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In the earliest days of distance education, teachers would travel to remote locations off-campus to teach students outside the local area. Correspondence programs achieved popularity, as well, with books and assignments sent through the mail. With the advent of the internet, schools began to experiment with offering distance education classes online, paving the way for entire degrees to ultimately be offered online, too. 

For too long, degrees earned online weren’t given the same merit as those achieved through on-campus attendance. Non-traditional learners were a bit discriminated against as employers and academic institutions themselves considered these programs to be of lesser worth. In certain cases they weren’t entirely wrong, as for-profit online colleges popped up hoping to cash in on the trend. These “degree mills” were often unaccredited and didn’t offer the same quality of education students would receive at a brick-and-mortar institution. 

By the late 1990s, elite establishments like Duke and Cornell dove into the foray to offer online certifications and test the waters. Most universities, though, still thought of online programs as supplementary continuing education, versus being a method that could compete with the full experience of in-person attendance. Those days have, to a great extent, faded into the past. Unaccredited online schools still exist, but established universities have been in the ring a long time now. 

Great innovative strides have helped improve the technology and platforms needed to deliver high-quality course content, taught by the same faculty and instructors who teach traditional classes around the country. Meanwhile, non-traditional student enrollments exceed those of traditional students. Any notions that online degrees can’t be equal to traditionally-taught ones have been discredited over the past years. When the Ivy League universities like Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale see the validity of offering online degrees, rest assured such degrees have come to be recognized for their true worth. 

What this means is that the game has significantly changed. There are no more excuses to not consider online degrees as a viable alternative. In fact, for many graduate students who don’t want to leave their jobs or who are busy with other life matters, the flexibility and convenience of an online program is the only way to go. This holds especially true for students who don’t live anywhere close to the university which is hosting a program they want to enroll in. 

Instead of moving to a new state (or, for international students, a new country), classes can be taken at home from a computer. Rather than busting from building to building, classroom to classroom, everything is right at your fingertips. There are cons when it comes to online learning, but some of the biggest relate to personal commitment. It’s challenging for some to keep up with an online program when they don’t have one-on-one interaction with faculty or a group of student peers keeping each other motivated. But for those who can create a schedule and stick with it, online programs are the perfect path to a brighter future. 

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

Common Application and Admission Questions

When it comes to online master’s programs, one important thing to remember is some schools have a separate department for online program applications while others require applicants to apply via their graduate school. In fact, some ask applicants to meet the requirements for both. For example, one school may list minimum GPA requirements and materials needed for all graduate applicants, but might not mention that there are also program-specific requirements to meet (such as completion of prerequisite classes). Make sure to check both the grad school and online program requirements. 

Another consideration is deadlines. Many online programs feature rolling admissions while others mirror the dates for on-campus students. This is especially true for online classes that are taught synchronously with live ones. The best way to keep track is to take lots of notes and stay very organized. 

Our list of affordable online programs features highly-ranked universities which can be tough to get into. One thing they have in common is they all closely review applications to ensure admission of the most qualified students. Applying to an online program is no guarantee of admission. Competition can be stiff and the best way to boost your odds is to put yourself in the shoes of the reviewers. 

Programs don’t simply want students with perfect grades, but students who can bring something to the table and have a good grasp of what they’ll do after graduation. That’s why many programs request a resume, to see what you’ve done to date, and a statement of purpose, to learn what you want to do in the future. Grades clue them into your ability to perform academically but don’t paint the full picture. You cannot change those letter grades on your transcripts, but you have control over what you write on your supplemental documents. 

Certain programs place extra emphasis on accepting underrepresented students, so pay attention to what the program writes about their mission. Tailor your materials to match their criteria and convince them to accept you as an ideal candidate. Many applicants simply take the view that all a college wants is their money, so they don’t spend enough time telling how they’ll meet the program’s objectives and contribute to the world post-graduation. 

If writing isn’t your strong point, you must still find a way to convey yourself in the best light through your resume, statement of purpose, and any writing samples or portfolio requested. If necessary, consider hiring a professional writer or editor to assist, or at least have a friend who is good at proofreading error-check your work. Applications riddled with mistakes tend to be frowned upon. 

Most programs want letters of recommendation. Try to contact your proposed writers in advance, to seek their consent to do it, because sometimes a school will send them a form instead of taking a pre-written letter. Either way, choose your recommendation writers wisely. They should know enough about your academic or work experience to be able to sufficiently discuss it in a compelling way. 

See Also: Best Affordable Master’s Degree Programs

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

With such a broad spectrum of online degree possibilities comes an equally wide range of financial aid opportunities. For undergraduates, the first step is filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what federal grants they qualify for. Graduates, however, don’t have as many Federal Student Aid options, other than Fulbright Grants or TEACH Grants, which are great for some but not everybody. 

While federal grants aren’t always possible for grad students, federal loans are. If earning a master’s leads to a significant pay increase then it’s worth the investment. A worker with a master’s can earn an average of $17,000 a year more than one with a bachelor’s, and that figure jumps substantially based on variables such as major. Chemistry grads, for instance, may earn as much as $40,000 a year more. 

Federal unsubsidized loans are authorized under the William Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and have competitive rates compared to private loans. Direct loans can be taken for up to $20,500 per year, with amounts determined by the school. These loans aren’t based on financial need. For those requiring additional funding, Direct PLUS loans increase amounts borrowed to cover education-related expenses not covered by other loans. To apply, students fill out a FAFSA as if they were applying for a grant. 

If needed, loans can be consolidated to generate a single payment and interest rate. Students who are offered a federal loan sign a promissory note agreeing to the terms and must complete an online counseling session if it’s their first loan. The process is relatively simple, but naturally paying the loans back isn’t always as easy. That’s why we recommend fully exploring all free money options, such as scholarships that are state-specific or from professional organizations related to your graduate major of choice. Engineers, for instance, have a treasure trove of opportunities to get extra funding from private donors and groups. Teachers are in luck, too, with many national, state, and local financial aid options. 

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents are usually eligible for Veterans Affairs funding via the GI Bill. Sometimes it gets confusing how to apply these benefits, which is why most schools have an in-house specialist (or a whole office) devoted to military assistance. A lot of online universities pride themselves in being “military friendly,” which can mean anything from tuition discounts to taking part in the Yellow Ribbon program, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for qualified students. 

Last but not least, take the time to carefully review the fine print of the programs you’re researching. All universities have a financial aid page, but many programs have their own specific aid options that aren’t listed anywhere else. Take note and reach out to them to inquire about the details for qualifying if there are any questions. Even if an amount offered seems small relative to the size of your total tuition bill, every dollar adds up and that’s a dollar you won’t have to work for later.

See Also: Best Online Masters in Chemical Engineering

How Much Can I Make With an Online Master’s Degree? 

It doesn’t seem like too long ago that earning a bachelor’s degree was promoted as almost a license to print money. In recent years, holding a bachelor’s doesn’t always equate to earning a great paycheck though. The New York Times wrote a piece, “The Master’s as the New Bachelor’s”, in which they examined the shrinking marketability of the undergrad degree compared to a graduate. Suffice it to say, many employers are looking for better-educated workers with a higher mastery of certain current skillsets. 

The question then becomes not just “how much can I make with a master’s?” but “can I make enough without one?” It’s a valid concern, which is why students are returning to school in droves. One major difference is the way they’re attending. Few older students can afford to leave behind their current job in order to go to school in-person or even full-time. Thus we’ve witnessed the rise of online graduate programs, offered by many of the most reputable institutions of higher learning in the nation. 

Make no mistake, where a student graduates from can affect earnings just like what they major in does, too. By the same token, though, the most expensive private schools can hardly qualify for our list of “Best Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs,” so we’ve taken both reputation and value into consideration when ranking our programs. All are well-established and accredited schools, thus a graduate degree from any one of them is sure to boost job opportunities and potential income. 

By how much, though? Our previous listing of the Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degree Programs offers some insights. Mid-career workers with a master’s degree can earn the following within their respective industries: 

• Petroleum Engineering – $187,600
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists – $162,800
• Marketing Management – $135,300
• Economics (MBA) – $131,800
• Computer Science – $129,900
• Electrical Engineering – $124,700

Pew Research corroborates such findings in “For Millennials, a bachelor’s degree continues to pay off, but a master’s earns even more.” The piece, which is slightly dated, lists roughly a $1,000 a month difference in income between 25- to 34-year-olds holding a master’s versus a bachelor’s. Indeed.com gets more specific when it comes to which of those degrees pay the most, though. According to their listing of the Highest Paying Master’s Degrees, the top contenders of 2019 were: 

• Physics – $91,080
• Chemical engineering – $93,453 
• Economics – $94,319 
• Physicians assistant – $103,648 
• Statistics – $104,009 
• Electrical engineering – $104,119 
• Nursing – $107,076 
• Software engineering – $107,366 
• Finance – $108,518 
• Business administration – $114,083
• Information technology – $121,769 
• Nursing anesthesia – $176,386 

Clearly majors make a huge difference. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for additional information on specific careers and degrees, however, it doesn’t break down pay based on level of education. It does reveal which areas pay the most nationwide, as well as which particular sectors within a field have the highest earnings potential. 

What Are the Best Affordable Online Master’s 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.

Check out our ranking of the best affordable online master’s degree programs!

#1. Texas A&M University-College Station

Online Master’s Degree in Statistics

Texas A&M University’s Department of Statistics has been around since1962, offering high-quality education to students while providing invaluable funded research to governmental agencies for decades. Now students throughout the country can reap the rewards of a TAMU graduate program through its online master’s degree in statistics. This 36-credit hour program requires no thesis and utilizes the same curriculum given to on-campus students, with assignments having the same due dates. 

The program includes 15-credit hours of core courses in SAS/R Introduction, Regression, Math Stats, and Methods of Stats I & II. Immediately after successful completion of the core, students are given a pass or fail diagnostic exam, after which they’ll complete their degree plan with the help of a committee. Next, they’ll take emphasis classes and electives. Elective classes cover topics such as Biostatistics, Data Mining, Bayesian Methods, and Time Series, and a short consulting course to tackle a realistic statistical problem.

There are two options for final work. Students can do a group project related to a real-world work problem which requires a formal report and live presentation via web conferencing software, or they can take another statistics elective. A qualifying exam is completed after 15 credit hours have been taken, and must be passed by the second attempt. The program requires all exams to be proctored and a cumulative 3.0 GPA to graduate. Average degree completion time is between 3 and 4 years, with many students attending while continuing to work their day jobs. 

TAMU’s flexible master’s in statistics program features many enticing selling points which distinguish it from some of the competition. Students can jump in to begin any semester, and will keep pace with on-campus students, ensuring they stay on track. There are no campus visits needed, and faculty can be contacted by distance learners during posted office hours, the same as if students were present at their door. Graduates receive the same degree and diploma, regardless of how they complete the program, and the departmental administrative staff offer full support services to help ensure students reach the finish line.   

Applicants need to have finished Calculus I and II and have knowledge of matrix algebra. They’ll submit transcripts along with three professional references via letter or form, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores (these are waiverable and there is no minimum, but average admitted candidates held scores higher than 155). Up to 12 credit hours can be requested for transfer. Students have an option to try a statistics certificate program first. 

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. U.S. News & World Report ranks TAMU as No. 39 in economics in a tie on their graduate school rankings for 2020 list. It’s also ranked No. 27 in Top Public Schools (tied with Clemson University) in the nation. Note, currently Texas A&M only offers its online master’s in statistics program to students living in North or South America.

#2. University of Florida

Online Master’s Degrees

As University of Florida’s distance learning department sums it up best, “You don’t have to leave home to be a Gator.” As much as we might all love to live near the sunny coastline of Florida, sometimes life has other plans for us geographically. Online degrees are nothing new, but for many years a lot of the bigger institutions shied away from that route. UF wasn’t one of them; it’s long been a leader in online education, with over 200 online offerings. 

Graduate students in particular benefit from the flexibility of UF’s 79 online master’s degree programs. They’re able to keep working or fulfilling other obligations such as raising a family while attending classes at their own convenience. There’s no pressure to finish quickly, so students can take their time and go part-time if that option is most suitable for their unique needs. UF’s biggest concern is to ensure students are empowered with enough support to succeed in whatever program they decide to pursue. 

Master’s program options cover an enormous range of subjects to major in. Engineering options include aerospace, civil, material science, mechanical, and electrical and computer engineering. Educational fields of graduate study include educational leadership and music education, among others. There are also medical science options like applied physiology and kinesiology or pharmaceutical sciences.

Some degrees, such as pharmaceutical sciences, come with a number of concentration or specialization tracks. Other degree options include:

• Agronomy 
• Entomology and nematology
• Fire & emergency sciences
• Forest resources and conservation 
• Management business administration
• Mass communication
• Soil and water science 
• Tourism and recreation management 
• Urban and regional planning
• Veterinary medical sciences

No matter which degree students apply to, they can be assured of receiving the same high-quality education that UF is renowned for. In fact, to help ensure its online programs meet the most rigorous standards, the university uses the Online Learning Consortium Quality Scorecard to assess the levels of institutional support it provides to students, how well courses are developed and engaged with by students, how effective is teaching performed by faculty, and how well any technical support is conducted. UF also uses The Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric and has created its own internal Standards and markers of excellence, as well.

University of Florida’s commitment to student support is demonstrated by its online computing help desk, which provides expert e-Learning assistance, and online library help desk to navigate the school’s plethora of resources, and a Disability Resource Center for learners requiring specialized support with a personal touch. In fact, students can take advantage of distance counseling services through the Counseling and Wellness Center. No matter what the challenge or issue is, UF has team members ready to help online students. 

UF ranks No. 34 in national universities (in a tie) on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 listings. It also receives very high rankings for its online programs, such as No. 2 Best Online Master’s in Education, No. 4 Best Online MBA, and No. 15 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering. 

#3. Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Online Master’s Degrees

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is one of West’s oldest colleges, with a long history of academic excellence. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 79 Top Public Schools in the nation, CSU shines even brighter in rankings of its numerous online programs. Featuring several master’s degree options, the school breaks things down into simple categories, with several offerings under each. General categories are:

• Agricultural sciences
• Arts and music
• Business, organization, and management
• Communications
• Computer science and technology
• Education
• Engineering
• Health and human sciences
• Natural resources and environment
• Statistics

Under the above categories, CSU lists dozens of different programs, with all degree types represented (i.e. Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Education, MBA, etc.). Most programs are strictly online, however, a few (particularly those related to music or education) are hybrid and have an on-campus component, sometimes during summer. 

A few sample degree programs include:

• Agricultural sciences 
• Applied statistics 
• Business administration 
• Computer science
• Dietetics 
• Electrical engineering 
• Fish, wildlife, and conservation biology 
• Music therapy 
• Social work 
• Student affairs in higher education 
• Tourism management

CSU uses Canvas as its one-stop-shop distance education platform. Through it, students can view the same lectures that on-campus students receive, recorded for viewing online when it is convenient. Other video and audio recordings supplement lectures, as do plenty of assigned readings. Readings include excerpts from journals, textbooks, and web resources. 

Online students must actively engage in discussion threads and should expect group projects. They’ll submit assignments online and take assessments and exams, with some exams requiring a proctor. When a proctor is needed, students get advance notice via the course syllabus and can work with their instructor or program coordinator to schedule. Options include ProctorU, any CSU Testing Center, or using a distance proctor such as a local library or another college. 

Online students have few technology requirements, other than internet access and a webcam and mic for some classes. Any extra software, when needed, is made available online. Colorado State University strives to ensure distance learning is as seamless as possible and relies on experienced faculty who are not only subject matter experts on their topics but understand the unique learning requirements of online student bodies. Whether on-campus or online, all students are held to the same high academic standards of excellence, undertake identically challenging coursework, and earn the same style of diploma and transcript upon graduation. 

The school has a helpful self-assessment tool to determine suitability for online learning. Questions relate to students’ openness regarding how learning occurs, their comfort level using technology, and their personal motivation and ability to manage time effectively, among other exploratory topics. CSU is dedicated to positive student outcomes and tries to help set students up for success before they ever submit an application. 

To apply to a CSU online master’s program, typical requirements include a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Specific programs may have additional requirements. 

#4. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Master of Science in Engineering

Founded in Rapid City in 1885, the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology’s reputation for value and superior STEM academics has reached far beyond their Black Hills roots. These days, through Mines’ online offerings, students from around the world can benefit from the school’s extensive history and experience in engineering fields. Its three 100% online master’s programs are construction engineering and management; engineering management; and mining engineering. Made predominantly for students with an undergrad degree in engineering or science, these rigorous programs provide a flexible, practical graduate education that can help boost any career in the field. 

The ~33-credit Master of Science degree in construction engineering & management requires 15 core credits plus up to 18 elective hours. Core classes are:

• Construction Contracts
• Construction Project Management
• Engineering & Construction Ethics 
• Construction Company Management, or Leading & Managing Design Orgs
• Advanced Construction Management

The Master of Science degree in engineering management has a more varied and extensive core of: 

• Business Strategy
• Engineering Economics for Managers
• Engineering Management and Labor Relations
• Forecasting for Business and Technology
• Operations Planning
• Optimization Techniques
• Project Planning and Control
• Quality Management
• Stochastic Models in Operations Research

Mines’ third option is the 32-credit hour Master of Science degree in mining engineering and management (MEM), taught in two tracks—technical or management. This degree requires nine core hours in the chosen track, plus a seminar and 21 elective hours. Electives can be more MEM classes or taken from the other degree course lists. 

Each program puts an emphasis on student diversity and inclusion, as well as enticing active military enrollees who benefit from the flexibility of online learning. Multicultural affairs, the Ivanhoe International Center, and the veteran/military students pages offer more details on unique support and services for students in these categories. Mines is also huge on career success for alumni, currently tracking a 97% job placement rate. Employers of College of Engineering graduates include Garmin, Microsoft, Halliburton, Collins Aerospace, Genesis Alkali, the US Army, Omnitech, Inc., Arconic, and many other local and national companies. 

The university gets specific when it comes to technical requirements for taking their classes, but most modern computers should easily fit the bill. They do suggest a DVD-ROM drive and recommend using Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers, with plug-ins such as Adobe Reader, Flash, Java, and QuickTime, Real Player, or Windows Media Player. There’s a complete distance ed FAQ page to answer most questions, plus an active IT services staff to offer help whenever needed. 

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is accredited by the Regional Higher Learning Commission. Relatively small but with plenty to be proud of, Mines has a network of over 20,000 alumni, including ~200 entrepreneurial business owners and 500+ senior company executives. Applicants to its online master’s programs must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores (waiverable for those with sufficient work history in the field). Each program has slightly different mandatory prerequisites which must also be taken into consideration. 

#5. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Online Master’s Degrees

As beautiful as the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus is, not everyone has an opportunity to get there in person. No one knows that better than the university itself, which is why it’s been in the distance education business for over a century. These days, Nebraska’s offering more than ever, thanks to the advent of online learning. Distance education master’s degrees cover the gamut of majors and come in Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Arts, and more. 

A few of UNL’s online master’s degree programs are in: 

• Applied science
• Business administration
• Dietetics
• Finance
• Engineering management
• Family financial planning
• Higher education administration
• Integrated media communications
• Merchandising

There are also lots of options related to education and teaching:

• Deaf and hard of hearing education 
• Early childhood special education 
• Higher education administration
• Mathematics
• P-12 school leadership
• Science for educators
• Visual impairments 
• World language teaching
• Teaching, learning, and teacher education

The school notes that currently there’s no state authorization for Kentucky residents to take online programs in a few of the areas, such as special education, education administration, and a few others. UNL also offers some blended program options requiring a very brief residency on-campus. These include an online M.Ed. in P-12 school leadership (principal endorsement), an M.Ed. (or M.A.) in special education with a concentration on visual impairment, and an M.A. in textiles, merchandising, and fashion design.

Exams are proctored and students select a local proctor then request approval online. Those in the UNL area can use the campus testing center. Distance students also have access to UNL Libraries and applicable services. All UNL online programs are taught by the same faculty that teach campus students and utilize the most up-to-date curriculums designed to help graduate students reach their goals. Whether it’s a new career, advancing in a current career, working towards a Ph.D., or simply learning for the sake of it, the university is committed to ensuring online students have every opportunity for success. 

The school offers critical tips for distance learners to stay on track with their classes and overall plan of study. Student services is available to conduct a personalized orientation and offer academic advising help, career counseling, and tech support when needed. Diplomas from online programs are the same as those conferred to on-campus students and do not state “online” on them, because classes are taught to the same standards regardless of delivery format. 

