Earning your master’s degree from an accredited program in Indiana can set you apart from the competition or put you in a class all by yourself. Working professionals in Indiana have more choices than ever before when pursuing a grad school education, facilitated by the huge popularity of online master’s programs in Indiana.
Whether you choose a program that’s full or part time, hybrid or totally online, or synchronous or asynchronous, you’ll find a path to earning your master’s degree that works with your career and personal demands.
Online master’s degrees in Indiana cover business, healthcare, economics, education, computer science, and more. This guide will help you find a program that fits your academic and professional goals. Discover what to look for in the best online master’s programs in Indiana to see which top schools you may apply to.
Top-Rated Online Master’s Programs in Indiana for 2024
Online degrees are widely available across the Hoosier State, including at major university systems like the University of Indiana. You can take classes during the fall, spring, or summer semesters and complete lectures, assignments, and other coursework online.
While many programs are 100% online, meaning you will not have to attend classes on campus, others are hybrid programs that require a mix of online and in-person attendance, as you’ll see in our college spotlights.
Although everyone defines “best” differently, the following top three universities offer a variety of excellent, accredited master’s programs with flexible study options at reasonable costs. While these programs may or may not be the perfect fit for you, you can use the following spotlights as models of quality when researching programs to apply to.
Indiana University
Indiana University hosts over 930 academic programs, including 53 online master’s degree programs in fields like epidemiology, data science, criminal justice and public safety, educational leadership, and business administration.
Tuition for graduate students, whether in-state or out-of-state, varies by program, although students who register for at least 12 credit hours in the fall or spring semesters pay a flat-fee tuition rate. Most of the online master’s programs at Indiana University require students to earn between 30 to 54 credits, depending on their program.
Fortunately, Indiana University offers a variety of scholarships, from admission-based academic scholarships to donor-funded scholarships, scholarships for international students, and departmental and program scholarships.
Students who care about the environment and climate change will appreciate that the school has established a university-wide climate action planning committee to show its commitment to sustainability.
Ball State University
With 27 online master’s degree programs, Ball State University is a popular option for online graduate students in Indiana. Computer science, business education, journalism, nursing, and public relations are just a few of Ball State’s high quality online and blended master’s programs.
Taught by award-winning faculty in Indiana, Ball State University online master’s degree programs not only provide flexibility with part-time and full-time online degree programs, there’s also an abundance of academic support for online students, including career planning services, technology support, and academic advising services.
Ball State’s graduate tuition for full-time attendance (12 credits) is $5,862 annually, which includes a $300 online fee. Master’s students in early childhood education can apply for the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.
University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis offers five hybrid programs and six fully online master’s programs. These programs are in the areas of business, education, and health sciences/nursing. While there is only one business program, a hybrid program, there are a variety of education and health sciences/nursing programs for online and hybrid master’s students in Indiana.
Graduate tuition ranges from $488 to $726 per credit. Full-time online students at the University of Indianapolis can also expect to pay fees separate from tuition of $168 per semester or $336 per year for online master’s degree courses, while part-time students pay only $100 per semester and $200 annually. Summer school students pay an $84 fee to study at the University of Indianapolis between the spring and fall semesters. These fees are much lower than the fees paid by on-campus students.
Types of Online Master’s Programs Available in Indiana
There are a variety of ways to earn an online master’s degree in Indiana. For example, not all online master’s degree programs in IN are full time. Some are part-time, running at a slower pace than full-time programs, while other programs are accelerated and run at a fast pace, so you earn your degree quicker than most students. Explore these options and more below to learn which type of online master’s program in Indiana is right for you.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs in Indiana
Popular full-time online master’s programs in Indiana include Ball State University’s master’s degree in adult and community education program and Indiana State University’s online master’s in public health (MPH) program.
While full-time status is a significant time commitment, choosing an online master’s program in Indiana lets you work within your busy schedule rather than around it. Online master’s degree programs are flexible, with many Indiana schools offering asynchronous learning environments, so you can study in your own space and time.
Part-Time Online Master’s Programs in Indiana
While part-time online master’s programs in Indiana can take twice as long to complete as full-time programs, these programs offer flexibility for busy adults who cannot afford the time to study as a full-time student. Some popular part-time online master’s degree programs in IN include Indiana University’s Master of Public Health program and Indiana State University’s electronics and computer technology (MS) program.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Indiana
If you’d rather not take a standardized test to earn admission into your online master’s degree program in Indiana, you can apply to no-GRE programs. Indiana University Bloomington’s online master’s in public administration (MPH) program and Ball State University’s master’s in secondary education program waive the GRE requirement, so you can focus on creating the best admissions packet without the burdensome worry of a standardized test.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Indiana
Accelerated online master’s programs in Indiana let you earn your degree faster than you would in a more traditional full-time or part-time degree program. Check out Indiana University’s Master of Public Health program and Indiana State University’s occupational safety management (accelerated MS) program to learn more about these degrees, some of which you can complete in as little as a year.
