Online master's degree programs designed to help you succeed.
WGU offers fully online master's programs focused on helping students boost their résumé and become a leader in their profession. Our online master's degrees are affordable and accredited, ensuring that students gain valuable credentials and get the skills they need to thrive in their chosen career. Ideal for those looking for a raise, promotion, or a change to a new career, WGU online master's degrees are geared to help students succeed. There are many elements to WGU online graduate programs that make them a great fit for most students, including:
- Flexible schedule. Our online graduate degree programs are entirely online, enabling you to do your coursework any where, at any time. There are no classes to log in to and no due dates for assignments—you are in control of your education.
- Accelerate progress. Our educational model lets you move through your courses as quickly as you can master the material. You don't have to wait for the end of a term to move forward—you are in charge of your schedule.
- Credibility. WGU's master's degree programs are regionally accredited, meaning they have high academic standards and will be valued by your employer. Accreditation means that your degree is respected.
- Experienced faculty. Faculty members at WGU have often worked in the very career field they teach, ensuring you get relevant experience. Our curriculum for each master's degree program was designed by industry experts to ensure you're prepared to thrive.
- Affordable. At WGU our tuition is charged per-term instead of per-credit, so finishing faster actually saves you money. And we also offer federal financial aid and scholarships to make your degree as affordable as possible.
Top 12 online master's degree programs at WGU.
#1—Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: 80% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,645 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Executive director
- Chief strategic officer
- Nearly any leadership role
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else - and our MBA grads loved accelerating their program to see an ROI faster.
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College of Business
#4—MBA Healthcare Management
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare...
Prepare for a career leading private or public...
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.
- Time: 72% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Administrative director
- Chief financial officer
- And many other executive-level roles
Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy. Steer your career with this specialty MBA.
College of Business
#7—Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs:...
A master's in nursing education program for...
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs:
This degree will prepare you to teach the future generation of nurses.
- Time: 80% of grads finish within 2 years.
- Tuition and fees: $4,385 per 6-month term, plus one-time Health Professions Student Fee of $350.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Faculty
- Program Director
- Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.
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College of Health Professions
#10—Learning and Technology – M.Ed.
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking...
An online master's degree for current teachers or...
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on integrating technology with instructional design principles.
No teaching license required.
- Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.
Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:
- Instructional design
- Research fundamentals
- Technology integration
Harness the power of technology to teach more kids in better ways with this education master's degree.
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Teachers College
#2—Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking...
An online master's degree for current teachers or...
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.
No teaching license required.
- Time: 72% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.
Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:
- Curriculum theory and development
- Instructional theory
- Research fundamentals
Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable courses of study that address classroom diversity to enhance student performance with this M.S. degree.
Teachers College
#5—Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher...
An online master's of arts in education degree...
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 67% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.
Candidates for this master's of arts in education degree program often include:
- Aspiring elementary teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.
- Substitute teachers.
- Career-changers.
- School paraprofessionals.
- Others who feel the call to teach.
This online teacher's degree includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics content, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, and effective teaching practices. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
Teachers College
#8—Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator
- Time: 84% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,795 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, $4,385 per 6-month term during graduate portion, plus one-time Health Professions Student Fee of $350.
Sample careers and jobs this online nursing degree will prepare you for:
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Faculty
- Program Director
- Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.
College of Health Professions
#11—Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 74% of graduates finish this online English degree program within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.
Candidates for this high school English teaching program often include:
- Aspiring junior high and high school English teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
- Substitute teachers
- Career-changers with a passion for English
- School paraprofessionals
- Others who feel the call to teach
This secondary English MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, English content, research, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Teachers College
#3—Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management,...
An online master's degree focused on change...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President
- Vice president
- Director of operations
- Executive director
- And many other leadership roles
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
College of Business
#6—Educational Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move...
An online master's degree for current teachers...
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.
- Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.
Coursework in this program includes:
- Process management
- Strategic planning
- Performance excellence
- Governance, finance, law, and leadership
- Measurement, analysis, and knowledge management
- Workforce focus
- Other courses, including a capstone project and a series of performance tasks to take place under the leadership of a practicing state licensed school principal or assistant principal in a practicum school site (K–12).
Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree.
States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.
Teachers College
#9—Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills....
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills....
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills.
- Time: 72% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,235 per 6-month term.
Certifications included in the coursework of this program:
- SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9
- SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9
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College of I.T.
#12—Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for greater responsibility:
- Time: 82% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,385 per 6-month term, plus one-time Health Professions Student Fee of $350.
Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Quality Director
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Project Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
College of Health Professions
Research all of our online master's programs at WGU.
Graduate programs begin the first of each month.
WGU enrolls new students at the beginning of each month, launching a new term for those students. A term at WGU is 6 months long. What does this mean for you? You can start when you’re ready, rather than rushing (or waiting) for fall or spring enrollment. So, it’s back-to-school time year-round at WGU!
Frequently asked questions about master's programs and degrees.
What is a master's degree?
A master’s degree, sometimes called a graduate degree, is the first level of graduate study. Most programs require that students have a bachelor’s degree before they can pursue a master’s degree. A master's degree can help you become eligible for a raise, promotion, or career change. It is often considered a higher-level degree program giving you more specific skills and training in a certain area.
Should I get a master's degree?
It's important to personally evaluate if a master's degree is the right move for you. You need to ask yourself if you're passionate about the subject, if it will truly benefit your career, and what kinds of programs would work best for you. Research shows that the average pay raise for professionals with a master's degree is 38%, and over the course of their career they can expect to earn 70% more because of their master's degree. There are also more job opportunities for those with a master's degree. All of this should go into consideration when you're evaluating if a master's degree is right for you.
What are the benefits of a master's degree?
There are many benefits of a master's degree, including:
- Career change opportunity. If you're looking to change careers, a master's degree can be key to helping you reach your goal. For example, if you want to become a teacher, there are many master's degrees that can help you get the skills and qualifications you need, as well as preparing you for a teaching license. An MBA can give you important credentials and skills you need to become a manager. If you want to pursue a new career, consider a master's degree.
- More job possibilities. The BLS says that jobs that require a master's degree are expected to grow 16% over the next few years. This means that if you have a master's degree, there will be many more job opportunities available to you.
- Higher salary potential. Master's degree graduates can expect to earn an average of around $15,000 more per year than a bachelor's degree graduate. While the amount you make may vary by industry, it is fairly standard that a master's degree will mean higher salary potential.
How long does it take to get a master's degree?
The amount of time it will take you to get a master's degree really depends on the type of degree you choose. For example at WGU, some students finish a degree program in as little as six months, while other programs take three years. It's valuable to find a degree program that allows you to accelerate if you're looking to graduate faster. Degree programs like those at WGU allow you to move through courses as quickly as you can master the material, enabling you to accelerate and earn your degree faster.
How much is an online master's degree?
The amount you'll pay for an online master's degree will depend on where you choose to attend. Different schools will have different tuition and fee amounts. WGU is one of the most affordable options for an online degree program, with each program costing between $4,000 and $6,000 for a six-month term. Tuition charged per term means that you won't pay more if you take extra classes, so if you finish faster you'll pay less!
How is an online master's degree different from an on-campus master's degree?
There are several key things that make a traditional master's degree different from an online master's degree, including:
- No campus. For an online master's degree, you don't have to go into a classroom on a campus to attend class. In fact, for many online master's degree programs, you don't have class at all! You don't have to log in, you simply learn from videos and textbooks.
- Less expensive. Online master's degrees tend to be less expensive than traditional campus master's degrees because the school isn't paying for facilities and other elements of traditional degrees.
- Work on your schedule. Because you are online, you can do your school work whenever works for you. You can keep your full-time job and maintain your other responsibilities because you are in charge of your schooling.
Are online master's degrees credible?
83% of employers say they view an online degree with the same respect as a traditional degree. This means that your online master's degree is respected and valued by professionals. You can expect an online master's degree to be well-received and a great boost to your résumé.
It's important to pick an online master's degree from an accredited university. Accreditation signals to employers that your school is held to high standards and is respected in the academic community. Regional accredited universities like WGU are held to the exact same academic standards as traditional universities, meaning their degree programs are rigorous and challenging, and geared to helping students succeed.