Accredited Online Master’s Programs

To put it succinctly, accreditation is a process that evaluates colleges and programs to ensure they meet specific quality standards. It is a way to ensure that students are getting the best education possible. When you attend an accredited school or program, you can be sure that the institution has been thoroughly evaluated and meets established quality standards recognized by other institutions and employers nationwide.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

There are several reasons why accreditation is crucial, chief among them being:

• Accreditation signifies that the school or program meets specific quality standards. This means you can be confident that you are getting a good education at an accredited institution.
• Accreditation can make it simpler and easier to transfer credits between schools. It can also help you qualify for financial aid and scholarships.
• Accreditation is required for some types of professional certification.

To know about accreditation in detail, read the Accreditation Guide.

What are the Different Types of Accreditation for Online Master’s Programs?

There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is granted to colleges and universities. In contrast, programmatic accreditation is awarded to specific programs within a college or university. 

Institutional accreditation may be national or regional, with the latter being most popular and common for colleges offering master’s degree programs. The six regional accrediting bodies in the United States are:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The second type of accreditation is national, found chiefly at vocational institutions. Such colleges may be less expensive and have fewer entrance requirements than regionally approved schools. Here are six main national accrediting bodies in the United States:

• Distance Educating Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Council on Occupational Education (COE)
• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

Programmatic accreditation applies to a specific master’s program, not the college offering it. This type of accreditation is subject or industry-specific. For example, business programs such as a Master’s in Business Administration may be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Similarly, psychology programs may be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and so on.

Accredited online master’s programs are available across various disciplines. These programs offer quality education recognized by accrediting bodies and cater to students’ varying needs and objectives. Here are some of the top accredited online master’s programs:

Public Health

Master’s in Public Health Online programs provide students with the knowledge and competencies to effectively tackle health issues within local communities and on a global scale. The curriculum frequently contains subjects such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health examinations.

Criminal Justice

Online Master’s in Criminal Justice programs equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue advanced roles in law enforcement, corrections, and the justice system. They cover a range of topics, including criminology theories, the criminal justice process, and current issues within the field of criminal justice.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degrees

Online MBA programs offer a thorough and all-encompassing business education, encompassing subjects such as finance, marketing, strategic management, and operations. These programs are specifically tailored for individuals aspiring to assume leadership positions within the business industry.

Software engineering

An Online Master’s in Software Engineering program provides in-depth knowledge of software development, project management, and design methodologies. Students acquire the ability to use engineering principles in software development, guaranteeing the production of resilient and effective products.

Education

The Master’s in Education Online program is designed for students who are teachers or educators seeking to enhance their understanding of pedagogy and focus on specific areas such as curriculum design, educational technology, or special education.

Communication

Online Master’s in Communication programs emphasize advanced understanding of communication theories, media strategies, and digital communication. They equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in public relations, corporate communication, and media management.

Cyber Security

Master’s in Cyber Security Online programs equip students with the expertise to safeguard and oversee information systems. The curriculum comprises a range of topics, including network security, information assurance, and cyber defense strategies.

Accounting

Master’s in Accounting Online programs equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue advanced careers in accounting, auditing, and financial management. The curriculum generally encompasses subjects such as financial analysis, advanced accounting theory, and regulatory compliance.

Digital Marketing

Master’s in Digital Marketing Online programs aim to educate students on effectively using digital channels for marketing objectives. The typical curriculum includes subjects such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), analytics, content marketing, and social media strategies.

Nursing

Master’s in Nursing or Online MSN programs are specifically tailored for registered nurses who aspire to progress in clinical practice, leadership, or specialized areas. The curriculum frequently encompasses modules focused on advanced patient care, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice.

Public Administration

A Master’s in Public Administration Online program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to assume managerial positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. The curriculum covers areas of public policy, organizational governance, and public sector management.

Engineering Management

The Master’s in Engineering Management Online integrates engineering knowledge with managerial abilities, equipping students with the necessary competencies to assume leadership positions within technical settings. Subjects typically include project management, creativity and problem-solving, and engineering management science.

