outcomes of the program include:

• the ability to assess threats, hazards and risks to the environment from an organization’s operations
• analyze and communicate health, safety, and environmental risks
• understand U.S. environmental and energy law and policy, including its development, implementation, and enforcement
• apply best practices in land use management, including where to build, how to build, and when to build

30. Webster University

Webster University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education in St. Louis, Missouri. It opened in St. Louis in 1915, by the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic religious organization. The University was first called Loretto College. It was progressive for its time as one of the first women’s colleges west of the Mississippi River. Today, Webster University is coeducational.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Webster University offers a Master of Science in Environmental Management. It is available online through the College of Arts & Sciences. The program equips students with the tools and techniques to navigate the business aspects of environmental management.

The program has an emphasis in environmental sustainability. This provides environmental managers with specialized coursework. Graduates will be able to conduct environmental research. They can:

• Communicate risk from an organization’s operations
• Assess environmental-related risk
• Identify environmental hazards affecting air, water, and soil quality
• Develop controls to reduce or eliminate risk
• Use geographic information systems (geographic information systems is often shortened to GIS)

31. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (abbreviated SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian university. It is in Manchester, New Hampshire. This school is one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation. It has 3,000 traditional campus students and 80,000 online students. SNHU offers 200 career-focused online and on-campus college degree programs.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Master of Business Administration in Sustainability & Environmental Compliance. It is designed for motivated, adult learners who are eager to make a difference in the world. The program educates students on how to apply practical solutions to the biggest environmental challenges. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of how energy requirements affect society and the environment. They will also:

• have the ability to examine energy-related issues
• understand and address the ecological consequences of a given situation
• present accurate and cogent arguments to decision-makers that provide a diversity of perspectives

There are many benefits of enrolling in SNHU’s online courses. These include:

• top-quality academics
• solid student support
• convenience and flexibility
• abundant networking opportunities
• affordability

It is an efficient program. Full-time students are able to complete their degree in as little as 15 months. This can be done by taking two courses per 10-week term.

32. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a comprehensive, four-year, public, coeducational university. It is in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. It opened in 1889 as the Slippery Rock State Normal School. Its original purpose was the training of teachers.  Slippery Rock University offers 150 undergraduate majors and minors. There are 40 master’s degree programs and 3 doctorate programs.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers the Master of Education in Environmental Education. It is in the College of Health, Environment and Science and the Parks and Conservation Department. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). It is geared toward working educators as well as working natural resource managers.

It is a 30-credit hour program. The degree may be completed in as little as two calendar years. It is taught by experienced university faculty. The program’s coursework focuses on the “theory, practice, and application of experiential, inquiry-based environmental education and communication.”

33. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (abbreviated SHSU) is a public university in Huntsville, Texas. It is a member of The Texas State University System. SHSU was founded as a Normal School in 1879 by the Texas Legislature. It had the original purpose of training public school teachers.  It offers over 80 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 50 master’s, and five doctoral degrees.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Sam Houston State University offers the Master of Agriculture degree with a major in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Environment (SAFE). It is in SHSU Online and the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering Technology. The program focuses on sustainable agriculture and food systems. It is designed to prepare individuals for advanced studies in agriculture. This is while it is “integrating the framework of sustainable practices.”

The program curriculum covers the areas of applied knowledge of plants, animals, and soils. It blends eco-friendly practices with problem-solving skills. This is for the purpose of advocating the role of agriculture in the creation of healthy communities.

It is a 36-credit-hour program. All courses are taught by talented and credentialed professors in small classes. SHSU Online is committed to supporting students. It provides 24/7 support access. Online students can rest assured that they are earning an accredited degree from SHSU. There is nothing on their degree or transcript that indicates online learning. All of SHSU’s course credits – whether earned on campus or online – are considered equal.

Admissions

34. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is in Fort Collins, Colorado. Colorado State University is a public, doctoral, research institution. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado State University also has a strong online presence. This is thanks to the CSU-Global Campus. Many of the University’s internet-based programs are offered here. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

Colorado State University offers a Master of Science in Environmental Health. It has a specialization in Environmental Health & Safety. It is in the Graduate’s School’s Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences. The department is home to one of the largest environmental health programs in the nation. It is the only one to incorporate radiological health into the core curriculum. The potential career paths for environmental health professionals include:

• Toxicologist
• Occupational health nurses and physicians
• Epidemiologists
• Industrial hygienists
• Air and water pollution specialists
• Sanitarians
• Natural Sciences
• Environmental Policy
• Biological science
• Hazardous and solid waste specialists
• Health educators

35. University of Wisconsin – Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a four-year, public, research institution. It is in Madison, Wisconsin. The school opened in 1848. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It offers many programs including over 250 master’s, doctoral, and professional programs.

There are over 200 undergraduate majors and certificates through its several colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the Master of Science in Environmental Conservation. This is through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. It intended to meet emerging global challenges and demands. The program was designed to offer environmental leadership training. It was created in close consultation with environmental practice leaders. It is a 15-month accelerated program.

The degree’s curriculum exists in a blended format with a mix of on-campus and remote experiences. These accommodate the busy lives of working professionals. There are on-campus classes during the summer and fall semesters (two of Wisconsin’s most beautiful seasons). During the spring all classes are able to be accessed  online from anywhere around the globe. In the fourth and final semester, students complete the Master of Science leadership project.

36. Duke University

Duke University is a private, nonprofit, research institution located in Durham, North Carolina. It opened in 1924. The University has top-quality academics, faculty members, and research. It includes several schools and institutes.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Duke University offers the Master of Environmental Management through the Nicholas School of the Environment. It is also known as the Duke Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management (DEL-MEM). The program offers “working professionals the opportunity to continue their education, advance their careers, and become leaders in their organizations.”

It is in an innovative, flexible, online format. The program is designed to allow students to balance the demands of both work and personal life. That’s all the while earning their master’s degree. The DEL-MEM provides students with:

• relevant curriculum in which real-life case studies are tackled
• a multidisciplinary approach which utilizes the University’s resources in environmental science, engineering, policy, and business
• courses that are taught by top-notch faculty
• opportunities for leadership development
• coursework that can be applied to the benefit of each student’s career at their organization or agency

37. University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private nonprofit institution. It is in Denver, Colorado. It is a student-centered school that emphasizes learning by doing. The University strives for the values of excellence, innovation, engagement, integrity and inclusiveness.

It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University of Denver offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This is through its several colleges, schools and divisions.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Denver offers the Master of Environmental Policy and Management through the University College. It is designed to equip students to solve environmental challenges presented in both local and global communities.

The program focuses on the complex relationships between the environment, management, and policy. It challenges students to become problem solvers. This is through innovative thinking, strategic analysis, and ethical leadership. There are evening classes or online. Each term lasts 10 weeks in length. There are GRE or GMAT admission requirements. Many students complete the environmental studies program in as little as 12 months with full-time study or 18 months. This is when enrolled part-time. There are a number of concentrations. Options include:

• Energy and Sustainability
• Environmental Analytics and Reporting
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Policy
• Natural Sciences
• Biological science
• Environmental, Health and Safety
• Natural Resource Management

38. Arizona State University

ASU is in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Arizona State University (ASU) is a top ranked public university. It is headquartered in downtown Tempe. Arizona, ASU operates several campuses and regional learning centers all across the state. It is one of the largest public universities in the country in terms of enrollment. ASU is classified by Carnegie as a research university with the “highest research activity”. It opened in 1885 by an act passed by the Arizona Territorial Legislature. ASU was first called the Territorial Normal School at Tempe. In 1945 the school became Arizona State College. In 1958 it was renamed Arizona State University.

ASU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its online platform. This platform is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. ASU’s online classes are taught by the same faculty. Students receive the same diploma as traditional students.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Arizona State University offers the Master of Science in Environmental and Resource Management (M.S. in ERM). This is through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Though categorized as campus-based, the environmental studies program’s are classes are able to be completed at a distance online. This makes it ideal for working professionals from across the country or the world. The M.S. in ERM is available with three options:

• a thesis
• an applied project
• coursework only with a comprehensive written exam administered at the end of the program

The ERM program is ideal for students coming from a wide range of undergraduate degree backgrounds, including:

• the sciences (chemistry, biology, geology, environmental science, etc)
• engineering
• industrial hygiene
• public policy

Two areas of concentration are also available. These are in either environmental management or international environmental management and sustainable development. Core classes for either focus area include:

• environmental law
• toxicology
• natural sciences
• chemistry of hazardous materials

39. University of Tennessee Martin

The University of Tennessee-Martin is one of five campuses within the University of Tennessee System. It is in Martin, Tennessee. The University is a public, coeducational institution of higher education. 

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Tennessee-Martin offers the Master of Science degree in Agriculture & Natural Resources. It exists in the Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources. The environmental studies program is designed to “meet the growing needs of place-bound Agriculture and Natural Resources professionals.” It is 100% online. The 36-credit-hour environmental studies program is available with three concentration options in:

• Agribusiness & Risk Management
• System Science in Agriculture
• Natural Resources Systems Management.

The latter concentration includes courses related to natural resource management such as the areas of:

• wildlife biology
• park administration
• geosciences
• agricultural engineering technology

The Agribusiness & Risk Management concentration provides a range of agricultural economics coursework. It addresses risk management issues related to agribusiness enterprises. The Systems Science in Agriculture concentration features coursework in the areas of:

• agricultural engineering technology
• management science
• Environmental Policy
• agricultural economics

40. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a comprehensive public research university. It is in Lubbock, Texas. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

It is listed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education with the “Highest Research Activity” possible. Texas Tech is committed to both teaching and the advancement of knowledge.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Texas Tech University offers the Professional Science Master’s degree (PSM) in Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Management. This is through its Graduate School. It is an interdisciplinary online master’s degree. The environmental studies program’s purpose is to prepare graduates for science careers in the areas of business, government, and nonprofit sectors. It also focuses on “sustainability science as it applies to natural resources and the environment.”

The master’s degree combines the study of science with:

• practical training in management
• financial understanding
• teamwork
• communication skills
• marketing concepts that are essential for a student success in their professional career.

The environmental studies program is available in two program tracks. One is in Ecology and Environmental Sustainability. This is available through the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences. The other is in Natural Resources Management. This is available through the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources and the Department of Natural Resources Management.  

41. The University of Findlay

The University of Findlay is a private, coeducational, Christian institution. It is in Findlay, Ohio. It opened in 1882 by joint partnership between the city of Findley and the Churches of God, General Conference. Today the University offers science, health professions, animal science and equestrian studies programs. 

The University of Findlay offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These include over 80 bachelor’s, about a dozen master’s and four doctoral degrees.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Findlay offers the Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health Management (MSESHM). It is available in a variety of formats. These include online, on-campus, or a blend of the two. The MSESHM equips students with the skills to “make managerial decisions and provide leadership in environmental, safety and occupational health careers.”

The program includes eight core curriculum courses. There are twelve semester hours of electives. The environmental science degree is also available with certificate options. These are  available in addition to or independent of the master’s degree. Options include:

• Emergency and Disaster Management
• Environmental Science Management
• Occupational Health and Safety Management

The environmental science master’s degree combines engineering, science, policy and business concepts. These are designed to prepare students in five key areas. These areas are:

• Business Knowledge in Environmental Science
• Analytical Skills in Environmental Science
• Managerial Skills in Environmental Science
• Environmental Policy
• Technical Knowledge in Environmental Science
• Integrative Skills in Environmental Science

42. Virginia Tech University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a public university. It is in Blacksburg, Virginia. It is dedicated to serving the “Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world community.” The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers 110 bachelor’s degree programs and 170 master’s and doctoral degree programs. This is through its several colleges, schools, and Graduate School.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers a Masters in Agricultural and Life Science program. It is available with 100% online delivery. The environmental  program provides broad, scientific-based courses. These are in the areas of agriculture, life sciences, and related fields. It is geared towards place-bound working professionals in environmental science. The program’s online delivery provides maximum flexibility. This enables working students to earn their master’s degree while maintaining their other responsibilities from the convenience of their own home.

The environmental science program includes a set of core courses and five concentration options. These build upon the core curriculum. These concentration options include:

• Education
• Environmental Science
• Food Safety and Biosecurity
• Leadership Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Plant Science and Pest Management
• Applied Nutrition and Health Sciences

Virginia Tech is an approved SARA Institution. It is a participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). 

43. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is a public, coeducational institution. It is in Greensboro. It opened in 1890. NC A&T is home to an award-winning faculty. It offers intensive research programs. It has community-focused initiatives. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. This is through its several colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

North Carolina A&T State University offers a Master of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Systems. It has a concentration in Natural Resources and Environmental Systems. It is available through the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design.

The College is a leader in research within the University. The environmental science program provides ample opportunity for students. They gain valuable research experience while working and learning from the College’s top environmental scientists. The environmental science program’s concentration in Natural Resources and Environmental Systems is outstanding. It offers “wide-ranging areas of study to equip our graduates with the knowledge and resources to effectively develop solutions [for] current and future challenges in environmental sustainability and agricultural production.”

Applications for the environmental science program must be submitted through the University’s Graduate School. Admissions during the Fall and Spring semester are open to both domestic and international students. Summer semester admissions are only open to domestic students.

44. University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a four-year institution. It is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The school is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. There are also certificate options. These are  through its several colleges.

Environmental Science Degree Details
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers the Master of Science in Natural Resources through the College of Natural Resources. The environmental science program is available with an emphasis in a number of areas. These include:

• Forestry
• Wildlife
• Fisheries
• Water Resources
• Environmental Education and Interpretation
• Soil Science
• Waste Management

Special outreach and extension environmental science programs within the degree include options offered by the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education. This provides “leadership and resources to advance education for sustainable human and natural communities.” The Center offers opportunities for:

• professional development
• hands-on classroom resources
• curriculum for energy, environmental, and forestry education

45. University of Wisconsin Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a four-year, public university. It is in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers the Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health. It is designed for working professionals. The environmental science program is in an online format. This is both convenient and flexible for students who are busy maintaining career and personal responsibilities with their education.

The online M.S. in Environmental Safety & Health (ESH) focuses on issues such as:

• traditional regulatory compliance
• risk management
• environmental stewardship
• sustainability

The environmental science program’s curriculum is reviewed and approved by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. It is a GSP® Qualified Academic Program.

Graduates will be able to:

• implement and manage effective ESH programs
• influence risk perception by applying appropriate communication strategies
• perform risk assessments using a systems perspective
• prepare for and develop the capability to respond to emergencies in the workplace

46. Pennsylvania State University

 Pennsylvania State University (often referred to as Penn State) is a public, research-intensive university. It is in University Park, Pennsylvania. There are 24 campus locations across Pennsylvania as well as a teaching hospital. Penn State is the largest public university in the state. It is Pennsylvania’s only land-grant institution. The University has over 23,000 acres and 1,784 buildings statewide. This includes 7,343 acres and 947 buildings at its main University Park campus.

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. There are over 160 graduate degree programs.

Environmental Science Degree Details

Pennsylvania State University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems. This is through the Penn State World Campus, the University’s online branch. It is a 32-credit-hour online environmental science program. It is designed to provide students with technical depth. This is in areas related to renewable energy.
It also aims to equip them with a “comprehensive understanding of the applications of technology in society, the energy economics, and the project development process.”

Students are encouraged to customize their degree. They can choose an area of emphasis. Options are in either Solar Energy or Sustainability Management and Policy. The degree is available through Penn State World Campus. The environmental science program draws upon the strong partnership that exists between the University’s four colleges and eight academic departments. This gives students the opportunity to benefit from the array of unique perspectives and expertise of the University’s faculty.

47. University of Colorado-Denver

  The University of Colorado-Denver is a comprehensive, public research university. It is in downtown Denver, Colorado.

The University of Colorado-Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It offers over 140 programs across its several locations. This is through its many colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Colorado-Denver offers the Master of Public Administration. It has a concentration in Environmental Policy, Management, and Law (EPML). It is available through the School of Public Affairs. The EPML program is available as a stand-alone graduate certificate environmental science program. It is also a concentration option within the MPA degree. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of how the environment is affected. This is by the relationships between entities such as:

• legislatures
• administrative agencies
• courts
• federal, state, and local governments
• government and the nonprofit and private sectors
• government and the public

48. University of Wisconsin – Stout

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public, comprehensive, career-focused polytechnic university. It is in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This is through its several colleges and schools.

Environmental Science Degree Details

The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers the Master of Science in Sustainable Management. It is a 34-credit-hour environmental science program. The M.S. in Sustainable Management is available 100% online. It may be completed at the student’s own pace and on their own schedule. The environmental science program is designed to prepare students who are well-versed in the areas of both business and science. It equips them with the skills to communicate complex issues.

It also helps them understand the role and impact of the built environment. They learn to evaluate the social and political impact of sustainability. Graduates possess the ability to impact the design of products, processes, energy production and use. They even learn how to minimize waste and prevent pollution. Graduates possess the ability to analyze the relationship between human activity and various environments. 

It is a unique environmental science program. The M.S. in Sustainable Management is a collaboration between five partner institutions. These include UW-Stout as well as UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, and UW-Superior.

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The MBA. The Master of Business Administration. It is one of the most popular and in-demand graduate degrees in the country. 

Why? The world of business is always evolving. It is also competitive. To develop the skills you need to succeed in such an environment, you need the right training. Sure, lots of what you need to know will come from real-world work experience. That is why most graduate degrees in business require at least a couple of years of work experience for admission.

However, there’s nothing quite like the rigorous curriculum of an online MBA in Strategic Management to show you the ropes. Nor will you be able to access a professional network of alumni, peers, and industry professionals quite like you will while you are pursuing an online MBA in Strategic Management 

Many people think that all business degrees are alike, with core classes centered around finance, marketing, economics, and other business fundamentals. In reality, there are many different directions you can take. 

Perhaps you want to focus your studies on accounting. You can do that by earning an MBA with a concentration in accounting. Maybe you’d rather emphasize the applications of business in a healthcare setting. 

Yet for many students, earning an online MBA in strategy is the best choice for their careers.

What is a strategic management MBA at an online business school? This degree will allow you to approach the complex world report of business like a game of chess. You’ll work to arrange all the moving pieces in an enterprise. You will anticipate and pursue opportunities for advancement, craft smart business tactics, and use your insights to help your company succeed in the massive world report of business.

Do you want to build solid decision-making skills? Do you want to learn more about the market factors that help a corporation succeed? Earning one of the top online MBAs in strategy is the right choice for you. 

And if the thought of earning an online MBA in Strategic Management appeals to you, you might want to consider earning that degree online. There are countless benefits to pursuing an online education. You will be able to arrange your course schedule so that it accommodates your other commitments (such as caring for children or attending a full-time job). Plus, online degrees often tend to be more affordable.

The costs of college continue to rise. There are lots of reasons to consider online schooling. You won’t have to worry about paying for things like room and board or transportation. Even the per credit hour tuition for online programs tends to be a lot cheaper than what students pay on campus. 

If you think that online degrees are lower in quality or prestige than their on-campus counterparts, think again. Online programs hold the same recognition from employers and universities as do their on-campus counterparts. Most of the time, you won’t even know the difference by looking at your diploma or transcript!

Ready to take your career in business to the next level? Consider pursuing one of these 20 best strategic management online MBA degrees. You won’t regret it. 

Common Application and Admission Questions

So how do you apply to the best online MBA strategy programs?

Strategic management is a discipline that requires you to conduct systematic research, engage in careful planning. You will analyze every aspect of business. You’ll apply your skills in strategic management to just about any kind of business in any industry. Your degree plan and admissions requirements may vary. It depends on the exact route you want to pursue with your career. 

The skills that you will acquire in most strategic management MBAs are about the same. You’ll learn how to conduct thorough business research . You will learn how to analyze the results of that research as they apply to a real-world setting. You’ll become skilled in data analysis and also learn soft skills that are necessary for the world report of business. For example, you’ll need to become skilled in analytical thinking, communication, leadership, and decision-making.

Most strategic management degrees take about 12 to 24 months to complete. You can take less or more time to finish your studies if needed. You may also be able to pursue an additional concentration, minor, or dual degree if you choose, too. In a strategy concentration, you’ll complete core courses like:

• Corporate Strategy
• Global Strategy
• Strategic Management of Technology
• Strategic Leadership
• Global Business Strategy
• International Business Management
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Smart Strategic Management
• Human Resources
• Executive Leadership
• Organizational Leadership and Business Strategy
• Corporate Strategy
• Operations Management

Make sure the programs to which you apply have all of these features (and others you might care about) before you apply. Don’t waste your time applying to dozens of schools. Instead, narrow your list to just three or four schools you think might be a good fit. That way, you won’t be faced with overwhelming decision fatigue!

When you’re ready to sit down and start filling out those applications, you’ll need to have a few things on hand. First and foremost is your credit card. Some schools now waive fees for online applications. However, most online MBA in Strategic Management programs still require hefty application fees. 

You will need a bachelor’s degree with coursework that shows you are well prepared for graduate work in business. A major in business or a related field (like economics, marketing, or accounting) isn’t often necessary. It may make you a more competitive candidate. It will reduce the number of undergraduate business prerequisites you have to take, too. 

You will need to furnish transcripts showing that you completed this bachelor’s degree. Most business schools have minimum GPA requirements. This is often a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 

The GMAT or GRE is also often required. You might need to submit things like a personal essay, one professional letter of recommendation or more, and a current resume, too. In some cases, a full interview with the admissions team at your school might be required. 

Before you fill out a single application, make sure you take the time to do your research and to ensure that each of the schools to which you are applying will be a good fit for you. Talk with the admission team about requirements. Whenever possible, students pay a visit to campus! Yes, even if you are studying online!. This will give you a good idea of whether you are making the right decision.

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

If you’ve decided to earn an MBA in strategy online, you’ve made a smart choice in regards to your financial future. The potential return on investment for one of these degrees is high. In other words, you may earn a high salary when you graduate with a strategic management online MBA. 

Finding the money upfront to pay for such a degree, though, is a challenge. The top 100 schools in the country cost, on average, more than $75,000 for the program’s lifespan! Online degrees tend to be less expensive at face value than their on-campus counterparts.

You will also be well served by finding funding to offset the cost of graduate school. This is funding that you won’t have to pay back. 

Begin by completing the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application will analyze your financial need by taking a look at key financial documents like your W2s and tax returns.  

