Did you know the job market in Ohio is growing? According to the 2028 Ohio Job Outlook, the state is projected to have about 685,000 job openings annually from now until 2028. And 58% of job growth will be in occupations associated with a bachelor’s degree or higher, making a graduate degree an even more attractive prospect.
That is exciting news for anyone researching online master’s programs in Ohio, as it means there are more opportunities than ever to earn your advanced degree and broaden your career possibilities. Keep reading to learn about stand-out programs, salary expectations, and to decide which Ohio online master’s degree program may be best suited for you.
Top-Rated Online Master’s Programs in Ohio for 2024
The first step in your research into online master’s programs in Ohio is to get a sense of the available degrees and delivery modalities. While the specifics of Ohio online master’s degrees will vary from school to school and even program to program, you’ll find a range of options. Some programs will be 100% online while others will be hybrid, with some online components and some in-person components. Many advanced degrees require some form of in-person training such as field hours or internships. Many programs are designed for students who are already working, so flexibility is a top priority.
We’ve highlighted three of the best online master’s programs you’ll find in Ohio below, all offering flexible study options and reasonable costs. If these aren’t exactly right for you, you can use the information we’ve gathered here to begin your search and define what parameters are most important to you in your future graduate program.
Ohio University’s master’s programs offer professionals looking to advance their careers and/or education the chance to increase their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of disciplines. Ohio University offers 22 master’s degree programs and more than 20 certificate options in online and hybrid settings with full-time and part-time options.
Courses provide hands-on learning in subjects such as business, analytics, accounting, project management, sports/athletics administration, nursing, public health, and public administration. As a student, you’ll learn alongside fellow leaders and have access to the same expert faculty and leading-edge curriculum as you would on campus. No GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission, and Ohio University also offers affordable, competitive tuition and financial aid to all students who qualify.
The University of Akron features Ohio online master’s programs that are ideal for working professionals and students looking for flexibility in their education and the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree on their terms. The University offers seven 100% online accredited master’s programs: a Master of Applied Politics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Child & Family Development, Master of Arts in English, Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, and Master of Taxation.
If you’re worried about the quality of online master’s degree programs, you’ll be pleased to learn that courses are taught by the same professors as in-person programs. What’s more, online students receive the same support and services as in-person students — including tutoring, advising, career services, access to a library with vast online assets, and more. You’ll also find a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships.
The Ohio State University offers 23 online master’s degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines including engineering, healthcare, education, social work, science, and more. Programs are accredited and built with working professionals in mind, providing flexibility to complete the program on the student’s terms. You’ll experience engaging online courses that are created by a team of instructional designers.
Students learn from a world-class faculty who also teach on campus, completing coursework at their own pace, with program offerings full- or part-time. All students are encouraged to build community and network with faculty and fellow students. In addition, affordability is part of Ohio State’s mission. There are no additional or hidden fees, and there are several scholarship and financial aid options.
Types of Online Master’s Programs Available in Ohio
You’ll find that Ohio online master’s programs offer many ways to earn your degree. Students can find a program of study for almost any subject with diverse and flexible learning options, allowing you to continue to meet your personal and professional commitments. Keep reading to find a snapshot of the different types of online master’s degree programs in Ohio so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs in Ohio
Full-time online master’s programs in Ohio allow students to complete their degree quickly and conveniently, usually within two years. One such program is the University of Toledo’s Master of Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design Program, which teaches ingredient selection, product forms, design and formulation techniques, and cosmetic industry regulations for people wanting a career creating cosmetics. Another full-time master’s program worth considering is Cleveland State University’s Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources program, which provides graduates with an opportunity to begin or advance their career in HR.
Part-Time Online Master’s Programs in Ohio
Pursuing a part-time online master’s program in Ohio allows you the time and flexibility you need to earn your degree while continuing to meet other obligations. The time it takes to graduate will vary based on how many classes you take at a time, along with the number of credits your program requires to graduate. Regardless, it will likely be more than two years before you earn your degree. Two examples of great, part-time online master’s programs include Ohio University’s Master of Accountancy and Analytics and Cleveland State University’s Master of Social Work.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Ohio
Many schools are moving away from requiring Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of the admission process. Master’s programs that don’t require GRE scores make the application process easier for students. Ohio University’s Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Tiffin University’s Master of Business Administration are two solid online master’s programs in Ohio that don’t require GRE scores.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Ohio
Accelerated online master’s programs allow students to graduate more quickly than a typical program. An accelerated course of study will often be available primarily online to increase the flexibility students have to complete coursework, sometimes in as little as one year. Bowling Green State University’s Master of Music, Teaching Artistry specialization and Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Fast-Track Master of Business Administration (MBA) both offer accelerated, 100% online programs.
