Washington Master’s Degrees Online: Reviewing Schools

Online Master’s Programs in Washington to Consider

Most Promising Fields of Study for WA Master’s Students

Technology and Computer Science

Technology is one of Washington’s most thriving sectors, driven by employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. Washington’s tech industry growth consistently outpaces national averages. For instance, software developer and data scientist roles are projected to be among the fastest-growing in the state. Pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, data analytics, or related tech fields can yield excellent ROI. A master’s provides advanced skills in areas such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing that are in high demand by Seattle-area tech firms and startups. 

Universities in Washington cater to this demand with programs like WSU’s online MS in Software Engineering and UW’s evening Professional Master’s in Computer Science. Graduates often command six-figure salaries and leadership roles. With Washington’s reputation as a tech hub, a master’s in a computing field opens doors to cutting-edge careers and rapid job market growth.

Business Administration and Management

Business remains a top field for master’s students in Washington thanks to strong job markets in corporate management, finance, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Washington’s economy is home to Fortune 500 companies like Starbucks, Costco, and Microsoft as well as a vibrant startup scene. All these companies are seeking skilled managers and innovators. 

Earning an MBA or related master’s can lead to leadership roles across industries. A master’s in business equips students with advanced knowledge in strategy, marketing, data-driven decision-making, and organizational leadership. These are all skills that deliver a high return on investment. 

Many Washington schools offer flexible MBA programs tailored to working professionals, including online MBAs at WSU and Gonzaga and hybrid options like Seattle University’s part-time MBA. Graduates benefit from strong networks and career advancement. For example, 90% of Gonzaga’s MBA graduates saw a return on investment within five years of graduation. With above-average salaries for MBA holders in the Seattle metro and a robust job market, business is consistently one of the top master’s fields in the state for both opportunity and versatility.

Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare is a critical and growing field in Washington. The state’s expanding population and aging demographics drive demand for advanced practitioners and healthcare administrators. Washington faces nursing shortages, and master’s-prepared nurses such as nurse practitioners and nurse educators are vital to expanding primary care access. This means graduate degrees in health-related disciplines are highly valuable, which is why Washington is one of the highest-paying states for nurse practitioners at $145,400. 

Earning an MSN or DNP in Washington can lead to roles as Family Nurse Practitioners, psychiatric mental health NPs, clinical nurse leaders, and more, often with salaries well above the RN level. Similarly, a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or Healthcare Administration (MHA) prepares graduates to tackle public health challenges and manage hospital systems. This is crucial as initiatives like rural healthcare expansion and pandemic response grow. Many of these programs are offered online, too, to reach nurses and professionals statewide.

Education and Teaching

Education is another top field for master’s degrees in Washington, fueled by ongoing demand for qualified educators and administrators. A master’s in education (MEd) can be especially valuable for Washington teachers seeking salary increases since the state’s K-12 pay scale rewards advanced degrees. It’s also worthwhile for those moving into roles like curriculum design, special education, or school administration. Washington continues to emphasize improving educational outcomes and addressing teacher shortages in areas like special education and English language learning. A graduate degree provides deeper pedagogical skills and often the credentials for endorsements or principal certification. Many Washington universities cater to educators with online or hybrid MEd programs. For example, Eastern Washington University offers seven specialized MEd tracks 100% online, including Special Education and Educational Leadership. These programs are typically designed with flexible schedules for working teachers. Beyond K-12, fields like higher education administration and instructional design are growing, and a master’s can open doors to those careers as well. Given the state’s need for educational leaders and the automatic salary step increases for teachers with master’s degrees, Education remains a highly popular and practical master’s pursuit in Washington.

Online Master’s Program Formats: An Overview

Washington online master’s programs come in various formats to fit different needs. Students can find full-time and part-time schedules and options to accelerate their degree or spread it out. In addition, many programs no longer have entrance exam requirements, focusing instead on undergraduate GPA and experience. Some programs are entirely online while others are hybrid with occasional campus sessions. Below is a breakdown of three common program types and what to expect from each. We’ve also included examples of Washington programs offering them.

Part-Time Online Programs Provide Balance

Many online master’s programs in Washington are part-time to allow students to continue working full-time. Part-time programs typically involve taking one or two courses per term instead of a full load. This lighter course schedule extends the time to graduate to between two and four years but makes balancing school, work, and family much more feasible. 

The advantage of part-time programs is flexibility. Most programs use asynchronous lessons that you can do on evenings or weekends, and you can slow down or speed up as life demands. The trade-off is a longer timeframe. For many students, though, the ability to apply learnings at work in real time is worth it. Washington State University allows its online MBA students, for example, to enroll part-time and take courses at their own pace. Eastern Washington University’s Hybrid MSW is another example with its part-time weekend program that combines online coursework with in-person classes just three weekends per quarter. They do this specifically to accommodate working professionals. 

Part-time online programs in Washington offer a work-study balance. This lets you earn an advanced degree over a longer timeline with manageable weekly workloads.

Examples of Part-Time Formats in WA:

• Eastern Washington University Part-Time Hybrid MSW
• University of Washington Professional Master’s in Engineering
• City University of Seattle Online MBA
  

Accelerated Online Programs for Quick Completion

Accelerated programs are ideal for students who want to earn their master’s quickly. Their compressed curriculums have a shorter time frame of 12 to 18 months with intensive course schedules and shorter academic terms. Washington universities achieve acceleration in different ways. Some, like EWU, use back-to-back six-week course modules year-round. This enables students with the appropriate background to finish certain degrees in as little as 10–12 months. EWU’s online MBA, for instance, can be completed in just 10 months for students who enter with a bachelor’s in business since they can waive foundational courses. Other programs allow heavier course loads each semester. Gonzaga’s online MBA, for example, can be finished in one year if you double up on classes and take summer courses. 

An accelerated master’s saves you time, allowing you to re-enter the workforce or pivot careers faster. However, the workload is intense. Expect a full-time commitment with multiple courses or an “immersion” style schedule. Accelerated online programs are best for students who can dedicate significant hours per week to study. They often appeal to those eager to seize a promotion or quickly gain advanced skills. Washington schools offering accelerated options usually provide advising to ensure students can handle the pace. If you’re motivated and able to focus, an accelerated online master’s lets you graduate sooner and capitalize on opportunities without delay.

Examples of Accelerated Programs in WA:

• Eastern Washington University Online MBA
• Gonzaga University Online MBA
  

No GRE/GMAT Required Programs for Easier Entry

Many of Washington’s online master’s programs have no GRE/GMAT requirement. They instead focus on undergraduate GPA, work experience, and other factors for admission. This lowers barriers for working professionals who may have been out of school for a while or who don’t have time to prepare for a standardized test. 

Washington State University’s online MS in Software Engineering, for example, explicitly states that GRE scores are not required for admission. Similarly, University of Washington’s Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering is a part-time hybrid program that does not require the GRE for applicants. Programs in business often waive the GMAT for experienced candidates, too. For instance, WSU’s Online MBA grants GMAT waivers if you meet certain GPA and work experience criteria. EWU’s suite of online degrees (MBA, MEd, etc.) does not ask for GRE/GMAT at all and instead emphasizes GPA and professional résumé. 

The absence of exam requirements doesn’t mean standards are lower. Rather, admissions committees look holistically at your academic record and experience. This is a big plus since you can apply right away without months of test prep or extra costs. It also speaks to the programs’ confidence that undergraduate performance is a better success predictor than a single test. When researching Washington master’s programs, check the “Admissions” section to see if they note “GRE not required.” This is a great way to simplify and speed up your application process.

Examples of No-Test Admissions in WA:

• Washington State University Online MS in Software Engineering
• University of Washington Master of Industrial & Systems Engineering
• Eastern Washington University Online MBA

Outlining the Cost of Online Master’s Programs

Public universities often charge standard graduate tuition rates with lower per-credit prices for Washington residents and higher rates for non-residents. However, many online programs at public schools offer flat-rate tuition for all online students regardless of residency. For example, Eastern Washington University’s pay-by-credit model for its online programs applies equally to in-state and out-of-state students. In contrast, Washington State University’s online programs follow the main campus graduate tuition structure, which means in-state students pay less than out-of-state. WSU Global Campus students often take fewer credits per term, though. Private universities like Gonzaga or Seattle University generally charge a higher per-credit tuition, but the rate is the same for all students. 

Keep in mind that online students often save on costs like relocation, housing, or commuting. Additionally, some fees (recreation fees, parking, etc.) are waived for online learners. Most online students will also pay a modest online technology fee. Financial aid and scholarships can offset costs further. 

Overall, online master’s tuition in Washington ranges from $300 to $400 per credit at public universities to $1,100 or more per credit at private institutions. Most programs are between 30 and 45 credits, so total tuition spans roughly $15,000 on the low end to $50,000 or more on the high end. The table below compares a few examples of tuition data from Washington online master’s programs.

(Costs above are illustrative; exact tuition may change year to year. Always check the university’s official tuition page for the most current rates.) 

What Prospective WA Master’s Students Want to Know

Q: Are online master’s degrees in Washington accredited and respected by employers?

A: If you choose a program from a reputable Washington school, it will be fully accredited and widely respected. Washington’s public and private universities all hold regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This covers their online programs as well. Many programs have additional accreditation, like AACSB for business programs and CCNE for nursing programs to ensure they meet high standards.

