If you want to earn a master’s degree without uprooting your life, an online master’s program may be the answer. Many of Wisconsin’s accredited colleges and universities offer flexible online and hybrid master’s options that deliver career-boosting credentials and study convenience. This comprehensive OMD guide breaks down top WI online master’s degrees, in-demand fields, program formats, costs, frequently-asked questions, and more. Learn all about online master’s programs in Wisconsin and how to find the best one for you. 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 Online Master’s Programs: Popular Student Options
Below are profiles of three Wisconsin-based schools with standout online or hybrid master’s programs. Each profile highlights the school’s online offerings and learning environment, and features one notable master’s program (with a direct link to its program page). We’ve included key details like duration, mode, and cost, and admissions requirements.
University of Wisconsin – Madison
The University of Wisconsin – Madison is the oldest and largest university in the state, and the flagship campus of the UW University System. UW-Madison currently offers over a dozen-and-a-half online master’s degrees, many featuring fully-online formats. The university’s reputation for academic rigor is found in all of its online degree offerings. Distance learners engage with the same world-class faculty as do on-campus students. And online students benefit from interactive curriculums and support services that cater to working professionals.
Featured Program: M.S. in Engineering Management
Duration: Two years full-time and up to four years part-time
Mode: Online (no campus residency)
Cost: $1,300 per credit (30 credits)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for last 60 credits
- At least 2 years of post-baccalaureate engineering work experience (co-op/intern experience may count)
- Application submittals include transcripts, resume or CV, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Sister campus to UW-Madison, the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is a state leader in online education. UWM currently offers a dozen online master’s programs, all but one with all coursework accessed entirely online. The school’s online master’s programs emphasize flexibility for working adults without compromising academic quality. Courses are often asynchronous and built on UWM’s long experience in distance learning. Support resources (like online tutoring, libraries, and tech assistance) help ensure an excellent online student experience.
Featured Program: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
Duration: Typically two years full-time or three to four years part-time (with up to seven years to complete)
Mode: 100% online in asynchronous format (no residency required)
Cost: $800 per credit (36 credits)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Completed application with official transcripts (from all post-secondary institutions), statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation
- International applicants must meet English proficiency standards.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Located in Mequon, Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a private, faith-based institution known for its supportive online programs. Concordia’s offers over 30 online master’s programs in disciplines that include business, health, education, and more — all infused with a Christian ethos of service. The online learning environment at CUW emphasizes flexibility and personal attention through small class sizes (around a 12:1 student-faculty ratio) and courses delivered asynchronously. Students have opportunities for hands-on learning through practicums and internships (when required), typically attended in their local area.
Featured Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Duration: Regular Track: 63 credits (typically two years full-time or three to four years part-time); Advanced Standing Track (for students with a previously earned BSW): 36 credits (one year full-time, or two or more years part-time)
Mode: Fully online asynchronous coursework (no required campus visits) with in-person internships
Cost: $770 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any discipline for Regular Track, BSW for Advanced Standing Track)
- Completed Concordia graduate application with official transcripts, current resume or CV, letter of recommendation, and statement of purpose
Top Study Fields for Wisconsin Master’s Students
Choosing the right field of study is as important as choosing the right program. Wisconsin’s economy and workforce needs make certain master’s fields especially valuable. Below, we highlight five of the best fields in which to pursue a master’s in Wisconsin, based on job market growth, salary potential, demand, and state-specific needs.
Business Administration & Management
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or related business master’s offers strong return on investment (ROI) in Wisconsin’s competitive job market. Business master’s graduates often enjoy significant salary boosts (UW–Madison’s part-time MBA students, for example, average a 40% salary increase post-degree). The state hosts major companies in manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and technology — all sectors that reward advanced business skills. And management occupations in Wisconsin are projected to grow as businesses expand and innovate. An MBA equips professionals to move into leadership roles, and many Wisconsin programs offer specializations (e.g. in Supply Chain or Healthcare Management) that align with local industry needs.
Healthcare & Nursing
Healthcare is one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing fields, driven by an aging population and regional provider shortages. Advanced degrees in nursing (MSN), physician assistant studies, public health, etc., are highly valued. For example, Projections Central reports that jobs in the state for nurse practitioners and physician assistants are projected to grow by over 51% and 32% respectively from 2022 to 2032. These and other similar healthcare roles also command strong salaries in Wisconsin. Nurse practitioners in the state, for example, currently enjoy annual mean salaries of over $130,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Beyond clinical roles, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) can lead to leadership positions in Wisconsin’s hospital systems, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Education & Educational Leadership
Wisconsin continues to face teacher shortages in critical areas, making graduate degrees in education especially impactful. A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (MEd) can deepen teaching expertise and often leads to salary bumps under district compensation plans. Educational leadership programs (like an M.S. or M.Ed. in Educational Administration) prepare candidates for principal and district administrator roles, managing schools and districts and improving student outcomes. Whether aiming to advance in the classroom or move into administration, a master’s in the education field offers a clear pathway to making a positive impact on Wisconsin’s education system.
Information Technology & Data Science
The tech sector in Wisconsin (spanning the fields of software development, data analytics, and information security, among others) is growing quickly, creating strong demand for professionals with advanced IT knowledge and skills. For instance, software developer positions in the state are projected to increase over 31% in the 2022-2023 period. And newer fields like data science are burgeoning as companies leverage big data. Earning a master’s in computer science, information technology, or data science can set you apart in this competitive field. These roles are well compensated, too. The mean annual salary for software developers in Wisconsin, for example, is $113,000 according to ZipRecruiter.
