According to the New Mexico Higher Education Department, in the 2019-2020 academic year alone, 2,670 people around the state earned a master’s degree. And it’s no wonder: Earning a master’s degree can open more career doors, increasing the opportunity to earn more money. There are over a dozen colleges and universities in New Mexico, and several offer online degrees.
If you’re interested in online master’s programs in New Mexico, continue reading for a look at some of the top schools offering online master’s degrees, as well as the types of programs available. Additionally, we will provide information on some of the most common disciplines students pursue, and the highest paying jobs for those who have earned master’s degrees in NM.
2024’s Top-Rated Online Master’s Degree Programs in New Mexico
When looking for online master’s degrees in New Mexico, you should evaluate programs with your needs in mind. If you have a rigid schedule and would find it challenging to fit class meetings into your day, an asynchronous program is a good choice, allowing you to watch lectures during times that are most convenient for you. If your schedule is a little more flexible and you prefer to attend lectures on a set schedule, a synchronous program is a better choice.
As you ask yourself questions about how you will best be able to navigate an online master’s program, think about what each school has to offer. The following list features some of the best schools offering online master’s degrees in New Mexico and can help you evaluate the schools you consider.
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico offers online master’s degrees in disciplines such as educational leadership, business administration, project management, and music education. The school offers synchronous and asynchronous courses. Those in synchronous classes are expected to attend regularly scheduled lectures in the school’s Canvas Learning Management System. Asynchronous courses provide more flexibility with few if any scheduled meetings. Depending on the program, if there are scheduled meetings like labs or an orientation, they may be held online or on campus.
Although much of the coursework is done independently, students in an online master’s degree program at the University of New Mexico have many resources available as they complete their program. The school’s Center for Teaching and Learning offers graduate support that includes a Graduate Online Writing Lab, support groups, and individual consultations to help sharpen specific skills. Students can also attend workshops designed to help them develop as students and professionals.
Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University takes pride in creating an engaging learning environment for all students, in both traditional and online programs. With online master’s degree programs in business, healthcare, and education, the school provides the support students need for success, including access to a writing center, counseling, and library services.
The school also offers ways to assist students with funding their graduate education. Eastern New Mexico University has a number of financial resources available, including scholarships, graduate assistantships, and research grants to help defray tuition, which is $320 per credit.
New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers online master’s degrees that may be completed entirely online, as well as programs that combine online learning with a residency requirement. For example, the school’s social work, public health, and information technology master’s degrees are offered entirely online.
On the other hand, students enrolled in the secondary education and educational leadership and administration in pre-K-12 programs are required to complete an on-site experience under the supervision of a licensed educator. Similarly, the clinical psychopharmacology master’s program requires that students work at least 200 hours in a clinical setting alongside a physician.
Exploring Different Types of Online Master’s Programs in NM
Can you dedicate several hours a week to your studies? Does it make more sense to have a lighter course load every semester to easily fit your education into your schedule? Would you prefer not to take the GRE? The following is a look at the different types of online master’s degrees in New Mexico so you can find one that best suits your specific situation.
Full-time Online Master’s Programs in New Mexico
If you’re able to dedicate a great deal of time to your studies, then a full-time online master’s program may be the best option. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that although you can complete your degree in two years, you’ll be spending about the same number of hours per week on your coursework as you do with your full-time job.
Depending on the program, online options can make a difference in terms of convenience, because you may not be required to participate in classes during set schedules. Two quality programs include New Mexico State University’s Master of Criminal Justice and Eastern New Mexico University’s MBA program.
Part-time Online Master’s Programs in New Mexico
If you’re not able to enroll in an online master’s degree in New Mexico on a full-time basis, don’t let that deter you from pursuing your goals. Many programs allow students to enroll on a part-time basis, so they can best incorporate their education into their busy lives.
Also, there can be some benefits to earning a degree part-time. Although it may take you longer to finish, if you’re working full time, you may be able to take advantage of benefits like tuition assistance from your employer. For example, New Mexico Highlands University’s MBA in Entrepreneurship and New Mexico State University’s MSW program are both offered part-time.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in New Mexico
Maybe you’re reluctant to pursue an online master’s program because you’re concerned about earning a high score on the GRE. If you think that will hold you back, think again. While submitting GRE scores has been a large part of the admissions process for master’s degrees in the past, schools are increasingly moving away from this requirement.
This means that depending on the discipline you’re interested in, you may not be expected to submit GRE scores. In other cases, this may be an optional requirement, so you can use a high score to help increase your chances of admission. Two examples of quality online master’s degrees with no GRE requirement include Eastern New Mexico University’s master’s degree in educational technology and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology’s MS in public engagement.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in New Mexico
Accelerated online master’s programs in New Mexico give you the fastest option for earning a degree, which may be the best choice if you can dedicate time to a demanding course load. You’ll be able to earn your master’s degree in one year instead of two.
In some cases, accelerated programs may allow you to work on your bachelor’s and master’s degrees concurrently — significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to finish a graduate degree. The University of New Mexico’s Master’s in Construction Management (MCM) and New Mexico State University’s Master of Information Technology are great examples of accelerated online master’s programs.