The University of Nebraska is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with individual departments and programs further accredited as applicable. The institution is part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, united in their devotion to service, research, and graduate education. UNL is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report for “Best Online Masters” in many areas, such as No. 22 in MBA programs, No. 23 for engineering, and No. 5 in for special education programs. It also comes in at No. 39 for best education (graduate) schools in the nation for 2020. 

#6. Texas Tech University

Online Master’s Degrees

We know Texas likes to do things big, but Texas Tech University has taken it to another level. Its listing of online master’s degrees is one of the biggest we’ve seen and covers almost any subject you can think of. There’s a special emphasis on offering Master of Science degrees, but TTU offers Master of Arts, MBA, Master of Engineering, and others, too. With so much distance education focus, it’s almost easy to forget that TTU has been around since 1923 and is classified by Carnegie as one of the few public universities that are “very high research activity” institutes. 

With over 100 graduate degrees, TTU saw the need to expand accessibility to its programs by putting them online. So, through its eLearning and Academic Partnership initiatives, it made most of them available as either 100% online programs or through offers at other teaching sites in Collin, El Paso, Fredericksburg, Highland Lakes, Hill College, Junction, Rockwall, Waco, and Austin College. A few of the many online choices to consider are:

• Master of Agribusiness
• Master of Arts programs in education, communication studies, dance studies, English, interdisciplinary studies, mass communication, and more
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, higher ed administration, instructional technology, and special ed
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Music Education 
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Science with various majors in agricultural topics, engineering, computer science, human development, library and information science, marketing, nutrition, plant and soil science, environmental sustainability, and others

Online students living outside Texas pay tuition rates similar to in-state rates. For those seeking scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, TTU recommends checking out the grad school’s page and reviewing individual departments to see what they’re currently offering. As with most things Texas, TTU is also big on supporting veterans and works hard for its Top 10 Military Friendly School designation from G.I. Jobs. 

Class start dates are the same for on-campus and online students. Although much of the required reading material is available online or in PDF format, textbooks are usually still required and can be ordered directly from the Texas Tech Bookstore. TTU suggests ordering early enough before the semester starts, to allow for shipping times. As with many of the programs on our list, TTU confers the same diplomas to online students as to on-campus graduates, with no distinction regarding the online format. 

TTU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It’s been offering distance education classes for decades, with its first full master’s program approved for distance learning in 1996. Applicants to TTU’s online master’s degree programs will submit material to the graduate admissions office, to include unofficial transcripts, test scores, and program-specific supplemental materials (usually a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and in some cases a writing sample or portfolio). Prerequisites are also degree-specific, so please check the webpage of the program you’re interested in and reach out to TTU directly for customized assistance.  

#7. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Online Master’s Degrees

North Carolina State University at Raleigh promotes the “NC State difference”, exemplified by its perfect blend of expert faculty, student support, value, and flexible, high-quality graduate programs. Degree curricula are informed by the latest research thanks to millions of dollars in funding and geared towards teaching the most desirable skills that employers are looking for. That’s why NC State grads are so sought after by recruiters in a wide range of employment areas. Accredited online master’s degrees are offered in: 

• Accounting or statistics
• Agricultural and extension education
• Animal science
• Medical majors such as clinical mental health counseling, health professions, nutrition
• Business administration
• Computer networking or computer science
• Forest biomaterials
• Geospatial information science and technology
• Horticultural science
• Parks, recreation, tourism
• Textiles
• Youth, family, and community sciences

NC State offers a high number of degrees in education-related areas such as adult and continuing professional education, college counseling and student development, community college teaching, curriculum and instruction, English, elementary, language arts, math, school administration, counseling, science, special education, social studies, and others. A few programs are listed as hybrid. For example, the 33-credit hour Master of Arts in teaching elementary education requires a full semester of teaching practice, which cannot be accomplished online. 

There are 16 engineering majors, like aerospace, biological and agricultural, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, integrated manufacturing systems, nanoengineering, nuclear, mechanical, materials science, and more. Taught via NC State’s Engineering Online, these are mostly Master of Science degrees, such as the 30-credit hour M.S. in mechanical engineering. Each features degree-specific prerequisites, and applicants without sufficient relevant undergraduate work may have to take foundational courses in order to enroll. 

Living up to its motto of “Think and do,” NC State strives to prepare graduate students for future success in their careers or continuing educational goals while ensuring maximum flexibility and accessibility. On average, full-time students take nine credit hours a semester; part-time students may only take one class at a time. In general, NC State allows six years to finish most degrees. Online content is usually delivered through the university’s own WolfWare platform, and advisors work closely with online students to ensure a plan of study exists so all milestones are met. 

Applicants can request up to 12 hours of transfer credits for most programs. To apply to any NC State online master’s program, it’s important to review the exact program-specific criteria listed. General criteria for most programs include holding a minimum 3.0 GPA. Each department has its own admissions committee which conducts evaluations of all supplemental material (reference letters, statements of purpose, resumes) that are requested for a particular major. In some situations, students who aren’t offered full admission can still qualify for provisional admission.  

NC State’s programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report ranks it No. 34 in Top Public Schools and No. 69 in Best Value Schools. It comes in at No. 7 in a tie for Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs. 

#8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Online Master’s Degrees

When it comes to pioneers in online learning, few universities can match the bragging rights of the University of Illinois. In the 1960s one of its teams developed PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations), the “first generalized computer-assisted instruction system.” Without PLATO, we might not have the computer-based learning platforms we enjoy today. In fact, its impacts on online networking extend even beyond that, but we’re mostly interested in online learning—and Illinois offers it up in droves.  

Education-related online degrees are offered through Illinois Online in:

• Agricultural education
• Curriculum & instruction
• Diversity & equity
• Foundations of e-learning in higher education
• Global studies
• International education administration & leadership
• Learning design & leadership
• Library & information science
• Teaching biology

Engineering major options include aerospace, bioengineering, mechanical, and civil. Other online master’s degrees include human resource development; information management; environmental sciences; recreation, sport & tourism; social work; strategic brand communication; technology specialist; translation & interpreting; and veterinary science; and accounting or business administration. More STEM-related options exist, like computer science, crop sciences, and food science. 

All of Illinois Online’s degrees feature proven flexibility and convenience, with an end goal of providing practical knowledge and skills to be put to use in one’s career or entrepreneurial endeavors. Faculty and instructors are well-versed in teaching online, with an astounding 5 million distance education students a year taking some type of class through the system. Thanks to the global reach of many programs, students have an amazing opportunity to engage with peers from around the world, sharing insights and new perspectives.  

Online classes usually rely on the Learning Management System, plus the Echo360 lecture platform, Skype, Blackboard, and Adobe Connect. Students can watch lectures live or later if it’s more convenient. Most programs require students to maintain the same pace as on-campus learners, so everyone must meet assignment and exam deadlines. Exam proctors within the students’ local area are normally necessary and should be approved prior to use. 

Students should carefully review Illinois Online’s important info for online students page for an overview of policies, how-to’s, library resources, and support offerings. Computer and software requirements are fairly generic, and technology services always has staff standing by to help. Note, certain programs have specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to review for those in case a piece of equipment (like a scanner) is needed. 

Another important tip is to review course syllabi to determine required textbooks. Since most online learners don’t have a chance to pop into the university bookstore, they’ll need to order in advance from the Illini Union Bookstore website. For those ready to start an application, domestic and international applicants will provide personal and residency information, proposed program details (i.e. the degree, specialization, enrollment term), transcripts, test scores as applicable by the program, and a resume and statement of purpose. 

University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign ranks very highly on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 listings for online graduate programs. It comes in at No. 8 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, and No. 9 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering. 

#9. University of Colorado Denver

Online Master’s Degrees

The University of Colorado Denver is the state’s biggest research school, spread across two campuses in Denver and Aurora’s Anschutz Medical Campus. For students who can’t attend classes in person, CU has been offering distance education online since 1996, well ahead of many of its peers. CU Online’s master’s programs feature dozens of options for anyone who needs the flexibility of an online degree without any sacrifice in instructional quality or academic reputation. 

Offerings include education-related Master of Arts majors in: 

• Early childhood education
• Learning design and technology
• Literacy education – reading and writing with endorsement
• Research and evaluation methods
• STEM education

Master of Science options include:

• Clinical pharmacy
• Finance and risk management
• Geomatics and geographic information systems (GIS)
• Information systems
• Management and organization
• Palliative care

There are also a handful of M.S. in nursing degrees, such as family nurse practitioner, health care informatics, leadership (iLead), and veteran and military health care. Additional options include a Master of Engineering in geomatics and geographic information systems, Master of Public Administration, professional MBA, and Master of Criminal Justice. The total number of credit hours and any necessary prerequisites are program-specific and vary greatly. Some are as low as 30 credit hours while others, such as the family nurse practitioner program, go up to 56. All programs are taught by the same experienced faculty who teach on-campus classes, yet who also understand and cater to the needs of online learners. 

CU Online is made with student success in mind, both while enrolled and after graduation. Student resources include round-the-clock librarian assistance, an online writing center with consultations services, plus a handy student technology guide to get oriented with other resources. Classes are accessed via the Canvas platform, which is widely used for distance education programs. Online students who require additional support due to disability may request academic accommodations. Veteran & Military Student Services has staff to aid applicable students with issues such as GI Bill benefits. 

CU Online provides details of all technology requirements upfront to ensure students have everything they need before classes begin. There are no major surprises, but in general, it’s suggested to have at least an 800×600 monitor display, an operating system of at least Windows 7 or Mac OSX 10.6, high-speed internet, and a camera and mic for many classes (and Flash Player unless using Google Chrome). Chromebook users, please check out the school’s notes on web conferencing software and plugins. 

University of Colorado Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. There are subject-specific accreditations such as CU’s College of Nursing’s accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. CU is ranked No. 17 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report and No. 23 for Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs. Admissions requirements vary by program, so it’s important to screen the pages of the degree you’re interested in. Nursing, education, and engineering majors, in particular, may have critical academic or experience prerequisites to meet. GRE scores are not always needed. 

#10. University of the Cumberlands

Online Master’s Degrees

The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, has been offering innovative, practical, high-caliber education to graduate students for over 130 years. With a strong devotion to keeping things affordable and flexible, it offers many of its programs online to increase accessibility and help busy students achieve their educational goals. The institution employs an experienced faculty dedicated to making positive impacts that translate into career success for graduates. It’s got a long tradition of quality and continuous improvement to keep ahead of the curve.  

Cumberlands’ degrees are typically self-paced, and students have full access to resources, peers, and instructors as they progress through the curriculum of their chosen major. Online master’s degree options are available in business, counseling, criminal justice, education, executive/international, health science, information technology, and ministry. 

Counseling and health science master’s options are in:

• Addiction counseling
• Clinical mental health counseling
• Coaching
• Health and human performance
• Nursing (note, Cumberlands students have a 100% pass rate on board exams!)

IT-related majors include digital forensics, global business with blockchain technology, information systems security, and information technology. The school is listed as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Executive business master’s include an executive MBA, project management, and strategic management. There are also programs for a master’s in justice administration, master’s in education in teaching, and master’s in Christian studies. 

The FAQ page cites a 17-to-1 student/faculty ratio, which may vary depending on the class and format. In keeping with one of its mission objectives to provide education to underserved student populations, Cumberlands’ student population includes a whopping 26% of first-generation college-goers. It’s also focused on ensuring programs are relevant and able to prepare students for post-graduate career success, for those who are pursuing a master’s for work purposes. Its career services page lists resources such as Handshake, Big Interview, GoinGlobal, and a ton of career-related information to help guide students to their dream jobs. 

Online students can order textbooks and gear from the school’s bookstore, with some classes requiring digital content instead of a physical book. The graduate catalog lists a treasure of facts about the different departments, university policies, services, application process, and financial aid opportunities. The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Membership to Cumberlands’ alumni association is free and comes with a variety of perks for those who love to network. 

Cumberlands has a user-friendly application page that walks students through the requirements for the specific online program they’re interested in. Details aren’t listed on the online program pages, but they do feature information request boxes so interested students can receive full information to their email or home address. In general, required materials will include official transcripts listing a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher, an official transcript evaluation for international classes, and proof of English language proficiency as needed. Minimum scores are Paper-based TOEFL – 550, Internet-based TOEFL – 79, and IELTS – 6. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $20,465

Website

#12. Iowa State University

Location: Ames, Iowa

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $14,643

Website     

#13. Sam Houston State University

Location: Huntsville, Texas

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $12,516

Website   

#14. Midwestern State University

Location: Wichita Falls, Texas

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $10,395

Website

#15. University of South Dakota

Location: Vermillion, South Dakota

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price:$17,354

Website:

#16. University of Maryland-University College

Location: Largo, Maryland

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $16,790

Website

#17. Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $15,009

Website

#18. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price: $16,691

Website

#19. Fort Hays State University

Location: Hays, Kansas

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price:$12,420

Website

#20. Clemson University

Location: Clemson, South Carolina

Degree: Online Master’s Degrees

Net Price:$19,508

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE MOST POPULAR MASTER’S DEGREES AND TOP 50 HIGHEST PAYING MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS.

An online MBA program might be in your future!

So you want to run a business?

There’s a quote by John Maxwell that says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

If you have a desire to run your own business or lead a team to success in some other way, there’s a good chance that you know the way you need to go. However, figuring out how to follow that path—and how to show others what they should do to help the team be successful, too—now that’s another challenge entirely.

When you go to business school, you’ll gain the skills you need to find your path as a leader—and to help those that you are guiding find their way, too. The MBA is often considered the quintessential, gold-standard business degree by most employers.

While a Master of Arts or a Master of Science in something like finance or business analytics can get you buy, only the curriculum of an MBA will provide you with the hands-on emphasis in comprehensive leadership skills that you need to be successful in the long term.

Earning an MBA is a great way to start your career, switch fields, or open up a business of your own. If you earn your MBA online, you can do so even faster, often while also saving a ton of money in the process.

There is a perception that earning an online MBA isn’t the same as earning one on-campus. However, that’s not the case. Business schools offer all kinds of online MBA programs, including both full-time and part-time, executive, flex, or even eMBA programs. While these each have their own lists of pros and cons depending on your career goals and learning style, here’s what they have in common—they’re equivalent to their on-campus counterparts.

Most online MBAs still require a practicum or summer internship, while others feature optional global experiences, cooperative learning experiences, and research fellowships. Plus, an online MBA program tends to be much more affordable than its on-campus counterparts.

Very few schools even differentiate between online and on-campus programs on their diplomas—meaning nobody (including you or your future employer!) will ever know the difference. The quality is there—and you have plenty of schools to choose from. An online MBA program may be just what prospective students should consider.

It can be daunting to find the right online MBA program for your needs, goals, and budget. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Check out this list of the 20 best online MBA programs—and start pursuing your dreams today! Out of all the business schools, find the one that is right for you.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What Are the Best Online MBA Degrees?

You are looking for an online MBA program! 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 prospective students reach their goals. Let us help you will your school search!

See Also: 20 Best Online MBA in Strategy

Find an Online MBA Program!

#1. University of Florida

Online MBA Degree

Located in Gainesville, FL, the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida offers the best online MBA program in the country. A fast-track program, this online MBA program lets you earn your degree in as little as 16 months of study.

You’ll complete around 32 credit hours of study in this fast-paced online MBA program, though there’s also a 48-credit program in this college of business that can be completed at a more leisurely pace (around two years of study).

Regardless of how quickly you decide you want to move through the curriculum, this online MBA program offers lots of benefits. It is highly experiential in nature, allowing you to complete on-campus electives, global immersion experiences abroad, and hands-on internships as you see fit.

These components aren’t mandatory, with the vast majority of all coursework delivered asynchronously. The only time you ever need to visit campus, in fact, is for the in-person orientation.

Class sizes are capped at 65 students to ensure that all online MBA students get the attention they deserve. You do have to have at least two years of full-time professional work experience in order to qualify for admission into this online MBA program. This online program is one of the best and most flexible in the country for its quality, affordability, and reputation among industry leaders.

You don’t have to just take our word for it, either. This school of business is ranked third in the country for the best online MBA programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report. As you can see, you don’t have to ever step foot on campus in order to get the well-rounded and enriching MBA experience you deserve.

Related: Best Online MBA in Information Systems

#2.  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

MBA Online

Originally chartered in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a land-grant university that first opened its doors to offer programs in the agricultural sciences. Although these programs are still at the heart of what UNL does best, it has since expanded to offer dozens of programs within eight different schools.

You’ll find more of the best MBA programs online at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The MBA@Nebraska is an entirely online program that is ranked as the best value for the money by Financial Times. It combines online and on-campus courses and allows students to choose from multiple specializations.

Whether you’re interested in business analytics, marketing, finance, human resource management, international business, or even supply chain management, this is the online MBA program for you. It is extremely flexible, with three separate start dates per year.

Online students will take core classes in subjects like:

• Business Data Mining
• Descriptive Analytics
• Data Management and Organization
• Applied Marketing Research

Best yet, you won’t have to go broke in order to benefit from all that this degree has to offer. You’ll pay just $650 per credit hour and enjoy an excellent return on your investment when you graduate. This online MBA program is one of the best of its kind.

#3.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

MBA Online

A public land-grant research institution, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the largest public schools in the country by enrollment. Home to Research Park, where there are innovation centers for nearly 100 start-up companies and multinational corporations, this school is one of the best to earn an MBA.

The good news is that you don’t even have to step foot on campus in order to do so.

A top online MBA, the online MBA program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a self-paced degree that requires 72 credit hours of study. Technically referred to as an “iMBA,” the degree from the school of business is cohort-based so you’ll learn alongside these same groups of students for all of your courses.

The online MBA program is innovative and collaborative in nature, allowing you to work in groups as you complete a variety of team-based capstone projects. You can choose from a handful of different specializations for this online MBA program, including:

• entrepreneurship and strategic innovation
• business analytics
• digital marketing

There are plenty of immersive global experiences you can participate in as well.

You don’t even have to fully enroll in the online program in order to start honing your skills. Online students can take non-credit courses on their own or toward a certification pathway to help you figure out whether the program is right for you. You can also enroll in a single for-credit course to help you ease into things. The choice is yours.

Of course, you’ll also be able to tap into a large alumni network as a student here, too. Although this program is fully online with no travel requirements or added expenses, you’ll still get all the benefits of studying in the traditional sense on campus. You can tap into career services and the 470,000-strong alumni network around the world.

And at just $302 per credit hour, this online program is one of the cheapest (yet highest-quality!) you’ll find in the country. Not only that, but a survey of 2020 graduates showed that more than half had a promotion, job offer, or new position lined up while they were still enrolled in the iMBA. The average pay increase? More than 20%. Not a bad return on investment, we’d say!

#4.  The University of Texas at Dallas

MBA Online

A public research university located in Richardson, TX, the University of Texas at Dallas is the largest public university in the Dallas area. Although it’s still relatively young, founded only in 1961 as a private research branch of Texas Instruments, it has grown rapidly since its inception.

Another one of the top online MBA programs can be found here. This part-time online MBA program is flexible enough so that you can customize your coursework to meet your interests—and schedule your classes so that they fit around your fast-paced life.

It comes with 15 optional concentrations, including those in in-demand areas like accounting, energy management, finance, international management, and real estate, to name a few. You can also choose to pursue an academic certificate in areas like:

• Project Management
• Executive and Professional Coaching
• Transformational Leadership
• Organizational Consulting

A highly flexible program, it comes with pathways that allow you to take classes when it’s most convenient for you. In Addition to the online program, there’s also a flex degree and evening MBA evening cohort option.

You can even take on an additional Master of Science degree to help you double up on your studies and make your degree even more marketable. There are 13 different dual-degree options available, six of which are STEM-designated. As you probably could have predicted, this program is ranked the sixth-best online program by U.S. News & World Report.

#5.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MBA Online

A public research university located in Chapel Hill, NC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is not only one of the best institutions of higher education in the country—but also one of the oldest. It’s often considered a Public Ivy, offering an academic experience similar to that of a prestigious Ivy League university, and its charter in 1789 makes it the oldest public school in the state of North Carolina.

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a superb cohort-based online MBA program. It offers all the perks of an on-campus program—the ability to interact with your peers, synchronous class sessions, and six days of in-person immersive experiences—with all the benefits of online learning.

Specifically, this online MBA program can be completed on your own terms. It requires 62 credit hours of study but you can take as long as 36 months or as few as 18 to complete those requirements. It even has four separate start dates for you to choose from!

With more than 25 electives and five different connections for online MBA students to choose from, this program is incredibly customizable. You’ll be able to specialize in fields like:

• marketing
• finance
• data analytics and decision making
• strategy and consulting

This affordable online MBA program costs around $2,025 per credit hour.

