Vermont is a fantastic state to pursue higher education and professional development. As the sixth most educated state in the country, 14.5% of residents hold master’s degrees, while 36.2% have at least a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, Vermont’s job market is thriving with lots of opportunities — it presently has over 19,000 openings.
So, if you are hoping to elevate your career and credentials by earning a master’s degree in Vermont, you have many options. Alternatively, if you reside outside of the state but still wish to attend Vermont institutions, you can apply for online master’s programs. Read on to find out more in this guide to 2024’s standout online master’s programs in Vermont.
Top-Tier Online Master’s Degree Programs in Vermont
Vermont’s higher education system includes 23 colleges and universities — six are public institutions, 16 are nonprofit private schools, and one is a for-profit private institution. No matter where you live, the state’s online course system is accessible. In fact, depending on your chosen discipline, you can enroll in partial to fully online master’s programs. With hundreds of options for online master’s degrees in VT, taking the time to research is a key step to help you find the best program.
When enrolled in online master’s programs in Vermont, you can attend class at your convenience from your preferred location. Some programs, like medical majors, include a hands-on learning component and are offered in a hybrid format instead of fully remote. Hybrid programs require better timeline management and can be more tedious than traditional ones. Here is a school spotlight for three of the top online master’s degree programs in Vermont.
Vermont State is a highly reputable institution offering affordable education to residents and remote learners. The school prides itself on providing students with an educational experience that is interactive, engaging, and transformative. Vermont State offers approximately 10 unique online or hybrid master’s degree programs in subjects like business administration, nurse education, school psychology, athletic leadership, and counseling. And with fees of $375 per credit hour, this Vermont school is also the most affordable online master’s program on our list.
Since the school offers rolling admissions for master’s degree programs, it is possible for students to apply and enroll based on what works best for their unique schedules. This makes it one of the top choices for anyone looking to earn online master’s degrees in VT.
Champlain College offers a wide variety of online master’s degree programs, including more than 15 graduate programs in IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and business. You can choose from master’s programs or certifications, making it convenient to earn the credentials. With a goal of making their programs more affordable, online master’s programs cost $595 per credit hour.
The school offers relevant and immediately applicable coursework with your next career move in mind. Some of the most notable programs are Cybersecurity Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Digital Forensic Science, Information Security, and MBA in Public Administration.
The University of Vermont offers 14 online graduate certificates and master’s degree programs. Tuition is approximately $678 per credit hour for in-state residents. Financial aid, including the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program is available for some programs. Graduate students can choose from a Master of Public Health, a Master of Medical Science, or a graduate program in food systems, public health, or sustainability, among others.
Explore Your Options: Types of Master’s Programs in VT
Once you’re ready, you can choose from a variety of master’s programs in Vermont, based on your unique educational preferences and goals. For example, if you are working full time while pursuing your master’s degree, you may want to opt for part-time studies. Alternatively, if you are unemployed and in a hurry to get your credentials, a full-time program is the way to go.
Full-time Online Master’s Programs in Vermont
If you are interested in enrolling in full-time master’s programs in Vermont, you have lots of options. For instance, Northern Vermont University offers an online MA in Leadership Studies. This one-year, full-time program is designed to empower students to become more effective leaders while working in an array of professions. On the other hand, Champlain College offers an MS in Software Engineering and Project Management that can be completed in as little as seven terms when enrolled full-time.
Part-time Online Master’s Programs in Vermont
If you are searching for online master’s programs in Vermont, you may want to try Vermont State University for its flexible learning options. Students can attend full-time or part-time, and can select hybrid models, depending on the program and requirements. For example, Caselton University — now part of Vermont State University — offers a hybrid MA in Education: Curriculum and Instruction program that can be completed part-time.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Vermont
If you are searching for online master’s degrees in VT that do not require a GRE, The University of Vermont is a fantastic option. It offers a two-year accelerated Complex Systems and Data Science MS degree that doesn’t require a GRE to complete. The 30-credit program allows students to become adaptable data scientists with tangible, transferable skills, making it possible for graduates to predict, control, and create complex natural and socio-technical systems.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in Vermont
In addition to the accelerated program above, The University of Vermont offers its Accelerated MAcc Program. Students can take up to 9 graduate credit hours during their senior year while completing their undergraduate coursework. One example is the accelerated Master of Public Health degree, designed for students who want to complete both their undergraduate and master’s degrees in approximately five years.
