Online Master’s Degrees in Mississippi: Reviewing Schools

Inside Three Online Master’s Options in Mississippi

The Most In-Demand Master’s Degree Concentrations

1. Education and Teaching

Education is one of Mississippi’s most vital fields. K-12 schools across the state face teacher and administrator shortages, creating demand for qualified educators. Earning a Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) can help you obtain advanced licensure, move into leadership roles, or specialize in high-need areas like special education or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching. 

Mississippi also incentivizes teachers with graduate degrees through salary increases and programs like teacher residency, which covers a master’s for aspiring educators in shortage areas. With numerous online education master’s available at schools like Ole Miss and Mississippi State, teachers can conveniently gain these credentials while still working. 

2. Business Administration and Management

Business is a field with a consistently high return on investment (ROI) in Mississippi, touching virtually every major industry, from manufacturing and shipbuilding to healthcare and finance. Earning an MBA or related master’s can lead to leadership roles at top Mississippi employers. These degrees build the skills in management, finance, and strategic thinking that are needed to drive the state’s economic growth. 

Importantly, business master’s graduates command some of the highest salaries in Mississippi, and executives are among the top-paid professionals statewide. Mississippi universities offer many online MBAs and specialized business programs that let working adults advance their credentials. With Mississippi’s low cost of living, the boost in earning potential from a business master’s makes it an attractive investment in your future career.

3. Nursing and Healthcare

Healthcare is a critical field in Mississippi, which faces persistent provider shortages and health challenges in its population. An online master’s in nursing (MSN), a Master of Health Administration (MHA), or an MPH can position you to help meet these needs while you benefit from strong job growth. 

Advanced practice nurses are in particularly high demand. Mississippi has 3.49 nurse practitioner jobs per 1,000 jobs, the second highest rate in the U.S., due to a significant shortage of primary care physicians in many counties. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and other MSN-prepared nurses are stepping in to fill healthcare gaps, especially in rural areas. 

Public health experts and healthcare administrators are also needed to improve Mississippi’s patient outcomes in areas like obesity and diabetes. Mississippi’s universities have responded to these needs by providing accredited online programs, including MSN nurse practitioner tracks.

4. Computer Science and Information Technology (IT)

Technology is a rapidly growing field nationwide, and you’ll find that Mississippi is no exception. While the state’s economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture and manufacturing, there’s a rising demand for IT professionals in sectors like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development. 

Many Mississippi organizations need skilled tech experts to modernize operations and protect information systems. Importantly, tech roles also rank among the highest-paying jobs in Mississippi. Computer and information research scientists, for example, have an average salary of around $107,000 in the state. 

MSU and other Mississippi universities have recognized this trend towards tech-based careers by offering online master’s programs in fields such as cybersecurity and computer science. These programs often partner with research centers, such as MSU’s partnership with the National Security Agency (NSA), giving students the advanced technical knowledge needed to enter this field.

5. Engineering and Applied Sciences

Mississippi’s industrial infrastructure includes shipbuilding on the Gulf Coast, automotive manufacturing near Jackson, aerospace testing at Stennis Space Center, and a large energy and agriculture sector. These all create a steady demand for engineers and applied scientists. A master’s degree in an engineering field, such as civil, mechanical, or industrial engineering, or in applied sciences, such as logistics or environmental science, can significantly boost your qualifications for advanced technical and managerial roles. 

Many employers prefer or require a master’s for positions in research and development (R&D), design, or plant management. The good news is Mississippi’s universities make it convenient to get these credentials online. For example, Mississippi State offers online master’s programs in disciplines ranging from aerospace engineering to industrial and systems engineering. These programs focus on practical skills that align with Mississippi’s industry needs.

Accreditation for Online Master’s Programs

Accreditation is the stamp of quality to look for when considering an online master’s program in Mississippi. To make sure you earn a degree that will be respected by employers, licensure boards, and other academic institutions, you want to enroll at a school that’s accredited by a recognized agency. 

All major Mississippi institutions are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which allows them to award certified graduate degrees. This regional accreditation is also crucial for overall academic quality and for eligibility for federal financial aid. 