This will determine your eligibility for state and federal aid such as grants and subsidized loans. There tend to be fewer need-based grants available to graduate students than there are to undergraduates. Your options might be limited.

The good news is that most universities work hard to pick up the slack. They offer a variety of need-based grants and scholarships. Most universities also offer merit-based awards.

Another source of funding you may pursue is school-based employment. Many business schools offer fellowships and assistantships. These will allow you to gain work experience in your field. You will also have a bulk of your graduate school costs paid for in full. They tend to be competitive. Apply early and put your best foot forward for consideration. 

Once you’ve exhausted those options, you may want to look at other kinds of scholarships and funding sources. There are plenty of scholarships for prospective students interested in an online MBA program out there. That’s even more true if you are interested in applying for a targeted award. These are often aimed at increasing the number of minorities or other underrepresented groups in the world report of business. 

Check with local philanthropic organizations, corporate sponsors, or even your own employer. Your own company might be a goldmine when it comes to finding funding to pay for school. Many businesses offer tuition remission plans that pay for part or all of your graduate school costs. This is often in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a set number of years.

The key to landing funding for your master’s degree is to apply early. Make yourself the best  candidate possible. Try to boost your GMAT scores and GPA before you apply. Apply early to your MBA programs. Once accepted, most online MBA programs will consider all candidates when awarding scholarships. Apply too late, though, and you’ll be out of the running. Aspiring business professionals should always apply early to their MBA programs!

Research, research, research. Leave no stone unturned when you’re looking for ways to pay for your credit hours for the graduate degree. It might seem like a frustrating, time-consuming process now. You’re sure to thank yourself later.

How Much Can I Make With an MBA in Strategy? 

As the person responsible for building a company’s market strategy, you’re going to hold a lot of responsibility. As a result, you’ll need to have a high level of expertise. With that expertise often comes a high salary.

Payscale reports that MBAs of all kinds are often associated with average salaries of $85,000 or more. Earn a specialization. You’ll earn even more. An article by Poets and Quants notes that students who choose a specialization in strategy make almost $14,000 more than those who specialize in any other field!

You’ll be able to find employment across a variety of sectors. Some of the leading employers for individuals with MBAs in strategy include:

• Amazon
• Microsoft
• AT&T
• Deloitte Consulting LLP

Businesses of all types and sizes want to hire MBA grads. It makes sense that your average salary might vary, too. 

Where you live will play a role in your earnings. The best places to look for high-paying work in business strategy are places where large corporations often tend to be headquartered. Examples include New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and Atlanta. 

There are several careers that you might want to consider if a high salary is at the top of your priority list. One of these is as a management consultant. Management consultants are sometimes referred to management analysts. This is a person who will reach and recommend ways to improve a client or organization’s efficiency. You may earn an average salary of more than $85,260, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

You might also consider working as a senior product manager. You could earn an average salary of $105,480, with your potential salary increasing with the more education you pursue. There are some entry-level jobs in this field for candidates who possess bachelor’s degrees. Yet you’re more apt to land a job with an MBA.

Another potential option is a job as a finance manager. A finance manager is a professional who creates financial reports, develops plans, and directs investment activities. This is all to help organizations meet their long-term financial goals. Again, a bachelor’s degree is all you need for entry into this career, but you’ll earn a higher salary (in most cases, in excess of $129,890, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics!) with an online master of business administration in strategic management.

The beauty of these jobs is that they are high-paying and in high demand. That’s great news. A high paying job isn’t worth much if you aren’t able to find one to begin with! The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job for management consultants is expected to grow by 11% by 2029. Jobs for finance managers are expected to increase by a whopping 15%. Finance managers, like general and operations managers, are in high demand. In addition to working as a financial manager, there are also jobs for operations managers, sales managers, and other business professionals in just about every industry. MBA students have no shortage of jobs to choose from! Doctoral programs are also popular pathways for graduates.

Why are these general and operations managers jobs so in demand? There are lots of reasons,. One of the biggest is because they are specialized and require a unique level of training that not everybody will have. These aren’t jobs that are outsourced to computers! You need to have some serious business chops and the drive to be successful. And, of course, to earn one of the 20 best strategic management MBA degrees.

What Are the Best MBA in Strategy Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1. The University of Texas at Dallas

Online MBA with a focus in Strategic Management

The University of Texas at Dallas opened with one singular goal. That was to serve as a private research arm of Texas Instruments.

Today, the university has expanded to offer more than 140 academic programs. These are across eight schools. There are more than 50 research institutes and centers. It is renowned for its rapid growth in research. It also has competitive admissions policies. This school offers one of the very top online MBAs in strategy. The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The Naveen Jindal School of Management offers the strategic management MBA. The curriculum is online. Exams are administered as components of:

• courses
• uploaded via email
• proctored at approved testing centers

The degree is ranked as the sixth-best online MBA program in the country. It features 15 different concentrations. There are 13 dual-degree options and almost 60 electives for you to choose from. Prospective students in these MBA programs will begin their studies by taking two undergraduate business prerequisites. There is one in Communications for Management and the other in Quantitative Foundation of Business.

Prospective students will complete 32 semester hours of core courses such as:

• Financial Management
• Strategic Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Supply Chain Management
• Managing IT in the Analytics Edge
• Relationship Selling Strategies
• Business Intelligence
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Corporate Governance
• Labor Relations and Workforce Management
• Organizational Communication
• Managing Innovation
• Global Enterprise Strategy and Strategic Management
• International Markets

Then you can pursue electives and strategic leadership concentration courses to prepare you to become a management analyst. In addition to the focus in strategic management, this MBA also comes with concentrations for prospective students in:

• Accounting
• Energy management
• Analytics
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Healthcare leadership and management

The strategic management concentration focuses on corporate-level strategic management. You’ll learn how to implement strategic designs from start to finish. You will also learn how to lead in any setting. Your core courses will also integrate:

• finance
• organizational theory
• economics
• accounting

You’ll be able to help your organization create and leverage a sustainable, competitive advantage. Online students will be prepared to become business professionals in any field. They could work as a management analyst or go on to further study, using their MBA programs to pursue doctoral programs. 

You can even choose to tack on an additional academic certificate. There are several options available. These include:

• Executive and professional coaching
• Organizational consulting
• Transformational leadership and strategic leadership
• Project management.

The professional management MBA is available 100% online. There’s also a full-time on campus version. There’s even an evening and flex setting. You can pursue an MBA regardless of your work schedule or other commitments. 

The beauty of this MBA program is that you can apply and begin your coursework in any semester. There’s no prescribed sequence you must follow. It is convenient and flexible. Courses are taught on your schedule. You’ll be granted access to committed academic and career support every step of the way. 

Ready to apply and begin the next step in your career journey? You’ll need to submit an online application and a $50 application fee. Upload digital copies of your unofficial transcripts and test scores. Mail official documents after you’re admitted. You must supply GMAT or GRE scores that are no more than five years old. You’ll also need a professional letter of recommendation, an essay, and a detailed resume. Interviews are not required for online learners. 

#2. University of North Texas

Online MBA with a focus in Strategic Management

The University of North Texas offers a superb online master of business administration with a strategic management and business strategy concentration. This is the flagship institution of the UNT System. The University of North Texas in Denton, TX first opened its doors as a nonsectarian, coeducational teachers college. It is viewed as one of the top schools to attend if you wanted to become a teacher. yet this former normal school now offers degrees in more than a dozen colleges and schools.

You won’t just learn inside the classroom here, either. You will be able to practice what you preach! The school is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity.” It spends more than $78.4 million on research in 2019 alone. As an MBA candidate here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your training into practice.

The University of North Texas has more than 80 online program options. It enrolls almost 80,000 students each year. The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Master of Business Administration comes with multiple specialization options. These include:

• Sport entertainment management
• Organizational behavior
• Human resource management
• Supply chain analytics.

For aspiring strategic managers, the focus in strategic management is the way to go. It consists of 12 total classes and 36 credit hours. You’ll learn the skills you need to manage an organization. You will also learn how to help an organization develop broad policies to meet its goals. 

This is an accelerated program. It features classes that are taught 100% online. They are broken down into convenient eight-week chunks. You can also sign up for classes in this strategic management degree that are five weeks long each in the summer. There are start dates six times each year. Because of this flexible scheduling, you can earn your degree in as little as 14 months.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll learn marketable skills in this master of business administration with a specialization in strategic management. These include:

• teamwork
• ethical conduct
• quantitative analysis

You’ll take a series of core classes that are required for students in all concentrations. Examples include:

• Organizational Behavior and Analysis
• Leveraging IT for Business
• Marketing Management
• Successful Strategy and Strategic Management
• Workforce Management and Labor Relations
• Managerial Accounting
• Business Intelligence

Then, you’ll take strategic management courses such as Operations Management and Strategic Supply Chain Management. 

This MBA program is perfect for students who are interested in leading in managerial positions. It is taught by faculty who were recruited from internationally recognized universities. They represent a wide variety of teaching experiences and research expertise. You’ll gain key business insights from these business professionals. There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning. Your concentration courses will allow you to solve a real world business problem and add to your current resume for leadership roles. You could use your MBA programs credentials to apply for doctoral programs later on, too.

It’s also affordable. The average student who is a resident of Texas will pay just $23,900 for tuition and fees. That’s for the entire program! There are multiple start dates each year. This makes attending classes easier and more convenient than ever. 

To apply for the MBA at the University of North Texas, you will need to meet admissions requirements both of the graduate school and of the College of Business. You must supply official transcripts along with GMAT or GRE scores. You should also submit a 600- to 700-word essay. You’ll also need a resume with work experience and two letters of recommendation. 

#3. University of Delaware

Online MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Management

You’ll find a top MBA in business strategy at the University of Delaware. The University of Delaware is a groundbreaking institution located in Newark, DE. It is truly a school of “firsts.” This is one of just four schools on the continent to offer a major in art conservation. It was also the first university in the country to offer a study abroad program. 

There are more than 300 degrees for students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level to choose from. The University of Delaware is a smart choice for students interested in pursuing an online MBA. You’ll love visiting the university’s modern campus in Newark. But you’ll also love the multitude of resources that will be available to you as an online learner in the master of business administration with a strategic management concentration. The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

This online MBA program offers many benefits. Each class follows an intensive seven-week format. You can learn when and where it is most convenient for you. You don’t have to have a bachelor’s degree in business in order to attend these online MBA programs. You’ll be able to collaborate with other learners from a wide variety of backgrounds. This is one of the best online MBAs if you want to develop a successful strategy and strategic management skillset that will help you make sound business decisions. 

Classes in this MBA program are taught by Ph.D.-qualified faculty. They have extensive industry experience and education. You’ll have access to a personal career coach. You’ll also get scholarships and other forms of financial aid to help you succeed without spending a fortune.

The strategy emphasis is not the only concentration for you to choose from in the MBA program. You can choose one or more concentrations to meet your career goals. Some options include:

• Healthcare management
• International business
• Finance
• Analytics

You can also choose to pursue multiple concentrations for a more competitive strategy.  You can combine two or more emphasis areas to give you greater flexibility in the job market. The degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. You will work closely with business partners to form strategic alliances and gain insight on upcoming management positions. 

It is an affordable program. It features tuition that starts at just $950 per credit hour. Most students take just 16 months to complete the program. Since courses are offered online, you’ll move as fast or slow as you’d like through the curriculum. 

You will have access to the Lerner’s Career Services. This is a department that focuses on students in the Lerner School of Business. You’ll be able to work with career advisors to attend networking events, virtual workshops, career fairs, speaker series, and more. Plus, you will complete seminars, case studies, and other online learning experiences. 

You will need to have a bachelor’s degree (any academic background is acceptable) from a regionally accredited university. Your bachelor’s degree GPA should be at least 2.8 to qualify for the strategic management MBA program. You must have two years of work experience. GRE and GMAT scores are required. Waivers are often granted based on your work history and your background in mathematics. These strategic management programs are easy and affordable to apply to!

#4. Brenau University

Online MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Thinking and Innovation

Brenau University has the best MBA for strategy for hardworking graduate students. It opened in 1878. It is a private school located in Gainesville, GA. This school has more than 3500 students from 48 states and 17 foreign countries. It’s not the largest school. However, it is one of the most diverse.

The university offers degrees at the associate through the doctoral level. You can also take classes in Augusta, Atlanta, Jacksonville, FL, and of course, online. The online MBA is perfect for graduate students who wish to hone their critical thinking and decision-making skills. It is ideal for those who have some level of work experience. 

Ready to land that promotion? The online MBA at Brenau has just what you need. Eighty-six percent of the graduates of this MBA program say that the degree helped to prepare them for leadership roles in the business world. Most of those surveyed also reporting that it increased their earnings.

You’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their fields. They have real-world expertise in budgeting, business operations, marketing management, and more. You’ll be able to upgrade your resume by taking classes that are convenient. They are offered 100% online to help you land that new job.

You’ll be able to shorten the amount of time it takes you to earn your degree by pursuing the available accelerated track. You’ll only need 12 months to complete your studies! The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

There are 13 unique concentrations for you to choose from in this strategic management MBA. All it takes is the addition of four to six courses to help you build a customized degree. It will work well with your unique experience and career goals. Some of the most popular concentrations, in addition to strategic thinking and innovation, in the college of business here include:

• Health care management
• Human resource management
• Financial management
• Project management.

The strategic thinking and innovation concentration is unique. It is available both as part of the MBA as well as part of the master’s in organizational leadership at Brenau. You’ll learn how to solve complex problems in an organization. You’ll also learn the steps necessary to become more proactive in critical thinking and creative decision making.

In this online MBA in strategic management, you’ll take comprehensive courses that will acquaint you with essential business management techniques. Core classes include:

• Strategic Management and Policy
• Foundations of Business Analytics
• Intro to Business Communications
• Budgeting for Managers.

You’ll have access to a dedicated team of coaches and support staff. They will offer expert guidance starting at day one of your program. 

The degree is transfer-designated. This makes it a great option for students who have completed some of their courses at another institution.  Brenau will accept up to 65 of your credits!

This 36-credit hour program requires a 3.0 GPA. You don’t have to have a business background. You should have taken courses such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Managerial Finance, and Business Essentials For Managers. 

#5. Hofstra University

Online MBA with a concentration in Strategic Business Management

Hofstra University has another top MBA in strategy. This college of business opened its doors in 1935 as an extension of New York University. It was named Nassau College—Hofstra Memorial of New York University at Hempstead, Long Island. It became independent in 1939. 

It makes sense, therefore, that the school would maintain some prestige. It was an extension of NYU’s well-regarded campus. Today, Hofstra consists of ten schools. It is noted for its connection to presidential conferences, debates, and campaigns. 

This prestige is just part of what makes Hofstra such a great place to pursue an online MBA with a concentration in strategic business management. The other parts? Its academics, student services, and flexibility and convenience for distance learners. You’ll love everything that the online MBA in strategic management has to offer. 

The degree is in the Zarb School of Business. The the top-ranked online MBA program at Hofstra is ranked ninth in the country by Poets and Quants. It’s also top ranked by The Princeton Review, and QS World University Rankings.

This program was the very first distance learning program in Strategic Business Management in New York. Hofstra also offered the first strategic healthcare management program in the state, too. The business school has been AACSB-accredited for more than four decades. Courses are taught by full-time faculty members. They are true experts and leading practitioners in the field.

The school’s unique proximity to the New York metropolitan area will give you some of the best access to the business community. You’ll be able to interact with other professionals through events, career services, and industry liaisons.

It is a 38-credit hour program. It is perfect for working professionals. You will learn the skills you need to succeed in any area of business. You will get the MBA you always wanted. It has a clear focus that is relevant to all areas of business. There are additional concentrations available in:

• Strategic business management
• Finance
• Strategic health care management. 

You will learn in small class sizes. They are structured in a cohort-based format. Your classroom environment will be customized. You will interact with other students and faculty members. The school’s global and industry focus has residency requirements. These allow you to learn from global corporations and business leaders in New York City. Take two years to complete your degree or take a little bit longer. This degree is customizable.

To apply, you will need to submit an online application form. This can be done more or less at your own convenience. The Zarb School of Business has a rolling admissions policy. You’ll also need to supply GMAT or GRE scores. You’ll need official transcripts from all universities you attended and a resume. You’ll also need to supply a personal statement and two letters of recommendation. 

There are no minimum cut-offs for any of the required years of work experience, a high undergraduate GPA, and strong scores on the GMAT or GRE. These testing requirements can be waived if you have progressive work experience.

#6. Villanova University

Online Strategic Management MBA

You’ll find another one of the top MBA in strategic management online MBA degrees at Villanova University. Villanova University is a private Catholic university located in Villanova, PA. Villanova University is named after Saint Thomas of Villanova. It is the oldest Catholic university in the state. It’s also the only Augustinian university in the country. 

Despite these historic roots,  the Villanova University School of Business remains focused on expanding future opportunities for its students. It is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities-High Research Activity” According to the National Science Foundation, it spent almost $21 million on research in 2018 alone. 

You’ll be able to benefit from these research opportunities as a student in the online strategic management MBA here. The online MBA in strategic management is one of the best. 

Earning an online MBA from the Villanova School of Business will help you learn more about the fundamentals of business. It will also help you learn about how technology has revolutionized the way our world conducts business. It’s a top-ranked degree. Classes are taught by the same expert faculty who teach on campus. However, they’re delivered in a more flexible, convenient format. 

The strategic management emphasis area is not the only specialization pathway you can pursue. You can also expand your leadership opportunities by choosing from specializations in:

• Analytics
• Marketing
• Finance
• International Business

You will take core classes such as:

• Analyzing and Leveraging Data
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Team Leadership and Group Dynamics.

Forty-eight credit hours are required. Most students finish their classes in just two years. You can choose from multiple capstone options. These include a global experience or a social enterprise consulting practicum. 

This degree (including all of its available specializations) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is also ranked as one of the best schools in the country for veterans by U.S. News & World Report. 

The programs at Villanova are designed for professionals, by professionals. You’ll enjoy a personalized education in an interactive online format. Faculty have extensive industry knowledge and will help you build essential leadership skills. You can engage in live networking with faculty and peers in an online setting. You can attend campus for weekend residency experiences. 

The school has a vast alumni network that spans the globe. You’ll participate in optional international immersion experiences in emerging economies. You will cultivate relationships with your peers. You’ll be able to experience the same faculty and curriculum that you would have access to on-campus. Class sizes are small in both settings. The average online section contains just 20 students. 

To apply for admission to the online strategic management MBA at Villanova, you will need to complete an online application. Provide official transcripts with your academic credentials from a bachelor’s degree. Two letters of recommendation, a resume, and two separate personal statement essays are also required. You may be asked to participate in an interview. You will also need to submit test scores. 

#7. University of Pittsburgh

Blended MBA with a focus area in Strategy

Next up are the strategy MBA programs in business administration at the University of Pittsburgh. This school opened as the Pittsburgh Academy by Hugh Henry Brackenridge in 1787. The University of Pittsburgh is a state-related public research college. It opened in response to a need for a proper university in the city as the country forged westward. Today, the school contains 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges. It is home to about 29,000 students.

There is a main campus in urban Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh also has undergraduate branch campuses in Bradford, Johnstown, Titusville, and Greensburg, PA. Of course, you can always take classes online, too! The online MBA in strategic management is perfect for distance learners. 

The part-time MBA is 100% online with the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. It is designed for working professionals. It can be completed online or with the addition of on-campus courses. You’ll be able to take classes at the pace that’s right for you. You can take up to nine credits at a time. You will graduate in just one or two years. 

The curriculum of this program offers the opportunity for individualized and accelerated learning. You’ll learn more about the links between business disciplines as well as with other fields and industries. You’ll gain the perspective you need to be a successful leader. You’ll take integrative coursework in data programming fundamentals, research, business communications, and more. 

Your opportunities to learn will extend far outside of the classroom. This will make you a more versatile and well-rounded leader. You’ll participate in co-curricular opportunities like community-based projects, case competitions, and professional development programming. These will reinforce the core concepts you’ve already learned.

There are even global learning opportunities! You can study abroad and learn from some of the best minds in business. You will solve real-world challenges and expand your cultural awareness. The University of Pittsburgh offers a global research practicum, global issues workshops, and consulting field projects.

The strategy concentration is just one potential pathway in the MBA at the University of Pittsburgh. You can also pursue a Katz Credential. This will highlight your expertise and give you experiential learning in a certain business area. Online students will be able to work with business partners in these MBA programs. This is done through specialized coursework and projects. Some popular credentials include:

• Technology management
• Strategic leadership
• Global business
• Corporate strategy
• Marketing management
• Operations
• Managerial economics
• Financial management
• International business culture

You’ll have some of the best access to career and networking services in the business. You can participate in networking events both on-campus, in the famed Mervis Hall, or online. You can also engage in the Executives in Residence program. This will allow you to work with a dedicated group of former executives. They want nothing more than to help you grow as a professional. 

To apply for admission to the MBA at the Katz Graduate School of Business, you will need to submit an online application and provide two recommendations. You will also need essay responses, and a current resume. You will also need to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and provide official college transcripts from your bachelor’s degree. A degree in business is not required. You should also plan on submitting official test scores. You’ll also need an application fee. 

#8. Ottawa University

Online MBA with a concentration in Strategic Innovation

 The MBA strategic management online degree at Ottawa University is one of the best business administration degrees in the nation. Ottawa University is a private Baptist university located in Ottawa, KS. Ottawa University has additional campuses in places like Surprise, AZ. There are other numerous locations around the country. The Ottawa campus is small. It is home to 750 students. Yet you’ll find thousands of students who choose to take advantage of Ottawa University’s extensive online offerings.

The MBA is offered by the Angell Snyder School of Business. It is one of the country’s best master in business administration with a strategic management concentration. The online Master of Business Administration at Ottawa University will provide you with high-quality preparation in business. Courses integrate professional ethics, core business fundamentals, and your personal values. It offers maximum flexibility. Courses are offered both online as well as in the evening during a classroom setting.

The Master of Business Administration with a strategic management concentration will qualify you for jobs in the public sector, the private sector, and in academics. In the online MBA in strategic management, you’ll learn the problem-solving skills you need to impact your organization’s outlook . You will also enjoy the maximum flexibility you need to help you juggle school along with your already-busy life. You will take classes in eight-week terms. There are six available terms per year. You study at your leisure. Take just one class per term or attempt a full course load. The choice is yours!

