Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

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Find top-ranked online master’s in healthcare administration degree programs for students looking for supervisory and managerial roles in the healthcare field, such as healthcare manager, nurse manager, health information management director, and healthcare administrator.

Top 10 Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Degrees

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  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  2. Loyola University Chicago
  3. Samford University
  4. Marshall University
  5. Radford University
  6. Valdosta State University
  7. Lamar University
  8. Wilmington University
  9. Auburn University at Montgomery
  10. Park University
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  2. Loyola University Chicago
  3. Samford University
  4. Marshall University
  5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  6. Nova Southeastern University
  7. Radford University
  8. Lamar University
  9. Abilene Christian University
  10. Murray State University
  1. Marshall University 98%
  2. Auburn University at Montgomery 97%
  3. Radford University 95%
  4. University of the Incarnate Word 94%
  5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 94%
  6. Azusa Pacific University 94%
  7. Nova Southeastern University 93%
  8. Austin Peay State University 93%
  9. Norfolk State University 89%
  10. Utica University 89%
  1. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 21 to 1
  2. Concordia University Irvine 20 to 1
  3. Valdosta State University 20 to 1
  4. Lamar University 19 to 1
  5. Marshall University 18 to 1
  6. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  7. Murray State University 17 to 1
  8. Norfolk State University 16 to 1
  9. Auburn University at Montgomery 16 to 1
  10. Austin Peay State University 16 to 1
  1. Loyola University Chicago $47,808
  2. Azusa Pacific University $41,510
  3. Abilene Christian University $39,350
  4. Concordia University Irvine $38,740
  5. Samford University $35,360
  6. Nova Southeastern University $34,570
  7. University of the Incarnate Word $33,100
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin $31,952
  9. Spring Arbor University $31,080
  10. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences $29,922
  1. Utica University $32,464
  2. Abilene Christian University $24,174
  3. Nova Southeastern University $21,153
  4. Samford University $20,935
  5. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  6. University of the Incarnate Word $18,540
  7. Azusa Pacific University $16,571
  8. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences $16,128
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin $11,628
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  1. Avila University
  2. Concordia University Wisconsin
  3. Murray State University
  4. Concordia University Irvine
  5. Abilene Christian University
  6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  7. Utica University
  8. Austin Peay State University
  9. Norfolk State University
  10. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
  1. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
  2. Avila University
  3. Spring Arbor University
  4. Utica University
  5. Concordia University Irvine
  6. Wilmington University
  7. Auburn University at Montgomery
  8. Austin Peay State University
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin
  10. University of the Incarnate Word
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 20%
  2. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences 49%
  3. Spring Arbor University 60%
  4. Avila University 68%
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin 69%
  6. Abilene Christian University 70%
  7. Valdosta State University 76%
  8. Loyola University Chicago 77%
  9. Concordia University Irvine 81%
  10. Samford University 84%
  1. Azusa Pacific University 10 to 1
  2. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  3. University of the Incarnate Word 12 to 1
  4. Avila University 12 to 1
  5. Wilmington University 12 to 1
  6. Spring Arbor University 12 to 1
  7. Samford University 12 to 1
  8. Utica University 12 to 1
  9. Abilene Christian University 13 to 1
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 13 to 1
  1. Valdosta State University $4,371
  2. Norfolk State University $5,752
  3. Idaho State University $5,928
  4. Lamar University $6,228
  5. Austin Peay State University $6,816
  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  7. Marshall University $7,190
  8. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley $7,857
  9. Radford University $7,922
  10. Auburn University at Montgomery $7,992
  1. Valdosta State University $4,572
  2. Park University $6,435
  3. Lamar University $6,471
  4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley $7,002
  5. Marshall University $7,520
  6. Auburn University at Montgomery $7,578
  7. Spring Arbor University $8,093
  8. Austin Peay State University $8,226
  9. Idaho State University $8,380
  10. Concordia University Irvine $8,564

Key Takeaways

  • Accredited online master’s in healthcare administration programs are often a great choice for those with experience in clinical, business, or technology fields.
  • With an aging US population, managing complex operations in healthcare is much needed, so an online master’s in healthcare administration degree can lead to a career that is in high demand.
  • Popular healthcare administration specializations include healthcare finance and information management.

Featured Programs

Becoming A Healthcare Administrator

Students who wish to pursue a career in the healthcare industry are increasingly pursuing an online graduate in healthcare management or healthcare administration degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that job growth in healthcare occupations will increase by 13 percent from 2021 to 2031.

As a result of this rapid growth, healthcare managers, healthcare executives, and health aervices administration experts with knowledge of health policy and keeping abreast of global health will be in high demand.

For busy working professionals who need a flexible program, more colleges and universities are offering the online master’s in healthcare administration, or MHA program.

There are several pathways to a career in healthcare administrations. Some online master’s degrees in business administration have a healthcare administration concentration, while a graduate degree in public health is another academic pathway.

Healthcare management professionals can gain specialized training through an online master’s in healthcare administration degree. Taking an online healthcare management degree allows students to continue working while earning their degree.

Healthcare Administrator Responsibilities

Overseeing personnel and operations is what healthcare administrators do during the day. Their duties typically include scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations.

Professionals seeking an online degree in healthcare administration should have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare or a related field. Administrators in healthcare facilities must also have administrative or clinical experience.

Those with experience and education in nursing, health information technology, or financial administration may be promoted to health administrator positions. However, administrators of nursing homes must be licensed.

Aspiring professionals must complete a state-approved training program and acquire a healthcare administrator license and certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Degrees

Why get a master’s in healthcare administration?

