The US News has offered a list of the top online master degree program schools as well as a ranking for the top programs in terms of what masters they offer. Before looking specifically at degree programs like business, nursing and more it is important to understand where these best online degree programs can be found.
Top Online Graduate Schools
The schools in the following list are not solely online; however, they do offer graduate programs that you can do while online and at home versus visiting the school every day. They offer accreditation, good admission selectivity, academic and career support both online and off line.
University of Houston, Texas
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, University Park, PA
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Auburn University, Alabama
Ball State Univeristy, Muncie, Indiana
George Washington University, Washington DC
Best Online Program Rankings
US News also stated that there are online programs that are better than others particularly for 2015. These programs are offering masters degrees when they are finished online using the accreditation and online programs of above schools.
MBA
Graduate Business
Criminal Justice
Education
Engineering
Information Technology
Nursing
Graphic Design
These are areas that are going to be suffering with not enough individuals in the workforce soon. For example nursing is on the rise for need due to many baby boomers entering an age where assisted living is necessary either in their home or in staffed facilities. There are not enough graduates in nursing right now to cover the need that will occur in the next few years.
Cheaper Online Master’s Degree Programs
The following is a section on cheaper programs through four schools. These programs are online and offer a master’s degree in the end. They still offer some of the same programs as the above category; however, they are considered less expensive than the 10 universities mentioned in the first section.
Capella University
Western Governors University
Virginia College
Arizona State University
Now the expense and the degree programs at each will be assessed.
Capella University is most popular for:
MBA
Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Public Administration
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition costs for enrolling in most of these programs begins at $21,500 per year. Since classes and the number required differ, this price can increase depending on the courses. The estimate is for a master’s degree in psychology with online courses only.
Arizona State University is better known for:
Master of Advanced Study in American Media
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Tuition was ranked at $463 per credit hour in 2013.
Western Governors University is most popular for:
Master of Science in Info Technology
Master of Science in Special Education
Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management
MBA in Health Care Management
According to data, Tuition is $2,890 per semester (6 month term). All the programs mentioned are online and taken only online.
Virginia College offers online and traditional schooling for three popular courses:
Cybersecurity Masters
Criminal Justice Masters
MBA
Tuition can vary, but the cybersecurity degree program is $31,000 for the entire program. The price even includes textbooks unlike most universities.
Choosing a school for your interests
While the top online master degree programs and universities where you can find them are mentioned, it is still very important that you choose a school that truly fits your needs.
You do not want to enter into a career path that is not going to be liked. It can take a few courses before you find out that you have an aptitude for something else or the information you are learning is too boring for you. The overall point is that you choose a school that not only offers you an accredited education, but one that you will be able to use and want to stay with.
After spending upwards of $30,000 on your masters degree program, with potential student loans it does not make sense to quit your career path after two to five years in the field.
College is for figuring out where your strengths and interests lie, so you can continue working happily for the rest of your life.
Choosing a career has to be about more than the money you can make in the field. Certainly the lure of hundreds of thousands of dollars sounds good, but it may not make you happy.
Additionally if you are struggling with the classes then it won’t make sense to stick with it, unless you truly love what you are learning and know it is the right career for you.
The Best Location is Online?
Notice the question mark on the heading? There is a good reason for it to be there. Online college degree programs are helpful to those who want to continue working and gaining their education, but it takes dedication. While there are no specific statistics to share, there is good reason to assume that most people do not do very well learning from home and on their own.
They may be able to learn the information, but the motivation to complete the classes or focus on the work required for the classes can be difficult. This concept is in conjunction that most people need the social aspects of the outside world, meaning what you can gain on campus versus trying to study at home and online.
It takes time management, motivation, and above all dedication to finishing what is started. For many it is too much in a home environment with distractions such as pets, games, TV, and family. Bear this last in mind before you opt for online education.
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