You’ll learn how to focus on strategic tasks and engage in comprehensive strategic analysis and planning. It consists of 36 credit hours of study. There are eight required core courses. There are four courses designed just for learners in the Strategic Innovation MBA track. 

These courses include:

• Managing in a Global Environment
• Social, Cultural, Legal, and Political Influences in Business
• Corporate Strategies
• The Creative Organization.

In this strategic management MBA program, you’ll also take classes in things like business strategy and managing in the global environment. You’ll gain executive leadership skills in this strategic management program, too. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This is the highest designation for business programs in the world. 

The MBA in strategic innovation is not the only business program offered by Ottawa University. Far from it, in fact. The master’s degree has additional concentrations in:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Business data analytics
• Population health/health care

There are also bachelor’s degrees in these fields. There is a Master of Arts in leadership, a Master of Arts in human resources, and much, much more.

The courses in the MBA in strategic innovation will prepare you to become a leader within your current company. It will also prepare you to embark on new leadership opportunities. The average starting salary for MBA graduates was $115,000 in 2019. It’s tough to find a degree with a better return on investment than this one!

Ready to apply? You will need to supply a completed application for admission. You’ll also need an application fee. You also need to provide official transcripts. Not to worry if you’ve attended another graduate school in the past. You can transfer in up to 80 hours toward a 124-hour degree.

#9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Online MBA with a concentration in Strategy and Consulting

The online MBA in strategic management at UNC is another one of the best business administration degrees. This school is the flagship university of the University of North Carolina system. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is considered a Public Ivy. This means that the school offers the sweet duality of low tuition along with a reputation for an academic experience that is equivalent to that which you would receive at an Ivy League University!

The school opened its doors in 1785. It’s the oldest university in the state of North Carolina. Yet it is  not stuck in the past but rather anchored in the future. Faculty and staff seek out ways to provide new opportunities for students. There are more than 70 courses of study among 13 separate professional schools and colleges.

The online MBA at UNC is known as the “no-compromise MBA.” You won’t have to give up anything, not your personal and professional obligations or the quality of your degree, in order to learn in this program. 

It’s ranked as the number one best online MBA by U.S. News & World Report. The UNC Kenan-Flager School of Business is ranked in the top 20 of all business schools in the country, too. Even The Princeton Review agrees. This program is ranked the second-best in the country!

You’ll develop a profound approach to leadership that will amplify your strengths, reflect your values, and position you for success. It’s a recognized and well-established program. It includes challenging coursework. You’ll have access to a large global network of more than 42,000 alumni. 

The program has multiple start dates each year. These are in January, April, July, and October. You’ll join a small cohort of fellow students when you begin your classes. This will allow you to learn from a diverse group of peers as you complete group projects and other assignments.

The curriculum is designed and facilitated by the school’s world-class teaching and research faculty. Core classes cover everything you need to know about strategic management and other business administration fields. For example, you’ll take classes in executive leadership, business strategy, and human resources in this strategic management degree. You can pursue other concentrations besides strategy and consulting.

Business school concentration options include:

• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Data analytics and decision making.

Most of your classes will be completed online. But you’ll be able to participate in a number of action-based programs so that you can expand your cross-cultural awareness. Class sizes are small and close-knit. You’ll be able to travel to major cities all over the world for weekend-long learning intensives, too. You can meet peers and professors face-to-face and take part in local activities.

Ready to apply? At the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business, the process is seamless. You’ll need to submit test scores along with your official transcripts. The average student here has about four and a half years of work experience. They have an average GPA of 3.4. But you don’t need to meet a cookie-cutter mold in order to apply. In fact, more than half of all students in this program don’t have a background in business! Financial aid is available to most MBA in strategic management students at this business school.

#10. Northcentral University

Online Strategic Management MBA

Next, consider the online MBA strategic management degree at Northcentral. This school is a private university headquartered in San Diego, CA. Northcentral University is all about the online learner. You’ll find all kinds of programs in fields like:

• education
• marriage and family therapy
• psychology
• business

There are plenty of online MBA programs for aspiring business administration professionals here.

It was established in 1996. It is one of the newest business school colleges out there. Yet you’ll find a top strategic management program here! It is one of the best for online learners. It consists of six schools:

• the School of Law
• the School of Technology
• the School of Education
• the School of Health Sciences
• the School of Social and Behavioral Science
• the School of Business.

This school offers degrees at the baccalaureate, graduate, and post-master’s levels. 

There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission. It is one of the best for working professionals. You’ll learn how to evaluate the health of an organization. You’ll also learn how to provide effective business solutions that both address and anticipate global trends. You’ll gain the skills you need to drive innovation. You’ll gain the leadership chops you need to be successful.

The program can be completed on an accelerated timeline. This will allow you to graduate in several months instead of several years. It’s affordable. There are multiple scholarships available for new students. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This is an association that accredits business programs across the globe on more than 1000 campuses. Most online MBA programs accredited by this body also offer financial aid.

You will take a total of ten courses or 30 credit hours. Most students complete their classes in less than a year and a half. Classes start every week. You don’t have to wait around in order to begin your degree. You can take up to five years to complete your master’s degree. Most students will take much less time than that. 

Everything at Northcentral can be done at your own pace. You don’t have to attend scheduled lecture hours or complete group assignments. You can schedule everything around your professional and personal obligations. You’ll be mentored by experts in the field during all of your classes. Since everything is done on your own in this smart strategic management MBA program, you’ll benefit from one-on-one engagement without having to fight for attention in a classroom. 

The strategic management pathway is not your only specialization option at this business school, either. You can also choose from business administration options in:

• General business administration
• Homeland security
• Information technology
• Criminal justice

 In most cases, you’ll take core classes such as:

• Managing People and Teams
• Operations Management
• Innovation and Marketing
• Strategic Management.

Unique specialization courses include:

• Global Product Management
• Advanced Digital Marketing
• Strategic Marketing Management. 

Northcentral has a very liberal admissions process for the business administration strategic management programs. It allows for direct entry if you have a bachelor’s degree in business. This must be from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in business or executive leadership, you can complete the online application. You will receive an academic evaluation with your official college transcripts. You must also take one introductory course before taking the rest of your professional MBA courses. 

OTHER NOTABLE MBA IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

#11. Winthrop University

Location: Rock Hill, SC

Degree: Online Professional MBA with a Strategic Leadership Concentration

Net Price: $15,666

Website          

#12. Chatham University

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Degree: Online Professional MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Strategy

Net Price: $17,744

Website

#13. New England College

Location: Henniker, NH

Degree: Online Professional MBA in Strategic Leadership degree 

Net Price: $13,560

Website            

#14. Amberton University

Location: Garland, TX

Degree: Online Professional MBA in Strategic Leadership MBA degree

Net Price: $6,390

Website

#15. Messiah University

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA

Degree: Online Professional MBA with a concentration in Strategic Leadership 

Net Price: $12,060

Website 

#16. John F. Kennedy University

Location: Pleasant Hill, CA

Degree: Strategic Management MBA Online

Net Price: $8,500

Website     

#17. Niagara University

Location: Niagara University, NY

Degree: Online MBA in Strategic Management

Net Price: $14,308

Website 

#18. Russell Sage College

Location: Troy, NY

Degree: Online MBA – Strategy

Net Price: $14,308

Website      

#19. Davenport University

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Degree: Online MBA in Strategic Management

Net Price: $15,126

Website

#20. University of the Southwest

Location: Hobbs, NM

Degree: Online MBA with a specialization in Strategic Management 

Net Price: $14,376

Website           

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 MOST POPULAR ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES and WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MASTER OF ARTS (MA) AND A MASTERS OF SCIENCE (MS) DEGREE?

From global markets to consumer behavior, purchasing power to pricing indices, there are all kinds of strategic business decisions that require a fine-tuned understanding of economics. 

Yet many people overlook the power of earning an MBA in economics, opting instead to enroll in a more generalized program of study. Although a general MBA (or Master of Business Administration) can definitely get you where you need to go, consider this—earn one of the best affordable online MBA in economics degrees instead.

There are plenty of reasons to do this. Whether you want to pursue a career in finance, government, or banking, you will need to have relevant skills and training in the economics of today, tomorrow, and the future to become competitive—and to become a true leader.

You have several options if you’re preparing for a career in economics. Many students choose to pursue a Master’s of Arts in economics, and while these degrees are often a good fit for students seeking jobs in the public and private sectors, this kind of degree is more popular for a candidate who will eventually go on to earn a Ph.D. 

You might also consider a Master of Science in economics, which, depending on your career goals, may or may not be the right fit. Usually, a Master of Science degree will be a bit more technically-focused, often including coursework in things like statistics, computer science, or data science. 

Naturally, one of the most popular graduate degrees in economics is the MBA in economics. This kind of degree will offer you all the benefits of a general business degree, yet will also give you a solid foundation in marketing, leadership, accounting, and economics. You’ll be prepared for a broad spectrum of career opportunities as a manager and as a leader.

Fortunately, some of the world’s best business schools now offer MBA degrees with concentrations in economics. That’s great news if you don’t want to sacrifice an education at a leading institution in order to pursue your goals.

But what if you are already working—and either don’t want or simply can’t afford to leave your current job? 

You might want to consider an online MBA in economics. 

Not only does earning an online degree make it possible for you to earn a degree from virtually anywhere in the world, but it can also save you some serious money. Online degrees tend to be more affordable than their on-campus counterparts, offering a better alternative to traditional learning. You won’t have to pay for things like parking, transportation, or room and board, so your expenses will automatically be lower.

Plus, tuition for online programs is often cheaper than what you would pay if you were attending on-campus. 

You don’t have to sacrifice quality for cost and convenience, either. In fact, some of the best and most affordable MBA in economics degrees are now offered online—and they’re identical to their campus-based counterparts. 

Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more about how to find the right online MBA in economics—as well as why you should consider applying soon.

Common Application and Admission Questions

Applying for an online MBA in economics starts with finding the right schools. Sure, you can apply to every single one of the colleges on this list—but while many have free or low application fees, the costs are eventually going to add up. Plus, you’ll drive yourself crazy with all the options!

Instead, start by narrowing down your list of potential schools. A good first step is to consider which features matter most to you when it comes to earning a degree. Do you want a school that offers flexible courses that can be rearranged to fit your schedule—or would you rather take classes in a prescribed order?

How about the course delivery? Do you want classes that are offered synchronously, meaning you’ll receive instructions and complete assignments at the same time as other classmates, or would you rather pursue your studies independently in an asynchronous format?

Whatever the case may be, look for a program that is accredited, ideally one that has received an additional nod from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. You will want to look closely at the curriculum for your program of choice, too. In general, an MBA’s curriculum will contain core foundational courses in things like management, accounting, finance, and economics. 

You should look for a degree that, by the time you graduate, will equip you with the skills and abilities necessary to understand the core concepts of modern business management, analysis, and decision making. Usually, your class schedule will be divided between classes that are foundational or “core” courses along with those that are intensive in economics.

Because of this, many universities require applicants to possess undergraduate degrees in business or related areas prior to admission. If you don’t have a bachelor’s in business, don’t panic, many schools do not have this requirement or will allow you to make up for the deficit by taking a few required courses once you enroll. In general, you’ll be expected to have a respectable GPA (3.0 tends to be the baseline, but again, this can vary).

While many schools used to require submission of GRE or GMAT test scores, this is not always the case anymore. In fact, many universities that offer online MBAs in economics no longer have this requirement. Instead, you can demonstrate your skills and abilities by submitting other supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and perhaps an interview. 

It is important to note that some universities also require applicants to possess a certain level of work experience. This is because many programs place a high value on real-world experience and want to see that their applicants have what it takes to succeed in a fast-paced business world. While you will often be called upon to supply evidence of this experience via letters of recommendation, you might also do this by submitting a curriculum vitae or resume.

Whatever the case may be, be sure to research the requirements of your university of choice so that you can make sure you’ve checked off all of the boxes when you apply. 

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Paying for an MBA is a major financial commitment—after all, these degrees can easily cost more than $50,000 over the lifespan of the program. 

When you figure that most students pay for their studies with a combination of personal funds and student loans, it might seem next to impossible for you to be able to afford the high price of higher education.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to finance an MBA even if you’re strapped for cash—or don’t want to take on a mountain of debt to do so. Not only are there tons of fellowships, scholarships, and other “free monies” available to students who put the effort into applying, but choosing an affordable program can help you lower your expenses right from the outset.

How do you know whether a program is affordable? Don’t be tricked into assuming that, just because a degree is offered by a public university, it’s automatically cheaper than its private school counterparts. Although the “sticker price” for most private schools’ tuition tends to be much higher than what you’d find with a public school, the reality is that many private universities offer additional subsidies and financial aid to students that can significantly offset that higher sticker price.

As a result, you may end up paying significantly less for tuition at a private school than you would at a public school, so it’s worth it to do the research.

Then, make sure you put the legwork in to find all of the financial aid opportunities that are available to you. Chat with the financial aid office at your school of choice to see what kinds of awards you might qualify for. If you are a former or active duty military member (or family member of one), for example, you might qualify for significant discounts in tuition. 

Next, fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is available starting January 1 of the year in which you intend to enroll. This form will take into consideration your “net worth,” as evidenced by documents such as tax returns, W2s, and other earnings statements. You’ll have to provide financial information for yourself, your spouse, if you have one, and/or for your parents, if you are still a dependent.

If you are deemed to have financial need, you may qualify for various state and federal grant and loan programs. Filling out the FAFSA can also qualify you for opportunities like teaching assistantships, fellowships, work studies, and subsidized loans on campus, too. It doesn’t take long to fill out this form, so be sure you do it long before you plan to start school. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to get all your ducks in a row.

Don’t overlook potential outside sources of aid, either. Check with your employer to see if they will help finance part of the cost of your education—many large and small companies alike have generous tuition reimbursement plans. You can look to outside organizations for scholarships, too. Lots of industries, such as the insurance industry, as well as nonprofit organizations, offer significant amounts of money for MBA candidates.

How Much Can I Make With an MBA in Economics? 

With a degree in economics, you’ll have a large variety of jobs available to you. While some employers will consider candidates who have only earned bachelor’s degrees, earning an MBA in economics is a surefire way to get your resume to the top of the pile.

All kinds of organizations depend on finances and the management of assets, so it makes sense that, with one of these degrees, you’ll be able to take your career in any direction. You could find yourself working for a bank or an insurance agency, for a nonprofit organization, or for a government institution. 

Whatever the case may be, you’re sure to find the career choice that’s smart for you. Because your studies will pair relevant case studies with sound business theory, you will be well-prepared to make challenging decisions and solve complex problems in business management. You can pursue a variety of leadership positions or hold a career as an economist, management consultant, or financial manager. 

Because this field is so varied, you’re likely to see a wide range of salaries. Generally, as the work of the economics expert plays such a significant role in the success and creation of an organization, there’s a high potential for solid earnings. You will likely earn a lucrative salary regardless of the career you pursue.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage reported by economists (one of the leading job titles for graduates of MBA in economics programs) in 2019 was $105,020. The best-paid workers, or those who were employed in finance and insurance, earned the highest salaries, bringing in more than $120,770 per year. 

Employees of the federal government, as well as those who worked in scientific research and development, management, technical, and scientific consulting services, also earned salaries that far exceeded $100,000 per year.

That’s not to say that your only potential role could be as an economist, however. Plenty of workers in this industry are employed as social scientists or in similar occupations.

The job outlook for this field is phenomenal, too. Although this occupation is admittedly small, the field and overall employment are expected to grow by a whopping 14% between 2019 and 2029—that’s much faster than average across all occupations. Many jobs will be those that specialize in consulting and research. 

Why such a high demand? For starters, it’s because economic analysis and quantitative methods are needed in just about every industry. Companies are increasingly turning to economists to help them study and forecast sales, market trends, and business. As the global economy becomes more complex and technologically advanced, this demand is only expected to grow.

And how do you make yourself more marketable for one of these in-demand jobs? By earning an affordable online MBA in economics, of course! Your job prospects will be the strongest if you earn a master’s degree and have strong analytical skills along with skills in a specialized area (such as the use of statistical analysis software). 

What Are the Best Affordable Online MBA in Economics Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Online MBA with an Emphasis in Agricultural Economics

The role of economics in agriculture is an important, yet highly specialized, topic. If that’s where you find that your interests lie, you may have trouble finding the right program to meet your needs—until you consider Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, that is.

This program, an online MBA with an emphasis in agricultural economics, will help you build the skills you need in areas like business and farm management, banking and finance, farm appraisal, market and policy analysis, and more. You’ll take a wide variety of hands-on courses such as Agricultural Development, Agribusiness Economics Research Methodology, and Policies of the Agricultural Sector.

This degree is just one of more than 200 offered by this public university. Established in 1869, the university is a member of the Southern Illinois University system and was originally founded as a teacher training school. It is one of the most diverse schools in the state, having a 30% minority enrollment and an average undergraduate age of nearly 24 years old.

It goes without saying that Southern Illinois University-Carbondale caters to students of all backgrounds, interests, ages, and skill levels. The affordable online MBA in agricultural economics is no exception, with students from all over the country flocking to the physical and virtual campuses alike to take classes here. 

You’ll have the opportunity to study with working professionals from all over the country as you earn a degree—all without disrupting your career. You can learn in a convenient and flexible online format, taking classes that are taught by the same talented faculty members who teach on campus. 

The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of BUsiness. Additional concentrations are available in subjects like analytics for managers, making it possible for you to fine-tune your training to whatever setting suits you best. You’ll have access to plenty of hands-on opportunities for applied research in the field and be able to pursue a rewarding career in rural development, agriculture, and natural resources upon graduation. 

Ready to start your journey? You’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, but a business major is not required. You will need to pay a $65 application fee and apply online. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 is required, as is a minimum 3.0 GPA on all previous graduate coursework. Although you can apply at any time, it is wise to apply as early as possible (or within at least eight months) of when you plan to start your degree.

Tuition at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is remarkably affordable. In fact, as a public university, the school offers low tuition rates—and uniquely, the tuition rate that you pay during your first year is locked in for the duration of your studies. Nearly 80% of all students here receive some form of financial aid, with many individuals qualifying for and receiving scholarships.

#2. Ball State University

Online MBA with a Health Economics Emphasis

Originally the Indiana State Normal School, Ball State University, located in Muncie, IN, first opened its doors in 1918. At the time, the school was founded to train future teachers for careers in education. 

Today, however, the school has rapidly expanded its offerings, educating more than 22,000 students at the associate to doctoral level. Courses are available both on campus, online, and in a hybrid setting. 

The online Master of Business Administration at Ball State is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a prestigious designation not shared by all other business schools. In fact, Ball State is among the world’s top 5% of all business schools to have this accreditation. 

You’ll find this degree in the prestigious Miller College of Business, where a number of high-quality programs are offered with rock bottom tuition rates.

In fact, you’ll pay just around $15,000 for all the tuition of this program—without skipping on quality. It’s also easy to begin your studies. You can take classes in whatever format suits you best and choose to begin your studies in the spring, summer, or fall. Needless to say, a Ball State education will pay for itself—but there are lots of financial aid opportunities to help you bridge the gap in the meantime. Four out of every 5 students here receive some form of financial aid, with 500 scholarships granted each year to incoming students. 

The MBA has a reputation for providing students with insightful instruction that is practical, yet academically rigorous, with a special emphasis on the roles that globalization and digitalization play when it comes to the economy. You’ll build your skills in strategy, ethics, leadership, and more. Upon graduation, you will be highly sought-after by top employers—in fact, 329 employers, on average, are engaged per year in on-campus recruiting efforts.

With 24 credits of core courses and up to 9 credits of MBA electives covering topics like marketing, leadership, finance, business analytics, and entrepreneurship, this program offers extensive flexibility as you plan your studies. 

The online MBA has a special concentration in health economics, policy, and administration, one of the best for students considering MBA degrees in economics. That’s not your only concentration option, however. There are also concentrations in sales management, logistics and supply chain management, and entrepreneurship, too. In fact, there are ten other concentrations you can choose from in addition to a general, stand-alone MBA.

Don’t you have a business degree? Not a problem. You’ll just take an additional 7 to 13 credit hours, depending on how many foundation courses you need and which concentration you choose. It will be easy for you to catch up—and get ahead. Flexible and customizable, this program is offered by a school that is ranked as one of the best online MBAs overall by the U.S. News & World Report. 

 And if you’re not sure that a full-fledged MBA is the right choice for you, don’t fret. Ball State offers a business essentials certificate that provides learners with an easy way to earn credits toward an MBA, simply by completing the foundational courses. You might also consider pursuing an additional certificate in professional sales or health economics, depending on your goals.

#3. Wright State University-Main Campus

Online MBA with an Emphasis in Business Economics

Looking for an MBA that will enable you to study abroad? If so, you might want to consider the online MBA with an emphasis in business economics at Wright State University. This program offers numerous opportunities for learners to get off-campus and to build their competencies with experiences outside of the classroom. 

Ranked in the top 2% of business colleges in the nation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Raj Soin College of Business has been accredited by this organization since 1974. The school works with a corporate advisory panel made up of many of the Miami Valley’s top business executives. This cohort provides valuable perspectives to make sure that the curriculum of the program remains relevant and up-to-date in a fast-changing business environment. 

Impressed by the competitive edge Wright State has when it comes to offering exceptional business programs? While this school’s reputation is certainly noteworthy, it’s definitely nothing new.

Founded in 1964, Wright State University has had quite an impressive reputation throughout its entire history. The school first opened its doors as a partnership between Miami University and Ohio State University in an effort to extend higher education opportunities to a larger geographic area. Today, the school is highly regarded with the Raj Soin College of Business receiving numerous accolades for its high-quality programs.

This is where you will find the online MBA with an emphasis in business economics. For a total cost of less than $30,000, you’ll be able to complete an MBA from an entirely remote setting. You’ll have access to all the student services you need without ever having to step foot on campus.

As a result, you will be able to move quickly and efficiently through the curriculum. Most candidates complete their degrees in fewer than two years, but you can take up to five years to graduate if your life circumstances make this necessary. 

Business economics is not the only concentration for you to choose from, either. You might consider additional highly marketable options like finance; healthcare management; international business; investments; or management, innovation, and change.

While enrolled, you’ll take classes in topics like supply chain management, implementing competitive strategies, and marketing strategy. All core classes are offered online every semester, with at least three concentration courses offered online each term. You’ll learn from the same award-winning faculty members who teach classes on-campus, employing state-of-the-art software, hardware and support infrastructure to help you make the most of your online courses. 

