What are the Most Popular Online Master’s Degrees?

If you are having a hard time deciding which online graduate program is the right fit, looking at today’s most popular online master’s degrees can be a great place to start. Selecting the right graduate degree may be one of the most critical decisions you will make in your academic career, so it is important to remember that there is wisdom in numbers and degrees being pursued by the largest number of online learners often provide an excellent education. In fact, popular online master’s programs are typically the degrees that lead to the highest salary potential, most reported job satisfaction, and strong job prospects in our tough market. In this article, we will take a look at the three most popular master’s degrees being earned across the United States in a flexible online format.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

In the world of online education, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree clearly takes the crown for being the most popular graduate available online. More business schools than ever before are enabling students to earn an MBA online to learn the key business principles, strategic skills, and ethical values needed to succeed in managerial positions. In most cases, online MBA students are given the option to specialize their studies in a certain business discipline, such as accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and project management to name a few. Although MBAs are increasingly offered online, it is important to note that many culminate in a capstone project and may require on-campus components.

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

As the nation’s booming healthcare industry continues to evolve with national reforms, it is no surprise that earning a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree online is also popular. In most cases, accredited online MHA degrees provide a strong foundation in business management before focusing on the specific leadership skills necessary for managing the daily operations of fast-paced medical facilities. Online MHA courses will likely cover the financial, legal, policy development, personnel management, and strategic planning aspects of healthcare to prepare graduates for obtaining executive-level career options. Fieldwork experiences and administrative practicum are included in the curriculum, but online students generally have the option of finding clinical settings in their local area.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Earning a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree online is another increasingly popular option available for graduate students seeking to enhance their professional skills as classroom teachers or advance their career opportunities in administrative school positions. Without interrupting their full-time teaching careers, online M.Ed. degrees usually offer educators the opportunity to choose from a vast number of specialization areas, such as instructional technology, curriculum design, educational leadership, elementary education, special education, and school administration. In some cases, online master’s degrees in education will also provide an option for selecting an endorsement area for career changers who have not already acquired proper state teaching licensure.

Resource: Top 10 Online Master’s in Education Degree Programs

Overall, popular online master’s degrees are typically conferred in the fields of business, healthcare, education, social sciences, and public administration. Not only is it important to be aware of emerging trends in online graduate program options, but you should also look for the best master’s degrees for jobs right now to ensure you are not headed straight for underemployment. In addition to the most popular online master’s degrees, earning a graduate degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, physics, public health, nursing, or finance will be very beneficial.