Online Master Degrees

Online Colleges and Universities with Master Degree Programs

online masters degree If you have your bachelor's degree and are looking for a way to improve your earnings and your career potential, consider heading back to school for a master's degree. Only about 9% of Americans hold a master's degree. That makes them a major asset in the job market. People who hold master's degrees are very employable because they usually have a highly specialized knowledge within their field, making them an important asset to many companies. Master's degrees can be earned at graduate schools or online from accredited colleges and universities.

Benefits of a Master's Degree

A master's degree shows potential employers that you have a great education and the dedication it takes to earn an advanced degree. Not many people take the time or put forth the energy to earn master's degrees, also known as graduate degrees. Not many jobs require a master's degree, but most jobs put a higher value on employees that do have their master's. People in America with master's degrees earn an average of $1,257 per week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics median weekly earnings in 2010. According to the same study, that's over $200 more per week than people who only have a bachelor's degree and over $600 more than people with just a high school diploma. Americans with master's degrees also enjoyed an unemployment rate of just 3.9% in 2009. Those with only a high school diploma experienced an unemployment rate of 9.7%.

Popular Master's Degrees

masters degree diploma By far the most popular master's degree in America is an MBA, a master's of business administration. About one quarter of all master's degree awarded every year in America are MBAs. Other popular master's degrees include:

Electrical Engineering
Education
Accounting
Computer Science
Social Work
Public Administration
Mechanical Engineering
Nursing
Special Education

Professional degrees are also very popular. A professional degree is like a master's degree, but they are considered a separate diploma. The most common professional degrees are awarded in law (JD) and medicine (MD).

Highest Paying Master's Degrees

masters degree graduate

There are a number of master's degrees that lead to high-paying professions. Master's degrees in different fields can help you earn more at your current job and qualify you for more jobs.

Nursing and Medical Degrees: Many professions in the medical field require master's degrees rather than MDs. Some of the top paying health care professions that call for a master's degree include nurse practitioner ($82,590 per year), nurse-midwife ($89,337), and nurse anesthetist ($145,216).

Engineering Degrees: Master's of Engineering degrees are among the highest paying master's degrees. A wide variety of engineering fields look for people with master's degrees. Some of the higher paying engineering professions include aerospace engineers ($92,520), petroleum engineers ($108,020), and computer hardware engineers ($97,400).

Business Degrees: MBAs and other master's degrees in the field of business can be extremely lucrative. Professions that benefit from a business degree include marketing directors ($97,967), IT project managers ($90,957), operations managers of finance ($100,620).

How to Earn a Master's Degree

In order to earn a master's degree you typically must first earn a bachelor's degree. Some schools offer programs in which you can earn your bachelor's and master's at the same time. Other schools offer programs in which you can earn your master's and doctorate at the same time. Many people earn their master's degrees from public or private graduate universities. The selection process for these schools can be quite competitive. You can also earn a wide variety of master's degrees online through schools that offer graduate level coursework over the internet. A master's degree can take anywhere from three years to six years to earn. It can take even longer if you do not have your full time to devote to your studies. But however long your master's takes you to earn, the effort will be well worth it.

Online Schools

University of Phoenix

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Master of Management

The Master of Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students learn to synthesize business concepts and practices presented in this program to develop solutions for specific managerial situations found within the organizational environment. Prospective students should hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.

Ashford University

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MA/Education - Early Childhood Education

Special Terms and Conditions
Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Education program by itself does not lead to certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check regularly with their state regulatory agencies' policies and procedures relating to licensure. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.

Choose the Early Childhood Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education earned online from Ashford University to become an expert in child development. In this specialization, you will strengthen your skills as an educator for young people. The Early Childhood Education specialization covers language acquisition, classroom management, and the impact of families and communities on schools. You will learn to design primary-school curricula, deliver differentiated instruction to children, and collaborate with parents and communities. If you are committed to a career involving education, this program from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
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MA/Health Care Administration

Foster your health care career goals by earning your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration online from Ashford University. Deepen the value of your services with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree. This graduate degree empowers you to assume leadership positions in health care organizations. You will study such areas as finance, biostatistics, and strategic planning. The program incorporates applied health care theories across the domains of organized health care. With your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration, you demonstrate your expertise in directing health care organizations, leading health professionals, and delivering invaluable services to people in need.
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MBA - Information Systems

Earn your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree online from Ashford University. Complete a standard program of study or personalize your program with one of several specializations.