Beyond that, many programs carry specialized accreditations. Business programs may be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), education programs often have Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation, and nursing programs might be Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited. These are just some examples of what to look for, and some niche fields may carry their own additional accreditation. For instance, Southern Miss’s online MLIS is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

Types of Online Master’s Programs in Mississippi

To suit the needs of a diverse student population, online master’s programs in Mississippi come in many formats. Generally, you’ll find options for full-time and part-time pacing. Some programs waive the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exams. There are even accelerated tracks that can let you finish your degree within a year. 

Whether you’re a recent grad wanting to fast-track a degree or a working parent who needs to study evenings, there’s likely a format for you. Below, we break down a few common types of online master’s formats and what to expect from each:

Immersive Full-Time Online Programs

Full-time online master’s programs are designed for students who can devote most of their week to studies, much like an on-campus student would. In Mississippi, a full-time graduate course load is typically nine or more credit hours per semester. This format often lets you finish a master’s in around 12 to 18 months, which is faster than the part-time route. The advantage is getting your degree sooner and staying immersed in the coursework. 

As a full-time student, you’ll be balancing multiple classes each term, essentially treating graduate school as a half-time or full-time job. This pace can be challenging if you’re also working, but it’s great for those eager to jump into a new career or promotion. 

Examples of Full-Time Online Programs:

• University of Mississippi: Master of Business Administration
• Mississippi State University: Master of Science (MS) in Cyber Security and Operations

Adaptable Part-Time Online Programs

Part-time online master’s programs are the go-to choice for working professionals and others who need a lighter course load. As a part-time student in Mississippi, you might take just one or two courses each term. This approach extends the program length, often taking two to three years for completion, but it makes balancing school with a full-time job or family responsibilities much more manageable. 

The key benefit to studying part-time is flexibility. You won’t be so overwhelmed by coursework, and you can often pause or adjust your schedule if life gets busy. Mississippi universities frequently advertise their online programs as tailored to working adults. 

One thing to note, if you do go part-time, you may not be eligible for certain financial aid programs like assistantships, which often require full-time status. However, federal aid is usually still available as long as you take a minimum number of credits. 

Examples of Part-Time Online Programs:

• Mississippi University for Women: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing
• Delta State University: Master of Commercial Aviation

Online Programs with No GRE Required

Many online master’s programs in Mississippi now waive standardized test requirements, especially for experienced professionals or those with a strong GPA. “No GRE required” programs are ideal if tests aren’t your strength or you want to streamline the graduate school admissions process. 

Instead of working off standardized test scores, these programs focus on factors such as your undergraduate grades, work experience, and letters of recommendation. The trend of waiving GRE and GMAT scores has grown in recent years to remove barriers for otherwise qualified students. In Mississippi, several online MBAs, education degrees, and others have no test requirement. This can save you time and money, foregoing the need for test prep and fees and letting you start sooner. 

Examples of No-GRE Online Programs:

• University of Southern Mississippi: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• University of Mississippi: Master of Public Health (MPH)

Online Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online master’s programs are designed to get you graduated and into the workforce as quickly as possible. These programs typically have shorter course terms, which can include five- to eight-week intensive courses, and allow heavier courseloads or overlapping semesters. Mississippi colleges also offer some one-year master’s pathways and combined bachelor’s/master’s options that count undergraduate credits toward a graduate degree. 

An accelerated format is perfect if you urgently would like to finish your degree, whether for a promotion or to take the next step in your life. The trade-off is an intensive schedule; expect to be taking classes continuously, often year-round. This is doable if you can dedicate the time. 

Examples of Accelerated Online Programs:

• University of Mississippi: Accelerated MBA
• University of Southern Mississippi: MS in Logistics, Trade, and Transportation

How Much Will It Cost? The Price of Online Master’s Programs in Mississippi

Online master’s programs in Mississippi are generally quite affordable compared to national averages. Tuition at Mississippi public universities typically ranges from about $500 to $600 per credit for graduate courses. That means a 30-credit master’s program might cost roughly $15,000 to $18,000 in tuition, while a longer 36- to 42-credit program could be around $20,000 to $25,000 total. Keep in mind that many Mississippi schools charge the same tuition for online students, regardless of residency. For example, Southern Miss waives out-of-state fees for fully online programs.

