Online Master’s Programs in North Dakota: Reviewing Schools

Spotlighting North Dakota’s Online Master’s Programs

Popular Master’s Concentrations in North Dakota

North Dakota’s economy and workforce needs make online master’s degree programs in certain subject areas especially valuable. Listed below are some of the top fields to study in ND, chosen for their rates of job growth, salary potential, demand by local industries, and program availability across the state’s universities.

Business and Management

Business administration is a versatile field with a strong return on investment, and ND’s growing economy needs skilled leaders. An MBA or a master’s degree in management can prepare graduates for roles in sectors ranging from energy to finance. North Dakota’s low unemployment rate and expanding industries lead to a high demand for managers and analysts. Local employers like Sanford Health, Bobcat, and Microsoft need MBAs for leadership roles. 

Graduates with a master’s degree often see significant salary increases. For example, general and operations managers in the state earn a median annual salary of nearly $98,000. Multiple North Dakota universities (UND, NDSU, University of Mary, etc.) offer online MBA programs or specialized business master’s degree programs (e.g., Project Management or Agribusiness), making this a convenient path to career advancement.

Overall, the combination of leadership opportunities and high salary potential makes business one of the top fields for online study in North Dakota.

Education and Teaching

Education is a critical field in North Dakota, as there’s an ongoing teacher shortage across the state’s K-12 schools. Earning a master’s degree in education (MEd) or teaching boosts an educator’s credentials and salary. It also helps address these shortages by qualifying educators for advanced roles (like curriculum specialist, principal, or special education director).

Online master’s degree programs in education (offered by UND, NDSU, Valley City State University, and other schools) allow current teachers to study part-time while they continue to work in their communities. Popular specializations include educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, and special education.

Due to the state’s rural nature, online master’s degree programs are a lifeline for educators who seek advancement in their careers. This field remains a top choice in ND thanks to steady job growth in education and incentives (like higher pay tiers) for teachers with master’s degrees.

Health Care and Nursing

Health care is one of North Dakota’s fastest-growing sectors, driven by an aging population and health care needs in rural communities. There is a growing demand for more nurses, technicians, and physicians in the state, and graduates with advanced degrees help fill critical roles. Fields like nursing, health care administration, occupational therapy, and public health are especially in demand. For example, North Dakota anticipates that it will need approximately 1,050 new nurses each year over the next decade, and nurse practitioner is among the fastest-growing roles nationwide.

An online master’s degree in nursing or health administration can enable an RN to become a nurse practitioner, health care manager, or nurse educator — roles that are vital to rural clinics and hospitals. UND’s online Master of Public Health degree program and the University of Mary’s MSN program are designed for working health care professionals. Graduates benefit from high job placement and strong salaries (nurse practitioners in ND earn a median annual salary of approximately $113,000).

With a significant federal and state focus on health care workforce development in ND, a master’s degree in this field offers excellent career prospects plus the opportunity to impact local communities.

Engineering and Energy

North Dakota’s economy is powered by energy and agriculture, which drives demand for engineers and technical experts. ND, the #2 oil-producing state in the U.S., invests heavily in wind energy and precision agriculture. An online master’s degree in engineering (e.g., petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering) provides advanced skills for these industries. (Engineering managers in the state receive an average annual salary of approximately $130,000.)

The University of North Dakota offers the only online Petroleum Engineering master’s degree program in the state. It’s designed for professionals who work in oil fields. As ND’s petroleum and mining companies seek specialized talent, graduates in this field can advance into supervisory or research roles and command six-figure salaries.

Beyond oil, engineers are needed for infrastructure, manufacturing, and the growing unmanned aircraft systems industry centered in Grand Forks. Many engineering roles show positive growth — for instance, wind energy expansion increased demand for engineers and technicians in the region. Online master’s degree programs from UND and NDSU make it feasible for working engineers (who often live in remote locations) to earn graduate degree credentials.

Due to a high ROI and alignment with North Dakota’s key industries, engineering is a top field for online master’s degree programs.

Technology and Computing

In recent years, North Dakota quietly developed a budding tech scene, anchored by companies like Microsoft, which employs more than 1,200 people in Fargo. As tech and data analytics permeate all industries, expertise in computer science, data science, and cybersecurity is increasingly valuable. An online master’s degree in these areas prepares graduates for high-growth roles (e.g., software developers, data analysts, IT managers) that enjoy strong national demand and allow remote work opportunities. ND universities responded with programs like UND’s Online MS in Data Science and NDSU’s online MS in Software Engineering.