Specialization — Information Systems

Take your education to the next level with a specialization in Information Systems added to your MBA degree earned online from Ashford University Combine major course credits in Business Administration with nine credits in Information Systems for a more specialized degree with added value. The Information Systems specialization prepares you for the information technology industry while you explore such topics as database management, essential business software, information processing, and systems development. Your focused graduate courses combined with the in-depth professional competence you'll gain from the major coursework will earn you an enhanced MBA degree.
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MA/Education - Special Education (Non Licensure)

Special Terms and Conditions
Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Education program by itself does not lead to certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check regularly with their state regulatory agencies' policies and procedures relating to licensure. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.

Open up education to all students by earning your Master of Arts in Education online with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University. Focus your education degree with the Special Education specialization that will support the needs of exceptional students in school programs. The Special Education specialization allows you to respond to students' diverse abilities and styles as you provide equitable learning. You will learn classroom management, as well as how to identify disabilities and special abilities. If you are committed to a career involving education, then the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.

Strayer University

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Master of Business Administration: Accounting Concentration

The MBA program offers a broad set of business management tools while also allowing students a choice of concentration in order to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. The program curriculum prepares working professionals to become effective decision makers and managers in a world increasingly affected by globalization, technology, and ethical challenges. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.
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Master of Business Administration: Management Concentration

The MBA program offers a broad set of business management tools while also allowing students a choice of concentration in order to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. The program curriculum prepares working professionals to become effective decision makers and managers in a world increasingly affected by globalization, technology, and ethical challenges. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.
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Master of Health Services Administration

The Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) program is designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and others in health services support industries that wish to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to assume mid-level and executive level managerial positions in health services organizations. Health Services Administration degrees prepare students by training them to manage and direct the business aspects of healthcare. Specific careers, as identified by the Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services Administration (ACEHSA), include working as hospital administrators, healthcare managers, managed healthcare plan coordinators, and administrators of short and long-term residential facilities.
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Master of Business Administration: Human Resource Management Concentration

The MBA program offers a broad set of business management tools while also allowing students a choice of concentration in order to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. The program curriculum prepares working professionals to become effective decision makers and managers in a world increasingly affected by globalization, technology, and ethical challenges. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.

Walden University

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Master of Science (M.S.) in Mental Health Counseling - General
Through a mix of research, practical application, and coursework, Walden's newly CACREP-accredited M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program can prepare you to integrate knowledge and skills into a career as a successful professional counselor. Developed by leading experts in the field, the CACREP-accredited M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to meet the high standards set by CACREP and to provide continuity throughout your learning experience, with each course building upon key experiences.

Specializations
- General
- Forensic Counseling
- Trauma and Crisis Counseling
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Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) General
When you earn a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Walden, you can enhance your knowledge, expand your influence, and position yourself to advance your career. This ACBSP-accredited program focuses on the development of leadership and management skills. Choose from a range of specializations to meet your career goals.

Specializations
- Accounting for Managers
- Corporate Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Healthcare Management
- Healthcare System Improvement
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Self-Designed
- Strategies for Sustainability
- Technology Management
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12)

The M.S. in Education online degree program is designed to enhance your skills, help improve your students' achievement and increase your earning potential. As an online degree program, it allows busy teachers to learn on their own time. And Walden University's learning model encourages you to apply new strategies in your classroom.
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education
The M.S. in Education online degree program is designed to enhance your skills, help improve your students' achievement and increase your earning potential. As an online degree program, it allows busy teachers to learn on their own time. And Walden University's learning model encourages you to apply new strategies in your classroom.

