Can you get a Master’s Degree Online?

Higher education has gone through a shift in recent years, particularly with the rise of online learning. Many institutions now offer robust online programs including advanced degrees. This makes it possible for working professionals to earn a master’s degree from the comfort of their home. Among these institutions is the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), which provides a range of online master’s degree programs designed to meet the needs of diverse learners.

An Overview of an Online Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is a graduate degree that is awarded by universities or colleges upon completing a program that demonstrates expertise in a specific field or professional practice. This degree can open doors to new career opportunities and enhance an individual’s earning potential. Pursuing a master’s degree is important in advancing one’s career, and earning it online significantly simplifies the process.

According to a 2023 study, online students reported a highly positive experience with online learning, with 53.5% of graduate students taking at least one course online. Among those surveyed, 96% of online college graduates recommended online learning, and 93% believed their online degree would result in a positive return on investment.

Currently, over 3 million students are enrolled in graduate programs. In 2023 alone, 935,000 individuals earned master’s degrees, with more than half specializing in business, education, or healthcare. As the number of job candidates with advanced degrees grows, considering graduate school becomes increasingly important.

Advantages of a Master’s Degree Online

Online colleges have made earning a master’s degree more accessible than ever. Balancing work, family, and education can be challenging. However, online master’s programs allows working professionals to learn at their own pace and schedule, which is particularly beneficial for those who cannot commit to traditional on-campus programs. Additionally, online education provides opportunities to connect with a global network of peers and professionals.

Whether you aim to switch fields, climb the career ladder, or simply expand your knowledge, an online master’s program offers numerous benefits that cater to the diverse needs of modern students, such as:

• Flexibility: Online programs allow individuals to study from any location which makes it easier to balance other commitments such as work or family.
• Cost-Effective: Often, online programs can be more affordable, saving on costs such as commuting, housing, and campus fees.
• Diverse Offerings: Many universities offer a wide range of online programs, allowing students to choose from various fields of study.
• Skill Enhancement: Online learning platforms often incorporate the latest technology and digital tools, enhancing your tech-savvy skills.

University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Program Offerings

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has embraced the digital transformation of education. UIC offers several online master’s programs across different disciplines. Their programs ensure that students receive a high-quality education that is both flexible and comprehensive. Below you’ll find a few graduate program offerings:

Online Master of Science in Marketing

Credit Hours: 32
Tuition: $857 per credit hour
Completion Time: 12 months 

Housed within the UIC Business Liautaud Graduate School, this 100% online Master of Science in Marketing program is designed to prepare individuals to excel in the most important areas of marketing, including marketing management, digital and social media marketing, consumer behavior, marketing research and marketing analytics, integrated marketing communications, advertising, and global marketing. This online graduate program is an 8-course, 32-credit hour program.

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Credit Hours: 54
Tuition: $407 per credit hour
Completion Time: 16 months 

The UIC MPA program was founded in 1975 and has prepared thousands of alumni for rewarding public service careers in a diverse set of contexts. Housed within UIC’s College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, the online MPA program incorporates emerging topics in public service and recent research in the field. The curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of public management, policy analysis, budgeting, financial management, and organizational leadership. These skills assist graduates in becoming effective leaders and problem solvers in their communities. With accelerated 8-week terms, students can complete the degree fast while working.

Online Master of Science in Health Informatics

Credit Hours: 38
Tuition: $750 per credit hour
Completion Time: 30 months 

The 100% online Master of Science in Health Informatics program at the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences covers digital health, data science, and leadership. The curriculum emphasizes social informatics at the population level, equipping students with expertise in data collection, storage, extraction, and manipulation. It also covers network architecture, data analysis and visualization, predictive analytics, healthcare project management, human factors in computer design, ethics, patient experience, and healthcare communications. This is a 38-credit hour program. 

Online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA)

Credit Hours: 32
Tuition: $793 per credit hour
Completion Time: 12 months 

The online Master of Education in MESA program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill application. The online program equips individuals with the best methods for data collection, explore multiple avenues for data analysis, and effectively interpret and communicate data.

Online Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning (MEng)

Credit Hours: 36
Tuition: $896 per credit hour
Completion Time: 12 months

UIC’s online MEng program offers a unique opportunity to dive headfirst into the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence. The core courses of this online program help students build a solid foundation in the fundamental mathematics of AI and ML, along with key theories, techniques, and tools. Students will then apply this knowledge in specialized courses such as Image Analysis and Computer Vision, Deep Neural Networks, and Natural Language Processing.

Earning a master’s degree online is a viable and increasingly popular option for many individuals seeking to advance their education and career. UIC’s online programs offers flexibility, diverse fields of study, and high-quality education. If you’re considering pursuing a master’s degree online, UIC’s offerings are worth exploring. Talk to an enrollment specialist today to learn more.