Inside Online Master’s Degrees in Massachusetts: Finding the Right School

Inside Different Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts

Trending Online Master’s Concentrations in Maine

Massachusetts boasts a diverse, innovation-driven economy. Here are five of the most valuable fields for earning a master’s degree in the Commonwealth, backed by job growth trends and industry demand:

1. Business Administration

Pursuing a master’s in business (such as an MBA) is highly rewarding in Massachusetts’ robust economy. The state is an established hub for finance, consulting, biotech startups, and corporate headquarters. 

Management professionals in the state often earn a premium. For instance, general and operations managers have a median salary of $113,242 in Massachusetts, which is above the national median of $101,000. 

An MBA or similar degree can accelerate career advancement into leadership roles. Boston’s financial district and burgeoning tech firms seek graduates with advanced business acumen. Many online MBA programs offer networking with local industries, giving students a foot in the door of the state’s thriving business sector.

2. Computer Science & Information Technology (IT)

Massachusetts is often called the “Silicon Valley of the East Coast,” with its concentration of tech companies and research institutions. The tech sector contributes an estimated 17% of the state’s economy, and tech employment has grown 24% in the last decade. 

Earning a master’s in computer science, data science, cybersecurity, or IT is a smart move as employers seek advanced skills. Today’s in-demand skills include AI, software engineering, and data analytics. Nearly one in eight jobs in Massachusetts is in tech, and these emerging tech roles made up 23.6% of all tech job postings in recent years. A graduate degree can help you stand out in this fast-growing, well-paying field and tap into the state’s extensive tech network.

3. Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare is consistently one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in Massachusetts. Home to world-renowned hospitals (such as Mass General Brigham and Boston Children’s) and a large elderly population, the state has a strong demand for healthcare professionals with advanced training. 

Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and healthcare managers are among the roles projected to grow rapidly. Massachusetts’ healthcare workforce is experiencing high turnover and shortages of care providers in many of these roles, signaling a need for more qualified practitioners. Advanced clinicians are crucial for addressing gaps in primary care, mental health, and long-term care. A master’s in nursing, public health, healthcare administration, or other medical sciences can position you for leadership and specialized roles. 

4. Education (Teaching and Administration)

Massachusetts places a strong emphasis on education, and a master’s degree is often essential for career growth in this field. In fact, public school teachers in Massachusetts are required to earn a master’s degree within a certain timeframe as a condition of their employment contracts. Earning a Master of Education (MEd) or related degree can lead to roles like curriculum specialist, principal, or literacy coach, which are in demand as the state continually works to improve K-12 outcomes. 

Massachusetts consistently ranks at the top for school performance nationwide, partly due to its highly educated teacher workforce. Beyond K-12, the state’s many colleges and universities create demand for higher education administrators and instructional designers. Educators holding master’s degrees also typically see salary increases and can move into leadership or specialist positions. 

5. Biotechnology & Life Sciences

Massachusetts has grown to be a global leader in biotechnology and life sciences. The Boston/Cambridge area is often dubbed the “BioHub” thanks to its concentration of pharmaceutical companies, research labs, and biotech startups. 

The life sciences industry in Massachusetts has been growing particularly explosively. In recent years, the state has responded to industry fluctuation by adding about 3,000 biopharma jobs in 2023, accounting for 17% of all job growth in the state that year. 

Earning a master’s in fields like biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or public health can open doors to this dynamic sector. Graduate students often take part in emerging research and internships with local biotech firms. With major National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding and venture capital pouring into Massachusetts companies, there’s a high demand for people with advanced skills to fill roles in drug development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and biotech management.

The Importance of Institutional & Programmatic Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing your online master’s program. Finding an accredited program means your education will meet industry-established quality standards. In Massachusetts, all reputable universities hold regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 

Many programs also carry specialized accreditation. For instance, business programs may be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and social work degrees are often accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

In addition to these accrediting bodies, Massachusetts approves educator preparation programs through its Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This is an important factor if you’re interested in pursuing a quality teaching master’s. Always verify that your school is regionally accredited and look for program-specific accrediting bodies relevant to your field for added assurance of quality.

Charting the Types of Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts

In your program search, consider which degree format you’re interested in, as online master’s programs in Massachusetts come in a variety of formats. Whether you want to commit to full-time study and finish quickly or balance courses with work, you’ll find an option that suits you. 

Many schools offer full-time programs for a more traditional experience, or part-time tracks to spread out the workload. Some programs forego requirements for Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, removing testing hurdles for admission. You can also find accelerated programs that let you earn a degree in a shorter timeline. 

Below is an overview of these program types and some examples of each:

Immersive Full-Time Programs

Full-time online master’s programs typically involve taking a heavy course load of three or more courses per term. In this format, you can finish in as little as 12 to 24 months. The commitment is similar to an on-campus full-time program — around 30-40 hours of study per week — but you enjoy the benefits of online learning. 

This format is ideal if you want to complete your degree quickly or dedicate most of your time to school. The advantage is a shorter time to graduation and a cohesive, immersive academic experience. However, balancing full-time coursework with a job can be challenging, so consider your schedule and energy. 

Examples of Full-Time Online Programs:

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Master of Science (MS) in Robotics Engineering
• University of Massachusetts Amherst — Online MBA

Flexible Part-Time Programs

Part-time online master’s programs are designed for working professionals or those with busy personal lives. In a part-time format, you might take just one course at a time or one to two courses per semester, extending the program length but greatly easing your weekly workload. This flexibility lets you continue working full-time as a student and manage other responsibilities. 