A STEM-designated degree, this program will give you the skills you need to make analytical and strategic decisions in a data-driven workplace. You’ll be able to tap into an alumni network that’s more than 42,000 strong along with global learning experiences to expose you to more diverse perspectives.

This school is ranked #1 in the country for the Best Online MBAs by U.S. News & World Report. Kenan-Flagler is also ranked within the Top 20 Best Business Schools by this publication as well. The average salary within one year of graduation is a whopping $159,557, with all graduates reporting an average 39% salary increase one year after graduation. You can’t put those results! The online MBA program at this college of business will set you on the path to a successful career.

#6.  Villanova University

Online MBA Program

You’ll find some of the best online MBA courses at Villanova University. Located near Philadelphia, PA, Villanova offers a number of programs entirely online. Among them is its 48-credit online MBA. You can complete your studies in as little as 20 months by taking classes full-time.

This accelerated program can be completed in as little as two years of study and provides students with the option of choosing between five different specializations:

• marketing
• finance
• strategic management
• analytics
• international business

Most course requirements can be completed entirely online, though all must participate in a three-day residency weekend within the first two semesters. You’ll also participate in synchronous sessions once a week so that you can interact face-to-face (albeit online, from the comfort of your own home!) with fellow classmates and your instructors.

There are three capstone projects for online MBA students that you’ll be required to complete, one of which is a global practicum that involves a trip abroad to an emerging or developing economy. Not interested (or able) to participate in this excursion? Don’t worry. You can substitute a domestic equivalent of this capstone experience instead.

The school is recognized as one of the best schools in the country for an online MBA, ranking within the top 20 in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual list. It’s also top-ranked by Poets and Quants and many other organizations as well.

#7.  Texas Tech University

Online MBA Program

Also known simply as Tech, Texas Tech University originally opened its doors as the Texas Technological College. This school has more than 150 courses of study through 13 colleges, along with 60 different research centers and institutes.

It is here that you will find some of the top online MBA courses for busy working professionals to take advantage of. A 42-credit hour program, it will allow you to earn your MBA at your own pace. Most students can complete it in as little as a year.

You’ll gain the skills you need to be successful as a leader in any business, learning from industry experts as you do so. There are several concentrations available, including those in General Business and Information Technology.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll take foundational courses like:

• Financial Management Concepts
• Marketing Concepts and Strategies
• Statistical Concepts for Business and Management

You can even pursue certifications such as Six Sigma or artificial Associate in Project Management to add to the overall value of your degree.

The online MBA program is just as easy to apply to as it is to complete. GMAT and GRE waivers are available and the online MBA has a flexible rolling admissions policy.

#8. Florida International University

Online MBA Program

As you might expect from the name of this university alone, Florida International University offers one of the most diverse and globally-focused online MBA programs around. You’ll be able to complete the degree in as little as 18 months, studying with learners and faculty from all over the world.

Not interested in an accelerated program? That’s okay! You can take up to 33 months to finish your courses if you choose. This online MBA program has five separate start dates and three different choices of completion tracks. You can also choose from eight different specializations including:

• strategic negotiations
• real estate
• business data analytics
• international business

Depending on the concentration you select, you may be able to complete the necessary requirements for an additional credential, too. For example, the healthcare MBA has certifications in things like Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belts and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. You can even get an Advanced Certificate in Global Healthcare Administration!

In addition to your core courses and the electives you’ll take in your area of specialization, you’ll also be required to complete three professional development seminars. There are all kinds of immersive in-person opportunities you can complete, including industry nights, residencies, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to build your professional skills and expand your networking opportunities with classmates and an alumni network of more than 300 healthcare professionals.

An affordable program, this online MBA program costs just $1,426 per credit hour—a bargain compared to many equivalent on-campus degrees! Plus, many of the concentrations within the online MBA have merit scholarships available. The healthcare concentration awards numerous $10,000 merit scholarships to its students each year!

#9.  Clemson University

Online MBA Program

Clemson University is the second-largest university in South Carolina. Located in the city of the same name, Clemson is a public land-grant research university that is known for its small class sizes. You’ll enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1 here!

The online MBA at Clemson is offered by The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and, despite being online and highly accessible to students everywhere, is also incredibly close-knit. Class sizes remain small despite the reach of the program, and they also offer an excellent quality of education.

You’ll be able to select the class structure that best fits your schedule, whether it’s joining a live class via video conferencing or consuming all the pre-recorded lectures and other materials you need asynchronously.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find that your courses take an innovative, applied approach to common business topics. You’ll collaborate with international and domestic companies on real-world projects and network with top executives and entrepreneurs at dozens of different program-sponsored events.

Of course, you’ll be able to benefit from all the resources you might have as an on-campus student at Clemson, too, such as job placement assistance and individual career counseling.

This school is ranked as one of the best universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report.

#10. University of Maryland-College Park

Online MBA Program

The University of Maryland-College Park offers another one of the highest-ranked online MBA programs for you to choose from. The flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, the school is the largest university in the state with more than 41,000 students and a global alumni network of more than 388,000.

The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland has one of the best MBA programs in the nation. You’ll build your skills in leadership, analysis, communication, and decision-making so that you can take your place at the forefront of international business.

You can choose from multiple concentrations including:

• finance
• marketing
• information supply chain management
• systems and business analytics
• accounting

The online program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is ranked tenth in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 

This online MBA program offers the same academic rigor and access to the same world-renowned faculty that you would get if you chose to study on-campus—but with the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Plus, when you graduate, you will join a network of more than 66,000 alumni worldwide.

#11. Johns Hopkins University

Online MBA Program

The oldest research university in the United States, Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, MD. First founded in 1876, this school was named after its original benefactor, the entrepreneur himself Johns Hopkins. As such, it is unsurprising that this school has one of the best programs for aspiring entrepreneurs in the country!

A flexible MBA, the Master of Business Administration at Johns Hopkins University is perfect for the student with full-time work experience in the private or public sector. It covers all the skills, concepts, and techniques that you need in order to be an effective leader in just about any organization.

It can be completed entirely in person, entirely online, or as a combination of the two formats. It can also be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. It has multiple specialization options to choose from including:

• Digital Marketing
• Business Analytics and Risk Management
• Entrepreneurial Marketing
• Financial Management
• Investments

Throughout the course of the entire online MBA program, you will only have to take one course on-campus (which includes a two-day onsite component). There are additional optional residency courses you can choose to take if you’d like to connect with your classmates, too, all of which take place in Baltimore, MD.

In total, you’ll complete 54 graduate credits within six years or less. Core courses include studies in:

• Marketing Management Strategic Management
• Corporate Finance
• Economics for Decision Making

#12. Florida State University

Online MBA Program

With more than 360 programs of study, including numerous professional school programs, it’s easy to see why Florida State University has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best public schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are so many different degrees to choose from here, all of which are taught by highly recognized, highly credentialed faculty members who are among the best in their respective fields.

That holds true for all of this school’s programs, but especially for this acclaimed online MBA. Available as a popular on-campus program, it can also be completed entirely online.

An affordable and flexible degree, it is ideal for the on-the-go learner. You’ll take 39 credit hours of study within the College of Business, allowing you to learn from the same credentialed instructors you would interact with as a student on-campus. U.S. News & World Report calls this program one of the Best Online MBA Programs in the country!

You can choose to take classes on a full- or part-time basis, but whichever you choose, know that there are multiple specializations for you to choose from. You can pursue an area of specialties like:

• Business Analytics
• Finance, Marketing
• Human Resources

There’s even an optional dual major with a real estate concentration, if you’re so inclined!

Whichever specialization you choose, you will take around 39 credit hours of study. Core courses include:

• Financial Reporting and Managerial Control
• The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Problems in Financial Management
• Strategy and Business Policy

Tuition starts at just $479.32 for Florida residents studying on-campus and only $780.18 for learners online (non-residents pay only slightly more for online tuition and fees).

#13. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Online MBA Program

Located in Amherst, MA, the University of Massachusetts is the only public land-grant university in the state. Although it originally opened its doors as an agriculture college, it is now the largest campus (and the flagship school!) in the prestigious UMass system.

With students spread out among nine different colleges and schools, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst has plenty to offer both traditional and online learners alike. The Isenberg School of Management is home to a fully online MBA that is perfect for professionals who want to become industry leaders.

Flexible and accessible, it will let you earn your degree in as little as two years. You can choose to take on-campus courses if you’d like, choosing from satellite locations in Shrewsbury and Boston in addition to Amherst, but you can also take all of your classes online.

There are multiple focus areas for you to choose from for this online MBA degree, including popular choices in:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Healthcare Administration
• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship

Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from an AACSB-accredited curriculum that is one of the most well-established and robust in the country. The program is nationally ranked by publications like Financial Times, Poets & Quants, and U.S. News & World Report, just to name a few. You’ll learn from faculty who are approachable and dedicated, offering cutting-edge expertise and experience in their respective fields.

#14. Fayetteville State University

Online MBA Program

A historically black public regional university located in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is the second-oldest state university in North Carolina. Originally a primary school, the university has evolved rapidly to provide quality bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to thousands of students from all over the country.

This online MBA degree at Fayetteville State University is both flexible and affordable, making it easy for working professionals everywhere to pursue their academic goals. You’ll benefit from industry-leading software, live, interactive lectures, and many other tools.

The online MBA program is regarded as the most affordable MBA program in the UNC system, costing you just a fraction of what you’d pay at other state schools. The degree is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and has multiple financial aid options available for qualifying students.

There are numerous concentrations for you to choose from, too. These include:

• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• International Business
• Marketing

Of course, there’s a general track for students who aren’t sure which area of business they’d like to pursue.

In total, you’ll complete 27 core credit hours of study from this school of business in addition to up to 12 elective credit hours to focus on your specialization of choice.

#15. Rice University

Online MBA Program

A private research university, Rice University (formerly known as William Marsh Rice University) is located in Houston, TX. This school is home to eleven residential colleges and eight major academic colleges, including the prestigious Jones Graduate School of Business.

This school offers one of the best online MBA programs in the country—and you don’t have to just take our word for it, either. U.S. News & World Report has ranked this program as one of the top for 2021. It’s also ranked highly by Fortune Education, The Princeton Review, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

The online MBA program at Rice consists of 54 credits but can be completed entirely online in as little as 24 months. You’ll complete live virtual classes, with all of your assignments accessible from anywhere (including a mobile device!). Your assignment will include everything from real-world case studies to video simulations and even collaboration projects, allowing you to immerse yourself fully to practice vital hands-on business skills.

Your classes will take place with a smaller cohort of students, allowing you to approach the curriculum more intimately. You’ll be able to choose from multiple electives and career-path focus areas including:

• Corporate Strategy
• Corporate Finance
• Investment Management
• Marketing
• Healthcare
• Energy
• Entrepreneurship

Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from a large global network of fellow Rice graduates. There are nearly 8,000 Rice MBA graduates around the world! The connections you make in this program are sure to last you a lifetime.

#16. University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Online MBA Program

Originally founded as Wilmington College, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a large public school with three campuses in Wilmington, NC, Jacksonville, NC, and Myrtle Grove, NC.

However, it is the online campus for which this school is most famous. There are dozens of online programs offered by the Cameron School of Business alone at UNC Wilmington—to say nothing of the other colleges that offer fully online degrees.

The online MBA program presents students with multiple opportunities to specialize in an area of interest. You can choose from concentrations like:

• Business Analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Human Resources
• International Business
• Supply Chain Management

Regardless of the option you choose, you will take around 36 credit hours of study and can graduate in as little as 12 months. You’ll take core courses in their rigorous curriculum such as:

• Business Analytics
• Corporate Finance
• Strategic Management
• Information Analysis and Management

The degree is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Finally, it’s important to note that this program is highly affordable. Total in-state tuition and fees for the entire program come in at right around $18,000. You can’t beat that kind of return on investment!

#17. University of Southern California

Online MBA Program

A private research university located in Los Angeles, CA, the University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in this state. It’s home to multiple graduate, undergraduate, and professional schools, including the famed Marshall School of Business.

At this school of business, you’ll find one of the country’s best online programs—but the good news is that you don’t have to study on-campus in order to benefit from all that it has to offer.

The online program in business is truly one of a kind ranked as a top program nationwide by Poets & Quants, U.S. News & World Report, and countless other publications. Your courses will prepare you to become a forward-thinking business leader with the ability to analyze a situation from numerous and diverse perspectives.

Although there is a mandatory on-campus residency for one week, all other requirements can be completed entirely online via weekly live webcam sessions. Most students enrolled complete their studies in as little as two years but you can take up to five if you want to complete your requirements on a part-time basis.

You will be taught by distinguished faculty and have the ability to access all regular campus resources, including career services and alumni outreach programs. Tuition is affordable and there are numerous merit-based scholarships available that range in price from $5000 to $20,000 to help you meet your goals.

#18. Auburn University

Online MBA Program

Auburn University is a public land-grant research university located in Auburn, AL. It’s home to more than 24,000 students, many of whom study online.

The online MBA degree is practically identical to the one offered on-campus—except, of course, you’ll be able to complete classes when it’s most convenient for you! You’ll complete 13 required classes (four of which are electives) over the span of up to six years.

Required courses include:

• Financial Analysis
• Strategic Analysis and the Competitive Environment
• Operations Excellence
• Marketing and Consumer Theory
• Information Systems for Competitive Advantage

You can customize your experience even further by pursuing a second master’s degree as part of the school’s dual degree pathways. Dual degree options include:

• Master of Science in Finance
• MS in Information Systems
• Master of Industrial Systems Engineering
• Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Whichever path you select, you will be supported throughout every step of your journey by the same resources you’d be able to access on-campus. That includes the Graduate Career Services office, which facilitates summer internships, Advanced Professional Development courses and workshops, and more, and Financial Aid.

This online MBA has affordable tuition that starts at just $900 per credit hour along with a limited number of competitive scholarships for incoming students each year.

#19. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Online MBA Program

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public research university that has multiple campuses throughout the state of Texas. It is one of the largest universities in the country to have a majority Hispanic student population—making it one of the most diverse schools in the nation.

Of course, it also offers one of the best Master of Business Administration degrees, too. The program is offered 100% online and will provide you with the skills in leadership, project management, and communication that you need to meet your career goals.

You will take core required courses such as:

• Managerial Economics
• Accounting and Financial Analysis
• Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
• Social Media in Business

You can complete the courses just one or two at a time to help you keep up with your other commitments, or you can complete your classes in an accelerated format.

Whichever you choose, you’ll love how affordable and convenient the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s online programs are. You’ll pay just $472.22 per credit hour for an entire program cost of just $17,000. There are numerous scholarships and other financial aid opportunities available as well.

#20. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Online MBA Program

You might be surprised to see Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University included on this list of the best online MBA programs, but rest assured—this private university focused on aviation and aerospace has more than earned its spot in this ranking.

Despite being known for its courses of study in aircraft mechanics, aviation, and engineering, Embry-Riddle is also home to one of the country’s best MBA programs. This revolutionary program is also available entirely online.

A certificate-based graduate program, the Master of Business Administration at Embry-Riddle has a special focus on aviation. It will let you tailor your studies to your unique interests in this field while also offering plenty of hands-on learning experiences in the field. In addition to the online global campus where you’ll likely take the majority of your classes, you can also take courses in Asia.

Although the program has a special focus on aviation, it can also provide you with a certification in an additional area of interest as well. Options include:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• International Business
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Information Systems Security

Your courses will blend a strong business foundation with a core of aviation fundamentals.

A 36-credit hour program, it is affordable and transfer-friendly, with multiple financial aid and scholarship opportunities available.

Frequently Asked Questions for Online MBA students to Consider

Is an online MBA taken seriously?

After reading our top online MBA rankings, you might be thinking, “that all sounds good—but is an online MBA just as respected as a traditional on-campus program?” The short answer to that question is this—absolutely.

Just make sure you select a program that is offered by an accredited school. If you choose a school that’s not accredited, you run the risk of employers not taking your credentials seriously. You may also be rejected for state and federal financial aid and if you decide to transfer to another university midway through your program, it’s unlikely that other accredited schools will accept the credits.

Choose a school that is regionally accredited. These tend to be better for MBA programs because they have higher academic standards than nationally accredited schools.

What are the admissions requirements for online MBA programs?

Because MBA programs are so popular—and profitable—they also have a tendency to be highly competitive. Requirements vary, but most popular programs have acceptance rates that are less than 25%. Online MBA programs do tend to have higher acceptance rates, but they’re still much more competitive than Master of Arts or Master of Science degrees in business.

As a result, you’ll need to make sure your application materials are in tip-top shape. Official transcripts will need to be sent from your undergraduate institution directly to the prospective school. Online MBA applicants should be aware of undergraduate GPA requirements. Most programs look for candidates with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. They are usually interested in applicants who majored in business, finance, economics, or a related field, though this can also vary.

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is another common requirement. This graduate placement test is a standard requirement for most business schools, though some accept scores from the more generalized Graduate Record Examinations.

In addition to these two materials, you’ll also need to submit a resume, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. You may also need to have several years’ worth of work experience, particularly in a leadership role, in order to apply.

What will I learn in one of the top online MBA programs?

MBA programs are incredibly diverse—just as diverse as the students who choose to enroll in them! You’ll gain the analytical, networking, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills you need to be successful as a leader in the business world.

In some of the highest-ranked online MBA programs, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of concentrations. Some of the most popular include:

finance, human resources, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, information systems management, marketing, and more.

These concentrations are designed to accommodate each and every student’s diverse career goal in business and it helps them learn their dream jobs. Many new online MBA programs also feature things like global immersions and study abroad programs to help you develop a more diverse perspective of the world of business.

What can you do after completing one of the best MBA programs online?

After completing one of the best online MBA programs, you’ll have a wide variety of career opportunities available to you. An MBA will prepare you for executive-level management jobs as well as to become an entrepreneur.

Some of the most common job titles pursued by graduates include:

• chief executive
• financial manager
• computer and information systems manager

As a chief executive (or chief financial officer, executive director, or president—these job titles are often viewed in the same category or line of work), you’ll be able to find a job in just about any industry. You’ll have to establish and oversee a company’s organizational goals, procedures, and policies while also overseeing the budget and managing other leadership activities.

You could also work as a financial manager. Financial managers perform data analysis tasks, create financial reports, and direct investment activities within organizations. While you could theoretically work as a financial manager with just a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience, getting an MBA is the smartest choice if you want to ensure long-term career success.

Finally, another common job title pursued by MBA graduates is that of an information systems manager. As a computer and information systems manager, you’ll coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

Is an online MBA worth it?

Earning an MBA can be expensive, but trust us when we say—it’s worth it. There’s the potential for a serious return on your investment when you enroll in one of these programs.

According to The Wall Street Journal, MBA graduates earn tens of thousands of dollars more each year than they did before earning their MBAs—and those increases are exponential over the span of several years later, too.

Just how much can you earn? Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common job titles held by MBA graduates, along with their respective salaries.

As a chief executive, you have the potential to earn well over $107,680 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some graduates progress to these leadership positions with just a bachelor’s degree and a few years’ worth of experience, having an MBA will streamline the process and put you on the fast track to success.

Financial managers enjoy high salaries, too. These jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 17%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even better, the average salary comes in at around $134,180 per year—even higher for professionals who work for in-demand organizations like scientific and technical services.

Decide to become a computer and information systems manager, and you’ll need to have some more specialized training in technology in addition to your MBA. However, your efforts are sure to pay off. Not only is this job in high demand—new positions are growing at a rate of around 11% per year, according to the BLS—but it’s also incredibly lucrative. You could earn around $151,150 per year on average!

See Also: Is An Online MBA Worth It?

Which online MBA is the best?

As you can see from our online MBA programs rankings, there are plenty of quality online MBA programs for you to choose from. These degrees are perfect for busy adults who want a rigorous program of study but without the hassle of traditional on-campus scheduling.

In addition to the programs listed above, some other top-notch online MBA programs can be found at schools like Indiana University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Denver, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, according to The Princeton Review.

Leave no stone unturned in your search for the best online MBA for you. There’s no shortage of options out there, to say the very least!

Other Notable Programs:

• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Lehigh University
• West Chester University
• Southern California’s Marshall School of Business
• Colorado State University
• South Dakota’s Beacom School
• Kent State University

Other School Rankings

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 40 FASTEST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS & TOP 10 REASONS TO EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE!

When considering the Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, one must understand that Engineering is the discipline that builds our country’s infrastructure, networks both real (power grid and telephone lines) and virtual (internet and intranets).  Without proper engineering, none of these structures – physical or virtual – would have come into being. Engineering can be the difference between the tallest skyscraper and a large, unusable money pit.

