All About Getting a Master’s Degree Online

Did you know that more than 866k students were awarded a Master’s degree in the United States alone? This number is forecasted to increase to more than a million students by 2031! This is proof that more students are now looking to become experts in their field of study by enrolling for a master’s degree program. If you can’t attend traditional classes due to personal or professional reasons, you could choose to pursue your master’s degree online. In this article, we’ll help you understand how you can get an online master’s degree, the benefits of earning this degree, and how you can pick an online degree that’s right for you. 

To put it simply, an online master’s degree is a graduate program you can complete through the internet. With the flexibility of it being available online, makes any place with a stable internet connection your classroom. The advancement that technology has witnessed over the past decade has led to most universities offering online degrees, thereby making education accessible to more people.
With a master’s degree online, you could balance your education, work, and family with much more ease. The courses and curriculum of an online degree are similar to those in traditional on-campus programs. Professors often use videos, discussion boards, and digital assignments. Online degrees are now considered as valuable and respected as traditional ones, provided they are from accredited institutions. This type of learning can also help develop your time management and self-discipline skills.

In the next section, we’ll look at the different types of online master’s degrees and what you could learn with each program.

Getting a master’s degree online puts you one step closer to becoming an expert in your field and achieving greater positions in your career. This section will help you understand the different kinds of master’s degrees you can pursue online. 

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master’s of Business Administration, commonly known as the MBA, is one of the most popular online degrees. It covers subjects like finance, marketing, and management. These programs typically include online college courses that introduce you to real-world business challenges. An online MBA degree lets you have a flexible schedule that you can customize as per your study situation. It also offers networking opportunities and practical skills development to online students.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A Master’s of Science in Nursing is an online degree designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers. This advanced degree includes specialized online college courses in specific areas like nurse leadership, family practice, and healthcare informatics. With this degree, you would learn advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and eligibility for higher-paying positions.

Related: Nursing Degrees: RN to BSN vs RN to MSN

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

An advanced degree that’s aimed at educators, this online master’s degree enhances teaching skills and educational leadership. It covers topics like curriculum development, educational technology, and special education. The key features of an online degree program include professional development, improved teaching strategies, and administrative skills. If you’re interested in getting an advanced degree in education and want to explore leadership positions in the field of teaching, you could also consider enrolling for a Master’s of Science in Education (MSEd).

Master of Public Health (MPH)

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), between 2022 and 2023, healthcare occupations are expected to grow much faster than average. This means there are strong career prospects in the field of healthcare. If you’re someone who wishes to gain a deep understanding of how the public health sector functions and wants to build a successful career in this field, this degree may be a good choice for you. Focused on public health practice and policy making in healthcare, online college courses in this program cover epidemiology, biostatistics, health services administration, and environmental health. With this online master’s degree, you can build your public health expertise and research skills, as well as explore career opportunities in health organizations.

Related: Public Health Major: Degrees and Career Possibilities 

Master of Social Work (MSW)

One of the most common types of advanced degrees for social work enthusiasts, a Master of Social Work or an MSW prepares you for advanced social work practice. If you choose to pursue an online degree in this field, your coursework could include clinical social work, community practice, and social welfare policy. With a deep understanding of clinical skills and advocacy training, you would now be eligible to work in various social service settings like schools, hospitals, mental health institutes, and even community organizations.

Master of Arts in Psychology

For those interested in human behavior and mental processes, a Masters of Arts in Psychology is a good choice to become an expert in the subject. Online college courses in this program might include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychological research methods. This master’s degree helps you gain a deep understanding of psychological theories, build your research capabilities, and kickstart your career in counseling or therapy.

Related: Online Master’s in Psychology – How Should I Pick One?

Master of Information Technology (MIT)

With the rapid advancement of the information technology field, employers are looking for skilled professionals who have an in-depth understanding of the field. So, if IT (information technology) piques your interest, and you have a bachelor’s degree in science, a Master of Information Technology could be a good choice for you. Typically designed for tech professionals, you could pursue this master’s degree online where the main focus would be on IT management, cybersecurity, and software development. This degree program also includes hands-on projects and advanced technical courses. The main features of this program include building key skills like technical expertise and project management.

Now that we have a fair understanding of the different types of master’s degrees, let’s look at some of the key benefits of pursuing a master’s degree online.

According to the 2022 report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students with a master’s degree earn about $12,000 more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. This is just one of the advantages of pursuing a master’s degree. In this section, we’ll look at 7 other benefits that makes an online master’s degree worth your while: 

1. Flexibility: One of the primary advantages of pursuing a master’s degree online is the flexibility it offers. You can complete your online college courses on your schedule, along with balancing work, family, and study. An online master’s degree can be considered ideal for those who need to manage multiple responsibilities, but would still want to advance their education.
   
2. Accessibility: Another major benefit that may push you to consider an online master’s degree is its accessibility. Online degree programs make higher education accessible to people regardless of their location. Whether you live in a remote location or overseas, you can pursue online degrees from prestigious universities without relocating. This access opens up various career opportunities that might otherwise not be available to you.
   
