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Do you have outstanding attention to detail? Do you love investigating bugs, glitches, and tiny parts in computer software and hardware systems?

If so, a master’s degree in computer engineering might be the right choice for you. As a computer engineer, you need to have a knack for finding tiny details along with patience and persistence when it comes to solving challenging problems.

For many students, the biggest problem in earning a master’s degree has nothing to do with the technical issues they might investigate as a computer engineer. The biggest problem is one of convenience. 

Getting an online degree can solve that problem since it will allow you to pursue your education from the comfort of your own home. 

How do you know if an online master’s in computer engineering is right for you—and if it’s a quality program?

An online program is a perfect choice for just about anyone. If you crave the convenience and flexibility of an online program, whether that’s because you’re a single parent trying to navigate childcare options for your kids, a busy working professional, or just someone who would prefer to study at home, then an online degree is right for you.

Now, how to find the perfect fit?

In the past, online degrees had a reputation for being somehow “less than.” Critics argued that the quality of education wasn’t as high as if you were receiving your training on-campus. They said that online education providers were shoddy and didn’t provide students with the proper caliber of career training.

Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. As they rise in popularity across all disciplines, online degrees are not only just as good but are often better than their on-campus counterparts. They offer convenience and often are more affordable, too. After all, even if tuition rates are the same for online and on-campus learners, you won’t have to pay for “hidden” expenses like transportation, room and board, and student activity fees.

While online programs are no different (in terms of their quality) than on-campus degrees, that’s not to say that they are all made alike. There are a few tips you should follow to make sure you get the best possible education for your time and money. 

When applying to college degrees of any level, major, or type, always look for a degree that is accredited. Accreditation is essential because it means you can receive federal and state financial aid, transfer credits in and out, and will be getting a quality education. Regional accreditation is something to keep an eye out for. If you can’t find information about this on a school’s website, call to confirm. 

 For computer engineering, you need to get even more specific in your search. Look for programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and TEchnology. If you can, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to campus or do a virtual tour (even though you know you’ll never set foot there as an actual student).

Taking some time to investigate and research everything you can about the school and the program, from the instructors to the student organizations to the financial aid that is available, will help you make an informed decision. That way, you can find the best possible online masters in computer engineering to help you meet your goals!  

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What Are the Best Computer Engineering Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See Also: 10 Best Computer Engineering Graduate Schools

#1. University of Florida

Online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Located in Gainesville, FL, the University of Florida was founded in 1853. Just a couple of miles from the downtown area, the physical campus has a lot to offer prospective students. However, the online campus is just as vibrant.

The University of Florida offers the best online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the unique EDGE (Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering) portal. Here, you will be taught by the same talented instructors who work on-campus, but all of your courses will be delivered exclusively online.

You’ll take 30 credit hours (or ten three-credit courses) but you can choose your own path. You can take up to three classes per semester, take just one class at a time, or even take a full semester off with no penalties. You can take additional online courses to supplement your degree, choosing from pathways in fields like computer science, innovation, entrepreneurship, and other engineering departments.

And if you decide that studying on-campus is right for you, you can “hybridize” your degree and take classes in a traditional format, too. Whichever avenue you choose to pursue, you will take core classes in topics like:

• Foundations of Digital Signal Processing
• Stochastic Methods for Engineering
• VLSI Circuits and Technology
• Principles of Computer System Design

You can also choose to tack on an additional certificate to your degree. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida offers such certificate programs as:

• Hardware and Systems Security
• Microsystem Technology
• Machine Learning

For all of this, you might expect tuition rates to be astronomical. That’s not the case. In fact, Florida residents pay just $448.73 per credit hour, while non-residents pay just a couple hundred dollars more. You’ll be charged a distance learning fee but don’t have to worry about things like activity and service fees, transportation, and health fees, as you might on-campus. Plus, there’s plenty of financial aid to go around!

#2.  Texas A&M University 

Online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering 

Are you ready to become an Aggie? When you enroll at Texas A&M University, even if you are studying online, that is what you’ll be! 

The school spirit and pride are strong at Texas A&M University, located in College Station, TX. Here, you can join more than 1000 different student organizations or stick to your coursework in the Dwight Look College of Engineering, the Mays Business School, or the College of Education and Human Development.

A major research institution, Texas A&M University offers a variety of programs online as well as abroad, including in places like Qatar. 

You will take 30 semester credit hours of approved courses in this non-thesis degree. You’ll be able to choose from one of seven focus areas as you complete your degree requirements and final project. Options include:

• analog and mixed signal
• device science and nanotechnology
• information science and systems
• electromagnetics and microwaves
• computer engineering systems
• biomedical imaging, sensing, and genomic signal processing

As you complete your courses, you will be able to conduct cutting-edge research in your area of interest. Your courses will prepare you both for research and development careers in industry or to pursue a doctoral degree. 

While you study, even in a distance learning format, you’ll be able to tap into all kinds of resources offered by this department. You can receive free tutoring or join student organizations. There are countless options to choose from, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Eta Kappa Nu—the Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society, and the IEEE PELS/IAS/PES Joint Student Chapter. These activities will help you network with other majors and alumni and gain valuable real-world experience. 

#3.  Florida International University 

Online Master’s in Computer Engineering 

A public university founded in 1972, Florida International University isn’t the oldest university on this list by far—but it’s one of the best. This school in Miami, FL has a reputation as one of the Best Value Schools, top National Universities, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report. 

Offered by the College of Engineering and Computing, the online Master’s in Computer Engineering at Florida International University is one of the best in the country. The curriculum focuses heavily on leadership development and will enable you to earn a degree in as little as 10 months. That means less time in the classroom and more time doing what you love!

Although the Master’s in Computer Engineering here is available with multiple concentrations, it is only the specialty in Network Security that is available exclusively online. It will teach you how to protect and defend networks from attacks and cybercrime while also giving you the leadership skills you need to take on a managerial role.

You’ll be taught by faculty members who are leaders in the field and possess years of experience as computer engineers themselves. You’ll benefit from feedback and personal guidance every step of the way. Plus, you can acquire the most in-demand certifications, with options including:

• Certified Ethical Hacker
• Network+
• Security+ 

Even if you decide not to pursue these certifications, this degree is one to watch. It contains a highly relevant and constantly evolving curriculum that includes courses in key topics like ethical hacking, network security, malware analysis, and forensics. You’ll have all the skills you need to work alongside some of the most highly-regarded professionals in the industry.

All courses are offered within six eight-week terms. You’ll take 12 credits each semester, with core classes including:

• Random Signal Principles
• Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering
• Computer Communication Networks

A total of 30 credit hours are required. 

This school is one of the few in the United States that has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Because of the specialization, you will be equipped to work not only as a computer engineer (and in ancillary fields) but also as a network security specialist. 

Let’s not forget how affordable this program is, either. With a total tuition cost of $25,000, it offers an excellent return on investment. Plus, you can access Career Engage and associated scholarships to help you get ahead without having to take on student loans.

#4.  North Carolina State University at Raleigh 

Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University, often referred to simply as NC State, is the largest four-year college in the state. As a result, you’ll have plenty of academic offerings to choose from.

This top Master of Science in Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is one of the best online computer engineering master’s in the world. It is designed for individuals who already have undergraduate degrees in engineering disciplines and want to pursue graduate work specifically in computer engineering.

This is a program that does require the GRE, so give yourself plenty of time to take the test. That said, know that this degree is worth the extra effort. IT will prepare you in in-demand topics such as very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) systems, computer architecture and systems, networking, and more. It does not require a thesis. 

It’s offered by Engineering Online, a department at NC State that is ranked sixth in the country among online engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. The school has offered distance education in engineering since 1978 (more than 40 years!) and now has sixteen online graduate and certificate programs. 

You will complete 30 credit hours of study, or up to nine credit hours per semester. Most students complete their degrees in less than two years, but you have up to six to finish your degree if you’d rather progress your degree requirements more slowly. When you enroll, you will be assigned a personal academic advisor to help guide you in these sorts of decisions. 

In addition to the work you do in the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to work with partnering organizations to get hands-on experience in the field. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy affordable tuition. You’ll be billed at the on-campus rates and can apply for generous financial aid. 

#5.  Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Georgia Institute of Technology was founded in 1885. Referred to as Georgia Tech, this school is dedicated to research and career-oriented majors in things like the physical sciences, engineering, and business. 

With a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 19:1, it’s easy to see that you’ll get unparalleled attention from faculty and staff as a student here. However, it’s not just the quality of instruction that’s outstanding—it’s the quality of the courses you’ll take, too. The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech has a phenomenal Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering that can be completed entirely online. 

You’ll be able to choose from two start dates each year and enjoy low tuition rates of just $1,100 per credit hour. In addition to education loans, you can also benefit from veterans and employers’ tuition reimbursement benefits to help lower the cost of attendance. 

You will take core classes such as:

• Digital Image Processing
• Numerical Linear Algebra
• Computational Data Analysis
• Unsteady Aerodynamics

You’ll be able to choose from dozens of different electives to help you specialize and customize your degree. 

While you study, you will have access to all kinds of essential resources. You can tap into all the resources of the Georgia Tech library and download tools for collaboration like WebEx and Skype, often for free. Of course, the hands-on Student Services Team is always there to help with any questions or problems you might have, too. 

#6.  Iowa State University 

Online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering 

Iowa State University is a public university located in the small midwest town of Ames, IA. Despite the town’s pint-sized population, this school is one of the largest in the state. 

If you have a bachelor’s in computer engineering, you may want to consider the online computer engineering degree at Iowa State University. This master’s program is offered 100% online and is perfectly suited to working professionals who want to advance their careers. You only need to take one class per semester, letting you finish your degree in just five years.

Although the program is designed for students who already have a background in computer engineering, you can apply if you have skills and experience in other areas, too. You may have to take some prerequisite courses to catch up.

All in all, you’ll take at least 30 credit hours of coursework, 18 of which must be in electrical engineering or computer engineering. 

You can also complete up to three credit hours of independent study. Core classes include:

• Network Protocols and Security
• Real-Time Systems
• Information System Security
• Computer and Network Forensics
• Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling

In addition to your core courses, you can pursue a graduate certificate in topics like computer networking, cybersecurity, energy systems engineering, human-computer interaction, or embedded systems. These courses make it possible for you to earn graduate credits that can be applied toward the parallel master’s degree program. 

#7.  The University of Texas at Austin 

Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering 

The University of Texas at Austin offers multiple pathways for students to earn their degrees in electrical and computer engineering. There is an integrated Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering that can be completed at the same time (helping you save both time and money) or you can pursue a stand-alone Master of Science in Engineering.

The Master of Science in Engineering at Texas ECE offers eight different academic tracks. These include:

• architecture computer systems, and embedded systems
• bioECE, decision, information, and communications engineering
• electromagnetics and acoustics
• electronics, photonics, and quantum systems
• integrated circuits and systems
• power electronics and power systems
• software engineering and systems

Of course, you can always design your own track, too, benefiting from the immense variety of resources there are for interdisciplinary work at this university. You will be able to participate in state-of-the-art research institutions and projects with faculty researchers. You’ll be able to complete your studies in just four semesters of study, after which most graduates go on directly to work in the field or to apply to the Ph.D. program at the University of Texas.

While you work, you’ll be able to participate in all kinds of opportunities and organizations. The Cockrell School of Engineering has a well-established honors program along with a variety of major-specific student organizations. Some examples include the Electrical Longhorn Ladies in Engineering, Eta Kappa Nu, Graduate ECE, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

No matter which of these opportunities you choose to pursue, know that you will be supported in your endeavors by talented, engaged faculty. You won’t have to break the bank for that kind of service, either. Tuition rates are low and you can supplement your financial aid with things like graduate research assistantships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. There are additional departmental scholarships you can apply for, too. 

#8.  Florida Atlantic University 

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Florida Atlantic University, located in Boca Raton, FL, has an outstanding Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program can be completed by itself or in conjunction with the Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology if you want to graduate more quickly.

The Master of Science will prepare you for leadership roles in hardware engineering, network engineering, embedded systems engineering, and more. You can complete your studies entirely on campus, completely online, or in a combination of the two. 

Whichever you choose, you’ll take core classes like:

• Advanced Computer Architecture
• Multiprocessor Architecture
• Embedded Systems Design
• Structured VLSI Design
• Software Engineering
• Multimedia programming

You’ll take at least three core courses and seven electives for the non-thesis option, or three core courses, five electives, and six thesis credits if you select the thesis pathway. In total, you’ll complete about 30 credit hours of study. 

You can join as many student organizations and societies as you’d like. These groups plan special exhibits and activities, arrange social activities, tour companies, network with professional speakers and industry experts, and participate in national competitions. Some of the most popular include:

• Data Science and Machine Learning Club
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Engineering Student Council

Not only that, but you can choose to tack on additional certificates if you’d like to make your degree even more marketable. Available graduate certificate options include:

• cybersecurity
• energy resilience
• biomedical engineering
• big data analytics
• artificial intelligence

When you become a student here, you will enjoy low tuition rates and access to all kinds of financial aid. Each year, the department also provides generous graduate assistantships to new students. These cover a significant portion of tuition and offer a stipend along with teaching and research experience.

#9.  University of South Carolina-Columbia

Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering 

If you want to take your understanding of computer engineering outside of the box, you’ve got to consider the online Master of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

The fully online MS Computer Engineering here will prepare you to work in the application, development, design, and testing of new computer hardware (and its integration with software). You’ll be able to advance the field of computing through our studies as well as through the research projects and initiatives you carry out on campus, many of which are supported by collaborative efforts with local industries and government agencies. 

Your studies will allow you to take an in-depth look at the core topics of computer software algorithms, and compilers. There are both thesis- and non-thesis options available, allowing you to complete around 30 credit hours of study.

You can choose from multiple areas of specialization, including:

• the internet of things
• neuromorphic computing
• robotics and autonomous systems
• nanoscale electronics
• computer vision
• computer architecture and microarchitecture

The opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students at the University of South Carolina-Columbia are extensive. You will be able to network with alumni and other industry professionals and pursue hands-on research opportunities, a dedicated career center, and plenty of student organizations. 

Tuition is affordable, with the primary academic costs consisting of university tuition and fees. You can apply for a graduate fellowship to offset the cost of attendance. In fact, fellowships often provide all or part of a student’s funding, making it possible for some students to earn their degrees for practically free! 

#10.  University of Michigan-Dearborn

Online Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering 

The University of Michigan-Dearborn, located in Dearborn, MI, offers another one of the best online master’s programs in computer engineering. The 30-credit hour curriculum includes required core courses along with technical electives meant to expose you to hands-on experience with computers, microprocessor-based systems, high-[performance workstations, and more.

It can be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of the two. If you choose to study on campus as an alternative (or complement) to your online study, you’ll likely appreciate the fact that on-campus courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening hours.

However, you will get everything you need from studying online, too. It will provide you with a strong foundation in the theoretical techniques and principles of science, engineering, and mathematics that you need for advanced engineering development and design. You’ll also learn how to use all the tools that might be necessary in the modern computer engineering workforce. 

You will take core courses such as:

• Computer Networks
• Computer Architecture
• Embedded Systems
• Advanced Operating Systems

In addition, you can choose a concentration area to further customize your degree. Options include networks and communications, multimedia engineering, intelligent systems, and computer architecture and design.

As a student in this program, you’ll benefit from access to quality instructors, extensive opportunities for hands-on learning, and low tuition rates. There are dozens of scholarship opportunities available for new and returning students, along with fellowships, grants, and student loans. 

FAQs

How do you apply to a computer engineering degree?

Now that you’ve determined that a computer engineering degree might be right for you, it’s time to apply! 

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, ideally one in computer engineering. While you can sometimes apply for a master’s in computer engineering with a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you may be asked to complete additional prerequisite courses to help you “catch up” to your classmates. 

You will need to complete an online application and often, submit an application fee. You’ll typically be asked to submit transcripts from your undergraduate degree showing a minimum GPA of around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores are often required, as are essays that might detail your goals, background, or challenges you’ve overcome.

Finally, you may be asked to submit supplemental documents like letters of recommendation or a resume, too. 

What sorts of jobs are available to graduates of master’s programs in computer engineering? 

You can pursue just about any kind of computer engineering job with just a bachelor’s degree in this field. However, if you go the extra mile and earn a master’s degree, your opportunities will be much more plentiful. 

One of the most common jobs pursued by master’s in computer engineering graduates is that of a hardware engineer. As a hardware engineer, you’ll be able to design, research, develop, and test computer systems and their components. You will typically work in a research laboratory and specialize in manufacturing. 

Another common job is as a software developer. In this kind of job, you’ll work to design computer programs and applications. One position that is similar to this is as a software quality analyst and tester. In this role, you’ll identify problems with programs and applications, report defects, and recommend solutions. 

Is a master’s in computer engineering worth it?

Absolutely. Prospective computer engineers might wonder if the investment in an online degree—even an online degree—is worth the cost, both in terms of the time and money involved. The average salaries for computer engineers tend to be quite high. Here are some examples, but know that nine times out of ten, the average pay is well into the six figures range!

As a computer hardware engineer, the average salary is more than $119,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports for 2020. That’s more than $57 per hour. You Can increase this salary even more by pursuing additional certifications as part of your master’s degree or by working in more specialized fields like computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing.

Your pay won’t be too shabby as a software developer, either. You could earn an average salary of $110,140 per year (or nearly $53 per hour), according to the 2020 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, these jobs are expected to grow rapidly with an anticipated growth of 22% by 2030! 

Can you do computer engineering online?

You can! In fact, if you earn an online degree, you’ll not only be able to save some money, but you can complete your courses in an asynchronous fashion most of the time, too. This means you can study wherever and whenever it’s most convenient for you. 

You’ll take classes in topics like:

• Solid State Devices
• Systems Engineering
• Modern COmputer Architecture
• Electronic Design

What is the best online master’s engineering—no GRE required?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a common admissions requirement for many master’s in engineering. This requirement serves as a way for admissions officials to weigh individuals against each other, particularly individuals from different universities. 

Fortunately, there are several schools that do not have GRE requirements. These include:

• Arizona State University
• Johns Hopkins University
• North Carolina State University
• Penn State

What is the cheapest online computer engineering degree?

It’s difficult to say which online computer engineering degree is the cheapest since it doesn’t always come down to basic dollars and cents. The cheapest school for one student may not be the cheapest for the next, since you might receive a different financial aid package depending on where you choose to attend.

However, all of the schools in this ranking are affordable options for you to consider, including NC State, Florida International, and Georgia Tech. A few other schools to consider in your search include Mississippi State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of New Mexico. 

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

As a field, marketing contains multitudes. Each type of marketing has its own complex subsystem of delivery methods, and they’re only proliferating as life becomes more digital and our attention more diffuse. Attracting consumers’ notice is the chief currency of the attention economy, and figuring out how to do that takes a lot of research and skill—the kind of skill that gets honed with an advanced degree. Even better, an advanced degree–such as one from our list of the best online Master’s programs in Marketing Management–that can be completed online part-time in as little as a year.

Like the field it studies, a Master’s degree in marketing management can take a couple of different forms, as a degree in marketing itself, or as a concentration within a broader degree like a Master of Business Administration. Some schools dive deep into all the facets of marketing, while others add them on to a larger understanding of how business works. It all depends on students’ goals and career interests.

What signposts should guide their aspirations? A good place to start is the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that treasure trove of data about careers in the United States. Its Occupational Outlook Handbook for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers takes a high-level view of the industry, forecasting 8% growth through 2028—the national average for all occupations is 5%— with another 21,800 jobs expected to be added in the next decade. That’s a total of 308,600 jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. Interestingly, the BLS says that the highest-paying industries for those jobs are scientific research and development services, followed by cable and subscription programming. Who knew?

The industries with the most jobs in these fields? “Management of Companies and Enterprises,” which is almost comically broad, followed by more specific categories like Computer Systems Design and Related Services and Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services. The places with the most jobs? California, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas, on a state level, though New York, Chicago, Boston, LA, and San Francisco are the metropolitan areas with the most.

In its rankings for best jobs, U.S. News & World Report lists marketing manager as the No. 1 position among Best Sales and Marketing Jobs, No. 15 for Best Paying Jobs, and No. 31 in the 100 Best Jobs – better than physical therapist assistant, but not as good as dental hygienist. Marketing managers earn above-average scores for upward mobility and stress, but below average for flexibility (i.e., “alternative working schedule and work-life balance”). U.S. News takes a dimmer view of future growth in the field than the BLS – a 2 out of 10 – but doesn’t go into specifics about how it arrived at that figure. The publication seems to base it on BLS data, so when in doubt, go with the BLS. CareerBuilder.com also has a good overview of life as a marketing manager, listing common responsibilities and typical working environments, but as it says on that page, the job can vary significantly by company and industry. Marketing is a vast world, so making generalizations about the day-to-day experiences of a marketing manager is difficult.

Common Application and Admission Questions

Perhaps the first thing to know when it comes to online degrees is that distance learning is heavily regulated, which means each state has say over schools that offer education within their boundaries. So if you live in Colorado and want to study at the University of Cincinnati, the school needs Colorado’s permission to teach you. The process was streamlined with the passage of the State Authority Reciprocity Agreement, wherein states agreed to a set of baseline standards for distance learning. Every state except California participates in SARA, so institutions that want to offer instruction there have to deal with a different governing body.

Confused yet? Fear not. Every school that offers online education has regulatory information on its website, so it’s a pretty easy thing to check. (The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements also has a directory.) The University of Cincinnati even has a cool, clickable map of the U.S. that gives state-by-state information. So in the hypothetical case of a person from Colorado wanting to study at the U. of C.? All good, because Ohio and Colorado are SARA states. The gist: make sure to verify the school you pick can teach you.

Speaking of schools, as mentioned above, they tend to treat a management Master’s in one of two ways: as a concentration within a larger degree, or as the degree itself. A bachelor’s degree generally suffices for admission, though one with a business focus helps. Many programs require students to have a basic level of proficiency in certain related areas, such as accounting, finance, statistics, etc. Anyone lacking those things will need to take foundational courses, which will add time to their degree. Schools often include foundational coursework in their curriculum, but waive the requirement if students have completed similar classes during undergraduate studies or have relevant professional experience. It varies by school, though, so make sure to check those details first.

Most of the universities in our top 10 offer MBAs with an emphasis in marketing. The marketing focus varies, some via three electives and others via more courses integrated into the core studies. Then there are places like Golden Gate University (No. 10), whose Master of Science in marketing not only focuses on marketing, but also offers three concentrations within that so students can further specialize what type of marketing they wish to pursue. Some schools require the GRE or GMAT, but nearly all of them require some kind of personal statement (generally an essay about your background and experience, and what you’d bring to the program) and letters of recommendation.

The online experience can vary greatly, too. While most schools stick to popular platforms like Canvas or Blackboard, some have their own proprietary systems. Nearly all of them, if not all, are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to be online at a certain time to complete the coursework. Schools aim to be as flexible as possible, especially when it comes to part-time students who probably work full time, so watching lectures and completing coursework can be done on their schedule. That said, expect regular assignments that have to be turned in on a deadline, and live chats with other students and instructors will naturally fall at a certain time. All schools offer tech support for their online learners, and all try to make the experience as communal as possible so it doesn’t feel like a solitary journey. It shouldn’t—according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 1,011,864 people were enrolled in graduate online education courses in 2015, the most recent year for data.

