Trying to get to that next level in your career but feel held back by your bachelor’s degree? If you live or plan to live in Mississippi, it’s not surprising since some of the most available jobs in the state require an advanced degree , including those in nursing, management, and healthcare.
Deciding to pursue one of the many online master’s degrees in Mississippi is a big step and not to be taken lightly. Choosing the school where you’ll obtain that master’s degree is an important part of the process. Luckily, Mississippi’s universities offer an array of top online master’s programs where you can choose a master’s degree from a range of subject areas in convenient and affordable formats.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about online master’s degrees in Mississippi and the 16 Mississippi colleges and universities offering advanced degrees, so you can make the best choice for you.
2024’s Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Mississippi
While Mississippi might not have as many online master’s programs as some other states, you’ll still find a nice mix of offerings. Whether you prefer to go to a large or small, public or private university, MS has several quality options.
Most online master’s programs in Mississippi make the learning process as easy as possible, showing that MS universities understand that most online students, especially master’s students, want convenience above all else. Depending on the specific program, you can take classes at a pace and on a schedule that works for your life. Some programs are entirely online, while others have in-person components. Keep these options in mind as you decide on a school and program.
While your needs dictate which of Mississippi’s colleges and universities is right for you, the ones below stand out as the best online master’s programs in Mississippi with their blend of high-quality education and convenience.
Mississippi State University
As one of the most well-known schools in MS, Mississippi State University offers a robust selection of online master’s degree programs. Its online courses are both convenient and high-quality with similar experiences to what you’d find with in-person classes, just on your schedule.
An impressive range of master’s degree programs are available online, nearly 40 in total, through Mississippi State. Options include Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science in Cyber Security degrees. Support programs are also available to help students thrive in an online setting, and online students enjoy in-state tuition rates regardless of where they’re learning from. Financial aid is also available, including scholarships specifically for online students.
The University of Mississippi
Another well-known and well-regarded option, the University of Mississippi, colloquially known as Ole Miss, offers a similarly impressive roster of online master’s degree programs. Ole Miss’ master’s degree programs are 100% online, so there’s no need to worry about traveling to the Oxford-based campus for occasional in-person classes.
Additionally, many of its master’s degree programs offer varying degree start dates, so you’re not tied down to the traditional school semesters. Accelerated degree options are also available. The University of Mississippi plans its online master’s offerings based on economic demand, so its range of degrees is impressive with options touching a plethora of industries and career paths, including journalism, business, applied sciences, education, and law.
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi touts superior affordability as a premier perk for online students, and it’s received a top ranking as one of the most affordable online universities in the country. Full-time online graduate degree programs start at under $10,000 per year. The university offers more than two dozen online master’s degree programs, covering basic and popular options like education and business administration.
There are also some online master’s degree programs that are a bit harder to find at most institutions, such as degrees in public relations and library sciences. Two accelerated master’s degree programs in library and information sciences and child and family sciences are also offered.
Explore Your Options: Online Master’s Programs Offered in MS
Beyond deciding on the specific online master’s degrees in Mississippi that you want to pursue, you also need to decide what kind of format you prefer for your master’s program. Some schools offer several formats, while others only offer one. The one you pick — full-time, part-time, accelerated, or no-GRE —significantly impacts how quickly you can obtain your degree.
Full-time Online Master’s Programs in Mississippi
A full-time online master’s program in Mississippi requires you to complete at least nine or more credit hours each semester. However, full-time doesn’t mean full-time like you’d think of in terms of a job. You won’t spend just 40 hours per week in front of your computer but likely much more. Those nine credit hours work out to about three classes per semester.
Since full-time master’s degree programs are popular, there’s no shortage of universities offering them in Mississippi. Mississippi College, for example, defines a full-time online degree program as at least 12 credit hours per semester or about four classes. Similarly, Mississippi University for Women defines a full-time online degree program as having at least 12 credit hours per semester.
Part-time Online Master’s Programs in Mississippi
A part-time online master’s program typically encompasses any program that requires fewer than nine credit hours per semester. While opting for a part-time program does mean it will take you longer to get your degree than it would have had you picked a full-time program, part-time programs require less time per week. This means you can still focus on other obligations like a job or family. Many universities recognize that many master’s students need this flexibility, so part-time programs are offered widely. Schools offering them in MS include the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi University for Women.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Mississippi
Think of the GRE like you did the SAT or ACT before you applied to college for your undergraduate degree. The GRE is just the next phase of this testing process, historically required before applying to a graduate program. However, more and more schools are dropping the GRE requirement. Mississippi schools that offer no-GRE online master’s programs include the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Mississippi
When a university says it offers an accelerated master’s program, it usually means one of two things. Either it offers a specific degree that can be obtained faster than you would get a similar degree via a full-time program, or it offers a program wherein undergraduate students take specific classes that allow them to get a master’s degree at a faster pace after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. Some schools also advertise 1-year online master’s degrees specifically.
Whatever the case, universities usually only offer accelerated options for a handful of degrees. The University of Southern Mississippi, for example, offers accelerated degree options that allow undergrads to obtain their master’s degree online in one year following graduation with a bachelor’s degree; however, the program is only offered for those students studying child and family sciences, library and information sciences, and public health. If you’re already past your bachelor’s program and want to get your master’s as quickly as possible, look for accelerated programs designed to be completed faster than a typical master’s degree program. Mississippi College offers several of these online accelerated master’s programs.
