Online Master’s Programs in Indiana: Reviewing Schools

Comparing Online Master’s Programs in Indiana

5 Best Fields for Master’s Degrees in Indiana

Business Administration (MBA)

An Master of Business Administration is one of the most popular master’s degrees in Indiana, reflecting the state’s robust business climate. MBA degrees equip professionals with leadership and management skills applicable to Indiana’s key industries — from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and tech startups. Employers like Eli Lilly, Cummins, and Anthem seek MBA graduates for roles in operations, finance, and product management. The degree investment pays off. The median salary for management occupations overall is $116,880 nationally according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Indiana’s lower cost of living can stretch those earnings further. Job outlook is strong, with growth of 6% projected by 2033 for top executives and general and operations managers.

Education

Education is a top field for master’s study in Indiana. For example, many Indiana K-12 school districts require a master’s for roles as principals and instructional coordinators, and reward teachers who hold a master’s with higher salaries. The demand for specialized educators in Indiana is high. There’s a current need statewide, for instance, for more special education and STEM teachers. Earning a Master of Education (MEd) or related master’s can lead to a variety of such teaching and administrative positions. Salaries are strong in the field, with elementary and secondary principals nationally earning a median $103,460 per year, as an example.

Nursing and Healthcare

Healthcare is one of Indiana’s fastest-growing sectors, making nursing a top master’s degree field. Indiana faces shortages of advanced practice nurses (especially in rural areas) fueling strong demand for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduates in roles as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and healthcare administrators. Nurse practitioner is one of the nation’s fastest-growing occupations, with a median annual salary of $126,260 (as of 2023) and projected 46% job growth by 2033. Indiana mirrors this trend as healthcare systems like IU Health and Ascension hire more NPs to expand primary care access. An MSN or Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) can also lead to leadership roles with similarly competitive salaries.

Computer Science & Information Technology

Indiana’s tech scene is growing rapidly, anchored by the Indianapolis metro area’s tech startups and IT centers (Salesforce’s regional hub, Infosys, etc.). Indiana is nurturing its “Silicon Prairie” with initiatives like TechPoint, and companies in sectors from finance to logistics need advanced computing talent. As a result, computer science, data science, and information technology are top master’s fields in the state offering excellent career prospects. Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and IT managers are in high demand. In fact, according to the BLS, data scientist positions are expected to grow 36% this decade, with median salaries around $108,020. Earning an M.S. in Computer Science or Information Technology can give Hoosiers an edge for these high-paying jobs.

Public Administration

With Indiana’s numerous government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public sector opportunities, public administration is another prime field for master’s students in the state. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares graduates to lead in government (city/county management, state agency leadership) and nonprofit management. Public administration is among the most common graduate fields in Indiana by enrollment, underscoring its importance. Graduates often pursue careers as policy analysts, budget directors, city managers, nonprofit executives, and program administrators. While salaries vary, many public sector roles are well-paying and come with excellent benefits. The job outlook is positive as government agencies modernize and a generation of public service leaders head into retirement.

School and Program Accreditation: Why It’s Important

Proper accreditation is crucial when evaluating online master’s programs in Indiana. It signifies that a school or program meets established quality standards, which affects credit transfer, graduate school acceptance, employment, and financial aid eligibility. The Department of Education-recognized regional accreditor of Indiana colleges and universities is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Indiana University, Ball State, and Indiana Wesleyan (among many others) are all HLC-accredited.

Many master’s degree programs themselves also have specialized accreditations. For example, business programs may be AACSB accredited, teaching programs may be CAEP accredited, and nursing programs often hold CCNE or ACEN accreditation.

Common Online Master’s Program Types

Online master’s programs in Indiana come in a variety of formats to suit different student needs. Whether you want to accelerate your studies or balance school with work, there’s an option for you. Below are descriptions of the four most common of these formats, along with current program examples for each.

Full-Time Online Programs

Full-time online master’s programs allow students to complete their degrees quickly by taking a full course load (typically two or three courses, sometimes more) each term. You’ll earn your degree faster (often in 12 to 18 months), experience deeper immersion in coursework, and enjoy quicker entry into the next stage of your career. But you’ll also face a more intensive academic schedule, and balancing full-time online study with work or family can be challenging. If you have the ability to devote significant time to your coursework, however, a full-time online master’s program can fast-track your goals while still providing flexibility on where and when you study.

Examples of Full-Time Programs:

• Purdue University — Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
  
• Indiana Wesleyan University — M.S. in Early Childhood Education
  
• University of Southern Indiana — MPA with Public Sector Administration Concentration
  

Part-Time Online Programs

Part-time online master’s programs are designed for maximum flexibility and are popular with working professionals in Indiana who need to fit their studies around a job or other responsibilities. Part-time students might take just one course at a time, extending the program length but making the academic workload more manageable. The main advantage is work-life-study balance. Part-time programs typically take three to four years to complete, but many programs allow up to five or six years, if needed.