What about Financial Aid & Scholarships?

The average cost of an academic year of schooling for the programs on our list is $17,602, and the median is $17,326. We calculate those numbers using the base tuition as a starting point and factor in financial aid opportunities. The price ranges from $9,989 (University of Texas – Dallas) to $34,139 (Florida Institute of Technology), a huge difference by any measure.

While the bad news is that the cost of college tuition will likely continue to rise, the good news is that every university offers some kind of assistance with financial aid. That could be as basic as helping connect students with loans and scholarships, or creating a cost breakdown of their degree, to offering grants and scholarships themselves. Higher education—especially the online variety—is a competitive business, so schools need to be accommodating to attract students. The more they can assist students in finding a way to pay for education, the better it is for the schools themselves.

Scholarships are generally based on merit, and grants on need, and there are a far greater number open to undergraduates than grad students. Searching for scholarships on the internet returns about a million results, most of them sites aggregating scholarship information from elsewhere, though GoGrad.org (which focuses on graduate scholarships) and scholarships.com have very robust listings – the latter even has lists for distance learning and business and marketing. Even student-loan provider SallieMae has a lot of information, via its Scholarship Search tool and collections of scholarships for minorities. Unlike, say, STEM fields, marketing doesn’t have a big push from government and private industry for people to pursue it in their education. (“Go into marketing!” doesn’t quite have the same appeal as “Become a scientist!”)

But the best place to start looking for financial aid is with your employer, if you have one. Many companies offer to pay for, or help pay for, continuing education, especially if it’s related to what you do and will improve your work. Veterans have a lot of options, as universities are eager to attract them. The University of Massachusetts – Lowell even has an Office of Veterans Services, and U.S. News and World Report offers a Best Colleges for Veterans list, based on how much they get in federal initiatives to help veterans and active-duty military. Veterans also have the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can help significantly with education costs. Beyond all the grants and scholarships lie regular old student loans, whose sketchier providers have faced an intense backlash from students and government investigators in recent years. See the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid site for an easy overview on how loans work, and it’s also the place to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to check if you qualify for federal programs.

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

An enviable amount. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average wage for marketing managers is $147,240, with the bottom 10% still bringing in nearly $70,000 and the top 75% pulling down $181,780. That means even the people earning the least are still making nearly double the U.S. median wage for all workers, which currently stands at $38,640, per the BLS. On top of that, U.S. News & World Report lists the unemployment rate for marketing managers at a low 1.8% and a median salary of $132,230.

Salaries fluctuate by location, with the highest salaries coinciding with the places with higher costs of living: New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley. Boulder, CO, isn’t cheap, either, but the average wage for the 500 marketing managers living there is $191,890 – a very good living no matter how you cut it. Or consider places like “non-metropolitan” northwest Minnesota, where the 200 or so marketing management jobs pay an average of $125,390 – more than double the state’s average wage, per the BLS. Those are great numbers, so justifying the expense of a marketing degree shouldn’t be difficult.

All of those statistics are tied to the role of marketing manager, but because the field is so large and full of numerous specializations, a variety of jobs can follow a Master’s in marketing. Washington State University lists the top three on the website for its marketing MBA: marketing director, business development manager, and the aforementioned marketing manager. Directors operate on a higher level than managers, obviously, using “advanced knowledge of their competitors and industry climate to formulate big-picture operational strategy,” says WSU. Business development managers – “biz dev” if you want to throw around the lingo – bring in the work, choosing which “potential business partners to target and negotiate terms of those new partnerships.” Obviously, the specifics of the roles vary, and marketing jobs extend further than those top three.

Most of the programs on our list offer marketing as a specialization within an MBA, a degree with a wider business focus and thus even more potential industries and careers. A strong business foundation with marketing know-how can go a long way in a variety of environments, making the MBA track an attractive option. That’s probably why 189,328 Master’s degrees in business were given out in 2013-2014, per the National Center for Education Statistics. Those numbers have probably only gone up in the years since as the career opportunities expand. As we noted earlier, the BLS expects there to be 21,800 more jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers in the next decade. That means more than 300,000 jobs out there with a median salary of $132,620. What more incentive do you need?

Our Ranking Criteria

We have a time-tested four-part formula designed for ranking the best colleges in the nation that we’d love to share with you. We prioritize four major factors: Earnings Potential, Affordability, Student Satisfaction, and Selectivity. Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success. We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions, or financial incentives. Our revenue and content are completely separate, and sponsored schools have no impact on our rankings. The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program!

What Are the Best Online Master’s Programs in Marketing Management?

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

 40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year

30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.

Check out our ranking of the 10 best online Master’s programs in marketing management!

#1. Arizona State University

Master of Business Administration, Marketing Emphasis

Back in 2000, the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State debuted its first online MBA program, which was available exclusively to John Deere employees. People who worked outside the farm-equipment world got their first taste of an online MBA four years later, when the W.B. Carey Online MBA debuted. Since those days, U.S. News & World Report has ranked it highly, most recently No. 6 for Best Online MBA Programs and No. 33 for Best Business Schools.

Like a lot of online programs, the Carey School of Business doesn’t distinguish between its online and on-campus courses, as both are taught by the same faculty and have the same curriculum. Designed for working professionals with 5 to 10 years of experience, the online MBA lasts 21 months, with start dates in January and August. Students take two courses at a time in seven and a half week sessions, which conclude with final exams or projects.

Marketing is one of four areas of emphasis within the MBA—rounded out by finance, international business, and supply chain management—and it blends marketing strategy with services marketing and management, per the program’s website. Coursework in marketing comes via electives, such as Business to Business Marketing, Services Marketing & Management, and Global Marketing Strategy. The core MBA coursework comprises nine classes (Statistics for Managers, Financial Performance Reporting, Operations and Supply Management, etc.) and a capstone in Strategic Management.

ASU has a good overview video describing the online course experience, which is pretty high-tech. For instance, the school maintains the “integrity” of the program via anti-plagiarism software, remote proctoring (so no need to find someone to watch you take a test), and biometric identifiers to ensure people are who they say they are. In addition to all that anti-cheating tech, the courses feature a lot of interactivity among students in “media rich discussions” (i.e., videos, graphics, etc.), searchable transcriptions for lecture videos, and conferencing tools to facilitate easy collaboration. There’s an in-house support staff that works 24/7 to help with technical issues, though the system requirements are pretty simple: a computer and a fast internet connection. Thankfully, course assignments do not require special software.

All of it begins with a mandatory orientation on-campus at Arizona State, where students meet the other remote students who will be their peers over the following 21 months. This being a distance-learning situation, traveling to Tempe, AZ may not be an option for some, who can petition to attend a “virtual orientation.”

Before anyone can meet each other, they have to be admitted to the program, though the prerequisites are pretty standard: a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours; letters of recommendation; GMAT/GRE test scores; a current resume; references; a personal statement; official transcripts; and the answers to a pair of short essay questions that provide some personal background.

Earn admission and complete your Master’s, and you’ll be in good company: according to ASU data, its 2018 MBA graduates earned an average salary of $100,303 with an average signing bonus of $16,696. Considering the net cost of the school’s online MBA program is $13,731 per academic year, the degree can pay for itself pretty quickly.

#2. University of Massachusetts – Lowell

Master of Business Administration

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell has a relatively short history within the UMass system, having joined it in 1991. Prior to that, it was known as the University of Lowell and other names stretching back to 1894, when it began as a teaching college called the Lowell Normal School. While the university’s main campus is located about 80 miles southwest in Amherst, Lowell has a good-sized student body (more than 18,000) and, more pertinent to this program, the No. 51 best online MBA program, per U.S. News & World Report.

Like many other schools on this list, marketing is a concentration area within the UMass-Lowell MBA program. There are nine options, including accounting, international business, and IT, and all of them share the same required business courses. Marketing electives provide the specialization in courses like Market Research, Digital Marketing, International Marketing, and four others. Students take up to 16 courses for a total of 42 credits, but 12 of those credits come from “foundations courses” in topics like Financial Accounting, Operations Fundamentals, etc., though the foundations can be waived for people who have completed similar courses with a B or better within the past ten years. After building the foundation, students complete seven courses (21 credits) in core MBA courses such as Corporate Finance, Management Information Systems, Operations Management, and more. Capping it off are three elective courses for nine credits, though not every course is offered each semester.

Coursework is done 100% online via Blackboard, a popular web-learning platform, with no required campus visits—though on-campus resources are available to distance learners. UMass-Lowell has a really helpful FAQ that spells out a lot of details of its program, which a lot of places surprisingly lack. For instance, the school says students will spend eight to 12 hours per week on each course, including the three credit hours of class time. (For reference, part-time online students usually take one or two courses per semester, and the program can be finished in as little as 18 months.) The coursework can be completed at each person’s pace – they don’t need to log into their class a certain day or time, so long as they turn in assignments by the due date. To help make it a little more personal, each course has an optional one-hour Chat Hour every week, where students can interact with each other, their instructor, and review course material. Speaking of other students, class sizes ranges from 20 to 40 of them.

To earn that MBA, students need to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA, and MBA students are allowed to receive only two grades below a B. (Rack up a third C or lower, and you’ll need to take an additional class and get a B in it.) What about getting into the MBA program? UMass requires the usual stuff: statement of purpose (“highlighting academic and career goals”), three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, GMAT score (which can be waived if applicants have proof of eight or more years of professional/managerial experience), and a resume. At $18,257, UMass’ MBA is a little more than the average cost of the schools on this list, with a clear, easy-to-understand program guide that is not typical for similar programs.

#3. University of Maryland Global Campus

Master of Science in Management with Marketing Specialization

Where most universities offer continuing education and online coursework in addition to their on-campus opportunities, as UMGC puts it, “It’s what we do.” The school’s history goes back to the late 1940s, when it began as the College of Special and Continuation Studies, so it has known no other mission than to educate adults. As such, it was early to the online-learning game, first offering courses via the web in the mid-’90s. Now distance learning is its focus, with more than 80,000 students worldwide.

While marketing management is generally offered as a specialization of a broader advanced business degree, UMGC goes beyond the “Three electives oughta do it” approach of some other programs: First, its degree is an MS in management, not an MBA, so it already has a narrower focus. Second, it offers six marketing-specific courses within its management MS, such as Management, Legal and Ethical Issues (a biggie worth six credits), Consumer Behavior, Brand Management, and others. They’re all part of a program that requires 36 credits for a Master’s: 12 credits in core courses (Organizational Theory and Behavior, Financial Decision Making for Managers, Statistics for Managerial Decision Making), 21 credits in specialization courses, and then three credits for the Strategic Management Capstone. The final project is “an investigation of how strategy interacts with and guides an organization within its internal and external environments,” with a focus on the entire strategic process.

It feels like you need an MBA just to decipher the capstone description, but maybe that’s just all part of the experience. UMGC notes the coursework will have students learning how to prepare a marketing plan for a real-world product or solution; completing a consumer-experience project mindful of ethical marketing; developing a consumer-intervention strategy based on research; and understanding digital-marketing channels and learning how to calculate ROI.

Because UMGC exists to serve continuing education, it keeps its admission requirements approachable: prospective students need only a bachelor’s degree. No GRE or GMAT, no letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes, or anything like that – just an undergrad degree from an accredited university. That said, the school politely suggests that students lacking recent experience in statistics take Introduction to Research Methods. People who don’t have experience with finance or accounting should check out Introduction to Accounting & Financial Management. And anyone who wants to polish their writing skills will want to take Effective Graduate Writing. None of those courses will count toward a Master’s, but feeling more comfortable in graduate-level classes is its own reward.

The pro-student approach extends to the program cost: $13,672, well below the average and median for the schools on this list. All classes are taken via UMGC’s Learning Experience Online, a.k.a. LEO, a proprietary system created by the university. It has an interactive calendar to track assignments, deadlines, and other course events; easy access to online classrooms from smart devices; an “enhanced progress tool” that shows “where you stand in a class”; and audio and other messaging functions that streamline instructor feedback. As laid back as UMGC is, students need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate, and must complete all of their coursework within five consecutive years. It has to draw the line somewhere!

#4. The University of Texas – Dallas

Master of Science in Marketing

At $9,989 per academic year, the University of Texas at Dallas has at least one thing going for it: affordability. It’s the cheapest option in our top 10 list, and nearly half the average price for schools listed here. (Oklahoma residents and veterans, along with their spouses and dependents, may be eligible for special in-state tuition rates.) It also happens to be ranked No. 7 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA) by U.S. News and World Report.

As part of Naveen Jindal School of Management at UTD – named after its most famous alumnus, the industrialist and Indian politician – the online Master of Science in marketing is a 36 credit-hour program that drills deep into its subject. This isn’t an elective specialization tacked onto a broader business degree. It begins with 15 semester credit hours of core courses like Marketing Management and Statistics & Data Management, including a capstone in Marketing Decision Making. The capstone is a simulation where students group up to compete for market share, profits, and stock price in a fictional market. The groups make strategic decisions like production, price, advertising, etc. to compete with other teams for different parts of the marketplace.

Beyond the core courses are 20 available electives. Students need 21 credit hours from them, at least nine of which come from marketing management electives—some with simple names (Pricing) and others more technical (Predictive Analytics Using SAS). The remaining 12 hours can come from a list of non-marketing management electives, such as Spreadsheet Modeling and Analytics (sexy!) and another simple-sounding one (Negotiation). Not all courses are offered every semester, but students can work with the program director to find a workable substitute when necessary. There’s also a one-credit-hour prerequisite Professional Development course that nearly all students within the Jindal School of Management have to take.

All told, the Master of Science in marketing program at UTD requires 36 hours to earn the degree. The coursework involves prerecorded sessions that students access any time that’s convenient— there’s no need to be online at a certain time on a certain day. Most of them also involve online exams, some of which will need to be proctored.

The program begins in the fall, spring, and summer, and UTD gets a little more specific with its admissions requirements: the GMAT or GRE; transcripts, resume with a detailed work history; letter of recommendation; and a personal-objectives statement. Some applicants may be able to skip the GMAT/GRE requirement, if their undergraduate degree is from a school accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Everyone else: plan to take one of those. Although the school doesn’t specify a score to earn admission, it discloses that current averages among admitted students are 600 for the GMAT and 310 for the GRE.

If anyone’s on the fence about whether an MS in marketing is worth the effort, UTD has a career outcomes page that shares data for average salary based on work experience, salary comparison by major, job placement rates, and more. The gist of all of them: yes, the degree is worth it. According to the school’s data, 95% of its graduates had a job six months after graduation, with an average salary of $85,000. A Master’s degree increases salaries by an average of 15%, according to UTD. Those kinds of numbers are enough to nudge anyone off the fence.

#5. University of South Dakota

Master of Business Administration – Marketing Specialization

The University of South Dakota’s Beacom (yes, with an “m”) School of Business has been around since 1927, the same year work began on Mount Rushmore on the other side of the state, some 400 miles from the university’s home in Vermillion. It took 14 years to finish Mount Rushmore, but USD students earning an MBA online should be able to finish in about two, with significantly less rock-blasting required.

Like some other programs on this list, the university offers marketing as a specialization within an MBA, via nine credit hours atop 27 credit hours of core coursework. The core stuff is nine courses, four of which have “managerial” in their name: Managerial Accounting, Managerial Finance, Managerial Marketing, Managerial Economics. We’ll also count Operations Management and Strategic Management, because they’re close enough. Marketing folks take one required class, Advanced Consumer Behavior, then select two more courses from a list of five, such as Data Mining for Managers, Supply Chain Management, and New Product Development. The lesson: don’t come to USD unless you are ready and willing to manage.

Other than that, the admissions requirements are pretty low-key: an undergrad degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7, a “satisfactory” GMAT score (though it doesn’t specify what qualifies as satisfactory), three letters of recommendation (at least one professional), and a foundational curriculum. That’s where USD gets tricky: its MBA program requires 36 credit hours to graduate, but if students lack the foundational coursework, that number jumps to 54. Those are six classes, almost all of whose names begin with “Foundations of…”—accounting, finance, calculus and statistics for business, marketing and organizational behavior, and economics.

These are the entry-level courses designed for people who lack any undergraduate or professional business training; anyone who has completed equivalent courses will be given “advanced standing” and proceed on to the 36 hours of MBA studies. People who have completed some of the basics will have an individualized program of study created for them. What if you don’t have the coursework, but know your stuff? Then put your knowledge to the test via challenge exams, which are available.

Once all of that is figured out, students within the program will find a pretty robust curriculum that examines marketing from several angles, as the website notes, including the factors that contribute to purchasing decisions, the ins and outs of developing and marketing a brand, a detailed examination of the product development process (from conception through prototyping, forecasting demand, production and launch), and exploring data to identify customers, products, and processes.

That’s a lot to cram into nine credit hours of specialized marketing instruction, but MBA programs are designed to pack a lot into a little bit of time. Like other schools, USD doesn’t distinguish between on-campus and online, with distance learners working with the same instructors and same curriculum as their local counterparts. They also have access to a suite of student support services, from IT support to writing assistance and even a personal Library Liaison who can help with research needs. Completing the MBA program at USD will cost $17,354 per academic year, almost a bull’s eye for the median price for programs on this list.

#6. University of North Texas

Master of Business Administration in Marketing

On the top of the homepage for its online MBA in marketing, the University of North Texas has a pretty sweet stock photo from the ’90s of business executives having what looks like a very important business meeting about business. It looks like the kind of high-level discussion open only to senior executives with MBAs, though when the photo was taken, completing coursework online involved a dial-up modem and barebones interactivity.

That’s not the kind of thing UNT students will find today with the school’s online MBA in marketing. Designed to provide “an excellent conceptual foundation and managerial skills,” it ties with the University of North Dakota for No. 31 in Best Online MBA Programs, according to U.S. News and World Report. Getting into the program is pretty typical: a bachelor’s degree; GMAT (520-540) or GRE (153 verbal, 154 quantitative); an updated resume; three letters of recommendation, no older than a year; transcripts; etc. However, if that bachelor’s degree includes a 3.5 or higher GPA, the school waives the GRE/GMAT requirement.

At $12,600, the cost is better than typical, falling significantly below the average and median prices for the programs on our list. Also typical, the 36 credit hours required to earn the MBA, which includes six courses (18 hours), two required marketing courses (six hours), three supporting courses (nine hours), and one elective (three hours). There are also 18 hours of basic “background” courses – Economic Concepts, Management Issues, Marketing Concepts, etc.—that may be required if students don’t have enough undergrad experience. The admissions department assesses the need for any background classes while it evaluates undergraduate transcripts.

The MBA in marketing program kicks in for real with the six core classes, such as Accounting for Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, and others lacking “management” in their name. The two required courses are Information in Strategic Marketing Decisions and Effective Marketing Planning in Dynamic Environments, then students choose three of four potential supporting courses. Those lean more on broader business concepts, such as logistics and supply-chain management, though Decision Marketing in Global Markets is also an option. The single elective must fall outside of marketing, and the choice of course for that is made in consultation with an advisor.

Speaking of faculty, UNT assures prospective students that their instructors are attentive and reachable, organizing student chats and discussion threads, monitoring their progress, and generally staying on top of things via email. Coursework is completed at the students’ schedule through a combination of the popular distance-learning platforms Canvas and Blackboard, and UNT has a variety of IT support options for students via live chat, trouble tickets, and email, along with phone calls and even walk-in assistance for people who live near Denton, TX. The program rotates through fall, summer, and spring, so new students have several opportunities to begin the MBA in marketing program each year. Get through it, and you too can be an important business executive talking business in a business meeting.

#7. Washington State University

Master of Business Administration in Marketing

Washington State University first began offering online courses in 1992, which qualifies as “prehistoric” in the timeline of internet history. How prehistoric? That was the year someone posted a photo on the internet for the first time. It was the year that saw the phrase “surfing the internet” become a thing, even though most people had no idea what “the internet” was. Anyway, it was a long time ago, which means WSU has had a lot of experience in the world of distance learning.

Unsurprisingly, the school treats its online students the same as the ones who matriculate on campus in Pullman, WA. WSU’s Global Campus features the same curriculum and same instructors, and the school tries to make the experience feel more communal with student engagement activities like live webinars, meet-ups, clubs, etc. For its efforts, WSU earns high rankings in U.S. News and World Report’s overview of online programs, including No. 13 for Best Online MBA Programs.

Marketing is one of four concentrations within the MBA, along with finance, international business, and hospitality business management, anchored by three courses: International Marketing Management, New Product Marketing, and Promotional Management. They build on Marketing Management, one of the nine core courses in the MBA degree. WSU says the marketing concentration allows students to understand consumer behavior and the psychology behind it, analyze and react to consumer trends, grasp the differences between foreign and domestic markets and learn to work with those differences, and more. All of the coursework adds up to 36 credits: 21 core, nine from the marketing concentration, and six more from three capstone courses.

For the final capstone course, students create a business plan, and the two preceding capstone courses prepare them for what they need to deliver—first with a feasibility study, then creating the plan based on the study. The whole shebang can be completed as quickly as 22 to 29 months, according to WSU, but may take longer if your undergraduate and/or professional experience lacks business competencies. In that case, WSU offers a suite of seven foundation courses, providing basics in operations management, business law, marketing, finance, and more. People who earned a bachelor’s degree in business or took equivalent courses with a B average are exempt, but students need to confer with an enrollment advisor to plan their approach.

The coolest part of WSU’s MBA program is an optional field study, where students travel to Finland and Estonia for a weeklong residency—really putting the “distance” in “distance learning.” The idea is the trip gives students a peek into businesses in some of the world’s fastest growing economies, taking “an in-depth look into how digital citizenship affects entrepreneurs” and checking out international tourism strategies.

Also notable for WSU: what defines its admissions approach. The school takes its land-grant mission seriously, so it wants to be open to just about anyone who’s willing to do the work. So it evaluates “the whole of a person’s experiences” when considering admission, with no one thing defining the candidacy of prospective students. They’ll need transcripts, a resume, one letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a GMAT score (which can be waived based on certain criteria). They’ll also need $17,297 per academic year, which is about the median price for schools in our top 10.

#8. Florida Institute of Technology

Master of Business Administration in Marketing

Florida Tech was founded in 1958 to educate professionals working in Florida’s Space Coast, so it may seem like a surprising fit for a marketing concentration in an MBA. But Florida Tech comes in hot with a list of things students will learn in its program: how to identify marketing opportunities and develop successful strategies; how to position a brand and build equity; how to use statistical and economic data to identify and manage risk; how to integrate financial, personnel, operations, and marketing initiatives; and more.

The MBA program offers a mix of “core business fundamentals with an in-depth knowledge of marketing strategies, consumer behavior, market research, multinational business policy, product management, and legal responsibility.” That comes from 36 credits of study, 21 from core courses, 12 from marketing specialization courses, and a three-credit capstone. Included with the core coursework—featuring classes like Managerial Economics, Managerial Accounting, Essentials of Business Development 1 and 2—are two general electives, chosen based on the student’s goals and interests. The marketing specialization curriculum comes from four courses: Strategic Marketing, International Business, Consumer Behavior Strategies, and Advanced Market Research. The capstone, which rules dictate must be taken the final semester before graduation, uses real-world examples and simulations to provide a practical grounding in what could easily get lost in hypotheticals.