Most online master’s in Massachusetts can be done part-time, with typical completion times of two and a half to four years, depending on the credit requirements. The pros of part-time study include the ability to apply what you learn in real-time at your job and the lessened stress from juggling fewer courses. It also spreads out tuition costs over a longer period. However, it will take longer to earn the degree, and you’ll need to stay self-motivated over an extended period. 

Examples of Part-Time Online Programs in MA:

• UMass Lowell — Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction
• Boston University — MS in Computer Information Systems

Accessible Programs With No GRE Requirement

Many online master’s programs in Massachusetts now waive the GRE or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) requirement, streamlining the application process. “No GRE” programs are ideal if standardized tests aren’t your strength or you’ve been out of school for a while. 

Admissions committees at these programs focus on undergraduate GPA, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements instead of test scores. In Massachusetts, several reputable universities have test-optional online grad programs, especially after 2020, when testing became difficult and schools found it wasn’t the best predictor of success.

With this option, you can save time and money by not having to prep for the GRE. Just be sure to highlight other strengths in your application, like professional accomplishments or a strong admissions essay.

Examples of Online Programs with No GRE Required:

• Northeastern University — Online MBA
• Simmons University — Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Intensive Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online master’s programs allow you to earn your degree in a shorter-than-normal timeframe. These programs compress coursework into an intense schedule, often by offering courses year-round (including summers) or by double-counting credits into combined bachelor’s/master’s degree paths. 

An accelerated program in Massachusetts might be as short as 12 to 18 months, compared to the typical two years for a master’s. Some are structured for students who already have relevant undergraduate coursework, such as with advanced standing tracks or four-plus-one programs for recent grads. 

The clear benefit is that you finish faster and can reap the career rewards sooner. However, accelerated programs are rigorous; you’ll be juggling a lot of material at once. These programs work best if you’re able to treat school as a top priority for that period. 

Examples of Accelerated Online Programs:

• Fitchburg State University — Accelerated MBA
• Simmons University — Advanced Standing MSW

How Much Do Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts Cost?

Costs for online master’s programs in Massachusetts vary widely depending on the institution and program type. In general, public universities tend to offer lower tuition rates, while private universities are more expensive but may offer more financial aid or payment options. 

Online programs typically charge tuition on a per-credit basis. Keep in mind the additional fees, as online programs may have technology fees, and some courses (like labs or practicums) can carry extra costs. Fortunately, students in online programs are typically eligible for federal financial aid, employer tuition assistance, and scholarships. Many Massachusetts schools also offer assistantships or discounts for teachers, veterans, and other groups. 

The table below shows a breakdown of example online Massachusetts programs and their associated costs:

Answering Online Massachusetts Master’s FAQs

Q1: Will employers respect an online master’s degree from a Massachusetts school?

A1: Employers will generally regard an online master’s as equivalent to on-campus if it’s from an accredited institution. In fact, most Massachusetts universities don’t indicate “online” on the diploma. The reputation of the university and the accreditation of the program matter more than the delivery format. 

Many working professionals earn their master’s online, and employers value the discipline and time management skills that online learning entails. To ensure employer acceptance, choose a well-known Massachusetts school or program with regional accreditation. Networking and showcasing projects can also help demonstrate the quality of your online education. 

Q2: Can I work full-time while pursuing my online master’s, and how flexible are the schedules?

A2: You’ll find that one of the main advantages of online programs is that they cater to working professionals. Most online master’s programs in Massachusetts offer asynchronous coursework, meaning you can watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule. Some programs may have occasional live classes or group work, but these are often scheduled outside of typical work hours. 

You can also choose a part-time pace if a full course load is too much with your job. Universities like Northeastern and Fitchburg State explicitly design their online courses for flexibility, with multiple start dates and all-day access to materials. Many students in Massachusetts successfully balance a 40-hour work week with one or two online courses. 

Q3: What kind of support and networking opportunities will I have as an online student?

A3: Online doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Most Massachusetts schools provide extensive support to their online master’s students. You will have access to professors via email, video office hours, and discussion boards, similar to on-campus students. 

Many programs foster peer interaction and collaboration through group projects and cohort-based classes. Universities often have dedicated online student advisors who assist with course planning and any challenges (technical or academic). Career services at these schools are also usually available remotely, providing students assistance with resume writing, interview prep, and job listings through Zoom or phone appointments. 

Some schools, like Boston University and UMass, even host occasional in-person meetups or offer optional short residencies for online students to network. Don’t underestimate the benefits of LinkedIn and school alumni networks as well. As an online student, you typically gain access to the same alumni community.

Q4: Do online master’s students in Massachusetts qualify for financial aid and scholarships?

A4: Yes, online master’s students are usually eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students, as long as the program is accredited and they enroll in a degree-seeking program. You should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your federal loan and grant options. 

Many Massachusetts schools also offer scholarships specifically for graduate students or online learners. For instance, UMass and other public universities often have tuition remission or scholarship programs for in-state students, and some private colleges have partnerships with employers to offer discounts.

Q5: Will I ever need to come to campus or attend in-person sessions in an online program?

A5: The answer depends on the program, but many online master’s in Massachusetts are 100% online with no residency requirement. If a program is advertised as online, usually all coursework can be completed remotely. 

However, certain fields may have in-person components. For example, an online nursing master’s might require you to attend a few days of hands-on clinical training on campus or at a partner site. UMass Lowell’s online MSN includes four days on campus for intensive labs, but everything else is online. Similarly, an online MBA or education degree might have an optional weekend residency or a capstone presentation you can choose to do in person or via video conference. 

Always check the program details and look for phrases like “100% online” or “low-residency.” Most MBA, IT, and liberal arts master’s programs in Massachusetts have no required campus visits. Programs that lead to licensure, such as teaching or counseling, might require you to complete practicums or student-teaching in person, but you can usually do those in your local area.