Sitting at a career crossroads? Whether you’re looking to enhance credentials in your current field or branch out to a new venture, online master’s programs in Colorado can provide you with the right education and qualifications. A growing population means fields like healthcare and education are rapidly expanding in the Centennial State. And the already-booming tech business is set to grow an additional 11% in the next four years. The demand for employees with advanced qualifications has never been higher.
In addition to more diverse job prospects, graduates of online master’s programs in Colorado enjoy higher pay. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, people with a master’s degree receive 19% higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree nationwide. Dive into this guide and discover the best program for you and your career goals.
Top-Rated Online Master’s Programs in Colorado for 2024
Online master’s programs in Colorado combine academic excellence with the flexibility to learn on your schedule. State university systems offer online master’s programs , featuring the same education, support services, and alumni networks on-campus students enjoy. Plus, you’ll benefit from degree name recognition employers love.
The biggest challenge for online students is mastering time management. With hard work and diligence, most students can find a rhythm that works well for their needs. Prospective students should note that while many online master’s degrees in Colorado are 100% online, others have in-person requirements.
While the “best” school will depend on your needs, we’ve put together three outstanding schools offering online graduate programs. Even if these aren’t the perfect fit for you, they can be a launching pad in your search for online master’s degrees in Colorado.
University of Colorado
The University of Colorado is the state’s largest university by enrollment and has several online graduate programs. Students can choose from online master’s degrees in the business, education, healthcare, public service, and STEM fields. CU’s comprehensive offerings include more than 23 online master’s degree options.
Online master’s degrees are offered under the larger CU umbrella, and are taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs at CU’s Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Anschutz locations. The hosting campus and tuition rates vary by program. For example, the online Master of Public Health is offered by CU Anschutz and costs $833 per credit, while CU Denver’s online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, which costs just $450 per credit.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University Online is an outstanding option to consider when looking for online graduate programs. In addition to online master’s degrees in Colorado in more common fields like education and business, online master’s students can also choose from degrees in agricultural sciences, natural resources management, and tourism.
Some of Colorado State’s master’s programs are built on a cohort model, meaning that a group of students goes through the program together to provide a support and networking structure. While many programs are available entirely asynchronously online, others, like the Master of Education and Teacher Licensure and Master of Social Work (MSW), are hybrid. For these degrees, students will need to attend in-person classes held at participating campuses. Tuition rates vary by program; however, all Colorado State online students pay the same in-state tuition rates.
University of Denver Online
With more than 50 Colorado online graduate programs, University of Denver Online has a master’s program for almost any student. Online degrees are available in business, computer science, education, environment, health, humanities, law, nonprofit and public service, and social and behavioral science.
There’s also plenty of room to specialize within a degree. For example, with the MA in Communication Management, students can choose concentrations in Learning and Development, Marketing Communication, Organizational Communication, Organizational Development, Public Relations, or User Experience Strategy.
Both asynchronous and synchronous online work is offered, depending on the individual course and overall program. DU designed these programs to help adult students earn online master’s degrees while balancing their career and other priorities. There is extensive support for online students, including a student study guide and technology resources. The graduate tuition rate at DU is $806 per credit hour.
Types of Online Master’s Programs Available in Colorado
The landscape of Colorado’s online graduate programs is as diverse as its natural beauty. From business and tech to healthcare and education, myriad programs await students seeking online master’s degrees in Colorado. Whether you’re ready to jump into full-time coursework or need more flexibility, read on to discover which program is the perfect fit for you.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs in Colorado
Full-time online master’s degrees are ideal for students who can focus on putting themselves on the fast track to graduation day. The definition of “full-time” may vary by school, but typically means taking nine credit hours per term. Students who are ready to put in the work can check out programs like the MS in Sport Management at Colorado Mesa University or the MA in Special Education: Early Childhood at the University of Northern Colorado.
Part-Time Online Master’s Programs in Colorado
Part-time study is well-suited to students who are balancing other obligations like full-time work or family. These students usually take three to six credit hours per term. While the pace is more manageable for many adult learners, it takes part-time students longer to graduate. For outstanding part-time Colorado online graduate programs, consider the MA in Museum and Gallery Management at Western Colorado University or the Master of Health Administration at MSU Denver.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Colorado
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that students often take as an admissions requirement for graduate school. No-GRE master’s programs forego GRE scores submission, especially if a student can otherwise prove their academic credentials via transcripts and recommendations. Many Colorado online graduate programs skip the GRE scores, including CSU Global’s MS in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs’ MA in Communication, and Regis University’s MA in Creative Writing.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Colorado
Even if you are unable to commit to full-time study, you can shorten a master’s degree timeline considerably by choosing a program with accelerated course formats. These classes cover the traditional amount of material in a shorter span of time. The fastest online master’s degrees allow students to graduate in less than two years; some even take as little as one year. For speedy Colorado online graduate programs, check out CSU Pueblo’s MBA program, Colorado Technical University’s MS in Computer Science, or Colorado Christian University’s MA in Accounting.
A Closer Look at In-demand Master’s Degrees in CO
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA is tailored for individuals who want to climb the corporate ladder or pioneer their own ventures. In Colorado’s dynamic business environment, C-suite executives and managers in the business arena are some of the highest-paying jobs. So, if you’re after a high salary, this might be the online master’s degree for you.