The whole process takes two years to complete, with the 12 courses in the program running eight weeks apiece. Getting into the program is a surprisingly simple process: Florida Tech handles the transcripts once you submit a request form, there’s no GRE or GMAT requirement, no letters of recommendation or resume, and no application fee. Florida Tech is the only school on this list that doesn’t charge one, but maybe it’s included in the overall price, because Florida Tech doesn’t come cheap: $34,139, nearly double the median price for this list and a whole lot more than the average.

While that is a lot of money, especially for a degree earned exclusively online, the school tries to make the money count. When students are accepted into the program, they work with student representatives that help them prepare, from answering questions about the online learning process, to assisting with class registration and ordering textbooks. Students interact with classmates and their instructors via discussion boards, email, and chats.

The courses themselves take a variety of formats, with a lot of video and interactive media. The asynchronous setup means students don’t have to be at a certain place at a certain time to do their work – they learn on their own time, while minding the due dates for assignments. How much time students spend on each class every week varies; instructors will provide all the requirements when classes begin. As coursework winds down, students can work with Florida Tech’s Career Management Services to assist with writing a good resume and looking for a job.

#9. University of Cincinnati

Master of Business Administration

On its website, the University of Cincinnati lists 11 “firsts” associated with the school from the first oral polio vaccine (by U. of C. researcher Albert Sabin), to the “first safe anti-knock gasoline” (take that, creators of the first dangerous anti-knock gasoline), to the spiritual ancestor of online learning, the first degree program offered via satellite. These days, online learning remains a focus at U. of C., with the school racking up five top 20 spots for online learning rankings by U.S. News and World Report and, pertinent to this degree, No. 66 for Best Online MBA Programs.

Like so many other schools, Cincinnati offers marketing as a concentration area within an MBA. Students take 26 credit hours of program courses and up to six electives (for 12 credit hours) in marketing. The curriculum offers eight courses in marketing, including Marketing for Managers, Systematic Innovation Tools, Buyer Behavior, New Product Development, and others. All of it concludes with a capstone project, where students “demonstrate competency in applying both the strategy and functional course concepts and tools in an integrative experience,” though what exactly that means isn’t clear.

The MBA program itself requires 38 credit hours, though the coursework can jump to 48 credit hours if students need to take 10 hours of business foundations courses. Those can be waived if they have “demonstrated previous undergraduate coursework,” which an enrollment advisor can verify. Speaking of enrollment, it’s the usual stuff: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a B grade average, GMAT/GRE scores or a waiver (earned via professional experience and having another degree or CPA certification), resume, goal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

Like Washington State University above, the University of Cincinnati assesses admissions “in a holistic manner,” such as “academic and professional achievement, strong communication skills, and a proven track record of leadership.” Applicants who don’t quite clear all of the hurdles may still earn conditional admittance. Once in, the program can be completed in only one year, though probably longer if foundational courses are involved. Expect to spend $20,085 per academic year, which in this case may just be one.

Coursework is completed via Blackboard, and the university offers several tutorials online to understand how the process works. There are also videos providing general guidance on topics like instructor expectations, time management, distance learning myths, and that annoying portmanteau, netiquette. Online students also have a variety of library resources at their fingertips, including librarians specializing in certain subjects, specialized guides—the business one has 73 different topics—and instructions on finding scholarly and peer-reviewed articles. The university also offers Enrollment Services Advisors and Student Success Coordinators to assist with admissions and course selection, respectively, in what U. of C. calls “start-to-graduation support.”

#10. Golden Gate University

Master of Science in Marketing

Where many programs on this list limit their marketing curriculum to a concentration within a broader degree, San Francisco’s Golden Gate University offers discrete marketing concentrations within its MS in marketing. The whole degree is geared toward marketing, with three specialty areas within it: digital marketing, marketing analytics, and a bespoke “individualized concentration” created by the student and advisor, perhaps in brand management, PR, or integrated marketing communications, as the school suggests.

The point is that Golden Gate University devotes all of the attention in its program to marketing itself, and for a field as vast and nuanced as marketing, that’s a good thing. The school also keeps admission requirements minimal: Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree and the right skills—beyond the proficiency basics, they also need the “quantitative, writing, and computing skills” and “academic and professional capability” to hack it on the graduate level.

What are the proficiency basics? Golden Gate lists three areas: business, math, and writing. The business one requires knowledge of U.S. business practices, math needs a skill level commensurate with GGU’s Intermediate Algebra course, and the writing one requires a Graduate Writing Placement Exam. In it, students have to read an article and write a multi-paragraph response. Students with a high GRE or GMAT score can earn a waiver for the test, though.

The program itself requires 39 units to graduate: nine from foundation (Fundamentals of Business, Professional Skills for Business, Data Analysis for Managers), 18 from core courses (Marketing Management, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing & eCommerce, etc.), and 12 from a concentration (six from concentration classes, six from electives). The program ends with a Marketing Strategy & Planning capstone, a research course that uses case studies for planning long-range market development. GGU’s program really shines in the concentrations, though. Digital marketing is a good one, as the website notes, because it’s “one of the fastest growing areas of marketing globally.”

The curriculum, based on two of three possible courses, studies search engine marketing, web and social network analytics, social media marketing, and e-commerce. Marketing analytics dives deeper into the data with its two classes: Advanced Statistical Analysis with R & Python, and Web & Social Network Analytics. What goes into the individualized concentration depends on the student’s interests and career goals, but it offers a way to further specialize their MS for maximum impact after graduation.

Whatever track students take, they can expect to have at least eight learning outcomes, which GGU outlines on its site, including obtaining and applying insights into consumer behavior, using research for marketing purposes, demonstrating analytical and problem-solving skills for making marketing decisions, and much more. The school has 19 faculty members devoted to marketing and public relations, so students draw from a wealth of experience during their studies. Because this is a fairly new program for GGU, we don’t have enough information to calculate a net cost for it, so we’ll stick to the basic tuition number: $18,900, which is about $1,000 more than the average and median cost for programs on this list.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. University of Saint Mary

Location: Leavenworth, KS

Degree: Master of Business Administration – Marketing and Advertising Concentration

Net Price: $20,558

Website

#12. University of Massachusetts – Amherst

Location: Amherst, MA

Degree: Master of Business Administration – Marketing Concentration

Net Price: $21,740

Website

#13. Wichita State University

Location: Wichita, KS

Degree: Master of Business Administration – Marketing

Net Price: $14,256

Website

#14. Saint Joseph’s University

Location: Philadelphia

Degree: Master of Science in Marketing

Net Price: $35,344

Website

#15. Bellevue University

Location: Bellevue, NE

Degree: Master of Science in Strategic Marketing

Net Price: $9,635

Website

#16. LaSalle University

Location: Philadelphia

Degree: Master of Business Administration, Marketing Specialization Online

Net Price: $24,473

Website

#17. West Virginia University

Location: Morgantown, WV

Degree: Master of Science in Data Marketing Communications

Net Price: $12,181

Website

#18. University of North Carolina

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Degree: Master of Business Administration, Marketing concentration

Net Price: $11,649

Website

#19. St. Bonaventure University

Location: Bonaventure, NY

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Net Price: $21,613

Website

#20. Saint Leo University

Location: Saint Leo, FL

Degree: Master of Business Administration – Marketing

Net Price: $20,036

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON EARNING AN ONLINE MBA (EVEN WITHOUT A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS).

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT IS COMPUTER ENGINEERING?

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

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

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

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

Computer engineers are in high demand in many industries.

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

Most computer engineering graduate programs focus on the following subjects:

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

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

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

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

Other early pioneers in the world of hardware include: 

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

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

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

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

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

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

Finding the Right Program

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

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

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

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

Do Your Research

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

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

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

Additional Requirements

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

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

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

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

Types of Financial Aid

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

Filing the FAFSA

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

• Pell Grants
• Fulbright Grants
• TEACH Grants
• Federal Work-Study
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

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

SAR

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

Other Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average Salaries

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

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

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

Hardware engineer areas include: 

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

Software developers work in: 

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

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

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

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

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

State Statistics

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

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

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

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

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

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

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

• Earnings Potential
• Affordability 
• Student Satisfaction
• Selectivity.

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

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

#1. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, ​BERKELEY 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

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

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

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

Required Courses

The computer science areas of specialization are: 

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

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

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

General graduate admission requirements are:

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

Admission Requirements:

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

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

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

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

#2. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

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

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

Required Courses

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

• the coursework
• project 
• thesis 

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

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

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

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

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

• Computational Perception and Robotics
• Computer Graphics
• Computing Systems
• Signal processing
• High-Performance Computing
• Human-Centered Computing
• Computer Architecture
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Interactive Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Modeling and Simulations
• Scientific Computing
• Social Computing
• Network Engineering
• Visual Analytics

Online students at Georgia Institute of Technology can view course offerings here. Students gain expertise from the following specializations: 

• Computational Perception & Robotics
• Computing Systems
• Interactive Intelligence
• Machine Learning

Admission Requirements:

On-campus application requirements for the school of engineering include: 

• A strong undergraduate background in computer science is highly recommended
• Three recommendation letters
• GRE scores of at least 153 in the verbal, 155 in the quantitative, and a 3.0 in the analytical sections 
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (Note: Admitted candidates usually score higher than this.)
• TOEFL scores for candidates from non-English speaking countries (Note: The minimum score considered for admission is 100 on the Internet-based exam. Successful applicants usually score higher.)

Online computer engineering program admissions guidelines do not include GRE scores or recommendation letters. 

Georgia Institute of Technology’s Career Development web page lists helpful resources for finding internships and co-op positions. There are also:

• job boards
• career fairs
• work abroad opportunities
• business start-up connections
• research portfolio-building
• lots of student organizations! 

Georgia Tech’s College of Computing hosted 6,838 Master’s students in 2018. An incredible 6,365 of these were OMS CS students. It holds numerous prestigious rankings, such as the No. 8 Graduate computer engineering program. This is as noted by U.S. News & World Report for 2018. It was No. 16 among Global Universities for CS. It’s No. 7 for Artificial Intelligence programs. It is No. 16 in Programming Languages.

#3. STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY  

COMPUTER ENGINEERING MASTER’S PROGRAM

Stevens Institute of Technology has an outstanding master degree computer engineering. Stevens Tech opened in 1870. It was named after “America’s First Family of Inventors.” Stevens Institute of Technology has a long history of innovation and excellence. It has a close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. It’s also positioned for maximum modern networking opportunities.

There are a variety of hands-on co-op computer engineering programs. Students of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering’s master’s in computer engineering program can garner ample real-world experience in hardware and software development. 

Core and Elective Courses

There are options to specialize in:

• computer systems
• real-time and embedded systems
• data communications and networks
• digital systems design
• image processing and multimedia
• information systems
• computer architecture
• information systems security
• intelligent systems

Graduates are guaranteed to be sought-after subject matter experts.  

The engineering program has two study tracks: Master of Science or Master of Engineering. A third option allows for a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This is in collaboration with the Stevens School of Business. There’s even an online option through StevensOnline. 

Concentrations for the degree are: 

• Embedded Systems
• Software and Data Engineering
• Networks and Security
• Artificial Intelligence

Core classes include: 

• CPE 517 – Digital and Computer Systems Architecture
• CPE 555 – Real-Time and Embedded Systems
• CPE 593 – Applied Data Structures and Algorithms
• CPE 690 – Introduction to VLSI Design
• EE 608 – Applied Modeling & Optimization
• A mathematical foundation course (CPE 602 Applied Discrete Mathematics or EE 605 Probability and Stochastic Processes I)

To graduate, students need a minimum 3.0 GPA in both their major and core courses. Students have up to six years to finish the degree and may transfer in up to nine credits. That is if the grade in each course was at least a “B.” 

Admission Requirements:

The academic catalog features full details of the engineering program’s requirements. General requirements for admission include: 

• Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Two letters of recommendation
• Optional resume and personal statement
• Competitive GRE or GMAT scores (for full-time students only)

On-campus students can enjoy working within the department’s advanced modern research centers. There are dedicated labs to: 

• Analytics and Information Security for Complex Systems
• Sensing, Machine Learning, and Robotics Technologies
• Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing
• Hardware Utility Design and Software Optimization Networking

Career opportunities for graduates for the school of engineering include positions as:

• computer engineers
• design engineers
• project engineers
• systems integration engineers
• systems engineers
• field service engineers
• network engineers.

Stevens graduates have been snatched up by some of the biggest firms in the business. Examples include:

• AT&T
• Comcast
• Facebook
• Goldman Sachs
• Google
• Microsoft. 

Stevens collects honors and high rankings across the board. That’s from academics to athletics, thanks to its award-winning faculty and top-notch quality of life. The Princeton Review cited it as among the Best Value Colleges in 2019. It was at No. 7 in the nation for Best Career Placement (2019). It was within the Top 25 for Internships (2019). U.S. News & World Report places Stevens at No. 74 among National Universities. 

Other notable rankings include:

• No. 4 in the nation in CNBC’s “25 Colleges That are Worth the Money” list for 2018
• No. 5 in Financial Advisor’s “10 Colleges That Offer Students the Best Bang for the Buck”
• in the Top 25 STEM Colleges, according to Forbes.

As you can see, there’s something big going on at Stevens!

#4. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS – URBANA-​CHAMPAIGN

PROFESSIONAL MASTER OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Another great master degree in computer engineering can be found at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. The elite Grainger College of Engineering at the University Of Illinois – Urbana-​Champaign has been making research breakthroughs in STEM fields for decades. Through the Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science, it’s able to continue that proud tradition. It has a cutting-edge, 32-credit hour Master of Computer Science (MCS) program. 

Esteemed school alumni include business titans from:

• Match.com
• Microsoft
• Netscape
• PayPal
• YouTube
• Yelp

The MCS professional degree sets students up for similar success. This is through a world-class curriculum taught by award-winning faculty. They are devoted to positive student outcomes. In fact, UIUC College of Engineering graduates often receive two or more job offers upon graduation!

The MCS engineering program may be completed either at the school’s campus or online. The on-campus MCS is full-time and competitive. This is due to limited space. It offers the widest range of class selection. The coursework includes four required classes. These cover breadth topics. That, plus advanced courses and electives.

The online MCS is built for students who are working or have other obligations and need to attend classes through distance learning. UIUC uses Coursera to deliver its massive open online courses. This is done via a series of video lectures, assignments, projects, and exams. The platform can also be used for advising and other communications with faculty, staff, and teaching assistants. The online engineering program is self-paced. It can be completed in as little as one year or spread out over up to five years. 

Core and Elective Courses

Four courses from the list below must be completed for the school of engineering  with a grade of “B-” or better:  

• CS 484 – Parallel Computing 
• CS 498 – Applied Machine Learning 
• CS 410 – Text Information Systems 
• CS 411 – Database Systems 
• CS 412 – Introduction to Data Mining 
• CS 421 – Programming Languages and Compilers
• CS 427 – Software Engineering I 
• CS 498 – Data Visualization
• CS 425 – Cloud Computing Concepts
• CS 498 – Cloud Computing Applications 
• CS 498 – Cloud Networking 
• CS 450 – Numerical Analysis 

In addition, three advanced classes and STAT 420 – Methods of Applied Statistics are required. 

The other option for students is the online MCS in Data Science. This allows for a specialization in learning statistical and computational methods. Specific coursework includes:

• Machine Learning
• Data Visualization
• Data Mining
• Cloud Computing

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements for the school of engineering are straightforward: 

• Transcripts
• Three letters of reference
• A statement of purpose
• A resume/CV
• No GRE tests are needed

In 2018, there were 1,111 grad students enrolled in the school. It awarded 92 on-campus MCS computer engineering degrees and 41 online MCS computer engineering degrees. The engineering program is ranked No. 5 in Best Computer Science Schools in the nation. That’s per U.S. News & World Report. The school also receives a great deal of research funding from the National Science Foundation. It maintains countless multi-million-dollar industry partnerships.  

The engineering department awards incredible graduate fellowships.  Examples include the Computer Science Excellence Fellowship and the Computer Science Gene Golub Fellowship. This is in addition to many other awards to help students. There are also campus, industry-sponsored, and national awards, fellowships, and scholarships to compete for. The University of Illinois – Urbana-​Champaign truly has it all!

#5. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

You will find another one of the best computer engineering graduate schools
at the University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas at Austin says it does things bigger. It means it! In the last decade, UT Austin has been awarded more than 786 patents. It has completed over 6,200 externally sponsored projects. It has received more than $652 million each year in research grants and contracts. That’s massive. That kind of money attracts a world-class faculty and students! 

The university’s Department of Computer Science is no exception. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. They are prepared to push further into their studies. Applicants without a CS degree are much less likely to be admitted. There are some exceptions for online students. 

Core and Elective Courses

This program is designed to be finished in two years. The 30-credit hour on-campus degree features two options. There is a thesis or no thesis option. The no thesis (coursework only) option has three major requirements. They are: 

• 1) Meeting all prerequisite courses: 
  • Discrete Math for Computer Science (CS 311)
  • Introduction to Programming (CS 312)
  • Data Structures (CS 314)
  • Algorithms and Complexity (CS 331)
  • Computer Organization and Architecture (CS 429)
  • Principles of Computer Systems (CS 439) 

• 2) Major coursework for 24 hours (including nine hours of diversity courses and 15 hours of CS graduate courses)
• 3) Six hours of minor coursework in a “supporting subject” 

The thesis option features the same criteria for completion as the no thesis option. Instead of 15 hours of CS graduate courses, students complete nine hours plus the thesis courses. 

The new online MSCS degree also calls for 30 credit hours. These cover foundational coursework plus electives. These electives are focused on in-demand industry specialties. Students have up to three years to complete the online program. It can also be done in half that time. 

Admission Requirements:

Admissions requirements for the school of engineering are as follows: 

• Official transcripts
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science with a 3.0 or higher GPA (Note: Online students may hold a degree in another field if all undergraduate program prerequisites are met.) 
• GRE general test scores (no waivers are available, but there is no minimum required score); competitive applicants should have high quantitative and math scores from the undergraduate program
• An optional CV, personal statement, and up to three letters of recommendation

For international applicants:

• TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test, or 
• IELTS: an overall band of 6.5 on the academic test

The numerous areas of research in CS include:

• artificial intelligence
• bioinformatics and computational biology
• computer architecture
• data mining, machine learning, and natural computation
• formal methods
• graphics and visualization
• model-driven engineering
• programming languages and implementation
• scientific computing
• security
• theoretical computer science.

Leading all of these programs are:

• Turing Award winners
• National Academies of Engineering and of Sciences members
• Computers and Thought Awardees, Simons Investigators
• several other lauded faculty members from around the world. 

The department’s Friends of Computer Science (FoCS) program ensures close ties between a wide roster of industry partners and CS students and faculty. The program impacts the regional economy with a breathtaking $8.7 billion economic impact per year. U.S. News & World Report ranked UT Austin at No. 10 in Computer Science. It is right under its Ivy League counterpart, Princeton. 

Here’s some interesting trivia! UT Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center is home to the fastest academic supercomputer in the world!

#6. CORNELL UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (MSCS)

Another one of the best graduate programs in computer engineering is at Cornell University.

Cornell University is nestled in the rolling hills of Ithaca, NY, in the Finger Lakes region. Cornell University has a relatively small campus (745 acres). It has a massive reputation! It is an elite member of the Ivy League. Competition for admission is fierce. Gaining acceptance into the Computing and Information Science Computer Science grad program is even tougher! 

The engineering department opened in 1965. It is one of the oldest of its type in the nation. The engineering schools are home to just 14 Master of Science students. This makes it one of the most selective programs on our list. The program at Cornell University admits about seven or eight students each year.

The Master of Science in Computer Science is designed to be finished in four semesters. The master’s degree is geared toward students wanting to enhance their understanding of the field. This is done at Cornell University via advanced courses, intense research, writing, and teaching practice as teaching assistants (during which time they receive full tuition and a stipend). 

Core  Courses

A summary of MSCS degree requirements is: 

• A total of 34 credit hours are required
• Six to 12 credit hours tied to thesis research (CS 7999)
• Six to eight grad-level courses, of which four must be CS courses at the 5000 level or above and one at the 6000 level
• An outside minor involving two or three grad-level courses
• A thesis and oral presentation

Please see the List of CS Courses to review the dozens of course offerings and their full descriptions. 

When it comes to research, Cornell is in a league of its own. The master’s degree is recognized as an industry leader. The school’s current projects include transformational research in areas such as:

• artificial intelligence
• computational biology
• database systems
• human interaction
• programming languages
• robotics
• scientific computing
• theories of computing

Admission Requirements:

It goes without saying that applications for any Ivy League institution should be stellar. Cornell’s CS program requires: 

• Transcripts of all college-level work
• Three letters of recommendation 
  • One should address the student’s expository skills and capacity for working in a classroom setting
• An essay discussing how the program and thesis are connected to the applicant’s career goals 
• GRE general test scores (recommended, except for Cornell undergraduates) 
• Non-native English speakers must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores

Note:  Cornell’s MS program only admits students who have not only excelled as undergraduate teaching assistants. They must also show an aptitude for independent research. 

This selectivity extends to the school’s faculty as well. The engineering department reaps awards from around the world. The engineering schools include:

• Turing Award honorees
• National Academy of Engineering members
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellows
• Guggenheim Fellows
• MacArthur Fellows
• Fulbright Scholars
• National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigators

An Oral History of Computer Science at Cornell University is an insightful look at the program’s founding. This is as told by 12 senior faculty members who played roles in shepherding this field of study into the institution. The school hosts several events, such as BigRed//Hacks, a three-day, student-run hackathon of epic proportions! 

Students in the engineering schools also enjoy participating in Computer Science Hockey and the camaraderie of the EGSA (Engineering Graduate Student Association). All of them benefit from the school’s architectural wonder. This is Bill & Melinda Gates Hall. It is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification winner. The light-filled, 100,000-square foot building is home to the Computing and Information Science department’s numerous projects and office spaces.  

#7. PURDUE UNIVERSITY WEST LAFAYETTE

MASTER’S IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING

You will find a top masters degree in computer engineering at Purdue University West Lafayette. Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN. The beautiful campus attracts engineering students from around the world. It is the No. 1 destination for international students in STEM disciplines. That’s per the Department of Homeland Security. It is home to cultural centers like the:

• Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center
• Black Cultural Center
• Latino Cultural Center
• LGBTQ Center
• Native American Educational and Cultural Center

Purdue offers a welcoming educational atmosphere for people from all walks of life. the school of engineering is proof.  

Engineering students in Purdue’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department may elect to pursue a Master’s in computer engineering degree. The master’s degree is one of the seven Electrical and Computer Engineering Primary Areas. There is an option for thesis or non-thesis programs. There is also an MS-only and MS/PhD track. 

Curriculum

Requirements for the program’s Plan of Study include:

• Completing 30 credit hours of coursework approved by the advisory committee, with 15 credit hours of graduate-level Electrical and Computer Engineering and two core courses covering the student’s research area
• At least six approved math credit hours for non-thesis engineering students and three for thesis engineering students (see Appendix A of the Master’s Program Handbook for approved courses)
• Research credit is not necessary for MS-only track engineering students pursuing the non-thesis option, but engineering students can choose to include three credit hours of Electrical and Computer Engineering 69600 (Advanced Projects) or Electrical and Computer Engineering 69700 (Directed Reading)
• Research credit hours are necessary for all other tracks, and the rules governing them are moderately extensive
• Demonstrated proficiency in written English 
• A graduate seminar – Electrical and Computer Engineering 69400
• At least half of all credits must be earned in residence. Courses completed via distance learning are considered to be “in residence” ones. Please review the department’s website for full details. 