Engineering & Manufacturing Leadership
Manufacturing is the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy, fueling an increasing demand for advanced engineering and managerial expertise. Earning a master’s in engineering online can open doors to leadership positions with Wisconsin’s many manufacturing and engineering firms. Companies like Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, and Oshkosh Corp. seek engineers who not only have technical depth but also possess effective management and innovation skills. Salaries for engineers with a graduate degree are robust (often 15-20% higher than those with just a bachelor’s), and roles such as engineering managers or plant managers can command six-figure salaries.
Common Types of Online Master’s Programs
Online master’s programs in Wisconsin come in various formats to fit different student needs. Here’s a quick overview of three common types of program structures, each with its own pros, cons, time commitments, and expectations. Understanding these differences will help you choose a program format that best matches your lifestyle and career goals.
Full-Time Accelerated Programs (Online)
Full-time online programs allow you to immerse yourself in graduate study and finish faster, typically in as little as 12 to 18 months. You’ll likely have to enroll in a heavier per-term course load (three or four courses at a time) and/or study all year round (including summers). Maintaining full-time employment while pursuing an accelerated formatted course of study is challenging for most students. And all students in these programs must possess strong self-discipline and time management skills.
Examples of Full-Time Accelerated Online Programs:
- UW-Madison — M.S. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
- Concordia University Wisconsin — MSW (Advanced Track)
Part-Time / Flexible Programs
Part-time online master’s programs are designed for working professionals who need to balance school with jobs and family. The main advantage of part-time programs is that the course load is lighter (often one or two classes per term), allowing students to continue working full-time while pursuing their academic studies. The trade-off is a longer time to degree completion (often two or three years, and sometimes longer). That means you’ll need to stay motivated over a longer period.
Examples of Part-Time Online Programs:
- UW-Milwaukee — Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
- UW-Madison — M.A. in Library Information & Studies
No GRE Required Programs
A growing number of online master’s programs in Wisconsin advertise “No GRE required” for admission. This can be a relief if standardized tests aren’t your forte. Be prepared to demonstrate your readiness for master’s studies through other application submittals such as academic records, GPA, work experience, personal essays and statements of purpose, and admissions interviews. Overall, no-GRE programs streamline the path to enrollment, allowing you to avoid the time and expense of preparing for and taking an admissions entrance exam.
Examples of No-GRE Online Programs:
- UW-Platteville — M.S. in Criminal Justice
- UW-Superior — MSEd Instruction Online
Paying for Your Online Master’s Degree
The cost of an online master’s program in Wisconsin varies by institution and program, but generally includes tuition (charged per credit) and modest fees. Public universities often have set per-credit rates for online graduate programs that are often the same for in-state and out-of-state students. There are exceptions, though. And online master’s programs from private schools in WI do not differentiate by student state residency when it comes to tuition charges.
Additional costs for all online master’s programs include those for books and materials, a computer, high-speed internet access, and (if part of the program) transportation costs for any campus or other in-person attended components (internships, field experiences, etc.). And keep in mind that qualifying students will be able to mitigate their degree price tags by obtaining financial aid.
Here are examples of current tuition costs for three online master’s programs in Wisconsin:
| School (Program) | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| UW-Madison (Engineering Management MS) | 30 | $1,300 | $39,000 |
| UW-Milwaukee (Master of Library & Information Science) | 36 | $800 | $28,800 |
| UW-Platteville (Online M.S. in Healthcare Administration) | 30 | $725 | $21,450 |
Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.
Questions Often Asked by Prospective Master’s Students
Are online master’s degrees from Wisconsin universities respected?
As long as you choose a properly accredited program, your online master’s degree will be respected and considered equivalent to an on-campus degree. All University of Wisconsin system schools and most other public and private colleges and universities in the state are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). In addition, many WI online master’s programs in specific academic disciplines possess programmatic accreditation from any of a number of independent professional associations.
How affordable are online master’s programs in Wisconsin? And can I get financial aid?
The affordability of online master’s programs in Wisconsin is a strong draw. Tuition rates at public universities in the state are often lower than national averages, and many programs charge their in-state tuition rates to all online students, regardless of state residency status. Keep in mind also that online master’s students in WI often qualify for one or more sources of financial aid to make their graduate educations even more affordable. Common available financial aid types include student loans, scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement opportunities, VA benefits (for active and veteran service members), and, in some cases, graduate fellowships.
How flexible is an online master’s program? Can I work full-time while studying?
Online master’s programs are designed with flexibility in mind, often catering directly to working professionals. In Wisconsin, many online master’s programs are part-time and feature asynchronous course components that allow students to continue working full-time while pursuing their degrees. Maintaining a full-time job while enrolled in a standard or accelerated full-time program can be challenging, though. So, if you intend full-time employment while working towards your master’s, we advise that you strongly consider a part-time format.
What’s the admissions timeline for online master’s programs? When should I apply?
Admissions timelines vary by school, but many online master’s programs in Wisconsin offer multiple start dates or even rolling admissions. For instance, UW-Milwaukee’s online programs often have fall, spring, and summer start options, and allow students to apply at any time throughout the year. Some programs (especially cohort-based ones) may begin only once each year (typically in the fall), so always check the program’s admission page to find out about any application deadlines.
As a rule of thumb, aim to submit your application a few months before your intended start term. And always get started on preparing your application and required submittal materials as soon as possible.
What is the online learning experience like? Will I get interaction and support as an online student?
Online learning in Wisconsin’s master’s programs is engaging and far from isolating. Courses are typically hosted on a learning platform (like Canvas or Blackboard) through which you’ll access lectures, readings, discussion forums, assignments, and other course elements. Interaction with professors and classmates happens on discussion boards and through video conferencing and group projects. In fact, many online programs prioritize collaborative work. Support services are robust, with online access to academic advising, writing centers, libraries (with online databases), tech support, and more. Just remember that the online experience is what you make of it. So, engage actively, and you’ll build relationships and skills as strongly as you would through a traditional campus-based program.