Guide to Online Master’s Programs and Graduate Degrees

Master's degrees appeal to students for different reasons. Some learners need an advanced degree to attain a job or earn a promotion. Others return to school to increase their salary potential. Some students pursue a master's to meet a life goal.

This page explores why students apply to master's programs. It also includes admission requirements and financial aid resources. Students can click the embedded links at the bottom of the page for more information. Learners can also contact their prospective schools to learn more about master's programs.

Why Get a Master's Degree Online?

An online master's degree can offer many benefits that make grad school worth it. Advantages include an asynchronous curriculum and lower costs. Online learners do not incur fees for campus housing or parking.

Higher Education May Lead to Higher Salaries

Master's programs can provide the knowledge and skills needed to land a top-paying job. In 2020, Northeastern University found that the typical professional with a bachelor's degree earns approximately $64,900 annually.

Earning a master's degree raises salary potential by nearly 20%. Workers with a professional or doctoral degree can earn even more. Degree-seekers should note that salary varies by field and geographic location.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Flexibility and Accelerated Learning

Online master's programs may run asynchronously. This allows enrollees to complete coursework at their convenience. Asynchronous online programs resemble campus programs. Professors set due dates for assignments, and all students complete a course at the same time. However, enrollees do not attend virtual lectures at set times.

Accelerated learning is another benefit to online master's programs. Learners complete a course not on a set date but when they pass a comprehensive assessment.

What Are Competency-Based Master's Degrees?

Accelerated learners can pursue a competency-based master's degree. This allows students to use their current knowledge to potentially graduate faster than their peers. Some programs require students to earn the degree within a specific time frame. Learners in competency-based programs earn the same degree as students in traditional master's programs.

How to Choose a Graduate Program

Prospective enrollees should consider program costs and their career goals when researching master's programs. Students can contact schools' admissions departments with questions. Department websites also provide helpful information.

• Career Goals: Many online master's programs prepare learners for a specific career. Prospective students should consider their career goals before applying.
• Program Cost: Many learners consider a graduate degree a positive financial investment. However, applicants should compare programs' total costs and determine their ability to pay. Financial aid can lower expenses.
• Admission Requirements: Applicants need a bachelor's degree before applying to a master's program. Other admission requirements include essays, a resume, and GMAT or GRE scores. Some schools require a specific GPA.
• Program Quality: Prospective students can research a program's quality by investigating graduate outcomes. Many universities publish this information on their admissions website. Students should look for a median starting salary and employers that hire alumni.
• Program Options: Online master's programs offer full- and part-time tracks. Many offer self-paced learning.

Common Educational Paths for Graduate Students

Graduate students may pursue a graduate certificate or a master's or doctoral degree. Each requires rigorous coursework and may lead to a raise or promotion.

• Master's Degree: Students pursuing a master's degree conduct research, combine information, and collaborate with peers. Master's programs take two years to complete and may require a thesis. Enrollees can take electives to match their education with their career goals. Many students earn a master's for a career change or professional development.
• Ph.D.: A Ph.D. program prepares students for a career in academia. Graduates may work as professors or researchers. These programs focus on research and analysis. Students hone these skills through core courses leading to a dissertation. The dissertation process may take multiple years.
• Graduate Certificate: Graduate certificates allow learners to advance their education without committing to a degree. These programs require fewer courses than a master's degree. Students can earn a certificate in 12 months. Some programs require less time. Programs feature introductory and core courses. Graduates can transfer credit toward a master's or doctoral program.

Steps to Getting Started in an Online Graduate Program

Prospective students can choose the best program by researching schools, interviewing faculty, and taking standardized tests. Steps may vary depending on programs' admission requirements.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Learners can explore many types of financial aid for graduate school. The process begins by completing the FAFSA. Many schools use the FAFSA results to award need-based institutional aid. Other aid options include private scholarships and grants.

The federal government offers the following three types of aid to graduate degree-seekers. Different eligibility requirements apply for each.

Graduate Student Resources

Many private organizations help graduate students select a school and major. They also help degree-seekers find a mentor and financial aid. Explore the four resources below to plan for graduate admissions.