Want to see an overview of requirements for the MS-only (thesis or non-thesis options) and the MS/PhD (thesis or non-thesis) programs? The master’s degree information is available on the program’s page. 

This is one of the best computer engineering programs around. 

Admission Requirements:

Criteria for admission for the school of engineering include: 

• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation 
• A statement of purpose 
• A resume
• A fellowship essay (for engineering students who attended a U.S. high school)
• Average GPA of 3.60 or higher for U.S. applicants (the minimum is typically 3.25); international applicants are usually in the top 5% of their graduating class
• GRE scores that meet or exceed:
  • 152 – Verbal
  • 166 – Quantitative
  • 3.6 – Analytical writing
• International engineering students are required to submit: 
  • TOEFL: iBT overall minimum score of 80, with minimums: Writing = 18 for grad school admissions and 22 for Electrical and Computer Engineering admissions, Speaking = 18, Listening = 14, and Reading = 19
  • IELTS minimum score = 6.5, with minimums: Reading = 6.5, Listening = 6.0, Speaking = 6.0, and Writing = 5.5
  • Note: There are some exceptions. 

Computer engineering students and faculty stay busy with cutting-edge research. It is conducted in multiple labs and groups, such as: 

• Computer Architecture
• Dependable Computing Systems Lab (DCSL)
• Haptic Interface Research Lab (HIRL)
• High-Efficiency, Low-Power Systems Group (HELPS)
• Internet Systems Lab (ISL)
• Machine Learning, Planning, and Reasoning
• Purdue Programming Languages Research Group
• Robot Vision Lab

Purdue comes in at No. 20 in U.S. News & World Report’s Computer Science rankings. It is No. 14 in Programming Languages. The master’s degree is No. 15 in Systems. The program is the largest master’s degree program at Purdue. There are 258 MS students and more than 100 faculty and related staff. It has over $41 million in annual research expenditures. The department is able to fund projects other computer engineering graduate schools can only dream of. 

The Electrical and Computer Engineering department maintains strong corporate partnerships. This ensures that engineering students in the computer engineering master’s degrees are armed with the in-demand skills needed by today’s industry professionals. From recruitment to career fairs, and other means of hiring outreach. Companies are lining up to hire Purdue grads for lucrative new careers!

#8. STANFORD UNIVERSITY

COMPUTER SCIENCE MS DEGREE

The Stanford Center for Professional Development has a great Computer Science Master of Science (MSCS). It is for full- and part-time students wanting to take advantage of online learning opportunities. The terminal, 45-unit program takes three to five years to finish. Most classes are available online. This depends on the exact program of study and the school’s calendar of online course offerings. 

Core and Elective Courses

There are four broad requirements for degree completion. The first is the basic foundations requirement. Students must finish the courses listed below, or their equivalents. Engineering students must earn a final grade of “B” or higher in these courses. Those who completed these courses as undergraduates may request a waiver. The areas computer engineering graduates can study are: 

• Logic, Automata, and Complexity 
• Probability 
• Algorithmic Analysis 
• Computer Organ & Systems
• Principles of Computer Systems 

Visit the program page for a full list of courses. 

Stanford has a significant implementation requirement. This means students must demonstrate a capacity for software development. They must finish an SI class as part of either their breadth, depth, or elective credits in computer science and engineering.

The third program requirement is the breadth requirement. It means students must take classes that expose them to topics outside of their depth area. Students may focus on a single depth or dual depths. For the single depth track, students gain a specialization through 27 units in a certain area of study. In the dual depth option, students complete 21 units in a primary area and 15 in a secondary one. 

The fourth program requirement is the selection of a specialization. The options for the school of engineering are: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Biocomputation
• Computer and Network Security
• Human-Computer Interactions
• Information Management and Analytics
• Mobile and Internet Computing
• Real-World Computing
• Software Theory
• Systems

The program page offers a complete listing of the dozens of courses in computer science and engineering. To graduate, at least 36 credits must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 or more. 

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements for the school of engineering include submission of: 

• A statement of purpose detailing the reasons for applying to the program, preparation, research interests, career plans, and other background information 
• Three recommendation letters, preferably two from academic sources
• A resume, listing all publications
• A supplemental form also listing publications and websites, if applicable  
• Official copies of all transcripts 
• GRE scores, dated within the last five years
• TOEFL scores, from applicants whose native language isn’t English

Stanford is ranked No. 1 in a four-way tie for Best Computer Science/ Computer Engineering Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranked the school at No. 1 in Computer Science programs and No. 3 in Artificial Intelligence. It was No. 3 in Programming Language and No. 4 in Systems. Consider the prestige of a Stanford degree combined with the flexibility of an online learning option. What more can a person ask for? This is one of the best computer engineering programs around. 

#9. CORNELL UNIVERSITY – CORNELL TECH

MASTER IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Cornell Tech is the progeny of a partnership between Cornell University and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. This institute of technology has a one-of-a-kind graduate school model. It blends the academic prowess of Cornell’s faculty member body with industry experts and entrepreneurs to explore visionary new technologies for the business world. Make no mistake. The emphasis on research and education is designed to power the commercialization of digital age innovations. Graduate students are an integral part of that mission. 

Cornell Tech has a cutting-edge, one-year Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). Students work with the latest prototype hardware, advanced algorithms, innovative lab projects, and cross-disciplinary teams and ventures. Grads have unprecedented opportunities to link with industry leaders. They can work with start-ups in the heart of New York City as they complete courses at the institute of technology, one of the top computer engineering schools around.

Curriculum

This degree falls under the Master of Engineering category. At this computer engineering school, courses in computer science and engineering cover:

• principles and practices of analog/digital devices
• ASIC design
• machine learning
• data science
• signal processing
• communications
• robotics/autonomous systems

There’s also an integral Studio course component. This allows students to create solutions for real corporations. The studio culture focuses on:

• entrepreneurship
• product design
• management
• prototyping

It is considered a defining experience of the computer engineering major. 

The fall and spring semester credit breakdown includes: 

• Twelve technical credits per semester
• Three to four project & interdisciplinary credits
• Semester totals of 15 – 16 credits

Tech courses for the computer engineering school could include: 

• Fall: 
  • Applied Digital ASIC Design
  • Embedded Systems
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Spring: 
  • Intelligent Autonomous Systems
  • Applied Digital Signal Processing and Communications
  • Introduction to Computer Vision
  • Deep Learning

Project and Interdisciplinary credits for the computer engineering major could include: 

• Product Studio
• Becoming a Leader in the Digital World
• Classes that are taken with other Cornell Tech Master’s students
• Startup Studio
• Product Management

Admission Requirements:

To apply, applicants should submit to the school of engineering : 

• A resume
• A personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program, as well as experiences demonstrating their creativity, leadership, and technical abilities
• Two letters of recommendation (suggested) 
• GRE scores (no waivers are available) 
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges 
• For international applicants, a certified English translation of transcripts, if needed
• A valid TOEFL or IELTS score

Cornell Tech also offers a Master of Engineering in Computer Science degree. Courses in computer science and engineering cover topics such as:

• Algorithms and Data Structures for Applications
• Applied Machine Learning
• Blockchains & Cryptocurrencies
• Networking
• Computer Vision
• Cryptography
• Cybersecurity
• Data Mining
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Natural Language Processing. 

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering program was once housed at Google’s New York City-based Chelsea Building. It relocated to Roosevelt Island in 2017. It is a new branch of the esteemed Ivy League institution. Cornell Tech’s buildings are modern. They are built with sustainability in mind. The inspiring, four-story Bloomberg Center is Cornell Tech’s educational nexus. The Tata Innovation Center is the place where academics and industry merge into a beehive of creativity and ideas. 

The campus also includes 12 acres on Roosevelt Island. It has stunning views of the New York City skyline, the Verizon Executive Ed Center, and the 270” residential high-rise known as The House. Courses are taught by a diverse faculty of experts. They are dedicated to impactful research and the creation of technological breakthroughs. 

As Business Insider put it, Cornell Tech is minting the next generation of Mark Zuckerbergs. As of early 2018, it had already helped 40 start-ups amass $32 million in funding! Cornell ranks among the top 1% of universities in the world. It holds the No. 6 spot in Computer Science. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report. 

#10. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

MASTER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

The University of California, Los Angeles has a great master’s degree computer engineering.

The University of California has always been a pioneer at the forefront of the information revolution. It opened in 1947. The University of California’s Institute for Numerical Analysis began researching mathematics relevant to developing high-speed automatic digital computing machinery. Twenty-one years later, the University of California Computer Science Department was born. 

It operates under the purview of the Samueli School of Engineering. the University of California has a distinguished Computer Science Graduate Program that draws graduate students from around the globe.

Core and Elective Courses

The school’s Master in Computer Science is an MS degree at the University of California. The computer engineering school features a wide selection of courses in computer science and engineering for the graduate degree. You’ll take classes in fields such as: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science Theory
• Computer System Architecture
• Computational Systems Biology
• Databases (Information and Data Management)
• Graphics and Vision
• Network Systems
• Programming Languages and Systems

The bulk of applicants at the University of California have a strong background in computer science. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another major will still be considered. All applicants should have two years of calculus, one year of physics, and a statistics course.

The degree at the University of California can be completed within five to six quarters. Course requirements include breadth courses and a completed Program of Study. There are options for a thesis or capstone project during the second year. Then, students are assigned “Advanced to Candidacy” status.  

Admission Requirements:

Basic requirements for admission into the computer and electrical engineering program for the school of engineering  include: 

• Holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, with at least a 3.0 GPA (3.5 is considered competitive, and the average for admitted students is 3.6) 
• A necessary academic foundation for graduate CS coursework
• Competitive GRE scores

An MS degree in computer or electrical engineering at the University of California prepares students for careers in the computer science and engineering industry. MS applicants also demonstrate an interest in developing and applying technical skills and translational knowledge in computer science and engineering. 

Admission requirements include submission of:

• At least three letters of recommendation from prior professors from the applicant’s undergraduate engineering majors
• Official transcripts from all colleges ever attended
• A statement of purpose, following instructions on the application (Note: The statement will also suffice as a writing sample.) 
• GRE scores

For the Fall 2018 term, the Computer Science program at the University of California had 2,219 applicants.  It admitted 240 of them, of which 128 students enrolled. According to the department’s FAQ page, the average GPA of the applicants was 3.5. That of admittees was 3.7. Meanwhile, the average GRE percentiles for these graduate programs at the computer engineering school were: 

• Domestic applicants: V: 74; Q: 85; AW: 58
• Domestic admittees: V: 83; Q: 91; AW: 71
• International applicants: V: 62; Q: 92; AW: 36
• International admittees: V: 72; Q:96; AW: 52

UCLA’s computer science program attracts many international applicants. The demographics for the MS computer science program show that 41% of MS students hold Chinese citizenship. 25% come from India. The remaining students cat the University of California computer science programs come from the United States or another country. 

This is one of the best computer engineering programs around. 

The University of California operates many exciting research labs. It is ranked No. 13 in Computer Science by U.S. News & World Report. UCLA itself was ranked as the No. 2 Public University in the United States in the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities! Its graduate programs are some of the best. 

OTHER NOTABLE GRADUATE PROGRAMS

#11. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania‎

Carnegie Mellon University Degree: M.S. in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University Net Price: $30,847

Website          

#12. Texas A&M University College Station

Texas A&M University Location: College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University Degree: Master’s in Computer Engineering

Texas A&M University Net Price: $19,118

Website

#13. University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Degree: Master of Science in Engineering in Computer & Information Science (CIS/MSE)

University of Pennsylvania Net Price: $26,266

Website

#14. University of California, ​Irvine

University of California, ​Irvine Location: Irvine, California

University of California, ​Irvine Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

University of California, ​Irvine Net Price: $15,014

Website

#15. University of Washington

University of Washington Location: Seattle, Washington

University of Washington Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

University of Washington Net Price: $9,765

Website

#16. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Location: Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University Degree: MS in Computer Science and Engineering

The Ohio State University Net Price: $18,694

Website   

#17. University of Virginia

University of Virginia Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Virginia Degree: MS Computer Engineering

University of Virginia Net Price: $17,845

Website

#18. University of Southern California

University of Southern California Location: Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science

University of Southern California Net Price: $36,161

Website      

#19. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Degree: Master of Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Net Price: $18,971

Website

#20. University of Michigan Ann Arbor

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Degree: MS EECS

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Net Price: $16,856

Website

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

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

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

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

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

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

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

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

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

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

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT ARE SOME NOTABLE FACTS OR STATISTICS ABOUT AEROSPACE ENGINEERING?

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

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

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

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

We have a time-tested four-part formula designed for ranking the best colleges in the nation that we’d love to share with you. We prioritize four major factors: Earnings Potential, Affordability, Student Satisfaction, and Selectivity. Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success. We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions, or financial incentives. Our revenue and content are completely separate, and sponsored schools have no impact on our rankings. The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program! If you want to know more we encourage you to check out our methodology page. 

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

#1. MISSOURI SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

#2. PURDUE UNIVERSITY – MAIN CAMPUS

MASTER OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS AEROSPACE ENGINEERING PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

#3. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

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

#4. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

#5. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

#6. AUBURN UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

#7. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

#8. IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING MASTER’S DEGREE

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

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

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

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

#9. VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

#10. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SEATTLE

MASTER OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

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

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

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

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

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. The University of Texas at Arlington

Location: Arlington, Texas

Degree: MS/MSE in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $12,533

Website

#12. University of Colorado Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $20,323

Website

#13. Mississippi State University

Location: Starkville, Mississippi

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $16,056

Website

#14. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Location: Daytona Beach, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $35,358

Website

#15. Old Dominion University

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Degree: MS/ME in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $15,213

Website

#16. University of California, Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles, California

Degree: MS in Engineering Aerospace

Net Price: $14,760

Website

#17. The University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Net Price: $19,993

Website

#18. University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $12,363

Website

#19. University of Southern California

Location: Los Angeles, California

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $32,892

Website 

#20. University of Central Florida

Location: Orlando, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Net Price: $15,341

Website

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

Are you considering a career in accounting? Becoming a CPA (certified public accountant) isn’t the only thing you can do with one of these rewarding degrees.

After earning one of the best masters in accounting, you could go into public accounting at a large firm. You could make six figures right out of college. Or you could teach at the undergraduate level. You could climb the corporate ladder. You could even start your very own accounting firm.

The options are endless! Pursuing one of the top accounting masters programs is worth it. But you’ll need to have a solid education in accounting backing you up. 

What exactly is accounting? The field involves scrutinizing business and financial transactions to analyze, verify and then report the results in a public accounting report. When most people think of accountants, they think of the suits to whom they bring their tax returns each spring. But accountants can do so much more than basic forms and public accounting report audits.

A bachelor’s degree is all you need to land a high-paying job. However, if you earn a master’s degree in accounting, your opportunities will be even more extensive. You can rise to a leadership or management position. You could pursue a career as a chief financial officer or technology controller. You could even work as a corporate budget analyst. 

The demand for these positions is high. And so is the pay. You’ll be tasked with managing others. So you’ll be able to command impressive wages. 

Some of the top schools for financial and managerial accounting, in addition to the ones we’ve profiled on this ranking, include:

• New York University (New York University’s accounting master’s degree is offered by the Stern School of Business)
• Brigham Young University (offered by the BYU Marriott School)
• Arizona State University
• City University of New York
• Ohio State University
• UT Austin
• Florida State University
• University of Virginia
• University of North Carolina
• University of Georgia
• University of Washington
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Southern California (USC Marshall School of Business)
• University of Mississippi
• University of Wisconsin
• Stanford Graduate School
• Emory University
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor
• University of Southern California
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Illinois

There are even online programs you can choose if you’re looking for a more convenient master of accounting program.

Finding the best master’s in accounting can be challenging but not impossible! There is an accounting master’s degree program for everyone.

One of the most common reasons to pursue a master’s in accounting is to prepare for the examination to become a Certified Public Accountant. If you don’t yet have this license, you can only carry out certain tasks. For example, you might only be able to prepare basic financial statements or in some cases, basic tax returns.

Become a CPA. You’ll be able to conduct audits, represent clients in IRS disputes, and review more complex financial statements. 

All of these are excellent reasons to consider earning a master’s degree in accounting. Now, how do you find the best program? 

Consider your interests. You may want to choose a program that allows you to choose a concentration. Accounting majors have many interests. There are all kinds of programs you can choose from, including:

• Accounting information systems
• Data analytics
• Professional accountancy
• Data management
• Information systems
• Accounting in the business world
• Auditing theory
• Accounting in the public and private sectors
• Financial reporting

The best accounting masters programs won’t be the same for each and every student. Most business schools offer a similar curriculum but aspiring accounting professionals need to do their research to find the best master’s in accounting programs for their needs.

You’ll need to find one that matches your career goals and your drive to succeed. Look for a degree with lots of opportunities to test your skills in the real world. Experiences like internships and study abroad are always helpful. So are cooperative learning opportunities, research programs, and fellowships. 

You’ll quickly discover that there is some variation among the programs that are available. There are Master of Accounting programs. These are designed for students who want to work within the top levels of the accounting industry. They’re also great for those who have little to no experience in accounting. 

There are also MBA in Accounting degrees and Master’s of Science in Accounting degrees. An MBA offers a breadth of knowledge. A Master of Science In Accounting offers a depth of knowledge. Otherwise, they are more or less the same! 

Are you ready to show the world what an awesome accountant looks like? Walk the walk and talk the talk. Pursue one of the 10 best master’s programs in accounting.

We’ll tell you everything you need to know in this guide and in our accounting masters rankings!

What Are the Best Master’s in Accounting Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1. Texas A&M University 

Master in Accounting

You’ll find one of the top accounting masters programs at Texas A&< University. Texas A&M University is one of the largest schools in the country. It has an enrollment of roughly 69,000 students. This public land-grant research university has the second largest student body in the United States. It is also home to one of the nation’s top accounting schools.

The Mays Business School offers a master’s in accounting. It has two separate tracks. Each one consists of approximately 13 classes or 37 credit hours of study. You can choose between two tracks. There is an assurance services/information management track. This is ideal for aspiring assurance services professionals.

There is also the tax consulting/financial planning track. This one is ideal for candidates who want to understand the fundamental aspects of tax strategy in the business world. You can even take a review course for the CPA exam during the final semester. 

You will take core classes to prepare prospective students. This program, like most accounting programs require a core curriculum with classes that cover subjects like:

• Managerial accounting
• Accounting information systems
• Accounting research
• Data analytics
• Professional accountancy
• Accounting analysis
• Public accounting
• Corporate finance
• Accounting science
• Operations management
• Investment banking
• Financial statement analysis
• Understanding financial markets
• Information systems
• Modeling financial statements
• Advanced financial accounting
• Risk management
• Financial reporting

The master’s degree in accounting at Texas A&M University is one of the most career-focused. Like many other accounting schools and accounting master’s programs, you’ll gain the skills you need to prepare you for the CPA exam (certified public accountant exam). You will also build your oral communication skills so that you can work in accounting services of all kinds. 

A core component of the curriculum is an accounting internship. This takes place in the spring or summer term. Many students find that their internships morph into full-time job offers following graduation. This accounting master’s program is perfect for all kinds of accounting majors with all kinds of career goals.

This school has an extensive alumni network. It is one that used to be known as the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the Career Management Center here. You can attend workshops and receive one-on-one coaching. This covers professional development, resume building, and job search strategies. You must complete a professional development seminar, too. In this, you’ll connect with industry experts. You can get a connection to employment opportunities in the region. 

#2.  Gonzaga University 

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Another one of the top accounting masters programs can be found at Gonzaga University. Gonzaga University is a Catholic university in Spokane, WA. It is much smaller than many of the other universities in this ranking. It only has about 7500 students. Yet the school is one of the best if you’re looking for an accounting MS program. It is ranked as one of the best accounting programs by U.S. News & World Report.

The university offers bachelor’s, doctoral, and master’s degrees in seven colleges. This includes the School of Business Administration. The Master of Accountancy program is technical. It trains students for rewarding careers in accounting. This is done through hands-on experience and industry-relevant training. 

This program takes just two semesters. Courses are offered in a remote fashion as well as in person. You’ll take ten core classes (or 25 credit hours) plus five elective credits. You’ll complete a grand total of 30 credit hours for your degree.

The curriculum includes core classes such as:

• Financial Statement Analysis
• Accounting Theory
• Financial Accounting for Income Taxes
• Data Analysis for Accountants

You can take elective courses in the accounting department. Or you can branch out and take classes in taxation or the MBA program to diversify your degree. You don’t have this option with all accounting degree programs!

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain experience and make strong connections with industry partners. The Forensic Accounting Lab is one such example. This elective course will let you help local law enforcement officials prosecute white-collar crime. This is a wonderful experience that will allow you to put your training into action. 

This university has a first-time CPA exam pass rate of 82%. It is number one in this regard on the West Coast and tenth in the nation among other accounting degree programs.

Not planning on becoming a CPA? Gonzaga still has plenty to offer. There is a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation. You can’t beat the statistics of this accounting degree program!

#3.  University of Florida

Master of Accounting 

The University of Florida is home to more top masters in accounting programs. The University of Florida is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, FL. It is perhaps best known for its intercollegiate sports teams, the Florida Gators. It’s also known for its academics.

Here, you’ll find another one of the top Master of Accounting degrees. It is designed for students who completed their undergraduate training in accounting at another university and now want to attend the Fisher School of Accounting for graduate work.

It has three concentration options:

• auditing
• taxation
• general (no concentration).

It can be completed in as little as two years of study. All courses are offered on-campus in Gainesville.

The program is designed for students who want to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. It includes core classes in:

• Accounting Regulation
• Governmental Accounting
• Issues in Audit Practice
• Accounting for Income Taxes
• International Auditing

You’ll be able to take around six credit hours of electives, too. You’ll learn everything you need, from how to prepare a public accounting report to how to file a tax return. This accounting degree program is one of the best for graduate students to consider. 

#4.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

There are more best masters in accounting programs to consider in Illinois.

Sometimes referred to simply as the University of Illinois, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university. It is in the twin cities of Urbana and champaign. This is one of the largest public universities in the nation. It is also home to Research Park. It houses innovation centers for more than 90 start-up companies and multinational corporations. Examples? State Farm, Abbott, Capital One, Yahoo, and more.

The result? It’s a great place to get a hands-on education in just about any business discipline .

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers another top accounting programs masters. It is ranked as one of the best in the world for its accounting programs by U.S. News & World Report. Its business programs are well regarded by this publication as well.

The curriculum is geared toward graduate students who have finished or are still working on their bachelor’s degree in accountancy at an accredited American university. It is a one-year degree completion program. It allows candidates to choose from two potential degree concentrations in auditing or taxation.

