You’ve likely heard of Rhode Island’s prestigious universities, including Brown University, but did you know many of them offer online master’s degrees designed for working professionals? Whether your sights are set on advancing in business or public safety, you can find the program you need at a school in RI. OMD will help you explore accredited programs and learn about which degrees will give you the best ROI in the state, all so you can make an informed decision about your future. An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities… The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats… A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Comparing Rhode Island’s Online Master’s Programs
University of Rhode Island (URI) — URI Online
Rhode Island’s public flagship university, URI offers online and hybrid master’s programs focused on business, tech, healthcare, and more. Students benefit from individualized feedback provided by URI’s expert faculty. URI Online provides 24/7 access to course materials so you can study at the time and place that work best for you. Programs including the MS in Dietetics, Master’s in Environmental Management, and Master of Public Administration are fully online and offered in convenient seven-week semesters.
Featured Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Duration: 30 credits (flexible pace, about two years for completion)
Mode: 100% online (asynchronous coursework)
Cost: $918 per credit (about $27,500 total)
- Bachelor’s degree and transcripts
- Background in programming, courses in R, Python, calculus, algebra, and stats
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement/essay
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) — JWU Online
A private, career-focused university in Providence, JWU has a College of Professional Studies dedicated to online learning. Choose from online master’s degrees in business, public administration, and science. JWU’s online courses are designed for working adults and emphasize practical coursework and experiential learning. Programs don’t require the GRE or GMAT. JWU offers an online career coach to investigate market demands, salary ranges, and job openings for the fields you’re considering.
Featured Program: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Duration: 36 credits (flexible pace, about two years for completion)
Mode: Fully online (asynchronous eight-week courses)
Cost: $842 per credit (about $30,000 total)
- Bachelor’s degree and transcripts
- Two recommendations (professional or academic)
- Statement of purpose
Salve Regina University — Graduate and Professional Studies
A private Catholic university in Newport, Salve Regina focuses on evening and accelerated online classes to accommodate working students. Some of the online master’s programs that Salve Regina offers include programs in business administration, organizational transformation, and clinical counseling, plus the school offers hybrid programs in nursing and creative writing. Salve Regina University emphasizes ethics and real-world application in its curricula. Small class sizes and engaged faculty create a supportive online learning community. Most programs don’t require the GRE or GMAT. Rolling admission and multiple start dates add schedule flexibility.
Featured Program: MS in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity
Duration: 36 credits (18 to 24 months for completion)
Mode: Fully online (seven-week courses; optionally some evening courses on campus)
Cost: $730 per credit — $26,280 total tuition
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official undergraduate transcript
- Personal statement
- Current résume
Top Master’s Concentrations in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s economy and job market influence which master’s degrees offer the best career growth and return on your educational investment. Here are five high-demand fields for graduate study in RI and why they stand out:
Business Administration (MBA & Finance)
Business is always popular, and for good reason: An MBA or related master’s can open doors to well-paying management and executive roles. Rhode Island’s corporate finance sector is growing; in fact, nationwide financial manager positions are projected to grow 17% by 2033. Both URI and JWU offer online MBAs; JWU even has a one-year online MBA for speedy advancement.
Healthcare & Nursing
With an aging population in New England, healthcare is booming and nurses, healthcare managers, and public health professionals are in high demand. Nurse practitioner jobs are expected to grow a staggering 40% by 2033, one of the fastest growth rates for all careers. Earning an MSN, MHA, or MPH in Rhode Island, such as Brown University’s online MPH or URI’s Healthcare Management Master of Science, can lead to impactful and well-paying roles. Healthcare fields also tend to offer strong job security, accompanied by the intrinsic reward of making a difference in people’s lives.
Technology & Data Science
Providence’s tech industry is on the rise, and professionals with advanced tech skills are in demand. Master’s programs in computer science, data analytics, and cybersecurity are among the best options for tech-savvy students. Data scientist roles are projected to grow 36% by 2033, reflecting the explosion of big data across all industries. Rhode Island institutions have responded with cutting-edge programs. For example, Brown University launched a fully online master’s in cybersecurity focusing on tech and policy. Graduates in this field can expect top salaries and find themselves well-suited for remote work.
Education (Teaching & Leadership)
Education is a field where a master’s degree can be both a requirement and a career booster. Rhode Island, like many states, faces teacher shortages in critical areas such as special education. Earning an online master of education or teaching certification positions educators for promotion and higher pay. Some examples to consider are URI’s MA in Special Education or Providence College’s combined teaching certification and Master of Education in Urban Teaching program. Beyond K–12 teaching, master’s degrees in educational leadership or curriculum design are valuable for roles as principal, instructional coach, or community college instructor.
Criminal Justice & Public Safety
Like most states, Rhode Island has an ongoing demand for skilled criminal justice and homeland security professionals. A master’s in criminal justice, cybersecurity, or public safety can be a great investment for those in law enforcement or the military. Many mid- to upper-level roles in federal agencies, cybersecurity units, and police administration prefer candidates with advanced degrees. Salve Regina University’s online MS in Criminal Justice & Cybersecurity and Roger Williams University’s online MS in Criminal Justice are two to consider. Graduates in this field can move into roles such as FBI analyst, emergency management director, or cybercrime investigator.