Job growth in tech is robust; software development jobs are projected to grow approximately 22% this decade nationally, and North Dakota’s agriculture and energy sectors are adopting big data and automation, which creates a local need for IT specialists. As major employers (like Microsoft, Aldevron, and Doosan/Bobcat) in the state and many graduates launch start-up companies or work remotely for global firms, a tech-focused master’s degree can offer a great return on investment. Salaries for tech workers are typically high — for example, computer and information systems managers in ND earn a median annual salary of approximately $120,000. 

For students who are interested in coding, analytics, or cybersecurity, pursuing an online master’s degree in technology is both accessible (since most programs are fully online) and strategically smart in North Dakota’s evolving economy.

Understanding Your Online Master’s Options in North Dakota

Online master’s degree programs in North Dakota come in various formats to suit students’ different needs. You can find part-time programs that are designed for working professionals, no-GRE admission options that simplify the application process, and accelerated tracks that let students graduate faster. Each program type has advantages — whether it’s flexibility, convenience, or speed — that allow students to tailor their graduate education to their lifestyle and goals.

Below, we’ll detail three common program types available in ND and provide examples of each.

Part-Time Programs

Many online master’s degree students in ND choose part-time enrollment so they can balance their studies with work and/or family obligations. Part-time programs typically let students take one or two courses per term instead of a full load. This extends the amount of time needed to complete a degree program but greatly eases the weekly workload. This format is ideal for working professionals who need to continue earning an income while in school. They usually need to commit to studying on evenings or weekends, and courses are often asynchronous or scheduled after work hours.

Advantages of this format include the ability to apply what you learn in real time at your job, and stress is reduced when students can focus on fewer classes. The fact that it takes longer to complete a program (often two to three years for a master’s degree) is a potential drawback. For example, NDSU’s online MBA program is offered in the evenings, specifically for working professionals, and Valley City State University’s online MEd programs allow educators to take classes part-time while they continue to teach. Part-time pacing gives students the flexibility to earn a degree without pausing their careers.

Programs that Don’t Require GRE Scores

Standardized tests can be a hurdle for busy adults returning to school. Fortunately, many North Dakota schools offer no-GRE or GRE-waived options for online master’s degree programs. These programs do not require the GRE (or GMAT) exam as part of admissions and focus instead on undergraduate GPA, professional experience, and other factors. This lowers barriers to entry and speeds up the application process. It’s a great option for students who have a strong academic or work background, but don’t have time to prepare for exams.

For example, the University of North Dakota’s online MBA program explicitly does not require a GMAT score for admission; school officials emphasize work experience and prior academics instead. Likewise, the University of Mary’s graduate degree programs generally do not mandate submission of GRE/GMAT scores — their MBA program welcomes students from various backgrounds without exam scores.

In these cases, admissions requirements might be more holistic, so you should ensure that your GPA, essays, and recommendations are solid. Always check each program’s policy, but note that no-GRE options are plentiful in North Dakota, which makes graduate school more accessible.

Online Master’s Degree Programs with an Accelerated Pace

Accelerated master’s degree programs are attractive to students who are eager to earn a degree quickly. These programs compress the curriculum into a shorter time frame, often by using year-round courses or overlapping course schedules. Students in these programs take heavier course loads or shorter, intensive class sessions. The advantage is speed; you might finish in 12 to 18 months instead of the typical two-plus years. This can lead to faster career advancement or entering the job market sooner with your new credentials. The trade-off is a more intense workload — accelerated programs require strong time management, as you need to study more material at the same time. They might not be ideal if you plan to work full-time simultaneously (unless your schedule is very flexible).

The University of Mary’s online MBA program is offered in an accelerated format, so motivated students can complete the degree in as little as one year by taking continuous five-week course modules. UND and NDSU offer accelerated master’s degree programs for their undergraduate students; this allows them to start earning graduate credits during their senior year and finish a master’s degree faster (e.g., UND’s combined BS/MS in Engineering). Accelerated programs work well for students who want to capitalize on momentum and achieve their graduate degree on an expedited timeline.

Paying for an Online Master’s Degree

Costs for online master’s degree programs in North Dakota vary by school and program, but they are generally transparent and often competitive. Most of these programs in the state require completion of 30 to 36 credits for graduation. Tuition is typically charged on a per-credit basis; rates range from approximately $500 to $800 per credit at public universities to approximately $800 per credit at private schools. An advantage for online students is that many schools in ND charge a flat or in-state rate for distance learners. For instance, UND and NDSU apply in-state tuition rates to online graduate students, which eliminates higher out-of-state fees. This can make a big difference in the total cost of a program.