In-demand Online Master’s Subjects in Indiana
Business
Online master’s in business programs in Indiana are designed for busy professionals who want to advance their careers or gain advanced knowledge in business management. Students in these IN online master’s programs are often mid-career professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and recent graduates from undergrad business programs. Indiana’s manufacturing, healthcare, and technology industries contribute to the popularity of these programs, where there’s a demand for trained business professionals who can strategize and innovate, driving economic growth.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Computer Science
Student who want to advance their technology careers can pursue an online master’s degree in computer science in Indiana. Students who enroll in these programs tend to have a solid background in fields related to computer science and are seeking to specialize in certain areas like data science and computer engineering. The popularity of these programs in Indiana can be attributed to the state’s rising technology industry, where employers like Cummins value innovative technologists and data-driven decision-makers.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Education
Online master’s in education degrees are sought by professional educators and aspiring teachers who want to advance their education careers in Indiana. These programs teach advanced leadership and teaching skills as well as a comprehensive understanding of educational practice and theory.
The popularity of online master’s programs in education in IN stem from the state’s need to improve student learning outcomes and fill empty teaching posts by training qualified teachers and administrators, improving educational systems.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Health Administration
Students who pursue a master’s in health administration are typically healthcare professionals who aspire to become healthcare leaders. In these programs, students develop expertise in healthcare management, policy, and administration.
Graduates from health administration programs learn to improve patient care and hospital operations, in part by navigating complex healthcare policies. Indiana’s diverse healthcare landscape contributes to the popularity of these degrees, as does the increasingly global demand for healthcare professionals.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Creative Writing
A masters in fine arts (MFA) in creative writing teaches students literary craft. In these programs, students refine their writing skills and learn the fine art of creating literature, whether poetry or prose. Students regularly receive feedback on their work, participate in writing workshops lead by experienced writers, and ultimately either complete a book or build a portfolio of literary work.
These programs prepare students for careers as writers, editors, teachers, or publishers. In Indiana, graduates of online master’s in creative writing programs also work in media and advertising. Some MFA graduates go on to earn their PhDs in creative writing.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
What You Could Pay for an Online Master’s in Indiana
Before you enroll in an online master’s in program in Indiana, you’ll benefit from conducting some research to learn the total financial commitments of earning a graduate degree, including tuition fees and additional costs such as books and exam fees. Create a plan to pay for school, research financial aidoptions, so you’ll have some lined up.
Students who want to attend online master’s programs in Indiana have access to several financial aid opportunities, including private and university scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study, and employer tuition assistance. By applying for all the financial aid you qualify for, you can study without additional distractions. Below you’ll find a table of three schools and their costs, as listed on their websites.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
33 | $490.60 | $16,189.80 | |
36 | $590 | $21,240 | |
36 | $451 | $16,236 |
Master’s Degree Financial Aid Options in IN
While you’re researching online master’s programs in IN, research what kinds of financial aid opportunities you can apply for to help offset the cost of your degree, including scholarships and grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research and teaching assistantships.
For example, Indiana University lists a variety of internal and external awards for students in online master’s programs, while Indiana State University awards a variety of scholarships and fellowships for general graduate students. The University of Indianapolis offers scholarship and assistantship opportunities for graduate students studying arts and sciences, education, gerontology, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology.
From Degrees to Dollars: Graduate Earning Potential in Indiana
Professionals who graduate from online master’s programs in Indiana should expect to earn more than those with only bachelor’s degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Services (BLS) verifies that professionals with master’s degrees tend to earn higher weekly salaries and experience lower unemployment rates. While bachelor’s degree holders earn an average of $1,432 per week and have a 2.2% employment rate, master’s degree holders earn an average of $1,661 per week and have an unemployment rate of 1.9%.
In the tables below, you can learn about potential earnings for popular careers — such as nurse practitioners, physical assistants, and occupational therapists — that require a master’s degree.
Librarian
A master’s in library sciences enables professionals to succeed and advance as librarians. Students graduate from these programs with advanced skills in library management and research techniques, making them eligible for specialized roles such as digital librarians and archivists. Below, you’ll find a table with average salary data for librarians.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $49,350 | 3% | MS in Library Science |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Nurse Practitioner
Nursing professionals who want to become nurse practitioners must pursue a master’s in nursing degree. Masters in nursing programs enable nursing professionals to specialize in their areas of interest so they can work autonomously in clinical or non-clinical settings, delivering a range of patient care. We’ve listed salary and job growth data for this field below.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $121,730 | 38% | MS in Nursing |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Physician Assistant
Master’s degree programs in physician assistant studies (MPAS) prepare students for physician assistant roles by training them in the medical sciences. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology and pharmacology. Below you’ll find national and state data for physician assistants.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $122,850 | 27% | MS in Physician Assistant Studies |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Economist
A master’s degree in economics prepares students for the field by training them to analyze economic data and develop economic models. Students study economic theory and learn research methods as training for professional roles in a variety of organizations that include government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit research organizations.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $89,860 | 6% | MS in Economics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Occupational Therapist
Professionals who earn online master’s degrees in occupational therapy in Indiana gain advanced skills in rehabilitation techniques to help patients overcome physical and cognitive health challenges. Occupational therapists help patients develop and maintain the skills they need to live their daily lives. Online master’s in occupational therapy programs in Indiana take an interdisciplinary approach: teaching human development, psychology, and neuroscience, along with occupational theory and practice.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $87,510 | 12% | MS in Occupational Therapy |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022