Engineering incorporates many sub-categories or specialties.  Of these is Electrical Engineering, which has traditionally been responsible for the creation of the power grid, assembly line automation and efficiency and components that power devices from miniature cameras to industrial machinery.  While not completely universal in application, electrical engineering plays a highly significant role in today’s environment.

Available salary information for careers within electrical engineering ranges from entry-level positions (technicians) approaching $60,000 per year to $80,000 for credentialed electrical engineers to $120,000 for management positions (2015 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics).  The overall average for master’s degree holders is $95,000 per year (payscale.com). Job positions vary by employer, but there are several large engineering companies from which to gain data from.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

Masters Program Guide is pleased to offer the Top 50 Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs 2019.  The methodology for this ranking is as follows: available online masters in electrical engineering programs were gathered.  Values were assigned based on data points, which were assigned for each of the following criteria: total enrollment (30%), % of students enrolled online (30%), student-faculty ratio (30%) and net overall cost of the program (5%).  Any tie-breaker was resolved by comparing % online enrollment. The Top 50 Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs 2018 follows:

1. Capitol Technology University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Capitol Technology University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Unique in the fact that it is one of the few programs in the country designed for practitioners, rather than analysts, Capitol Technology University’s M.S. in Electrical Engineering provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to be able to design, simulate, test, and manufacture electrical systems. Though the program is offered entirely online, Capitol Technology University’s strategic location in the Baltimore/Washington area provides access to one of the highest concentrations of high-tech companies, government agencies, and defense contractors. Approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) as a provider of quality engineering education, Capitol Technology University is one of just fifteen colleges and universities to receive this distinction and students can be assured that the M.S. in Electrical Engineering meets the highest industry, national, and international standards.

Capitol Technology University is a private, nonprofit, STEM-focused institution of higher education located in Laurel, Maryland. Committed to providing hands-on, career-relevant learning within an interdisciplinary and interactive environment, the University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Capitol Technology University offers a number of graduate and undergraduate programs in Analytics & Decision Sciences; Computational Systems; Cyber & Information Security; Engineering; Management of Technology; Security, Intelligence & Critical Infrastructure; and Unmanned Systems. The University’s mission is “To educate individuals for professional opportunities in engineering, computer and information sciences, and business.  We provide relevant learning experiences that lead to success in the evolving global community.” A member of the Maryland Green Registry, the University is strongly committed to environmental sustainability, management, and stewardship, taking practical steps to reduce waste, conserve energy, and manage resources wisely.

Admissions

2. Villanova University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Villanova University offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Designed to develop skills and teach knowledge, the M.S. in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) is available with five concentrations in the areas of Electronic Circuits and Systems (ECS); Electric Energy Systems (EES); Microwave, Antenna, and Photonic Systems (MAPS); Signal Processing and Communications (SPC); or System Dynamics and Controls. The MSEE is a strong, research-oriented program taught by highly qualified and caring faculty members whose mission is to help students excel. Available online through the University’s E-Learning program, this option provides a greater level of convenience and flexibility to working professionals. The degree can be earned in as little as two years with a full-time study (with a course load of 2-3 classes per semester) or in three years with a part-time study (one course per semester).

Villanova University is a private, Catholic institution of higher education located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Though the University traces its roots back to the old Saint Augustine’s Church of Philadelphia, which was started by Augustinian friars in 1796, the University was not formally established until in 1842. Today, Villanova is known for its comprehensive education, rooted in the liberal arts. Committed to Augustinian ideals, the University’s values include truth, unity, and love has the goal of being a community dedicated to the service of others. Villanova University is comprised of six colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Villanova School of Business; College of Engineering; College of Nursing; College of Professional Studies; and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Villanova offers a wide range of degree programs through these schools and colleges as well as a variety of fully online programs geared towards the non-traditional student.

Admissions

3. Pennsylvania State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Pennsylvania State University offers the Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering through its World Campus. Offered entirely online, the program requires 30 credits and is designed to offer a “solid foundation in both theory and application in the rapidly evolving electrical engineering field.” Committed to equipping individuals with the skills to solve complex programs and to preparing students to achieve their professional goals, all courses are taught by Penn State’s recognized engineering faculty. The curriculum includes core classes which “incorporate advanced technical knowledge, probability theory, research, and applications,” with specific topics including signal processing, power systems, electronics, communication systems, electronic and integrated circuits, electromagnetic, and microelectronics. As part of the program’s graduation requirements, students are expected to write a nonthesis scholarly report or engineering paper (subject to the approval of the student’s faculty advisor) which is suitable for publication at a national or international conference or professional journal.

Pennsylvania State University is a public, land-grant, research-intensive university headquartered in University Park, Pennsylvania. With 24 campus locations across Pennsylvania as well as a teaching hospital, Penn State encompasses over 23,000 acres and 1,784 buildings statewide; this includes 7,343 acres and 947 buildings at its main University Park campus. Penn State’s mission includes embracing “teaching, research, and public service in order to support the citizens of the Commonwealth, collaborating with industrial educational, and agricultural partners to create, disseminate, integrate, and apply knowledge that is valuable to society.” The University offers more than 160 baccalaureate degree programs and over 160 graduate degree programs including doctorates and academic and professional master’s degrees. The University’s reach stretches all across the globe, thanks to its online World Campus which “empowers anyone to pursue an education – anytime, anywhere.” Notable for its research, Penn State reported $836.4 million in research expenditures in 2016.

Admissions

4. Ohio University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Ohio University offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering available entirely online. The program can be completed in as little as two years and has no GRE requirements for qualified students. Featuring curriculum taught by full-time OHIO faculty, the MSEE is available with concentrations in six areas: General, Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles, Communications and Digital Signal Processing, Computer Engineering, Electronic Navigation Systems, and Micro Nano Devices and Systems. Offered through the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the School’s mission is to “provide outstanding undergraduate and graduate educational programs to students in electrical engineering, computer science, and computer engineering,” and to “contribute significantly to the discovery of new knowledge and methods that enhance the theory and practice of electrical engineering, computer science, and computer engineering.”

Ohio University is a public research university headquartered in Athens, Ohio. A large and primarily residential institution, Ohio University is comprised of several regional campuses and centers located throughout the state. Committed to the core values of Excellence, Integrity, Civility, Diversity, and Stewardship, the University’s vision is “to be the best student-centered, transformative learning community in America,” where students can “realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders.” Ohio University’s mission is to hold to its “central purpose the intellectual and personal development of its students”, to be “known for its outstanding faculty of accomplished teachers whose research and creative activity advance knowledge across many disciplines.” The University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Fine Arts, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Honors Tutorial College, Patton College of Education, Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Scripps College of Communication, University College, Graduate College and the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Admissions

5. University of Idaho

Online Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of Idaho offers two online degrees in electrical engineering through its Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Engineering Outreach: the Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Both programs are available with several areas of emphasis with options including Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Circuits; Supercomputing; Microwaves; Communication Systems; Integrated Circuit Design; Electromagnetics; Control Systems; Signal Analysis; Network Synthesis; Digital Systems Design; and Electric Power Systems.  The Master of Engineering degree is a non-thesis degree while the Master of Science does require a written thesis; both programs require a minimum of 30 credits to graduate.

The University of Idaho is Idaho’s flagship, land-grant, and oldest public university, located in Moscow, Idaho. Established in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s primary research university, spending $110 million annually on research. Recognized as a national leader in student-centered learning and interdisciplinary research that promotes public service, the University seeks to serve communities and businesses in the advancement of “diversity, citizenship, and global outreach.” The University of Idaho’s mission is to shape the future through “innovative thinking, community engagement, and transformative education.” A wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees and programs are offered through the University’s several campuses, centers, and colleges. These include the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Arts and Architecture; Business and Economics; Education, Health and Human Sciences; Engineering; Graduate Studies; Law; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Natural Resources; and Science. The University of Idaho also offers a variety of online learning options including undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.

Admissions

6. New Mexico State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: New Mexico State University oars the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering as a distance education program through its College of Engineering. An excellent option for working professionals, the program is available as a 30-credit coursework-only MSEE degree which may be earned entirely online or with an option involving 27 credits of online coursework combined with a 3-credit technical report and an oral exam which must be taken on-site. Both program options are only available to students based in the US and are not currently offered to international students. Students are recommended to contact an advisor in their area of interest in order to create a degree plan based on planned course offerings.

New Mexico State University is a public, comprehensive, research, and land-grant university. A designated Hispanic-serving institution, New Mexico State University (NMSU) serves a multi-cultural population of students and community members, enrolling over 15,000 individuals from nearly all fifty states and nearly 100 foreign countries. NMSU’s main 900-acre campus is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico; in addition, the University operates several extension campuses, a satellite learning center in Albuquerque, cooperative extension offices located in every New Mexico county (33 in all), a dozen agricultural research and science centers, and also offers distance education programs which reach thousands online. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, NMSU comprises several colleges and a Graduate School including the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering; the College of Health and Social Services; and the Honors College. The University’s mission as the state’s land-grant university is to serve “the educational needs of New Mexico’s diverse population through comprehensive programs of education, research, extension education, and public service.”

Admissions

7. University of Michigan Dearborn

Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Program details: The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering & Computer Science and the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department. Taught by tenured and tenure-track faculty members, including two Fellows of the IEEE, the ECE department’s faculty possess a high level of expertise in both electrical and computer engineering to the benefit of students who have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research. UM-Dearborn’s MSE program is designed to provide students with “a strong background in theories and a good knowledge of the latest technologies in [electrical engineering]” as well as “an ability to conduct research in advanced engineering fields.” Learning outcomes also include the “ability to learn the latest research advancement, use advanced techniques and modern engineering tools in engineering practice, [and] evaluate different strategies to derive a feasible solution.” A 30-credit-hour program, the curriculum consists of required core courses combined with technical electives which provide specialization in the areas of control systems, wireless networks, digital signal processing, embedded systems, image processing and pattern recognition.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is a four-year, public, comprehensive university located in Dearborn, Michigan. Established in 1959, the University is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and holds accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. UM-Dearborn’s mission is to be “an inclusive, student-focused institution.” Its formal statement declares, “We are committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research and scholarship, as well as access, affordability and metropolitan impact.” The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, available both on-site and online and comprises four colleges. These include the College of Arts, Sciences & Letters; the College of Business; the College of Education, Health & Human Services; and the College of Engineering & Computer Science.

Admissions

8. Colorado State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Online Master of Engineering with Electrical Engineering Specialization

Program details: Colorado State University offers both the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering as well as the Master of Engineering with an Electrical Engineering Specialization. Available through Colorado State University Online and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the program consists of 30-credit-hours and can be completed in as little as two years. Both program options are specially designed for engineering professionals and features options to customize the curriculum in order to best suit each student’s unique interests and career goals. The online delivery of the courses provides extra flexibility, making it an ideal option for working professionals. Topics of study include optical properties of nano structures; high resolution metrology techniques; engineering concepts of high-power pulsed electronics; analysis of power systems; grid integration of wind energy systems; linear and non-linear optical properties; physics and operation of energy devices (such as solar photovoltaic, wind energy, gas, coal and nuclear plants); and particle beam accelerator technology and engineering.

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public, doctoral, research institution located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Known for its solid academic results, CSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences; Business; the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering; Health and Human Sciences; Liberal Arts; Natural Sciences; Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; the Warner College of Natural Resources; and the Schools of Music, Theatre and Dance; Biomedical Engineering; Education; Global Environmental Sustainability; Social Work; and Public Health. CSU has a strong online presence in the Colorado State University Online, through which its internet-based programs are offered. The mission of CSU Online is to provide “affordable access to exceptional online and distance education from a nationally recognized research and engaged university.”

Admissions

9. University of Arkansas

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of Arkansas offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in a 100% online format. Available with thesis and non-thesis options, a specialization in power engineering is also offered as part of the degree. Though not specifically required, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) is recommended as a pre-requisite to the master’s in electrical engineering program; deficiency courses may be required for non-BSEE students. Offered through the College of Engineering, the College has been educating engineers for over 100 years and is currently ranked as one of the top 100 public doctoral-granting institutions in the country. Specific topics included in the MSEE curriculum include the design of advanced distribution systems, power systems control, optimal and nonlinear control, electric power quality, and power electronics.

The University of Arkansas is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas system. Located on a picturesque campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University was founded in 1871 as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act. The University of Arkansas has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation as offering “the highest possible level of research”, placing it in the top 2 percent of all colleges and universities in the nation. The University’s ‘student-first’ philosophy helps it to stand out from among the rest as it is consistently ranked among the top public research institutions in the country. One ‘concrete proof’ of the university’s commitment to students is its unique tradition of the Senior Walk, which consists of more than 3 miles of crisscrossing sidewalks on the campus with the names of over 175,000 graduates dating back 140 years. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University offers more than 200 academic programs through its several colleges and schools.

Admissions

10. University of Texas Arlington

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program details: The University of Texas- Arlington offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering. Designed to “satisfy the needs of students pursuing a master’s degree and provide for the student seeking to increase knowledge in areas of electrical engineering related to engineering practice,” the program features coursework that is both advanced and current in the field. Students work with an advisor to plan their course of study, choosing from a number of specialization options. Graduate study and research opportunities are available in areas such as Digital and Microprocessor/Controller Systems; Solid-State Devices, Circuits and Systems; Systems and Controls; Electromagnetic Fields and Applications; Digital Signal and Image Processing; Telecommunications and Information Systems; Power Systems; Optical Devices and Systems; Nanotechnology and MEMS – Materials and Devices; and Renewable Energy Systems and Vehicular Technology.

The University of Texas at Arlington is a four-year, public research institution located in Arlington, Texas. Founded in 1895 as Arlington College, the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) has had several different names over the course of its existence.  Today, the University offers nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs and has research centers in every discipline. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University comprises several colleges (each of which house multiple schools and departments), including the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs; the College of Business; College of Education; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; the College of Nursing and Health Innovation; the College of Science; the School of Social Work; and the University College.

Admissions

11. Clemson University

Online Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Clemson University offers the Master of Engineering and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering through its Graduate School and the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Both degrees include optional focus areas in communications systems and networks; digital signal processing; electromagnetic; electronics; intelligent systems; and power. The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is available as an all-course work option which includes a minimum of 33 credit hours (including a minimum 18 credits which must be at the 800 level) as well as a thesis option which requires 30 credit hours and an approved and written thesis. The Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering features 24 credit hours of graduate coursework and 6 credit hours of supervised engineering design. An approved written engineering report on a design topic is required for graduation.

Clemson University is a selective, public, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Established in 1889 by Thomas Green Clemson, the University has become South Carolina’s highest-ranked national university known for its hands-on education and contribution to research. One of the most selective public research universities in the nation, Clemson’s University’s academic programs are designed to “lay the groundwork for innovative research, and real-world experiences [which] carry forward to a rewarding career.” Comprising seven colleges, these include the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; the College of Education; the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities; the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science; the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences; the College of Science; the College of Business; the Graduate School; the Calhoun Honors College; and Emeritus College. Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers over 80 undergraduate majors and more than 110 graduate-level degree programs.

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12. North Carolina State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: North Carolina State University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering as an online and distance education program. A 30-credit-hour degree, the program does require the GRE for all applicants and is specifically designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline and wish to pursue a graduate degree in electrical engineering. Strengths of the program include power electronics and power systems, nonelectronics and photonics, and communications and signal processing. Of the required 30 credit hours, 21 credit hours (equaling seven courses) must be in electrical and computer engineering and one advanced ECE course at the 700-level is required as well as the completion of at least one course from three specialty areas.

North Carolina State University is a public, leading research, land-grant institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a total of over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 60-plus departments. Comprising a dozen colleges, these include the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; College of Design; College of Education; College of Engineering; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Natural Resources; Poole College of Management; College of Sciences; College of Textiles; College of Veterinary Medicine; The Graduate School; and the University College. Dedicated to “excellent teaching, the creation and application of knowledge,” the University’s mission is to promote an “integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world.”

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13. Johns Hopkins University

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: Johns Hopkins University offers the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the Whiting School of Engineering. Designed for working professionals, the program prepares students to “develop systems for communication, computation, information transformation, power generation and transmission, measurement, and control.” Concentrations are available in either photonics or communications and networking. The degree is also available with a number of focus areas/tracks in the areas of communications and networking, computer engineering, electronics and the solid state, optics and photonics, RF and microwave engineering, signal processing, and systems and control. Offered online, onsite, or in a hybrid (combination of the two) format, Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals is a part-time program and one of the largest graduate degree programs in electrical and computer engineering in the country. Courses provide a thorough grounding in foundational topics for the purpose of providing students with valuable and necessary skills for career advancement.

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The United State’s first research university, the institution is named for Johns Hopkins, a 19th century Maryland philanthropist, entrepreneur and abolitionist. A leading academic institution, Johns Hopkins University reported $2.306 billion in the fiscal year 2015 in medical, science, and engineering research. The University has ranked #1 in higher education research spending, according to the National Science Foundation, for 37 consecutive years. Maryland’s largest employer, the University has a total enrollment figure of 25,000 students and is comprised of nine academic divisions. Johns Hopkins University’s mission is “To educate its students and cultivate their capacity for lifelong learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.” The University boasts an impressive faculty and has been home to over 35 Nobel laureates, both past and present, including several current faculty members.

14. Old Dominion University

Online Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: Old Dominion University offers the Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering through ODU Online and the Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology. Designed for professionals who are ready to assume the duties of a leadership role in their career, ODU’s Electrical and Computer Engineering program provides opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects with faculty members who are passionate about the subject they teach and equipping students. Focusing on engineering theory as well as practical application, the program requires 30 credit hours, culminating in a comprehensive exam, all of which are available 100% online through live, regularly scheduled class meetings. Opportunities for career advancement abound and graduates of ODU’s Electrical and Computer Engineering program have gone on to become employed in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, systems integration, shipbuilding, aerospace, defense, telecommunication and more.

Old Dominion University is a public, metropolitan research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. The University prides itself on being forward-focused and is distinguished for its rigorous academics, energetic community and entrepreneurial research and collaboration projects. Old Dominion University (ODU) has a total enrollment figure of nearly 25,000 including over 4,500 postgraduate students with an average student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. More than 130 graduate programs leading to 54 master’s degrees are available as well as 70 bachelor’s degrees, over 40 doctoral degrees and two educational specialist degrees. ODU comprises seven academic colleges, an honors college, and a graduate school and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The University’s mission is to be a “dynamic public research institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement.”

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15. Purdue University

Online Master of Electrical & Computer Engineering (MSECE)

Program Details: Purdue University offers the Online Master of Electrical & Computer Engineering (MSECE) program through Purdue Engineering Online and the College of Engineering. A flexible program, Purdue’s MSECE is geared towards working engineers and is designed to provide “the foundation to excel and lead in a global engineering environment.” A 30-credit hour degree, six specializations are offered and the program features online courses which cover the topic areas of automatic controls; fields and optics; VLSI & circuit design; signal & image processing; communications & networking; microelectronics & nanotechnology; and energy sources & systems. Students work closely with an academic advisor who helps to create a plan of study best suited to each individual’s unique career goals and educational needs.

Purdue University is a four-year, public, land-grant institution headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869 under the land-grant act which was signed into law by Abraham Lincoln, the University is known for its “scholarly excellence and research contributions in the fields of aerospace, engineering, science, technology and math.” The alma mater of notable figures including Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, the University currently has a total enrollment of over 41,000 with an average 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agriculture; the College of Education; the College of Engineering; the College of Health and Human Sciences; the College of Liberal Arts; the Krannert School of Management; the College of Pharmacy; Purdue Polytechnic Institute; the College of Science; the College of Veterinary Medicine; Purdue’s Honors College; and The Graduate School.

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16. Kansas State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: Kansas State University offers the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through its Global Campus and the College of Engineering. Designed for working professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering, the program requires 30 credit-hours and offers a 100% online course delivery format, making it a highly convenient and flexible option for students who are already balancing the demands of a career and personal life. Students may choose an emphasis in either electric power systems or communication and networking.  Offered through the College of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the department’s undergraduate programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the same engineering faculty are fully involved in the department’s graduate-level programs. Potential careers for graduates of the electrical and computer engineering master’s degree program include design engineer; project engineer; quality control engineer; reliability engineer; research and development engineer; systems design engineer; process and manufacturing engineer; field engineer; test engineer; and sales engineer.

Kansas State University is a comprehensive, research, land-grant institution dedicated to “serving students and the people of Kansas, the nation, and the world.” Located in Manhattan, Kansas the University’s mission is to “foster excellent teaching, research, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community.” This statement continues, “The university embraces diversity, encourages engagement and is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve.” Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges.

