Online Master’s Degrees in Illinois: Finding the Right School

Comparing Online Master’s Program Student Options

Looking at the Top Fields of Study for Master’s Students

Business Administration (MBA & Management)

Illinois is a major business hub with Chicago alone hosting 34 Fortune 500 companies driving demand for MBA grads. An MBA or related master’s opens doors in finance, consulting, marketing, and leadership. Employers value advanced management skills to navigate competitive markets. Graduates often see strong ROI with leadership roles in corporations, startups, and nonprofits. Many Illinois schools offer MBA programs online, letting you tap into Chicago’s (and the state’s) business network without relocating.

Healthcare & Nursing

Healthcare is one of the state’s fastest-growing sectors, with large hospital systems (Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health) and public health agencies. A master’s in nursing (MSN), public health (MPH), or healthcare administration can lead to advanced practitioner roles, management positions, and higher salaries. There’s high demand for nurse practitioners, healthcare managers, and health informaticians, especially in urban centers. Illinois universities respond with accredited online nursing programs (like UIC’s CCNE-accredited MSN for Non-RNs) and hybrid healthcare degrees that help professionals advance without pausing their professional careers.

Computer Science & Information Technology

Chicagoland’s tech scene is booming with startups, fintech firms, and major tech employers (like Google, Salesforce, etc.). A master’s in computer science, data science, or information technology equips you with cutting-edge skills in software development, AI, and data analytics. Graduates benefit from the strong tech job market in Illinois, often landing positions as software engineers, data scientists, or IT managers. Tech roles are high-paying and in demand statewide. Illinois universities offer excellent online CS programs, like UIUC’s Online Master of Computer Science, which can be completed in as little as one year.

Education (Teaching & Leadership)

Illinois places a premium on advanced education credentials. A master’s in education can lead to higher paying administrative roles (like principal or instructional coach), and specialized positions. Graduates influence school improvement and student outcomes, and the state’s teacher pension formulas often reward those with master’s degrees, enhancing long-term ROI. With Chicago public schools and many suburban districts facing leadership turnover, principals and curriculum directors with MEd degrees are in demand. Many online MEd programs in Illinois let current teachers study part-time.

Engineering & Applied Sciences

Home to manufacturing giants and research labs, Illinois offers many opportunities for engineers. A master’s in fields like electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or applied sciences can accelerate career growth into research and development, project management, or specialized technical roles. Illinois universities (notably UIUC and Illinois Tech) offer highly ranked engineering programs, many now available in online or hybrid formats. Advanced skills in areas like AI, bioengineering, and supply chain engineering are sought after by Illinois employers like Caterpillar and national labs. With strong starting salaries, a master’s in engineering often pays off quickly, and Illinois’s robust industrial base means a steady demand for well-qualified engineers.

Accreditation of Online Master’s Programs (Why It’s Important)

Accreditation is the mark of a legitimate, quality program. Proper accreditation is essential when choosing an online master’s. In Illinois, reputable colleges and universities hold accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the nation. Institutional accreditation is important in that it ensures that schools meet rigorous standards for academics and student support. It also means that students can qualify for federal financial aid, credits earned can transfer between schools, and degrees are recognized by employers and licensing boards.

Many programs additionally possess programmatic accreditation. For example, business programs may be accredited by the AACSB, and nursing programs are often approved by the CCNE. When evaluating an online master’s in Illinois, always verify that the university is HLC-accredited and check for any specialized accreditations in your field. It’s your guarantee of the program’s quality and value.

Common Online Master’s Program Types

Online master’s programs come in multiple formats to suit different student needs and preferences. You can study full-time and finish quickly, or part-time while working. Some programs waive exam requirements like the GRE, and others offer accelerated pathways. Here’s a review of the most common types of online master’s programs in Illinois:

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online master’s programs allow you to accelerate your studies by taking a full course load each term. Expect a busy schedule consisting of three or more courses per semester, enabling program completion in as little as 12 to 18 months. The major benefits of a full-time program are finishing your degree quickly and immersing yourself deeply in study. Keep in mind, though, that balancing full-time academics with work and family obligations requires strong time management skills. The payoff is a faster return to the workforce with your new master’s credential.

Examples of Full-Time Online Programs in IL:

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale — MBA (General)
• University of Illinois Springfield — MS in Data Analytics
• Northern Illinois University — MS in Digital Marketing

Part-Time Programs

Part-time online programs are tailored primarily for working professionals. Students take fewer courses per term (typically one or two), stretching total program length to two to three years or more. The lighter course load makes it more feasible to work full-time without study overload and balance coursework with family and other commitments. Illinois universities frequently offer evening and weekend classes, often in asynchronous formats, to fit around the nine to five workday.