You will complete a blend of core classes and graduate-level electives. You will learn how to create a public accounting report and audit. Examples of classes include:

• Auditing and Insurance Standards
• External Risk Measurement and Reporting
• Corporation Income Taxation

There are other specializations you can choose from in order to meet the elective credit requirement. These include:

• finance
• corporate governance and international business
• supply chain management
• information technology and control

#5.  University of Virginia-Main Campus

MS in Accounting

You’ll find another one of the top grad schools for accounting at the University of Virginia. This school was founded by Thomas Jefferson himself. The University of Virginia is one of the oldest universities in the country. It is in Charlottesville, VA and opened in 1819. It bore witness to the education of famous alumni such as the founder of Reddit and the creator of CNET. 

The school is known for its student-regulated honor code. In this, learners are required not to lie, cheat or steal. It is also known for its many secret societies. These societies aren’t as active as they once were. But rest assured, they are still around! 

It’s no secret that the Master of Science in Accounting here is one of the best in the nation. It is ranked among the best business programs by U.S. News & World Report. It is in the McIntire School of Commerce. The program consists of 30 credit hours of study. It provides students with the ideal location. It is just over 115 miles from Washington, D.C. 

These top masters of accounting programs have an impressive 91% job placement rate. The accounting degree has some of the best outcomes of all other competitors. Many graduates sign with Big Four firms. These accounting firms offer some of the best salaries. They have an average starting salary of $59,000. 

These excellent outcomes are due in part to the quality instructors and exemplary curriculum. But they’re also due to the many hands-on learning experiences that are available for students here. You can take advantage of study abroad courses. These are in places like South America, Asia, and Europe. You’ll work with your classmates to develop the hands-on skills and critical thinking abilities you need to be a successful leader in accountancy.

Enroll in this program and you can choose from two different tracks. There is tax consulting or financial reporting and assurance. You’ll complete core classes like:

• Financial Trading
• Taxation of Partnerships and Flow-Through Entities
• Taxes and Business Strategy

#6.  North Carolina State University 

Master of Accounting 

Another one of the best masters in accounting programs can be found at North Carolina State University. This school is known for its contributions to research and innovation. It forms one of the three points of the famed Research Triangle. The other points are Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The programs focus on professional research and industry relativity. Your courses will be hands-on and collaborative. You can see firsthand how the concepts learned in class can be applied to a real-world setting. The Master of Accounting is offered by the Poole College of Management. It consists of 11 courses.

These programs are accredited and certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. They can be completed on-campus or online. It is meant to be completed in as little as one year. You can take longer to complete your classes if this fits your current schedule a bit better. The master’s of accounting online is designed with busy working professionals in mind. 

You will be able to choose from a variety of concentrations. There are even study abroad options. You will take core courses like:

• Advanced Auditing
• Advanced Commercial Law
• IT Risk and Control

There are concentrations, too. Options include Enterprise Risk Management Information Technology, and Tax Strategy.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting isn’t required for admission to this program. But you will have to complete a series of courses in topics like business law, auditing, and accounting to be eligible for admission. The school has an impressive 100% placement rate within three months of graduation. Alumni earn average starting salaries of $54,700. 

This excellent outcome is due in part to the quality instruction you’ll receive from the faculty in this program. It’s also due to the many opportunities for field-based learning. In addition to internships, research opportunities, and fellowships, you can also choose to spend four weeks studying in Prague over the summer semester. 

#7.  The University of Alabama

Master of Accountancy 

The University of Alabama is home to more of the best masters of accounting programs. The University of Alabama is a public research institution in Tuscaloosa, AL. It is the oldest and the largest of all the public universities in Alabama. It offers a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It’s home to unique programs that can only be found here. Examples include Romance languages, metallurgical engineering, and more.

This school is also where you will find one of the country’s top accounting degrees. The Master of Accountancy is for students who are interested in working in accounting and assurance services. The program develops the cognitive, research, and communication skills students need to be successful. It also provides graduates with the training and core courses they need to sit for the CPA exam.

You’ll take at least 30 hours of graduate credits. These include 21 hours of core accounting courses. You’ll also be able to take electives that align with your unique career goals. There are pathways available in:

• assurance
• wealth management
• fraud investigation
• healthcare

…and more.

This degree is one of the most affordable programs in accounting you will find. Tuition and fees are low. Plus, the Culverhouse School of Accountancy often awards assistantships and scholarships to eligible students. Make sure you apply!

#8.  University of Texas at Dallas

MS in Accounting

The University of Texas at Dallas is home to more of the best master in accounting programs. This is a sprawling university. The main campus is in Richardson. But there are multiple other locations in the city’s downtown area. It is known for its contributions to research in fields like bioengineering, nanotechnology, and cybersecurity. And of course, accounting.

The Master of Science in Accounting is offered by the storied Naveen Jindal School of Management. You can take courses on-campus or online. If you plan to sit for the CPA exam, you’ll need to complete at least half of your 30 required credit hours on campus. 

You’ll take core classes like:

• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Ethics for Professional Accountants
• Database Foundations 

You can choose electives to customize your degree to meet your needs.

There are several concentrations available as part of this program. They include those in:

• taxation
• internal audit and risk assurance
• accounting analytics
• research professional accounting

#9.  Indiana University Bloomington

MS in Accounting

Enroll in the master of accounting program at Indiana University Bloomington. You’ll become a Hoosier. Plus, this is one of the top accounting grad schools.

“A what?” you might be wondering. We’ll say it again. A Hoosier!

To be fair, nobody knows exactly what a Hoosier is. At least, not in the context of Indiana University. A Hoosier is anyone who is a native of Indiana, a non-native who has embraced the state as his own, or of course, a student at Indiana University. As for what exactly the word means, it’s unclear. But what you do need to know is this. When you become a Hoosier, you’ll join a group of fellow students and alumni that’s tens of thousands strong.

And what a group it is! Notable alumni include Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, billionaire Mark Cuban, and even Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games series. The school is referred to as a Public Ivy. Indiana University Bloomington offers learners the quality of a private school. But there is the lower cost and affordable tuition and fees of a public school.

That’s just one reason why U.S. News & World Report ranks it as one of the best business schools in the country. The Kelley School of Business is where you will find the Master of Science in Accounting. It is available on-campus as well as online. It features a flexible curriculum that will allow you to choose from subjects like:

• Data Analytics
• Taxation
• Assurance
• Risk Management

You will be able to choose the combination of electives. These can be ones that best fit your professional and personal goals. There are both one- and two-year programs available. A one year program is ideal for those who want to graduate quickly. A degree that takes two years is open to students who may not have the time to graduate within six months or a year.

The degree is flexible. There’s even a field consulting option. This will allow you to spend a semester in New York City. You can visit iconic destinations like the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve. 

Don’t want to spend that much time away from campus? There’s also a three-day trip to Washington, D.C. It is embedded as part of the curriculum in the Accounting and Public Policy course. 

It’s easy to see that you’ll get a ton out of this program. It has a 95% job placement rate within 90 days of graduation. It even offers a joint degree. In this, you can earn your master’s of science plus a Juris Doctor. It’s a one-of-a-kind program!

#10.  DePaul University 

Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

DePaul University is a private research university in Chicago, IL. This school has strong Catholic origins. It is the largest Catholic university by enrollment in the United States. 

The school is best known for its programs for nontraditional students. About 90% of all students here live off-campus or commute. The university is also home to many international students. The student body represents more than 60 foreign countries. 

DePaul University offers a top-ranked Master of Science in Accountancy. It can prepare you to become an industry-ready accountant. It’s perfect for candidates who are interested in sitting for the CPA examination and need a flexible opportunity to get them here.

This degree is available 100% online. You can also complete it on-campus or in a hybrid fashion. This is depending on your needs and preferences. You’ll take 12 required accounting courses. That’s along with four business courses. This will give you both the breadth and depth of dedication you need to be successful.

Some courses you’ll take include:

• Financial Accounting
• Tax Treatment of Individuals and Property Transactions
• Advanced topics in Accounting Theory
• Analysis of Business Conditions

You can take electives that are represented in the graduate school’s many other business majors, too. Examples include taxation or audit and advisory services. 

You’ll gain the technical and foundational knowledge you need to perform essential accounting functions. You’ll also learn how to anticipate and solve new challenges in the field. You’ll learn from distinctive faculty as you pursue research areas. Research topics include:

• accounting education
• balance sheet and earnings management
• financial accounting reporting. 

The result? DePaul’s accounting program has a 90% job placement rate. There’s an average salary of $61,500. Not too shabby! The degree offers a phenomenal return on investment. There is more than $3 million awarded to incoming students in scholarships each year. 

FAQ   

What master’s degree should a CPA get?

In order to become a CPA, or a Certified Public Accountant, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. This should be in accounting or a related field (like finance). The degree itself does not need to be in accounting. But you should complete a decent number of foundational courses in this field. This will prepare you for the exam (a minor in accounting is a smart choice).

A master’s degree is even better. Most states require CPAs to complete around 150 semester credit hours of study. Earning a master’s degree isn’t required to become a CPA. But it can help you meet this credit hour requirement. After earning your credits, you’ll need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. This has a series of multiple-choice and task-based questions. There are also simulations and written communication tasks.

How long is a master’s in accounting?

Each master’s program varies in terms of its length and course requirements. Most students will take 12 to 18 months to complete their degrees. Some accelerated degrees can be completed in even less time than that. Would you like to take classes part-time to fit your schedule (or just because you prefer a slower pace)? Most programs allow up to six years to finish a program that you have started. 

You will take classes that cover topics like:

• financial policy
• the principles of investment property and negotiable instruments
• taxes and business strategy
• information technology for accounting

You’ll complete around 30 to 36 credit hours. This is often with the addition of a thesis, capstone, or other hands-on experience. 

Many of these programs also make it possible for students to choose concentrations in things like:

• accounting information systems
• auditing
• forensic accounting
• corporate accounting
• taxation regulation

What kind of jobs can I get after completing a master of accounting program?

After completing your studies in accounting, there are many types of jobs you might qualify for. Working as an accountant is an obvious choice. But you could also pursue work as an internal or external auditor, a securities or investment analyst, or a bookkeeper. 

As an accountant, you’ll work to examine and prepare financial records. Complete your certification and become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. This will improve your job prospects! 

Choose to work as an auditor? Your job will be to keep an eye out for the mismanagement of funds. As an internal auditor, you’ll be working within a specific agency or company. But as an external auditor, you’ll work for an outside company (or governmental entity). This is one that is brought in to audit another business. 

As a securities or investment analyst, you’ll provide businesses and individuals with the information they need to guide their monetary decisions. The goal will often be to make decisions that result in the highest profit possible. 

You could also work as a bookkeeper. A bookkeeper is someone who produces financial records for organizations. You will also check those records for accuracy. This isn’t the highest-paying career you could get with an accounting degree. But it’s a great way to gain experience and build industry connections while you’re still in school.

What is the salary for a master’s in accounting?

There are so many job opportunities available to students who have graduated from master’s programs in accounting. Because of this, the salary range can also vary. 

You can expect to make around $73,560 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as an accountant. You’ll earn an even higher salary if you receive a master’s degree. As well as if you work for an in-demand field like finance or insurance. 

As an auditor, the salary range is a bit more variable. It depends whether you choose to work as an internal or external auditor. Payscale reports an average salary of around $58,182 for these professionals. 

Choose to work as an analyst and you’ll find that your salary varies. It depends on the industry in which you work. Securities analysts tend to earn the highest salaries, on average, bringing in around $98,850. This is a high-paying field across the board. The highest 10% of workers bring in more than $159,560, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

How do I get into the best accounting graduate school?

Admissions requirements for the best accounting graduate schools vary. To get a more detailed idea of what is required, it’s always smart to touch base with the admissions office at the university you plan to attend. Talk to your admissions advisor to find out the details.

Know that these programs share a few commonalities. Admissions committees look for candidates with strong professional and academic backgrounds. Keep your grades up and look for hands-on experiences wherever you can find them. That might be through work, volunteerism, or something else entirely. 

You may to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of around 3.0. That doesn’t mean that you can’t apply if your GPA is on the lower end of the scale. Many of the best schools, including the legendary Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, accept candidates with GPAs as low as 2.7. You just need to make sure your application is strong in other areas!

You don’t necessarily need to have a background in accounting in order to apply, either. A bachelor’s in accounting is helpful. But admissions advisors really just want to see that you have experience in a related field. Majors such as business, economics, and mathematics are often satisfactory for admission, too. 

Some programs, like MBA in accounting degrees, require applicants to have some work experience. You will need to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. GMAT and GRE scores are often required. Waivers are often available for students with strong academic records or extensive professional experience. Graduate accounting programs can be tricky to apply to, but not impossible. 

In fact, if you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree, you should find that applying to graduate accounting programs is similar.

Is it worth it to get a masters in accounting?

Many accounting programs are offered at the undergraduate level, but is it worth it to get a master’s in accounting? According to the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, accounting is one of the most popular areas of study at the graduate level.

There are many reasons why accounting is such a popular choice. One of the main reasons is that it offers a high return on investment. Accounting graduates tend to earn more money than their counterparts with only an undergraduate degree. A master’s in accounting can provide greater job security and opportunities for advancement. It’s no wonder that so many accounting students choose to continue their education at the graduate level.

Is Master of accounting MA or MS?

There is some confusion about whether the Master of Accounting (MA) degree or the Master of Science in accounting (MS) accounting is the correct degree for those seeking to enter the accounting profession. According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools, both master’s in accounting options will give you the skills you need to work in professional accounting at major accounting firms.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of  Business both agree. Both state that both types of master’s in accounting are acceptable. That’s as long as the accounting program is offered by an accredited institution. Some advance collegiate schools may prefer applicants with a master’s in accounting. In general, the MA and MS accounting programs are very similar. Either master’s in accounting can give students the knowledge and skills they need to enter the accounting profession.

What is the best masters degree for an accountant?

The best masters degree for an accountant depends on the accounting program that the student is interested in. For those who want to pursue a career in public accounting, the best choice is a Master’s in Accounting from an Advance Collegiate School of Business.

This type of accounting program emphasizes auditing and tax. It provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the accounting profession. For students who are interested in working in corporate accounting, a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting may be a better choice. This type of program provides students with the business skills they need to work in a corporate accounting department. It can also open up opportunities for advancement within the company. The best masters degree for an accountant depends on the student’s specific goals and interests.

What are the best schools to earn a Master’s in Accounting?

Some other top schools to earn  an accounting degree include:

• New York University (New York University’s Stern School of Business is one of the best)
• Brigham Young University (Brigham Young University has an exceptional master of accounting program in the BUY Marriott School)
• Stanford University
• University of Maryland College Park
• Rice University
• University of Wisconsin School of Business
• University of Notre Dame
• University of South Carolina Emory University
• Arizona State University
• Fisher College
• CUNY Baruch College (the Baruch College location is ideal for aspiring finance professionals)
• North Carolina State University (particularly UNC Chapel Hill)
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor
• University of Washington
• University of Texas Austin
• University of Florida
• Texas A&M University College Station
• Florida State University
• Boston College
• Ohio State University
• Terry College

Is a Masters in accounting hard?

When deciding whether or not to pursue a master’s in accounting, it’s important to consider the difficulty of the program. Accounting programs are designed to challenge students. They are meant to prepare them for a career in the accounting field. A master’s in accounting does not need to be difficult. Most advance collegiate schools offer plenty of resources to help you gain the skills you need to work in major accounting firms. Without the stress of professional accounting!

Most accounting programs are quite demanding. There are also a number of resources available to help accounting students succeed in a master’s in accounting. For example, many accounting programs offer tutoring and other academic support services. Accounting students can often find helpful study materials online or through professional organizations.

With commitment and hard work, most students find that they are able to successfully complete an accounting program.

What is the difference between an MBA and a Masters in accounting?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree that is often obtained from advance collegiate schools. The accounting program is designed to give students the accounting and finance knowledge they need. It helps to pursue careers in accounting and related fields. A master’s in accounting (MAcc) is also a graduate degree. This accounting program is a master’s in accounting that is designed for students who want to pursue careers in accounting and auditing. The MAcc accounting program is completed in two years. The MBA program can take up to four years to complete.

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST MBA IN ECONOMICS & BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING!

For centuries, people around the world have sought to preserve the past. We also want to understand its influence on the future. Take the Western world. Here, Herodotus studied the earliest surviving texts on Greek history. These date to the 5th century BCE. Zuo Qiuming’s Zuo Zhuan documented Chinese history as early as the 8th century BCE. Both academics and amateur historians alike! They both have spent the past 2,500 years making sense of the world through history. Fast forward to the 21st century. History is an important academic discipline. It has not lost its importance. 

Graduate students learn how the past is similar or different to the present through prisms such as:

• Social relationships
• Technological development
• Economic trends

History graduate students appreciate stories. They know every object, person, and place in their lives has an interesting story to tell. History courses  train graduate students to synthesize information from sources into cohesive narratives. A history degree also shows employers you can:

• research
• write
• present new information

Aspiring historians begin their academic careers with bachelor’s degrees in the field. When earning their bachelor’s degree, students learn about major historical events through different lenses. A history major allows specialization in subjects like:

• Gender history
• African history
• World history
• Early modern history
• The history of technological change

The top grad schools for history may even allow you to choose multiple areas of focus.

Upper-level students are also asked to complete final projects. All history schools vary in terms of their course requirements. Each graduate program has a different number of courses, substantial research papers, and other history courses required. There are even online master’s degrees offered by many a history department!

A BA in history, coupled with an internship, can lead to an entry-level position in a non-academic field. Graduates need to complete at least a master’s degree in history. You’ll pursue areas of specialty in colloquia and seminars. These allow deep dives into recent research. You’ll pursue a comprehensive exam or thesis option. You’ll work with a faculty advisor to select historical topics for research. You may complete a thesis.

Graduates of the best history masters programs often advance to Ph.D. programs. Tenure-track faculty and research positions ask for doctoral degrees. A degree can open career opportunities without years of Ph.D. work. Decide to specialize in library science and public history? You can often find work with public libraries and government agencies. They are often tasked with historical preservation. An MA in history paired with an education degree can boost earnings for K-12 teachers. You can also pursue full-time teaching positions at two-year schools. There are even adjunct teaching positions at four-year schools. According to the American Historical Association, history program enrollment from the 1990s into the 21st century has declined. A graduate degree means more job opportunities.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering 

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

History departments have specific selective processes for MA programs.  The programs will challenge you to show why you fit into an MA program. You can choose from various tracks. These include standalone MA degrees, joint degrees, and the MA-to-Ph.D. track. The admissions process will determine your readiness for graduate studies.

GPA Considerations

Top programs don’t often publish GPA cutoffs for their applicants. You’ll need an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Some master’s programs only ask for a few upper-level history courses. You’ll provide official transcripts along with:

• Resumes
• Letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Internships, awards, and other distinctions

Unique Attributes

Graduate school staff often look for combinations of field-specific activities and unique experiences. Top history graduate programs request two to three letters of recommendation. Often, one letter must come from a history professor. You’ll tell your story through written components, like an academic sample. Top programs ask for research papers of 10 to 20 pages. These explore historical topics.

Written Component

Faculty check written samples for:

• Originality
• Organization
• Depth of research
• Writing skills

Prospective MA candidates also submit 2- to 3-page statements of purpose. You’ll explain how you will use your graduate education to contribute to the discipline. The GRE tests analytical and communications skills. The first two sections ranks on a scale of 130 to 170. The last follows a 0-to-6 scale.

History programs rarely publish their expected scores for MA applicants. Accepted ranges vary from year to year. U.S. News & World Report notes average section scores were as follows:

• 150.05 for Verbal Reasoning
• 152.80 for Quantitative Reasoning
• 3.5 for Analytical Writing

Application Process

The application process often includes a one-time application fee. The average fee for programs listed below is $86. Fees among top programs start at $30. They go all the way up to $125. Consider how you will pay for your degree.

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

Tuition for a typical master’s program in history continue to increase. This is in line with other graduate programs. The Urban Institute and Higher Ed Insight published a 2016 report on graduate costs. Students at public universities paid an average of $11,100 for in-state tuition. They pay $22,590 for out-of-state tuition during the 2015-2016 school year. These rates were up from $7,780 and $18,370 during the 2005-2006 school year. During this same period, graduate degree costs at private universities rose from $21,530 to $25,160. You can take out student or personal loans. This will give you a delay paying educational costs until after graduation.

Be Wary of Student Loan Debt

This approach is common. It’s not the only way to approach graduate school finances. A separate report from the Urban Institute and Higher Ed Insight had interesting findings. It found 65% of master’s students who earned degrees in 2011-2012 left with debt. This includes 44% who held debt exceeding $25,000. Student loan debt can weigh on your finances. It can last for decades. Universities often feature work-related financing opportunities for promising MA students. A teaching assistant helps with undergraduate courses. In exchange, you’ll receive a tuition reduction or waiver. You may also get a stipend for living costs. Research assistants work with faculty members on:

• Public history projects
• Books
• Other Publications

There are many other initiatives as well. 

Funding from History Departments

In some cases, history graduate programs provide funding for test-graders. You might also work as a project assistants who can assist with day-to-day tasks. Search for departmental prizes and competitions. These offer recognition and cash awards. Fellowships and scholarships are often aimed at particular subject areas or student backgrounds. These can also help. Some programs use travel grants. These encourage conference attendance and out-of-state research. Combining funding sources from the university and department can lessen total expenses. State historical organizations and public agencies are often-overlooked funding sources, too.

The Massachusetts Historical Society offers 4-week-long funded fellowships to 20 researchers each year. MHS fellows complete their work at participating organizations on a topic related to state history. The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs encourages participation in its Historical Resource Development Program. This issues grants to public history education and preservation projects. One $1,000 grant includes the publication of the author’s work in Annals of Iowa. Recipients of similar grants and fellowships not only receive funding. You’ll also gain valuable credentials for your resume.

Funding From National Organizations

If you intend to complete Ph.D. work, you may also find specialized funding through national organizations. For example, the American Meteorological Society encourages advancement in its field. There’s a one-year Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science. There’s one award of $15,000 to a pre-dissertation candidate each year. You’ll conduct research in atmospheric and oceanic sciences history. They will present it at the organization’s annual conference. Applicants must submit: 

• A cover letter
• Resume
• Transcripts
• A research plan
• Three letters of recommendation

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

A master’s program in history can lead to a rewarding career path. Understand the job market before setting down your desired career paths. The typical paths for MA holders are faculty and academic research positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a positive outlook for historians. This job category should grow 6% from 2018 to 2028. This exceeds the 5% average for all occupations. The BLS also notes something interesting. There will be strong competition for these jobs, due to the volume of degree holders. The average historian earned a salary of $61,140 in 2018.

Historians are not limited to academics in the BLS figures. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also includes historians in other areas. This includes those employed by corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. History professors should fare better than historians. The BLS found an average salary of $78,470 for all postsecondary teachers in 2018. Glassdoor narrows the view to history professors with a $69,870 salary, as of October 2019. This average includes a range from $57,000 to $93,000 based on 130 positions. Postsecondary teaching positions should grow by 11% between 2018 and 2028. This is often in the form of part-time positions. MA graduates may need to consider creative approaches to career development. Historians Robert B. Townsend and Julian Brookins published a 2016 essay titled “The Troubled Academic Job Market for History.”  In it, they found a significant gap between Ph.D. holders and open jobs.