Specializations
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12)
- Educational Leadership (Grades K-12)
- Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades PreK-6)
- Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)
- Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K-12)
- Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12)
- Mathematics (Grades K-5)
- Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
- Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8)
- Professional Development (Grades PreK-12)
- Science (Grades K-8)
- Teacher Leadership (Grades K-12)
- Special Education (Non-Licensure) (Grades K-12)
- Adolescent Literacy and Technology (Grades 6-12)
- Teaching English Language Learners

Kaplan University

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Master of Business Administration

The objective of Kaplan University's online Master of Business Administration program is to help students pursue leadership positions in competitive business environments, wherever they exist*. Study how to manage relationships across cultures and grow businesses in emerging world markets. The curriculum was developed by a select panel of global business professionals and features international business case studies and examples. Beyond practical skills, the program is also designed to foster thought leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility on a global scale. This degree can be further specialized by focusing on one of seven specializations: entrepreneurship, finance, health care management, human resources, information technology, marketing, or project management.
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for career advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
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MS in Criminal Justice

The Kaplan University online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to help prepare working law enforcement, other criminal justice professionals, and active military personnel to pursue career advancement. A master's degree may improve your chances for promotion, open doors to leadership positions, and qualify you to teach criminal justice in a variety of academic settings.* Personalize your degree by choosing one of the following specializations: corrections, global issues in criminal justice, law, leadership and executive management, or policing.
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional police academy training may be required for law enforcement jobs.
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Master of Health Care Administration
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MS in Psychology

Pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology from Kaplan University offers you a unique opportunity to blend the rich, academic tradition of psychology with exciting, contemporary applications of the science. You will focus on the processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior, as well as core knowledge, theories, and research in the field. In addition to helping you develop a broad foundation in psychology, the master's degree program is designed to enhance your knowledge in the area of emphasis that best fits your career and educational goals. You may select from one of three areas of specialization – general psychology, addictions, or applied behavioral analysis. Further specialize your degree by choosing to complete a thesis or pass a comprehensive exam as the program's culminating experience.

Grand Canyon University

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M.A. in Christian Studies: Pastoral Ministry

Answer The Call. This next-level degree program helps refine current pastors and equip aspiring pastors for an effective and impactful ministry.

The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in pastoral settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. With the Pastoral Ministry emphasis, the program helps students develop a deeper understanding of pastoral styles and the types of situations that leaders face in today's culture. The curriculum offers a study of the daily practice of pastoral ministry and the ethical issues that arise in the context of leadership. Also examined are the techniques involved in preaching, including techniques for appropriate contextualization of the Christian message and preparation and delivery of sermons.

Graduates are equipped with the understanding and skills needed to inspire faith and effectively shepherd a contemporary Christian congregation.

Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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M.S. in Professional Counseling

The curriculum offers an in-depth examination of counseling theories, chemical dependency, marriage and family, social and cultural issues, psychopharmacology, diagnostics, assessment and treatment, psychopathology, research methods, and more. In addition, four practicum-internships provide a total of 600 contact hours of opportunity for students to develop counseling skills.

Courses in this rigorous program were chosen to meet the academic requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential (NCC) and by Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. A master's degree in counseling is required in 48 states for individuals seeking to become licensed as counselors.

Graduates from this program are prepared to meet the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a: Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC).
Additionally, graduates from most other states will be academically prepared to begin the process of seeking certification and licensure in their home state.

Licensing and certification requirements may vary from state to state. It is the student's responsibility to check the licensing and certification requirements in their state.

Prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree program prior to enrolling.
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M.S. in Psychology: General Psychology

The Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in General Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology.

The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners or researchers.

Prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree program prior to enrolling.
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M.S. in Addiction Counseling

As society understands more about addiction, more people are seeking treatment and more drug offenders are being sent to treatment programs rather than prison. As a result, demand for substance abuse counselors is expected to increase much faster than demand for most other occupations through 2018.

This next-level degree program is designed to meet the needs of learners who wish to pursue a career as an addiction counseling professional. The program prepares students to treat substance abuse and dependency disorders. Courses provide a comprehensive survey of counseling theories, group counseling, social and cultural issues, psychopharmacology, family issues, and more. In addition, a supervised internship provides 150 contact hours of opportunity for student to develop their counseling skills.

In many states, a master's degree is required for the highest level of licensing or certification. Graduates of this program are prepared to meet the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a both a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC). Additionally, program graduates from most other states will be academically prepared to begin the process of seeking certification and licensure in their home state.

Licensing and certification requirements may vary from state to state. It is the student's responsibility to check the requirements in their state.

Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.