Ready to apply? The MBA program at Wright has rolling admission, so if you qualify, you could be admitted for any semester. There are three start dates per year in the fall, spring, and summer. If your undergraduate GPA was high—above a 3.0—you will not be required to submit GMAT scores for admission. 

Applying is easy and requires only that you submit an application for the MBA program. You will also need to pay a $40 application fee and submit supporting documentation including your transcripts. That’s all there is to it!

#4. Idaho State University

Online MBA in Economics

Whether you want to take classes at your own dining room table or on a campus in Pocatello or Idaho Falls, Idaho State University has the degree for you.

This school offers some of the best and most affordable MBA programs in the state. If you’re a resident of the state of Idaho, you can earn a degree for just $12,000 (and out-of-state students won’t pay much more than that, either). There is significant financial aid available, too, including the graduate assistantship program that provides free tuition and a $12,800 stipend—all for just 20 hours of work per week.

The courses in this program are so flexible and convenient that you can keep working, either in an assistantship or in your full-time job, without feeling overwhelmed by the demands of earning an MBA. In fact, a full-time course load can be completed in just one year, with most courses taking place either asynchronously or in the evenings. 

The curriculum of the online MBA in economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This is a designation that not every school of business holds—in fact, the Idaho State University College of Business was the first business school to receive this accreditation in 1978. It remains one of only 189 schools holding accreditation in both business and accounting today.

The faculty who teach in this program are qualified, both professionally and academically, with many years of experience in the many areas of business. You will take 18 credits of core courses to help you build your foundational understanding of key business concepts. For example, you’ll develop proficiency in accounting, marketing, finance, management, and economics. 

In your emphasis area of economics, you’ll take nine additional credits of electives that will enable you to align your coursework with your interests and experiences in a particular field. In addition to economics, the university offers MBA concentrations such as healthcare administration, informatics, marketing, operations management, finance, accounting, and more.

You can build your expertise outside of the classroom by engaging in a multitude of experiential learning opportunities, such as international competitions and hands-on internships. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a number of high-level professional positions. 

In addition to the concentration in economics, students in the MBA program also have the option to complete dual degrees in other graduate programs, from health informatics to healthcare administration or even accounting. There is even a dual degree program with the Idaho State University Pharmacy program that will enable you to earn an MBA PharmD joint degree with just one additional year of study.

To apply, you will need to have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required, as are official transcripts and GRE or GMAT test scores. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation and a written statement.

#5. Murray State University

Online MBA with a Concentration in Economic Development. 

If legacy is something that matters to you, you may want to consider enrolling at Murray State University. This school, located in Murray, KY, is all about tradition.

The school was established in 1922, originally designed as a normal school to educate teachers for public service. Today, this four-year public university offers dozens of other programs as well. The business school is one of the longest-standing and most prestigious, having offered high-quality and affordable degrees since 1981. 

If you’re looking for quality and prestige, you won’t find a better option than with Murray State. The MBA has been backed by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 1981 and is one of the oldest accredited programs in the nation.

It is offered by Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business. Here, the program has enjoyed a long and rigorous tradition of excellence in management and business education for many years. The program has one of the most efficient cost-to-quality MBA ratios in the country, with affordable and reasonable tuition. In fact, the online tuition is some of the lowest in the nation. You’ll pay the same tuition rates as in-state students from Kentucky. 

You’ll complete 30 credit hours of study as you prepare for a leadership role across any and all aspects of business. This broad-based program includes electives from a variety of in-demand areas, making it possible for you to tailor your degree to your unique career interests. You’ll build skills in things like managerial economics, marketing, business analytics, and corporate finance. Before you graduate, you will also be required to complete a final capstone course that is designed to strengthen your background in strategic management. 

When you enroll in this program, you will have access to free, self-paced modules in economics and accounting. These can be completed concurrently with your core coursework so that you get “more bang for your buck,” or so to speak, for the price of your tuition.

As an online student, you’ll be able to enjoy access to the same resources you would be able to utilize on-campus. For example, you’ll have access to extensive career resources. Earning an MBA from Murray State University will pay off for your career, with graduates earning a starting salary that is more than $21,000 higher than those of individuals who earn only bachelor’s degrees. 

Courses are taught 100% online as well as at night and during the day to make earning a degree more convenient than ever. This program is ranked as one of the best MBA programs by Intelligent.com as well as one of the best for active-duty military members. 

The faculty who teach in this program are dedicated to student success, both in the program and in the workforce, and provide extensive opportunities for advancement and personal support. You’ll have access to a variety of resources in the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development, too, a campus organization that offers training, workshops, and consulting services for small business owners in Kentucky.

#6. Texas A & M University-Commerce

Online MBA with a Focus in Economics

Already have a background in business? Don’t waste time taking classes you have already participated in. Instead, consider the online MBA with a focus in economics at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

This 30-credit hour online program is offered by the College of Business. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the degree offers learners the option to waive up to 18 credit hours of foundational business prerequisites if they already have a background in business.

Because of this, you can save both time and money (and your sanity!) as you progress toward a degree. You’ll still benefit from Texas A&M University-Commerce’s dynamic location and exceptional reputation. The school, located just outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, was originally founded as a teacher’s college. 

As a result, the school knows what it takes to deliver exceptional instruction. Faculty here are some of the best and most experienced in the country, with nearly all of them in the business department holding terminal degrees. Study online, and you’ll have access to the same fabulous instructors who teach on campus. There is no thesis required and most students can complete their studies in just two years or less. 

As an online student, you’ll enjoy some of the best student services. For example, the College of Business offers an in-house Career Services Center that focuses on guiding business students who are looking for full-time employment and internships. You’ll enjoy countless connections to industry members via guest speakers, internships, company tours, professional networking, and other opportunities, too, as faculty and alumni alike are well-connected with the business community.

You will take a variety of core classes in topics like management and organizational behavior, managerial economics, applied business research, and financial management statistical methods. You’ll be prepared for a wide variety of advanced management positions upon graduation, most of which will allow you to display your strong strategic and analytical leadership solutions to an interrelated set of ethical, environmental, and economic issues. 

As a student in this program, you’ll learn from the same exceptional faculty who teach on campus. These professionals are industry leaders and renowned scholars in their own right, producing cutting-edge research in the field.

If you don’t want to stop with just the MBA, you don’t have to. You can also choose to complete a minor. You can complete any minor with your MBA to further enhance your career prospects. Some of the most popular include marketing analytics, cybersecurity, agribusiness, and international administration. 

The business school has plenty of other MBA concentrations to choose from, too. For example, the British Studies for MBAs is a partnership with eleven other universities that makes it possible for learners to enhance their degrees at the international level. Students also have access to a variety of student organizations and activities both on-campus and online, including the Management Club and the Lions Innovation Business Competition.

This affordable program features low tuition—in fact, if you’re a Texas resident, you’ll pay less than $4,000 for nine credit hours of study. 

#7. Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA with a Concentration in Economics

There’s a lot to love about Southern New Hampshire University. 

This school first opened its doors in 1932, starting out as a small college under the eye of A.B. and Gertrude Crockett Shapiro. Today, more than 90,000 students are enrolled at this school, which has a main campus in Manchester, NH but provides most of its instruction in an online form. 

The 36-credit hour online MBA with a concentration in economics consists of twelve courses and is easily one of the most affordable. You can take each course within just ten weeks apiece, meaning you’ll be able to move quickly through the program requirements and graduate in as little as fifteen months.

Not only that, but this degree has a flexible rolling admissions process so that you can apply for admission and register for courses at just about any time throughout the year. Applying is easy, too, as everything can be done online and there is no requirement for the GRE or GMAT. 

You’ll take a variety of hands-on courses to build your attitudes and confidence in economics. Some of the most common core courses include Macroeconomics Theory and Analysis, Mathematics and Statics for Economics, and Micronics Theory and Analysis. 

You’ll learn a wide variety of skills and methodologies in this program. Not only will you learn how to formulate your own business plans, but you’ll also gain general skills in analyzing data and problem solving that can be applied to other industries. You’ll gain other transferable aptitudes, too, such as cultural sensitivity and both written and verbal communication skills. 

Economics is not the only specialization offered by this degree. You might also pursue specializations in fields like healthcare informatics, human resources, social media, six sigma, project management, music business, leadership, and more—there are more than a dozen options to choose from (20, in fact!). 

In this program, tuition starts at just $627 per credit hour, regardless of your residency. You can complete your studies here even if you started your program somewhere else. In fact, you could be eligible to transfer in up to 12 graduate credits. 

Ready to apply? Don’t worry if you don’t have a background in economics or in business. The faculty at Southern New Hampshire are skilled experts with a wealth of real-world experience, and they’ll help fill in the gaps. 

In fact, if you lack prerequisite courses, you can take a few foundational classes to help you get caught up. You might take classes like Economics for Business, Mathematics and Statistics for Business, or Financial Reporting and Analysis to get yourself on the right track. 

To apply, you must have an undergraduate degree, ideally with a GPA higher than 2.75. If your undergraduate GPA was lower than that, don’t worry—you may just have to submit a few additional documents like letters of recommendation. You’ll have to submit a personal statement regardless, but the good news is that you can apply for admission at any time of the year.

#8. Western Illinois University

Online MBA in Economics

Home to fewer than 1,800 graduate students, Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, IL, is a public institution that, like many other schools on this list, has its origins as a teacher training school. Founded in 1899, this school serves a diverse body of students both on campus (in two separate locations) as well as online.

This university offers some of the best and most affordable degrees, all of which are offered at the bachelor’s through the doctoral level. The university also has multiple certificate programs. In fact, there are more than 120 majors for you to choose from!

If you’re considering an MBA, however, you might want to pursue the online MBA in economics. Western Illinois has one of the least expensive online and hybrid programs in economics. In this program, you’ll take classes through the departments of management and marketing, economics and decision sciences, accounting and finance, and the school for computer science. 

You don’t have to have a business degree in order to apply, either. In fact, the program is open to business graduates along with individuals with backgrounds in engineering, science, mathematics, liberal arts, and other fields. Depending on your background and career goals, you’ll complete anywhere between 33 and 54 semester hours of credit.

Classes are offered in a diverse format, enabling learners to take class on-campus, online, or in a  hybrid livestream setting. You’ll have access to both daytime and evening course schedules, either of which can fit easily into a hectic schedule. Classes are small, too, with an average size of just 20 students.

The faculty members who teach in this program pride themselves on their accessibility and mentoring capabilities. They’re quite experienced in their own regard, too, with many possessing doctoral and law degrees (and hailing from more than 40 internationally recognized universities).

As a student in this program, you’ll take a variety of classes that cover core business and economics topics such as Principles of Management, Decision Making for Global Markets, Economics for Managers, and Corporate Information Systems. Your learning will extend beyond the classroom as you participate in internships and assistantships that let you combine your work with your education.

Let’s not forget how affordable this program is, either. Nonresident students pay the same tuition rates as those that are in-state, with tuition and fees coming in at less than $12,000 per semester. 

To apply, you will need to submit an online application along with undergraduate transcripts from any universities you have attended. You’ll be expected to have a  cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a GMAT score of 500. However, if you majored in business and had a GPA of 3.6 or higher, the GMAT is not required. You will need to submit a resume and a personal essay with your application as well.

#9. University of Houston-Victoria

Online Global Master’s of Business Administration with an Economic Development Concentration

Already have some credits and not sure how to make the most of them? If so, you might want to consider the online global Master of Business Administration with an economic development concentration at the University of Houston-Victoria.

This program is one of the most transfer-friendly, enabling students to bring in a large number of their required credits. In fact, the school has transfer partnerships with more than half a dozen community colleges. 

You’ll be able to progress quickly toward a master’s degree when you choose to study at this public university, a member of the University of Houston System. The school has campuses all over the city as well as online. Founded in 1973, this school is designated as an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) and has a commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education to students from all backgrounds and lifestyles. 

With more than 70 degree programs offered online and on-campus, this school offers numerous opportunities for students to earn their degrees entirely online. The 30-credit MBA can be completed online or in a hybrid fashion. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and combines specialties in areas like finance and marketing. 

You’ll gain the skills you need to launch and sustain your own business, to consult for other business owners, or to work for a government agency or another setting. You’ll take a variety of classes to build and hone your skills, including Theory and Practice of Regional Economic Development and Introduction to Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. You’ll also complete a capstone project before you graduate.

This capstone, titled Theory and Practice of Regional Economic Development, is a required component of all MBA candidates. It will help you bring together everything you have learned so far in your program in a relevant, applicable way. 

While you are enrolled, you will take classes under the guidance and mentorship of faculty who will train you for real-world business scenarios. You’ll learn via international business simulations, case studies, and hands-on projects. Even when studying online, you’ll benefit from the strategic location of this campus—the Houston area is home to more than 5,000 firms engaged in global commerce. 

The online MBA in economics at the University of Houston-Victoria is highly regarded by top-ranking publications. It’s received awards from the U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, and more, receiving high praise as a top performer on social mobility and one of the Best Regional Universities in the West. 

As you might expect, it is also highly affordable, having been ranked as the seventh most affordable public university in Texas by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in 2019. Tuition starts at just $14,999 for this program, and you’ll be able to complete your studies in as few as 16 months.

#10. Liberty University

Online MBA in Economics

It might seem overwhelming, but Liberty University has more than 20 specializations in the MBA program for you to choose from—with that kind of variety, you’re sure to find the degree that will help you meet your business and professional goals.

The MBA is just one of multiple rewarding master’s degrees offered by Liberty University. Some others worth mentioning include the Master of Science in accounting, the Master of Arts in executive leadership, and the Master of Science in finance.

However difficult you might find it to choose, it’s essential that you consider the online MBA concentration in economics. This program is one of the best for aspiring economists and will allow you to concentrate on this pivotal aspect of the business world—all while studying from whichever location is most convenient for you. 

Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the degree includes flexible eight-week courses with no set log-in times. You will be required to complete 45 credit hours or fewer so that you can earn your master’s in just two years. 

For the economics track, you will take classes such as Global Economic Environment, Microeconomic Theory, Econometrics, and Money and Capital Markets. You will gain the skills you need to grow as a professional, all without compromising your current family or professional commitments. 

Other specializations include finance, human resources, leadership, marketing, American legal studies, and more. There’s even a fast-track program that will enable you to earn your degree in 36 credit hours (or just one year of study). 

Upon graduation, you will have access to a wider variety of job advancements and opportunities. Your studies at Liberty will enable you to work with business leaders from around the country. Plus, this program is ranked within the top 1% of online schools for its quality, accessibility, and affordability by Niche.com, meaning you’re sure to meet your personal and professional goals.

Ready to apply? You’ll need to have a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You will also need to submit an application fee and copies of your official college transcripts. Some undergraduate business prerequisite courses may be required. 

Liberty University offers some of the most affordable programs for online learners in general, but especially for military students. Whether you’re a current service member, a veteran, or the spouse of a military member or veteran, you’ll find the support you need to succeed at Liberty. 

There are significant tuition discounts—up to $275 per credit hour for graduate courses—and additional discounts for veterans who serve in civilian capabilities as First Responders. Plus, with short eight-week courses and eight different start dates per year, you’ll find it easier than ever to work your courses around your demanding lifestyle.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Bellevue University

Location: Bellevue, NE

Degree: Online MBA with a Specialization in Global Economic Threat Environment.

Net Price: $9,635

Website

#12. Mercer University

Location: Macon, GA

Degree: Online MBA with an Emphasis in Economics

Net Price: $21,202

Website

#13. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Degree: Online Master’s of Business Administration with a Focus in Economics

Net Price: $30,847

Website

#14. Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Degree: Online Master’s of Business Administration with a Concentration in Economics

Net Price: $16,779

Website

#15. Utica College

Location: Utica, NY 

Degree: Online MBA and Economic Crime and Fraud Management MBA

Net Price: $22,991

Website

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

Earning a degree in marketing can be a great idea. It’s even better if you don’t have a particular job or position you want to pursue for your career.

For example, you might find a passion for social media marketing during your bachelor’s degree program or realize that sports marketing is what you want to pursue for a graduate degree.

Likewise, you might want to design advertising campaigns for large corporations as part of your job with a large marketing firm. Or you might prefer using marketing to explore related fields, like travel and tourism or even psychology.

The point is that degrees in marketing are versatile. Professional marketers are needed by almost every company or business for various marketing jobs. But if you hold basic marketing credentials, you have an advantage: You can proceed into higher leadership positions or take on more responsibilities for a higher salary.

Long story short – earning a master of marketing degree is an excellent decision. Better still, many master’s degree programs in marketing take two years or less to complete!

Marketing vs Marketing Management

What’s the big difference between a graduate degree in marketing and a graduate degree in marketing management? It depends on the type of degree you receive.

Many marketing programs are MBAs or Masters of Business Administration. They just have a marketing management concentration.

MBAs are a perfect fit for a marketing management focus. They focus on how to be a better leader in the business arena and how to manage others. That’s in addition to going over solid business concepts. Those who hold MBAs are well-positioned to become administrators, chief executives, or any other kind of managing position at a business or organization. MBAs with this focus include coursework and training that prepares you to head marketing departments. You might even spearhead broad marketing campaigns that can bring your employer great profits.

However, master’s degrees in marketing management come in other flavors, too. Some schools offer a pure Master of Marketing Management degree. These are best thought of as an offshoot of an MBA or a related degree program. They cover many of the same concepts and ideas. At the same time, they focus on marketing as it pertains to modern economics.

A masters in marketing degree can also come as either a Master of Science in Marketing or Master of Arts. Master of Science degrees might be theoretical. They lean more into economics in the broader abstract concepts that drive business decisions every day. Marketing management degrees of the latter type are more appropriate if you want to work for a nonprofit. In this setting, you might focus your marketing efforts on areas besides pure profit-boosting, such as promoting the organization’s mission.

Marketing management degrees that include some element of administration of business, either through the curricula or by being part of an MBA, tend to be better for the immediate practical application of your acquired knowledge. These degrees are perfect for entering the business world right after graduation. Meanwhile, a Master of Science in marketing management degree is better if you want to pursue research. It’s also ideal if you wish to pursue additional education, like a doctoral degree.

Regardless, you will need a bachelor’s degree before launching into a graduate degree program in marketing or management. You don’t necessarily have to major in business, marketing, management, or related fields, but it will be helpful. For example, during a bachelor’s degree program in marketing, you might learn about:

• Social media marketing
• How to identify target audiences
• New media and its role in marketing
• Digital marketing tools
• How to conduct market research

You might also learn how to start a marketing career by exploring career goals, networking with with marketing professionals, and conducting original research.

Clearly, management degrees at the master’s level are valuable. They provide you with many high-level details about marketing and business. They teach you how to manage or lead others. They often feature an interdisciplinary curriculum, too, encompassing various courses and concepts.

A sampling of the classes you can expect from these marketing master’s program options might include:

• Communication/Integrated Marketing Communications
• Strategic Marketing
• Data Analysis/Data-Driven Marketing
• International Marketing
• Digital Marketing

Other marketing-related courses might include Business, Management, and Psychology. Courses with a tighter focus, like Business Ethics, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, and Search Engine Optimization are also popular.

Of course, you’ll take general courses, too, in subjects like English, Statistics, and History.

The exact focus of a given master’s degree in marketing management depends on the individual program. But all marketing programs prepare you to attain leadership positions in marketing departments or at the head of companies. As a marketing major, you will graduate with significant expertise. You will know how to create and follow through with marketing campaigns or efforts that can benefit your employer.

As you might imagine, these positions are sought by almost any company or organization. Profit-driven enterprises always need marketing leaders to head up teams. They need people to manage individuals within a marketing department. They even need people to develop marketing strategies in the first place. Nonprofits or other organizations also need their own marketing managers.

This is perhaps the biggest strength of this graduate degree – its ability to be applied to almost any industry. As a marketing or marketing management program graduate, you will have a vast toolkit of skills you can use in many different applications, making the hunt for marketing jobs that much easier after you graduate. With one of the best master’s degrees in marketing management, you can pursue a top position in almost any company and any field. Anything that requires marketing, that is! 

See Also: Best Affordable Online Master’s in Marketing Management

Common Application and Admission Questions

It isn’t necessarily easy to get into a full or part time marketing master’s degree. Like almost any master’s program, getting into one of the best master’s degrees in marketing management requires excellent grades. You’ll also need a specific portfolio for each school to which you apply.

Almost any master’s degree program requires a bachelor’s degree first and foremost. It is a little less rigid for many to apply to a marketing management degree in this regard. Just about any bachelor’s degree will be enough for most schools. You don’t have to have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

That being said, students who have a bachelor’s degree in business or something at least somewhat related to marketing will be given priority for entrance into the best marketing degree programs. Some common undergraduate degree majors for students who enroll in master’s degrees in marketing include:

• Marketing Communications
• Public Relations
• Social Media Management
• Business or Business Communication
• Advertising
• English
• Journalism

You’ll also need decent grades from all of your prior bachelor’s degree work and other education experiences to be admitted to high-level marketing programs. Full transcripts will be required for each application you submit.

The minimum GPA from your undergraduate degree should be about 2.5 or so. Most applicants average a 3.0 GPA or above. Make this number as high as possible if you’re still in your bachelor’s degree studies. If you must, take additional classes after the fact to bolster your GPA.

Many master’s degree programs for marketing management require that you take and submit scores from the GRE or the Graduate Record Examination. These tests are taken on the computer and measure several aspects of your aptitude for college. This ranges from your critical thinking and quantitative reasoning to your verbal and mathematical skills. Different tests are prioritized by different universities and marketing degree programs. Some schools prefer a high GMAT score instead of a GRE.

You’ll have a full year to take these tests once you apply for them. You can take them up to five times within that year. There are plenty of opportunities to get a better score if your first attempt doesn’t reflect your actual abilities.

You’ll also need to consider other application boosters. Many master’s programs, including those in marketing management, require a history of work experience. You may need a professional resume. Resumes that have work experience related to the degree are, of course, preferred. You should be able to showcase your experience in the marketing or business fields thus far. This might include skills like:

• Social media marketing
• Digital marketing
• Public relations
• Pricing strategies
• Marketing analytics

Having experience in market research, writing press releases, and email marketing is certainly a bonus. So too are skills related to content marketing, brand building, and original research. Any type of professional development in marketing and related areas will boost your admission profile and give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

Also consider letters of recommendation. Most master’s programs ask for at least one letter of recommendation from a superior. This might be your supervisor at your current workplace or your former teachers from your bachelor’s degree studies. Many marketing programs ask for three letters. It’s a good idea to email your former teachers and ask about the letters as soon as possible.