Examples of Part-Time Programs:

• Butler University — Online MBA
  
• Indiana University — M.S. in Data Science
  
• Ball State University — MAE in Educational Administration and Supervision
  

No-GRE Admission Programs

Many online master’s programs in Indiana now offer GRE/GMAT waivers or no-test admissions, removing what had been a common application requirement. No-GRE programs evaluate students on their undergraduate records and professional experience instead of standardized test scores. This is a boon for busy adults who may not have time to prepare for these tests or whose strengths aren’t best reflected by test-taking. Keep in mind that “no-GRE” doesn’t mean lower admissions standards. Selection committees still closely review GPA, letters of recommendation, and other application materials. But overall, Indiana’s no-GRE online master’s options make graduate education more accessible.

Examples of No-GRE Programs:

• Indiana University Bloomington — MPH in Public Health Administration (GRE optional)
  
• Ball State University — M.A. in Secondary Education (No GRE required)
  
• Indiana University Indianapolis — M.S. in Applied Data Science (GRE optional for applicants)
  

Accelerated Online Programs

Accelerated online master’s programs are structured to speed up completion through shorter terms, year-round courses, and/or heavier course loads. This can cut the time to degree completion to as little as 12 to 18 months in contrast to traditional programs that often require two years or more. The advantage is obvious. Students enter the workforce with their new credentials sooner and save time overall. Juggling an accelerated program with a full-time job can be challenging, and maybe impossible. But if you’re looking to make a career move quickly or have a deadline to meet (like a promotion contingent on a degree), an accelerated online master’s can be ideal.

Examples of Accelerated Programs:

• University of Southern Indiana — MPA with Public Sector Administration Concentration
  
• Indiana Wesleyan University — MEd in Special Education (Indiana Licensure)
  
• University of Saint Francis — MBA

Understanding Indiana Online Master’s Program Costs

Graduate tuition is a significant factor when choosing any program. Fortunately, Indiana’s online master’s programs are often affordable, especially for in-state students. Public universities typically offer lower tuition rates for Indiana residents, and some extend in-state or near-in-state rates to online students in other states as well. To budget your total degree cost, consider the cost per credit, total number of credits required, additional required fees, the cost of books and other study materials, internet access fees, cost of a laptop, etc. Remember, too, that you may be able to mitigate your total degree bill by obtaining any financial aid resources you’re eligible for.

Below is a comparison of tuition costs for three accredited Indiana online master’s programs:

Online Master’s Student Questions, Answered

Q: Can I get financial aid for an online master’s program in Indiana?

A: Qualifying online master’s students in Indiana are typically eligible for the same financial aid resources as on-campus students. These include loans, scholarships and grants, graduate fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement, VA benefits (for veteran and active military), and more. Many online programs have dedicated financial aid counselors to help distance learners navigate funding options, so be sure to contact school financial aid offices to learn about funding help as early as possible in your Indiana master’s degree search.

Q: What kind of career outcomes can I expect after earning my master’s? Do online graduates get job support from their schools?

A: Career outcomes will vary by field, but Indiana’s job market is generally strong for those with advanced degrees. Master’s holders enjoy lower unemployment and higher median earnings than those without a master’s degree. That’s true whether you earn your degree online or on campus. Most Indiana colleges and universities offer career services to all of their students, and often include some tailored to those studying online (like virtual career fairs, one-on-one online career counseling, resume workshops, and alumni networking). In short, expect a positive career boost from your online master’s, and be sure to take advantage of all career resources your school offers.

Q: Can I transfer credits into my online master’s program?

A: In many cases, yes. Indiana universities often allow you to transfer some graduate-level credits from other accredited institutions, which can save time and money. The process typically starts by submitting transcripts from the schools you previously attended. You may also need to submit course syllabi to allow for equivalency evaluation. Always check with an academic advisor early in your program search process (and definitely before you enroll) if you have prior graduate coursework to consider.

Q: What technology will I need for online master’s study?

A: You’ll need a reliable computer and internet connection as the basics. Specifically, a desktop or laptop capable of running standard productivity software and video conferencing tools. A webcam and microphone will also be needed for virtual classes or proctored exams. If you’re in a design-heavy field, a graphics-capable computer will likely be required. Most Indiana online programs employ a learning management system (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) accessible via a web browser. Schools usually list tech requirements on their online student orientation pages and offer IT help desks if you run into problems.

Q: Will my online master’s diploma say “online,” and do employers value an online degree?

A: Your diploma will not indicate that your degree was earned online. It will simply state the degree title and awarding institution, just like a traditional diploma. The transcript might list online courses, but typically the format of delivery isn’t specified.

Indiana’s universities consider their online programs equivalent to campus programs academically. The same can be said for employers as well. Hiring managers value accreditation and program reputation more than the delivery method. In fact, earning an online degree while working a job can highlight your time management and self-motivation skills, a major plus with most employers. Overall, employers in Indiana and beyond increasingly recognize that an online master’s from a reputable school is equally as valuable as one earned in a campus-based program.