Are you thinking about going back to school and wondering if an online master’s program in Nebraska is worth your time? If so, you are among others in the state who have faced this decision, and many Nebraskans have concluded the investment is worth the time, effort, and cost. Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education reports that in the 2021-2022 academic year, there were 6,276 master’s degrees and post-master’s certificates awarded to students in the state.
This is the perfect time to pursue a master’s degree because, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, between 2018 and 2028, there will be an 11.7% increase in jobs for those with master’s degrees in Nebraska, which amounts to 1,584 additional jobs added to the workforce every year.
If you’re intrigued about how an online master’s degree in Nebraska can benefit your career, continue reading. You will find information about the top schools in NE offering these degrees, as well as the salaries graduates pursuing specific fields earn. We also include information about some of the most popular master’s degrees earned in the state and the financial aid opportunities available.
2024’s Top-Rated Online Master’s Degree Programs in Nebraska
If you’re not used to virtual learning, you may be wondering if an online master’s program in Nebraska is the right fit for you. These programs are not for everyone, so you should understand how they work and how some programs may be a better option than others.
If you work well independently and don’t want to spend time on campus, there are entirely online programs that can accommodate your preference. If you’d like to spend some time on campus, but you still want to take advantage of an online program’s flexibility, a hybrid option may be right for you. These programs have different levels of on-campus requirements. In some programs, you may be required to attend face-to-face meetings only occasionally, and in others, you may have weekly on-campus commitments.
To give you an idea of how different schools handle virtual education, we put together the following list of the best online master’s degrees in Nebraska. These schools may not be the right fit for your unique needs, but they will give you an idea of the characteristics to look at when evaluating schools.
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln has online master’s degrees in disciplines like natural sciences, education, engineering, and journalism. To help online students succeed inside and outside of the virtual classroom, the school offers access to numerous services, such as technical support, library assistance, and counseling services to help students deal with the stresses in their educational, personal, and professional lives.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln also offers services specifically designed for graduate students. For example, the Office of Graduate Studies provides workshops on topics such as preparing a CV versus a resume, being a productive researcher, and effective networking strategies. Also, there are career, individual, and teacher services that help students develop strong skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
Creighton University
Creighton University offers a variety of online graduate programs, including master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in several academic areas. The school also has accelerated programs that allow students to simultaneously earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree, cutting down the amount of time it takes to complete their graduate degree online.
For example, Creighton University’s online integrative health and wellness master’s degree program is for those in the health and wellness industry who want to develop advanced knowledge and skills as they work through the robust, interdisciplinary graduate curriculum while still completing their bachelor’s degree. Similarly, there’s an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree in organizational leadership, which is designed to develop leaders who have the business and ethical skills needed to navigate today’s challenges.
University of Nebraska Omaha
The University of Nebraska Omaha offers online master’s degree programs in areas such as communication, gerontology, social work, and elementary education. Online courses are delivered through the Canvas learning management system, where students access lectures and assignments. Those who are not necessarily familiar with online learning can get the help they need through the MavTECH Help Center, which has a help desk available 24 hours a day.
In addition to getting assistance with Canvas, people can receive help with any of the systems that are used for online learning, such as YuJa, OneDrive, Respondus, and Zoom. Other student services that people can take advantage of as they earn their online master’s degree include counseling, library, and career services.
Exploring Different Types of Online Master’s Programs in NE
Whether you feel more comfortable studying on a full-time or part-time basis, you can find online master’s programs in Nebraska that meet your needs. If you’re not interested in taking the GRE, you can find programs that don’t require it. Whatever your specific needs are, take a look at the following types of schools to find out how they can meet them.
Full-time Online Master’s Programs in Nebraska
Full-time online master’s programs in Nebraska allow you to complete your degree faster — often within two years. As a full-time student, you’ll get the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the graduate school experience, which can be incredibly rewarding. As a result, the more time people are able to dedicate to their coursework, the more opportunities they may have to connect with their professors and other students. The University of Nebraska offers full-time online master’s programs like its MS in Medical Physiology and its Omaha campus’s MA in Criminology.
Part-time Online Master’s Programs in Nebraska
If your other responsibilities mean you can’t dedicate yourself to full-time studies, many online master’s degrees in Nebraska also have convenient part-time options. Although this may add another year or two to the time it takes to earn your degree, there are still benefits for studying on a part-time basis.
For example, if you’re working full time and earning the degree for advancement in your current job, the material you learn in your degree program can immediately be applied to your work. This can go a long way toward demonstrating that you take your career and education seriously, which may help you achieve your goals faster. Some examples of high-quality, part-time online master’s programs includes the University of Nebraska Omaha’s MBA program and Nebraska Wesleyan University’s MSW program.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Nebraska
The GRE has traditionally been a huge part of evaluating the potential of graduate school applicants. Like the SAT, the GRE is designed to evaluate prospective students’ academic abilities because the test focuses on vital skills like reasoning, critical thinking, and writing.