Besides tuition, consider fees, as online programs may have a per-credit technology fee. Overall, the cost factors include the number of credits, cost per credit, fees, and any travel for hybrid components. 

The below table shows a snapshot of costs for three Mississippi universities’ online master’s programs:

Answering Common Questions From Master’s Students

Q: Can I enroll in an online master’s program from a Mississippi school if I don’t live there, and will I pay out-of-state tuition?

A: Out-of-state students are welcome in most Mississippi online programs. Many Mississippi universities do not even charge extra tuition for non-residents in fully online programs. For example, Southern Miss explicitly waives out-of-state tuition for its online degrees, and Mississippi State offers in-state rates to all online students. 

This makes online Mississippi programs attractive if you’re comparing costs nationally. Just be mindful of state authorization, since universities must be authorized to offer online education in each state. Luckily, Mississippi schools participate in reciprocity agreements, so in most states, you can enroll without issue. 

A few specialized programs might not be available in certain states due to regulatory restrictions. Ole Miss posts notices about states where they cannot accept online students for specific programs. Always check the “state authorization” page or ask an advisor. 

Q: Will my online master’s degree from a Mississippi university be respected by employers?

A: Absolutely! Employers increasingly recognize that an online degree covers the same curriculum and holds the same value as one earned in person. Your diploma typically won’t even specify “online.” 

Many Mississippi online grads are already thriving in the workforce. To bolster credibility, mention any specialized accreditation (such as if you’ve earned an AACSB-accredited MBA) and highlight projects or skills from your program. Networking and career services offered through the university can connect you with Mississippi’s employer base as well.

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

A: You might be studying from home, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Mississippi’s universities strive to provide extensive support services to online grad students. 

Expect offerings very similar to on-campus student support. For example, Mississippi State Online provides academic advising, tutoring, writing assistance, library access, IT help, and even career services for its distance learners. Technical support in online Missississippi programs is typically available twenty-four hours a day, which is important if you’re doing assignments at odd hours. 

Universities also foster a sense of community for online students. Additionally, you can join virtual student organizations, discussion groups, or cohort meet-ups to network with peers. 

Don’t forget about career support. Many schools host virtual career fairs, have résumé review services, and connect online students with internships or job leads. If you happen to live near campus, you’re often welcome to use on-campus facilities, too. 

Q: How can I finance my online master’s program? Are there scholarships or assistantships for online students in Mississippi?

A: Financing your degree is a major concern, but there are several avenues to explore to help pay for your master’s. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Online master’s students in Mississippi are usually eligible for federal financial aid. 

Beyond federal aid, check with each university’s financial aid office about scholarships specifically for graduate or online students. Many Mississippi schools offer scholarships to help attract online learners. At the graduate level, you might also find departmental scholarships or grants in your field. If you’re working, don’t forget to inquire about employer tuition reimbursement programs, as some Mississippi employers help pay for employees’ grad school. 

Lastly, graduate assistantships are more limited for online students, but not impossible. Some programs have virtual graduate assistant roles or research positions. These can provide a stipend and sometimes a tuition waiver, greatly reducing costs, though they usually require full-time study. 

Q: Do I ever need to visit campus during an online master’s program, or is it entirely online?

A: The answer to this question depends on your program. There are many entirely online programs with no mandatory campus visits, and Mississippi universities are clear about which programs are 100% online and which have in-person components. The majority of online master’s do not require you to come to campus at all. 

However, some programs are technically online but include a short residency or practical experience. For example, an online education master’s may require you to do a student-teaching practicum in a local school, which you can arrange in your area. These limited residencies are usually stated upfront and are scheduled to be workable. Some online programs might invite students to campus for optional orientations or graduation ceremonies, but the choice to participate is up to you.