Unveiling Different Online Master’s Program Formats
Online master’s programs aren’t all the same. Prospective students can choose a format that fits their schedule and goals. Rhode Island universities offer part-time tracks for flexibility, accelerated options for a quicker finish, and programs that waive standardized tests. Here’s a look at three common types of online/hybrid master’s program formats in RI:
Part-Time Programs
Many online master’s programs in Rhode Island are designed for working professionals who can only fit in part-time studies. Instead of a full course load, as a part-time student you’ll take one or two courses at a time. This extends the amount of time it’ll take to get your degree to two to five years but makes balancing work, life, and school manageable. For example, Salve Regina’s online MBA offers asynchronous classes so you can log in after work. Part-time pacing is ideal if you want to keep your job while upgrading your credentials. The trade-off? You’ll need to stay disciplined and motivated over a longer period, but universities provide support, including academic advising, to keep you on track.
Accelerated Programs
Eager to finish your master’s quickly? Accelerated online programs allow you to earn your degree faster than normal by taking intensive course loads or shorter terms. Some Rhode Island schools offer one-year master’s options. JWU’s one-year MBA lets students complete all requirements in just 12 months by taking four courses per semester, including summer. Similarly, Brown University’s online programs compress content into 16 to 18 months for full-time students. Accelerated formats are perfect if you want to boost your credentials in a hurry — say, to seize a promotion or pivot careers. Just be prepared for a brisk pace.
No-GRE Admissions
Gone are the days when every grad school required the GRE. Many online master’s programs in RI now waive the GRE and GMAT, focusing instead on your undergraduate record and experience. This is a boon for applicants, with no extra test prep or cost. Schools like JWU openly advertise no GRE for their online master’s programs, and URI Online doesn’t require it for programs such as the MS in Data Science. Instead, admissions committees look at your transcripts, professional background, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. If standardized tests aren’t your strength, look for “No GRE required” in program descriptions. You can save time and apply knowing that you’ll be evaluated on what truly matters: your academic and work achievements.
Paying for Your Rhode Island Master’s Degree
Cost is a key factor in choosing a graduate program. In Rhode Island, online master’s tuition varies by school and program, but there are common patterns. Tuition is typically charged per credit, and most master’s programs range from 30 to 36 credits. Public universities (like URI) often have a flat online rate that’s the same for in-state and out-of-state students, while private schools (JWU, Salve Regina) set one tuition rate for all students.
Besides tuition, another place where you may pay a little more — or a little less — is with school fees. Online programs often charge a technology fee, but then you might save by not paying an activities or parking fee. Variable factors include how many credits you need, whether you study full-time or part-time (spreading out costs), and any employer tuition assistance you can leverage. Best of all, you can continue working to offset expenses. The following table gives a snapshot of tuition costs for online master’s programs at three Rhode Island universities:
| University Tuition Page | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island | 36 | $887 | $31,932 |
| Johnson & Wales University | 36 | $842 | $30,312 |
| Salve Regina University | 36 | $760 | $26,360 |
Note: Table assumes a typical 36-credit master’s program. Total tuition will vary if the credit requirements differ. Always check the latest tuition rates and fees on the university’s official page.
Frequently Asked Questions From RI Master’s Students
Q: Are online master’s degrees from Rhode Island universities accredited and respected?
A: Yes, all the programs mentioned here are offered by regionally accredited Rhode Island institutions. Accreditation comes from the New England Commission of Higher Education or equivalent, which means the online degree meets the same high standards as on-campus programs. Employers generally view an online RI master’s the same as any other degree, as long as it’s from an accredited school. Always verify a program’s accreditation status and avoid any unaccredited providers.
Q: Can I get financial aid or scholarships for an online master’s program?
A: Absolutely. Online students are usually eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students — including federal student loans and grants obtained by filing the FAFSA. Many Rhode Island schools also offer scholarships or discounts for graduate students. For example, some employers partner with universities like JWU for tuition discounts. Be sure to check each school’s financial aid page; you might find graduate assistantships or payment plans as well.
Q: Do I need to live in Rhode Island to enroll in an online program?
A: No, you don’t need to be a Rhode Island resident. Online programs at RI universities welcome students from across the U.S. and even internationally. In fact, many online graduate programs don’t have an out-of-state surcharge. For example, URI’s online tuition is $887/credit for all master’s degrees. Just pay attention to any in-person requirements; some hybrid programs require a short campus residency or an internship, while fully online programs have no in-person obligation. If you’re local, you might still take advantage of campus resources such as the library and on-campus programming.
Q: How do online classes actually work? Will I be learning on my own?
A: Online classes use a virtual learning platform (oftentimes Canvas or Blackboard) where you’ll access lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments. Most Rhode Island programs are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to log in at a set class time so you can study on your own schedule. However, you won’t be alone: Professors facilitate discussions on message boards, host virtual office hours, and give feedback on your work.
Some courses may include optional live sessions or group project meetings via Zoom. Expect a mix of readings, prerecorded video lectures, discussion posts, and papers or projects. Time management is key, but most schools provide lots of support, such as tech help, tutoring, and library services online.
Q: How long does it take to finish an online master’s, and can I work full-time while studying?
A: The time to completion varies based on your program and your pace. A full-time online master’s student might finish a 30- to 36-credit program in 12–18 months, including summer terms. Part-time students often take two to five years to complete the same degree, taking one course at a time. The good news is that online programs are built with working adults in mind — so yes, you can work full-time while studying in most cases.
Universities often recommend taking no more than two courses per term if you’re working 40 hours/week. You’ll need good planning and dedication, but thousands of online grad students successfully juggle work, school, and their personal lives. If needed, speak with an academic advisor about adjusting your course load — remember, the format is designed to be adaptable to your life.