Job listings from the American Historical Association were less than half those of history doctorates. These were degrees conferred during the 2014-2015 school year. AHA President Jan Goldstein wrote in 2014 that retirement-aged professors were not retiring in large numbers. They enjoyed their work! They remained able to complete their duties. Research non-academic positions that leverage their skills. Indeed researched the 10 most popular history jobs in the United States. Park rangers reached the top of this list. This is thanks to the historical background needed for these positions.

A park ranger might:

• Providing information to visitors
• Overseeing research for displays
• Leading tours of specific park features

Governments hire the majority of rangers. Nonprofit historical organizations need rangers to oversee their grounds. Museum archivists and librarians followed park rangers on the list. These positions relate to graduate history programs. Universities offering specializations in each field. Indeed highlighted the writing skills built through MA programs by listing writers on its list. Lawyers are also included on Indeed’s list. History graduates examine documents and communicate their findings. Are you pursuing a conventional or creative career path in history? You can start strong with top master’s programs. Our rankings show the range of MA programs in history, including general, ancient, and art history degrees. 

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

We have a time-tested, four-part formula. We rank the best history graduate programs in the nation. We’d love to share it with you in our top grad schools for history ranking! We focus on four major factors:

• Earnings Potential
• Affordability
• Student Satisfaction
• Selectivity

Reliable research is the main ingredient in our recipe for success. 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. They have to have incredible academic programs! If you want to know more, we encourage you to check out our methodology page. 

Ready to discover the top grad schools for history? Check out our ranking of the 10 Best Master’s Programs in History! 

#1. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

You’ll find one of the best American History graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s history goes back to the origins of Wisconsin itself. The Wisconsin Territory became a state in 1848. Its first public university opened the same year. The school has been an innovation center ever since. For example, it is home to a radio station founded in 1919. It is still operating today. The University of Wisconsin has grown from its small Madison campus. It has become a 24-campus system extending from Superior to Milwaukee. Diverse minds like writer Saul Bellow and architect Frank Lloyd Wright attended this school. The Master of Arts in History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison strengthens the school’s academic reputation. U.S. News & World Report confirmed this reputation with a No. 9  ranking in History for 2019. This included placements at No. 2 in Women’s History. It was No. 2 in Latin American History.

MA history program applicants must first qualify for admission to the Graduate School. Then they can apply to the History Graduate Program. You will need a bachelor’s degree. You should have a 3.0 GPA. You’ll complete a supplemental application. This indicates areas of interest and faculty preferences. The History Graduate Program asks for official transcripts. You’ll need to provide recent GRE scores, too. Provide a writing sample of up to 50 pages. You will also need a statement of purpose of up to three pages. You must also pay a $75 fee.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison emphasizes the MA-to-Ph.D. path. There are multi-year funding opportunities for Ph.D. aspirants. MA applicants are also allowed to seek outside funding. There are no MA-specific funding opportunities. You can select from eight concentrations, including:

• East Asian History
• Latin American and Caribbean History
• U.S. History

Every student starts with foundational courses like global perspectives and historical research. You’ll choose the remaining 26 credits based on your interests. You’ll complete graduate-level courses for half of the 30 credits.

Graduate courses explore topics such as the politics of persuasion. You may also take the history of higher education in Europe and America. In your fourth semester, you’ll take the Second-Year Review. This shows the rigorous standard applied to future historians. To pass the SYR, you must:

• Write a research paper of up to 35 pages
• Show foreign language skills
• Complete 30 credits

Admission:

You’ll also need a GPA of at least 3.0 to complete the degree or advance to the Ph.D. program. You’ll attend preliminary exam workshops. These provide lessons in committee selection and course selection. The Department of History also hosts mock interviews and curriculum vitae review sessions. These are essential for the job market. Alumni speak with current students about academic and professional opportunities.

#2. HARVARD UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF LIBERAL ARTS IN HISTORY

Harvard University has a long history and strong academic programs. This led to its No. 1 rank among Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. You’ll find one of the best history grad schools here, too.

The university opened in 1636, preceding Massachusetts’ statehood by 144 years. Harvard evolved from a Christian-centered institution to a liberal arts school over its first two centuries. This private school has influenced American politics at the highest levels, producing eight future presidents, from John Adams to Barack Obama. Harvard has also influenced popular culture. TV host Conan O’Brien and director Terrence Malick are among its alumni. Forbes certified Harvard’s return on investment to graduates with a No. 7 place among America’s Best Value Colleges 2019.

The Master of Liberal Arts in History is among the history program offerings. These turn graduates into successful professionals.

MLA students can apply for the Harvard Extension School Grant to offset their educational costs. There are many funding opportunities for history students. These include scholarships for Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents. The Lowell Scholarship for current secondary school teachers. Each MLA course in 2019-2020 cost $2,840, with an estimated cost of $34,080 for all courses. Candidates complete one-third of their courses before receiving formal admission to the program. The MLA in History is a 12-course track. It includes:

• The main history seminar
• Five courses
• One extra seminar
• Two electives

You’ll draw from course offerings examining topics such as:

• The Plymouth Colony
• The American Constitution
• U.S.-China relations

The Harvard Extension School offers both thesis and capstone degree completion options. Thesis candidates complete a proposal tutorial. They also complete a two-part thesis process.

The capstone option features an extra elective. You’ll also take two courses on social reform movements. You can add an American Literature and Culture certificate. MLA candidates at Harvard experience more flexibility in course options than candidates at other schools on this list. The Harvard Extension School asks for at least three courses in Cambridge. You’ll find many options outside of the conventional Monday-to-Friday course schedule for the rest. History courses are available online. You can take classes in-person during 3-week January terms. Another choice is 3- or 7-week summer terms. You’ll have five years from their first courses to complete courses.

Admission:

The Harvard Extension School features a multi-stage process for admission to the MLA history program. Complete an introduction to graduate studies seminar. You’ll also complete two graduate history courses before applying. There is no application for this first stage. You can blend courses into upper-level bachelor’s degree work. You’ll need to complete each first-stage course with a “B” grade or better. The formal application for the MLA asks for a resume and official transcripts. Harvard asks first-stage students to apply within two years of completing the seminar. Otherwise they must pay a delayed application charge of $300. The application fee for the MLA is $100.

#3. STANFORD UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

Stanford University’s commitment to academic research connects to its history. In 1919, future U.S. President Herbert Hoover established the Hoover Institution to maintain artifacts from the First World War. Researchers from around the world work in research centers like the Woods Institute for the Environment. Forbes acknowledged the school’s top-flight status with a No. 2 ranking in Top Colleges 2019 and a No. 6 in America’s Best Value Colleges 2019. Stanford students excel beyond the classroom and labs. They have recent national championships in men’s gymnastics and women’s soccer. In class, you’ll carry on the university’s legacy through innovative research. You’ll need three letters of recommendation. You’ll also provide two copies of official transcripts with their applications.

The most common path for an MA history program student is the completion of a Ph.D. with faculty positions in mind. You can select from 14 majors. Available majors explore subjects like:

• East Asia
• Jewish history
• Modern Europe

You’ll complete nine graduate courses. These include one seminar and four colloquia. The course schedule includes offerings on imperial Chinese cities and the birth of Islam. Each MA candidate works with a faculty advisor in their first quarter to develop a degree path including major courses. Complete your work within three years of your first courses at Stanford. Future historians benefit from research and networking opportunities. The Department of History works with other departments to invite guest lecturers each quarter. These discuss interdisciplinary topics. Doctoral teams have produced publications on:

• Waste in Africa
• Animals in the Civil War
• Chinese migrants who worked on the Transcontinental Railroad

The Graduate Student Council also offers an avenue for involvement in student governance.

Admission:

Send GRE scores. Prospective MA candidates show their writing chops through writing samples of up to 25 pages. You must also pay a $125 fee. MA candidates in the history program can apply for the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholars program. The university names 100 participants to the program each year from a variety of academic disciplines. This distinction covers 100% of a recipient’s tuition for one year. Terminal MA candidates are not eligible for teaching assistantships or fellowships. This is due to the university’s focus on training Ph.D. candidates to become teachers. You can choose from several paths. The terminal MA path will prepare you for a career after completion of the MA thesis. Students interested in advanced studies can opt for the joint BA/MA in History. The joint MA/JD program provides credentials in history and law.

#4. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

At the University of California, Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a beautiful environment. Not to mention quality academics! The campus enjoys an average of 292 sunny days per year. It offers easy access to beaches and hiking trails. Niche’s 2020 grades for this public university include No. 1 in Best College Campuses in America. It is No. 2 in Top Public Universities in America. It’s No. 14 in Best Colleges for History in America. Forbes pointed to the value of a UCLA degree with a No. 4 in America’s Best Value Colleges 2019. UCLA’s athletics programs have spread the Bruins’ name through recent national titles in:

• Women’s softball
• Women’s soccer
• Men’s baseball

The MA program acts as a first step toward a doctorate in history. All MA students must pursue a terminal degree. UCLA history faculty teach in 12 study areas including:

• African history
• Japanese history 
• Scientific history
• History of sexuality

The Fall 2019 course schedule explored topics like the Political Economy of Race and Advanced Historiography. In past semesters, students dug into courses like Cuban History and Jewish History. You can join the History Graduate Student Association. This student-led organization sponsors an annual conference featuring presentations on the latest research in various historical fields. The HGSA assists with the College PATHS program. You can mentor high school students in East Los Angeles. You can attend lectures and colloquium to further conversations about departmental research. 

Admission:

Candidates for the Master of Arts in History continue the school’s winning tradition thanks to a rigorous degree path. Submit three letters of recommendation from previous professors.

History faculty evaluate an applicant’s writing skills through a two-page personal essay. You’ll also submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages. The foreign language needs for each student depends on their specialization. You must have studied at least one foreign language. UCLA needs a 3.0 GPA. You’ll submit GRE scores, with the Verbal section scrutinized closest by admission officials. You’ll pay a $120 application fee. There are waivers available based on financial need. You may try fellowships. These exchange tuition funding for research and teaching service.

#5. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

MASTER OF ARTS IN ANCIENT HISTORY

The University of Pennsylvania has deep roots in American history, thanks to its famous founder. Benjamin Franklin spearheaded the formation of the university. He served as its first president in 1740. The university revolutionized higher education in the American colonies by teaching liberal arts and technical skills. In the 19th century, the University of Pennsylvania expanded its innovative approach to education with the country’s first teaching hospital. This opened in 1874. The first business college opened in 1881. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the university’s commitment to continuous improvement. It gave it a No. 6 ranking among National Universities. It has a No. 15 placement among Best Value Schools. This storied school expands beyond its own history with graduate history programs like the Master of Arts in Ancient History.

This MA program differs from others on this list. It is not housed in a single department. The Graduate Group in Ancient History draws on faculty from seven departments, including:

• Anthropology
• Art history
• Religious studies

Both Ph.D. and MA students follow similar paths through the first two years of study. A seminar in classical studies prepares first-year candidates for the ins and outs of studying the ancient world. The program’s design allows participation in similar seminars across the seven participating departments. Each candidate consults with their faculty advisor to design a degree path. This fits with career interests.

Available courses dig deep into subjects like:

• Greek sanctuaries
• Ancient medicine
• The architecture of Rome

In the second year of study, each MA student prepares for a qualifying exam. This includes language proficiency components. It is one of the most hands-on history programs. 

The qualifying exam precedes the defense of a research project before a faculty committee. Ph.D. students  balance coursework with teaching responsibilities. This is before dissertation research. Ancient history students can expand their studies beyond the classroom. The university maintains study abroad opportunities with the American School for Classical Studies at Athens. You can also study at the American Academy in Rome. For students interested  in studying abroad, you can do so after completing core courses. Centuries of commitment to historical studies at the university mean abundant resources for graduate students. The University of Pennsylvania Libraries house collections at the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies.  Those interested in ancient history advance the field, too. They use centers like the Center for Ancient Studies and the Wolf Humanities Center. 

Admission:

You’ll need to have some language proficiency. Successful MA candidates have completed undergraduate courses in at least two languages, such as Arabic and Greek. These are common in ancient texts. You may also need to register for ancient language courses as necessary to aid their studies. You must provide current GRE scores and transcripts. Faculty evaluators in the Graduate Group also request a 15-page historical research paper, to determine preparedness for the program.

The University of Pennsylvania charges an $80 fee per application.

#6. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation’s largest universities. It had 51,991 students enrolled during the 2021-22 school year. Founded in 1883, the university first focused on agricultural, mining, and engineering programs. Of course, graduate history programs are popular as well! These were all useful for industries on America’s frontier. The university has grown to become a global leader in higher education. Forbes placed the school No. 76 in Top Colleges 2019. It is No. 65 in America’s Best Value Colleges 2019. The UT football and basketball teams have raised the university’s profile through recent successes. Alumni of the university range from film director Wes Anderson to former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark. The Master of Arts in Art History has turned the school into a thought leader.

First-year students seeking the MA in Art History follow a two-year degree path. You’ll complete the necessary seminars in three semesters. Your final semester contains thesis work. You may also choose a concentration, with available tracks including: 

• General
• Ancient
• Medieval to Early Modern
• Modern 

The 30-credit MA includes:

• An art historical methods course
• Four seminars
• Two thesis courses

You can apply to portfolio graduate history programs in outside disciplines. Examples include nonprofit studies and cultural studies. You’ll complete four related courses, a presentation, or fieldwork for these history programs. You must show proficiency in at least one foreign language. MA history graduates who want to pursue academic careers can stay in-house by applying to the Ph.D. in Art History.

The University of Texas at Austin encourages the study of art history through on-campus museums. Its history programs are some of the most hands-on. The Blanton Museum of Art holds 17,000 visual art works. There are concentrations in European and Latin American art. You can work in The Mesoamerica Center or the Center for the Study of Ancient Italy. You can also explore the art world at facilities like the Creative Research Lab. You’ll even use study abroad connections to bring the past to life. 

Admission:

You do not have to have a degree in art history. You should have completed at least 18 college credits in similar fields, to build their foundational knowledge towards their graduate degrees.

You will need to submit two writing samples and a statement of purpose. You’ll also provide:

• A resume
• GRE scores
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

A $65 fee is due upon the submission of each application. Funding opportunities for graduate students include stipends for grading. There are also research assistant positions.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA

MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

The University of North Florida is the youngest institution on this list, with its first classes held in 1972. This public university is in Jacksonville, FL. U.S. News & World Report shows the school’s rapid growth outside the South. It has a No.140 ranking among Top Public Schools. It is No. 281 among National Universities. The Coggin College of Business generates the most attention for producing successful graduates. The Master of Arts in History flies under the radar. It appeals to students with affordability and a strong curriculum.

The MA in History is available in both thesis and non-thesis paths. You’ll complete three graduate lectures and three research seminars. You’ll select four courses on subjects like:

• Mark Twain’s America
• The Crusades
• Islamic history

The Department of History features courses in American, Asian, European, and Latin American history. Thesis track students finish between two – five thesis research courses. This depends on their progress to completion. A thesis must be completed within two years of a student’s final course. Non-thesis candidates add two electives to their degree path. This is instead of thesis research courses. The final product of a non-thesis MA is a research paper defended in front of a faculty committee. You can add practical experience to their resumes as they finish their graduate degrees. Graduate students maintain an online document archive called Florida History Online. You could also intern with local organizations like the Jacksonville Historical Society and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. 

Admission:

Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores. Official transcripts from previous universities should show a GPA of 3.0. All applicants must have completed at least 15 credits in history before applying. A bachelor’s degree in the field is not needed. You’ll submit writing sample on a historical topic. You’ll also submit a statement of intent up to five pages in length.

You should also submit three letters of recommendation for these history programs. These will confirm your commitment to historical research. The application fee for all graduate programs at the University of North Florida is $30. There are funding opportunities through the Department of History and the Graduate School. Graduate teaching assistants in the Department of History receive monthly stipends and tuition discounts for their work. The History Prize is given to one graduate student each year. It includes a $100 award and a departmental plaque. The prize is awarded based on the skill and uniqueness of your work. The Graduate Scholarship offsets tuition costs for promising first-year students. The University of North Florida also offers the Delores A. Auzenne Fellowship for Graduate Study. This is for exceptional students in underserved disciplines. The Graduate Research Grant Program and the Student Affairs International Learning Scholarships promote study abroad and advanced research opportunities.

#8. MIAMI UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

Miami University has some of the best history programs. It’s history runs parallel with the growth of the early United States. The Ohio State Legislature chartered the university in 1809. It opened in 1824 after many delays. This public institution has continued 19th-century traditions. This includes a robust fraternity and sorority scene. It dates to 1833. Miami has grown from a frontier school. It is now a global institution with four Ohio campuses and a residential college in Luxembourg. U.S. News & World Report recognized the school with a No. 91 rank among National Universities. It has a No. 8 place for Best Undergraduate Teaching. Miami’s Master of Arts in History embraces the school’s deep roots while matching the standards set by other graduate history programs. You’ll provide unofficial transcripts. You’ll need a 3.0 GPA.

You’ll complete seven core courses. These include:

• Two research seminars
• Two colloquia
• Explorations of historical methods and theories

Then you’ll select a concentration in:

• Art history
• Geographic information systems
• General history
• Interactive media studies

Each concentration features at least three courses. These prepare you for specialized areas of historical study. The Department of History expects you to decide on a thesis or comprehensive exam option by the middle of their second semester. Over the past decade, MA candidates have completed theses on a variety of topics. An example is literary representations of womanhood in 17th century England. History faculty have published books on:

• Charles Darwin
• The Gettysburg Address
• Russian cinematic history

Admission:

Miami requests GRE scores from applicants. The history subject test is optional. All applicants provide writing samples of at least 10-20 pages of historical research. Submit a personal essay of three pages. You’ll need three letters of recommendation. You can opt for the department’s Combined BA/MA. You’ll complete five years of study. The Combined BA/MA path asks for a 3.5 undergraduate GPA along with other application materials. You must include a $50 fee with their application materials. The most common form of financial aid is a graduate assistantship.

Graduate assistants receive monthly stipends. That, plus tuition offsets the financial aid package. Each graduate assistantship features a separate application. Funding is renewable for up to two years. Graduates of the MA in History may opt to continue on to doctoral studies at other institutions or pursue work after graduation.

#9. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY

Another one of the best graduate history programs is at Columbia University. Columbia University has trained future historians from its Manhattan campus since the 18th century. First King’s College, it then became Columbia College. Now it is Columbia University. This private university have borne witness to the American Revolution and industrialization. The campus houses historical buildings such as the Butler Library. Columbia University’s connection to the past is also sustained through sculptures by Daniel Chester French and Greg Wyatt. Niche’s 2020 grades placed Columbia among the leading universities in the United States, with a No. 3 in Colleges with the Best Professors in America. It is the No. 4 in Best Colleges for History in America. The Master of Arts in Art History draws on Columbia’s resources and reputation to train future historians.

All art history students complete 10 courses. This includes a first-semester methods colloquium. It also has a second-semester art history practice colloquium.

There are nine specializations in these graduate programs. These include Pre-Columbian Art and Archaeology. Another popular choice is the History and Theory of Architecture. You’ll submit a two-stage presentation of your thesis. A thesis-in-progress conference in your second-to-last semester asks for a presentation before fellow history students and faculty. First-year history students are eligible to pursue a joint MA in Art History from Columbia University and the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

You’ll complete one semester of four courses in Paris. You’ll complete it during the third semester. Graduates of this joint MA program receive degrees from both institutions. Yet you need not leave campus to journey into the past. The department often hosts lectures on:

• Medieval art and architecture
• Renaissance art and architecture
• Modern architecture each year

The Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library holds more than 625,000 publications on topics ranging from real estate projects to sculpting. You can explore the arts in a variety of facilities. These include the Wallach Art Gallery and the Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture for Art History. New York City is loaded with venues and internship opportunities for MA candidates. These include the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum. 

Admission:

The Department of Art History and Archaeology asks for a $115 fee for each completed application to its history programs. 

Applicants are also asked to submit GRE scores.  Because this is one of the best graduate schools for history, you’ll need scores of at least:

• 167 on the Verbal Reasoning test
• 160 on the Quantitative Reasoning test
• 5.5 on the Analytical Writing Assessment

Applicants must also submit:

• A statement of purpose of two to three pages
• An academic writing sample of up to 15 pages
• Three letters of recommendation
• A resume
• University transcripts

You must show proficiency in at least one foreign language. You can opt for full- or part-time study. Part-time candidates choose from two-year, three-year, and four-year options.

#10. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY

Another one of the best graduate programs is at New York University. New York University brings its world-class graduate history programs to history students throughout the world. The school’s campuses span the globe from Buenos Aires to Sydney. History students have flocked to the storied Greenwich Village campus since its founding in 1831. NYU offers an exceptional head start for post-graduate careers. It is close to corporate offices and other universities. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school with a No. 29 rank among National Universities. It is No. 76 among Best Undergraduate Teaching. The publication focused on the Department of History with a No. 23 rank in History for 2019-2020. It provides a strong foundation for future historians and teachers. 

New York University has designed its MA program to act as a standalone degree. It’s also a step toward a doctoral degree. You can complete three semesters of full-time study. You can also complete six semesters of part-time study. Every MA student starts with a seminar detailing best practices for the profession.

You’ll complete 32 credits. A a maximum of eight credits are transferable from other MA graduate history programs. Course options cover topics such as:

• Material culture in East Asia
• Wealth and economics in African worlds
• Theories of race

The MA program also offers specializations in World History and Gender History. You’ll complete a thesis as part of the MA degree. You’ll select a thesis advisor and topic by the end of your first year. You’ll complete the thesis course by their final semester. Graduate history programs at NYU extend beyond the MA degree. The university features a Master of Arts in Archives and Public History. This is great for aspiring public historians, history students,  and archivists.

The Department of History also works with outside departments on joint graduate degrees. This interdisciplinary nature makes it one of the best grad schools for history. These include departments:

• Middle Eastern Studies
• Hebrew and Judaic
• French Studies

Doctoral candidates complete 72 credits. They must also complete two written examinations. Dissertation research is also necessary. A joint MA/Ph.D. path provides a seamless transition between degrees. It has fewer core credits than the standalone versions of each of them. There’s even the Department of History’s Global Graduate History Programs. It invites academics from universities around the world to share their research. The Center for Global Asia draws on scholars from three global campuses for discussions of Asian history. South Asia at NYU leads research projects and conferences related to South Asian history. It attracts history students from all over the world.

Admission:

The application fee is $100. Applicants also submit:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Resumes
• Statement of purpose
• Writing samples of up to 35 pages

DID YOU ENJOY OUR RANKING OF THE BEST MASTERS IN HISTORY PROGRAMS? THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAMS & HOW LONG HAS HUMANKIND BEEN BUILDING THINGS? THE HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IN 500 WORDS OR LESS!

The global economy is growing more competitive by the day-—and organizations are constantly looking for ways to gain a competitive edge.

One way that they do this is by hiring employees who have international business skills and experience. If you’re thinking about pursuing an online master’s degree in international business, the time has never been better.

Earning an online master’s in international business is a smart choice for just about anyone. Not only will earning such a degree enable you to work in a wide variety of industries, from big energy to big tech, education to banking, and everything in between, but it will also provide you with some valuable transferable skills.