Pay attention to the application deadlines for each university. Some schools are flexible and have multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Others admit just a single class once per year. Be sure you have your application materials ready at all times with up-to-date information.

Not sure what to look for in a school? We’ve ranked the top marketing master’s degrees in this post. However, some other top schools for a marketing degree include the following:

• University of Texas
• University of Southern California
• Northwestern University (via the Evanston, IL campus)
• Johns Hopkins University (via the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School in Baltimore, MD)
• Columbia University (via the Columbia Business School)
• Michigan State University (in East Lansing, MI)
• Clemson University
• Boston College
• University of Tampa (Tampa, FL)
• Cincinnati State University (in Cincinnati, OH)
• UT Dallas (via the Naveen Jindal School of Business)
• University of Colorado – Downtown Denver Campus
• Vanderbilt University
• University of Georgia in Atlanta, GA
• New York University in New York, NY
• Indiana University
• University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles CA)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA campus)

Consider how well the master’s degree you are considering will help you meet your personal and professional goals. Will you have hands-on experiences to help you gain practical skills as you attend classes? If you’re interested in doctoral degree programs later on, will the program give you enough of a foundation in your core courses to continue on? Are there any experiential learning opportunities like internships or study abroad?

The best master’s degrees can and should check off all the boxes.

Also consider accreditation for your master’s in marketing program. The top accrediting organizations for a graduate degree include:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

It is a good sign to be accredited by one of these organizations, whether it’s the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission, or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. So, too, is a nod from publications like the Princeton Review or U.S. News & World Report. It indicates that the marketing degrees you are looking at are well-regarded.

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships for Marketing Degrees?

Paying for graduate school (or a bachelor’s degree, for that matter) expensive for most people. You don’t want to end up in student debt, after all.  But the good news is that there are multiple ways you can seek financial aid, some of which are specific to master’s degrees in marketing management and related master’s programs.

You should fill out a FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at the beginning of every academic year. Most universities require that you do this before applying for other paths to financial aid, anyway. The FAFSA tells the government all it needs to know about your economic situation. They can determine whether you qualify for certain subsidized and unsubsidized government loans, grants, and other types of financial aid.

Always check the financial aid page of both your university and the college or school handling the master’s program for marketing management. There are often two separate pages. You should check out both because the former page often has general higher education financial aid opportunities. It is more inundated with applicants. That’s because undergraduates can take advantage of these offers as well. These financial aid packages tend to be not as large.

The website for your marketing program and its financial aid opportunities is often much more specific. They are also sometimes more achievable. Again, fewer students in higher education apply to them, which can increase your chances of getting an award.

Even more important are the teaching assistantships or internships. Not everyone gets access to one of these opportunities, but they’re valuable sources of financial aid and on-the-job experience if you have the time in your schedule.

Teaching assistantships allow you to work with faculty in your department or college. You might be grading papers or assigning with classroom learning activities in exchange for reducing some or all of your tuition costs. This does take time out of your week that you could otherwise use for studying. However, it’s a great choice if you can manage a good balance between work, life and related areas.

Internships may not always pay you a salary. Yet many of them offered through your school result in a net reduction of your overall tuition. Internships provide additional benefits. They grant you valuable work experience and networking opportunities. These will continue to pay dividends after you graduate. Assistantships and internships are financial aid opportunities best used by those who don’t also need to work at a full-time job while completing their graduate education.

Most students find themselves using a mixture of financial aid options to cover their bills. Check out all that you can to avoid paying full tuition.

See Also: Affordable Online MBA in Marketing Management

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

Once you complete your education and graduate from the university of your choice, you’ll be faced with a challenging task. Now, you need to find a marketing career that provides you with a master’s in marketing salary worthy of your experience and education.

So how much can you expect to make with a master’s degree in marketing management?

Like almost every business or marketing degree, your actual salary depends on the type of marketing professional you are. Marketing managers who are higher in the overall hierarchy of a large company will be paid more than a marketing manager of a smaller organization. This doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate for a higher salary with any potential employer, though.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing managers can expect to make an average salary of about $133,380 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes the highest salaries were around $208,000 for the same marketing jobs with the same responsibilities. That makes this one of the most lucrative marketing career options.

Your salary depends on how long you have been with the company (e.g., six months vs 16 years), how profitable your company is, and where your position lies on the salary hierarchy. Marketing managers in charge of more people and delivering more profitable results can expect to see higher salaries for their marketing careers. That’s compared to marketing managers working for nonprofits or smaller companies who make comparatively less. This is similar to almost any other business or management executive occupation. It’s true, regardless of industry.

Marketing managers can also become advertising or promotion managers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these marketing jobs have median annual salaries of about $127,150 per year. It’s a very similar position to a general marketing manager. However, advertising or promotion managers are focused on a particular aspect of marketing campaigns. That’s rather than marketing as a whole for a company.

Those pursuing a marketing manager position will enjoy a 10% job growth rate projected over the next ten years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is faster than the national average compared to most other professions across industries. Companies are expected to need more marketing managers in the near future, and in high numbers. The time is perfect for recent graduates to pursue a marketing career!

Other marketing jobs for marketing graduates include:

• Marketing Analysts
• Social Media Marketing Directors
• Global Marketing Directors
• Directors of Brand Management
• Public Relations Directors
• Sports Marketing Manager

You might also find jobs that focus on email marketing, content marketing, and other content creation. If the job opportunities before you align with your career goals, there’s a good chance you’ll find something for you on the job market!

Marketing degrees are such versatile and broad credentials. Therefore, you can also use it to pivot into a management position in many industry organizations. Having experience with managing people and leading teams to achieve great results will enable you to take leadership roles outside the marketing sphere and pursue a nonmarketing career.

Management occupations, in general, earn a median salary of about $102,450, making them a viable alternative to a marketing career. They’re ideal if you can’t find a pure marketing manager position that suits your needs or interests. These jobs have titles like:

• Administrative Service Managers
• Compensation and Benefits Managers
• Financial Managers
• Sales Management Lead
• International Marketing
• Human Resources Managers

No matter which career path you take, there is excellent earning potential. This is good news for paying back financial aid like loans as well as for preparing for the future.

Our Ranking Criteria 

We have a time-tested four-part formula designed for ranking the nation’s best colleges and higher education programs. Using the factors outlined below, we can devise a much more detailed and reliable list of best marketing graduate program options than if you were to simply Google “graduate programs marketing” or “masters marketing degree.”

We prioritize four major factors when evaluating a marketing program:

• Earnings Potential
• Affordability
• Student Satisfaction
• Selectivity

Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success for ranking master’s programs. We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions or financial incentives. Our revenue and content are separate. Sponsored schools have no impact on our rankings, nor do world university rankings.

The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program at a top school of business that can help lead you into a lucrative marketing career!

What are the Best Master’s Programs in Marketing Science and Management?

We know 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 to provide you with the best list of master of marketing degree programs. This methodology is based on the following three aspects:

• 40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni (as opposed to recent graduates, whose incomes are often lower)
• 30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2022-2023 school year 
• 30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school, including financial aid

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

Check out our ranking of the best marketing masters programs below! 

See Also: Best MBA Programs for Marketing Management

10 Best Masters in Marketing Programs

#1 Marketing Master’s Program: Texas A&M University-College Station

Master of Science in Marketing

You’ll find one of the best masters in marketing programs at Texas A&M University. In fact, many of Texas A&M University’s programs are well-known for their rigor and overall value. The Master of Science in Marketing is no different. It’s ranked as one of the best Master of Science in marketing programs in the United States. That’s from Best-Masters.com and QS Business Masters. 

This school boasts a comprehensive Master of Science in Marketing that is perfect for students with business experience. It’s also ideal if you have a related degree or for those who have an unrelated bachelor’s degree who want to make a career change.

There are very few specific prerequisites for applicants wishing to apply for this program at Texas A&M University. You need good grades and certain GRE scores, of course. Other than that, anyone can apply to this Master of Science in Marketing. This is a recent change. The full time program used to have much more stringent application requirements.

If accepted into the program, you will be considered for a departmental scholarship and a graduate assistantship. These financial aid opportunities combined can reduce most or all of your tuition costs. That’s not to mention that the School of Business can provide you with valuable work experience through the assistantship.

Aside from a top-flight marketing program and ample opportunities for experiential learning, the graduation rate for this business school is one of the best in the country. Moreover, Texas A&M offers robust career services for graduates, so you can get assistance finding a full time marketing career.

Curriculum for the Master of Science in Marketing at Texas A&M University

The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals and specifics of marketing in a variety of circumstances, and builds off of what you learn in your bachelor’s degree in business or marketing. You’ll take classes that discuss and teach about marketing for business and for other organizations. You will showcase the different skillsets and mindsets needed to market in a variety of situations and consumer bases, too.

You will also have plenty of opportunities to complete professional internships over the course of your program. This allows you to use some of those experiences as academic credit.

Some topics you’ll cover in your specialized classes and foundational courses at the Master of Science in Marketing at this school of business include:

• Integrated marketing communications
• Internet marketing
• Digital marketing strategy
• Advanced market research
• Practical marketing analysis
• Marketing metrics
• Brand management
• Customer analytics
• Marketing decision-making
• Business marketing
• International business
• Sales management and pricing strategies
• Writing press releases

Another valuable advantage to this Master of Science in marketing is that it can be completed in as little as 10.5 months. Other marketing programs take at least one to two years. This is just one of the reasons why this is the best masters degree for business on this list!

As one of the fastest marketing degrees you can find across all disciplines, this is an ideal fit if you have plenty of free time to focus on your studies. However, there aren’t any opportunities to slow down in this marketing master’s. It’s not a very flexible program or appropriate for those who can commit to school just part-time.

As with many master’s programs, the priority application deadline is November 1st. The deadline to apply is April 7 for every academic year. You should get a jumpstart on your application if you plan to try this full time program. If accepted, you will benefit from the broad “Aggie Network.” This is the collection of alumni that spans many countries across the globe.

Texas A&M’s alumni network for the marketing master’s is one of the most valuable advantages at this public university. That’s considering the breadth of professions it encompasses and the doors it can open into major companies. Networking is just as important as your academic training, experiential learning, and professional development. 

More Information About Texas A&M

Texas A&M is a public university with plenty of other wonderful aspects that make it worthwhile. It has the largest group of full time students in the state of Texas. It’s just about the largest university by physical size, too. It also has a beautiful campus that spans 5200 acres. Students can take advantage of a huge swath of recreational facilities and a vibrant Greek life. This public university is home to 58 Greek letter organizations. There’s something for everyone!

Don’t forget the school of business’s emphasis on sports excellence, either. Each game is a treat, even if you’re just a casual fan. This Master of Science in marketing is ideal!

#2 Marketing Master’s Program: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Master of Business Administration

Another one of the best marketing masters programs is at Georgia Institute of Technology. Again, Georgia Tech has a business school with a leading graduation rate. 

This MBA program may seem just somewhat related to marketing science and management at first. But a closer look reveals that you can choose to focus on marketing management through your class selections.

All MBA program students must complete a series of core business and administration courses. These go over things like the principles of finance, how to lead people and organizations, strategic management, and more.

But you can also pick classes specific to marketing science and management. You can tailor your electives to reflect this strategic focus, too. The resulting MBA is both broad and specific enough to provide you with the marketing science and management knowledge you need to succeed in those positions.

This full time program at the Georgia Tech school of business has other benefits that make it an excellent choice. It’s offered in several formats. These include full-time, evening, and executive formats. This means that whether you’re a focused or flexible student, you can complete this MBA on a schedule that works best for your personal or work lives.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

The curriculum is the same between all three marketing master’s programs. What differs is how long it takes to complete the full time program. For example, the full time option takes 21 months to complete while the evening program is a part-time self-paced option.

You’ll take courses common to marketing programs, such as:

• Entertainment marketing
• Supply chain management
• Digital marketing strategy
• Consumer analysis
• New product development and product design
• Digital advertising
• Financial accounting
• Consumer trends
• Marketing analytics
• Market research
• Business communication
• Data driven marketing
• Content creation

Georgia Tech provides small class sizes for all of its master’s programs. This mindset is reflected in the MBA as well. You’ll be able to get more personal attention from the faculty, and you won’t feel smothered by the other students in your class as a result. You’ll also be able to network with individuals rather than be lost in the crowd.

Even better is the college through which the program is administered. Scheller College is in the middle of the Georgia Tech Square innovation ecosystem. This is the heart of most entrepreneurial and business activity within the university and the surrounding city. You will feel rich at home as a student with the drive to begin projects and the desire to make a name for yourself. There are many chances to begin startups or join companies that can make use of your talents.

But that’s not all! Any full-time MBA students in this program have opportunities to intern with Fortune 500 companies. You can also intern with several major consulting and financing firms. You’ll get plenty of work experience and networking under your belt by the end of your academics which helps you achieve your career goals.

More Information About Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech opened in 1885. It has since bloomed into six separate colleges with 31 departments. It’s a top-ranked university in every regard. It has a beautiful campus located north of downtown Atlanta. Most of the campus is filled with greenery. This makes it feel almost suburban compared to the metropolitan area just a few miles away. This school is ranked 26th among the best business schools by U.S. News & World Report.

#3 Marketing Master’s Program: Liberty University

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Degree

Liberty University has an excellent marketing management master degree. This school provides an MBA for aspiring students like you who want to become a business executive and explicitly focus on marketing.

Marketing science and management are not covered per se. However, the classes covered by the standard MBA core curriculum explore the management and administration side of things. The marketing courses give you the more focused education you need to hold marketing manager positions in any company.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

Like a growing number of marketing master’s programs, Liberty recognizes the value of distance learning programs. This marketing MBA is a 100% online program. It includes a curriculum that focuses on contemporary issues in the marketing culture of today’s companies and the economic environment. This is wonderful for many young graduates – succeeding with modern marketing takes different skills and information than marketers used in decades past.

You’ll also take marketing courses that look at consumer behaviors and trends. You’ll examine how they have evolved over previous years. This will enable you to understand and predict where consumer behavior might take companies in the near or distant future. The hands-on experience you get at this business school is just one reason why it has such an outstanding graduation rate.

The core MBA classes prioritize leadership and business communication skills. This will help you succeed in any managerial position. This marketing program also emphasizes the importance of applying ethics to all of your marketing practices. You can feel good about your career and your impact on the world.

Liberty University is a Christian-focused school. That ethical framework is in many of the marketing courses throughout this program.

You’ll complete the online program over the course of two years. It features 45 credits in total.

The rigorous curriculum for this master’s degree in marketing includes core courses such as:

• Marketing analytics
• Market research
• Global marketing
• Pricing strategies
• Data driven marketing
• Business communication
• Customer analysis

Each class lasts for eight weeks to facilitate a fast-paced schedule. Liberty also has one of the most generous transfer credit policies among major universities. You can transfer up to 50% of the credits needed for your graduation, which can speed up your time to graduate, allowing you to hit the job market sooner.

All the classes in this school of business are taught in an asynchronous format. This just means that you don’t need to attend virtual lectures at any point in the process. Instead, you’ll be given assignments. This is often at the beginning of the week. You just need to complete them by a predetermined point without “attending” class. Thus, it’s a great university and program for those who need a flexible graduate schedule to accommodate their work or family lives.

More Information About Liberty University

LU was founded in 1971 and, over the years, has grown by leaps and bounds. In fact, it’s one of the largest private nonprofit universities in the country, according to student enrollment. The university has about 16,000 students on campus and another 115,000 students online.

Though online students may not be there to enjoy it, LU features a beautiful and old-fashioned campus. A Civil War Museum is included within the campus borders, which is 7,000 acres in the west-central portion of Virginia.

#4 Marketing Master’s Program: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Master of Business Administration

Cal Poly is one of the most recognized universities in the state of California. It’s no surprise that this school offers one of the best MBAs in the country. This marketing management masters is ideal for aspiring advertisers like you!

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

The MBA at this school of business features a specific set of classes that focus on marketing science and management and related concepts. This lets you tailor the degree to your unique career path. It also has a broad core of business administration classes. These classes provide you with the leadership and administrative knowledge you need to hold a higher position within an organization.

The school has an outstanding graduation rate that lends itself well to outside praise, too – ranks #2 among regional universities in the West, according to U.S. News & World Report. The marketing program’s curriculum focuses on ensuring that every graduate understands core competencies in all aspects of management. The curriculum, therefore, covers the essentials of:

• accounting
• marketing
• strategy
• operations management
• economics
• organizational behavior

The electives available to every admitted student are diverse. They focus on subjects like entrepreneurship or negotiations. You might cover marketing principles like:

• Mathematical methods/quantitative methods for market research
• Marketing across different media channels
• Creating customer profiles
• Pricing strategy creation
• Marketing in the global marketplace

You can even choose to take electives in related topics like big data or data science.

You can also make use of Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). This center is one of the best networking places for young innovators and future industry leaders. It also provides you with the technical tools necessary to broaden your social network and develop your business skills. It’s an excellent place for self-starters like you to meet others and network with peers.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo also provides several opportunities for professional certificates associated with business management and marketing degrees. These aren’t necessary for graduation. However, they can make you more attractive to employers. They can help you land more specific or niche jobs that require special skills.

The university focuses on treating each student as an individual. Therefore, most students benefit from a low 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This is quite small compared to other colleges in the country. It allows you to have more face-to-face time with your professors than most other college marketing programs.

Every student benefits from hands-on field trips as well. These trips take place a few times over the course of the program. Each trip heads to a different business environment so you can get a real sense of what actual industry leaders deal with in their day-to-day jobs. Even with all of these experiences packed in with a rigorous curriculum, this program lasts 10 months. You can be accepted into the program and graduate within the same year in some cases. In the modern, fast-paced business environment, this is an excellent advantage for graduates who want to hit the ground running and begin pursuing career goals.

More Information About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

This public university is located in sunny coastal California. Here, the weather is excellent year-round, with 287 sunny days per year. You might decide to take advantage of the beautiful environment and bike to school. There are over 6,500 bike rack spaces on the campus to accommodate your bike.

Cal Poly has one of the largest campuses in the nation. Should you own a bike, you can tour the 9,678 acres campus at your leisure!

#5 Marketing Master’s Program: Gonzaga University

Master of Business Administration

Gonzaga University has another best marketing masters program in the form of an MBA. Gonzaga has been turning out business leaders for over 50 years. It’s ranked as one of the best schools for part-time MBA studies by U.S. News.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

This university focuses on Jesuit values. Its curriculum reflects this ethical focus. At the same time, it provides broad business concepts and foundational knowledge for future business leaders across various industries.

This graduate degree curriculum includes classes on marketing theory and managing. That makes this an effective degree choice if you want to become the leader of a marketing department. It’s also ideal if you want to understand how marketing affects the success or failure of businesses in more detail. A capstone course in strategic management emphasizes the degree’s focus on leadership and managing a business venture.

You’ll also be able to create your own specialization that shows up on your MBA. You can personalize your program when it comes time to choose your electives. A finance concentration is available as well. Students of marketing science and management may choose not to follow this elective path, though. 

This is also one of the more flexible MBA programs. It has a high graduation rate and a business school with extensive opportunities to adapt your schedule to your preferences. There are four main schedule options to complete the program:

• Online
• On-campus
• Full time
• Part time

Whether you need a flexible MBA program or can complete something more rigid, Gonzaga will be able to meet you every step of the way.

You can complete this MBA program in as little as one year, though two years is perhaps a better timeline. You can do this if you take accelerated marketing courses. This is a perfect choice if you want to get into the business environment as soon as possible.

But you can also pursue the degree at a part-time pace. Then it will take around two to four years. This is what most students do. As a bonus, class sizes aren’t large – they average between 20 and 30 students. You’ll have ample opportunity to meet with your professors or network with your peers.

Core classes in this MS program cover topics like:

• Advertising campaigns
• new business development
• product development
• social media management
• brand strategy
• quantitative analysis/data analysis
• consumer insights
• product management
• digital marketing
• business applications for the marketing field
• buyer behavior/consumer behavior

In this MS program, you’ll go beyond strategic marketing courses. Marketing students like you will be able to participate in in-depth market research to understand customer management and marketing decision-making at a personal level. You’ll build your planning and decision-making skills and leave graduate school as one of the industry’s top marketing professionals.

More Information About Gonzaga University

GU is both private and Roman Catholic in terms of its student body and faculty.  It opened in 1887. It has expanded to over 100 buildings over 152 acres. There are two large libraries centered within the campus. There are also several unique pieces of artwork that display famous historical figures and prominent Catholics.

The number of full time students at this university is expanding. This has necessitated the construction of a new building at the center of campu that fits a variety of student services inside its attractive all-glass exterior. Despite the faith focus of many of its classes, over 20 faiths are represented on this campus. It’s not a university just for Catholics.

Gonzaga is one of the top universities for affordability. With lots of graduate degree programs and doctoral programs to choose from, it has a low tuition rate and receives high marks for financial aid options including loans, grants, scholarships, and more.

See Also: Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Statistics

#6 Marketing Master’s Program: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Master of Business Administration

Cal Poly returns to our list once again, but this time it’s the Pomona campus that has the MBA we want to show you. This is one of the best MS marketing programs you will find in California and the nation.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

This is a generalized MBA program, like many of the other MBA programs we’ve highlighted. However, it offers the opportunity for you to specialize in marketing science and management through your class selections.

Marketing students like you might be able to take core courses in topics like:

• Marketing research
• Marketing analytics
• Consumer behavior
• Brand management
• New business development
• Product development
• International marketing research
• Marketing strategies
• Public relations
• Social media marketing
• Business applications and brand strategy
• Financial accounting

All students of this MBA program start with a broad core curriculum that focuses on the major aspects of business and leadership. Marketing programs like this provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in almost any business environment. These marketing classes take up the first year of your studies or more. Most of the concentrated or specialized coursework occurs in the second year of your studies.

You can enjoy some flexibility in how you take your marketing classes. This includes traditional evening classes, weekend intensive classes for those who have less free time, and a hybrid course load that combines the two types. It’s a more flexible program than you might anticipate. The weekend intensive scheduling is good for working professionals that can’t afford to take time off work while they finish their education.

