Online Master’s Degrees in New Hampshire: Comparing Schools

Inside Online Master’s Degree Programs in New Hampshire

Thinking about earning your master’s without pressing pause on your life? These three New Hampshire programs prove it’s possible. With flexible formats, respected credentials, and real-world focus, they offer smart paths to career growth. Take a look—you might just find the perfect fit for your goals and lifestyle.

New Hampshire’s Top Fields of Study

New Hampshire’s economy and workforce needs make certain master’s degree programs especially valuable. Listed below are some top fields in which you can pursue a master’s degree in the state, based on job demand, salary potential, and program availability.

Business Administration and Management

An MBA or a related master’s degree is always a popular choice, and for good reason; about 25% of the country’s graduate degrees were in business fields as of 2023. The state’s professional and financial services sector is growing, which adds roles in management, finance, and marketing.

Employers in NH (from tech firms to hospitals) often prefer or require a master’s degree for leadership positions. The payoff is attractive; management occupations offer a median annual salary of approximately $116,000. An MBA or an MS in management gives graduates advanced skills in strategy, finance, and leadership that can open doors to upper-level jobs.

New Hampshire schools offer high-quality business programs. For example, the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics’ MBA degree program (which is offered in hybrid and online formats) and SNHU’s online MBA degree program are accredited and tailored to current industry needs. Graduates can increase their earning potential and build networks in the regional business community.

Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare is one of New Hampshire’s fastest-growing sectors. About 25% of all new jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030 were projected to be in health care and social assistance. A master’s degree in fields like nursing, public health, physician assistant studies, or healthcare administration can be especially rewarding.

Advanced practice nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner roles, are in high demand. Nurse practitioner is among the fastest-growing occupations nationally. A 46% growth rate between 2023 and 2033 was projected, with an annual median salary of $126,260, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Due to New Hampshire’s aging population, there’s a strong need for professionals with graduate-level training in healthcare to expand services in primary care, mental health, and healthcare management. Fortunately, the state’s universities prepare graduates to take on leadership roles in clinical practice or healthcare organizations, where they can improve care delivery while commanding higher salaries.

Education and Teaching

Education is another top field in New Hampshire, especially for students who want to increase their salary or move into specialized roles in K-12 schools. Over half of K-12 teachers in the state have earned a master’s degree, reflecting both the professional standard and financial incentives. Many districts pay a salary premium of several thousand dollars for a teacher with a master’s degree.

Earning a Master of Education (MEd) or a related degree can qualify educators for roles like curriculum specialist or principal (with additional certification) or higher teaching tiers. The state currently faces a shortage of teachers in areas such as special education, ESL, science, and math, so a master’s degree in these high-need specialties can lead to immediate opportunities.

Local degree programs, such as Plymouth State University’s online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction or UNH’s MEd in Educational Studies, cater to working teachers with flexible schedules. Graduates can enhance their teaching skills and improve their job stability and earning potential.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

New Hampshire’s growing tech sector — from cybersecurity firms to biotech and software companies — created strong demand for advanced IT skills you can learn from an online master’s degree. State officials project robust growth in technology occupations; one study noted that tech roles could grow over 30% in a decade.

A master’s degree in computer science, information systems, data analytics, or cybersecurity can give students a competitive edge for these high-paying jobs. For example, job growth for data scientists was projected to be 36% nationally between 2023 and 2033, with a median annual salary of $108,020. NH companies are hiring in this area to improve operations and strategy.

With cyber threats increasing, organizations urgently need professionals with cybersecurity expertise. In this field, a master’s degree (like UNH’s online MS in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management) can lead to roles in management and strategy. Colleges in New Hampshire responded with strong degree programs, such as Dartmouth College’s Master of Engineering (MEng) in Computer Engineering, SNHU’s MS in Cyber Security, and NEC’s MS in Data Science. These programs often integrate industry projects and certifications.

Public Administration and Human Services

New Hampshire offers a fertile environment for students who are passionate about public service to use advanced degrees. The state’s many local governments, non-profit organizations, and community organizations need educated leaders and specialists. Although salaries in public service fields vary, the intrinsic rewards and a growing need for skilled public administrators and counselors make this a top field for graduate study in NH.