What other kind of degree will teach you the skills you need to communicate across cultures, to close major business deals with international clients, and to engage in some serious diplomacy? 

Only an international business degree will do!

As technology continues to evolve and global economies become increasingly connected, businesses and governmental entities alike are reliant on employees who can handle global relationships for them. That’s where you come in!

If international business sounds like a daunting major, don’t let it intimidate you. It’s just business—but with a global flair. You’ll learn how to analyze, interpret, and predict different markets, cultures, and geographies—and understand how they all interact on a global scale. This unique broad-based perspective is what both small and large businesses need to be successful on a global scale.

Earning your degree online is a great choice if you’re already jet-setting around the globe. You can take classes from a sultry cafe in Paris or on a sunny beach in Copacabana. If you love to travel, earning an online degree in international business only makes sense! You’ll gain the skills you need for a career that will allow you to be on the go 24/7 without having to compromise your current lifestyle.

The beauty of online degrees is that they’re of just as high a quality as their on-campus counterparts. These best online master’s are not only accredited but many are identical to the programs taught on-campus, featuring the same courses, faculty, and assignments for either format. 

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start considering a degree that will allow you to get ahead—both personally and professionally. Once you find the best online master’s program in international business for your goals, there’ll be no stopping you. 

Let’s dive in! 

What Are the Best International Business Degrees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1. Liberty University 

Online MBA with over 20 Specialization options, Including One in International Business

When you’re looking for a top online MBA international business degree provider, you won’t find a better option than Liberty University. This private Christian university is located in central Virginia and it is known for its faith-based education along with its distance programs. It’s offered distance learning programs since 1985, catering to the needs of domestic and international students alike. 

Liberty University has more than 280 online degrees programs alone. In fact, of all of this school’s 95,000 students, about 80,000 are enrolled exclusively in distance learning programs. 

The online MBA at Liberty University has nearly two dozen different opportunities to specialize, including a dynamic concentration in international business. This program will provide you with the foundational training in business you need to be successful in any setting along with the communication, cultural, and leadership skills you need to be successful on the global scale.

It consists of 45 credit hours of study and takes most students just under two years to complete. It has an accelerated timeline that makes it possible for you to take a course in just short eight weeks. You won’t feel rushed as you progress through your classes, though. Instead, you’ll be mentored by a faculty member who will provide personal insight into the next best steps for you to take in your classes—and your career.

Despite being convenient and accessible, class sizes are small and personable. You won’t be just another face in the crowd! In fact, this school has an average student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1. You’ll get to know the other students in your program, along with your instructors, quite well. 

You will take hands-on courses that will allow you to grow as an industry professional. Sample courses include:

• Environment of International Business
• Developing Global Markets
• Policy and Strategy in Global Competition
• Global Financial Markets

Upon completing this degree, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Global Business Professional Certification Examination. It’s not a requirement for the degree but it is a credential that can be extremely helpful when you’re applying for jobs. Because of Liberty’s attention to student success and its great global reputation for excellence, this school is ranked as one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. 

#2.  University of Nebraska-Lincoln 

Online MBA Program in International Business

First founded in 1869 as a land-grant university under the Morrill Act, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was first an agricultural institution. Although the agricultural sciences are still proudly offered by this school, it now has eight different colleges on two campuses as well as countless degrees offered online. 

This university is known for its academic prestige, ranked as one of the more selective schools by U.S. News & World Report. In fact, a top online master’s degree international business option to consider is the one offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  It is available as a concentration within the one-of-a-kind MBA@Nebraska program. 

The MBA@Nebraska program is offered entirely online and exists as a combination of online and on-campus courses. It consistently ranks as a best value program in the United States, both in general and for veterans, by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll be able to engage with the Big Ten business faculty while you take relevant courses and accelerate your career. 

The international business specialization is not the only concentration you can choose from. In fact, this program has specializations in things like finance, business analytics, marketing, supply chain management, and human resource management, too. In the international business concentration, you’ll take core courses like:

• Leadership in a Global Context
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Marketing and Globalization

As a result, you will graduate as a well-rounded and culturally proficient professional with the ability to work in any industry in any country around the world. 

#3.  Colorado State University 

Online MBA with a Specialization in International Business

Colorado State University is a public land-grant university located in Fort Collins, CO. With degrees in more than 100 fields of study, this school is known for providing students with plenty of real-world opportunities to grow as learners and professionals. From study abroad to internship experiences, this school knows what it takes to produce successful professionals.

You will find another one of the best graduate international business schools at Colorado State University. The online MBA includes specializations in things like marketing data analytics, international business, and more, with graduates going on to work at recognized businesses like:

• Accenture
• Oppenheimer
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• Navigant Consulting

An accelerated program, it includes fast-paced yet highly relevant courses so you can complete your degree in as few as 21 months. If you’d rather take your time, you’ll have up to five years to finish your classes. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International and is ranked as the top online MBA in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. 

The hands-on curriculum of this program is challenging, but you’ll be supported in all of your assignments and studies by distinguished, supportive faculty. You will be able to apply relevant knowledge and analytical tools to on-the-job decisions almost immediately. 

Core courses include:

• Accounting Concepts
• Leadership and Teams
• Managing Human capital
• Information Management

Not only that, but as one of the top 20 programs ranked nationally, Colorado State graduates had the tenth-highest average alumni salary within three years of graduation at $135,542. It’s a top value for your money and clearly one of the best picks overall!

#4.  Villanova University 

Online MBA with a concentration in international business.

Villanova University is a private Catholic research center located in Villanova, PA. The only Augustinian university in the United States, it is also the oldest Catholic university in the state.

Despite this somewhat antiquated reputation, Villanova has been able to keep up with the times and offers some of the best and most revolutionary programs for distance learners. The online MBA offers the same access to expert faculty and the same hands-on curriculum that you would have if you were studying on-campus. 

In the international business specialization, you will take core classes like

• International Finance
• International Business Management
• Global Marketing
• Global Consumer Insights

You can complete your studies in as little as 24 months, studying in small classes of just 20 students. There are plenty of opportunities for internships as well as travel abroad to study other nations’ businesses and economies. 

And if the international business specialization isn’t right for you, don’t worry! Villanova has plenty of other options to choose from, including those in finance, strategic management, marketing, analytics, and more. It’s truly one of the best online MBA degrees in the world.

You don’t have to just take our word for it, either. Villanova University has garnered lots of praise, recognized as one of the top ten programs in the annual Poets & Quants rating along with one of the Best Online MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report. 

#5.  Oklahoma Christian University 

Online MBA with specialized tracks like International Business

Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is another one of the top colleges with international business majors on this list. It has a reputation for providing some of the best quality programs and for its ability to cater to online learners, too.

This university was founded in 1950 and is sponsored by the Churches of Christ. A private school, it offers a variety of online programs. It is considered a groundbreaking institution in the diversity and affordability of its degrees. In addition to offering dozens of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees (along with numerous semester-long study abroad programs!) This school was one of the first to provide personal laptop computers to all full-time students.

As a result of these barrier-shattering initiatives, Oklahoma Christian University has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program. It’s affordable, too, with tuition starting at just $625 per credit hour with most books and fees included. You can even add on an additional graduate certificate to further customize your degree, paying just $1,000 more for each additional three-credit course you complete. 

The international business track isn’t the only one you’ll have to choose from here. You can also complete concentrations in things like:

• project management
• finance
• leadership
• organizational development

Choose to pursue the international business track, and you’ll take core courses in international marketing, international management, international trade, and finance. 

This program has an accelerated format that makes it possible to graduate in just one year. Class sizes are small so you’ll feel as though you are truly a member of a close-knit community when you complete your assignments. In fact, the average student-to-faculty ratio is just 13:1! 

#6.  University of Colorado 

Online MBA International Business

 The University of Colorado is a large system of public universities consisting of four main campuses in Boulder, Colorado Springs Denver, and Aurora. However, it is the online campus that is one of the most remarkable.

Here, you will find a top MBA in international business. You will be taught by award-winning business faculty, completing the same classes you’d take if you were studying on-campus but with added flexibility. All classes are recorded rather than live so you can learn on your own schedule.

Plus, you’ll be able to tap into the thriving Denver nonprofit, business, and start-up scene from anywhere in the world. You’ll participate in guest lectures, networking opportunities, and real-world projects as you can connect with business experts without ever having to leave home. 

In Addition to the concentration in international business, this program features specializations in:

• marketing
• managing for sustainability
• management
• information systems
• risk management and insurance

You can choose to pursue a general MBA track if you find that your career goals don’t match one of these specializations, too. 

The international business concentration will require you to complete just one elective course—Introduction to International Business. Most students also choose to complete an international internship, trip, or study abroad course as well.

#7.  Texas A&M International University 

Online MBA in International Business

You’ll find another top online master’s in international business at Texas A&M University. A public university located in Laredo, TX, this school isn’t the largest in the Texas state university system. In fact, it’s home to just 7500 students spread out among four different colleges and more than 70 degrees choices. 

Despite being one of the smaller schools on this list, Texas A&M International offers some of the best opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in international business. Whether you want to pursue a management role in an international corporation or you’d rather work in a boots-on-the-ground international transportation or warehousing role, this degree is right for you.

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to work domestically or abroad. This program will provide you with the skills necessary to be a leader on a global scale. You’ll take 30 credit hours of coursework and be able to start working in as little as 15 months.

This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a hallmark of its reputation on an international scale. You’ll take courses in things like:

• economics
• information systems
• finance
• strategic controls
• national environmental matters
• global business ethic
• legal and regulatory issues

The international business track is just one of many that you can choose from in the award-winning MBA. Other options include international banking and finance and international trade and logistics, making this program an excellent choice for the undecided business guru.

Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required, with flexible admissions policies and six convenient start dates each year. Because each course is broken down into a convenient seven-week chunk, this program is perfect for the working professional who needs to be able to balance his personal and professional obligations.

Repeatedly regarded as a best College and a Top Public Regional University, West by U.S. News & World Report, this online degree is also affordable. Nearly 87% of all students receive some form of need-based financial aid, with most students receiving an average of $7,000. That’s great news—you can save your money for your first big trip abroad instead!

#8.  Marist College

Online MBA International Business

Marist College is a private liberal arts college located in Poughkeepsie, NY. Originally founded to prepare Catholic brothers for careers as religious educators, this school now offers more than 56 different programs both in New York aswell as on its branch campus in Florence, Italy.

Of course, you can always choose to take classes from the comfort of your own home, too. Marist has a variety of online programs for students to choose from, including one of the best online MBAs in international business. 

This AACSB-accredited program is recognized by both the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report for its excellence. You’ll be able to complete your degree entirely online without having to travel to campus, but if you choose, you can attend optional networking weekends in New York City. 

An asynchronous program, it includes core courses in things like:

• Operations Management
• Analytics Bootcamp
• Global Environment of Business
• Accounting

You will take classes with students in the international business concentration as well as those from other specializations such as health care administration, financial management, or ethical leadership. 

You can complete your MBA in just two years but if you’re willing to spend a bit more time on your studies, you can get a leg up on the job competition by completing an additional advanced certificate in business analytics. It only takes a few extra classes and can make your credentials in international business management even more marketable!

#9.  Florida Atlantic University 

Online MBA in International Business 

With a gorgeous campus in Boca Raton, FL, it’s easy to see how Florida Atlantic University attracts tens of thousands of students to its programs each year. However, what may not be quite as obvious is how exceptional this public university’s online programs are, too.

With satellite campuses all over the state in Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Fort Pierce, Dania Beach, and Jupiter, Florida Atlantic has a clear goal of making higher education accessible to every single student—no matter where they might be.

In fact, accessibility is the name of the game here. The school not only has one of the best online master’s in international business but it also has a rock-solid alumni network. This network is actively involved in outreach with both prospective and current students, helping them gain access to some of the most prestigious positions in international business imaginable.

The online MBA in international business requires 12 credit hours of electives in international business along with numerous graduate-level courses in the Management Program Department. You’ll take classes alongside 1800 fellow College of Business students as you are imbued with the skills you need to navigate the complex global world of business. 

You will take between 43 and 55 credit hours, with sample class titles including:

• Graduate Business Communication
• Global Business Strategy
• Business Law and Applied Ethics

The MBA is ranked as one of the best by U.S. News & World Report as well as the Financial Times.

#10.  St. Thomas University

Online MBA International Business

St. Thomas University has an idyllic location on the sunny shores of Opa-Locka North in Miami Gardens, FL. Originally a Catholic college, the school is now a member of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities. Here, you’ll have access to a variety of hands-on experiences in all kinds of majors. 

From the storied School of Law to the Gus Machado School of Business, St. Thomas University offers it all. There are more than four dozen programs to choose from at the undergraduate and graduate levels, many of which feature the opportunity to study abroad. St. Thomas has study abroad programs in places like Croatia, Italy, Israel, India, and Spain.

If you’re planning on studying international business, that’s great news! You’ll be able to take classes primarily online in the MBA in international business and to venture abroad whenever your schedule permits it. The international business specialization, one of many within the MBA, includes 12 credit hours and 24 credits of core courses. 

Courses are offered online, on-campus, and in a blended format. When you take classes online, you’ll only need to spend eight weeks per course (compared to the typical 16 weeks required of on-campus classes). You’ll be able to take classes like: Global Marketing Concepts and strategies in International Business Law, which are similar to international business courses you might find at other institutions.

However, what really makes this program special is that you will be able to complete both the final graduate project and a business internship before you graduate. The internship is the hallmark characteristic of this program, providing candidates with invaluable hands-on experience in the international corporations of their choosing. 

FAQ

Is international business a good master’s degree?

The only thing more diverse than an international business degree will be your job prospects!

There are lots of jobs you can get with international business degree credentials on your side. You will gain the specialized skills you need to become an effective manager while also learning the ins and outs of managing in an environment that is culturally or linguistically foreign to you. 

You could work in just about any sector, including technology, energy, finance, education, and more. Some common job titles that international business degree holders possess include foreign service officer, international marketing assistant, management analyst, human resources manager, trade specialist, financial analyst, product manager, and consultant foreign exchange trader, just to name a few. 

Most international business degrees exist as MBA programs with optional specializations in international business and management. You’ll gain hands-on experience solving some of the most complex business problems—but on a global scale. If you can, try to find a degree with study abroad experience, since this kind of hands-on experience is beneficial for this line of work.

What is the salary like for an MBA in international business?

Your salary as an MBA grad will vary based on which of the many international business jobs you decide to pursue. 

The good news is that all of these positions are highly lucrative. For example, as an international marketing assistant (or someone working in advertising, promotions, and marketing in general), you’ll make an average salary of around $141,490 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

As a financial analyst, you can earn up to $83,660 per year, and as a trade specialist, according to PayScale, a respectable $55,000 per year. These jobs, particularly those within the business and financial sector, tend to be some of the highest-earning and most in-demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earners in this industry bring in an average of $72,250 per year with a projected growth of about 8% by 2030. That translates to an increase of 750,800 new jobs before this decade is over!

How many years is a master’s in international business?

Most master’s degrees in international business will take around two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. That said, many programs feature fast-track or accelerated plans that will allow you to graduate in as little as 12 months. Most allow up to six years for the completion of an online degree. 

No two master’s in international business degrees are quite alike, though most share common attributes. You’ll learn the foundational business concepts and cross-cultural skills you need to succeed in the global marketplace. Many degrees provide additional language training so that you can learn how to communicate effectively across cultures. 

Your courses will also acquaint you with international business etiquette and will help to foster cultural awareness. You’ll learn how to think adaptively, be a strong leader, and convey emotional intelligence and strong analytical skills, too. You may take a variety of courses in broader categories like:

• operations management
• economics
• marketing
• finance
• human resources management

Though not required, many programs include pathways for youth to earn different international business certifications, too. These can help you advance your global business competencies and pursue specific career paths. Some certifications to consider pursuing include the Certified Global Business Professional Credential by NASBITE and the Certified International Trade Professional certification. 

How do I get into one of the best graduate international business schools?

Finding the perfect online master’s in international business is only half the battle—once you find the ideal school, you need to polish up that application. 

Admissions requirements vary depending on the school at which you choose to enroll. Most universities like to see a few years of business experience (ideally abroad, if you can swing it!) along with a relevant undergraduate degree. 

There aren’t many undergraduate degrees in international business (although they do exist!) so most business schools will accept applicants with experience and credentials in fields like marketing, finance, or general business. To be a competitive candidate, you should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Not all schools require the GRE (Graduate REcord Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). However, even if these tests aren’t required, taking them and getting top marks can boost your odds of being accepted. 

Other admissions requirements might include proficiency in a foreign language, study abroad or internship experience, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. 

No matter what the requirements might be, make sure you pay close attention—and take your time when you’re polishing up the final details! Dot your i’s and cross your t’s—this isn’t something you want to rush. 

What are the most affordable international business schools?

The cost of a master’s degree is something that can make just about any student break out in a cold sweat—and for good reason! The average cost for a master’s degree is around $30,000 and rising (and that’s for a public school). Costs vary widely but the good news is that choosing to earn your degree online is an economical and wise decision.

When you choose to study online, you forego many of the costs associated with attending college, such as housing, transportation, and even smaller things like campus parking fees. Since you have the convenience of taking classes on your own time, you also don’t have to worry about fitting courses in around your work schedule (so you can continue to earn money while you’re working on a degree).

When you apply for admission, make sure you are applying only to schools that are accredited. Accreditation is important if you want to transfer credits in and out of a university but also makes it possible for you to apply for state and federal financial aid. 

Be sure to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as it becomes available. You will use information from the prior year’s tax returns to fill out your forms but you can use estimates if you’ve yet to file your taxes. 

There tends to be less financial aid available to graduate students than undergraduates, but there’s still plenty of “free money” out there. Be sure to explore all opportunities for funding, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships. After all, the only thing better than earning a master’s degree is earning a master’s degree without having to go into tons of debt to do it!

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST MBA IN ECONOMICS & BEST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER’S IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT!

Economics is a fascinating field. It’s always evolving as local and worldwide markets shift and grow with new technologies.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in economics is a great way to get your foot in the door of this exciting, data-driven field. To earn the most bang for your buck and secure more interesting positions, you’ll need to further your education and earn a master’s degree in economics.

The best masters in economics programs will teach you the skills needed to advise business executives. You’ll understand global statistical trends. You’ll form your own economic theories if you decide to return to academia in the future.

The best economics masters programs are offered through schools of arts or sciences. They often allow students to specialize in a data niche or interest. These are versatile degrees requiring skills from a multitude of broader subjects, like mathematics and business. Therefore, students are well prepared for a wide variety of careers. You could work as an economist or a related position. Other common careers for economics students include those in subdisciplines like:

• Quantitative economics
• Health economics
• Financial economics
• Labor economics
• Experimental economics (research)
• Mathematical economics
• Environmental economics 
• Energy economics
• Economic theory
• Behavioral economics
• Industrial organization economics
• Policy economics (economic policy is important if you work for government agencies)
• Economic data analysis
• International monetary economics
• Microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory
• Mineral and energy economics
• Applied econometrics 
• Financial management and financial analyst work
• Business administration 
• Monetary economics
• Computational economics
• Operations research
• Big data economics
• Data analysis and market research analysts
• Applied economics and economic analysis

Of course, many students go on to doctoral studies, too. Many doctoral programs require you to specialize in one of the fields above.

It’s one of the most generalist yet specific degrees available. But its value shouldn’t be mistaken. Economist jobs are set to grow for the next 10 years. Big Data is becoming more integral to daily business. There’s no doubt that the top graduate economic programs are an excellent choice for those who have the temperament for and interest in the field.

COMMON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

There are several requirements that must be fulfilled when applying for the top economics masters programs. Most master’s programs in any discipline only accept those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The bachelor’s degree proves to the graduate program officials that you have what it takes. They will know you can spend many years studying a single subject and the discipline to finish a difficult series of tasks. 

Bachelor’s degrees in a related field provide students with the foundational knowledge required to dig into the more advanced subjects.

Certain programs may have combined bachelor’s/master’s pathways. In these, a student can earn a bachelor’s degree and proceed directly into master’s studies. This often results in spending less time on schooling and saving money in the long run.

These programs also require students to earn both degrees from the same university. They are not open to those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

You’ll need to submit all previous transcripts and several letters of recommendation. Transcripts must demonstrate a high GPA. Targets often hover around the 3.0 mark. Keep in mind that most master’s admissions teams look for candidates with higher than average GPAs to fill their seats. Earning as high a GPA as possible as an undergraduate is a great way to tilt the acceptance odds in your favor. If your GPA wasn’t the best, remember that you can take additional courses after graduation to boost your GPA.

You’ll also need two or three letters of recommendation from former teachers or employers. These vouch for your skills and commitment to your goals. These letters should always be accompanied by a resume and any relevant work experience. This will demonstrate expertise in economics or a related field, such as business. When it comes to master’s programs of any type, making yourself stand out from other graduate candidates is key. There are often only a limited number of slots in any given graduate program. Providing work experience or other real-world accolades can boost your chances of acceptance beyond your competitors’.

Most graduate programs require a high-enough GRE score. The GRE is a series of standardized tests that measure applicants’ intelligence in a few key ways. Their verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills are all tested with the GRE. This can be taken on a computer a few times within a 365-day window. Applicants have multiple opportunities to get their scores where they need to be for their school of choice. Be sure to research the requested GRE scores of your ideal program beforehand. That way, you know what to focus on as you study for the test.

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS?

Earning a master’s can cost quite a bit of money. There are multiple avenues of financial aid to pursue if you need assistance.

First and foremost is the FAFSA. This is the annual application for federal financial aid. All college students must fill this out prior to the start of each academic year. The FAFSA is the only ticket to certain high-value federal grants and loans, like the Pell Grant. There are also subsidized federal loans. This means the government pays the interest accrued while the student is enrolled in school. They are also only accessible via the FAFSA. It’s imperative that you fill this out each year. Your need is decided based on your economic bracket. You’ll have a better chance of receiving grants or loans if you earn less money.

Second, many universities and select colleges within those universities have program-specific scholarships or grants. These are only open to students of those colleges. Many economics programs are offered through universities’ schools of business. Be sure to check out the web pages of each school that your program is a part of. Investigate their financial aid options. These grants or loan programs are often funded by alumni networks or generous donors to the university. They may be more lucrative than federal assistance. These scholarships often have certain essay or internship requirements attached. They can be of excellent help to any student who’s strapped for cash.

Many economics majors go into business after graduation. Those who do well for themselves often give back to the university where their path to success began. This is why you’ll find many economics programs boasting of their excellent financial assistance options.

You should also investigate teaching assistantships. These are valuable because they trade your work for some or all of your tuition. Such programs require students to set aside about 20 hours per week. You will help one of the professors in the program with grading or other school-related activities. In exchange, tuition is often 100% covered. Assistants often also receive a stipend to cover living expenses. Some of the best teaching assistantships even come with health insurance options. This is another excellent financial boon. Health insurance can be very expensive for young adults in graduate school.

Many economics programs have avenues to connect you to companies that need intern assistance for their day-to-day operations. Some of these internships may pay for some or all of a student’s tuition in exchange for work. Internships are valuable for networking purposes and for securing a position after graduation.