Popular Subjects for Master’s Students in Mississippi
Business Administration
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an extremely popular choice for students pursuing online master’s degrees in MS due to its versatility. Management jobs are in demand, too, and a business administration degree properly prepares students entering the business world for managing teams.
Quality Examples of Online MBA Programs
Computer Science
Computer science master’s degrees, whether you opt for a more generalized degree or a computer science degree that narrows in on a topic like cybersecurity, are readily available at many universities for good reason. If this degree is right for your career path, you won’t have a shortage of career options. Plus, a computer science degree qualifies you for a variety of high-paying roles. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects computer science occupation opportunities to grow by more than 20% by 2030 with median pay in the six figures.
Quality Examples of Online Computer Science Programs
Education
A Master of Education (MEd) degree allows you to take on roles in education leadership as well as specialized education roles within educational institutions. Since education degrees are very popular, most Mississippi universities and colleges offering online master’s degree programs provide a few education degree options. Most education master’s degrees focus on a particular specialty, such as early childhood education, secondary education, or educational administration.
Quality Examples of Online MEd Programs
Healthcare
Since healthcare workers are in high demand in Mississippi, pursuing a healthcare career by obtaining a master’s degree will get you further than without one. This is true no matter what part of the healthcare industry you’d like to work in, including healthcare management, nursing, and many more.
Quality Examples of Online Healthcare Programs
Sports Management
For those interested in a sports-related career path, a master’s degree can finetune your knowledge of the area of the industry you’d like to work in. It can also open careers and networking opportunities. Master’s degrees in the sports industry are narrowed to fit certain interests and skill sets, such as sports management.
Quality Examples of Online Sports Management Programs
How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost in Mississippi?
Before you enroll in any master’s degree program, consider how much your total experience as a graduate student will cost. This means understanding not only the number of credits you need to obtain a degree, but also how much each credit costs and how that adds to your total tuition costs. Once you know this cost, you can start lining up financial aid and budgeting for this next step in your education. Here are a few examples of what you can expect to pay when attending online graduate school in MS.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $337 | $10,110 | |
36 | $278 | $10,008 | |
36 | $605 | $21,780 |
Mississippi Graduate Program Funding Options
There are a range of funding options to help cover the cost of your master’s degree in Mississippi. Some are available directly from the school of your choice, while others are from outside organizations. For example, Mississippi State University offers scholarship opportunities designed exclusively for online students. There’s a similar scholarship available at The University of Southern Mississippi.
If you’re planning far enough in advance, you can take advantage of a unique option from Belhaven University. The university offers traditional-campus bachelor’s degree students a full-tuition scholarship for any online master’s degree. The state’s Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid offers a range of funding options for various groups of people, too, with eligibility requirements differing due to the type of degree desired and similar factors.
Best Careers for Master’s Degree Holders in MS
A master’s degree will likely take you to the next stage in your career, but it will do more for you than just that. In most cases, it will make you more money, too. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2022, professionals with master’s degrees made more than $200 per week more than their bachelor’s degree-holding colleagues. Those with master’s degrees also experienced a decrease in unemployment rates compared to bachelor’s degree holders.
One study found that on average, a master’s degree holder in Mississippi made $90,224 per year as a base salary, with some salaries closer to $101,000. Of course, geography plays into how much you’re paid as well. The same data showed that the highest average salaries for Mississippi master’s degree holders are found in Southaven, Mississippi in the Memphis, Tennessee metro area. So, which jobs and master’s degrees will get you the most money in Mississippi? Here are some top picks to consider.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner is a highly versatile role within the healthcare industry. Nurse practitioners work in their own practices but also in other healthcare settings. This healthcare career requires a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), a better choice overall for many instead of the extensive and expensive schooling needed for a physician role.
| MS Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $117,260 | 38% | MS in Nursing |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy is another healthcare role that is slightly more low-key and less stressful than a traditional physician role. An occupational therapist provides therapy to those injured on the job. A master’s degree in occupational therapy is required for this position.
| MS Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $89,590 | 12% | MS in Occupational Therapy |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Education Administrator
An education administrator is someone who works in management, overseeing an educational institution or multiple such institutions such as an entire school district. A master’s degree is required, though some jobs also prefer you to have a doctorate and/or teaching certificate as well.
| MS Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $77,310 | 4% | MS in Educational Administration |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Orthotists and Prosthetist
Orthotists and prosthetists healthcare professionals work with prosthetics and supportive devices like braces and artificial limbs. A master’s degree is required for this role. However, you may need an additional certificate and/or to complete a residency under another orthotist or prosthetist professional before striking out on your own.
| MS Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $107,430 | 15% | Master in Prosthetics and Orthotics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Sociologist
An advanced sociology degree is versatile and can lead to many career options. A sociology degree teaches you about how societies and people in general operate, so people-focused roles are common among sociology degree holders. These include jobs in business (e.g., sales, HR, marketing), government, research, and social services.
| MS Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $78,470 | 5% | Master in Sociology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022