Applicants will also want to pay attention to the financial aid page of this public university. There are valuable scholarships and other financial aid opportunities available for almost every graduate student at this school. There are a few specific offers for students of the business college.

You should also check out the 40,000-plus alumni network, too. Because of the excellent graduation rate at the business school, you’ll have lots of opportunities to connect with your peers or faculty or get your foot in the door for employment after graduation. You can connect with those who experienced the same MBA program that you will.

The classes offered by this program are rigorous and detailed. They’re also supplemented by real-world projects and case studies to apply your learned knowledge. This program does a great job of preparing you for real-world business scenarios. When you get hired by a company, you won’t be confused as you try to apply your learning to actual issues. For those in marketing, this can be almost as valuable as the tailored curriculum itself.

More Information About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

The Pomona campus is the second of the two Polytechnic universities within the CSU system. It opened in 1938. These days, it offers a multitude of degrees and programs across multiple subjects and industries.

The Cal Poly Pomona campus is situated very close to downtown Los Angeles. This enables all of its students to take advantage of the sunny Southern California lifestyle. There are countless metropolitan attractions in southern California, along with plenty of leisure opportunities available. Cal Poly Pomona also has a big main campus measuring 1,725 acres.

#7 Marketing Master’s Program: Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Online MBA, Marketing Data Analytics

Colorado State University Fort Collins provides a unique MBA pathway that is among the best marketing master degrees for students. CSU is ranked as one of the top schools for higher education by U.S. News.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

This online MBA program has a marketing concentration in marketing data analytics. It features a curriculum that combines standard business administration and managerial classes. It also has in-depth marketing data analytics classes. As a graduate of this program, you should be able to lead marketing teams.

The marketing classes at CSU are unlike many others you will find at most other universities. You’ll take classes that teach you how to use some of the best digital data collection tools in the business industry. You’ll also gain the skills to filter that data through a business focus lens. Some of these classes are quite similar to the skill sets you would learn within statistics programs. If you have some experience in this area, you will find yourself right at home.

The curriculum has advanced marketing classes in business education and related fields you’d expect in higher education, such as:

• data mining and analytics
• database concepts in the business world
• making strong business decisions
• consumer insight
• information management
• marketing research
• marketing analytics
• consumer behavior
• global marketing
• business analytics
• public relations
• product management
• pricing strategies
• integrated marketing communications

The MBA side of things provides a host of classes on marketing science and management and research methods. You’ll also learn about leadership in teams and even marketing strategy and planning. It’s a comprehensive class list for any position that is even somewhat related to marketing managing as a profession.

All of the required classes are offered online. There are 42 credits of study in total. Each class is taught by a world-renowned faculty that has business experience already. This program is also quite flexible in terms of scheduling. Students who pursue it at maximum pace can expect to complete everything within 21 months, though you can take up to five years to complete all of the program requirements before you need to reapply. Every semester at the school is divided into twin eight-week sessions. This provides an accelerated format for every class regardless of your overall schedule system.

More Information About CSU

CSU is worth visiting for its campus alone. That’s true even if you plan to take advantage of the online program. It’s located close to the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains. It has a 583-acre campus with astounding views throughout most months of the year.

An expansive green oval dominates the campus. It’s lined with beautiful trees and several recreational centers for student use. The university is a mere two hours away from many major ski resorts. It’s 45 minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park, too. If you’re an active student or if you like to exercise outdoors, you will find this campus’ location suitable for your lifestyle.

#8 Marketing Master’s Program: Texas Tech University

Master of Science in Marketing Research and Analytics

Texas Tech University is one of the few schools that offers a specialized M.S. in marketing research and analytics. This is a top masters marketing management degree, and it’s offered by one of the country’s best business schools.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

This master’s degree in marketing is a 30-hour program. The curriculum encompasses qualitative and quantitative marketing data gathering and analytical skills. The program teaches you to collect data and filter it through a marketing and business-oriented lens. With a leading graduation rate, this program combines many basic concepts from statistics classes with excellent marketing classes. These foundational courses can refine that knowledge into useful business practices and solutions.

Core courses in this marketing degree program include studies in:

• International marketing
• Market research
• Digital marketing
• Consumer behavior
• Marketing analytics
• Statistical analysis
• Consumer intelligence
• Marketing analytics
• Strategic marketing
• Marketing decision making

Several of the classes deal with cutting-edge statistical techniques and how to best apply their results to your current business problem. Other classes are broader. They detail marketing concepts and strategies both in a historical and modern context. Your classes will focus on marketing forecasting and analytics. One course teaches you how to interpret current marketing trends and predict how marketing might change in the future. 

This is a great marketing program if you are in need of a flexible scheduling system – it’s 100% online. You can enroll in the program during any semester of the year. You can start and stop the program as well, provided that you take at least one class for the entirety of your studies. This enables you to take certain semesters where you load up on coursework and other semesters where you reduce your workload with just a single class. It all depends on your home or work life.

You’ll be able to earn the degree in as little as two years, even if you only follow a part-time schedule. Of course, if you devote more time and energy to the program, you can complete the graduation requirements in as little as a year.

All students who apply are considered for a competitive scholarship. This knocks off a significant part of your tuition. Anyone admitted to this marketing program may find that it’s much cheaper than planned for because of this fantastic financial aid opportunity. If you’re a Texas resident, you will find even more scholarship opportunities.

Admission to this business program is on par with many of the other marketing programs on our list so far. Texas Tech requires a detailed and extensive professional resume and three letters of recommendation. This is also one of the few schools that don’t require GRE scores. 

More Information About Texas Tech

Texas Tech boasts other major qualities to prove its worth. It’s a newer school, founded in 1923. However, it features one of the largest student bodies in the entire state. There are hundreds of courses of study, so you can pursue the education that’s right for your career goals.

Texas Tech has a beautiful Spanish Renaissance-themed campus. Many of the buildings are powered by wind energy. A public art collection here is ranked among the best in the United States. This reflects the university’s rich culture and storied history.

#9 Marketing Master’s Program: California State University-Chico

Master of Business Administration

The CSU system has many phenomenal schools. However, California State University at Chico’s marketing program is worthwhile to any aspiring marketing manager. CSU Chico offers an MBA that allows you to specialize your degree. Depending on your preference, you can pursue concentrations in marketing management or another related business field.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

This program features a common core list of classes to tackle the major foundational business administration aspects of the degree. However, it also incorporates a mathematics class that goes over business and economics statistics. You’ll study topics like marketing research, consumer behavior, and marketing analytics. Other classes focus on managing and marketing to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education.

This master’s degree is available to students of any undergraduate degree major. You don’t have to have a background in business to be admitted to this marketing program. The program has one of the most comprehensive prerequisite equivalency systems you can find in universities these days. You’ll meet with an advisor upon being accepted into the marketing program. They will go over the prerequisites you do or do not have. Some prerequisites are needed to achieve the core competencies of the marketing program from the beginning.

You’ll take classes that cover subjects like:

• financial accounting
• international marketing research
• marketing strategies
• brand management
• product development
• public relations
• international marketing
• social media
• marketing models
• financial reporting
• consumer intelligence
• customer value
• statistical analysis
• sports marketing

CSU Chico’s system enables many classes that are at least somewhat related to the prerequisites to count for the appropriate amount of credits. You’ll also be able to take quick catch-up mini-courses. In some cases, you can skip the prerequisites based on your work experience and your existing degree. It’s  a flexible system. It is one of the most accessible for students of disciplines other than business or marketing.

The curriculum of this marketing degree program consists of 30 to 33 units depending on the classes selected. You must complete the degree within five years of your enrollment in the marketing program. Most students will take two years or less to complete the degree. This is because of the flexible scheduling systems available. Most students are able to take summer classes if they want to accelerate their graduation timeline.

Unlike many MBAs, all students must complete a master’s project or thesis in order to graduate. The project is better for those who want to prove their practical mastery of their skills. The thesis is a great choice if you are more interested in the academic side of business. An additional independent study class is available for those who have to work while they complete their education. Your existing work experience may even count for course credit toward this requirement.

More Information About CSU Chico

CSU Chico is the second oldest of the 23 campuses in the CSU system. It has an average enrollment of over 17,000 students. It opened in 1887 and has been top-ranked by publications like The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. It has a beautiful 119-acre main campus. The campus also includes 2,330 acres of ecological res erve. It’s a perfect school for environment-minded business students. 

#10 Marketing Master’s Program: University of Houston

Master of Science in Marketing Degree

Rounding out the top ten of our picks for the best marketing programs is the University of Houston. UH offers a Master of Science in marketing program via its business school. It is suitable for both part-time and full-time students alike. This program requires 30 credit hours to graduate. Those 30 credit hours can be completed in 12 months if you commit to the marketing program full-time. Or they can be completed in 24 months if a part-time schedule suits your lifestyle better.

This school might be last on our list of the top master of marketing management degrees. However, it’s one of the best according to publications like Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.

Curriculum for the Master’s Degrees in Marketing

You’ll enjoy the full time program’s cutting-edge curriculum. It incorporates classes in:

• digital marketing
• customer relationship management
• social media marketing
• marketing analysis
• consumer behavior
• social media marketing
• public relations

The curriculum also provides many niche electives. These let you specialize the degree even further or pursue topics that are of personal interest. Some of the electives you can take might include:

• Product Management
• Digital Analytics
• Financial Accounting
• International Marketing Research
• Marketing Strategies
• Brand Management
• Product Development
• Entrepreneurship and Technology
• Marketing Communications
• Global Marketing
• Marketing Analytics
• Business Analytics
• Strategic Marketing
• Identifying Target Audiences

These classes give you the skills you need to lead teams in companies and organizations. You will also complete a professional project. This experience serves not only as proof of your understanding of the material but also be a great example of your skills for future employers.

Many of the classes are also offered between 6 and 9 PM on one evening a week. This is great if you’re a working professional that needs to balance your work schedule with your schooling.

UH is connected to the Houston business community. Students admitted to this full time marketing program have many opportunities to network and complete real-life projects with Houston industry leaders. Internships are available and plentiful. This school also has a high-ranking faculty that is world-renowned for its research and awards.

Two application deadlines give you multiple opportunities for application and admission. This removes some stress as you put your portfolio together. Students that don’t have their tuition covered by FAFSA-related offerings can take advantage of specific scholarships provided by UH. These scholarships are quite diverse and expansive. They may do a lot to drive down the overall cost of tuition for this marketing degree program. 

More Information About the University of Houston

The University of Houston opened in 1927. It is one of the largest universities in Texas. It is the site of extensive research activity, but it also features a selection of high-quality varsity athletic teams. The football team often makes appearances at the college bowl games. UH’s men’s golf team has won more than a dozen national championships. This makes them one of the most successful NCAA golf teams in history. Both sports and academics are held in high regard here.

Other Notable Options for the Best Marketing Graduate Program

After completing your undergraduate degree, you might consider the following regionally accredited programs as well. You’ll find that you can gain skills in various areas, from public relations to email marketing to content creation. Additionally, these programs might help you specialize in areas such as:

• Sports Marketing
• Marketing Analytics
• New Media Approaches
• Digital Marketing Specialization
• Generating Advertising Campaigns

These graduate degree options include accelerated programs, online programs, and offerings from public and private institutions. Regardless of the format or type of program, you’ll learn how to write press releases, identify target audiences, and other marketing principles that prepare students like you for a long and productive career as a marketing professional.

#11 Marketing Master’s Degree: McDaniel College

Location: Westminster, Maryland

Degree: M.S. Data Analytics (Online master program; hybrid option available)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $689 per credit

McDaniel College Graduate Degree in Marketing Program Website

#12 Marketing Master’s Degree: University of Texas at Dallas 

Location: Dallas, Texas

Degree: MS in Marketing (Online master program; in-person option available)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $1,866/$2,777 per credit

University of Texas at Dallas Master’s in Marketing Website

#13 Marketing Master’s Degree: Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Degree: Master of Marketing (In person)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $2,215 per credit

Vanderbilt University Online Master of Marketing Website

#14 Marketing Master’s Degree: The College of New Jersey

Location: Ewing Township, New Jersey

Degree: MBA (Online program/hybrid)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $1,042.58 per credit

The College of New Jersey Graduate Degree Website

#15 Marketing Master’s Degree: East Carolina University

Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Degree: MBA (In person at the main campus; distance learning option available)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $263.83/$994.33 per credit

East Carolina Graduate Degree Website

#16 Marketing Master’s Degree: California State University-East Bay

Location: Hayward, California

Degree: MBA (In person; more than one marketing concentration is available)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $28,000/$45,000 (for the entire program)

Explore the Marketing Master’s Degrees from Cal State East Bay

#17 Marketing Master’s Degree: California Lutheran University

Location: Thousand Oaks, California

Degree: MBA, Marketing Concentration (In person)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $905 per credit

California Lutheran University Graduate Degree Website

#18 Marketing Master’s Degree: University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Degree: Master of Business Administration in Marketing (In person; online programs are available)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $15,921/$37,663 per year

University of Florida Master’s in Marketing Website

#19 Marketing Master’s Degree: California State University-Northridge

Location: Los Angeles, California

Degree: MBA (In person, part time, evening)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $8327/17831

Cal State Northridge Graduate Degree Website

#20 Marketing Master’s Degree: University of California-Riverside

Location: Riverside, California

Degree: MBA (In person)

In/Out-of-State Tuition: $17,684.24/$21,766.24 per quarter

Cal State Riverside Graduate Degree Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS LIST OF THE BEST MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM OPTIONS, THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 BEST ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAMS & THE 40 FASTEST ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAMS!

Short for a Master of Business Administration, an MBA is a graduate program that is often seen as a terminal degree for people who wish to work in some aspect of business management, marketing, leadership, or entrepreneurship. 

Whether your aspirations lie in big business or you really just want to own your own enterprise, earning an MBA is a smart choice. If you’re on the fence about whether or not it is worth the time and money, trust us—it’s a smart investment.

In fact, there are a myriad of reasons why you might consider doing so. Not only will you benefit from completing coursework and forging professional connections that will give you self-confidence in yourself as a business person, but you’ll also get the credentials you need to prove your worth on paper.

Many of the skills you’ll gain in an MBA can be considered both hard and soft skills. These are skills that are invaluable across industries, so even if you aren’t sure where you’d like your business education to take you, you’re sure to find some benefit in earning an MBA. You’ll build skills and develop applicable personal qualities like critical and analytical thinking, communication, creativity, and leadership.

While many of the skills you’ll build in one of these programs are career-specific, many are incredibly versatile. You’ll be poised to work in a variety of industries and to pursue numerous types of careers upon graduation.

What are some typical pathways for a professional with an MBA? The list is long, and it’s incredibly varied. Earn an affordable online MBA, and you’ll be prepared for a range of options with industries and companies of all sizes and types, from start-up to Fortune 500. 

You might work in an industry such as energy, consulting, finance, technology, or healthcare. You could also work for a nonprofit or government entity, too, depending on your interests and qualifications. In fact, one of the best ways to customize your MBA to help make you eligible for work in a more specific field is to pursue an MBA that can be paired with a concentration, like marketing or healthcare administration. 

Because an MBA is so multifaceted, you’ll be qualified to conduct all sorts of business within a company or organization. You might work in human resources, accounting, or auditing, or you could even participate in research and product development. With an MBA, you could carry out the bulk of your organization’s marketing activities. 

Needless to say, your potential job titles will vary, but what all of these jobs have in common is that they are incredibly rewarding and financially lucrative. 

Not sure you have what it takes to earn an MBA? Fortunately, with the rise of online education, it’s never been easier to gain the credentials you need to succeed. Online degrees aren’t only more accessible and convenient, but they also tend to be more affordable. If you’re a working professional looking for a simpler, more flexible pathway toward career advancement, you won’t find a better option than an affordable online MBA. 

Common Application and Admission Questions

If you’re thinking about earning an online MBA, you’ve made a smart decision. Doing so is one of the best ways to skyrocket your career to success. However, you won’t get there without putting in your fair share of work first!

Your first step in the process is to complete an application to every school you may wish to attend. Don’t send out a million applications willy nilly. Instead, take the time to thoroughly research each program that you think might check off all the boxes for you.

What’s the best school at which to pursue an affordable online MBA degree program? There’s no single best school for everyone. Finding the right school for your needs will require you to think carefully about the preferred course structure (Online? On-campus? Hybrid? Part-time? Full-time?) as well as how much you would like to pay (and can afford to pay) for your tuition. 

You will also want to think about other qualifications a program might have, too. Look for a degree that includes courses taught by credentialed faculty members, as well as one that will offer you plenty of hands-on learning opportunities in the form of research, extracurriculars, capstone projects, and other experiences. 

While it might be tempting to apply to dozens of schools as you complete the admissions process, don’t fall victim to this common trap. Doing so will not only make decision day harder, but it will also get costly in a hurry. After all, most schools charge application fees when you apply, and you’ll also have to factor in expenses for sending along transcripts, GRE scores, and other documents, too.

When it comes time to apply, narrow your list down to three or four potential schools. Be sure to get in touch with the admissions office at your schools to make sure you meet all of the required qualifications and to find out exactly what will be required of you.

Each school will vary when it comes to what kinds of documentation you will need to submit in order to qualify for admission. Sometimes, you may just have to submit an online application and copies of your undergraduate transcripts. In other situations, you might need to submit supporting documents like GRE or GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, an essay or personal statement, and even a resume.

Again, every school will have different requirements in terms of how accomplished you must be, too. Some universities accept only candidates who earned a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, while others like to see that all candidates have completed certain prerequisite courses. You might need to meet a particular cut-off in regards to the GRE or you might have to have a few years of work experience.

When it comes to applying to an online MBA, it’s far from a cookie-cutter experience. Each school has vastly different requirements and timelines, so it pays to find out the specifics well ahead of time. 

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Earning a graduate degree is going to cost you some money—there’s no way around it. However, the cost of earning an MBA does not have to be prohibitive. 

In fact, there are several ways that you can pursue higher education without putting yourself into thousands of dollars of debt. 

For starters, you’ll want to consider the tuition and fees charged by your university. Don’t restrict yourself just to state (or public) schools, either. Although these institutions charge fees that are usually less than that of what is charged by private universities, the “sticker price” can be deceiving. 

At face value, a private school usually costs more than a public university.  However, once you begin researching financial aid opportunities, private universities frequently come in at a lower price than public schools. 

That’s because private schools are often able to provide additional scholarships and other funding that is simply not available at public institutions. You’ll pay less for a degree of the same caliber, in many cases, even if you’re an out of state student.

It’s also worth your time to investigate whether your school charges reduced tuition for online learners. If it does, you may benefit simply from the fact that you are studying from a distance (even though you’ll still have access to the same campus resources and support and earn an identical degree as what you would earn if you are studying on campus). 

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of schools based on cost, it’s time to research additional opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. Your first step in this process is to complete the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is available as early as January 1 of the year in which you plan to attend school. To qualify for the best opportunities, it’s recommended that you fill it out as early in the year as possible.

Once you do, you will get an idea of what kinds of need-based financial aid you might qualify for. The FAFSA uses information about your financial standing, aggregating data from your tax returns, W2s, and other financial documents to determine your estimated financial need. If you are still a dependent on someone else’s tax returns, you’ll need to provide information from their finances as well as your own.

In addition to state and federal grants, loans, and work-study, the results from the FAFSA are often used to determine your eligibility for financial aid at the university level. The school will take the data from the FAFSA to estimate whether you might qualify for things like work-study, graduate assistantships, scholarships, and more.

Of course, not everything is about your financial need. If you’re worried that you won’t qualify for any financial aid because your income is not low, don’t worry. There are still plenty of other options available. Many universities award merit-based scholarships, as do outside organizations. Your own employer might be willing to subsidize some of the cost of your college expenses, often in exchange for several years’ work. 

Leave no stone unturned—the more financial aid you receive, the fewer student loans you’ll be responsible for paying back after you graduate. 

How Much Can I Make With an MBA? 

Job titles vary when you have an MBA, so it goes without saying that your potential salary will vary, too. Some of the most popular job titles that MBA graduates pursue are those as sales managers, human resources managers, supply chain managers, and chief executive officers. However, you could also work as a chief marketing officer, a chief information officer, a general manager, or in one of hundreds of other potential roles.

There are many career paths you can pursue as an MBA graduate and also plenty of room for personal, professional, and financial growth. 

When you are pursuing a career in business, there are several ways you can gain a leg up on the competition. One of them is to earn a graduate degree. Individuals who receive master’s degrees or higher tend to earn much higher salaries throughout a lifetime of earnings than do professionals who only receive bachelor’s degrees. 

If you’re reading this article, you’ve already made a smart choice by pursuing a master’s degree. Another way to improve your potential earnings is to pursue a specialization. An MBA can automatically give you an edge and lead to a higher-paying position. However, when you add a specialization in areas like finance, accounting, supply chain management, or organizational leadership, you’ll take classes that will help you bring your resume to the top of the pile as you apply for more specialized roles. 

Another factor that will impact your potential earnings, aside from the industry in which you work, is where you live. In general, living in a major metropolitan area like San Diego or New York will qualify you automatically for a higher starting salary. Keep in mind, though, that these areas also have a higher cost of living.

Some of the best-paying jobs you can pursue with an MBA include those in management. For example, as a top executive, you’ll earn an average salary of $104,690. As a compensation and benefit manager, you can expect to earn $122,270, while as a training and development manager, you’ll earn a salary of $113,350 or more. These figures are all according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and only reflect the average wages of individuals with undergraduate degrees. As you might expect, earning a master’s will qualify you for an even higher salary. 

You won’t have to worry too much about the feasibility and likelihood of finding a job, either. Looking specifically at just one potential role you can pursue—that of a human resource manager—you can expect to see job growth of 6% by 2029. This is much faster than the national average for other occupations. 

Why such explosive growth? Managers of all kinds are needed to ensure that companies can adhere to regulations and to administer and create new programs to help them grow. These jobs in management and leadership, unlike many of those in the 21st century, are those that are not easily replaced by machines or technology. 

What Are the Best 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.

#1. University of Florida

Master of Business Administration

The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, FL, is one of the nation’s top research institutions. Here, you’ll find a variety of diverse graduate and undergraduate programs, many of which are available entirely online. From biology to teaching, mathematics to business, it might seem like the diverse offerings of programs have very little in common. 

