Are you considering earning a master’s degree online? You’re not alone; in fact, a 2022 study revealed that interest in a fully online or blended degree more than doubled — from 18% in 2021 to 38% of prospective students. And if you’re thinking of a graduate program in the Sunshine State, you’re in luck: online master’s programs in Florida are abundant.
This curated guide to the best online master’s degrees in Florida unveils high-quality programs and is peppered with insider data, so you can embark on your virtual academic journey where flexibility meets scholarly rigor. You’ll discover an array of Florida online master’s programs, each tailored to suit diverse learning styles, needs, and professional aspirations.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
Top-Rated Online Master’s Programs in Florida for 2024
The most significant advantage inherent to online learning is clear: You’ll be empowered to study on your own time. The flexibility of these programs especially attracts those with careers, families, and other adult responsibilities.
Florida’s higher education institutions, like the State University System of Florida, offer a diverse array of online master’s degrees to choose from. Students like you will have the freedom to adapt your life to educational experiences that include lectures, coursework, and group discussion held virtually, while some aspects of the class might require a bit of on-campus participation.
While online learning offers more convenience, pursuing a master’s degree remotely comes with unique challenges. You’ll need to be self-motivated and disciplined, considering you’ll be working in your own space and time — and maybe at your own pace, too.
Although “best” takes myriad shapes, the following universities shine as examples of quality, providing flexible studies at sensible costs. Even if your academic desires take you elsewhere, you can allow these spotlights to illuminate your path of exploration — using them as a benchmark for the journey that awaits you.
The University of Florida has over 85 online master’s degree programs. From graduate degrees in gerontology to arts in medicine to business administration and pharmaceutical sciences, the diversity of options makes this school a popular destination for students interested in Florida online master’s programs.
The school delivers most courses asynchronously, so students can log in to watch lectures and complete assignments in their own space and time. While each program follows its own specific curriculum requirements, students can expect to use common remote communication systems such as Canvas, a learning management system (LMS), as well as Webex, SharePoint, and Zoom.
Applicants can submit a FAFSA to apply for financial aid and search for scholarships, fellowships, and grants. On average, graduate tuition costs $12,740 annually for in-state students and $30,134 for out-of-state students.
The graduate school at Florida State University offers an impressive array of master’s degree programs. The school’s renowned strength in the arts, humanities, and sciences are reflected through degree options in systems engineering, law enforcement intelligence, professional communication, art education, and social work, among many more.
Students learn through the Canvas LMS and must have a computer with speakers, internet access, and Office 365, among other programs. These accessories are available at little to no cost for all FSU students.
Graduate tuition runs $444.26 per credit for in-state students; out-of-state students pay $1,075.66 per credit. Fortunately, Florida State University offers several fellowships and grant opportunities to offset these costs. The school also has temporarily waived the GRE requirement for most master’s programs.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a trailblazer in the online graduate degree landscape. You’ll find almost 50 Florida online master’s programs here, including popular options like aerospace engineering, educational leadership, nursing, and beyond — with various tracks to choose from within these disciplines.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many of the school’s online master’s degree programs also maintain accreditations from industry accrediting bodies, meaning each meets industry standards in its respective curriculum.
At UCF, you’ll find full-time, part-time, and evening courses. While costs can vary by program, typical graduate tuition costs $327.32 per credit hour for in-state students, and out-of-state students pay $1,151.72 per credit hour. Depending on their disciplines, students must complete between 30 to 33 credit hours beyond their bachelor’s degree, including 9 to 15 credits in either research or elective courses.
Types of Online Master’s Programs Available in Florida
While you can discover a diversity of online master’s programs in Florida, you’ll want to consider your specific goals and potential schedule limitations or demands to determine the best fit for you. Where many students choose to enroll in full-time master’s programs, your career aspirations may inspire you to seek a part-time or accelerated option. You can also find programs that do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a common admission requirement for graduate programs.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs in Florida
Online programs are a perfect option for ambitious parents and professionals who want career enhancement while learning at convenient times and locations. A few examples of Florida online master’s programs with full-time options: The University of West Florida has an online Master of Science in Computer Science, and the University of Central Florida offers an online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. In these programs, you’ll hone your expertise in your desired field while maintaining the flexibility you need to accommodate your busy schedule.
Part-Time Online Master’s Programs in Florida
Elevate your skills and earn your master’s degree at your own pace through Florida’s part-time online master’s programs. Schools like Florida State University offer flexible options like the online Master of Social Work and the online Master of Science in Information Technology. Convenience and growth intertwine in these part-time programs. You can balance your current commitments with your academic responsibilities, paving a path to your future at your own pace.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Florida
Pursue your master’s degree online without the burden of studying for the GRE exam by finding no-GRE online master’s programs in Florida. Schools like the University of Central Florida offer online master’s programs that let you sidestep the GRE requirement common to many graduate schools. These include the online Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics and the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs. You’ll save time and money when you consider a no-GRE online master’s program in Florida.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Florida
Accelerated programs let you fast-track your online education in Florida. For example, the University of Florida offers dynamic accelerated options like the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Management, and the Master of Agribusiness. Whether you’re looking to complete your master’s degree in one year or more, these programs offer an immersive educational journey that propels you towards subject mastery in a short time.