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree or a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree can prepare students for roles in city management, government agencies, or non-profit leadership. Social services and community management is another growing field. Nationally, social and community service manager positions are projected to grow by approximately 8% (faster than average). New Hampshire faces ongoing needs in areas like substance abuse counseling, child welfare, and community health.

Earning an MSW (Master of Social Work) degree or a related counseling degree is often required for clinical and supervisory roles in those fields. New Hampshire students can pursue these paths through degree programs like UNH’s MPA (which focuses on municipal and local government management) or Springfield College’s Manchester-based MSW program.

Comparing Types of Online Master’s Programs in NH

Online master’s degree programs in NH are available in various formats that suit different needs. Students can find options for full-time accelerated study or part-time pacing and programs that waive standardized tests like the GRE. Whether you want to immerse yourself and graduate faster or balance school with work, there’s a format for you. Listed below is an overview of three common program types.

Full-Time Online Master’s Degree Programs in NH

Full-time online master’s degree programs allow students to complete a degree quickly, often in about 12 to 18 months. Students take a heavier course load each term — for example, SNHU’s MBA degree program can be finished in approximately one year by taking two courses per eight-week term. The benefit is speed and intensive learning; graduates can quickly re-enter the workforce with a new degree.

Full-time online study is ideal for students who can dedicate 30-plus hours each week to coursework. They should expect an accelerated pace similar to an on-campus program, with multiple assignments and deadlines each week. Many recent graduates or those with a break from work choose this route. For example, a working professional might dedicate themselves full-time to UNH’s one-year online MBA degree program, or an educator might finish Plymouth State University’s MEd degree program in one year.

Program Examples:

• University of New Hampshire – MS in National Security Intelligence Analysis
• Southern New Hampshire University – MS in Project Management

New Hampshire Part-Time and Flexible Master’s Degree Programs

Part-time online master’s degree programs are designed for students who need to balance school with a career and/or family. They might take one course at a time, which extends their program’s length to two to three years. The workload is more manageable week to week, with 10 to 15 hours of study on average. This makes it possible to work full-time while in school. The trade-off is that it takes a longer amount of time to earn a degree.

Many online master’s degree programs in NH offer flexible pacing. For instance, UNH’s MS in Cybersecurity degree program gives students up to three years to finish, and they can pause and resume their studies when life requires it.

Part-time students get a rich learning experience that is more spread out. This format is popular with mid-career adults. For example, SNHU allows students to go at their own pace. Because tuition is charged per credit, they can take fewer courses per term without financial penalties. Many part-time online courses even allow students to take just one course per term while working, and they graduate in about three years. 

Program Examples:

• New England College – Master of Business Administration
• University of New Hampshire – Master of Public Administration

Online Master’s Programs That Don’t Require a GRE

An increasing number of New Hampshire universities offer online master’s degree programs that do not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission. These “no GRE required” programs evaluate applicants based on their undergraduate GPA, professional experience, and other factors rather than standardized test scores. It streamlines the application process, and they can focus on their personal statement and transcripts without an extra step of exam preparation.

For example, SNHU does not require GRE/GMAT scores for any of its 100-plus online master’s degree programs. UNH’s graduate degree programs also made tests optional in many cases. Its online MBA degree program accepts GMAT/GRE scores, but does not require them.

Note that “no GRE” does not mean that admissions are lax. School officials look more closely at a student’s academic history and might expect a higher GPA or relevant experience. But for many capable students, skipping the GRE saves time and money. Most programs highlighted in this OMD guide do not require GRE scores. 

Program Examples:

• Southern New Hampshire University – Master of Science in Data Analytics
• Antioch University – Master of Environmental Studies

Tuition Costs for Online Master’s Degree Programs in NH

Costs for online master’s degree programs in NH vary widely, depending on the institution and the type of program. But overall, they tend to be competitive with national averages. Public universities like UNH and Plymouth State University often offer lower per-credit tuition for New Hampshire residents and slightly higher rates for out-of-state students. For example, an online UNH master’s degree program costs $570 per credit for NH residents versus $640 for non-residents. 

Private colleges (like SNHU and NEC) usually charge all online students the same amount for tuition since there’s no in-state discount. About $600 to $700 per credit is common. A typical master’s degree requires 30 to 36 credits, so the total tuition can range from $15,000 to $25,000-plus.

Many schools in New Hampshire operate on a per-credit model, so students pay by the course. This offers flexibility, as they can take fewer credits in one term to manage costs. The state’s cost of living is moderate, so in-state students can continue to work in its affordable cities while studying. Listed below is a sample of program costs that illustrates what students can expect to pay.

Costs typically increase a bit each year. Students should check the latest tuition rates on their school’s website.

FAQs From NH Master’s Students

Are online master’s degree programs from New Hampshire colleges and universities respected and accredited?

The answer is yes, but you need to make sure you are going to an accredited institution. Employers generally recognize and respect accredited online degrees. 

All of the major NH schools mentioned above (UNH, SNHU, NEC) are regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). So, their online degree programs meet the same quality standards as on-campus programs. Many programs also hold programmatic accreditations such as ones from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

When you consider a program, you should verify that the school is accredited NECHE at least and ask if your degree holds any field-specific accreditation. If so, you can be confident that the online degree will be taken seriously in the job market.

How long does it take to earn an online master’s degree in NH?

The timeline is flexible. Most online master’s degree programs in New Hampshire are designed to be completed in about two years of part-time study, which is often the pace that working professionals choose. For example, for a typical program of 36 credits, students might take six credit hours per semester for four semesters. However, many programs offer accelerated options; you can finish in as little as 12 to 18 months by studying full-time.

Conversely, if you need to go slower, that also works. UNH allows up to three years to complete its online MS programs if students take one course at a time. So, you generally have control over the pace of your program. It usually takes one year to complete a full-time program and two years to complete a part-time program. Some students take more than three years to complete a program if they’re balancing many obligations. Online degree programs in NH often let you adjust your course load each term to fit your schedule.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s degree?

Absolutely – many online master’s degree students in NH are working professionals. Courses are often asynchronous and do not meet at a set time, so students can do their coursework during evenings, weekends, or whenever their schedule allows. Most schools encourage a part-time course load (maybe one course per term) for students who have a full-time job so they don’t get overwhelmed. In this case, it will take longer to graduate, but you’ll be able to manage both roles.

Students who work while studying say that time management and discipline are important, but earning a master’s degree is achievable. Universities also try to help; for example, SNHU notes that its online format provides many students the opportunity to achieve their goals without sacrificing parts of their lives outside of school. 

Many employers support staff members who go back to school, and they sometimes offer flexible hours or tuition assistance. So, you can work and earn a degree simultaneously, and that’s a common path in New Hampshire’s online master’s degree programs.

What kind of support and resources will I get as an online student?

Online students at New Hampshire schools typically have access to all of the same support services as on-campus students — and sometimes additional tailored support. Students can expect dedicated online academic advisors who check in on their progress, virtual tutoring or writing centers, and library services with vast digital collections. Professors are usually available via email or video during office hours, and online class sizes are often kept small to allow personal attention.

You’ll also find that universities extend career services to online learners: you can work with career counselors, attend virtual job fairs, and tap alumni networks. For example, SNHU offers 24/7 tech support and an online platform with all course materials.Many programs encourage cohort bonding through discussion boards and group projects, so you won’t feel alone. 

How can I finance an online master’s degree program? Are financial aid options available?

Finding financial aid for an online master’s degree program is similar to the process for any graduate degree program. Federal financial aid is available if you attend an accredited school. So, students should fill out a FAFSA form to see if they qualify for federal student loans or grants for certain programs. Many students use federal unsubsidized graduate loans, which can cover tuition and living expenses; they repay the loans after they graduate. Aside from federal aid, some schools offer scholarships that are specifically designed for graduate or online students, based on merit or need. Students should check with each school’s financial aid office.

Additionally, employer tuition assistance is a big resource; many employers in the state, especially in the healthcare and education fields, partially reimburse tuition if a degree is job-related. They can also seek out external scholarships for grad students in specific fields. Lastly, consider the convenience — by studying online, you can keep working and earn a salary, which can help you pay as you go. Some students pay course by course to avoid a large amount of debt.