3. Cost-Effective: Pursuing a master degree online is generally more cost-effective than traditional on-campus programs. With online degrees, you could save on commuting, housing, and any other campus-related expenses. Many online programs also offer financial aid and payment plans to further ease your financial burden.

4. Learning Pace Tailored to Your Needs: Another reason for the popularity of online degrees is that they often allow you to learn at your own pace. This means you can customize the pace as per your need so as to spend more time on challenging subjects, and move quickly through material you find easier. This personalized approach can help enhance your learning experience and final outcomes.
   
5. Enhanced Technical Skills: Opting to study online also means using multiple digital tools and platforms on a regular basis. Thai can help enhance your technical skills, which are considered highly valuable in today’s job market. Being a technically skilled professional helps you gain an edge in tech-savvy work environments.
   
6. Diverse Networking Opportunities: Online degrees are a great way to connect with a diverse group of peers from around the world. This network can offer different perspectives, help form professional connections, and create a pathway for potential job opportunities. Engaging in online discussions and group projects may also contribute to improving your communication skills.
   
7. Career Advancement: An online master’s degree can open doors to advanced career opportunities that offer higher salaries. Many employers now recognize the value of online degrees, especially from accredited institutions. With advanced knowledge and skills, you could qualify for leadership roles and specialized positions in your field.

We’re all set to now answer one of the most important questions when pursuing an online master’s degree – how do you pick one?

It is important that you pick an online master’s degree that best aligns with your educational needs. This way, you would gain a thorough understanding of the field of your choice, and the degree would serve as a steady platform to launch your career. Let’s look at the factors you must consider before you zero in on an online master’s degree program.

Accreditation

First and foremost, you must ensure that the program in consideration is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation guarantees the degree program meets high academic standards and is respected by employers. You could start by researching the accrediting organizations relevant to your field of study.

Curriculum and Specializations

When looking for the right degree, it is a good idea to review the curriculum to make sure it aligns with your career goals and interests. You could look for certain specializations or elective courses that offer in-depth knowledge in your area of interest. Go a step further and consider comparing the course outlines and requirements among different programs.

Admission Requirements

An important step in your higher education journey is to review the admission requirements of your online master’s program and make sure you meet the prerequisites. Many programs now require specific undergraduate degrees, professional experience, or standardized test scores. Understanding these requirements upfront may help you prepare a strong application.

Program Duration and Pace

Considering you may be required to juggle personal and professional commitments, it’s a good idea to check the typical duration of the program and see if it offers accelerated or part-time options. It is always a good idea to choose a program length that best meets your career timeline and personal obligations. While an accelerated program may be suitable if you want to complete your degree quickly, a part-time option might be better if you require more flexibility.

Related: How Long Does It Take To Get a Master’s Degree?

Faculty Credentials

The next step could be investigating the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members. Ideally, you should look for instructors who have significant and relevant experience in their field. A faculty that has a mix of academic and professional backgrounds can offer a balanced education to their students.

Format and Flexibility

When searching for an online master’s degree, it is wise to take a quick look at the program’s format and schedule flexibility. While some programs may offer asynchronous courses, allowing you to study at your own pace, others may have synchronous sessions that need real-time participation from your end. It is always a good idea to choose a format that best fits your lifestyle and commitments.

Technology and Support Services

Next, evaluate the online platform and technology deployed by the program. You may want to make sure it is user-friendly and reliable. Along with technology, inquire if the institution offers robust support services like technical assistance, academic advising, and career counseling. These services are vital for you for the success of your study program and to help you kickstart your career.

Cost and Financial Aid

An important aspect of any online  master’s degree program is the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and any additional expenses. As higher- education is a long-term commitment, it may be wise to investigate financial aid options offered by the institute, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. It’s best to compare the costs and financial aid packages of different programs to find the best value.

Reputation and Reviews

Before you zero in on an online degree, we recommend looking up the program’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from current and former students. With this, you would be able to gauge their feedback on the quality of education, faculty interaction, and overall student experience. You may also want to look for rankings and reports from credible sources to assess the program’s standing in the field.

Career Services and Alumni Network

Lastly, check if the institute offers career services and resources you need to excel in the program. For this, you should look for services such as resume building, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities. A strong alumni network could also provide valuable connections and support to help advance your career. 

Pursuing a master degree online is a great step to advancing your education and career. The rise in online college programs has led to most students preferring  this medium. Not only does it offer the convenience of studying at your pace, it also lets you seamlessly balance your personal and professional commitments. With a wide range of online degrees available, you can find multiple programs that align with your career goals and interests. Before you zero in on an online degree, make sure you check for accreditation as this ensures you receive quality education that is respected by employers. 

Carefully selecting an accredited program with a strong curriculum and support services can help you achieve your educational aspirations, along with opening doors to new professional opportunities. Find the online master’s degree that best meets your educational goals with CollegEnroll.