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17. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Online Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE)

Program Details: Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers the Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). Home to the nation’s first building dedicated exclusively to electrical engineering education, Atwater Kent Laboratories, students enrolled in the ECE program have access and opportunity to participate in extensive and rewarding research projects. WPI’s ECE program coursework is offered both on-campus and online, providing working professionals the flexibility necessary to complete their degree while balancing their other obligations. The majority of the courses and research within the ECE program focus on electrical and computer engineering, however, students may also choose from courses in allied areas such as robotics, computer science, systems engineering, physics, and mathematics, tailoring their degree to match their unique interests and career goals.  

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Established in 1865, the University was established for the purpose of creating and conveying “the latest science and engineering knowledge in ways that are most beneficial to society.” WPI remains firmly committed to its founding mission of providing “an education that balances theory with practice.” WIP is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several academic departments in the areas of science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Taught by faculty members who are ranked top in the nation for quality and accessibility, WIP’s curriculum features a flexible, rigorous program that is “project-based and globally engaged, aimed at quality experience and a positive impact for the communities it partners with.”

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18. Mississippi State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Program Details: Mississippi State University offers the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Available entirely online, the coursework remains the same regardless of the delivery format (whether offered on-site or online). MSU’s online courses use a number of different technologies to deliver course content including streaming video, websites, interactive video conferencing, etc. Distance students who participate in research are provided the same student-support services offered to on-campus students, including (but not limited to) access to Library resources. Distance students are permitted to conduct their thesis/dissertation research through remote access to the on-campus system and may be granted approval to conduct their research at an off-site location such as the student’s location of employment.

Mississippi State University is a public, comprehensive, doctoral degree-granting institution located in Starkville, Mississippi. Established as the Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1878 under the Morrill Act of 1862, the institution’s original mission was to provide training in “agriculture, horticulture and the mechanical arts… without excluding other scientific and classical studies, including military tactics.” In 1926 the institution gained accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and in 1932 was renamed Mississippi State College; University-status was achieved in 1958. Today Mississippi State College (MSU) is dedicated to the broad purposes of learning, research, and service, seeking to provide “the academic, leadership, and social opportunities to help each person excel.” MSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and comprises the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including the School of Human Sciences; College of Architecture, Art and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business, including the Adkerson School of Accountancy; College of Education; Bagley College of Engineering, including the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering; College of Forest Resources; Office of the Graduate School, and College of Veterinary Medicine.

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19. Michigan Technological University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Michigan Technological University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Offered entirely online, the program’s format is designed to provide maximum flexibility to busy professionals and there are no GRE requirements for applicants. A 30-credit hour degree, the program is divided into 10 courses which can be completed in as little as 5 semesters. Michigan Tech’s MSEE “prepares graduates with the design and analysis skills to take on advanced electrical engineering and communications projects at the cutting edge of technology.” Emphasis is placed on communication and signal processing and the program’s coursework focuses on the transmission, measurement, processing, analysis, and interpretation of all types of information-bearing signals. Featured courses include Mathematical and Computational Methods for Engineering; Digital Signal Processing & Its Applications; and Sensing & Processing for Robotics.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university located in Houghton, Michigan. Established in 1884, the University’s mission is to “create solutions for society’s challenges by delivering action-based undergraduate and graduate education, discovering new knowledge through research, and launching new technologies through innovation.” Its vision is to be “a globally recognized technological university that educates students, advances knowledge, and innovates to improve the quality of life and to promote mutual respect and equity for all people within the state, the nation, and the global community.” Michigan Tech offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs to over 7,000 students through its several colleges and schools. These include the Graduate School; the College of Engineering; the College of Sciences and Arts; the School of Technology; the School of Business and Economics; the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science; and Pavlis Honors College.

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20. University of Southern California

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of Southern California offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering. The program is designed to equip students with the “professional skills necessary to compete effectively in a world of rapid technological change as well as to assume leadership roles within industrial, entrepreneurial, academic, or governmental environments in the broad context of electrical engineering.” Known for its academic leadership, the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering has participated and led in research in several innovative areas including adaptive and reconfigurable mixed signal integrated circuits; antenna networks; bio-signal processing; computer architecture; very-large-scale integration (VLSI) and computer-aided design (CAD); computer networks; control systems; high speed switching architectures; signal, image and multimedia processing; nanotechnology; optical communications; photonics; and quantum information processing. USC’s MS in Electrical Engineering requires a minimum of 28 units for the general degree and a minimum of 20 units within electrical engineering.

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private, four-year institution of higher education located in University Park in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California. One of the world’s leading private research universities, USC is as an anchor institution in Los Angeles as well as a global center for the arts, technology, and international business, thanks, in part to its diverse curricula offerings. Beginning in 1880 with just 53 students and 10 teachers, today the University boasts over 43,000 students, including nearly 19,000 undergraduates, while maintaining a low student to faculty ratio of 9 to 1. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools including the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences which is located on its main campus as well as several professional schools.

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21. Iowa State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Online Master of Engineering

Program Details: Iowa State University offers both the Master of Engineering and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering. Offered through the Graduate College, students have the option of choosing an area of emphasis in Communications and Signal Processing, Electric Power and Energy Systems, Electromagnetics, Bioengineering, Microwaves and Nondestructive Evaluation, Microelectronics and Photonics, Systems and Controls, and in VLSI Design. The Master of Engineering degree requires an average 3 years to complete, while the Master of Science median time to complete is less than two and a half years. While both the M.S. and the M. Eng. have online learning options, the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is the University’s main course-based program designed primarily for online students. Offered 100% online through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, students may choose a specialized area of study to suit their career goals and interests.

Iowa State University is a public, land-grant university located in Ames, Iowa. Ranked as one of the most beautiful in the country, Iowa State University’s 1,900-acre campus is just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital and most populated city and business center. Known for its student-centered culture and excellence in science and technology, Iowa State University (abbreviated ISU) was established in 1858, holding its first class in 1869. Famous alumni include George Washington Carver, Carrie Chapman Catt, and John Vincent Atanasoff. ISU currently offers more than 100 bachelor’s degrees, 112 master’s degrees, and over 80 doctoral programs through its several colleges and schools. The University’s mission is to “create, share and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.” A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, an invitation-only organization of the top 62 research institutions in the United States and Canada, ISU’s research enterprise includes nearly 100 centers and institutes with world-class facilities and award-winning researchers.

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22. Drexel University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Drexel University offers the online accredited Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. A high-level graduate program, the degree is designed to provide students with “strong foundations in theory, to equip [students] with the skills necessary to grasp and develop new technologies and trends in the electrical engineering field.” Taught with the intention for students to make immediate contributions to the workplace and become a leader in the industry, the program features courses which cover the areas of Computer Engineering, Power Engineering, Controls, Robotics, Signal Processing, Telecommunications Engineering, Solid State Physics and Electronics, and more. Taught by highly experienced faculty members who are successful professionals within the field, the program features a highly interactive online delivery method which is designed to provide maximum convenience for working professionals while remaining challenging and engaging for students. Students also have the option to take electives from the Engineering Management Program and other graduate disciplines.

Drexel University is a private comprehensive institution located on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1891, Drexel possesses a global reputation built on its many achievements including leadership in experiential learning through Drexel Co-op. The University offers more than 200 degree programs through its 15 colleges and schools and Drexel Online provides busy students with innovative, internet-based programs that build upon the University’s pioneering efforts in online education which began as early as 1996. Drexel University’s mission is to fulfill its founders’ vision of “preparing each new generation of students for productive professional and civic lives while also focusing our collective expertise on solving society’s greatest problems.” Its mission statement continues, “Drexel is an academically comprehensive and globally engaged urban research university, dedicated to advancing knowledge and society and to providing every student with a valuable, rigorous, experiential, technology-infused education, enriched by the nation’s premier co-operative education program”

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23. Clarkson University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Clarkson University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, available through the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Designed for both working professionals and recent graduates, the program is ideal for electrical engineers who are interested in advancing both their knowledge and careers and for students whose desire to expand their knowledge by “applying the latest technologies in growing industries in the region and around the world.” The program is available in evening onsite courses, online, and in a hybrid delivery format (a combination of the two) and is offered with part-time study options.  The curriculum is designed to “expand [students] understanding of areas such as modern electric machinery, modeling, control of power electronics, superconductivity, synchronous generation, fuel cell engineering, photovoltaics and more.”

Clarkson University is an independent, nonprofit, nationally recognized technological university located in Potsdam, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Clarkson University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate program through its several schools, departments, and institutes. These include the David D. Reh School of Business; The Clarkson School (Early College Program); the Graduate School; the Institute For A Sustainable Environment; the Institute For STEM Education; the School of Arts & Sciences; and the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering. Clarkson University’s primary mission is to “educate talented and motivated men and women to become successful professionals through quality pre-collegiate, undergraduate, graduate, and professional continuing education programs, with particular emphasis on the undergraduate experience.” This statement continues, “We share the belief that “humane and environmentally sound economic and social development derive from the expansion, diffusion, and application of knowledge.”

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24. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Missouri University of Science and Technology offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Available in a distance education format, the program is designed to prepare students to “provide leadership in the recognition and solution of society’s problems in the area of electrical engineering.” The program includes some specialization in one or more areas of emphasis, with options including circuits; communications and signal processing; computer engineering; control systems technology; electromagnetic; electronics; and power. A 30-credit hour program, the degree offers both thesis and non-thesis options with six hours of research required for the thesis.

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a four-year public research university located in Rolla, Missouri. One of the first technological institutions established west of the Mississippi, the University was founded in 1870. Missouri S&T is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers over 95 degree programs in more than 35 areas of study through its two colleges: the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and the College of Engineering and Computing. The University’s mission is to integrate “education, research and application to create and convey knowledge that serves our state and helps solve the world’s great challenges.” Its vision is to be “the leading public technological research university for discovery, creativity and innovation.” This statement continues, “We will cultivate curiosity, creativity and confidence in our graduates. We will be the institution of choice for partners around the world seeking a highly qualified, talented and entrepreneurial workforce; innovative research; relevant educational programs, products and services; and technology and ideas to solve the great challenges of our time.”

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25. Stevens Institute of Technology

Online Masters in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Stevens Institute of Technology offers the Masters in Electrical Engineering. A flexible program, the curriculum is designed to provide students “the ideal mix of theory, applied research and technical knowledge [needed] to pursue a lucrative career in design and development.” Students are given the option to pursue a thesis for both the Master of Engineering and the Master of Science degrees. Several areas of concentration are available in the areas of Robotics and Control; Computer Architectures; Embedded Systems; Microelectronics and Photonics; Communications and Signal Processing; Power Engineering; Software Engineering; Data Engineering; Networks and Security; and Networks: Business Practices. Outcomes of the program include possession of hands-on project experience; a solid mathematical and technological background; possession of knowledge of state-of-the-art modern topics; and the ability to blend hardware, software, and data analytics skills to support a chosen concentration focus.

Stevens Institute of Technology is a premier private research university located in Hoboken, New Jersey, overlooking New York City. Established in 1870, the Institution’s mission is “to inspire, nurture and educate leaders in tomorrow’s technology-centric environment while contributing to the solution of the most challenging problems of our time.” The Institution is known for its unique curriculum which blends technological training, teamwork, design projects, internships, and cooperative education opportunities. A private institution governed by a Board of Trustees, the Stevens Institute of Technology comprises the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science, the School of Business, the School of Systems & Enterprises, and the College of Arts and Letters. Home to 7,000 students, the value of Stevens’ education is evident as graduates are in constant high demand by both industry leaders and agencies.

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26. Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Online Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Virginia Polytechnic Institute offers the Master of Science degree and the Master of Engineering degree in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Designed to meet the unique and individual needs of graduate students, the Master of Science degree requires a thesis for completion while the Master of Engineering requires a project and report. Several areas of specialized study are offered within the Electrical Engineering program with options including communications; electromagnetic; electronic components, circuits, and systems; signals, systems & controls; power; and photonics.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more commonly referred to as Virginia Tech, is a public, land-grant university headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia. Located on a beautiful 2,600-acre campus, the University’s main site features over 200 buildings and includes an airport. Established in 1872, Virginia Tech’s mission is to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world. Committed to providing a hands-on and engaging education, Virginia Tech offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs including over 100 majors and 150 masters and doctoral degrees through its nine colleges and graduate school. The University has a total enrollment figure of over 33,000 students who come from all around the country and globe and boasts a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1. With the motto, “Ut Prosim” (“That I May Serve”), the “discovery and dissemination of new knowledge” is at the core of Virginia Tech’s mission. Its formal mission statement declares, “Through its focus on teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and engagement, the university creates, conveys, and applies knowledge to expand personal growth and opportunity, advance social and community development, foster economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life.”

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27. Georgia Institute of Technology

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: Georgia Institute of Technology offers the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Designed to provide the “technical know-how to compete in the high tech industry of computer development,” the program’s course work prepares students by equipping them with the skills necessary to face the “project deadlines, technical problems, and creative invention required to succeed in today’s fast-paced world of technology.” Offered online, the curriculum features a high-quality and rigorous academic content that was designed to allow students to learn on their own time from any location around the globe.

Georgia Institute of Technology, more often referred to as Georgia Tech, is a leading public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Committed to “improving the human condition through advanced science and technology,” Georgia Tech offers a technologically focused education in fields ranging from engineering, computing, and sciences, to business, design, and liberal arts. Home to over 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the University comprises several colleges including the College of Design;  the College of Computing; the College of Engineering; the College of Sciences; the Scheller College of Business; and the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. Georgia Tech operates under the motto of “Progress and Service” and seeks to fulfill this ideal through “effectiveness and innovation in teaching and learning, our research advances, and entrepreneurship in all sectors of society.” Its formal mission statement declares, “We will be leaders in improving the human condition in Georgia, the United States, and around the globe.” The University’s vision is to “define the technological research university of the twenty-first century,” and to be “leaders in influencing major technological, social, and policy decisions that address critical global challenges.”

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28. Syracuse University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Syracuse University offers the online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Created by Syracuse University’s distinguished faculty, the curriculum is “built around current industry innovations and trends” and is designed to expand students’ field of scientific knowledge and skills, pushing “engineers to the forefront of their field with an immersive and concentrated educational experience.” A 30-credit degree program, a thesis is optional. A bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering is recommended, though not required; students without an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering are required to take specified additional courses in order to make up for any deficiencies in their preparation.

Syracuse University is a private, nonprofit, research university located in Syracuse, New York.  Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University serves over 22,000 students each year and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the School of Architecture; College of Arts and Sciences; School of Education; College of Engineering and Computer Science; The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics; School of Information Studies; College of Law; The Martin J. Whitman School of Management; Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications; College of Visual and Performing Arts; University College; and the Graduate School. Syracuse University’s mission is to support student success through “Encouraging global study, experiential learning, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurial endeavors; Balancing professional studies with an intensive liberal arts education; Fostering a richly diverse and inclusive community of learning and opportunity; Promoting a culture of innovation and discovery; and Supporting faculty, staff, and student collaboration in creative activity and research that address emerging opportunities and societal needs.”

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29. University of South Carolina-Columbia

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Online Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of South Carolina offers the Master of Engineering and Master of Science, both in Electrical Engineering, through the College of Engineering and Computing. The latter is a research-oriented degree which requires 24 hours of graduate coursework and a thesis for completion while the M.E. (Master of Engineering) in Electrical Engineering degree is a 30-credit-hour, non-thesis program geared especially towards working engineers who are limited in their access to a research laboratory.  The thesis research requirement of the M.S. in Electrical Engineering may be conducted in nearly any sub-discipline of electrical engineering which coincides with the research interest of the University’s faculties. Specific areas of specialization include Power systems; Power electronics; Simulation environments for power electronics and interdisciplinary systems; Microwave power amplifier and MOS devices based on wide bandgap semiconductors; Growth device processing, and characterization of wide bandgap (SiC and GanN) semiconductors; Nanoelectronics; Electromagnetic scattering; Wireless communication applications; Outdoor and indoor wave propagation; Millimeter-wave integrated circuits; Microwave and antenna design; and Electronic packaging.

The University of South Carolina is a public, research university located in Columbia, South Carolina.

One of only 32 universities to earn the Carnegie Foundation’s top-tier designations in both research activity and community engagement, the University of South Carolina has also been named a Best Value in Public Colleges by Kiplinger’s and Princeton Review. The University was established in 1801 as part of an effort to unite South Carolinians following the American Revolution. Originally called South Carolina College, the school survived the Civil War and in 1906 was re-chartered, growing into the thriving University as it is known today. Its mission is “the education of the state’s residents through teaching, research, creative activity and community engagement.” A wide range of programs are offered through the University’s several colleges and schools.

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30. University of Florida

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: The University of Florida offers a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the Department of Electric and Computer Engineering (ECE). Available as either a Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree, the program is delivered online and designed to provide lifelong support for engineering professional development. The curriculum covers both broad and specific topics with courses such as Foundations of Digital Signal Processing; VLSI Circuits and Technology; Noise in Linear Systems; Reconfigurable Computing; Principles of Computer System Design; Advanced Systems Programming; Cross Layered Systems Security; and much more. Taught through the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the College’s mission is to foster and provide “world-class programs in engineering education, research and service to enhance the economic and social well-being of the citizens of Florida, the nation and the world.”

The University of Florida is a public, land-, sea-, and space-grant research university located in Gainsville, Florida. Classified as a Research University with Very High Research by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the University of Florida is home to approximately 5,000 faculty members, many of whom have distinguished teaching and research records, including two Pulitzer Prize-winning members. The University’s origins date back to the East Florida Seminary (established in 1853), the oldest of the four institutions that merged to become the University of Florida (UF). UF is the third largest Florida university (according to student population) and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). UF also holds the distinction of being the only university in Florida to be a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an invitation-organization made up of the 62 premier research universities in North America.

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31. Western New England University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Western New England University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering. Taking an engineering science-intensive approach, the program is designed to increase students’ understanding and problem-solving abilities. Several concentration options are offered, including mechatronics, electrical, and computer engineering, allowing students to customize the program to match their interests and unique career goals. Catering to both full- and part-time students, the program places particular emphasis on “providing training, experience in performing independent research on topics with theoretical as well as applied interest, and managing projects.” A number of core courses are required to satisfy the requirements for an advanced degree in electrical engineering in Engineering Management or Project Management; Design Experiments; System Integration; and Advanced Electrical Engineering Analysis.

Western New England University (WNE) is a private comprehensive institution located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1919, the University is proud to uphold a long tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship and remains strongly committed to service. Comprising the Colleges of
Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the School of Law, WNE is one of a few U.S. comprehensive institutions with an enrollment under 5,000 to be recognized with national and international accreditations at the highest levels in law, business, engineering, and social work. The University’s mission is to provide “an unwavering focus on and attention to each student’s academic and personal development, including learning outside the classroom.” Its formal mission statement continues, “Western New England University develops leaders and problem-solvers from among our students, whether in academics, intercollegiate athletics, extracurricular and cocurricular programs, collaborative research projects with faculty, or in partnership with the local community.”

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32. Auburn University

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: Auburn University offers the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Available online, the Master of Science is a non-thesis degree program which features courses in control systems and robotics, digital signal processing and communications, wireless engineering, electromagnetic modeling and analysis, microelectronics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), and more. Offered through the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the institution’s vision is to provide “leading research that improves the quality of life and fosters economic competitiveness,” while providing the “best student-centered engineering experience in America.”

Auburn University is a public research university located in Auburn, Alabama. The first land-grant institution in the south, the University began as the East Alabama Male College, established under the Morrill Act in 1872. As early as 1892 the institution became co-educational. Today the University has a total enrollment figure of nearly 30,000 and offers well over 100 degree programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agriculture; College of Architecture, Design, and Construction; Raymond J. Harbert College of Business; College of Education; Samuel Ginn College of Engineering; School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences; College of Human Sciences; College of Liberal Arts; School of Nursing; College of Sciences and Mathematics; and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Auburn University also offers several programs which may be earned 100% online or in a blend of on-campus and online delivery methods. Auburn University’s mission is to “serve the citizens of the State through its instructional, research and outreach programs and prepare Alabamians to respond successfully to the challenges of a global economy. “

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33. University of Wisconsin Madison

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the Department of Engineering Professional Development. A 30-credit-hour program, on average the degree can be completed in 2-4 years (depending on whether enrolled full- or part-time). The M.S. in Electrical Engineering program is designed to prepare professionals for leading industry positions within the areas of power electronics, electric power, motor drives, and electric machines. The program’s mission is to provide graduate students an “applicable and theoretical knowledge in power electronics, including alternative energy, through research and study of technological and conceptual innovations in electrical and computer engineering.” Each course is developed to be directly applicable in the student’s work within the industry and the program is suitable for both recent graduates as well as seasoned professionals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public, comprehensive, research institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 1848, the University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of programs including over 250 master’s, doctoral, and professional programs and over 200 undergraduate majors and certificates through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences; the College of Engineering; the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; Wisconsin University Law School; the College of Letters & Science; the School of Medicine & Public Health; the Mead Witter School of Music; the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs; and more.  The University’s mission is to “provide a learning environment in which faculty, staff, and students can discover, examine critically, preserve and transmit the knowledge, wisdom and values that will help ensure the survival of this and future generations and improve the quality of life for all.”