Popular Subjects for Online Master’s Students in Vermont
Business Administration
A Master’s in Business Administration provides you with the skills to lead multinational companies of all kinds. Instruction with a global perspective empowers MBA graduates to lead large corporations or organizations confidently. This is a popular degree in Vermont because the state, like many others, has various conglomerates constantly seeking new hires.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Engineering
If you are interested in pursuing a career in engineering, you may want to consider earning an engineering master’s degree. These degrees enable students to apply scientific principles to generate products, analyze, invent, and code in such a way that allows them to provide simple solutions to complex issues.
There are several types of engineering degrees to pursue, so you can choose a program that works best for your unique educational goals and preferences. However, Vermont only offers one in-state option, so if you want to pursue this degree online, you may need to try out-of-state online programs.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Education
Given Vermont’s statewide teacher shortage, pursuing a master’s degree in teaching and education is a fantastic choice. An online MA in education with a concentration in digital media is designed for classroom teachers, college professors, educational technology specialists, and other educational professionals who wish to incorporate digital media into their curriculums. These innovative programs are designed to help teachers empower students to succeed using digital media and other cutting-edge technologies.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Healthcare
If you are interested in taking on upper-level/management positions in healthcare, you may want to consider earning a master’s in healthcare management. This is a great choice in this day and age when Vermont is experiencing issues such as staffing shortages, supply disruptions, and other significant issues that negatively impact the industry. Taking on these jobs not only allows you to become a hero in healthcare but can also be quite lucrative.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Athletic Leadership
If you are interested in working in sports, earning an athletic master’s degree may be the way to go. Sports is a vast sector with various career paths. Whether you seek a career in sports management, want to be a coach or a fitness guru, earning an athletic master’s degree is an excellent first step.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Is Tuition Affordable for Online Master’s Students in VT?
Although the tuition for online master’s programs in VT can be pricey, there are ways to reduce tuition costs. By shopping around and comparing fees and available assistance, students can minimize the out-of-pocket costs of earning an online master’s degree. Financial aid in the form of grants, work-study programs, and scholarships can help you to earn your master’s degree with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Here are some examples of Vermont tuition costs:
| School/Program | No. of Credits | Resident Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $595 | $17,850 | |
60 | $639 | $38,340 | |
30 | $639 | $19,170 |
Vermont Financial Aid Options
Earning an online master’s degree in VT may be beneficial, but it can also be quite costly. Fortunately, if you need financial assistance, you have several options. One of the top ways to get funding is by filling out the FAFSA application to determine how much you qualify for in federal grants and loans. You can also search for other scholarships and grants that may be relevant to your master’s degree.
For instance, the University of Vermont offers the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship for eligible out-of-state applicants, and if you earn under $150,000 per year, Northern Vermont University offers tuition assistance. Other options are federal and private loans, work-study programs, and graduate assistantships.
Lucrative Careers for Vermont Master’s Degree Holders
A master’s degree affords you access more prestigious, higher-paying positions in a variety of fields in Vermont, where the unemployment rate is just 1.9 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for employees with a master’s degree is $1,661 per week, about $230 more that those with a bachelor’s.Below are a few career options for Vermont students to consider.
Healthcare Social Worker
A master’s degree is not required to become a social worker in Vermont, but you must have a license to get clinical or supervisory roles. To receive a license, you must have a master’s degree, pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s-level exam, and also pass the Vermont Social Worker Jurisprudence.
| VT Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $82,782 | 7% | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023; Indeed.com, 2024
Statistician
Statisticians use statistics, facts, and figures and can work in many capacities — from roles in federal government to jobs with smaller, private practices. Although it’s possible to secure entry-level positions with just a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is required for more advanced positions.
| VT Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $78,992 | 30% | MS in Statistics |
Sources: Indeed.com, 2023; Learn.org, 2023; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Economist
Economists are tasked with conducting research, generating reports, and evaluating issues involving fiscal and monetary policy. They may also collect and analyze various statistical data. For higher-paying positions, economists need a minimum of a master’s degree, and many positions require a PhD.
| VT Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $79,591 | 6% | Master of Economics |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023; ZipRecruiter.com, 2023
Sociologist
Sociologists study society as well as human/social behavior. They do this by observing and analyzing people in social, religious, political, and business organizations, gauging how people interact with one another in those settings. Entry-level positions do not require a master’s degree; advanced positions do.
| VT Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $86,043 | 5% | MA in Education |
Sources: Economic Research Institute, 2023; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of various injuries and diseases. Given the magnitude of such an undertaking, most epidemiologist positions require applicants to possess a minimum of a master’s degree.
| VT Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $103,147 | 27% | MS in Epidemiology |
Sources: Salary.com, 2023; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023