Your diploma does not typically state “online” because it’s the same degree awarded to on-campus grads. Employers in Washington are familiar with online study and generally value these degrees the same as traditional ones, especially if the school has a strong brand. In fact, 87.4% of employers hired graduates with online degrees and reported no difference in starting salaries to those with in-person degrees.

The key is to attend a well-regarded institution, which Washington has plenty of, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge you gained. All the programs listed in this guide are accredited and produce graduates who go on to advance in Boeing, Microsoft, school districts, healthcare systems, and other major employers. Rest assured, a quality online master’s from Washington is respected in the job market.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s program?

A: The majority of online graduate students work full-time while in school. In fact, about 60% of online master’s students are employed full-time during their studies. Washington’s online programs are built with working professionals in mind. Courses are often asynchronous, so you can watch lectures and do coursework during evenings or weekends. Many programs are also part-time or have flexible pacing. Dedicating 10 to 15 hours per course is a common guideline, but you can schedule that time around your job and family commitments.

Good time management is essential for maintaining a work-life balance, and many schools offer support like academic coaching to help working students. Employers are often supportive as well with some even offering tuition assistance for employees in programs related to their industry. 

If you prefer not to overload yourself, consider taking one course at a time. If you have more availability, perhaps your work is lighter in certain seasons, you can take extra courses then. Thousands of Washingtonians have successfully earned their degrees while holding down jobs. It requires discipline, but it’s a proven path. Ultimately, online learning’s flexibility is exactly what allows you to advance your education without pausing your career.

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

A: Most online master’s programs in Washington can be finished in about two years of full-time study. A typical program might be 30-36 credits, which for a full-time student means about four semesters. Many students go part-time and take maybe one course at a time and take three or more years. On the other end, accelerated schedules have finish times of as little as 12 months. For example, Eastern Washington University’s online MBA can be completed in 10 to 12 months by students who take a heavy course load in continuous short terms. Washington State University’s Online MBA, by contrast, reports an average completion time of about 22 months.

Flexibility is a big advantage of online programs. You can slow down if life events happen, or you can speed up if you’re eager and able. Check if a program has a maximum time allowed since some universities require you to finish a master’s within a certain timeframe. Generally, though, the timeline is in your control. Advisors can help create a schedule that fits your goals. No matter the path, your achievement will last a lifetime. That fact far outweighs how long it took to complete.

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

A: Online master’s students are typically eligible for the same financial aid as on-campus students. This includes federal aid, loans, grants, and scholarships. If you attend an accredited program and enroll at least half-time, you can fill out the FAFSA and possibly receive federal student loans and even federal work-study or grants.

The state of Washington offers the Washington College Grant to eligible residents pursuing graduate studies. Many schools also offer scholarships specifically for graduate students. For example, Gonzaga offers a scholarship for new online students each semester, and WSU Global Campus lists various scholarship opportunities for online learners. Also check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement since many large Washington employers like Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, and healthcare systems help fund employees’ education. Additionally, there are scholarships targeting online or adult learners through organizations and foundations. 

The key to finding financial aid and scholarships is inquiring and applying. Talk to your school’s financial aid office. Most online graduate students finance their education through a combination of personal funds and financial aid. If you’re only taking one course at a time, try to maintain at least half-time status since this is often required for loan deferment and some aid. Overall, plenty of funding options exist to make your Washington online master’s affordable.

Q: What career outcomes can I expect after earning my master’s online?

A: An online master’s from a reputable Washington institution can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many graduates experience a combination of higher salary, promotions, or new job opportunities. Professionals with a master’s degree have notably lower unemployment rates and higher earnings with master’s holders nationally earning about $1,737 weekly versus $1,493 for bachelor’s grads. In Washington’s competitive job market, a master’s can help you stand out or meet qualifications for advanced roles like as a manager, director, nurse practitioner, principal, etc. Employers value the specialized knowledge and skills you bring.

Many schools also provide robust career services to online students, including virtual career fairs, resume workshops, and alumni networking. Networking through your program can lead directly to job possibilities. Employment outcomes vary by field, of course. An online MEd, for example, might lead to a teaching promotion or new role in administration while an MBA might open doors across various industries. Overall, Washington’s demand for educated workers is high, and an estimated 70% of jobs will soon require postsecondary credentials. 

It’s important to actively utilize your university’s resources, too. This includes mentorship from faculty, virtual internships, project-based learning with companies, and alumni connections in Washington’s industries. Expect an online master’s will boost your credentials and, if paired with your experience, make you a strong candidate for advancement. Washington’s economy has opportunities in tech, business, education, healthcare and more. Your online master’s can be the catalyst to seize those opportunities, and you’ll have your school’s reputation and support behind you as you navigate your career post-graduation.