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34. University of Delaware

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: The University of Delaware offers an online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through the College of Engineering. A leader in innovative engineering design and education, UD’s master’s in electrical and computer engineering program is designed to prepare students to “lead in the development of sophisticated engineering solutions proactively designed to repel cyber threats,” as well as to “master advanced information processing concepts and application through a cybersecurity lens.” The program requires 30-credit hours and features courses available via online delivery. The curriculum covers foundational theory combined with hands-on skill building to “challenge [students] to develop efficient designs and algorithms that incorporate defenses against cyber threats during information exchange.”

The University of Delaware is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant university located in Newark, Delaware. Committed to excellence in education, research, and service, UD’s mission is to “cultivate learning, develop knowledge and foster the free exchange of ideas.” This mission statement continues, “the University has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, research, teaching and service that is grounded in a commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society. ” Strategically located halfway between Washington D.C. and New York City, the University of Delaware (abbreviated UD) began as a private academy in 1783 and is one of the oldest in the nation. In 1833 the college was chartered by the state of Delaware and in 1921 was officially named the University of Delaware. A “research-intensive, technologically advanced university with a global impact”, one of UD’s interesting historical tidbits is that it claims the U.S.’s first study abroad program which set sail in July of 1923. Today over 30% of students study abroad each year in one of the University’s 100-plus programs in over 400 countries.

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35. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers an online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Designed for professionals, the program’s mission is to strengthen students’ “command of the latest techniques/methodologies in electrical engineering, develop the technological and creative-thinking skills necessary to deliver innovative solutions to real-world electrical engineering challenges, and cultivate the professional development tools needed to become a leader/manager in a world of increasing technological complexity.” Several areas of specialization are offered within the broader degree program, including telecommunications, robotics and control, signal and image processing, and power and energy. Applicants are required to hold an undergraduate degree in a related science field and possess a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. The master’s in electrical engineering degree requires a minimum of 30 credits for degree completion, including six credits obtained by taking two prescribed Core Courses.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is New Jersey State’s public polytechnic university. Located in Newark, New Jersey, the University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs. Comprising six specialized schools, these include the Newark College of Engineering; the College of Science and Liberal Arts; the College of Architecture and Design; the Ying Wu College of Computing; the Martin Tuchman School of Management; and the Albert Dorman Honors College. In its mission statement, NJIT declares its intention to “prepare its graduates for positions of leadership as professionals and as citizens; provide educational opportunities for a broadly diverse student body; respond to needs of large and small businesses, state and local governmental agencies, and civic organizations; partner with educational institutions at all levels to accomplish its mission; and advance the uses of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as a means of improving the quality of life.”

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36. Stanford University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Stanford University Online offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the Stanford School of Engineering. Designed to provide students with an advanced preparation for either professional practice or junior college-level educators, the program offers a strong foundation in physical science and mathematics combined with a broad knowledge of engineering techniques and the relationship between technology and society. The curriculum is designed to offer “the breadth of education and depth of training necessary for leadership in the profession.” Part-time students generally require an average of 3-5 years to complete the program, which requires 45-units; the master’s degree must be completed within 5 years of beginning the program. The majority of the M.S. in Electrical Engineering program may be completed online, however, on-site requirements may exist, depending on the student’s program plan, the area of focus, and course offerings.

Stanford University is a private, nonprofit institution and one of the world’s leading research universities. Located in Stanford, California in California’s Bay Area, an area known as a dynamic intellect and cultural diversity, the University has a total research budget of $1.64 billion with over 6,200 externally sponsored projects. Known for its entrepreneurial character, due in part to its relationship to Silicon Valley, the University was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford in 1885 in memory of their only child, Leland Jr., who died at the tender age of 15. Stanford University is currently accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and comprises seven schools which offer a wide range of graduate and undergraduate degree programs. These include the School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences; Graduate School of Business; School of Humanities and Sciences; School of Engineering; School of Medicine; Graduate School of Education; and the Stanford Law School. 

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37. Arizona State University

Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Arizona State University offers the Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering through ASU Online and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The program is designed to prepare students for expanded career opportunities as well as connect them to the challenges of global integration. Several areas of concentration are offered in physical electronics and photonics, electronic and mixed-signal circuit design, signal processing and communications, and electromagnetic, antennas and microwave circuits. Taught by the Schools of Engineering faculty members, all of the 320+ faculty members are passionate about teaching and experts in their field and many have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include Nobel Laureate; National Academy of Engineering members; National Academy of Sciences members; National Academy of Inventors members; National Academy of Construction members; and more than 55 young investigator awards received in the last 10 years.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a leading public research university located in downtown Tempe, Arizona, in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. ASU operates several campuses and regional learning centers all across the state and is one of the largest public universities in the country in terms of enrollment. Classified by Carnegie as a research university with the “highest research activity”, the University has been named the most innovative university in America. Established in 1885 by an act passed by the Arizona Territorial Legislature, ASU was originally called the Territorial Normal School at Tempe. In 1945 the school became Arizona State College and in 1958 was renamed Arizona State University. In addition to its traditional campus degree programs, ASU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its online platform which is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. ASU’s online classes are taught by the same faculty and students receive the same diploma as traditional students.

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38. University of Colorado Boulder

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Online Master Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of Colorado Boulder offers the Master Engineering and the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the Graduate School and the Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering (ECEE) Department at CU. The Electrical Engineering program is offered with several areas of concentrated study and research in the fields of biomedical and biological engineering; communications and signal processing; computer engineering (including VLSI/CAD) and software engineering; dynamics, robotics, and controls; electromagnetics, RF and microwave engineering; embedded systems engineering; optics and photonics; power electronics and renewable energy systems; remote sensing; and nano structures and devices. GRE general exam scores (no older than 5 years) are required for the Master of Science degree; there are no GRE score requirements for admission into the Master of Engineering program.

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) is a four-year, public, research university located in Boulder, Colorado. One of just 34 U.S. public research institutions to belong to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), CU-Boulder is the only member in the Rocky Mountain region to hold this membership. The University’s mission is to “directly affect Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.” This statement continues, “Our faculty, staff and students work with the broader community to establish unique connections that have lasting outcomes – both across Colorado and around the world.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, CU-Boulder offers over 3,800 courses in 150 fields of study through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts & Sciences; the Leeds School of Business; the School of Education; the College of Engineering and Applied Science; the Graduate School; the University of Colorado Law School; the College of Media, Communication and Information; the College of Music; and the Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

39. Texas Tech University

Online Master in Engineering

Program Details: Texas Tech University offers the Master of Engineering through the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. A minimum 36-credit-hour program, the online Master of Engineering is an interdisciplinary, non-thesis degree created especially for practicing engineers. Because it does not include a thesis, students are required to pass a final comprehensive examination at the end of the program. The goal for every student is to offer a well-rounded knowledge of the engineering field and students are able to select from several tracks within the various engineering disciplines or design their own program of study to create a program that is uniquely tailored to their educational needs and professional goals.

Texas Tech University is a comprehensive public research university located in Lubbock, Texas. With a heritage dating back to 1923, the University operates under the umbrella of the Texas Tech University System (TTUS) and is one of four component institutions which are governed by the TTUS Board of Regents. Texas Tech is firmly committed to both teaching and the advancement of knowledge and to provide the “highest standards of excellence in higher education, [which] fosters intellectual and personal development, and stimulated meaningful research and service to humankind.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources; College of Architecture; College of Arts & Sciences; Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration; College of Education; Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering; Honors College; College of Human Sciences; College of Media & Communication; J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts; Graduate School; and the School of Law.

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40. Washington State University

Online Professional Science Master in Electric Power Engineering (PSM)

Program Details: Washington State University offers the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree in Electric Power Engineering through its Global Campus. Combining professional management training with advanced technical courses, the program is designed to provide graduates with an in-depth knowledge of electric power engineering as well as the necessary managerial skills to advance in their field. Specific courses include power system analysis, power system economics, and electricity markets for the technical aspect of the program and law, finance, communication, and ethics for the business portion of the degree. Electives are available in areas including power electronics, renewable energy, and high voltage engineering. Offered through the College of Engineering, the program is designed to produce uniquely qualified professionals who are equipped to “meet the increasing demand for power engineering leaders with both technical skills and professional management training.”

Washington State University is a four-year, public land-grant institution located in Pullman, Washington. A top-tier research university, the University began in 1890 as Washington State’s original land-grant institution. Its core commitment is stated as such, “Washington State University is a public research university committed to its land-grant heritage and tradition of service to society.”The University’s mission is three-fold: “To advance knowledge through creative research and scholarship across a wide range of academic disciplines. To extend knowledge through innovative educational programs… To apply knowledge through local and global engagement that will improve quality of life and enhance the economy of the state, nation, and world.” Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Washington State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs both on-campus and online through its several colleges. These include the Colleges of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; Arts and Sciences; Business; Communication; Education; Engineering and Architecture; the Honors College; Medicine; Nursing; Pharmacy; and Veterinary Medicine.

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41. Oklahoma State University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Oklahoma State University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Available through its School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the School’s mission is to “provide a high-quality, comprehensive electrical and computer engineering education for both undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students.” The M.S. in Electrical Engineering is available with several major areas of emphasis in both course offerings and research. Specific areas of specialized study include communications, speech and image processing, laser applications, computer systems, digital and analog VLSI design, electronics, control theory, real-time system control, renewable energy systems, electric power economics, microwave remote sensing, expert system development, and parallel processing. Objectives of the program include equipping graduates to be prepared for employment across the range of sub-disciplines within electrical engineering; for graduates to be recognized as leaders, team players, problem solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs in their profession; for graduates to continue to develop professionally throughout their lives by being adaptive learners; and for graduates to make a positive difference in the world.

Oklahoma State University is a four-year, public, land-grant university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Arts and Sciences; Education; Health and Aviation; Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Human Sciences; the Spears School of Business; the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences; the Graduate College; the Honors College; the School of Global Studies and Partnerships; and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Oklahoma State University’s mission is to promote learning, advance knowledge, enrich lives, and stimulate economic development through teaching, research, extension, outreach, and creative activities. Its vision is to “lead in the creation of a better Oklahoma, nation, and world by advancing the quality of life for all, and… fulfill the obligations of a first-class, land-grant educational institution.”

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42. Illinois Institute of Technology

Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Details: The Illinois Institute of Technology offers the master of Electrical and Computer Engineering through the Armour College of Engineering. A course-only degree program, the program is designed to “prepare students for leading edge positions in industry in the fields of electrical and computer engineering.” Specific courses within the program include circuit analysis; digital systems; electrodynamics; signals and systems; engineering electronics; multivariate and vector calculus; and differential equations. Students work with an advisor to create a program tailored to meet their needs and career goals, focusing on one or more areas of specialization. Specialization options include communication systems; computer communication, computer engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics, electronics, VLSI and microelectronics, power systems, and signal and image processing.

The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), located in Chicago, Illinois, is a private, nonprofit, technology-focused research university. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, IIT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, science, architecture, business, design, human sciences, applied technology, and law through its several colleges, schools, and institutes. These include the Armour College of Engineering; the Chicago-Kent College of Law; the College of Architecture; the College of Science; the Institute of Design; the Institute for Food Safety and Health; the Lewis College of Human Sciences; the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering; School of Applied Technology; the Stuart School of Business; and the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER). The University’s overarching mission is to “provide distinctive and relevant education in an environment of scientific, technological, and professional knowledge creation and innovation.” Its vision is to be “internationally recognized in distinctive areas of education and research, using as its platform the global city of Chicago, driven by a professional and technology-oriented focus, and based on a culture of innovation and excellence.”

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43. Texas A & M University

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Texas A&M University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering. Designed to “develop new understanding through research and creativity,” students enrolled in the program have the option of pursuing either a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science degree. A 32-semester-credit-hour program, the degree is offered through the College’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and provides both the depth and breadth necessary for professionals in the field of advanced engineering. Areas of study include analog and mixed signal, biomedical imaging and genomic signal processing, computer engineering, electromagnetic and microwaves, electric power and power electronics, solid state electronics, photonics and nano-engineering, telecommunications, signal processing and controls.

Texas A&M University is a research-intensive, flagship university located in College Station, Texas. Established in 1876, Texas A&M University was Texas’ first public institution of higher education. The University’s mission is to be “dedicated to the discovery, development, communication, and application of knowledge in a wide range of academic and professional fields.” This statement continues, declaring that its goal of “providing the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs is inseparable from its mission of developing new understandings through research and creativity. It prepares students to assume roles in leadership, responsibility and service to society.” Texas A&M University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges and departments. These include the College of Agriculture and Life Science; College of Architecture; Mays Business School; College of Dentistry; College of Education & Human Development; College of Engineering; College of Geosciences; Bush School of Government & Public Service; School of Innovation; School of Law; College of Liberal Arts; College of Medicine; College of Nursing; Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy; School of Public Health; College of Science; and the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

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44. Rochester Institute of Technology

Online Master of Engineering in Microelectronics Manufacturing Engineering

Program Details: Rochester Institute of Technology offers the Master of Engineering in Microelectronics Manufacturing Engineering through the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. A broad-based education program, the degree is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the semiconductor industry and who already hold a bachelor’s degree in traditional engineering or one of the other science disciplines. A 30-credit-hour program, desired outcomes include the ability to design and understand a sequence of processing steps to fabricate a solid state device; the ability to analyze experimental electrical data; the ability to understand current lithographic materials, processes, and systems to meet imaging and/or device patterning requirements; and to appreciate the areas of specialty in the field of microelectronics, such as device engineering, circuit design, lithography, materials and processes, and yield and manufacturing.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a privately endowed, coeducational university located in Rochester, New York. Established in 1829, RIT emphasizes career education and experiential learning. The University’s mission statement is to prepare “its students for successful careers in a global society” through a “unique blend of curricular, experiential, and research programs delivered within a student-centric culture.” Its vision is to “be a great world university whose academic portfolio, research agenda, and educational model align with the shifting needs of a complex planet.” Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, RIT comprises several colleges and schools, including the College of Applied Science and Technology; the Saunders College of Business; the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences; the Kate Gleason College of Engineering; the College of Health Sciences and Technology; the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences; the College of Liberal Arts; the National Technical Institute for the Deaf; the College of Science; and the Golisano Institute for Sustainability.

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45. Columbia University City of New York

Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: Columbia University offers the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree through the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. A flexible and customizable program, the degree can be tailored to meet each student’s individual educational needs and career goals. Students have the option of pursuing electrical engineering disciplines in depth as well as choose from a selection of courses from other available engineering majors, including topics such as physical devices, circuits and systems, communications and networking, signal, information and data processing, computer engineering, smart electric energy, systems biology and neuroengineering.

Columbia University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located on West and Broadway in New York, New York. Established in 1754 as the King’s College by the royal charter of King George II of England, Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. The University’s mission is to be “one of the world’s most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields.” Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation; Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; School of the Arts; Barnard College; Columbia Business School; Columbia College; Columbia Journalism School; Columbia Law School; College of Dental Medicine; Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science; School of General Studies; School of International and Public Affairs; Jewish Theological Seminary; School of Nursing; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; School of Professional Studies; Mailman School of Public Health; School of Social Work; Teachers College; and the Union Theological Seminary.

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46. University of Cincinnati

Online Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Program Details: The University of Cincinnati offers the Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering as an 18-month-long, 30-credit-hour, online program. A practical, pragmatic, non-research degree, the program does not require a thesis and is subject to the same rigorous engineering coursework as a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with the addition of non-technology business courses. The program is designed to offer “the latest in embedded systems technology, providing not only the technical knowledge of advanced microsystems, but also the management of professionals and effective leadership within a technical environment.” Career opportunities for graduates cover a wide range including software engineer, hardware engineer, electronics engineer, research scientist, system designer, system developer, software tester, software designer, hardware designer, system analyst, lead engineer, and lead designer.

The University of Cincinnati is a premier, public, urban research university located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The University traces its origins back to 1819 when the Medical College of Ohio and Cincinnati College were both chartered. In 1870 the City of Cincinnati formally established the University of Cincinnati which eventually absorbed the two predecessor institutions. Classified by the Carnegie Commission as a Research University with Very High Research Activity, the University of Cincinnati (UC) has also been ranked as one of the top 25 public research universities by the National Science Foundation. The University holds accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs, including several of which are available in online formats.

In its formal mission statement, the University declares its dedication to “undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, experience-based learning, and research” and a commitment to “excellence and diversity in our students, faculty, staff, and all our activity.” The mission statement continues, “We provide an inclusive environment where innovation and freedom of intellectual inquiry flourish.”

47. Kennesaw State University

Online Master of Science in Applied Engineering (emphasis in Electrical Engineering)

Program Details: Kennesaw State University offers the Master of Science in Applied Engineering with an emphasis in Electrical through its Online Learning department and the Department of Engineering & Engineering Technology. Offered entirely online, the program is taught by faculty members who possess real-world experience in electrical engineering and are skilled and passionate educators. A broad-based program, the degree is designed to “meet the needs of individuals who wish to pursue advanced studies in modern electrical, electronic or computer engineering and technologies in order to fulfill their personal or career goals.” Outcomes of the program include the ability to apply mathematics to advanced engineering related problems; design and conduct experiments and analyze and interpret results; exhibit an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems; communicate in written, oral and multi-media formats; and design experiments using sound engineering principles.  

Kennesaw State University, located on two campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, is a member of the University System of Georgia and one of the 50 largest public institutions in the nation. A Carnegie-designated doctoral institution, Kennesaw State has been elevated to an R3 classification (a doctoral institution with moderate research activity) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the University offers approximately 150 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs through its several colleges. These include the Bagwell College of Education; Coles College of Business; College of Architecture and Construction Management; College of Computing and Software Engineering; College of Continuing and Professional Education; Honors College; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Science and Mathematics; College of the Arts; Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering & Engineering Technology; Graduate College; University College; and the WellStar College of Health and Human Services.

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48. University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Online Master of Science Engineering (concentration in Electrical Engineering)

Program Details: The University of Tennessee Chattanooga offers the Master of Science Engineering with a concentration in Electrical Engineering. Available through the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Electrical Engineering, the program offers specialized study options in the areas of Power Systems, Control Systems, Communication Systems, and Computer Hardware. Taught by expert faculty, the program is further augmented by the contributions of practicing engineers from local companies. Students are required to complete a series of eight graduate courses with a thesis or ten graduate courses and a project in order to complete the program. Offered in evening classes or online, the program is designed in such a way as to provide flexibility and convenience for working professionals and part-time students.

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) is a public, coeducational institution of higher education located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Established in 1886 by a Methodist Episcopal Church, UTC began as a private school and remained this way for its first 80-plus years. In 1969 the then-University of Chattanooga and a junior college, the Chattanooga City College, merged with the University of Tennessee (one of the oldest land-grant institutions in the country) to form the UTC campus. When it was formed, the new campus was charged with the mandate to “devote a major portion of its resources to the development of excellence in undergraduate education and in selected areas of graduate study.” Today, UTC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its four colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. UTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and serves as a national model for metropolitan universities.

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49. Louisiana Tech University

Online Master of Science in Engineering (concentration in Electrical Engineering)

Program Details: Louisiana Tech University offers the Master of Science in Engineering. Available with a concentration on electrical engineering, the M.S. in Engineering is an interdisciplinary program which provides students the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of engineering while placing a strong emphasis on research. A 30-36 credit-hour program (depending on the student’s chosen track), the Electrical Engineering concentration equips students to “apply the laws of electrical circuitry to design, develop and improve electronics and solid-state devices, and to control, convert and distribute energy and information.”