However, what they all share is that they are taught by instructors with a passion for and commitment to research and hands-on learning. Choose to study at the University of Florida, and you’ll be privy to some of the most extensive research opportunities in the country. This school has millions of dollars in research expenditures each year and provides all students, from freshman to doctoral candidates, with opportunities to get involved. 

Established in 1905, the University of Florida is home to more than 56,000 students. It has a reputation as being one of the largest schools in the country. Nevertheless, you won’t have to sacrifice a hands-on approach to education when you choose to study at the Warrington College of Business. 

The Warrington College of Business is home to one of the most exemplary online MBAs. Here, you’ll find three separate schools, including the MBA’s Hough Graduate School of Business. This degree is designed for working professionals and offers an accelerated pathway (which will enable you to complete a degree in just one year) as well as a traditional two-year track.

Pursue the two-year track, and you’ll complete 48 credit hours of study, including core business courses that will enable you to become a skilled practitioner in just about any area of business. Pursue the one-year track, and you’ll take just 32 credits, skipping over the foundational courses and instead moving first to more advanced classes. You will take classes in topics such as Operations Management, Global Strategic Management, and Organizational Behavior. 

Concentration options include real estate, finance, and human capital. For all of these concentrations, you’ll be able to pursue extensive professional development opportunities like career assessments and interview practice. 

Both programs are available entirely online, although there are options available for you to complete certain segments of the degree on-campus. For example, you can choose to travel to Gainesville to participate in career transformation weekends or intensive residencies. The degree also has global immersion experiences that you can pursue, too. 

To apply, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree in business sometime within the last seven years. If you are going to be pursuing the accelerated pathway, you’ll be expected to have taken prerequisite courses like Principles of Management, Statistics for Business Decisions, and Business Finance, too. Plan on submitting your official transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and scores from recent GMAT examinations. You’ll also need to prove that you have at least two years of full-time work experience in a business setting. 

#2. University of Nebraska

Master of Business Administration

There are plenty of reasons to consider the Master of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska. Not only does this program allow you to complete your courses from anywhere in the world, but tuition is incredibly low here, too. You’ll pay less than $8,000 or so each year as you take 30 core credits and 18 elective credits. 

In addition to the wide range of electives you can choose from, you’ll also be able to choose from one of five different specializations. Available MBA concentrations include finance, business analytics, international business, supply chain management, and marketing.

These classes are structured, designed, and taught by Big Ten faculty who are leaders in scholarly research, helping to drive conversations and developments on what is next in the world of business. You’ll build and expand your network as you work alongside your colleagues. Each class cohort is small and diverse, with students possessing an average of nine years of work experience. You’ll challenge yourself as you build connections with other students around the world.

Not only that, but you’ll gain access to extensive career advancement opportunities. You’ll be able to work with an individual career coach and access resources like online resume reviews and alumni networks to help you build your career before you even graduate. 

In most cases, you’ll be able to complete your degree in just a year and a half. However, if you want to study on a part-time basis, you can take as long as three to ten years to complete your studies at your own pace. You’ll take ten core courses (each of which is three credit hours) along with six three-hour electives. Each individual course is only eight weeks in length, allowing you to move quickly through this fully-online curriculum. 

Another benefit of the online MBA at the University of Nebraska? You can take multiple classes per semester or just concentrate on a single course at once. If you’re going through a particularly hectic period of your life, you can even choose to take a semester off and then jump right back into your coursework. 

You don’t have to sacrifice quality for versatility or affordability, either. This university is ranked as one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, with the MBA degrees here consistently receiving high marks, too. The MBA at the University of Nebraska offers learners a greater return on their investment, both in terms of their time and money, as compared to other schools. 

The program is ranked third best for the money not just in the country, but in the entire world, by Financial Times, too. With a flat tuition rate of just $650 per credit hour, it’s easy to see why that’s the case. 

To apply, you will need to submit all materials by July 1 for fall admission. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, GMAT or GRE scores from the last five years, three professional references, a personal statement, and a resume showing past relevant work experience. At least one year of accumulated professional work experience is required, although exceptions are often considered. 

#3. Texas A & M University-Kingsville

Master of Business Administration

Originally a normal school designed to educate aspiring teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville was chartered in 1917. This school is the continuously operating public institution of higher learning in South Texas, having changed its name multiple times. First referred to as the Texas College of Arts and Industries and then simply as Texas A&I University, the school earned its modern-day moniker only in 1993.

This university offers more academic degrees and programs and conducts more research than any other university in the region. It’s also one of the most affordable, offering more scholarships and producing more successful graduates than any other school in this area, too.

It’s located in historic Kingsville, just 40 miles from Corpus Christi. Today, most of the school’s population comes from South Texas, but there is representation from more than 35 states and 43 countries, particularly in regard to the online setting.

Designed for working professionals, the online MBA at Texas A&M University is tailored toward students from diverse backgrounds. You’ll learn just as much from your fellow classmates as you will from your instructors, enabling you to build a strong professional network as you complete your courses. 

You won’t spend much time doing so, however. This program is structured so that it can be completed in just 12 months, making it one of the most accelerated on the list. You’ll be enrolled in small classes, which typically have no more than 30 students at a time. You’ll get to know your instructors and fellow classmates on a first-name, personal basis. The average student-to-faculty ratio is just 16:1, in fact. 

Classes are incredibly broad yet still offering enough specificity for you to become an expert manager and business practitioner. Some of the classes you will be required to take include Information Systems and Business Analytics, Accounting and Value Creation, and Marketing Management and Value Creation. The degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 

Faculty members here are actively involved in both teaching and research. You’ll gain more hands-on experience here than at practically any other university. Not only will you be able to pursue more traditional opportunities with your instructors, but you will also be given the opportunity to engage in campus events like the Economic Forum and Community Breakfast, too.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher, you won’t be required to take the GMAT or GRE. Applying is quick and easy, another reason why this degree is perfect for busy working professionals. 

Ranked as one of the best online MBA programs by the U.S. News & World Report, it’s clear that this program is a smart choice regardless of where you live.

#4. University of North Texas

Master of Business Administration

It’s ranked as one of the Best National Universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report, and it’s incredibly versatile, customizable, and affordable, too. The online MBA degree at the University of North Texas is, for these reasons as well as hundreds of others, clearly one of the best.

One unique feature of the University of North Texas is that the school is a member of the National Council of Reciprocity Agreements. What does this mean? As a member, the University of North Texas can offer post-secondary courses for distance learners that are not only recognized by also accredited based on numerous national standards—in short, it will be easier for you to study here if you are an out-of-state learner. 

You can earn this degree entirely online and pay less than $8,000 per year for your tuition. On average, you’ll pay less than $24,000 as a Texas resident, should it take you four years to complete your degree (and only slightly more if you are from out of state). 

You’ll be able to earn a degree in just 14 months, choosing from a number of specializations so that you can expand your training in areas outside of business administration. Some of the most popular specializations include organizational behavior, human resource management, supply chain management, supply chain analytics, strategic management, marketing, and marketing analytics, just to name a few. 

Because this degree is offered in an accelerated format, you’ll be able to graduate quickly and get right out into the workforce. Not sure that online learning is right for you? Not to worry. This degree can also be completed on-campus in Denton or Frisco as well as online. When you choose to study on-campus, you’ll be able to pursue all of the previously mentioned concentrations as well as additional specializations in fields like sort entertainment management and business management, too.

Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from studies at a school that is one of the nation’s largest public research universities. It’s recognized as a Tier One research university and will give you the flexibility you need to learn—and to succeed. You’ll gain marketable skills in things like teamwork, the strategic integration of business subjects, and the application of ethical conduct principles. 

The online Master of Business Administration at the University of North Texas requires 36 credit hours of study. All courses are administered in a flexible format in which each class lasts only eight weeks. This schedule is not only easy to manage, but it’s designed to cater specifically toward adult learners. Even better, during the summer semester, you can take courses that last only five weeks. 

Neither the GMAT nor the GRE are required for admission. Instead, you’ll just need to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally accredited university. 

#5. University of the Cumberlands

Master of Business Administration

With a main campus in Williamsburg, KY, University of the Cumberlands may not be the first school that comes to mind when you’re searching for one of the country’s best and most affordable online MBA degrees. However, there are plenty of good reasons to give this school a chance.

Founded in 1888, the University of the Cumberlands was the brainchild of baptist ministers who wanted to offer quality education to local learners. Today, students in Kentucky still benefit from this school’s exceptional program on campus, but you can also choose to study online, too. 

The online master’s degree in business is one of several that is offered fully online and facilitated by the 120-year old school of business. It’s designed for working professionals and taught by instructors who are expert practitioners. You’ll enjoy extensive opportunities for career development and networking, along with classroom activities that are meant to foster collaboration and peer learning, such as group projects.

The degree is perfect for learners who want to switch careers or advance their careers to a managerial level. You’ll be able to complete a variety of core courses in business such as Strategic Decision-Making, Organizational Behavior, and Managerial Accounting before you move on to business electives and concentration courses. You’ll also complete an applied learning practicum. 

Whether you want to apply what you’ve learned to your current career or pursue a new one, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at the University of the Cumberlands. You can earn an MBA entirely online as you benefit from an academically rich curriculum with challenging assignments, case studies, and group projects. You’ll not only learn from instructors who are experts in their field but you’ll be guided along the way by advisors who are accessible, knowledgeable, and strive to build personal relationships. 

Your opportunities to succeed will extend far beyond the walls of the classroom, too (including the virtual walls of the online learning environment!). You will be able to engage in extensive career preparation and networking opportunities as you pursue one of thousands of potential management occupations both before and after graduation. 

With this degree, you can choose from six separate concentrations: healthcare administration, accounting, strategic management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and project management. Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll complete 46 credit hours of study and take about two years to complete your degree. Before you graduate, you will need to take a comprehensive examination. All other course and degree requirements can be accessed asynchronously through Blackboard learning software. 

To apply, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, ideally with a GPA of at least 2.5. This program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as well as the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. 

Best yet, tuition is incredibly affordable. You’ll pay an average of $315 per credit hour and in many cases, may qualify for free or reduced-cost textbooks, too. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available. 

#6. William Woods University

Master of Business Administration

Want to earn an online MBA—but don’t want to spend decades doing so? If so, you may want to consider the online MBA from William Woods University. 

Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods offers a fully online degree that is tailored specifically to working professionals and can be completed in two years or less. Upon completing this degree, you’ll be able to pursue a career as a financial manager, marketing manager, CEO, entrepreneur, or hundreds of other options.

You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get that kind of career, either. William Woods has a unique policy that guarantees that tuition will not go up as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the program. You’ll take a wide variety of courses in this program, studying major topics like organizational theory, financial competency, and leadership. 

A highly affordable program, it features tuition that costs just $13,500—and that’s for the entire program! You’ll enjoy quite the return on investment, too, with graduates earning an average annual salary of $65,00 or more. The top 18% of graduates? They earned well over $100,000. If you’ve ever wondered whether earning an MBA would be worth it, these numbers should speak for themselves. 

Through your courses, you’ll gain the skills in management and leadership that you need to be successful as the manager of a small or large company. You’ll complete 36 credit hours of courses, including 12 core courses in areas like Management and Leadership, Statistics and Research Methods, and Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. You will also complete a business administration capstone project. 

Your classes will be rigorous and equipped with real-world skills and relevance. They are taught and designed by professionals who have proven their expertise in the corporate and working world. Faculty members have a unique blend of professional and academic experience that makes them invaluable inside the classroom. You’ll gain an education that is both theoretically and practically-based. 

In fact, the faculty here have a range of professional experiences in roles like United Nations peacekeeping forces commanders, chief executive officers, heads of marketing, and more. 

William Woods offers an online MBA that is more than just a traditional MBA. It offers a traditional pathway to students interested in careers in business leadership, as it is fully accredited, yet is designed to fit the schedule of a working professional. 

Although this degree doesn’t have as many concentrations as what you would find at other universities, you’ll still have a great deal of choice and flexibility as you complete your studies. You can choose from emphasis areas in small business or global business, depending on your career goals, and choose from a number of elective courses as well. It is also important to note that this program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 

To apply, you will need to have a GPA of at least 2.5 along with at least three credits in economics and accounting at the undergraduate level. 

#7. West Texas A & M University

Master of Business Administration

The MBA at West Texas A&M is perfect for students who want to pursue a professional business degree that is fully accredited. It has frequently been ranked as a program of distinction by TFE Times (it is, in fact, the only regional program in the Southwest to earn a top 100 ranking). 

All required courses are offered asynchronously and can be completed on-campus as well as online. It is meant for fully employed professionals and allows up to six years for completion, making for one of the best work-life balances. However, if you’d rather move more quickly through the curriculum, you can complete your studies in two years or less. 

You can enroll in classes throughout five semesters each year, or choose to take just a class or two here or there. Courses are offered in the fall, winter intersession, spring, and summer 1 and summer 2 sessions. 

You’ll take hands-on courses in a variety of relevant topics. Before beginning your core MBA courses, you’ll take leveling courses to help you establish proficiency in statistics, accounting, and finance (these can often be waived by relevant undergraduate experience). 

Then, you’ll move on to core courses in niches like accounting, quantitative analysis, computer application and technology, corporate finance, economic theory, marketing, business integration, and international business. You’ll complete a capstone course of either an MBA portfolio or a Research Methods in Business and Economics course. You’ll also be able to take up to nine hours of MBA courses for various specializations.

With tuition costs that come in at less than $7,000 per year, West Texas A & M University offers some of the most affordable courses as part of its online MBA program. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, this degree provides learners with solid training in all fields of business, including corporate finance, management, economics, and accounting.

However, it’s far from a cookie-cutter degree. The program also comes with numerous concentration areas so that you can tailor your studies to your unique career interests. Some of the most frequently sought-after specializations include general business, computer information systems, marketing, management, healthcare management, and more.

When you enroll, you’ll be matched with an advisor to help create a personalized plan of study. Your advisor will work closely with you to make sure you are taking the courses that are necessary for your intended career path and for degree conferral.

Ranked as one of the Best Regional Universities in the West and Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report, West Texas A&M University also offers an MBA that is top-ranked by this publication, too. Ready to apply? After creating an unofficial personalized plan of study, you’ll need to submit your materials to the Graduate Business Programs Office. Required materials include transcripts, a statement of goals, three letters of recommendation, and GMAT test scores. In many cases, you can qualify for a GMAT waiver (such as if you had a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher). 

#8. SUNY College at Oswego

Master of Business Administration

Having been around for more than 150 years, SUNY Oswego in Oswego, NY has been challenging the limitations of higher education and offering motivated learners unique ways to earn their degrees. With a commitment to providing transformative education, this school offers one of the best—and most unique—online MBA degree programs. 

Founded in 1861, SUNY Oswego offers more than 40 different master’s programs and 70 different minors. With an average class size of just 24 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of just 17:1, this school offers aspiring MBA candidates with one of the most hands-on training programs of its kind. In fact, more than 800 students participate in internships, cooperative learning experiences, and other career-building opportunities each year. 

They’re guided by faculty with extensive expertise. In fact, 88% of full-time faculty hold the highest degrees in their field. The program is accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. In fact, it’s one of less than 5% of business schools worldwide to earn such an accreditation. 

The curriculum of this degree is flexible and adaptable. You’ll be able to pursue your passions after completing your foundational coursework and to pursue unique specialization in public accounting, business administration, and health services administration. SUNY College at Oswego also offers an advanced certificate in nursing home administration that is available entirely online. 

You can start your courses at any time during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Admission is rolling, meaning you can apply whenever it’s most convenient for you. You can take courses at the main campus, at the Syracuse campus, or exclusively online, depending on your needs and goals. Most students will take just two years to complete their degrees.

You will take 36 total graduate credit hours of core courses along with directed electives. Twenty-one credit hours will help to build your foundational training in the foundational skills, concepts, and principles of management. 

Not only that, but this degree is affordable, too. New York State residents pay an average of $625 per credit hour. More than $84 million is granted in financial aid and other scholarships each year, with 89% of all students receiving some form of financial aid.

There’s a great return on investment here, too. Ninety-four percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education after graduation, with 89% working in their field of choice. If you’re wondering how students can be so successful, the answer is simple. Not only do they have access to extensive academic and career-building opportunities while enrolled in their studies, but students are also invited to tap into an alumni network that’s over 87,000 past students strong.

You don’t have to take our word for it, either. SUNY College at Oswego is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the country. Not only is it regarded as a Top 10 Public “Best Regional Universities-North” as well as a Top 10 “Best Value School-North” by the U.S. News & World Report, but the online MBA is specifically cited as the best of its kind in New York State. 

#9. Fayetteville State University

Master of Business Administration

As the second-oldest state-assisted institution in North Carolina, Fayetteville State University is a member of the University of North Carolina system and has quite a storied history.

It was founded in 1867 and remains one of the top economic drivers of the region’s growth. A major resource for cultural and community enrichment, the school encourages faculty and students to work, study, and partner with local businesses, institutions, and military organizations. In fact, since 2009, the school community has completed over 100,000 hours of service in the local area.

With rock-bottom tuition, Fayetteville State University offers one of the most affordable online MBA degree programs in the entire country. Here, the online degree is designed for business professionals who are already committed to their line of work. The program is designed with ten potential concentrations so that you can tailor your studies toward your unique interests. 

For example, you might choose to pursue a concentration in finance—or one in healthcare management. Other options include marketing, business intelligence and data analytics, international business, supply chain management, and more. The school is top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, regarded as one of the Best Regional Universities in the South and a Top Public School, too. 

Can’t decide on a concentration? You don’t have to settle for just one pathway. The school also makes it possible for learners to complete an additional certificate. Certificates are available in project management, healthcare management, cybersecurity management, and business. 

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll benefit from a flexible and affordable way for you to pursue your goals. You’ll be able to access live and fully recorded lectures as well as some of the industry’s best software tools. With these tools and learning techniques, you’ll remain constantly connected to an outstanding business community. 

You will be able to graduate in as little as 24 months or spend as long as 72 months completing your degree. Most students will take about two classes each semester as they complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of study. Classes are divided into five- and eight-week terms. 

As one of the most affordable MBA programs in the country as well as one of the most affordable in the University of North Carolina system, this degree offers learners the ability to take courses from any other UNC campuses through UNC online. You’ll enjoy substantial discounts and financial aid opportunities, particularly if you are an active-duty military member or veteran.

To apply, you will need to submit all materials ten days prior to the first day of classes in a given semester. Because of this short timeline, applying is easy and convenient. You will need to submit transcripts showing that you earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited intuition with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. You will also need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, though these can often be waived if your undergraduate GPA was high. 

Other required materials include letters of recommendation and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if you are a speaker of a native language other than English.

#10. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Master of Business Administration

Multiple start dates. One hundred percent online coursework. Dozens of degrees across many areas of study. Oh, and super low tuition, too. What more could you possibly want from a university?

At Southeastern Oklahoma State University, you can truly have your cake and eat it, too. This school offers one of the best online Master of Business Administration degrees. It’s just one of many exemplary degrees offered here, with other popular Southeastern Oklahoma State programs including those in sports administration, Native American leadership, education, and more.

Located in Durant, OK, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a small university with fewer than 5,000 students, many of whom study exclusively online. This school caters specifically to nontraditional learners, with a population of 51% first-generation college students (and a median student age of 28.2). Ninety percent of students receive some form of financial aid, too, making this one of the most diverse and most accessible schools for students of all kinds.

Here, you’ll have access to a quality education that will help you serve the needs of the region, the country, and the world. You will build your social, personal, and academic well-being as you progress through your coursework and gain expertise in core business areas. 

Offered by the John Massey School of Business, this program is one of the best. It features core courses such as Behavioral Management, Research Methods, Marketing Management, and Data Analysis for Managers. Although all students, regardless of their concentration, will take the same MBA core courses, there is also plenty of room for you to customize your studies by taking electives in a specialization area.

The online MBA has multiple specializations. You can choose from a variety of concentrations, including those in general business, accounting, aerospace logistics, data analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare information systems, human resources, management, marketing, Native American leadership, project management, safety, strategic communication, and leadership.

Most of these concentrations consist of 36 credit hours of study with tuition that’s incredibly affordable at just $330 per credit hour. In most cases, you can earn a degree in just 12 months. These accelerated programs require no GMAT for admission. You don’t even have to have a bachelor’s degree in business—in fact, as long as you complete four one-week online leveling courses, no background knowledge or expertise is required. 

You’ll benefit from real-world experiences that will make it easy for you to apply what you have learned to your career almost immediately. You’ll learn from faculty who are industry experts and will work closely with you to help you develop your skills in business and management. You’ll build your foundational knowledge in a number of areas, including finance, analytics, accounting, strategy, marketing, and ethics. 

In doing so, you will not only expand your professional competencies, but you’ll also increase your marketability for a wide variety of careers, including those in business, leadership, and executive-level positions.

To apply, you will simply need to complete an online application and submit evidence of a completed bachelor’s degree. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Fitchburg State University

Location: Fitchburg, MA

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $3,828

Website

#12. Tarleton State University

Location: Stephenville, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $7,024

Website

#13. University of South Dakota

Location: Vermillion, SD

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,835

Website

#14. Western Illinois University

Location: Macomb, IL

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $11,604

Website

#15. University of Hartford

Location: West Hartford, CT

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $13,055

Website

#16. University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Location: Odessa, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $5,085

Website

#17. Fort Hays State University

Location: Hays, KS

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $4,266

Website

#18. Louisiana Tech University

Location: Ruston, LA

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $9,603

Website

#19. Texas A & M University-Commerce

Location: Commerce, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,424

Website

#20. Midwestern State University

Location: Wichita Falls, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $5,634

Website

#21. West Liberty University

Location: West Liberty, WV

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $5,920

Website

#22. Prairie View A & M University

Location: Prairie View, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,968

Website

#23. University of Maine

Location: Orono, ME

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $9,106

Website

#24. Southern Arkansas University

Location: Magnolia, AR

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,234

Website

#25. Arkansas State University

Location: Jonesboro, AR

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,210

Website

#26. Frostburg State University

Location: Frostburg, MD

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $10,324

Website

#27. Mississippi State University

Location: Mississippi State, MS

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $8,650

Website

#28. Missouri State University

Location: Springfield, MO

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,038

Website

#29. Henderson State University

Location: Arkadelphia, AR

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $6,126

Website

#30. Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $7,328

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 HIGHEST PAYING MASTER’S DEGREES & 40 BEST NO-GMAT ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS!