Organizational Leadership

The Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership program aims to cultivate leadership abilities to effectively handle change, engage in strategic planning, and foster teamwork within diverse organizational contexts. Students learn to motivate and guide heterogeneous teams to accomplish organizational objectives.

Healthcare Administration

Online MHA or Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to oversee healthcare facilities, services, and programs proficiently. Their curriculum generally covers health economics, healthcare law, policy, ethics, and industry-specific management practices.

Game Design

The Online Master’s in Game Design program is specifically designed for individuals seeking to enhance their proficiency in the creation and design of video games. The program comprehensively addresses various aspects of game development, including game theory, design mechanics, user experience, and the integration of emerging technologies.

Numerous universities offer accredited online master’s programs in diverse academic fields. Thanks to their accreditation, these universities provide high-quality education acknowledged by accrediting bodies. They are designed to meet each student’s diverse needs and goals. Here are the top schools offering accredited online master’s programs:

The University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) provides diverse accredited online master’s programs. The institution has obtained regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It has gained recognition for its exceptional online educational offerings.

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington, Indiana University, IU, or simply Indiana), located in Bloomington, offers a variety of online master’s programs via its platform, IU Online. The institution has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It is renowned for its exceptional academic standards and cutting-edge online instructional approaches.

Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University (CMU) provides accredited online master’s degree programs in various disciplines. The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It is dedicated to delivering education that is flexible and accessible to students across the U.S.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The online master’s programs offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of I, Illinois, University of Illinois, or UIUC) are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university has gained a reputation for its exceptional research capabilities and the high standard of its online graduate education.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It is renowned for its cost-effective and adaptable online programs and a strong commitment to ensuring student achievement and providing assistance.

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, or Bama) is a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is renowned for its extensive range of online programs in various disciplines.

Northeastern University

The Northeastern University (NU or NEU) is a research university regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). In addition to prioritizing experiential learning, the university provides robust career support services to its online student population.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Additionally, it is accredited by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC). SNHU prioritizes cost-effectiveness and adaptability for individuals in the workforce.

Liberty University

Liberty University (LU), renowned for its curriculum centered around Christianity, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation. The university offers a diverse online master’s program and fosters a community that provides support.

Oklahoma State University—Stillwater

Oklahoma State University in Stillwater (OSU, OK State, Oklahoma State) holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It is renowned for its dedication to scholarly achievement and scholarly inquiry and offers a wide array of academic programs tailored to the diverse requirements of its student body.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC, UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chapel Hill, or simply Carolina) is a reputed university officially recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is widely recognized for its demanding academic programs and cutting-edge online learning opportunities.

The University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC, formerly University of Maryland University College) is a specialized institution that offers diverse accredited online master’s programs in online, hybrid, and face-to-face formats. UMGC has obtained accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and is renowned for its career-oriented programs tailored to accommodate the needs of individuals with demanding professional schedules.

Texas State University at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public research university with accredited online master’s degree programs in various disciplines. UTEP holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence.

Penn State World Campus

The online division of Pennsylvania State University, known as Penn State World Campus, provides accredited online master’s programs. The institution holds the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation. It offers diverse, high-quality programs that make Penn State’s cutting-edge academic resources accessible.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers accredited online master’s programs across its diverse schools. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Thanks to its provision of rigorous and highly regarded online programs, the university has gained international recognition for its significant contributions to research and education.

Here are some additional resources prospective master students can tap into to location accredited online master programs in a field and location of their choice:

1. OMC’s Accreditation Guide – OMC’s Accreditation Guide provides in-depth information on accreditation, its benefits, and much more to help students make informed decisions. 
2. U.S. Department of Education (USDE) – The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) keeps track of recognized educational institutions. Graduate students can check up on a particular institution, the recognized accrediting organization, and pertinent education statistics by browsing the list or using the search tool. The USDE also tracks which accrediting bodies are allowed to issue accreditation.
3. Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is another excellent source of information for people interested in the accreditation process and accrediting agencies, in addition to looking up the accreditation status of a college.