South University Online

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Master of Business Administration Healthcare Administration Specialization

The South University Master of Healthcare Administration online program is designed for those individuals who want to excel at every level of decision-making. This MBA program provides a sound foundation in business analysis and a rigorous specialization in healthcare administration.
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Master of Business Administration Marketing Specialization

The Master of Business Administration is ideal for those individuals who wish to gain an understanding of the best practices for management and decision-making within today's ever-shifting business landscape.
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Accelerated RN to MSN

Registered Nurses who are driven to expedite their professional mobility and who do not yet possess a BSN degree should consider our Accelerated RN to MSN online program. This program delivers an intensive, streamlined course of study that awards both a BSN and an MSN upon completion.
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Accelerated RN to MSN Nurse Educator Specialization

Registered Nurses who are driven to expedite their professional mobility and who do not yet possess a BSN degree should consider our Accelerated RN to MSN online program. This program delivers an intensive, streamlined course of study that awards both a BSN and an MSN upon completion.
The Nurse Educator specialization is designed for RNs who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment.

Full Sail University

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Creative Writing (Master of Fine Arts)
If you want to learn how to craft the compelling stories behind film, television, games, and other entertainment media — and gain the skills to effectively market your work — Full Sail University's online Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Degree Program can give you the tools you need. You'll explore concepts including visual storytelling, character development, screenwriting and storyboarding for a variety of media — building a diverse portfolio and the business know-how to pursue your dream career.

Course Highlights Include:
- Film Screenwriting and Storyboarding
- The Art of Visual Storytelling
- Editing for Film, Game, and Animation Scripts
- Writing for Games
- Script Analysis and Criticism
- Character Creation and Development
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New Media Journalism (Master of Arts)
The changing world of journalism requires professionals to have an updated skill set to keep up with today's media consumers. Full Sail University's Online New Media Journalism Master's Degree Program teaches the skills needed to report and distribute the news for new media audiences by blending traditional methods with emerging technology. You'll learn how to produce multimedia content, use social media to engage audiences and promote your work, and publish and distribute content across digital delivery platforms.

Course Highlights:
- Writing for Interactive Media
- Multimedia Development & Editing
- Digital News and Production
- Mobile Technology & Communications
- Online Community Engagement
- PR & Reputation Management

Virginia College

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Master of Business Administration - Healthcare

This program is designed for those already working in the healthcare field who seek advancement as well as for those who desire a career in the business side of healthcare. A master's degree in such areas as health services administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or business administration is the standard credential for most generalist positions in this field. The program offers business management skills needed within today's health care systems, emphasizing core management, strategy and analytics. The concentration includes courses in marketing for health care organizations, health care accounting, and health care law.
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MS - Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree is designed to provide an advanced and in-depth study of the criminal justice system from a management and administrative viewpoint. The curriculum includes advanced courses in the different fields of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice, as well as courses that will increase the students' understanding of criminological theories and social science research. This program is designed to help prepare students to take on leadership and managerial positions at the local, state, and federal levels of the criminal justice system.

American InterContinental University Online

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MBA - Accounting

The Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting degree program helps prepare students interested in developing and advancing their career opportunities as financial analysts, independent accountants, and other financial professions. The nature of this program lends itself to change and allows us to prepare relevant, timely coursework for graduates that will benefit them in the real world upon graduation. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete this accelerated, team-based program in as little as 10 months.
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MBA - Management

The Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a specialization in Management accelerated program has been designed to prepare students to develop the managerial skills and professional competencies needed to compete in increasingly globalized markets. Courses will examine legal and ethical challenges facing leaders as they resolve conflicts and conduct transactions in today's complicated business environments. Our innovative MBA programs provide a unique market-driven education that integrates theory, practice, and team-oriented learning relevant to industry needs. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in as little as 10 months.
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MBA - International Business

The Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a specialization in International Business accelerated program explores the development of real-world business skills and then focuses on challenges faced by businesses in our global marketplace. The emphasis courses will cover international marketing, personnel management, and international finance models at the international, multinational, and global level. Our innovative MBA programs provide a unique market-driven education that integrates theory, practice, and team-oriented learning relevant to industry needs. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in as little as 10 months.
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MBA - Marketing

The Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing accelerated program provides students with relevant, timely coursework that will benefit them in the real world upon graduation. Students learn to use skills in marketing research methodologies, e-marketing, and customer relationship management. Our innovative MBA programs provide a unique market-driven education that integrates theory, practice, and team-oriented learning relevant to industry needs. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in as little as 10 months.