What do youth service case managers, nurse practitioners, and revenue tax specialists have in common? All three are part of the 75 classified careers that require a master’s degree in Alabama.
Even if your current or desired career path doesn’t require a master’s degree, graduates from online master’s programs in Alabama have more career opportunities. Plus, their earnings often increase by at least $10,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Whether your career requires an online master’s degree in Alabama or looking to invest in your professional future, this guide covers everything you need to know about online master’s degrees in AL. It reveals the best programs, financial aid opportunities, and careers that benefit the most from a master’s degree.
Top-Rated Online Master’s Programs in Alabama for 2024
There are many excellent online master’s programs in Alabama, making it easy to suffer decision fatigue. The University of Alabama alone has so many master’s programs that it needs an online campus to house its virtual degrees. Given the state’s large variety of online programs, you need subjective and objective indicators to help you choose the best program.
For starters, define what type of program best suits your individual needs. Do you prefer a 100% online program or a hybrid program with some face-to-face components? Are you looking for an asynchronous course or a program with set class times? Is financial aid a specific concern for you?
Along with the answers to these questions, additional objective indicators of a good program include affordability, accreditation, flexible study options, and ample student support resources. The three universities highlighted below provide examples of quality programs to get you started on your search.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama has an online campus with a variety of master’s degrees, making it a program almost all master’s candidates should check out. With 44 online degrees, it’s possible to complete a master’s in almost any subject. Stand-out degrees include their online master’s in social work, public health, and education. Out-of-state online students benefit from in-state tuition, making the program accessible to a wider variety of students.
The school also offers a tuition waiver so that a student can complete their first online class for free. Along with affordability, the University of Alabama boasts fantastic student support options, including online academic advising and virtual networking events.
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama offers over 50 online master’s degrees, making it one of the most versatile providers of online graduate education in the state. Students can enroll in online master’s programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and criminal justice. No matter which option you choose, you have access to online professional and academic support resources.
A unique benefit of the University of North Alabama’s programs is that they offer different options to suit various lifestyles, including one-year degrees, part-time programs, and full-time options. For those who want to get their degree faster, there are accelerated options in certain fields from the University of North Alabama. If a student is unsure if they’re ready for a full master’s degree, they can complete micro-credentials, which are online graduate certificates in a specific field.
University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama is a leader in online master’s programs in AL. The school offers 13 master’s programs that are offered fully online or in a hybrid format that fall within nursing, education, and business. Across all three disciplines, their online programs are designed for maximum flexibility. Course materials are available 24/7, and online lectures are usually delivered in an asynchronous format, though this differs by program type.
The University of South Alabama provides office hours and other opportunities to interact in real-time, thanks to its virtual conference software. The school also offers online academic and career advising services. Online students are also eligible for the school’s many financial aid options, including university-funded scholarships.
Types of Online Master’s Programs Available in Alabama
When looking at online master’s programs in Alabama, you’ll notice varying program formats. Some programs require you to be a full-time student, while others can be taken part-time. Still, others waive the GRE or allow students to complete an online master’s degree in AL at an accelerated pace. Here’s what you need to know about each degree type to choose the right one for you.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs in Alabama
Those who commit at least 40 hours a week to their degrees should consider full-time online master’s degrees in Alabama. By completing your degree full-time, you can finish faster and fully devote yourself to your studies. Examples of high-quality full-time degrees include the online master’s in early childhood education from the University of South Alabama and the online master’s in criminal justice from the University of North Alabama.
Part-Time Online Master’s Programs in Alabama
Are you looking to balance your degree with a full-time job and/or other responsibilities? Consider a part-time program. In these online master’s programs in Alabama, students complete fewer courses per semester, allowing them to balance their studies and work more easily. The downside to this option is that it may take longer to complete your degree since you take fewer courses per semester. The online MBA from Auburn University and the online Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama can both be taken on a part-time basis.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Alabama
If test-taking stresses you out or you want to eliminate a step from the application process, consider no-GRE master’s programs. Programs usually state whether they’re no-GRE in their admissions requirements. Stand-out online master’s degrees in AL that don’t require the GRE include the MBA in operations management from the University of North Alabama and a master’s in project management from Troy University.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Alabama
For those who want to complete their degree in two years or less, consider accelerated online master’s programs in Alabama. These programs can be more time-intensive, making them harder to balance with work and other obligations, but they allow students to graduate faster. Some programs take as little as one year to complete. Amazing accelerated online master’s degrees in Alabama include this online MBA from The University of Alabama’s Birmingham campus. The University of Alabama also has a list of degrees that can be taken on an accelerated timeline.