Louisiana Tech University is a four-year, public, research university located in Ruston, Louisiana. A highly selective institution, Louisiana Tech is a member of the University of Louisiana System and boasts a total enrollment figure of nearly 13,000 students who come from nearly all fifty states and over 60 foreign countries. Committed to “quality in teaching, research, creative activity, public service, and economic development,” the University’s highest priority is the “education and development of its students in a challenging, yet safe and supportive, community of learners.” Its formal mission statement declares, “Louisiana Tech provides a technology-rich, interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research environment to ensure student and faculty success.” Louisiana Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees and also boasts several program- and school-specific accreditations. The University comprises several colleges and the Graduate School, including the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Science, and the College of Liberal Arts.

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50. University of Wisconsin Platteville

Online Master of Science in Engineering

Program Details: The University of Wisconsin Platteville offers the Master of Science in Engineering through its Distance Education Department. Available with several areas of emphasis, options include Engineering Design; Applications of Engineering management; Control (Electrical Systems); and Structural/Geotechnical Engineering. An area of emphasis is earned by completing a minimum of 9 credits within the student’s chosen area of study. Several core courses, equaling 12 credits, are also required with specific courses including Engineering Communications; Linear Algebra; Applied Statistics; Simulation Modeling of Engineering Systems; Optimization with Engineering Applications; and Engineering Management. A 30-credit-hour degree program, each core course is worth three credits, unless stated otherwise.

The University of Wisconsin Platteville (UW Platteville) is a comprehensive, four-year, public institution located in Platteville, Wisconsin. Established as the Platteville Academy in 1866, the institution eventually became the Normal College and Mining School before the formation of UW Platteville in 1871. A pioneer in distance education and online learning, the University offers over 40 undergraduate majors, more than a dozen pre-professional programs, two graduate degrees, and five online graduate program options. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and operates with a mission to provide associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in a broad spectrum of disciplines including: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; criminal justice; education; business; agriculture; and the liberal arts.” This mission statement continues, “We promote excellence by using a personal, hands-on approach to empower each student to become broader in perspective, intellectually more astute, ethically more responsible, and to contribute wisely as an accomplished professional and knowledgeable citizen in a diverse global community.” The University’s vision is to be “recognized as the leading student-focused university for its success in achieving excellence, creating opportunities, and empowering each individual.”

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As with any graduate degree program, getting accepted is half the battle. Although most universities seem to have very similar admissions requirements, don’t be fooled by appearances. No two institutions have the same internal processes for who they let in.

COMMON ACCOUNTING DEGREE APPLICATION AND ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Meeting objective, measurable criteria, such as a grade point average is one thing; meeting departments’ subjective criteria is quite another. For this reason, it pays to review closely each program’s specific requirements related to any subjective papers you must write, such as a statement of purpose or even a resume.

In a way, it’s a lot like applying for a job. You’ve got to know what they’re looking for, then word your essays to explain how you meet those criteria. For example, let’s say a program requests a statement expressing your desired career goals.

How do you know what will compel an admissions officer to accept you over another applicant, based on your personal goals alone? One way to do this is by reading the department’s goals. Almost every university and college cites its own unique mission, vision, and values somewhere on its website. Find these, see what motivates the department’s members, and learn what they emphasize. Can you find a way to express your own goals in a way that synchronizes with theirs? If so, do it and you’ll be better able to persuade the admissions staff that you’re a solid match for the program. 

Now let’s get back to those objective requirements for a moment. How do things look? If you don’t meet all the listed criteria, does the school’s website say anything about ways to make it up? Sometimes, relevant work experience can suffice in lieu of holding a specific GPA. Other times, a program will allow conditional acceptance, letting you get a foot in the door so you can show them what you’re capable of once admitted. We suggest spending the bulk of your time tailoring your applications to those programs for which you’re fully qualified. This will help maximize your efforts and increase your odds of being accepted into a program that is a good fit for you. 

Schools with the toughest entry requirements set the bar high for several reasons, and you should certainly apply to all those for which you are qualified. Just understand that one reason why admission can be so difficult is because the curriculum itself may be equally challenging. You want the best education you can receive, taught at a pace you can succeed at.

That’s one of the nice things about online programs: many are self-paced, allowing you to attend when you want and to complete requirements when you have the time between your hectic work commitments. However, pay attention to which programs do not offer such flexibility. Several still require all students to keep up with and, in some cases, attend in-person classes on campus. Make sure you know the complete details regarding the delivery format for all universities you apply to. Just because it a degree is described as being “online” doesn’t always mean it is “100% online.” 

One final note – for international applicants, keep an eye on those English proficiency requirements, and on any other mentioned criteria regarding how to submit transcripts or any country-specific restrictions. Again, bear in mind that some programs do require limited in-person attendance. After all, you don’t want to apply for a program featuring hybrid classes if you aren’t planning to live in the area!

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

One shock many prospective online students receive is the cost of tuition. Not all degrees offered online are less expensive than on-campus degrees. In fact, we’ve seen some online classes that cost more than the same course held on-campus. 

We’ve taken tuition rates into consideration as part of our methodology for building our list of the 10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Accounting. Still, no degree is free, so it’s important to understand your financial aid and scholarship options.

Holding a master’s degree will lead to significantly increased earnings over your lifetime, but for now, the main thing is paying for that master’s degree! The quickest route is for students to apply for loans, but remember – it may be faster now, but it’ll take years to pay off the debt. That’s why we strongly encourage would-be grad students to dive into Federal Student Aid applications. 

We know, there’s nothing fun about applying for financial aid, and it seems to take forever to hear back, but it’s free money and, as any good accountant should realize, that’s better than amassing debt through borrowing funds. 

Grants and scholarships are typically based on financial need and scholastic merit, respectively. So, what type of grants and scholarship aid are out there for grad students? Lots! To apply, you’ll need to establish an account on the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website and then fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You’ll also want to browse the Financial Aid for Graduate or Professional Students page and read over the eligibility requirements. 

One factor that can ruin an otherwise qualified student’s chances of receiving aid is missing an application deadline. Your friends at the Federal Student Aid office know this, which is why they’ve created a handy Graduate School Preparation Checklist to keep you on track so you don’t blow those cutoffs. 

Once Student Aid receives your FAFSA, you’ll get back a Student Aid Report. The SAR shows how much, if anything, your Expected Family Contribution is going to be. This is a critical element related to your aid eligibility, so make sure everything looks good because it’s also going to be sent to the schools you’re applying to. They, in turn, will determine your actual cost of attendance, subtract the family contribution, and then, based on the results, build aid packages on your behalf. 

You should reach out to your chosen schools’ financial aid offices to ensure that everything is done correctly and on time. After all, schools receive thousands of applications each year, so don’t take anything for granted. Confirm that they received your materials by calling or emailing. Schools also administer a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants program, which may feature some free funds for you to tap into. When you contact those financial aid offices, inquire about this as well. 

Typical grad students may not qualify for Pell Grants, but there are also Fulbright Grants, TEACH Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and numerous college-based financial awards. State and local associations and alumni organizations also give away millions a year in scholarship gift awards. And, as any military member knows, there are GI Bill benefits available to veterans and their qualified dependents. Veterans Affairs and/or on-campus VA representatives are glad to explain how to use these awesome benefits. 

Once you’ve exhausted all of the above options, if you still need funding, be sure to check out the federal student loans, which go up to $20,500 per school year (for unsubsidized loans). The repayment estimator will tell you what to expect in terms of future payments. 

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

Graduates holding a general Master’s in Business Administration are not uncommon, but having one with a specialized focus in accounting gives you a very competitive edge in the job market. Virtually all companies and governmental agencies need highly trained MBA grads who also possess a deep understanding of complex accounting principles. 

According to the University of Scranton, career options for holders of this degree are broken into two types, business management careers and accounting careers. 

Business-oriented roles include: 

• Management Analyst
• Financial Manager
• Business Consultant
• Revenue Manager
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Financial Officer

Accounting-oriented jobs include: 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Auditing Manager
• Tax Consultant
• Budget Analyst
• Tax Fraud Examiner
• International Accountant

Because of the incredibly broad scope of career paths open to MBA in Accounting graduates, the salary range is equally broad, but we’ll try to offer some average annual base salary comparisons, based on Glassdoor’s reported salaries for a few of the above-listed jobs. 

• Auditing Manager (median pay $98,959, up to $123,000)
• Business Consultant (median pay $75,993, up to $115,000)
• Certified Public Accountant (median pay $67,221, up to $105,000)
• Chief Executive Officer (median pay $140,786, up to $306,000)
• Chief Financial Officer (median pay $147,060, up to $260,000)
• Chief Operating Officer (median pay $135,742, up to $245,000)
• Financial Analyst (median pay $65,817, up to $89,000)
• Financial Manager (median pay $100,535, up to $132,000)
• International Accountant (median pay $56,201, up to $68,000)
• Management Analyst (median pay $66,637, up to $132,000 for high earners)
• Revenue Manager (median pay $69,948, up to $95,000)
• Tax Consultant (median pay $62,150, up to $76,000)

The above salaries are based on reported figures and do not represent specific degrees attained. They also don’t reflect individuals’ geographic locations, years of experience, levels of expertise and responsibility, or the actual employing agency or business. 

All of these factors will, naturally, impact earnings; however, we can get a general idea of income levels new grads could be qualified for with an MBA in Accounting. If we add up the average wages of all jobs listed, the average comes out to over $90,000 per year. 

The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics features detailed statistics and employment information for most of the above roles via its online Occupational Outlook Handbook. Keep in mind, though, the BLS also does not break down pay scales according to degree level. 

There isn’t space to examine them all here, but we can select one – Financial Analyst – and use the handbook to examine a few specifics. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for financial analysts is $85,660. The lowest 10% made under $52,540, but the top 10% raked in over $167,000! Clearly, there is a lot of earnings potential in this field for those with the right experience and training. 

PayScale shows that popular employers of financial analysts include JP Morgan Chase, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing Company, Amazon, IBM, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs. 

NOTABLE STATISTICS

A recent search on Indeed.com for “MBA Accounting” jobs yielded 9,519 results; among these, 1,871 listed annual salaries of $115,000 or more. The lowest salary listed was $65,000.

Among all the jobs posted for “MBA Accounting” on Indeed.com, 1,135 required entry-level experience, and 3,990 requested mid-level experience. Amazon.com accounts for 280 of these postings. The top locations listed were New York (555 jobs posted), Chicago (365), Seattle (327), San Francisco (259), and Atlanta (193). 

According to the BLS, the employment of professionals in positions that “consult, advise and analyze business operations and efficiencies” is expected to rise 14% through 2024. Meanwhile, the employment of accountants and auditors should grow by 11% until 2024. Both of these projected numbers are far higher than the averages for most career fields. One reason for this stellar growth could be the connections among accountants, auditors, and the general health of the national economy. 

PayScale features a breakout page for “Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accounting & Finance Degree,” which notes that most of those who hold this degree are highly satisfied with their jobs. It also shows a gender breakdown based on 1,913 survey responses: 56.3% of employees were male and earned $59,000 to $178,000 per year, while 43.6% were female and made $51,000 to $136,000 annually. The website doesn’t specify the reasons for this gender pay gap; however, its Gender Pay Gap Statistics Executive Summary states that, in uncontrolled gender pay gap studies (comparing all median salaries of men to women), women make $0.79 for each dollar their male counterparts earn in 2019. By contrast, in controlled gender pay gap studies (with variables such as job title, years of experience, industry, location, etc. being the same) the disparity decreases greatly. Data indicates that, for 2019, women earn $0.98 compared to each dollar earned by a male worker, where all other factors are equal. The summary offers several insightful points for curious business and accounting students interested in the current state of the gender pay gap. 

Most workers who hold an MBA in Accounting are listed as experienced (33.3%) or late-career (26.6%), followed by mid-career workers (22.3%) and early career workers (16.7%). Only 1.1% of respondents reported that they were entry level, which makes sense considering that most graduate degree programs like to accept applicants with at least some work experience under their belts. 

There is no clear consensus about which is better – an MBA or a CPA credential. By completing an MBA that prepares you to pass the CPA exam, you won’t have to settle for just one or the other. You’ll get the best of both worlds, doubling your marketability! By choosing an online program, chances are you won’t have to quit your day job in order to attend classes. The key is to know your long-term goals, so you can select the right program for your future. 

With these points in mind, let’s dive into our list of the 10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Accounting and see what’s out there waiting for you!

#1. THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A FOCUS IN ACCOUNTING

According to the University of West Florida, the sun-drenched institution is “Creating the next generation of big thinkers.” With a graduate student body of 3,129 in Fall 2018, the emphasis is on quality over quantity here. While the bulk of students come from within the state, UWF is home to students from around the country who are attracted to everything the school has to offer. 

Now, with online offerings, attendance just got easier! UWF’s 36-semester hour online MBA program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is made for working professionals who are ready to hone their management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to perfection. The curriculum also covers topics such as formal organizations and their economic environment. 

Designed for those who can commit to two classes per semester, this online MBA uses a cohort system, allowing students to progress together through the course sequence and build strong learning relationships. Students must submit a final portfolio for review by the program director before graduation. 

Students may elect to add an emphasis area such as Accounting to the UWF MBA, which will develop their understanding of issues within the profession and build their research and communication skills. The Academic Learning Plan of study for the Accounting emphasis is: 

MBA Core (27 semester hours)

• GEB 5878 – Business Process Integration
• GEB 5930 – Information Resources and Industry Analysis
• ACG 6308 – Advanced Managerial Accounting
• MAN 6156 – Management and Organizational Behavior
• QMB 6305 – Quantitative Methods for Business
• ISM 6137 – Business Analytics
• ECP 6705 – Advanced Managerial Economics
• FIN 6406 – Financial Management
• MAR 6815 – Marketing Management
• MAN 6721- Strategic Management and Policy Formulation

Accounting emphasis (9 semester hours)

• ACG 6805 – Seminar in Financial Accounting
• ACG 6856 – Advanced Auditing
• TAX 5105 – Corporate Tax, or BUL 5831 – Commercial Law

Note, this emphasis requires sufficient prerequisite undergraduate work in accounting. Students who don’t already have a business degree can combine the MBA Program with Accelerated MBA Foundations in order to finish in under two years. Applicants’ transcripts are reviewed closely to ensure that foundational proficiencies are also sufficient for entry into the program. The prior coursework (and grades) of interest to admissions officials include Business Calculus, Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Management Information Systems/e-Business, Management, Marketing, Micro- and Macro-Economics, and Statistics. 

Admission requirements for the University of West Florida’s online MBA program include 

• • Submission of official transcripts 
  • A score of 450 or better on the GMAT or equivalent GRE score. (See waiver criteria on the program’s Admission Test Score Waivers page.)
  • A current resume
  • A statement of educational objectives
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Documentation for immunization requirements through Med+Proctor
  • A meeting with an advisor prior to beginning the program
  • Answering essay prompts such as: 

• “Describe personal and professional achievements within the last five years which indicate your potential for a successful business career.”

• “What career are you considering?”

Most graduates taking the Accounting emphasis have numerous job opportunities, with many going into public accounting careers such as auditors, consultants, and tax practitioners, or industry jobs such as financial and operational managers. There are also governmental agency careers to pursue. The 80,000-member UWF Alumni network offers resources to help with job-seeking. 

Online students may not be interested in all that the campus itself has to offer in terms of organizations, clubs, and athletics, but it’s certainly worth noting that U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of West Florida at a commendable No. 34 among Regional Universities South, No. 52 for Best Value Schools, and No. 19 Best Colleges for Veterans, all for 2020!

#2. TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACCOUNTING

The Texas Woman’s University is working on becoming the country’s top public university for those seeking woman-focused leadership development and education, but don’t let the name fool you, because men have been admitted since 1972. 

Students of all types will appreciate how efficient TWU’s 36-credit hour, hybrid format MBA with a concentration in Accounting is. Designed to be completed in as few as 15 months, the program prepares students with everything they need to succeed in all areas of accounting, including audits, taxes, management, financial, and forensic accounting. 

Compressed courses are only seven weeks long, with most delivered entirely online and a select few completed using a hybrid online/face-to-face method. In-person sessions are held on Saturdays at the Denton, Dallas, or Houston campuses to allow for maximum flexibility. With small class sizes, TWU’s student-to-faculty ratio allows for increased individualized attention from highly supportive faculty and instructors who are experts in the field of accounting. 

The program is made for those interested in pursuing careers as a Certified Public Accountant or who want to work in personal accounting or auditing, government, or non-profit areas. The MBA also prepares students for the CPA and Certified Management Accountant exams. 

The 36-semester credit hour program includes the following coursework:

• BUS 5133 – Marketing Management
• BUS 5243 – Managerial Finance
• BUS 5263 – Organizational Behavior in Business Administration
• BUS 5483 – Accounting for Management Control
• BUS 5663 – Decision Analysis for Managers
• BUS 5893 – Business Strategy and Policy
• BUS 5563 – Accounting Ethics
• BUS 5923 – Global Business
• BUS 5423 – Advanced Auditing
• BUS 5473 – Financial Statement Analysis
• BUS 5493 – Accounting Theory 
• BUS 5733 – Accounting Research or BUS 5773 – Forensic Accounting

The course catalog offers detailed information on each required course. 

Interested candidates who don’t already hold a bachelor’s in accounting may still be eligible to apply, if certain prerequisites are met. Admission to the graduate school and the College of Business MBA program also include the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate study (see notes on provisional admittance)
• International and permanent resident applicants have numerous criteria to meet, including English proficiency tests. Please review all requirements carefully.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Submission of a resume to mba@twu.edu 
• No GRE or GMAT required

Although the program is delivered predominantly online, students who attend hybrid classes on campus will enjoy the active student life at TWU. As a Pioneer, grad students can participate in organizations, take advantage of fun fitness and recreational facilities and activities, check out some sporting events, and get involved with the Graduate Student Council or even civic engagement volunteer opportunities. 

For those ready to get serious about research, TWU is home to many institutes and centers, such as the Center for Women in Business, Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy, and the Center for Student Leadership, among many others. 

TWU is lauded across the spectrum for the high quality of its academic and lifestyle programs. It has earned one of the highest diversity index ratings among U.S. universities by U.S. News & World Report and was ranked at No. 13 for Best MBA for Student Parents by Petersons.com because of its childcare options and after-school program for young children.

#3. BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION

Since 1966, Nebraska’s Bellevue University has prided itself on being an innovative non-profit, open-access institution focused on students and transformational education. Its goal is to prepare students for successful careers at an affordable cost. 

The MBA program offered by Bellevue can be taken online or on campus. No matter which option you select, you’ll be engaged with diverse peers studying a range of real-world case studies and simulations taught by renowned faculty leaders in the field. Crafted with an eye on building upon existing knowledge and skills, the MBA with an Accounting concentration integrates practical, hands-on experience with academic theory through formats designed to allow for maximum scheduling flexibility. 

Graduates become masters of communication and critical thinking, able to adeptly analyze and solve a variety of complex issues related to business strategies, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving. The MBA also prepares students for certification from the Project Management Institute or the Society for Human Resource Management. 

The 36-credit hour MBA is offered with several concentration choices, but we’ll focus on the Accounting area. Core requirements are: 

•   MBA 500 Business Performance Management 
•   MBA 520 Financial Reporting & Analysis 
•   MBA 615 Human Capital & Organizational Performance
•   MBA 624 Business Analysis for Decision Making
•   MBA 635 Marketing & New Media Strategy 

In some cases, a core class may be waived. A student counselor can discuss these options. 

The Accounting concentration requires the selection of at least nine credit hours, from a list that includes courses such as Advanced Accounting Problems, Accounting Theory, International Accounting, Taxation of Business Entities, Financial Auditing, Accounting for Governmental and Nonprofit Entities, and Accounting Internship, among others. 

Unlike some programs on our list, the Bellevue MBA with Accounting concentration doesn’t qualify graduates to sit for the CPA exam, but an advisor can assist, if desired, to help outline which electives are necessary for the applicable state board of accountancy.

Admission requirements for the Bellevue MBA program are:

• Possession of a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution
• A GPA of 2.5 or higher in the last 60 credits of undergrad coursework, or a 3.0 GPA on graduate coursework
• Bellevue’s site does not specifically state that letters of recommendation or essays are required, but does say they may be requested “in certain circumstances” 

Bellevue University’s MBA program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Students opting to complete the degree online will enjoy the interactive peer forums and small class sizes, as well as the accessibility of highly qualified faculty who are on hand to ensure students’ success. Technical support and library services are always handy, and students have access to online tutoring and writing assistance, as needed. 

Traditional in-person students have the freedom to attend classes at the main campus or at one of nine satellite locations, and even via local community college agreements, in some cases. To make attendance as accessible as possible, many courses are offered during the evenings. 