Additionally, online delivery of courses can reduce or eliminate expenses like relocation, on-campus housing, or commuting, though you should budget for technology fees (which are often about $45 per credit) and course materials. Overall, the cost of an online master’s degree program in ND ranges from approximately $15,000 (at a public school with fewer credits) to $30,000 (at a private school or a program with more credits). It’s a good idea to compare the credit requirements and per-credit rates for each program you’re interested in.

The table below compares tuition for programs at three ND schools to illustrate costs.

Note: Tuition figures are for illustration and exclude fees. Always check the latest rates on a school’s website.

Answering Online Master’s Program FAQs

Q: How do I know if an online master’s degreeprogram in North Dakota is accredited and reputable?

A: Accreditation is the key marker of a reputable program. All major North Dakota universities (UND, NDSU, etc.) are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), so their online degrees meet rigorous academic standards. You can verify a school’s accreditation on its website or through the U.S. Department of Education database. Also look for specialized accreditation for certain degree programs; for example, business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and education programs are approved by state boards.

An accredited online degree from an ND school will be respected by employers — it indicates the same quality as a degree that was earned on campus. Avoid any program that lacks proper accreditation, as credits might not transfer and employers might not recognize the degree. When in doubt, contact the North Dakota University System or the school’s admissions office to confirm accreditation.

Q: Do I need to live in North Dakota or visit campus for an online master’s degree program?

A: No; one big advantage of online master’s degree programs is that you can study from anywhere. North Dakota’s programs are designed for remote students. In most cases, you never have to set foot on campus to complete a degree program. Coursework, lectures, and discussions are conducted via learning platforms (like Blackboard or Zoom). Exams and projects are submitted online.

Some programs might offer optional on-campus orientations or immersion experiences, but these are usually not required. A few hybrid programs (especially in clinical fields) might have short residency components — for example, a weekend lab or a final presentation on campus — but this will be clearly stated in advance. Generally, whether you’re in Fargo or Florida, you can fully participate and graduate from ND’s online master’s degree programs without traveling to campus. Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and the specified technology set-up, and you can learn from anywhere.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuingan online master’s degree in North Dakota?

A: Yes, many students do — online master’s degree programs in ND are built for working professionals. The flexibility of online learning (especially asynchronous classes) allows students to fit their classes around a job. Part-time enrollment is a popular option if you have a full-time job, as it might mean taking one course at a time instead of two or three. This reduces the required weekly workload.

Additionally, asynchronous courses let you choose when to complete lectures and assignments within a given week — so you might study at night or on weekends. Programs with synchronous sessions schedule them in the evening hours to accommodate 9-to-5 workers. Balancing work and graduate school requires good time management. Students should expect to devote 10 to 15 hours per week, per course, to readings and assignments.

Many ND students find employer support as well — don’t hesitate to discuss flexible scheduling or tuition assistance with your employer. With discipline and a supportive workplace, you can successfully work full-time and earn a master’s degree online.

Q: What financial aid is available for online master’s degree students in the state?

A: These students are typically eligible for the same financial aid as on-campus students. Key options include federal student loans (you should file a FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid — form, and you can borrow up to the cost of attendance for graduate school). If you attend school at least half-time, you might qualify for federal unsubsidized loans.

Some North Dakota programs offer graduate assistantships or tuition waivers, though these are more common for on-campus students. Many ND colleges and universities provide scholarships specifically for graduate or online learners — for example, University of Mary offers up to $10,000 in scholarships to qualified MBA students. Employer tuition reimbursement is another possible avenue; large employers in the state (like health systems, school districts, etc.) often help fund employees’ graduate studies. Be sure to check with your HR department.

Q: How can I choose the right online master’s degree program for my goals?

A: Start by considering your career objectives and interests. Identify programs that align with the field you want to advance in — for instance, if you want to become a school principal, an MEd in Educational Leadership would be suitable. Next, ensure that the school is accredited and the program has a good reputation (look at faculty qualifications and student outcomes). 

Compare program formats — do you need a part-time schedule? Are you looking for a quick completion via an accelerated track? Choose a format that fits your lifestyle. It’s also wise to look at industry demand in North Dakota; fields like health care, education, and technology have strong job growth rates in the state, so a degree in those areas could offer better opportunities.

North Dakota has a relatively small number of colleges and universities, and they often provide personalized guidance — take advantage of that. By weighing accreditation, alignment with your goals, flexibility, and cost, you can confidently select an online master’s degree program that will propel you toward your next career milestone.