In-Demand Master’s Degree in Ohio Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MBA programs are designed for students interested in advancing their career and finding success in the business world. An MBA provides graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in any business career including consulting, management, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and more. Given the Fortune 500 companies that make their home in Ohio, professionals with their MBA will have no trouble finding a fulfilling career. We’ve spotlighted three online MBA programs available in Ohio below, or you can research a wider menu of MBA options.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
MS in Engineering
Computer engineers focus on physical components of computers, creating and testing computer hardware like motherboards, routers, circuits, and other equipment. We’ve detailed three online engineering programs available in Ohio below, or you can other top online computer engineering programs.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Social workers assist individuals, families, communities, and organizations to meet the needs of people in a variety of ways including counseling, therapy, advocacy, rehabilitation, community health, and more. An MSW allows graduates to elevate the level of care they can provide. Below you’ll find three online MSW programs available in Ohio, but you can also find additional information on top online MSW degrees.
MS in Healthcare Management or Administration
A master’s in healthcare management allows graduates to find success in the healthcare industry. Healthcare managers or administrators oversee the day-to-day operations and overall management of a healthcare facility, including budgeting and achieving the goals of the facility’s practitioners and the needs of the community. Find three online healthcare management programs available in Ohio below, or explore our nationwide list of top healthcare management master’s degree programs.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Master of Science in Sport Management
With a master’s degree in sport management, graduates can become athletic directors, sports analysts, and coaches in college and professional sport. With a variety of professional sports teams and major universities in the state, a degree in sports management will lead you to a successful career in Ohio. We’ve detailed three related online master’s programs available in Ohio below, or you can also find additional information on other top sports management master’s degree programs.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Ohio Cost?
Online master’s degrees in Ohio are typically a more affordable option for students interested in advancing their education, as they’re usually less expensive than traditional in-person programs. With an online program, you won’t have housing costs associated with living on campus, and you won’t have to commute to campus or pay for parking. You’ll also save time and money by taking classes and completing homework when it works for you, allowing you to continue working and earning money.
Understanding the full financial impact and requirements for obtaining a master’s degree is vitally important before you make any decisions on enrollment. Be sure you have a full and accurate understanding of all tuition costs and any additional fees the school may charge.
We’ve researched the tuition for three programs below, which will provide you with a good idea of what a program may cost.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $403 | $12,092 | |
36 | $1,050 | $37,800 | |
32 | $852 – Resident $871 – Non-resident | $27,264 – Resident $27,872 – Non-resident |
Ohio’s Master’s Degree Funding Opportunities
When you choose to pursue a master’s degree, program affordability may be very important to you. There are a number of ways that you can reduce the cost and even add earning potential while you’re pursuing your degree.
First, you can apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships associated with your master’s program. These options will provide funds for full or partial tuition, awarded based on factors such as academic performance, financial needs, special interest, race, gender, identity, and more. You can find more information directly through the school you’ve chosen. For example, Ohio State University has a great list of financial aid available to students. You can also research lists of potential scholarships or even seek out Ohio-specific scholarships.
Explore more financial aid opportunities available to master’s students, including fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships.
Top Earning Careers with a Master’s in Ohio
Earning a master’s degree will likely advance your career and earning potential. It is, however, important to understand the return on your investment — basically, how much more you will earn versus what the degree will cost you. Indeed.com estimates that earning a master’s degree may increase salary potential as much as 20%.
According to the Ohio’s Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the top five jobs for growth in Ohio that require a master’s degree are nurse practitioner, speech-language pathologist, physician assistant, social worker, and occupational therapist. We’ve highlighted job outlook and earning potential for each of these occupations below.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are nurses who have earned their master’s degree and completed clinical training that qualifies them to become certified in one or more specialties. They provide a wide range of patient care, including assessment, diagnosis, ordering tests and prescriptions, interpreting data and test, prescribing medication, and working with other healthcare professionals to care for patients.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $120,804 | 38% | Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 and Salary.com
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists assist patients of all ages and capabilities with a variety of communication and swallowing problems. They treat problems with speech sounds, language, literacy, communication, voice, fluency or stuttering, and feeding and swallowing. A master’s degree is required to become a speech-language pathologist and prepares graduates to take the required Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and get certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $89,790 | 19% | Master of Science – Speech-Language Pathology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 and Salary.com
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are practitioners who hold an advanced degree and can provide direct patient care. They can have patients of any ages in most specialty and primary care areas. They can diagnose and treat common illnesses and perform minor medical procedures.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $116,052 | 27% | Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 and Salary.com
Medical and Public Health Social Worker
Medical and public health social workers help their clients and their clients’ families navigate medical and health situations including chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. They may advise family caregivers, counsel patients and provide additional information, make referrals for other services, explain medical procedures and diagnoses, navigate paperwork and decisions, assist with housing arrangements, and more.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $69,607 | 7% | Master of Social Work |
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 and Salary.com
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with patients who have injuries, illness, or disabilities that affect their ability to perform their necessary daily tasks. They use routine activities, or occupations, to treat the ailments that are impacting the patient’s abilities. They help clients set and meet their individual goals that will allow them to develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills they need to successfully live and work.
| State Median Annual Pay | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $95,992 | 12% | Master of Occupational Therapy |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 and Salary.com