Online Master's Degree

Types of Online Master's Degrees

Online master's degrees are usually achieved as a Master of Arts or Master of Sciences degree and there are other common special types of master's degrees. Here are the most common online master's degrees:

• The Master of Arts (MA) degree is usually geared towards a major that is grounded in the liberal arts and humanities. Majors such as English, history, political science, and anthropology would be classified under this type of degree.
• The Master of Science degree (MS) deals with subjects that are concrete and analytical, encompassing the sciences. Majors that would be classified under this program include biology, psychology, and chemistry as well as others.
• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an online master's degree awarded to students who study a major that is within the scope of the business discipline. Majors typically associated with this degree include finance, marketing, management, accounting, and supply chain management. Many online degree programs offer shortened executive MBA degrees designed for working professionals that condense the material to a shorter timeframe.
• Master of Education (M.Ed) degrees are intended for those who want to enter the educational system as teachers or administrators. They present students with the knowledge required to understand the organization and dynamics of public and private schools.

Where Can I Get an Online Master's Degree?

Online master's degrees are available from many online colleges. A student should verify that it is accredited by a recognized agency before enrolling in an online college. Online master's degrees can be obtained from strictly online universities as well as brick and mortar colleges with online programs.

How Much Will an Online Master's Degree Cost?

The price of an online master's degree varies depending on a host of different factors. The demand for a major, credibility of the school, teaching quality, and convenience of the program all lend themselves to the cost of the online master's degree. An online master's degree can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. It is necessary to weigh the benefits of each potential degree program versus its costs.

Financial Aid

While the cost of an online master's degree may seem high, there are resources available for students who cannot afford the full cost of tuition. The first step to receiving financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines a student's eligibility for scholarships, loans, and grants.

Transitioning to an Online Master's Degree

Many students of an online master's degree program are working professionals and have not been in the educational system for quite a while. The University of Phoenix reports that the average age of its graduate student is 36 years old. Online master's degree programs help their students transition to the educational system in a positive manner.

Majors

The online master's degree program contains hundreds of different majors. If there is a skilled job in the economy, there is typically a major that focuses on the skills required for that position.