Fortunately, there are many programs these days that have no GRE requirement, which means you don’t have to invest time in studying for the test. Instead, schools may focus on factors such as your professional experience, performance during an undergraduate program, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Some examples of online master’s degrees in NE without a GRE admissions requirement are the University of Nebraska Omaha’s MS in Literacy and Doane University’s MA in Leadership.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Nebraska
If you’re looking for the fastest way to earn an online master’s degree in Nebraska, an accelerated program may be the right choice for you. These degrees can take one year to complete, and because you can finish your studies so quickly, you may be able to save money. However, these programs are extremely demanding, so the time commitment may not work for people juggling their studies with a full-time job and family. If you’re interested in accelerated online degree programs in NE, consider Bellevue University’s MBA program and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s MSN program.
Majors for Online Master’s Degree Students in NE to Consider
Business Administration
If you’re interested in increasing your business acumen as you expand your professional network, a master’s degree in business administration may be a good choice for you. This is especially helpful if you would like to pursue leadership positions, since MBA programs foster the advanced skills needed to manage organizations.
Quality Examples of Online MBA Programs
Cybersecurity
If you already have strong technology skills and a background in computer science, a master’s degree in cybersecurity can help you get to the next level and prepare you for increasingly in-demand positions. These programs provide an advanced understanding of networks and computing systems, the breaches that may occur during a cyberattack, and how to prevent and combat these issues.
Quality Examples of Online Cybersecurity Programs
Education
Are you a teacher who wants to take your skills to the next level? Do you want to use your current skills to specialize in a specific area of teaching? Do you want to eventually pursue a leadership position? A master’s degree in education (MEd) can help you reach these goals by increasing your current skills while developing new ones. Also, an education master’s degree can provide the foundation if you want to earn a doctorate in the future.
Quality Examples of Online MEd Programs
Nursing
A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) provides the advanced skills professionals need if they’re interested in a career in specialized nursing care. In addition to the advanced practice skills nurtured in these programs, students are also able to gain leadership abilities to qualify for healthcare management positions overseeing the work of other nurses.
Quality Examples of Online MSN Programs
Sports Management
People who want to combine business expertise with a love of sports can earn a sports management master’s degree. From coaching to finance to public relations, these degrees provide an in-depth look into the business side of sports and help students understand how general business acumen is applied in a sports context.
Quality Examples of Online Sports Management Programs
What Is the Cost of Tuition for an Online Master’s in Nebraska?
No matter what degree program you choose, you’ll want to know what your financial investment is going to be. Although schools that offer online master’s programs in Nebraska generally charge by the credit; however, the exact cost of the program depends on what school students attend. To give you a look at what you may expect to pay for your degree, review the table below that includes pricing information for three schools in the state.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Resident Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
36-51 | $370 | $13,320-$18,870 | |
36 | $649 | $23,364 | |
30 | $357 | $10,710 |
Nebraska Graduate Program Funding Options
Although online master’s programs in Nebraska can be an affordable option since you’re often charged per credit rather than a flat fee for the semester or year, the cost can still add up quickly. The good news is there are several financial aid opportunities available to graduate students, which may include scholarships and grants, assistantships, and fellowships.
Several of these funding options may come directly from your college. For example, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers graduate assistantships and fellowships, while students at Creighton University may be eligible to receive grants and scholarships.
Lucrative Careers in NE for Master’s Degree Holders
Earning an online master’s degree in Nebraska can help you significantly increase your income. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that those with a master’s degree earn $1,661 weekly, compared to the $1,432 and $1,005 weekly salaries of people who have a bachelor’s and associate degree respectively. However, the exact salaries professionals make can vary depending on the position, so we outline the earnings for specific jobs that require master’s degrees below.
Economist
Economists need to have strong analytical skills to make sense out of financial data and extrapolate what that data means in terms of trends in the economy. When students earn master’s degrees in economics, they develop these analytical skills and research abilities that allow them to effectively conduct economic studies and report the findings.
| NE Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $71,360 | 6% | MS or MA in Economics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists help people who have difficulties with their speech, language, fluency, and voice. A master’s degree in speech-language pathology prepares students for this work by focusing on how to identify patients’ communication issues, develop the appropriate intervention plan and monitor its progress, and adjust the treatment as needed.
| NE Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $77,250 | 19% | MS in Speech-Language Pathology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Statistician
Statisticians use their mathematical skills to help organizations solve business problems. In order to train them for this job, master’s degree programs help students develop expertise on how to design and create statistical models and determine what the statistics mean.
| NE Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $80,830 | 32% | MS in Statistics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are responsible for helping those dealing with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities develop the skills they need to navigate their daily lives. This can include a range of activities that professionals learn as they pursue their master’s degree, such as helping patients with tasks such as eating, dressing, and walking.
| NE Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $87,620 | 12% | MS in Occupational Therapy |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors need to understand what people are going through when they’re in crisis, as well as the therapeutic interventions that help patients overcome their issues. To prepare students for this responsibility, a master’s degree in psychology includes coursework covering best practices for assessing, diagnosing, and creating treatment plans for those with mental health challenges.
| NE Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $54,200 | 18% | MA in Psychology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022