A master’s degree in healthcare administration is an ideal degree for those who wish to gain advanced knowledge in the healthcare field and ultimately advance to top leadership roles. This degree can be earned either online or on campus.

Back to top.

What will I learn while getting a master’s in healthcare administration?

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the American healthcare system and dig into topics like healthcare policies and economics, healthcare research methods and utilization, leadership styles, and ethical principles in healthcare.

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How long does it take to get a master’s in healthcare administration?

Credit requirements can range from 30 to 60 credits depending on the nature of your program. Students will typically require between two and three years to complete the required courses.

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What can you do with a master’s in healthcare administration?

Graduates will qualify for supervisory and managerial roles in the healthcare field, such as healthcare manager, nurse manager, health information management director, and healthcare administrator.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in healthcare administration.

Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $12,527
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $83,348
    Salary after 4 years: $105,465
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Executive Master’s of Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $20,344
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $79,850
    Salary after 4 years: $98,767
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing And Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Samford University

    Birmingham , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/26

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Samford University

    Cost of Degree: $21,921
    Expenses: $17,209
    Starting Salary: $75,198
    Salary after 4 years: $93,012
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1042/22

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $8,934
    Expenses: $15,340
    Starting Salary: $50,518
    Salary after 4 years: $63,923
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,208
    Expenses: $15,824
    Starting Salary: $50,397
    Salary after 4 years: $63,770
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    Lamar University

    Beaumont , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1041/20

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Lamar University

    Cost of Degree: $8,411
    Expenses: $15,972
    Starting Salary: $55,727
    Salary after 4 years: $70,514
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Healthcare Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,276
    Starting Salary: $58,599
    Salary after 4 years: $72,481

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSM in Management

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Auburn University at Montgomery

    Cost of Degree: $8,578
    Expenses: $12,598
    Starting Salary: $46,035
    Salary after 4 years: $58,251
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    Park University

    Parkville , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Park University

    Cost of Degree: $6,663
    Expenses: $13,335
    Starting Salary: $63,880
    Salary after 4 years: $79,014
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Healthcare Administration

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Disaster Emergency Management
    • Finance
    • Homeland Security
    • Human Resource Management
    • Global Business
    • Management Accounting
    • Management Information System
    • Project Management
    • Quality and Innovation Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Azusa Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $17,811
    Expenses: $13,490
    Starting Salary: $70,293
    Salary after 4 years: $86,946
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #13

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Idaho State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,631
    Expenses: $14,556
    Starting Salary: $53,183
    Salary after 4 years: $67,295
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #14

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $23,911
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $69,916
    Salary after 4 years: $86,479
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHS in Health Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #15

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Spring Arbor University

    Cost of Degree: $8,488
    Expenses: $13,232
    Starting Salary: $56,587
    Salary after 4 years: $69,992
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Executive Leadership
    • Human Resource Development
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Organizational Consulting
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Online
    MS / MBA in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Human Resource Development
    • Management
    • Organizational Consulting
    • Executive Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

    Cost of Degree: $16,470
    Starting Salary: $65,012
    Salary after 4 years: $80,413

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/17

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Norfolk State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,690
    Expenses: $17,088
    Starting Salary: $47,005
    Salary after 4 years: $59,477
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. #19

    Utica University

    Utica , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Utica University

    Cost of Degree: $27,258
    Expenses: $15,410
    Starting Salary: $61,114
    Salary after 4 years: $75,592
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Health Care Administration

    Concentrations

    • Acute Care
    • Long-Term Care
    • Service Organization
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    987/19

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Cost of Degree: $8,333
    Expenses: $13,704
    Starting Salary: $53,546
    Salary after 4 years: $67,755
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Healthcare Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Health Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Abilene Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $24,174
    Expenses: $16,022
    Starting Salary: $61,491
    Salary after 4 years: $76,058
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Healthcare Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Management

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Concordia University Irvine

    Cost of Degree: $8,528
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $63,880
    Salary after 4 years: $79,014
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Murray State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,071
    Expenses: $15,655
    Starting Salary: $51,245
    Salary after 4 years: $64,843
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Administration
    • Business Analytics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Economic Development
    • Finance
    • Global Communications
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 30-33
    • Completion time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Online
    MPA in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Economic Development
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Public and Community Health
    • Public Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
  21. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

    Cost of Degree: $12,174
    Expenses: $19,260
    Starting Salary: $59,479
    Salary after 4 years: $73,570
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Communications and Public Relations
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Non-profit Management and Leadership
    • Public Administration
    • Risk Assessment and Management
    • Sport and Entertainment Business
    • Strategic Marketing
    • Sustainability and Management Analytics
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #25

    Avila University

    Kansas City , MO

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Avila University

    Cost of Degree: $8,775
    Expenses: $12,234
    Starting Salary: $62,497
    Salary after 4 years: $77,303
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Administration
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Executive Leadership
    • Strategic Human Resources
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Healthcare Administration Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Health/Health Care Administration/Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,002
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,784
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $69,641
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $88,121
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 28.40%
  • Number of Jobs: 509,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Medical and Health Services Managers28.40%$103,928
Facilities Managers4.57%$95,139
Computer Programmers-11.26%$88,133
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers-5.16%$58,638

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$46,860$73,125$119,846

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$87,805
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$70,575
#4 Texas10% higher than average$73,728
#5 Wisconsin7% higher than average$76,455
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$69,562

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Medical and Health Services Managers$103,928
Facilities Managers$95,139
Computer Programmers$88,133
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

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.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

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 making the adjustment from 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.

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 which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

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 in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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