In-Demand Master’s Degree in Florida Online
Legal Studies
A master’s in legal studies may be a great option for you if you want to work in law but do not want to become a practicing attorney. Earning a master’s in legal studies is an affordable, flexible option preparing you for an in-demand career that pays you well to indulge in your passion for law.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
The popularity of computer science and engineering degrees stems, in part, from each field’s growing role in society, which translates to greater job stability and security. The programs are ideal for you if you’re interested in the intersection of computer science and engineering principles, and you want to develop advanced skills in hardware design, systems integration, and software development. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for roles in software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity, among many other well-paying tech, teaching, and consultant roles.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Master of Education (MEd)
While you typically only need a bachelor’s degree to work in education, an online master’s in education allows you to step up your teaching skills and make a difference beyond the classroom. Master’s in education degrees open doors to a variety of careers that include teaching, administration, instructional design, counseling, and various roles within the corporate and nonprofit landscape. You can work in leadership roles in non-academic settings as well, especially in the growing field of educational technology.
Quality Examples of Online MEd Programs
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
An online master’s degree in nursing tends to appeal to registered nurses who want to advance their careers in Florida’s dynamic healthcare system. Nursing students graduate with a wealth of job opportunities as Florida’s diverse population, nursing shortages, and aging demographic show a demand for advanced nurses.
Quality Examples of Online MSN Programs
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing
An MFA in creative writing degree teaches you the craft of writing. You’ll learn different literary styles, including fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, writing for young adults (YA), and poetry. Most programs require you to choose a genre or track, while many programs allow students to work in multiple genres. So it’s important to choose your program carefully to make sure you’re pursuing the literary genre(s) that most interest you as a writer. With an MFA in creative writing, you can become a novelist, poet, or memoirist and pursue teaching, marketing, public relations, and editing roles. You can also pursue a PhD in creative writing.
Quality Examples of Online MFA Programs
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Florida Cost?
As you seek to earn your online master’s degree in Florida, it’s important to learn about the full financial landscape you’ll encounter as a student. Understanding the full costs of your education — including tuition, fees, and living expenses — is part of your responsibility as a student.
So create a thorough plan for financing your education before you enroll to ensure a smoother path toward academic excellence. This means you’ll have a plan in place to pay for your online degree, including financial aid, if you need it.
One way to prepare financially is to investigate scholarships, grants, and loans to secure financial aid. With enough preparation, you can navigate the financial terrain of higher education with the confidence to focus on your studies. Below, you’ll find financial details of three Florida online master’s programs.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Resident Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $501.38 | $15,041.40 | |
36 | $785 | $28,260 | |
61 | $444 | $27,084 |
Florida’s Master’s Degree Funding Opportunities
If you’re concerned about how you’ll pay for your online master’s degree in Florida, you can seek out funding assistance that rewards academic excellence or community involvement. You’ll find a wealth of financial aid opportunities available to master’s students in Florida to help offset the cost of an online degree, including scholarships/grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships.
Assistantships offer a living stipend, tuition remission, and health insurance in exchange for teaching or research support. You might teach classes or carry out research projects outside of your own studies. For example, Florida State University’s graduate school offers internal fellowships and grants and lists external opportunities as well.
The University of Florida offers a list of similar funding opportunities that provide financial support based on need and merit for graduate students. These include work-study programs and graduate research and teaching assistantships.
Top-Earning Careers with a Master’s in Florida
Curious about the financial benefits of pursuing an online master’s degree in Florida? Earning a master’s degree in the Sunshine State can lead to a considerable pay bump, boosting your earning potential. We’ve prepared a data table of careers and average annual salaries that highlights five careers, all positioned for growth in Florida and nationally. This will help give you an idea of salaries you might become eligible to earn after graduating from your master’s program.
Please note: “National Job Outlook” estimates the projected percent change in employment for each occupation between 2022 and 2032.
Historians
Historians with master’s degrees hold advanced knowledge of their historical specialties as well as advanced skills in critical analysis, research, and communications. These skills allow you to analyze and interpret various historical contexts. When you graduate with a master’s in history, you can take teaching and research positions or work as a curator in museums and research institutions.
| Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $64,540 | 3% | MS in History |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Sociologists
A master’s in sociology gives professionals advanced critical thinking, research, and data analysis skills. After earning this degree, you can conduct in-depth sociological studies and contribute to various related fields. The degree leads to policy analysis, academia, and social services.
| Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $98,590 | 5% | MS in Sociology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Economists
A master’s degree in economics prepares you for enhanced career opportunities by equipping you with quantitative analysis, research, and policy evaluation skills. When you work in this field, you can provide valuable insights into economic trends and related issues. The degree leads to roles in research firms, financial and academic institutions, and government agencies.
| Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $113,940 | 6% | MS in Economics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Librarians
Enroll in a master’s degree in library and information science program, and you’ll gain advanced knowledge of research methods, cataloging, information technology, and even management skills. You’ll be eligible to work in a variety of library settings as well as information management and digital archiving roles.
| Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $61,660 | 6% | MS in Library Science |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Epidemiologists
A master’s degree in epidemiology equips you with advanced skills in data analysis, research methodologies, disease surveillance, and other skills necessary to investigate health and disease patterns within populations. Graduates from epidemiology master’s degree programs go on to work in research institutions, public health agencies, and various other private and public healthcare organizations.
| Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $78,520 | 27% | MS in Epidemiology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022