The food we eat has an impact on how we feel. But it goes beyond that. It also impacts social problems like rising healthcare costs and chronic disease.

The time for solid dietary education is now. It’s never been more relevant. With a master’s in food science and technology, you can make a real impact.

Why is it so difficult for so many to eat healthy food every meal? What is a healthy meal? What societal issues impact the way people eat? You’ll answer all these questions while earning your food science degree. 

It makes sense that the food and nutrients we ingest have a prime role in keeping us healthy and happy. The saying, “You are what you eat” doesn’t seem far from the truth. A master’s in food science and technology can give you the tools to change people’s lives. 

What better job satisfaction can you have than that?

So what will you learn in a master’s program in food science and technology? They teach students nutrition and health information. There is also an emphasis on the business aspects of health. You’ll even learn about the development of management and leadership skills. The learning of these broad skills sets a foundation for future success. That’s true no matter the career you choose. 

What Will You Study in an Online Master’s in Food Science Degree?

Core food science courses graduate students might take in a master’s in food science will cover topics like:

• Food safety
• Current problems and trends in the food industry
• Nutrition and food technology 
• Food safety regulations and food law
• Food processing
• Food microbiology
• Scientific knowledge and research programs
• Medical nutrition therapy
• Functional nutrition
• Food industry practices
• Food systems and food research
• Food business management
• General chemistry and advanced food chemistry
• Food engineering
• Quality control and quality assurance in food safety
• Life sciences
• Scientific principles of basic nutrition
• Food biotechnology
• Sensory evaluation
• Safe food practices and critical control points
• Food analysis and nutritional assessment 
• Science and technical aspects of food preservation (often fruit and vegetable products) 
• Public health policy
• Hazard analysis
• Agricultural science
• Food commodities

As you can see, the online classes listed above are quite diverse. Each food science program teaches students about different aspects of the entire food chain. Each online masters in food science is different. Some focus more on functional nutrition, while others focus on public health. Ask questions to find the online masters in food science that will best help you meet your goals!

Many online master’s in food science degrees also include food science courses as part of the food science program that prepare students to sit for a food safety certification exam. You may even be able to take courses that allow you to explore personal and professional interests in food systems. You may even complete a dietetics internship program!

Overall, an online master’s degree in food science will help you develop the essential skills you need to meet your academic and career goals. Whether you want to work directly with food products in labs or you’d rather conduct research on pathogens, you can take courses to match your interests. You’ll gain strong practical skills, like communication and critical thinking skills, as well.

What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Food Science Degree?

With a master’s in food science, job options include:

• Agricultural and food scientists
• Food science technicians
• Health educators
• Registered dietitian nutritionists
• Food technologists 
• Agricultural professionals
• Food science technology development and research
• Administrators and policymakers in food regulatory affairs

Food science professionals are in demand in a variety of professions all around the world. An online master’s in food science degree will go a long way in preparing you for these roles! In some cases, you may even gain the background necessary to pursue ancillary programs like those in veterinary medicine or other scientific disciplines, too.

Admission Requirements and Financial Aid for an Online Master’s in Food Science Degree

Admission requirements for an online Master’s in Food Science degree vary among accredited institutions. International applicants may be required to provide TOEFL scores and transcripts in their native language. However, academic standards vary.

Applicants should expect to submit an online application, at least two letters of recommendation, and their curriculum vitae.

Some programs may have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Others require prerequisite courses in food science and human nutrition. Work experience in the food industry may be required. There’s often a recommended minimum of at least two years.

The application process may also entail a GRE requirement, a comprehensive exam. It’s crucial to research each program’s application requirements and deadlines. Some programs offer rolling admissions. Others may only allow spring or fall admission. Start dates may also vary.

Financial aid opportunities for an online Master’s in Food Science vary from program to program. Some programs offer scholarships, work-study programs, and graduate assistantships.

Find the Best Master’s in Food Science Degree

Why do we choose to pay attention to affordability in this post? Education has become so expensive in the past few decades. You know that! Many master’s graduates are drowning in educational loan debt. Many regret the decision to go back to school. 

Education can be affordable. It can provide a good return on investment. But it takes diligence. You must search out programs that offer a top-notch education. But it should be at prices that don’t have you mortgaging your house to earn your degree. 

We get it. You’re busy with everything else you have going on in your life. That’s why we created this review. We want you to have the most accurate information so you can make a well-informed decision. 

Without further ado, let’s get started in our ranking of the most affordable online masters in food science. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Food and Science Technology Online

What Are the Best Affordable Online Master’s in Food Science and Technology Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Affordable Online Masters in Food Science and Technology Degrees

#1. East Carolina University

Master of Science in Nutrition

East Carolina University is the fourth-largest university in the state. It has a population of more than 29,000 students. The Pirates are fond of purple and gold, the school’s official colors. PeeDee the Pirate is the school’s mascot. You can see him at NCAA Division I sporting events. Planning to visit this university in person? Call ahead to get a tour guide. The school is composed of three campuses covering close to 1,500 acres.

But you don’t have to study on campus to access the phenomenal Master of Science in Nutrition. 

The Master of Science in Nutrition from East Carolina University is designed for dietitians knowledgeable in food science. It’s also great for those without this extensive background. This is an online food science program. It’s not offered on campus. Those living in Alabama, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Maryland, and Ohio will have to look for another food science program. This university doesn’t offer online courses to students in these states.

The MS in nutrition has 33 semester hours of coursework. Students can choose between a thesis option and a non-thesis option. The thesis option asks students to travel to the main campus to complete their degree. The non-thesis option includes a research project. Both the thesis option and the non-thesis option consist of the same core curriculum. It includes: 

• Human Nutrition in Physiology and Metabolism
• Biostatistics for Health Professionals I
• Methods in Nutrition Research

The research/professional practice component of the food science program is unique. This is where the options diverge. The non-thesis option has:

• Management in Dietetics
• Review of Current Literature
• Seminar in Nutrition

The thesis option includes two classes. These have three credit hours each: 

• Biostatistics for Health Professionals 
• Seminar in Nutrition

The university asks students to have extensive knowledge of nutrition and science. All incoming students must have taken the following:

• A general biology course
• A survey of human physiology class and lab
• A general chemistry class and lab
• An organic chemistry class and lab
• Nutrition science
• Advanced vitamins and minerals
• Nutritional biochemistry and metabolism
• Life cycle nutrition

#2.  Texas Tech University

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Until 1969, Texas Tech University was called Texas Technological College. It opened in 1923. TTU has a student body of almost 40,000 students. It is the seventh-largest university in Texas. The school’s mascot, the Masked Rider, was first called the Ghost Rider. It’s reminiscent of Zorro wearing the school’s scarlet and black colors. Texas Tech University counts among its alumni CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, astronauts, and professional athletes.

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Texas Tech University is designed for practicing dietitians. It’s also great for students finishing their dietetic internships.

This 33-credit hour food science program provides in-depth knowledge of food science. Students gain the skills needed to conduct nutritional science research. This is a non-thesis degree. It focuses on applicable clinical knowledge instead of extensive research. You will learn this skill, though, too.

Four courses form the core requirement of this degree. These include:

• Introduction to Nutrition Research
• Biostatistics in Nutrition
• Clinical Application: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids
• Clinical Applications: Vitamins and Minerals

After completing the core requirements, students can select between 14 different elective courses. Options include:

• Nutrition Support to Nutrition
• Eating Disorders to Pediatric Nutrition

Students may add a concentration to their degree. This is done by taking three courses of nine credit hours of coursework. The three concentrations are:

• Nutrition and Healthy Weight
• Nutrition and Sports
• Nutrition in the Life Cycle

#3.  University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Sciences

This university opened in 1869. The University of Nebraska system has 52,000 students spread over three university campuses. There’s also one medical school, one agricultural college, and one high school. 

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the flagship institution of the system. It contains almost half of all the students in the system. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is represented by two mascots. These are Herbie Husker and Lil’ Red. Students are nicknamed the Cornhuskers. This makes more sense when you learn that the school’s original mascots were Corn Cob and then Husker Man.

The Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences of the University of Nebraska offers a Master of Science in nutrition and health science. The university offers food science programs for all types of students and backgrounds. There’s an online Master of Science in dietetics for registered dietitians. There’s also an on-campus Master of Science in nutrition and health sciences. This comes with specializations in either biochemical and molecular nutrition or community nutrition and health promotion. All degrees except the Master of Science in dietetics for RD’s allow students to select a minor along with their major.

The biochemical and molecular nutrition option has 30-credit hours of coursework. At least 20-credit hours are composed of coursework. The remaining ten credit hours are thesis research. 

Examples of courses include:

• Molecular Nutrition
• Molecular Nutritional Techniques
• Integrated Principles of Human Nutrition
• Complications of Maternal Obesity

The community nutrition and health promotion track is a 36-credit hour degree. It allows students to select a specialization. This is in either community nutrition and health promotion or nutrition and exercise. This is a non-thesis degree option. You will take classes such as:

• Classroom and Outreach Experiences in Food and Nutrition
• Nutrition: A focus on Life Stages
• Community Nutrition

#4.  University of Alabama

Master of Science in Human Nutrition

The University of Alabama is the oldest public university in the state. It opened in 1820. This university was involved in the Civil War, providing Confederate troops to the effort. 

Today, the school is known for having one of the winningest football teams in American history. It’s had 17 national championships and 59 bowl appearances. The school’s mascot is Big Al. This is an elephant that was first conceived by Walt Tart, a university student. Walt Disney built the school’s first costume.

The Master of Science in Human Nutrition is for serious students who want to advance as a dietitian or pursue doctoral work. The food science program was designed for registered dietitians. Yet it’s also great for those with a nutrition background. Those meeting the prerequisites can enroll in the food science program. 

You’ll have to complete 30 credit hours of coursework to complete the Master of Science in human nutrition program. The food science program allows students to select a concentration. Options include: 

• Clinical nutrition
• Community nutrition
• Generalist

The generalist track asks that students take five core classes and five elective classes. 

Students in the generalist track take:

• Biostatistics
• Research Methods
• Metabolism of Energy Nutrients
• Advanced Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism
• either Maternal and Infant Nutrition or Nutrition Support for the Critically Ill

The community nutrition track has eight core courses and two elective courses. The courses in this track include:

• Community Nutrition I
• Community Nutrition II
• Maternal and Infant Nutrition
• Child and Adolescent Nutrition
• Research Methods
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• either Childhood Obesity or Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease

If you choose the clinical track, you’ll take seven core classes and three elective classes. The core classes in the Clinical track include:

• Advanced Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism
• Metabolism of Energy Nutrients
• Nutrition Support for the Critically Ill
• Research Methods, Biostatistics
• either Childhood Obesity or Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease

#5.  North Dakota State University

Master of Science in Dietetics

North Dakota Agricultural College opened in the late 19th century. It later became North Dakota State University. This university has a student body of over 13,000 students. It is a top ten employer in North Dakota. The NCAA Division I sports teams of this school are often referred to as the Thundering Herd. The school mascot is a bison named Thundar. If you decide to attend this school, you’ll start to see a lot more green and yellow! These are the official school colors.

North Dakota State University is another school with a food science program that caters to each student’s unique food science goals. The school develops leaders in exercise, nutrition, and health. These are leaders who make a real impact on the world. 

Students can pursue either a Master of Science in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science (HNES) or a Master of Science in Dietetics. The latter is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance.

The Master of Science in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science has concentrations in either exercise/nutrition science or leadership in physical education and sports. The exercise/nutrition science option has three pathways. 

Plan A for this degree has 31 credit hours of coursework. Students must complete a thesis. This plan has six core courses. These include:

• Seminar Introduction to HNES 
• Introduction to Research Design and Methods in HNES
• Applied Statistics
• Graduate Exercise Physiology
• Nutrition and Wellness
• Physical Activity Epidemiology

Students must take nine credit hours of electives and six credit hours of thesis work.

The plan B option involves a paper that reviews the existing literature of a particular subject. The option consists of the same six core courses. It differs from option A in that students will take 12 credit hours of electives. There are one to three credit hours to write their review paper. 

Plan C asks students to complete an internship or capstone experience. Students will take:

• Seminar Introduction to HNES
• Graduate Exercise Physiology
• Nutrition and Wellness
• 12 or more credit hours in electives

They will also complete an internship or independent study.

The Master of Science in Dietetics is a 36-credit hour food science program. There are three courses at the food science program’s core. These include courses in:

• current issues and trends
• basic statistics
• research methods

Students gain a broad knowledge base of nutrition. They take 21 to 24 credit hours in electives. Students complete a thesis, comprehensive paper, or comprehensive project.

#6.  Colorado State University

Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition

Colorado State University opened in 1870. This was six years before Colorado achieved statehood. CSU counts almost 34,000 students among its student body. There are 5,000 online students. The CSU Rams play in NCAA Division I sports. They have amassed nine Mountain West tournament championships. The school’s mascot called CAM is a live ram. The school colors are green, gold, and white.

The Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition combines the science of food, the psychology of human behavior, and the management aspects of care. This food science program hones your research skills while developing critical thinking. You can combine research with the real-world practice of dietetics. The food science program is for those who are licensed as dietitians. Those without a nutrition background should look at other food science programs. These will provide the education needed to become a dietitian.

The Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition is a 37-credit hour food science program. It’s part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA). This is is a program with eight other universities. They collaborate to provide students with the best knowledge. They’re taught by some of the top professors in the nation. Partner universities will teach some classes. But once you’ve completed the degree requirement, you’ll receive a diploma from your home university. In this case, that’s Colorado State University.

The core curriculum for this food science online program consists of these classes: 

• Group Study
• Research Methods in Dietetics 
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Principles of Quantitative Data Analysis
• Issues in Dietetic Practice
• Micronutrients

Students can study what interests them during the 15 credit hours of elective courses. Students complete a comprehensive research paper to demonstrate theknowledge gained through this food science online program. The research paper courses account for six credit hours of coursework.

#7.  University of Central Missouri

Master of Science in Nutrition with a Concentration in Clinical Nutrition

The University of Central Missouri is small compared to other schools we’ve covered. It offers a stellar Master of Science in Nutrition program. 

The school is home to around 14,000 students. It traces its history back to 1871 under the name of the Normal School No. 2. The school changed its name from Central Missouri State University to its current version, the University of Central Missouri, in 2006. Mo the Mule is the school’s mascot. He is depicted as a cardinal colored mule on a black background. This corresponds to the school’s official colors.

The Master of Science in Nutrition program from the University of Central Missouri prepares students to become lifelong learners. The online master’s in food science online program is ideal for registered dietitians, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians. It provides in-depth knowledge of nutritional counseling techniques. It helps them become more proficient in applying nutritional principles in clinical settings. 

This is a new online master’s in food science program that was created to keep up with the new guidelines by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These require RD’s to have at least a master’s degree by 2024.

Those in the Master of Science in Nutrition program at the University of Central Missouri’s School of Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Psychological Sciences can choose to concentrate their studies. This is in either clinical nutrition or sports nutrition. The sports nutrition option is a hybrid food science online program. It includes some on-ground visits. The clinical nutrition option is 100% online.

There is both a thesis option and a non-thesis option. The thesis option has 30-semester hours of coursework. The non-thesis option has 33-semester hours of work. 

The core curriculum of the clinical nutrition option for the online master’s in food science consists of three courses. These are: 

• Nutrition Across the Lifespan
• Macronutrients
• Micronutrients

The thesis option for the online master’s in food science has 12 semester hours in research classes. These are: 

• Statistics in Kinesiology 
• Introduction to Research in Kinesiology
• Thesis

Non-thesis students will take six semester hours in research. Courses include:

• Seminars in Nutrition and Statistics in Kinesiology
• Introduction to Research in Kinesiology

Students in both the thesis option and the non-thesis option can choose electives. Those in the thesis option take nine semester hours. Those in the non-thesis option take 18 semester hours of electives.

#8.  Framingham State University

Master of Education with a Concentration in Nutrition Education and a Specialization in Nutrition Education.

Framingham State University is a small NCAA Division III school. It serves 6,500 students each year. Of these, 4,500 are undergraduate students. 

Framingham State University traces its establishment back to 1839. It first opened as The Normal School of Lexington. It counts astronauts, politicians, intellectuals, and the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie, Ruth Graves Wakefield, among its alumni. The ram is Framingham State University’s mascot. Its colors are gold and black.

The Master of Education with a concentration in Nutrition Education from Framingham State University differs from other degrees. This online master’s in food science teaches educators how to develop an effective nutrition education curriculum. The degree is not specific for registered dietitians. It’s agood choice for:

• school nutrition directors
• health and physical education teachers
• nutrition professionals
• health educators

The Master of Education with a concentration in Nutrition Education is a 30-credit hour program. It has ten graduate courses. The core curriculum is divided into education core courses and nutrition core courses. 

The education core curriculum includes:

• Learning and Human Development
• Research Methods in Nutrition
• Nutrition Education Programs and Curricula I: Design
• The nutrition core has four classes. These include:
• Contemporary Nutrition Issues for Educators
• Technology in Nutrition Education
• Public Health Nutrition
• a capstone course

Students in this online master’s in food science must select three graduate-level elective courses from a list of nine options.

You’ll be taught by professional dietitians, many of whom have doctoral degrees. Classes are held in course rotations. Certain classes are available just during specific semesters. You’ll want to make sure that you plan out your degree. 

Unlike on-campus students, online graduate students can take their comprehensive examinations online. 

#9.  University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Online Master of Science in Health Sciences with a Concentration in Nutrition

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is one of the newest schools on this list. It may also be one of the most innovative. The school opened in 2013. It is a major public university of the 21st century. It’s the first of its kind in Texas. The school combines the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College and the University of Texas–Pan American. Close to 30,000 students attend this university. This is throughout the school’s six locations. The school’s athletes play in NCAA Division I athletics. The school’s colors are orange, gray, green, and navy.

The Master of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition is unique. It prepares students for management positions in the nutrition field. This degree combines aspects of public health, nutrition, and management degrees. 

The school notes that this degree does not qualify graduates to sit for the exam to become a registered dietitian. If this is your goal, your best bet is to find another food science online program.

The MS in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition is a 36-credit hour program. It takes students, on average, one year to complete. Classes exist in an accelerated seven-week format. The tuition for this food science online program is affordable as well. 

This online master’s in food science degree is composed of six core courses. These include:

• Health Computer Information Systems
• Introduction to the HealthCare System and Quality Improvement
• Health Care Policy, Organization and Financing
• Research in Health Sciences
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
• Professional Proposal Writing

The nutrition specialization portion of this online master’s in food science degree has six courses. These include:

• Pathophysiology of Disease
• Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle
• Prevention and Treatment of Obesity
• Integrative Nutrition
• Nutrition in Diabetes Patient Care
• Perspectives and Treatment Modalities of Eating Disorders

#10.  North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Master of Nutrition

You may know Raleigh, North Carolina, as the capital of the state. But this city is also known for so much more. Raleigh was established in the late 18th century. It is named after Sir Walter Raleigh. He is most famous for being the sponsor of the infamous Roanoke lost colony. This city has given birth to powerful and influential figures in American history, such as Andrew Johnson, the 17th US President.

If you’re looking for an online master’s in food science that emphasizes real-world practical nutrition skills, then look no further than the Master of Nutrition from North Carolina State University. This is a 36-credit hour food science online program. It allows students to take courses from various departments within the university. They gain a broad knowledge base from multiple subject areas. 

Students can select between a non-thesis option, a professional science Master of Nutrition in Human Nutrition, or a professional science Master of Nutrition in Feed Science.

The professional science programs lack research related classes.

The professional science options are focused more on practical science topics. These are the ones you’re most likely to encounter in your current or future job. 21 to 24 credit hours are dedicated to science courses. The remaining 12 to 15 credit hours are allocated to professional skill development. Professional skill development can take many forms. This includes:

• consulting with current and future employers
• presenting and teaching scientific information
• management skills

Students in this online master’s in food science will take:

• Principles of Biochemistry or Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism
• Master’s Seminar or Feed Mill Operations and Leadership
• Biochemistry of Gene Expression or Regulations of Metabolism

Students who choose the professional science master option will take courses such as:

• Food Laws and Regulations
• Government & Public Administration
• Laboratory Management and Safety in TED

OTHER NOTABLE FOOD SCIENCE ONLINE PROGRAMS

#11. Bowling Green State University, Main Campus

Location: Bowling Green, Ohio

Degree: Master of Food and Nutrition

Net Price: $17,508.00

Website

#12. Lasell University

Location: Newton, Massachusetts

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition for Human Performance

Net Price: $28,988.00

Website

#13. Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Degree: Master of Science in Dietetics

Net Price: $21,600.00

Website

#14. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Location: Brownsville, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Health Sciences in Nutrition

Net Price: $16,000.00

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#15. University of North Florida

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Net Price: $10,809.00

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#16. North Carolina Central University

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Degree: M.S. Family & Consumer Science with Nutritional Sciences Concentration

Net Price: $12,470.00

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#17. Mansfield University

Location: Mansfield, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition

Net Price: $18,792.00

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#18. University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences

Net Price: $21,158.00

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#19. Ball State University

Location: Muncie, Indiana

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Net Price: $13,642.00

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#20. University of Georgia

Location: Athens, Georgia

Degree: Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition

Net Price: $18,870.00

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#21. Arizona State University-Skysong

Location: Tempe, Arizona

Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Science (Dietetics)

Net Price: $14,166.00

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#22. Kansas State University

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Degree: Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences Master’s Degree

Net Price: $18,333.00

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#23. University of Memphis

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition: Environmental Nutrition

Net Price: $13,174.00

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#24. Auburn University

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition

Net Price: $17,589.00

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#25. University of Kansas

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

Degree: Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition

Net Price: $15,781.00

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#26. West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Science in Community Nutrition

Net Price: $19,091.00

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#27. South Dakota State University

Location: Brookings, South Dakota

Degree: Master of Science in Dietetics

Net Price: $18,253.00

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#28. University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology with an Emphasis in Nutrition

Net Price: $13,460.00

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#29. Texas Woman’s University

Location: Denton, Dallas, and Houston, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition

Net Price: $15,000.00

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#30. University of North Dakota

Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition

Net Price: $15,374.00

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#31. University of Southern Mississippi

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Degree: Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems

Net Price: $18,190.00

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#32. University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin, TX

Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS)

Net Price: $14,156.00

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#33. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Degree: Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition

Net Price: $14,169.00

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