Best Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MASSACHUSETTS

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Nov 12, 2024

Key Takeaways

There are numerous colleges in Massachusetts that offer master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online.
Manufacturing and technical services are two of the biggest industries in Massachusetts, and there are a number of fully online master’s programs that can open career opportunities within these sectors.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts in 2025

Boston University
Brandeis University
University of Massachusetts Amherst
+1
Boston College
–1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
+1
Babson College
–1
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
+1
University of Massachusetts Lowell
–1
Bentley University
Simmons University
+2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best online master’s programs in Massachusetts saw a considerable amount of movement. Simmons University gained the most ranking positions as the university is undertaking significant enhancements to enrich the student experience. The “One Simmons” initiative is a strategic reimagining of the campus, aiming to unify and modernize facilities. This multi-phase project includes the construction of a new Living and Learning Center (LLC), set to open in fall 2026, which will feature modern living spaces, dining facilities, and wellness centers.

Additionally, the university has completed renovations to Lefavour Hall, now housing state-of-the-art science facilities and an updated library, providing students with advanced resources and collaborative spaces. These developments reflect Simmons University’s commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive environment that meets the evolving needs of its students.

graduate student interns sitting in a meeting

Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s Program in Massachusetts

As the port of destination for the Mayflower, home to the Plymouth colony, and site of the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts looms large in United States history, but this most populous New England state isn’t just for history buffs. The Bay State is also known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful coastlines, and devout sports fans. Not to mention, it has over 100 colleges for students to choose from.

With a remarkable GDP of $543 billion, Massachusetts undoubtedly remains a magnet for professionals seeking not only career advancements but also the pursuit of advanced degrees such as master’s programs. This robust economic landscape, characterized by a diverse range of industries and a well-educated workforce, contributes to an environment ripe with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts

Some of the most talked about universities in Massachusetts are its private schools, including Boston University, Brandeis University, and Boston College, which are all in this list. Tuition for these prestigious schools runs around $60,000.

Prospective online graduate students in Massachusetts have access to some of the top programs in the country in fields such as biology, business, education, technology, and healthcare. The alumni from New England schools are equally as impressive, including Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Gates, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The public higher education institutes also boast top-notch online programs, allowing students to pursue master’s degrees in fields like finance, marketing, social work, and psychology. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, the state’s largest public university, offers tuition of around $16,000 and serves over 28,000 students.

Additionally, students who are interested in attending a religiously affiliated school have 17 options to choose from, most of which feature high graduation rates for their students. For future health professionals, Massachusetts also offers loan forgiveness programs for those working in underserved communities.

Find a program that’s right for you and explore the best schools Massachusetts has to offer.

What are Massachusetts’ Colleges & Universities?

Massachusetts’ Best Overall

Why Pursue Advanced Studies in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a very popular place for housing some of the world’s most competitive and prestigious higher education institutions. Each university has its own strengths and features, but most are research and development-focused, which makes it very attractive to professionals in cutthroat industries.

The state’s known rigor in academics means that prospective students have access to top-notch courses, distinguished instructors, and endless possibilities for cutting-edge R&D. Massachusetts offers some excellent master’s degrees, whether you’re interested in business administration, computer science, or healthcare management.

Massachusetts’s dominance in online learning is another remarkable aspect of its educational landscape. In recent years, the state has positioned itself as a leader in online education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 21.3% of the total college student population in Massachusetts is exclusively enrolled in online learning, while 19.2% are enrolled in some online courses. Online students at regionally accredited colleges and universities are sure to receive the same level of academic rigor and opportunities as their on-campus peers.

Prospective master’s degree candidates have a distinct advantage thanks to the state’s strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. In Massachusetts, there are numerous colleges with solid connections to startups and large companies in various sectors, which fosters cooperation, internships, and research initiatives. In addition to gaining invaluable practical experience, students may help these rapidly expanding industries develop.

Furthermore, students pursuing master’s degrees benefit from the rich and varied population of Massachusetts. The state fosters an inclusive and internationally conscious community by drawing talent from all over the world. Massachusetts’s environment will ultimately help students develop the critical abilities necessary for success in a globalized society.

Finally, Massachusetts provides an exceptional standard of living. Because of its blend of energetic metropolises and quaint suburbs, as well as its steadfast dedication to cultural and recreational resources, both professionals and students may enjoy a work-life balance that improves their general well-being.

The Top Industries in Massachusetts

Massachusetts indeed hosts a diverse array of competitive industries, but within this dynamic landscape, certain sectors stand out as particularly fierce in terms of competition and innovation. If you want to help ensure a high ROI on the master’s degree that you are seeking, you should consider a degree that will be applicable to one of these competitive industry sectors.