Examples of Quality Online Programs
Computer & Software Engineering
Computer and Software Engineering master’s degree programs are for those passionate about designing, implementing, and improving software applications. Denver is a top 10 city for tech, and as Colorado carves its niche as a tech hub, students enrolling in these programs are positioning themselves to be at the center of the field.
Examples of Quality Online Programs
Early Childhood Education
An Early Childhood Education master’s degree is best for those drawn to shaping young minds during their formative years. As Colorado grapples with teacher shortages, there’s an urgent call for qualified educators in this field. Pursuing this degree has the potential to fulfill a personal passion and address a critical state need. And, if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field, a master’s program is an excellent way to transition into teaching.
Examples of Quality Online Programs
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Healthcare is a continually growing sector in Colorado. Pursuing an MSN can be a transformative career step for nursing professionals. An MSN not only deepens clinical expertise and leadership skills but prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare management, education, and specialization. As the state faces a nursing shortage, the need is high for MSN-qualified nurses to take the lead in the management and education of the new workforce.
Examples of Quality Online Programs
Sport Management & Administration
In a state where just one city — Colorado Springs — is home to 25 National Governing Bodies of Sport, a master’s in sport management or sports administration can be a game-changer. This advanced degree equips graduates with the leadership skills and industry insights to drive innovation and excellence in the dynamic world of sports. From managing athletic programs to orchestrating major sporting events, graduates stand at the forefront of an industry where passion meets profession.
Examples of Quality Online Programs
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Colorado Cost?
Enrolling in Colorado online graduate programs can be a pivotal investment in your future. But before taking the leap, it’s important to understand the full financial implications. Planning ahead, budgeting for the time you’ll be in the program, and securing potential financial aid are critical steps in the journey. By being proactive, you can alleviate financial stress and have less debt to pay back after graduation. A well-planned financial strategy not only protects your current financial health but also your post-graduate success. To help you understand the tuition costs of online master’s degrees in Colorado, we’ve gathered data from three schools below.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $444 | $15,984 | |
33 | $551.75 | $18,208 | |
36 | $500 | $18,000 |
Colorado Graduate Program Funding Options
While the cost of Colorado online graduate programs can be substantial, the good news is there are many master’s financial aid and funding opportunities available. For those with the time and energy for additional work, assistantships, like those at Colorado State University, can be an opportunity to gain experience and lower your tuition bill.
Meanwhile, Master of Education students could qualify for the federal TEACH Grant or the TEACH Colorado Scholarship.
The Colorado Graduate Grant can be provided by the state through your school, depending on your financial need and chosen major. The University of Colorado Boulder is just one school that offers this grant — check with your school for more details.
Courses of study at a school may also offer specialized scholarships and grants. For example, the Leeds School of Business at The University of Colorado Boulder offers various scholarships and grants to business students. Some schools, like Colorado Christian University, offer a scholarship to returning alums.
Online Master’s Programs for Top-Paying Careers in Colorado
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with master’s degrees earn an average of $1,661 per week, compared to those with a bachelor’s at $1,432. Some of Colorado’s most in-demand professions, especially those within the medical and mental health sectors, necessitate a master’s degree. This makes pursuing an advanced degree not just beneficial but essential for many. Additionally, Business Insider reports that management roles are some of the highest-paying jobs in the state. If you want to rise to the top in business, a master’s degree can be just the boost you need.
Explore the tables below and learn more about potential earnings for popular online master’s degrees in Colorado.
Political Scientist
A master’s degree equips political scientists with advanced analytical skills and deep insights into political behavior and systems. It also enhances their ability to research, forecast political trends, and contribute to policy formulation. Ultimately, a master’s ensures a more profound understanding and impactful influence in the political realm.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $65,728 | 7% | Master of Public Administration |
Source: ZipRecruiter, 2023
Marriage and Family Therapist
Required for practicing marriage and family therapists, a master’s degree deepens a therapist’s understanding of interpersonal dynamics and therapeutic techniques, and provides the opportunity for hands-on clinical training. This advanced training ensures these professionals can address complex familial challenges, fostering healthier relationships and better mental well-being for clients.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $71,428 | 15% | Master of Marriage and Family Therapy |
Source: ZipRecruiter, 2023
Statistician
A master’s-level education in statistics hones advanced analytical and data interpretation skills. Through their master’s program coursework, statisticians are trained and prepared to tackle intricate data sets, design experiments, and make informed decisions, making them indispensable in diverse sectors, from healthcare to economics.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $81,466 | 30% | MS in Theoretical or Applied Mathematics |
Source: ZipRecruiter, 2023
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselor
A master’s degree provides counselors with a comprehensive grasp of developmental psychology, counseling techniques, and educational strategies. This equips them to guide students effectively in many capacities, including addressing academic, social, and career challenges, measuring successful educational trajectories, and encouraging personal growth. A master’s degree is often required for school counselors.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $50,986 | 5% | MS in Counseling or Psychology |
Source: ZipRecruiter, 2023
Physician Assistant
For those who want to be a physician assistant, a master’s degree is a must. Advanced studies for physician assistants delve deep into medical sciences, clinical procedures, and patient care strategies. This rigorous training ensures they provide top-tier medical care, can diagnose illnesses, and propose treatment plans alongside physicians, enhancing healthcare quality and efficiency.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $119,231 | 27% | MS in Physician Assistant Studies |
Source: Salary.com, 2023