A Closer Look at Top Online Master’s Degrees in AL
Operations Management
If you want to start your business career with more education than your peers or are a current employee looking to boost your business knowledge, a master’s in business administration may be right for you. However, not all MBAs are created the same, and you should find one that caters to your interests in business. If you’re interested in helping businesses run more efficiently, for example, an MBA in supply chain management might be the right program type.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Computer Science
According to Projections Central, the demand for software engineers in Alabama is expected to increase by 19.8% in the next ten years. To take advantage of leadership roles in the field, consider a master’s in computer science. Fortunately, there are many amazing online master’s degrees in AL for computer science.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Social Work
The demand for social workers in Alabama is expected to grow by 8.3% in general social work and 11.9% within healthcare specifically. To enter this field, you must complete a master’s degree in social work. To make this degree easier to complete, many schools in Alabama offer online master’s programs.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Nursing
If you’re a licensed RN looking to advance your career, a master’s degree in nursing might be the next best step. There are also some master’s programs for those looking to enter the field of nursing who are unlicensed, though those are rarer. Alabama is an especially great place to get your master’s in nursing because the state has a generous financial aid program for licensed nurses.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Sports Management
If you want to make your passion for sports into a career but don’t have the basketball skills of Lebron James or the football cred of Travis Kelce, working in sports management is a great option. With an online master’s degree in sports management, you can explore many different business and managerial roles in the sports industry.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
How Much Will You Pay? Online Master’s in AL Costs
While some online master’s programs in Alabama may cost more or less than this, it’s clear that getting your degree isn’t cheap. Cost can be reduced by financial aid opportunities, as discussed below, but it’s important to understand how much online master’s degrees in Alabama can cost before you apply. By knowing the price upfront, you can create a graduate finance plan and determine how much financial aid you need.
To start your research, explore the costs of the three schools in the table below:
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $475 | $14,250 | |
30-60 | $440 | $13,200 – $26,400 | |
30-60 | $451 (AL Residents) | $13,530 – $27,060 |
Alabama’s Master’s Degree Funding Opportunities
Plenty of financial aid opportunities exist to make college more accessible. While getting your online master’s programs in Alabama, consider applying for scholarships, which is funding you don’t have to give back or complete any requirements to maintain.
Another option includes grants and fellowships, which is funding you don’t have to give back, but must complete certain requirements to maintain. Work-study is a federal program that provides an hourly wage in exchange for working on campus. Finally, graduate assistantships are university-funded programs that allow master’s students to teach or conduct research in exchange for funding.
To maximize your financial aid options, you should also complete the FAFSA application each year. The FAFSA is used to determine federal and state-funded loans and grants. Some private organizations also use the FAFSA to determine aid awardees.
In Alabama specifically, you also have a few state-specific avenues. For example, the Alabama State Board of Nursing has a loan repayment program for eligible nursing students and recent graduates.
Maximize Your Earnings: Top Careers for AL Graduates
A master’s degree can increase your earnings by over $10,000 per year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of course, the exact professional benefits differ by major and work experience. An MBA student with five years of experience and a Master of Philosophy student without work experience might not experience the same career boost from their degrees.
For a better idea of the best online master’s programs in Alabama for career growth, check out five stand-out career paths and the corresponding degrees for each below.
Healthcare Social Worker
Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Consider becoming a healthcare social worker. These individuals advocate for patients within the healthcare system and are in high demand in Alabama. To be a licensed social worker, you must first complete a master’s in social work.
| AL Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $51,540 | 7% | MS in Social Work |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Nurse Practitioner
Out of all the online master’s degrees in Alabama, getting a degree in nursing practice is one of the most lucrative choices. Nurse practitioners earn above-average salaries and make an immediate difference in patients’ lives. They’re also in high demand, especially in rural parts of the state.
| AL Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $106,610 | 38% | Master of Nursing Practice |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Physician Assistant
Alabama passed a new law to address the healthcare shortage, and as part of that law, there is more funding available to those who want to get a master’s degree to become a physician assistant. Physician assistants are licensed medical professionals who can provide treatment under the supervision of a doctor.
| AL Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $94,220 | 27% | MS in PA studies |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Economist
Economists predict macro and micro trends to guide fiscal policies for governments, nonprofits, and corporations. There are many online master’s degrees in Alabama for this career path, and plenty of employers in the state are looking to hire skilled economists in the next ten years.
| AL Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $120,530 | 6% | MS in Economics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Occupational Therapist
Currently, there is a shortage of occupational therapists across the country, and some studies suggest that there aren’t enough students enrolling in graduate programs to meet this need. To enter this in-demand field, you need a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
| AL Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $86,860 | 12% | MS in Occupational Therapy |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022