The top five Massachusetts industries by 2022 GDP, according to IBIS World, are

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: This refers to high-skilled, knowledge-based work. It encompasses several industries, such as engineering, scientific research, legal services, and architectural design.
Real Estate & Rental and Leasing: This sector includes property management and related services. As we all know, Massachusetts has thriving urban centers like Boston, which has seen consistent demand in the real estate market. This sector is driven by both residential and commercial real estate developments.
Manufacturing: Specialized manufacturing areas, such as biotechnology and precision machinery, are particularly strong in Massachusetts. The state’s focus on innovation and technology has contributed to the resurgence of manufacturing in various niches.
Information: This sector covers businesses related to media, telecommunications, software development, and data processing. Massachusetts has a robust technology and information ecosystem that includes many software and IT companies, as well as digital media organizations.
Finance and Insurance: Massachusetts hosts a thriving finance and insurance industry, particularly in major financial hubs like Boston. This presence significantly contributes to the state’s GDP and underscores its stability and strength in financial services.

It’s generally recommended to pursue a master’s degree that matches your personal interests. However, if your goal is to transition into a new career and obtain the highest ROI possible, you should take into account the most thriving industries in the state.

Student Submitted Questions about Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts

How much does an online master’s degree in Massachusetts cost?

In the United States, an online master’s degree costs about $40,000 for the average grad student. However, the cost of your online master’s degree in Massachusetts will depend on the type of grad school you attend.

In 2020-2021, the average cost for a year of in-state tuition in a public grad school was $12,394. The average cost for a year of tuition in private, nonprofit grad school was $28,445.

However, the cost of an online master’s program in Massachusetts is slightly more expensive than average. While students attending public universities in the state can expect to their tuition rates to be competitive, private colleges in Massachusetts hover around $50,000+.

Luckily most of the best online master’s programs in our list are from schools that offer financial aid opportunities for students that qualify.

An online master’s degree will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online courses. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction.

But getting a master’s degree online can also help you save money. The costs above don’t include expenses like housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. As an online grad student, you can save a lot of money by avoiding these added expenses.

How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree in Massachusetts?

The length of an online master’s degree is typically the same as its on-campus program, which is usually 1-2 years. Due to the flexibility of online master’s degrees, some programs may take a longer or shorter amount of time.

Many online master’s degree programs are also accelerated. Most master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years, but you may be able to earn your online master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months with an accelerated program format.

What are the requirements for admission into an online master’s degree program in Massachusetts?

Admission requirements for online master’s degree programs can vary depending on the university, program, and specific field of study. However, there are some standard requirements you can expect when applying to most online master’s programs.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum GPA (common benchmark is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Resume or CV:
Standardized Test Scores
English Language Proficiency (international students)
Application Fee
Interview

What can I expect from an online college course?

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently.

You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

How can I evaluate the value of an online master’s degree from an online program in Massachusetts?

Explore the university’s accreditation, read evaluations from students, and verify the program’s curriculum, staff qualifications, and support services to be able to evaluate the quality of the program.

Do online master’s programs in Massachusetts accept transfer credits?

Many online master’s degrees accept transfer credits as long as the credits are earned from a reputable, accredited four-year institution. However, credit transfer policies can differ significantly from one institution to another.

It is best to take your time and carefully research the particular policies and guidelines established by the university of your choice to find out if your current credits are transferable.

Will employers respect my online degree?

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about adjusting online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st-century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech-savvy.

What are the advantages of online classes?

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or a quiet conference room at work.

In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities and educational experiences that you can complete on your schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials.

And, of course, just as some learners prefer the energy of a live classroom, some learn best when working in their personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you adjust to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

Can I still attend an online master’s program in Massachusetts if I live out-of-state?

If local in-state schools don’t align with your educational goals, consider out-of-state options, but be aware that these often come with higher tuition costs. Research tuition fees, explore financial aid, and consider the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) to minimize expenses.

Read our Guide to College Fees and learn more about this topic.

Massachusetts’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest

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Best Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts 2025

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s Program in Massachusetts

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

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Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University

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Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

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Career Outlook for degree at Boston College

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Career Outlook for degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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Career Outlook for degree at Babson College

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Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

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Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

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Career Outlook for degree at Bentley University

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Career Outlook for degree at Simmons University

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Career Outlook for degree at Lesley University

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Career Outlook for degree at Bridgewater State University

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Career Outlook for degree at Emmanuel College

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Career Outlook for degree at Merrimack College

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Career Outlook for degree at Westfield State University

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Career Outlook for degree at Gordon College

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Career Outlook for degree at Fitchburg State University

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Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Maritime Academy

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Career Outlook for degree at Endicott College

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Career Outlook for degree at American International College

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Career Outlook for degree at Curry College

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Career Outlook for degree at Fisher College

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Career Outlook for degree at Anna Maria College

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Career Outlook for degree at Regis College

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Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts

What are Massachusetts’ Colleges & Universities?

Why Pursue Advanced Studies in Massachusetts

The Top Industries in Massachusetts

Student Submitted Questions about Online Master’s Programs in Massachusetts

How much does an online master’s degree in Massachusetts cost?

How long does it take to complete an online master’s degree in Massachusetts?

What are the requirements for admission into an online master’s degree program in Massachusetts?

What can I expect from an online college course?

How can I evaluate the value of an online master’s degree from an online program in Massachusetts?

Do online master’s programs in Massachusetts accept transfer credits?

Will employers respect my online degree?

What are the advantages of online classes?

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

Can I still attend an online master’s program in Massachusetts if I live out-of-state?

Massachusetts’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest