North Carolina Master’s Degrees Online: Finding Your School

Popular Online Master’s Degree Programs: A Comparison

Top Master’s Degree Concentrations in NC

North Carolina’s economy is dynamic, and certain industries show especially strong demand for advanced skills. Earning a master’s degree in these fields can lead to abundant job opportunities and high salaries in the state. Below, we highlight five of the top fields to pursue a master’s degree in, based on job growth, earning potential, and the prevalence of quality degree programs statewide.

Business Administration and Management (MBA)

An MBA or a master’s degree in business is a top choice in NC, thanks to the state’s robust corporate sector. The city of Charlotte is a major banking hub and home to Fortune 500 financial firms, and the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area hosts many global companies — driving demand for skilled managers and analysts. Management occupations in the state are projected to grow by 10% and add approximately 45,900 jobs by 2032.

An MBA gives professionals leadership and strategic skills that are applicable to nearly any industry. Graduates often pursue roles in finance, marketing, consulting, or operations. The return on investment is strong; management roles in NC offer median annual salaries of approximately $105,000 per year.

Many online MBA programs (from UNC-Chapel Hill, NCSU, ECU, etc.) and specialized business master’s degree programs (like accounting or analytics) are available. So students can advance their business careers without leaving the workforce.

Technology and Data Science

North Carolina’s booming tech sector fuels demand for experts in computer science, IT, and data analytics. The state has a growing tech workforce in Research Triangle Park and beyond — from software development to cybersecurity. Computer and mathematical occupations are the fastest-growing in NC and are projected to expand significantly by 2032.

A master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or data science can open doors to high-paying roles. For example, data scientists and statisticians (roles that often require graduate training) are seeing rapid growth of approximately 4% each year in NC, with median annual salaries of approximately $104,000. Likewise, information security analysts in NC earn a median annual salary of approximately $120,000, which reflects strong demand for advanced IT skills.

North Carolina colleges and universities offer many relevant master’s degree programs — from UNC Greensboro’s MS in Informatics and Analytics to NC State’s renowned online Master of Computer Science.

Given the state’s investment in tech (including Apple’s upcoming campus in RTP and numerous start-up companies), a master’s degree in this field positions graduates at the forefront of NC’s innovation economy.

Health Care and Nursing

Health care is one of North Carolina’s strongest sectors, which makes master’s degrees in this field highly valuable. The state’s aging population and extensive hospital systems (like UNC Health and Duke Health) drive demand for advanced health care practitioners and leaders. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are a prime example; this role requires a master’s degree in nursing and is the fastest-growing occupation in NC, with a 4.3% annual growth rate and a median annual salary of approximately $102,000.

Other health professions that require master’s degrees, such as physician assistants, speech-language pathologists, and health care administrators, are also in high demand. North Carolina is projected to add 55,000 jobs in health care practitioner roles (doctors, nurses, etc.) by 2032.

A combination of high growth, community impact, and strong salaries makes health care one of the best fields for a master’s degree in North Carolina. Graduates can help fill critical shortages in the state’s health workforce while advancing their own careers.

Education and School Leadership

Education is a foundational field in North Carolina; it offers considerable opportunities for graduates with a master’s degree. Many K-12 educators pursue a Master of Education (MEd) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree to enhance their skills and/or move into specialist roles. In NC, a graduate degree can lead to salary increases for teachers and qualifications for positions like curriculum specialist or instructional coach.

There is a pressing need for teachers as the state has faced shortages in recent years. For example, 800 fewer new teachers completed NC prep programs in 2024; this is an 18% decline from the prior year. This shortfall underscores the demand for qualified educators and leaders, especially in high-need areas like special education or STEM education.

If you’re passionate about teaching or leading in schools, North Carolina is an encouraging place to earn an education master’s degree. The state rewards advanced credentials and urgently needs talented educators to shape the next generation of students.

Engineering and Applied Sciences

Engineering and related applied science fields are strong contenders for top master’s degree programs in North Carolina. Due to the state’s mix of manufacturing (from aerospace in the Triad area to automotive and biotech in the Triangle) and research-driven industry, there’s robust demand for engineers with advanced skills.

A master’s degree can be a game-changer for career advancement in engineering — whether it’s in civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, or biomedical engineering. For example, NCSU’s engineering master’s degree programs see high enrollment from working engineers who want to specialize in areas like renewable energy or nanotechnology. North Carolina’s employment projections show that life, physical, and social science occupations (which include many research engineering roles) are among the faster-growing groups.

Mastering an engineering field puts graduates at the heart of the state’s innovation economy, thanks to North Carolina’s blend of high-tech research parks and industrial growth (such as new electric vehicle and battery plants).

Online Master’s Program Formats: Which One is Right for You?

Online master’s degree programs in North Carolina are not one-size-fits-all; colleges and universities provide a variety of formats to suit the needs of different students. Generally, programs can vary by attendance pace (full-time vs. part-time), speed of completion (standard vs. accelerated), and admissions flexibility (such as GRE requirements).

Below, we explore three common types of online master’s degree program formats that are available in NC. Understanding these options will help you choose a program structure that matches your schedule, learning style, and career timeline.

Part-Time Online Master’s Degree Programs

Part-time online master’s degree programs are designed for maximum flexibility; they allow students to take courses at a slower pace while managing work and/or other commitments. Many online degree programs in North Carolina cater to working professionals by offering one or two courses per term instead of a full load. The time commitment is typically 10 to 20 hours of study per week, depending on the course load.

The fact that students can continue to work full-time and immediately apply what they learn on the job is an advantage. A reduced course load makes juggling family and/or other duties more feasible. A disadvantage is the fact that it takes longer to finish a degree program; it often takes two and a half to four years to earn a master’s degree, instead of one to two years of full-time study.

Students must stay self-motivated over a longer period of time. Part-time students in NC still get access to faculty, career services, and cohort networking, but on a stretched timeline. Courses are usually offered asynchronously or held in the evenings/weekends to accommodate work schedules. Most programs allow you to speed up or slow down as needed; for example, at East Carolina University, MBA students can take as few as one class or as many as five classes each semester, and pause their studies for a term if it’s necessary. This flexibility is a hallmark of part-time online degree programs.

Examples in North Carolina:

• East Carolina University — Online MBA: This fully online MBA program lets students set their own pace; they can take one to five classes per semester.
• UNC Charlotte — Professional MBA Online: This program offers part-time enrollment for working professionals, with online evening sessions. The average amount of time required for completion is three years.
• Appalachian State University — Online M.A. in Educational Leadership: This part-time degree program is designed for teachers; students typically take two courses per semester while teaching full-time.

Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs

These programs condense the curriculum for a master’s degree program into a shorter time frame; they often feature year-round courses or heavier course loads. Some online master’s degree programs in NC can be finished in as little as 12 to 15 months. These programs are ideal for students who want to earn a degree quickly — to seize a promotion or pivot careers — and are able to devote a significant amount of time to their studies.

Accelerated formats often require full-time study (e.g., 30-plus hours of coursework per week) or back-to-back seven- to eight-week course blocks with minimal breaks. Students can graduate sooner and reap career benefits and a potential for a higher salary earlier. This format can be cost-effective, since students spend less time enrolled in school (and potentially have fewer fees). However, the intensity is higher — juggling a fast-paced course schedule can be stressful, especially if a student is working.

North Carolina colleges and universities often label these programs as Online Accelerated Programs (OAPs). For instance, UNC Wilmington’s Online MS in Business Analytics program can be completed in as few as 12 months, using seven-week course modules. Similarly, UNC Pembroke’s online MBA in Forensic Accounting program offers an “as few as 12 months” track for full-time students who take intensive course loads. Accelerated online degree programs in NC maintain the same credit requirements, but they compress scheduling by running courses year-round and in successive short terms.

Examples in North Carolina:

• UNC Wilmington — Online MS in Business Analytics: This 30-credit degree program can be finished in 12 months/three semesters with full-time study. Courses are offered in accelerated seven-week sessions.
• UNC Pembroke — Online MBA: This program is offered in an accelerated format. Students can complete the 36-credit MBA program in one year by taking two courses each seven-week term.
• North Carolina Wesleyan University — MS in Criminal Justice: This 33-credit online degree program was explicitly designed as a 12-month program (with eight-week-long accelerated courses).

Programs that Don’t Require a GRE Score

A GRE/GMAT requirement is increasingly being waived by many online master’s degree programs in NC. No-GRE programs focus on an applicant’s undergraduate GPA, work experience, and/or other factors instead of standardized test scores. This trend removes barriers and expedites the admissions process for qualified students.

One disadvantage is the fact that a school’s admissions department might rely more heavily on students’ academic records and/or resumes. If your undergraduate GPA is low, you’ll need to showcase your capability through experience and/or recommendations. For example, UNC Pembroke’s online MBA program does not require GMAT/GRE scores from students who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Similarly, East Carolina University’s MS in Health Informatics program explicitly states that a GRE is not required for admission.

Students should always check the specific criteria for a program, as some schools might waive test scores only if a GPA or experience criterion is met.

Examples in North Carolina:

• UNC Pembroke — Online MBA with a Concentration in Finance: GMAT/GRE scores are not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5.
• East Carolina University — MS in Health Informatics and Information Management: No GRE is required for this program, which is the only Health Informatics master’s degree program that highlights test-free admission and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
• North Carolina A&T State University — Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Technology Education: This program does not require GRE scores for admission, as officials focus on a student’s GPA and other factors.

An Overview of Online Master’s Degree Tuition Costs

Tuition for online master’s degree programs in NC is generally more affordable than the national average, especially for in-state students at public universities. Several factors determine the cost: resident status, number of credits, and any program-specific fees. In the University of North Carolina system, in-state tuition rates are a bargain compared to out-of-state tuition. For example, an online graduate credit hour at ECU costs approximately $290 for NC residents versus $1,020 for non-residents. Most master’s degree programs range from 30 to 36 credits, so an in-state student would pay approximately $8,700 to $10,500 in tuition for the degree program, while an out-of-state student would pay approximately $30,000 to $36,700.

Private universities in NC have higher tuition, but often offer the same rate to all students (there is no difference based on residency status). Online degree programs often reduce other expenses; many schools charge lower student fees for fully online students (there are no campus facility fees, etc.), and students save on commuting or relocating costs. For instance, at NC State University, a three-credit online master’s degree course carries significantly lower tuition rates than its on-campus counterpart. However, some programs add technology fees or course material fees for online learners.

Overall, North Carolina’s online master’s degree programs are considered a good value — UNC Greensboro was lauded nationally for its combination of “academic excellence and affordability” in online education.

The table below compares tuition costs for a specific online master’s degree program at three NC schools.

Student Support: NC Online Master’s Degree Program FAQs

Q: Are online master’s degree programs from North Carolina schools respected by employers?

A: Yes; degrees earned online from accredited North Carolina schools hold the same value as degrees earned on campus. Employers generally care about the reputation and accreditation of college or university, not the delivery format of their degree programs. For example, all UNC system schools are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and your diploma usually doesn’t specify that it was earned online.

A recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 92% of employers view online degrees favorably if they’re from recognized universities. Online programs at many NC schools are ranked highly, which further boosts their credibility. As long as you choose a reputable, accredited degree program, you can be confident that employers will respect your master’s degree. You can always highlight in interviews how your online degree program required self-discipline and modern tech skills — which makes your online learning experience seem positive.

Q: What are the typical admissions requirements for an online master’s degree program in North Carolina? Do I need to take the GRE?