Examples of Part-Time Online Programs in IL:

• Northwestern University — MS in Data Science
• DePaul University — MS in Cybersecurity
• Northern Illinois University — Master of Public Health

Programs with No GRE Requirement

Many Illinois online master’s programs do not require the GRE or GMAT. “No GRE required” is especially prevalent for experienced applicants or degrees in certain fields (education, nursing, etc.). In their stead, schools focus on your undergraduate GPA, work history, and application essays. Skipping the GRE saves time and cost, and it’s a boon if test-taking isn’t your strength. However, admissions may be holistic and sometimes competitive, so strong academic and professional credentials are key. Always verify testing requirements in detail. Some programs waive GRE scores only for those meeting a GPA threshold or holding another advanced degree.

Examples of No-GRE Online Programs in IL:

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — MS in Recreation, Sport & Tourism
• Eastern Illinois University — MS in Biological Sciences (Online)
• Concordia University Chicago — MBA Online
  

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online master’s programs allow you to earn a degree in less time. Some are standalone one-year master’s aimed at full-time students. These programs move fast with courses in shorter 5-8 week modules or heavier course loads each term, so be prepared for the rigorous pace. Others are dual-degree pathways where students start master’s courses in their senior undergrad year, allowing for quicker completion of their master’s degree requirements.

Examples of Accelerated Online Programs in IL:

• Northwestern University — Accelerated MS in Data Science
• Aurora University — Online MBA
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Online Master in Computer Science

Financing Your Degree: Paying for Your Online Master’s

Tuition costs for online master’s programs in Illinois vary by school and program, but generally follows a per-credit model. Illinois public universities often have separate e-tuition rates, sometimes charging the same to both in-state and out-of-state online students. Private universities have a single per-credit tuition for all students regardless of state residency. Your total program cost, along with tuition, will include such items as technology fees, books and other study materials, internet access fees, etc. Keep in mind, though, that qualifying students can lower their degree costs by taking advantage of available financial aid resources.

Here are examples of current tuition costs for three online master’s programs in Illinois:

Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.

Student Resource: Online Master’s Student FAQs

Q: Are online master’s degrees from Illinois universities respected by employers?

A: Yes. As long as a program is properly accredited and comes from a reputable Illinois school, it is generally irrelevant to employers whether a degree is earned online or on-campus. Employers care about the quality of the knowledge and skills obtained by you in your master’s education, not the program’s delivery format. Most Illinois colleges and universities ensure online students complete the same courses of study taught by the same instructors as their campus-based counterparts. And degrees and transcripts from these programs typically make no mention of content delivery format.

Q: Do I need to live in Illinois to enroll in an Illinois online master’s program?

A: No. One big advantage of fully-online programs is that you can access course content from anywhere. Illinois schools gladly welcome out-of-state (and even international) students into their online master’s degrees programs. Residency does not restrict access, though programs may include in-person clinical components you arrange locally. Remember, though, that some public colleges and universities charge non-residents a higher tuition rate. And out-of-state online learners should additionally confirm that a program meets any relevant licensing requirements in their home state.

Q: What support will I have as an online master’s student in Illinois?

A: Online students in Illinois receive robust support that, in most cases, is identical to on-campus student services. Universities provide dedicated academic advisors to help plan your courses and stay on track. You’ll also have access to professors during virtual office hours and through discussion boards and email. Most schools additionally provide career services (like virtual career fairs, one-on-one career counseling, and alumni mentoring) to online students and graduates. In short, Illinois colleges and universities strive to make sure their online learners are backed by a full suite of student services throughout their studies so they’re never left on their own.

Q: How do hybrid master’s programs work in practice?

A: Hybrid programs blend online learning with some face-to-face components. This can happen in a few ways. Some Illinois programs are mostly online but require short on-campus residencies, like a weekend lab or orientation seminar once a semester. Others might split coursework between online and in-person components (like classes attended on campus, often in the evenings or on weekends). Hybrid programs can offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of online study most of the time, with periodic in-person engagement to build connections and skills that are hard to replicate virtually.

Q: How can I finance my online master’s degree? Do online students get financial aid?

A: Accredited online master’s students are typically eligible for the same financial aid resources as on-campus students, including federal loans and Grad PLUS loans. Beyond that, check for such funding sources as scholarships and grants (many Illinois universities have scholarships specifically for graduate or online learners), employer tuition assistance, graduate fellowships and teaching assistantships, and (for active and veteran military) VA benefits. Be sure to contact the financial aid office at your school as soon as possible.