Popular Majors for Online Master’s Degree Students in NM
Business Administration
A master’s in business administration (MBA) is for professionals who want to sharpen their skills so they can pursue leadership positions or even start their own businesses. People in MBA programs are able to build on their existing abilities, such as operations management, verbal and written communication, and critical thinking skills.
Quality Examples of Online MBA Programs
Cybersecurity
According to the New Mexico Economic Development Department, cybersecurity is one of the target industries in the state, especially since it is the home to two U.S. Department of Energy labs that conduct research in this field. As a result, this is a great time for those with computer science or computer engineering experience to earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity, which helps students gain the cutting-edge skills employers in NM look for.
Quality Examples of Online Cybersecurity Programs
Social Work
If you want to give back to your community by helping people in crisis, a master’s in social work (MSW) may be a good choice for you. These programs give students the skills they need to help people in crisis work through their problems and get the services they need. This is especially important now, as there is a severe social worker shortage in New Mexico, and the state has impaneled a task force to address the problem.
Quality Examples of Online MSW Programs
Nursing
A master’s of science in nursing (MSN) can help current nurses prepare for numerous higher-level jobs — whether they want to become nurse educators, clinical supervisors, nurse practitioners, or mental health nurses. These degrees build on the knowledge and skills that nurses already have to provide a deeper understanding of how patient care should be delivered. Also, MSN degrees focus on healthcare management, which is great for nurses who want to assume leadership roles at their jobs.
Quality Examples of Online MSN Programs
Sports Management
Do you love sports? Do you have business skills you’d like to develop? A master’s degree in sports management allows students to combine those two interests to pursue a unique career working directly or indirectly with sports teams. For example, graduates may use their expertise to work for marketing firms and talent agencies representing sports organizations, or land a position with a minor or major league sports team.
Quality Examples of Online Sports Management Programs
What Is the Cost of Tuition for Online Master’s Degrees in NM?
As you evaluate the types of online master’s degrees, keep an eye on the cost. Online programs that charge tuition per credit can save you money, but even per credit costs can add up quickly. To give you an idea of what you may pay when you enroll in an online master’s program in New Mexico, we’ve put together the following table with the tuition for some schools around the state.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
33 | $805 | $26,565 | |
39 | $320 | $12,480 | |
63 | $525 | $33,075 |
New Mexico Graduate Program Funding Options
Do you think the cost of online master’s programs in New Mexico may keep you from pursuing your goals? Luckily, it doesn’t have to. You may be able to take advantage of different kinds of financial aid opportunities, including fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and grants. These awards can come from a variety of places, including private companies and professional associations hoping to encourage the advancement of professionals in their fields. Also, there are awards available from the federal and state government. For example, the New Mexico Higher Education Department offers grants and scholarships for graduate students around the state.
In addition, you may be able to receive financial aid directly from the school you choose. Students at the University of New Mexico can receive fellowships, scholarships, and grants. Similarly, New Mexico State University has scholarships and grants available for graduate students.
Online Master’s Programs That Lead to Lucrative Careers in NM
One major reason that people pursue online master’s programs in New Mexico is their ability to earn more money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master’s degree earn a weekly salary of $1,661 compared to those with a bachelor’s degree who earn $1,432 per week. To provide an idea of what you may earn when you enter a specific profession in NM, we have compiled data for a few popular careers.
Marriage and Family Therapist
When people earn a master’s degree in psychology, they become familiar with advanced psychological theories that can help them assist people struggling with complex issues, including those needing marriage and family therapists. These professionals are tasked with helping patients navigate difficult situations, whether they are a couple experiencing the aftermath of infidelity or parents trying to get help connecting with their problematic children.
| NM Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $59,850 | 15% | MA or MS in Psychology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are trained to provide a higher level of care, so those who earn a master’s degree in nursing are required to learn advanced strategies of nursing practice, including health policy, informatics, ethics, and advocacy. With this knowledge, nurse practitioners can provide primary care services to patients, such as performing assessments, creating a health management plan based on the results, and promoting healthy behaviors to patients on an ongoing basis.
| NM Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $129,560 | 38% | MSN |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists work to ensure the positive health outcomes of the public. This work involves researching diseases and injuries in a community to understand causes and ways to mitigate and prevent them. The curriculum of a master’s degree in public health (MPH) prepares students for this work with a strong emphasis on clinical research, health policy, and environmental health.
| NM Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $80,220 | 27% | MPH or MS in Public Health |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Curator
From curation to collection management to finances, a master’s degree in museum studies teaches students how museums run, and the strategies used to help museum owners best serve the public. Those who pursue jobs as curators after graduation use these skills to choose the theme of a museum’s exhibits, acquire and store pieces of art in a collection, and create and execute tours and workshops for the community.
| NM Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $51,880 | 10% | MA in Museum Studies |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Speech-Language Pathologist
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology focuses on the skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat people who have communication and swallowing issues. This training prepares professionals to successfully evaluate and treat patients in settings such as hospitals, residential care facilities, and schools.
| NM Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $97,470 | 19% | MS in Speech-Language Pathology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022