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

It might cost a bundle to earn a master’s degree in economics. But the good news is that the potential return on the investment is high. There are two big careers sought after by economics majors that require a master’s degree. These are an economist and political scientist. The latter of the two is more often filled by professionals with specific degrees in political science. Still, both of these careers are open to those with master’s degrees in economics. Both make more than $100,000 per year, on average.

In 2022, economists’ median pay was $105,630, and a 13 % growth rate is projected for the next 10 years. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This position of economist is going to become more necessary as time goes on.

Economists are also in demand with the government. Deciding state or national budgets is of tremendous importance. Securing a federal economist job is an excellent pathway to job security and plenty of benefits.

Political scientists earn a median annual salary of about $122,510. Many political science positions are held by those with degrees economics. They have the experience to solve big problems and identify trends and issues that affect the political landscape each year. Political scientists can find employment with the government at both the federal and state levels. Or they may be hired by political candidates seeking office. Those candidates employ political scientists to help fine-tune their campaigns. They ensure that they stand the best chance of earning the majority’s vote.

Political scientist positions are growing at about 9% per year. This is as fast as typical job growth for professions requiring a graduate degree.

With a master’s degree in economics, you can also become a survey researcher. This is a much more analytical position. It doesn’t carry the large paycheck that the previous two jobs do. But it can be rewarding for those with more academic interests. Survey researchers earn a median annual salary of about $59,740.

Even economics-focused jobs that only require a bachelor’s degree can be more lucrative for those who hold a master’s degree.

Financial analysts, for example, earn a median annual salary of about $81,410. This position only requires a bachelor’s degree. There’s only a 6% growth rate projected over the next 10 years. That means it’s important to distinguish oneself from other candidates. Having a master’s degree demonstrates that an applicant has experience and academic knowledge to bring to bear on any problem or task. This makes them a more attractive hire.

WHAT ARE SOME NOTABLE FACTS OR STATISTICS ABOUT MASTER OF ECONOMICS DEGREES?

Being able to distinguish oneself from other economists is more important than ever. Consider that 45% of economists already hold master’s degrees, while 32% have a doctoral degree. Only 23% have only a bachelor’s degree. Earning a master’s in economics is almost a necessity if you are serious about the profession.

Most competitors will have the same level of education, or more. Even positions that only require a bachelor’s degree, like financial analysts, have many master’s degree holders in their workforce. One-third of financial analysts hold a master’s degree. The majority (51%) hold a bachelor’s degree. This majority will often shift toward those with master’s degrees as more and more people pursue ever-higher educational levels.

There are lots of ways to make a degree more attractive to employers. The very process of earning a master’s in economics has a hidden benefit. It helps applicants stand out from the crowd. Studying economics at the graduate level can prepare students for various certifications or licenses. These can be used to bolster their careers or open new job opportunities. Check with your university to see if it offers any certificate programs.

Typical certifications that economics graduate programs can prepare students for include:

• Certified Business Economist
• Chartered Economist
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Certified Economic Developer.

These certificates can be quite valuable. Certain higher-quality firms and companies will only fill economist positions with those who also hold several of the above certifications.

Check out our list of the 10 best economics graduate programs! 

#1. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS

As the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state, Texas A&M has been educating its students since 1876. It’s located in College Station. This city is close to the center of the metropolitan triangle that makes up the heart of Texas’ commerce and development: Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Anyone who attends Texas A&M will be within a two-hour drive of each city. A&M is a university that attracts talent from across the state. It allows students to live and work in surrounding cities without having to spend extra money on campus housing. 

You will find one of the top economics graduate programs here. The economics graduate program is overseen by the College of Liberal Arts. The resulting degree is a Master of Science, rather than a Master of Arts. This suits the university’s general focus on practical and scientific degrees and professions.

Texas A&M offers students two pathways for earning an MS in economics. The thesis pathway is the more traditional of the two. It includes a focus on economics research and creative exploration. The non-thesis track offers a choice between two concentrations: Financial Economics or Financial Econometrics.

Regardless of track, students are assigned an advisory committee of at least three graduate faculty members. They can advise them on their thesis or coursework pursuits. All students’ study plans are completed before beginning the program. Then they are able to jump right in once the semester starts.

The thesis option includes 32 credit hours. Some of these are fulfilled via the research and thesis development required for graduation. Thesis-track students must maintain continuous enrollment in the university until they graduate. Non-thesis track students may stop and start with a bit more freedom. Both tracks allow up to seven years for degree completion. This is plenty of time, even for working students or those with families. The non-thesis track requires 36 semester credit hours. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred in from another university. Or they can be from Texas A&M classes taken as part of a bachelor’s degree program.

#2. UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

You’ll find another one of the best economics masters at the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming’s MS in Economics gives students the background they need to succeed in both economic theory and economic analysis. The curriculum is designed for future economists in both private industries and positions with the federal government. It allows students the flexibility to terminate their studies after graduation. Or they can continue for a Ph.D., if they find that research and academia suits their interests.

Wyoming offers courses from a variety of fields. Within those fields, students can choose to generalize or specialize in one or two subsections depending on their career ambitions.

Concentration areas include:

• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• International Trade
• Industrial Organization
• Development Economics
• Behavioral and Experimental Economics.

UW allows students to pursue either a thesis or a non-thesis track for graduation. The thesis track consists of 27 credit hours of coursework plus research and thesis development. The non-thesis track consists of 30 credit hours of coursework. The non-thesis track still requires students to complete a shorter paper. This is to demonstrate their expertise and understanding of the work completed on the path to graduation. Students who have the time and resources available to dedicate to the program can complete it in as few as three semesters. Most complete it in four semesters, or across two years.

Getting into this flexible program is a little easier than several competing programs. Applicants are not required to submit letters of recommendation. Two or three will bolster the odds of being accepted. No resume is required either. Any relevant work experience will be welcomed.

UW hosts Skype interviews with promising candidates after the initial review of their application materials. They are similar to a professional job interview. These meetings determine applicants’ suitability for the program. The department also offers several funding assistance programs for students who show strong promise or who have been to the university before.

UW’s alumni network is almost as valuable as the degree itself. Students are eligible to join a nationwide email list. They can work with other UW graduates who’ve already found careers with organizations across the country. UW also fosters a strong sense of collaboration and research. The university’s economics department specializes in four broad areas of economics research. This is one of the best schools to attend for anyone who is unsure if they wish to stop with a master’s degree or press on to a Ph.D. 

#3. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

The University of Texas at Austin’s MA in Economics is rigorous and developed to fulfill STEM categorical requirements. In this best economics masters, students can take advantage of STEM scholarships or internship opportunities. That is despite the program culminating in a Master of Arts degree.

Applicants are not required to hold an undergraduate degree in economics. The department does prefer all applicants to have a strong quantitative background. It accepts students with majors in mathematics, statistics, and similar subjects often. Three letters of recommendation are required. So is a resume demonstrating some amount of experience and a statement of purpose. Application deadlines fall only a few months before the semester begins. Applicants are only accepted once per year.

The program offers three pathways to graduation. The accelerated track allows students to attend classes from July through May of the following year. This results in degree completion in only 10 months. Those who attend this track complete 10 3-credit hour courses for a total of 30 credit hours. Two courses are completed during the first summer semester. The following fall and spring semesters require four courses. This non-thesis track is an ideal option for those looking to earn a master’s degree as quickly as possible.

There are also 18- and 24-month degree tracks. These, too, begin in mid-July. They are completed in either December of the following year or the May of the year after that. Both tracks require 30 credit hours. No thesis is expected. Instead, the longer tracks have courses spaced more even. This allows students to complete the degree at a slower pace. These are ideal choices for students who must work or take care of a family while attending school. Each track to graduation culminates with the option for an internship and a macroeconomics course. 

UT Austin doesn’t offer much in the way of financial aid opportunities or teaching assistantships. However, Austin is one of the most inexpensive cities to live in while attending a top graduate program. This is due to several factors, but the affordable housing, amenities, and driving distances required to attend the university all combine. They create a cheap housing situation for graduate students. Austin is also an excellent city in which to work or find an internship while attending school. It’s an all-around pleasant locale. It’s free of harsh winters and full of interesting places for social gatherings. U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 2 on its list of the Best Places to Live.

#4. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN POLICY ECONOMICS

Another one of the country’s top economic grad schools can be found at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s economics program doesn’t concentrate on the discipline in a general sense. It emphasizes the narrower field of policy economics. This field is most often used by administrators and economics researchers. It’s an excellent degree for those interested in pursuing either career path. The program is designed to help potential Ph.D. candidates explore their taste for research. It can help them determine whether they want to continue academic pursuits after graduation or terminate their studies with the MS degree. Students must decide if they want to pursue the program under a strict time limit, however. Applications are only accepted for entrance during the fall term.

UIUC’s economics program consists of 40 credit hours. It offers three tracks and schedules for completion. Motivated students, or those with ample time on their hands, can complete the degree in as little as one year. Most students opt for the 1.5- or 2-year completion tracks.

Regardless of track, students complete courses in:

• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• econometrics
• economic statistics.

These make up 16 of the required 40 credit hours. The remainder can be electives and courses from a dedicated economic specialization. UIUC offers 10 areas of specialization. These include:

• Advanced Econometrics
• Law and Economics
• Labor Economics
• International Economics.

This is an excellent program for students who know what sphere of economics they want to focus on. The majority of courses come from students’ chosen specialization, rather than a shared pool of classes.

The program has several quirks and benefits that make it stand out from other graduate economics programs. All students, regardless of background, must complete an orientation program. It includes a rigorous math course, to ensure that everyone starts on the same foot. The program also includes six “field trips” every academic year that take students to various financial institutions or state and government agencies. There, they can observe the working environment of their potential future profession first-hand. The longest of these is a 5-day trip during spring break. It alternates between New York City and Washington, D.C.

UIUC’s student culture is vibrant and welcoming. The campus is set upon rich, well-maintained land. There are ample parks and recreational areas. This outward beauty is mirrored by the achievements of the university itself and its high accolades. UIUC has many amazing inventions and discoveries. These include the development of the first graphical web browser. It is ranked as the No. 14 Best Public University, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#5. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ECONOMICS/MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS

Some of the best MA economics programs are at North Carolina State University. Students in North Carolina State’s Master of Economics program can pursue the degree with an “applied focus”. They enter a terminal master’s track. Or they can complete a degree more suited for theoretical economics. This is meant to prepare them for Ph.D. work in the discipline. The terminal master’s track can be completed in as little as one year. Most students complete it in 18 to 24 months.

All master’s students complete six elective courses from four concentrations:

• International Development and Trade
• Financial/Macroeconomics
• Economic Policy
• Natural Resource and Environmental Economics.

This master’s degree focuses on practical economic concepts and applications. It is the perfect degree for students who want to head straight into the workforce after graduation.

The Ph.D.-prep master’s track is designed for students who know that they will continue on to doctoral studies. It can also be completed in as little as one year. It boasts the same concentrations as the terminal degree track. It requires the completion of a thesis after completing all other coursework. The thesis requirement can count for up to six credit hours toward a student’s electives. It is met once they pass the final oral exam and thesis defense. This track results in a Master of Science in Economics degree. That is rather than a Master of Economics (MR) degree.

NC State offers a unique opportunity to current or future undergraduate students of the university. Its Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program in economics is open to exceptional undergraduates. You can complete certain master’s requirements while finishing your bachelor’s classes. You can earn a master’s degree within 12 months of a bachelor’s. It is an excellent way to trim both the time and costs required to earn an advanced degree. Applying for the program must be done very early relative to graduation. 

NC State is dedicated to its students. It offers them as much flexibility as possible. This an excellent school for all types of economically inclined students. You will interact with peers on both professional and research trajectories as you move toward graduation. NC State is home to a low (14:1) student-to-faculty ratio. It has been ranked the No. 1 Best Public College in North Carolina, according to Money. Students also enjoy access to NC State’s innovative Hunt Library. This amazing structure offers students assistance with everything from research needs to laptop rentals and 3-D printing.

#6. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS

Georgia Tech offers an MS in Economics in one of the top economics graduate schools. It has a curriculum that combines research goals and hands-on learning. The curriculum is built from a multidisciplinary pool of classes. It allows students to select a majority of their electives from certain concentrations. You can tailor your degree to your goals. The program can be completed in one calendar year. That’s if a student takes classes during the summer semester. The degree can also be completed at a slower pace. There is a flexible, part-time track that’s ideal for working adults or those with busy family lives. 

This 30-credit hour program and has a built-in schedule to accommodate the one-year completion target. It begins with four core courses, in:

• macroeconomics
• microeconomics
• statistical methods and probability
• econometric analysis/modeling.

Students can pursue a coursework-only option toward graduation or an internship option. Those who secure an internship that is approved by their advisors may apply for it to count for three elective credit hours above the 6000 level. Other electives may be taken from Georgia Tech’s other colleges. These courses must be approved by an advisor before they can count toward the degree. This degree of flexibility and independence isn’t reflected in most graduate economics programs. 

The program is taught by faculty who research their areas of expertise. They specialize in several different aspects, including:

• international economics
• industrial organization
• environmental and energy economics
• applied econometrics.

These teachers are both instructors and study plan advisors. Learning which areas various faculty members specialize in can help students to network. They can learn about areas of research before they commit to one themselves.

Students may qualify for partial tuition waivers that are handed out every year by the university. The exact amount waived by these grants changes from year to year. But all students are eligible to apply for them at the start of each term. This is an excellent way to eliminate some of the hefty costs of graduate school.

Those who complete Georgia Tech’s program find it well worth the effort. That’s in terms of educational and professional value. The school is ranked as the No. 5 Top Public University by U.S. News & World Report. Many of its graduate programs are ranked by the same organization among the top 20 in their categories. This academic excellence is complemented well by Georgia Tech’s phenomenal Atlanta campus. It’s a beautiful space with lots of recreational centers and outstanding sports stadiums. There is also a university-specific public transportation system. It’s easy to get around using the buses provided by the university. Outside of class, there’s lots to do. You can join some of 400 student organizations or one of Georgia Tech’s major sports teams.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

ECONOMICS MASTER’S PROGRAM

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is another top pick in our graduate economics rankings. This school has taught students for 168 years.

This is the No. 15 Best Public University in the World, according to U.S. News & World Report. UWM has an expansive, well-maintained campus. Its home to 900 student organizations. The campus is close to historic Madison State Street. This is home to a frequent farmer’s market, and a musical nexus at Memorial Union Terrace.

Back on campus, UWM’s Department of Economics has a dedicated Career Services Center. Any graduate student concerned about their career prospects after graduation should pay it a visit. Make use of the center’s professional expertise. They can get grads in touch with the university’s alumni network. They can also help them find job and internship opportunities in the area. 

UWM’s Economics Master’s program is a terminal degree path. It is not intended for students wishing to pursue doctoral work or to secure a research position. It is, however, a perfect fit for students who want to enter the economics field as a professional. It’s also a good fit for those who want to make themselves a more attractive candidate for higher-paying economics positions. The program emphasizes econometric training. This aspect of economics focuses on the application of statistics to economic data. It can help to determine relationships and form analyses. It prepares students to understand the statistics in economic models and to translate that information for others.

The program has specific course requirements for all applicants. These include classes in all the major economics cornerstones. Those who’ve completed an undergraduate degree in economics will be better positioned for acceptance than students with related degrees. Application deadlines fall twice per year. They correlate with the beginning of the spring and fall semesters.

Other requirements include a writing sample and three letters of recommendation. You also need high GRE scores and a GPA above 3.0. Students complete seven courses in:

• econometrics
• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• mathematics/statistics course.

Three electives follow, totaling 30 credit hours over four semesters. The electives include advanced subjects with more specific focuses, including:

• game theory
• the economics of health care
• issues of international finance
• the economics of growth. 

UWM allows students to complete the program within three semesters. That’s if they can demonstrate acceptable time management skills. They must also receive approval from their advisor.The degree does not require a thesis or a capstone project. Completing the coursework fast leads to faster graduation. Most students complete the program within two years. The university considers the program to be a full-time commitment. Students must remain enrolled every semester until they graduate. That’s even if they only take one class at a time.

#8. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMETRICS AND QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS

The University of Arizona offers a STEM-qualified economics program. It’s ranked as the No. 2 program among departments in business schools. That’s according to U.S. News & World Report. The school as a whole reflects this level of excellence. The Princeton Review named UA one of the Best Value schools for 2019. It’s ranked as the No. 25 public research institution. That’s according to the National Science Foundation. UA places a strong emphasis on both research and practical education. Both of these are reflected in its top economics graduate programs.

UA’s MS in Economics program is for students who want to head straight into a professional career. It’s also for those who might wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the future. The program helps develop a foundation in:

• econometrics
• behavioral economics
• microeconomic theory
• empirical microeconomics.

It features a curriculum of 30 units. These are completed over 12 months. All students begin their studies with two online courses during the summer semester. The following fall and spring semesters contain four courses each.

All students complete five core classes ranging from mathematical economics to microeconomic theory and econometrics. Then, they choose from several electives. These electives allow students to specialize their degree. They let them pursue their individual interests. Electives include:

• Market Design
• Energy Economics
• Industrial Organization
• Labor Economics.

Students designate the focus area that will appear on their diploma. UA’s curriculum has a strong analytical and empirical focus. This makes it valuable to those who want to attain higher-level economist positions in either the government or private sector. One final interesting aspect of UA’s economics program is its proximity to the Economic Science Laboratory. It was founded by Nobel laureate Vernon Smith. The Laboratory is at the cutting edge of economic research. It is well-positioned for economics students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. or join economics academia. Many of the program’s faculty also spend time at the lab.

UA’s program allows students to pursue dual degree options. These options make it possible to link one’s expertise in economics with other focuses.Possible dual degree subjects include:

• business administration
• data analysis
• marketing
• accounting
• business analytics
• finance.

These options pair well with economics. Much of the coursework is shared or has mutual relevance. The dual-degree program is intended to be completed in 2.5 years. That’s regardless of which additional degree a student opts to pursue. Students must receive advanced acceptance into each program. They can also use the dual degree path to accelerate the path to a doctoral degree.

#9. STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

Stony Brook University’s Department of Economics offers a unique program that holds a distinct place among the best MA economics programs. It does not require applicants to have a prior background in economics. The first-year course selections teach the fundamentals of economics to everyone. Those with a background in economics can progress more quickly through the curriculum. A research-oriented degree, Stony Brook’s program prepares students for careers in research institutes and academia. A career in the private sector is still a viable option.

All students must attend the program full-time for the first year. The second year and any subsequent years can be completed at a part-time pace. This can help to accommodate work or family life needs. This is because the first-year courses form the foundation for the rest of the program and must be completed fast. This is to enable specialization and personal elective selections later.

At the beginning of the second year, students choose between a basic or advanced program. The basic program can be completed in three semesters. It has 11 courses in total. It culminates with a capstone project. There is also an advanced course in econometrics. The advanced program has 14 courses. It is completed in four semesters. It also requires a capstone project and an advanced econometrics course.

The major difference between the tracks is this. The advanced pathway includes an additional semester. This enables students to specialize in an economic concentration. This concentration is represented by a paper written about the specialization. It is noted on the diploma. A concentration like this could make a student more attractive to an employer for a particular position. Of course, that depends on the specialization. Available concentrations include:

• Game Theory
• Demographic Economics
• Health Economics
• Advanced Labor Economics Theory.

Upon completion of the MA, students can continue on to the school’s Ph.D. program without taking any extra preparatory coursework. These students are also considered for funding for the following two years of their education. After the first year of study, students can take comprehensive exams in the major fields of economics. This is to see if they qualify for Ph.D. studies ahead of time. This practice also allows them to apply for the Ph.D. program multiple times before graduation. That way, there is no months-long gap between classes. 

The program’s application process can be intense. There is only a single start date, in the fall semester. There are a very limited number of spots available. This is, in part, due to the inclusion of several teaching assistantships. There are a handful of full and partial tuition scholarships. Applicants to Stony Brook’s program are competing for the quality of the education. They are also competing for the financial assistance available to those who are accepted. Teaching assistantships are only available to full-time students. Most other teaching assistantships are similar. They require a graduate student to perform normal TA work. Stony Brook’s assistantships sometimes include research or administrative positions and responsibilities. Stony Brook’s tuition scholarships are few. Those who are accepted should be sure to apply quickly before the money is gone.

#10. UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

MASTER OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS

Since graduating its first class of 55 in 1866, the University of Kansas has served as the state’s flagship university. It boasts a beautiful wooded main campus. It is located in the progressive city of Lawrence. KU is a university worthy of interest for all major fields and disciplines. Its Master of Arts in Economics focuses on big-picture understandings of the subject. The graduate program emphasizes understanding the underlying systems that govern commerce and trade. These emphases make it one of the best graduate economics programs for students who are interested in research. It’s also great for those who are interested in developing their own theories on the subject. The core areas of study are econometrics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics.

The program accepts applicants both with and without backgrounds in economics. It consists of 30 semester hours of graduate work. Nine of these are spent in three core classes. Eighteen of the remaining hours are in economics. 12 hours of the total may be allocated to related areas. This is to allow students to specialize within the degree or to explore ancillary interests.

Students choose whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track counts six hours of thesis research and development toward the 30 total semester hours. The non-thesis track consists entirely of coursework. At the end of each track you must pass a written examination during their last semester of enrollment to demonstrate proficiency in applying economic theory.

Most students complete the program within two years. Those without an economics background may take longer to fulfill certain prerequisites. The program does require that all applicants have completed a statistics course prior to enrollment. KU’s economics program also accepts students for fall, spring, and summer semesters. There are multiple opportunities to begin the program. That’s even for those who cannot follow the traditional schedule.

KU’s economics program is superb. But its funding opportunities for graduate students are of particular note. Its Office of Graduate Studies compiles recent funding sources for current graduate students. This is a great resource for tracking down fellowships or grants from specific organizations or donors who may be interested in facilitating a student’s education.

KU awards $232 million in financial aid each year. It hosts several spaces on its website for scholarships for specific student groups. There is also a collection of scholarships from outside sources.  KU allows for work-study programs from federal employers and the State of Kansas. Some of these programs may be able to help students avoid excessive debt while in school. The Federal Work-Study program allows students to work an on-campus job. They can earn money toward their education by fulfilling duties to the university. This is a subsidized program, too. It is just one of many financial aid opportunities awaiting new students at KU.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. University of Missouri

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Degree: MA in Economics

Net Price: $12,809

Website

#12. Stanford University

Location: Palo Alto, California

Degree: Master of Arts in Economics

Net Price: $25,862

Website

#13. West Texas A&M University

Location: Canyon, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Finance and Economics

Net Price: $13,806

Website

#14. University of Maryland

Location: College Park, Maryland

Degree: Master’s in Applied Economics

Net Price: $23,099

Website

#15. University of Kentucky

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Degree: Master of Science in Economics

Net Price: $12,360

Website

#16. The University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Degree: Master’s Program in Economics

Net Price: $13,192

Website

#17. University of Houston

Location: Houston, Texas

Degree: Master in Applied Economics

Net Price: $19,521

Website

#18. George Mason University

Location: Fairfax, Virginia

Degree: Master of Arts in Economics

Net Price: $28,890

Website

#19. George Washington University

Location: Washington, D.C.

Degree: Master of Arts in Applied Economics

Net Price: $62,110

Website

#20. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Degree: Master of Science in Applied Economics

Net Price: $34,000

Website

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