A: Admissions criteria for most online degree programs are similar to those for on-campus programs. Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree (with a minimum GPA, often 3.0) and must submit transcripts. Most programs also ask for two to three letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Many online master’s degree programs in NC do not require GRE scores, especially if you meet certain GPA or experience thresholds. For instance, requirement of GRE/GMAT scores from applicants is waived for UNC Pembroke’s MBA program if the student holds a minimum 2.5 GPA. And several UNC system schools entirely dropped a GRE requirement for specific programs. However, a few competitive programs (or ones without extensive work experience requirements) might still request GRE or GMAT scores — UNC’s MBA program, for example, requires a test score from students who have fewer than five years of work experience.

Students should always check the policy for their specific program; they might find “GRE optional” or “GRE waived” programs if they have work experience or a prior graduate degree. Aside from test scores, some programs require a resume or CV (particularly for business or IT degrees) and possibly an interview. Overall, NC school officials try to make admissions requirements for online degree programs straightforward; they focus on your academic readiness and professional potential rather than only test scores.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree program in NC?

A: The time frame varies, based on whether you study full-time or part-time. Full-time online students in NC often finish a master’s degree program in approximately one and a half to two years (for a typical 30- to 36-credit program). Students can complete some accelerated programs in 12 to 15 months by taking courses year-round (in three semesters). For example, UNC Wilmington offers programs that can be completed in one year of intensive study. Conversely, part-time students who are working might take two and a half to four years to finish a degree program. Many online programs are flexible; you might take one course one semester and two the next. NC State University notes that for its online statistics master’s degree program, students who take one course per semester (including summers) usually finish in three to four years, while those who take three courses per semester can finish in just over a year. Universities often set a time limit for their programs — commonly, you must finish within five or six years.

Online master’s degree programs in NC are designed to accommodate students with different paces. If you need to slow down (or speed up), you can usually adjust your course load. (Be sure to ask your advisor about sample study plans.) So, you have control over the timeline needed for your program; a motivated student can complete a program in approximately one year, while someone who’s balancing a busy life might take several years.

Q: Can I get financial aid or scholarships for an online master’s degree program in North Carolina?

A: Yes; NC students in accredited programs are typically eligible for federal financial aid (loans and possibly grants) like on-campus students are, as long as they enroll in a degree-seeking program. Students should fill out a FAFSA form to determine the amount of aid they might receive. Many universities offer scholarships or tuition awards to graduate students, and online students are usually included. For example, UNC Greensboro touts the affordability of its programs and lists scholarships for graduate learners, and East Carolina University offers graduate assistantships or scholarships that online students can apply for.

Some employers in North Carolina provide tuition reimbursement if a student’s degree is job-related — it’s worth checking with your employer. Additionally, NC residents might seek aid through state programs or the NC Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) if they go into high-need fields. Make sure the program you choose is accredited and you’re enrolled at least half-time if you plan to use federal loans.

Regarding costs, online students can often save money due to lower fees (e.g., campus facility fees are not required), and some programs include digital textbooks and/or resources. Don’t forget to check for private scholarships; numerous organizations offer scholarships to graduate studies, including some for online learners.

You shouldn’t assume that you need to pay everything out-of-pocket — explore your options. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and many online students in North Carolina successfully use a mix of loans, scholarships, and employer aid to fund their degree programs.

Q: How do I verify that an online master’s degree program in NC is properly accredited?

A: Accreditation is vital for quality and recognition. You should ensure that your university holds regional accreditation. In North Carolina, that means the school is accredited by SACSCOC — all UNC system schools and most private colleges are. You can usually find this on a university’s website (e.g., UNC-Chapel Hill is accredited by SACSCOC). If your school is a for-profit college or an unknown school, double-check the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) websites to see their status.

You should also look for programmatic accreditation for programs in certain fields. For instance, business programs might be accredited by the AACSB (UNC Pembroke’s business school is AACSB-accredited), engineering programs might be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and nursing programs should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

All of the degree programs we highlighted in this guide are fully accredited. Remember that you should verify a school’s regional accreditation (by SACSCOC) and any specialized accreditation for the field you’re studying. That due diligence will ensure that your online master’s degree from NC is legitimate and respected.