Bellevue is military-friendly and has a dedicated Military Veteran Services Center to provide assistance to applicable students and the community. The BRUIN Support Services offices are home to a plethora of student assistance resources, all in one convenient location. Meanwhile, sports fans – they didn’t forget about you! The Bellevue Bruins participate in a host of men’s and women’s sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Head over to Bellevue’s Athletics site to see what’s cooking!

#4. MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A FOCUS IN ACCOUNTING 

Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX, is home to a comprehensive, 33-hour MBA with an Accounting concentration that prepares students for a wide range of opportunities for careers and career advancement. The program is available on campus or online (and, for some courses, in a hybrid format) and gives graduates the 150 hours of prep needed for the intensive CPA exam. 

Offered through the Dillard College of Business Administration, the degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. The stated objectives of the curriculum are to ensure that each student graduates with the ability to conduct themselves professionally in a global environment, communicate professionally, display leadership characteristics, and be capable of responding to business situations through their deep understanding of business disciplines. 

MSU’s MBA degree does not require a thesis and can be completed in one to two years. The curriculum includes courses in Applied Statistics, Cost Analysis, Finance, IT Management, Managerial Economics, Marketing, and Organizational Behavior. There’s also a business strategy capstone course. 

Students without a bachelor’s degree in business can easily catch up through a “leveling course” that compresses the core concept essentials into just six hours. The degree plan features common body of knowledge classes that may all be waived if enough previous coursework or work experience can be demonstrated. These classes include: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Macroeconomic Principles, Microeconomics Principles, Business Finance, and Business and Economic Statistics.  

The degree plan includes the following courses: 

• ACCT 5213 – Cost Analysis and Control
• BUAD 5603 – Advanced Applied Business Statistics 
• ECON 5113 – Managerial Economics OR ECON 5143 Macroeconomics 
• FINC 5713 – Financial Administration 
• MIS 5113 – Information Technology Management
• MGMT 5443 – Current Issues in Organizational Behavior
• MKTG 5513 – Seminar in Marketing
• MGMT 6883 – Seminar in Business Policy 
• Three electives 

MSU’s application process isn’t quite as clear-cut as many programs; however, the school does advise applicants to talk to a graduate coordinator for details on program-specific requirements. The basic requirements include submitting official transcripts from prior-attended colleges and GMAT or GRE scores. There’s also a full checklist for international students, including an English language proficiency requirement, fulfilled via the Test of English as a Foreign Language, the International English Language Testing System, or other tests. TOEFL scores should be at least 79, and IELTS scores should be at least 6.0.

Graduates of the MSU MBA program often take jobs as CPAs with public accounting firms, performing audits, preparing tax returns and financial statements, or doing consultations. They also work in private industry, as corporate accountants working with management to inform critical decision-making. Many start careers with federal, state, and local agencies or non-profits. There’s virtually no end to the possibilities one can pursue with an MBA and an Accounting concentration! 

MSU’s Accounting Society lets students network with peers through a variety of activities such as field trips and presentation meetings. Membership is perfect for those wanting to maintain contact with the school after graduation.

According to the Dillard College, the program’s hosting department, its CPA candidates have a very high rate of success, coming in at No. 21 out of 81 schools whose students took the CPA exam in Texas. 

#5. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON – VICTORIA

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS IN ACCOUNTING

Like many schools, the University of Houston – Victoria had humble beginnings. Launching in 1973 with just 356 students and 24 faculty, the institution’s numbers have skyrocketed in the decades since, leading to the expansion of UHV’s programs and delivery methods. 

Its School of Business Administration hosts a 36 to 39-credit hour Strategic MBA program with emphasis areas including Accounting, built for tomorrow’s business leaders. The program’s experienced faculty closely guide students through real-world business scenarios, simulations, case studies, and projects, allowing for practical training experience. Classes are offered via a hybrid method of face-to-face and online learning, with in-person classes held just once per week. 

Online students can access lecture notes, engage with peers and faculty via Blackboard, submit assignments, take exams, and see all grades online. There is full online course support dedicated to helping students experiencing IT-related issues. 

The Strategic MBA program runs for four semesters for full-time students, but part-time students who are still working are also welcome! Students enrolled in the Accounting emphasis will be prepared for the CPA exam, as outlined in detail on the CPA requirements page. 

Graduates are prepared to tackle senior management roles and responsibilities within a wide range of organizations. In fact, UHV’s alumni have gone on to work with JP Morgan Chase, BP, Shell, General Electric, Wells Fargo, Halliburton, and more! The MBA is accredited by AACSB International and is touted as the third-largest MBA program in Houston.

The Strategic MBA curriculum includes the following 3-credit hour courses:

• QMSC 6351 – Statistics & Research Methods
• ACCT 6351 – Financial Reporting & Analysis
• ECON 6351 – Economics for Managers
• MGMT 6352 – Management Information Systems and Data Analytics
• MGMT 6354 – Organizational Leadership and Ethics
• MKTG 6352 – Strategic Marketing Management
• FINC 6352 – Financial Management
• MGMT 6356 – Human Resources Management
• MGMT 6355 – Operations and Supply Chain Management
• MGMT 6359 – Seminar in Strategic Management
• ACCT 6371 – Advanced Auditing
• Two concentration accounting courses, from a list of options including Strategic Cost Accounting, Corporate Taxation, Seminar in Accounting Ethics, Oil & Gas Accounting, and others

Applicants can view the minimum course load standards to get an idea for what’s in store each semester. Transfer students can apply to have up to six hours of grad-level business courses transferred, if they were taken at an AACSB-accredited program. 

Admission requirements for the University of Houston – Victoria are: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
• An official GMAT score of 450 or higher, or a GRE score of 292 (for Verbal and Quantitative combined)
  • Note, applicants with a master’s degree, or students with a GPA over 2.5, can apply for a GMAT waiver
• International students must show proof of English proficiency. The Office of International Programs can provide assistance and information on additional requirements. 

The university ranks well among its peers, coming in at No. 56 among the Top Performers on Social Mobility, per U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 list. The school strives to keep costs low and attention to students high, with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With 4,381 students enrolled as of Fall 2018, UHV is a dynamic and diverse destination for graduates ready to excel in their MBA studies. 

#6. AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN ACCOUNTING

Originally founded in Lucerne, Switzerland, in 1970, American InterContinental University has campuses in Houston and Atlanta, but it’s also widely known for its commitment to numerous high quality online learning programs. AIU’s online MBA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, ensuring they’ve met some of the toughest national standards for teaching excellence. 

The online MBA in Accounting, designed to be completed in just one year, teaches graduates about difficult concepts and topics such as ever-changing regulations, audits, tax codes, advanced business and management strategy, and legal and ethical frameworks, and accounting theory. 

By studying quantitative and qualitative research methods combined with these concepts, students become well-prepared to meet the challenges of solving complicated modern business problems. Thanks to the convenient 100% online format, all coursework is available to students for completion when they want and where they want. Using the school’s unique Intellipath adaptive learning platform, students can quickly demonstrate their proficiency in areas they are familiar with, so that they can advance through the material as efficiently as possible. The software customizes each learning experience to the individual learner.

AIU also speeds up degree attainment by allowing for prior applicable job experience to be counted toward students’ credit lists. It also has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing up to 12 credits from other universities, making it the perfect solution for students who may have recently moved. 

The 48-credit hour MBA Accounting program is straightforward, to save time and streamline the entire program of study. The eight classes are: 

• Business Core
  • FIN630 – Global Financial Management
  • MGT600 – Business Research for Decision Making
  • MKT640 – A Managerial Approach to Marketing
  • MGT680 – Strategic Management
• Accounting
  • ACG610 – Accounting for Managers
  • ACG630 – Accounting Information Systems
  • ACG675 – Public and Not-for-Profit Accounting
  • MGT615 – Leadership and Ethics for Managers

Complete descriptions for each course are listed on the program page. 

With decades of experience in the field of online learning, AIU truly excels at helping students achieve their educational goals quickly while maintaining a rigorous, top-quality curriculum. The AIU Online Library features all the articles, books, and web resources needed to help students acquire the information they need without having to drive to a physical library. It even saves them time by offering guidance on how to format and cite papers. 

The following criteria apply for interested graduate students:

• Submission of official undergraduate transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree 
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• No GMAT is required
• International students should send transcripts translated in English

Though the school has not been without some early criticism regarding its admissions criteria, AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is committed to its mission of student learning and effective teaching. Through innovative continuous improvement and development, it has demonstrated a high commitment to service, diversity, and accessibility to higher ed for all students. Per U.S. News & World Report, AIU’s 2019 MBA Online program featured 1,899 enrollees. It also ranked well in Military Times’ Best Colleges 2018 rankings for military members who move around a lot.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION

The University of North Alabama is on the rise! Ranked No. 19 among Public Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, the school’s stellar reputation keeps getting better and better. 

Its MBA with a specialty in Accounting attracts students from around the country who are ready to step up to the challenge of a Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-accredited program. 

The Accounting MBA program’s curriculum includes a lengthy core of practical coursework, including:

• AC 630 – Research in Accounting   
• AC 674 – Advanced Accounting Theory
• AC 675 – Advanced Tax Accounting 
• AC 697 – Advanced Auditing
• CIS 622 – Information Systems Design and Project Management
• EMB 612 – Business Ethics and Responsibility in a Global Economy
• FI 632 – Corporate Financial Strategy
• MBA 600 – Foundations of Business and MBA 601 Foundations of Business
• MBA 603 – MBA Essentials
• MG 602 – Leadership  
• MG 630 – Strategic Management and Competitive Analysis  
• MK 672 – Strategic Marketing Analysis

To round out the Accounting concentration, students take two electives from a list that includes Financial Statement Analysis, Special Topics, Fraud Examination, Controllership, Business Combinations, and CPA Review Topics. 

UNA’s blog on the Four Reasons an Online MBA Makes Sense features salient selling points for interested grad students who can’t decide whether to attend on-campus or not. At the end of the day, the keyword is flexibility! 

Requirements for UNA’s 34-credit hour MBA with a specialization option include holding at least three years’ worth of professional work or entrepreneurial experience, an acceptable GMAT score of at least 400, or Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society membership.

Admission to the MBA program is outlined for conditional and unconditional entry. Successful candidates should send official transcripts showing a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA in their undergraduate work (or a 3.0 in the last 30 credit hours). The school accepts up to six semester hours of transfer credits in classes with a grade of “B” or better. Unconditional entry requirements are similar but a bit more stringent. These entail four years of demonstrated responsibility in professional or entrepreneurial positions, a GMAT score of 450, or, again, membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. 

UNA’s MBA program has garnered several awards and recognitions, such as the No. 1 spot for an Executive MBA Program by College Consensus, No. 41 Online MBA Program (Globally) from CEO magazine, No. 7 for Best Online MBA Degrees for 2019 by Best College Reviews, and No. 3 for Best Online Executive MBA Programs by TheBestSchools.com. 

With a student body of over 147,000, 275 full-time faculty, and 140 student organizations, the University of North Alabama is “Roaring With Excellence,” and the experience at UNA doesn’t stop with graduation. There are several Alumni Clubs and events hosted in cities around the South whose members reap the benefits of career services counseling and alumni mentoring. Once a Lion, always a Lion! And speaking of which, the campus actually does care for two living lion mascots, Una and Leo III.

#8. JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION

Alabama’s own Jacksonville State University proclaims itself the “friendliest campus in the South.” It’s also home to one of the top business schools in America, according to The Princeton Review.

Through the School of Business and Industry, JSU offers a 33-credit hour MBA program with an Accounting concentration. It’s accredited by AACSB International and designed for busy working students who want to advance in their careers by earning a graduate degree. Able to be taken online, on campus, or via a hybrid format, classes cover business fundamentals, international business, and changing technologies. 

It is important to note that, due to the rigorous nature of the material, students who didn’t major in business as an undergraduate could be required to take up to 24 hours of supplementary courses in business and economics to establish the foundational knowledge they need to advance in the degree program. Each such student’s transcripts are reviewed closely by the MBA Director to ensure they take everything needed, but nothing they don’t need. Students must earn at least a “B” in these prerequisite courses. Below are the required foundational courses:

• MGT 504 – Business Organization and Administration 
• BA 500 – Statistics and Quantitative Methods 
• ACC 200 – Principles of Financial Accounting
• EC 222 – Principles of Macroeconomics 
• FIN 301 – Business Finance 
• FIN 292 – Legal and Social Environment 
• CBA 390 – Operations Management 
• MKT 301 – Principles of Marketing 

The program page features several notes related to how students may meet the above prerequisites. Once those are satisfied, the MBA – Accounting concentration’s plan of study includes 24 credit hours of required courses and nine credit hours of electives, for a total of 33 credit hours: 

• ACC 512 – Accounting Information Analysis 
• BA 545 – Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions 
• BA 587 – Business Policy & Strategy 
• BA  590 – International Business 
• EC 515 – Managerial Economics 
• FIN 515 – Financial Management 
• MGT 537 – Business Leadership 
• MKT 513 – Marketing Administration 
• Electives 

The course descriptions page explains what topics are covered in each class, so students know what to expect. 

Admission materials should be submitted to the Graduate Studies office and must include: 

• A letter outlining the applicant’s career goals
• A resume listing education, employment, and community involvement
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended 
• Three Graduate Reference Forms from persons able to assess the applicant’s potential for success in the program and their leadership ability
• Official GMAT test results showing a minimum score of 400 

Note, the program’s site lists the criteria for both unconditional and conditional admittance, based on a combination of applicants’ GMAT scores and GPA.  

JSU is home to a diverse student body, and its MBA program has been rated as the second in the nation for opportunities for women. In the Fall 2019 semester, graduate enrollment was listed as 66% female and 34% male, with 301 full-time grad students and 971 part-time ones. 

The school’s blog on Reasons For Choosing the JSU MBA Online Program lays out many compelling reasons to apply, such as low tuition; flexibility; ample electives; and a caring, competent faculty. The university was ranked No. 29 among Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2020, and received all five-star reviews from enrolled students.

#9. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

MBA WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACCOUNTING ONLINE

The University of Southern Indiana ranks right after JSU, coming in at No. 30 on the U.S. News & World Report list for Top Public Schools. Founded in 1965, the school’s modern focus is on “Shaping the future through learning and innovation,” and USI walks the talk with its incredibly accessible host of online MBA programs. 

The online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting makes it easier than ever to learn the managerial and leadership skills needed to succeed in a high-paying accounting career. Delivered 100% online, the program teaches students to analyze complex business problems using global insights while learning about management accounting concepts, financial statements, regulations, and compliance issues. Graduates leave ready to tackle high-level leadership roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Financial Controller, Senior Accountant, and more.

Unlike much of the competition, USI consolidates all of its relevant degree information on one user-friendly page, making it a breeze to learn everything you’ll need to know before applying. The MBA plan of study is simple to follow, with core courses in: 

• ACCT 601 – Accounting for Decision Making and Control
• CIS 601 – Information Systems and Technology
• ECON 601 – Managerial Economics
• FIN 601 – Financial Management and Financial Markets
• MKTG 601 – Marketing Strategies
• MNGT 611 – Leadership Skills and Innovation
• MNGT 681- Strategic and International Management

Accounting courses are: 

• ACCT 602 – Financial Statement Analysis
• ACCT 605 – Seminar in Auditing
• ACCT/BLAW 628 – Accounting Regulation & Compliance

It doesn’t get any more straightforward than USI’s practical, no-nonsense program. The school streamlines everything for students to learn the real-world skills they’ll need before they start applying their new accounting expertise to their careers.

Application requirements for USI’s online MBA degree program are also clear-cut. Applicants must submit: 

• Official transcripts showing an accredited bachelor degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• A GMAT score of at least 500, or a GRE score of at least 300
  • Waivers are available if the applicant: a) has a graduate degree, b) has a GPA of 3.0 or better plus two years of work experience, or c) has a GPA of 2.5 or better plus three years of work experience
• A resume
• The names and contact information for three references
• International applicants: For those whose native language is not English, scores for the TOEFL or IELTS exams are required

Online USI students can take advantage of many of the university’s services, including those offered by the Career Services and Internships section, which aids those transitioning from college and into exciting new careers. Two unique tools they use are Career Launch, which helps students find work, internships, and co-ops, and CareerShift, which hunts for job opportunities in hidden markets.

The USI Alumni Online network is an incredible resource for current and past students alike. Its Career Mentor Program matches students with alumni working in the same field of study, allowing students to learn from mentors about invaluable career topics, get help with resumes, participate in mock interviews, and, when possible, job shadow and attend network-expanding meetings.

USI’s commitment to its students extends beyond the campus and online platforms and into the surrounding community. As a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University, the school provides many continuing education offerings each year through a range of outreach programs. 

#10. EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY

MBA WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN ACCOUNTING

Emporia State University believes in accessible education opportunities for everyone and understands the importance of making its online programs efficient so that they can be completed expediently. With that laudable goal in mind, its 33-credit hour, AACSB-accredited MBA with Accounting Concentration can be finished in as little as 12 months!

Like all MBAs, this program spends significant time building student mastery of leadership and business management practices before moving on to specialized accounting coursework. Accounting classes are designed to be directly applicable to actual situations encountered by modern professionals working in the field. Covering financial management and reporting, advanced accounting theory and issues, corporate taxation implications, tax planning, auditing, and other critical topics, the challenging program of study can be used toward the 150-hour CPA exam. 

ESU’s online MBA program contains 11 courses, of which 21 credit hours are core and nine are accounting-related. There is also one elective required. 

The core MBA classes are:

• BC 807 – Managerial Economics
• BU 820 – Quantitative Analysis of Business Decisions
• IS 873 – Information Systems for Managerial Decisions
• FI 850 – Advanced Financial Management
• MG 853 – Behavioral Aspect of Management
• MG 899 – Business Policy & Strategic Management
• MK 864 – Marketing Management

Accounting classes include:

• AC 820 – Federal Income Tax or Corps. & Shareholders
• AC 840 – Advanced Management Accounting
• AC 853 – Accounting Theory
• One elective (offerings vary by term)

Taught by supportive, experienced faculty and using innovative online collaboration tools, each course is just seven weeks long and offered during ESU’s six annual class sessions. Coursework is case study-driven, meaning students don’t just learn theory, they also study relevant real-world examples to gain the most practical knowledge possible for the jobs they intend to pursue. Graduates will be ready to succeed in roles like Budget Analyst, Revenue Manager, Financial Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Tax Manager, CPA, and several other vital positions within business and government.

Emporia State University’s School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The department promises an intellectually stimulating curriculum designed to prepare students for “professional growth and development beyond the typical graduate school experience.” 

Due to the advanced nature of the program’s subjects, applicants should hold either a bachelor’s degree in accounting or one in business but with significant accounting coursework. To apply, prospective students should submit: 

• Transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, or in business but with classes taken in Intermediate Accounting I and II, Cost Accounting, Income Taxation, and Auditing
• A minimum 2.65 for either the cumulative GPA or for the last 60 semester hours
• An ID verification form
• GMAT scores, (waiverable for those with at least three years of leadership/management experience, for those with a bachelor’s degree in business and 3.5 GPA, or those with a graduate degree)

Emporia State University was founded in 1863 and has been a pioneer in building and promoting distance learning opportunities ever since. Its 212-acre main campus is in Kansas City, KS, but it has also partnered with community colleges to expand its accessibility. ESU ranks at No. 95 in Regional Universities Midwest, No. 68 among Top Performers on Social Mobility, and an outstanding No. 24 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. With so many indicators of excellence at the regional and national levels, ESU must be doing something right!

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Wilmington University

Location: New Castle, Delaware

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with a focus on Accounting

Net Price: $13,814

Website          

#12. Wayne State University

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting Systems concentration

Net Price: $14,366

Website

#13. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Location: Kearney, Nebraska

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with a track in Accounting

Net Price: $15,975

Website

#14. Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting

Net Price: $16,779

Website

#15. University of Maryland, College Park

Location: College Park, Maryland

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration 

Net Price: $16,790

Website

#16. Tennessee Technological University

Location: Cookeville, Tennessee

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting

Net Price: $16,891

Website   

#17. University of the Cumberlands

Location: Florence, Kentucky

Degree: MBA with a specialization in Accounting

Net Price: $17,588

Website

#18. Campbellsville University

Location: Campbellsville, Kentucky

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting

Net Price: $17,843

Website      

#19. University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Location: Lowell, Massachusetts

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis

Net Price: $18,257

Website

#20. Friends University

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Degree: Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting

Net Price: $18,780

Website

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE ACCOUNTING DEGREE JOBS OUTLOOK & THE HONEST TRUTH ABOUT ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAMS–WHAT DO EMPLOYERS THINK?