Top 25 online masters degrees

liz truss
29 Jan, 2023

Online masters degrees let students complete coursework at their own pace, without deadlines for finishing specific assignments and required credits for graduation. The masters degrees online format appeals to self-directed and self-motivated students who prefer a highly flexible option. Many schools set a maximum time limit to complete each course and the program. But off late, many schools are coming out with the self-paced format, which lets the students control the time limits. Self-paced students also enjoy the flexibility and freedom of learning at their own pace and on their terms. While self-paced master’s degrees offer convenience and flexibility for continuing higher education, it is important for students not to fall into the habit of procrastination. Those who can self-motivate and work unsupervised are the best candidates for online self-paced master’s degree courses. This guide will walk you through all aspects of self-paced master’s degrees and the schools that offer them.

25 Highest Paying Online Masters Degrees

1. Online Masters in Marketing
Being an area of ​​business that focuses entirely on the customer, marketing is a very important aspect of any organization. This is why a master's degree in internet marketing is one of the highest paying online master's degrees. It helps deepen and strengthen students' leadership, critical thinking, decision-making, creativity, time management and public relations skills. They complete courses including online marketing and e-commerce, marketing and sales research, product innovation, the psychology of consumer behavior, global marketing strategies and advanced quantitative analysis. This flexible online degree prepares students for a variety of high-paying careers, including director of marketing and senior marketing manager. The CMO is a senior position responsible for implementing the marketing vision, direction and achievements of the entire company. The Senior Marketing Manager is a mid-level position responsible for researching, planning and developing marketing campaigns. According to PayScale, the national average salary for a director of marketing is $176,113 and for a senior marketing manager is $101,370.

Average Salary:


  • Chief Marketing Officer – $176,113
  • Senior Marketing Manager – $101,370
  • Director, Marketing and Communications – $82,345
  • Marketing Managers – $63,550


2. Online Masters in Nursing
Nurses have a challenging, rewarding career and the healthcare industry cannot survive without nurses. Another high-paying online master's degree is the online master's degree in nursing. Because nurses are focused on providing the best care to the sick and injured, this degree offers graduates great success in career advancement. One area of ​​research is nursing midwives. This degree builds on the nursing education already received and offers advanced nursing courses with a focus on women's health and well-being, including gynecology, prenatal and postnatal care. In this degree, students complete the first year entirely online and the second year on-campus, conducting clinical research. Coursework covers scientific development, research design and statistics in nursing, evidence-based practice, population health in a global society, and professional transition.
Advanced Nursing Practice. According to PayScale, the national average salary for midwives is $92,581.

Average Salary:


  • Nurse Anesthetists – $167,698
  • Nurse Practitioner – $101,424
  • Nurse Midwife – $98,023


3. Online Masters in Information Technology
Another of the best paid online masters degrees is an online Master’s in Information Technology. In an ever-expanding and evolving world of information overload, experts in this field are in desperate need. This degree develops skills, expands knowledge, improves and deepens analytical, problem-solving, organizational and technical skills, and prepares students to apply for senior positions in IT. Degree programs include Advanced Security in Information Systems, Information Analysis and Modeling, Fundamentals of Computing and Information Technology, Information Technology Software Development, Computer Architecture and Information Security. This degree leads to high-paying top-level careers such as: Example: CTO and her CIO. Both careers have leadership responsibilities and are similar, but CTO focuses on external growth while CIO focuses on the internal infrastructure of the organization. According to PayScale, the national average salary for a chief technology officer is $166,460 and the average salary for a chief information officer is $170,265, proving that this is his one of the highest paid master's degrees online.
Average Salary:


  • CTO – $166,460
  • CIO – $170,265
  • Computer and Information Scientist, Research – $110,231
  • Computer Systems Architect – $98,500


4. Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
A company's success is highly dependent on its ability to efficiently manage the flow of goods and services. The online Master’s in Supply Chain Management will increase students’ understanding of the practice, development, and implementation of supply chain strategy and operations. As one of the highest paying online master's degrees her, students can achieve great success in many career opportunities. The Vice President of Supply Chain Management manages, oversees, troubleshoots, strategizes, and plans all critical aspects of the supply chain methodology to maximize profitability. An industrial production manager oversees efficiency, compliance, inventory, product, and worker safety at a facility or factory. According to PayScale, the national average salary for a vice president of supply chain management is $169,373, while the average salary for an industrial production manager is $69,832. Students can find this well-paying distance degree online and in mixed formats. Research topics include logistics, global supply chain management, strategic procurement, applied data analytics, manufacturing planning and control, and sales fulfillment.

Average Salary:

  • VP, Supply Chain Management – $169,373
  • Industrial Production Manager – $69,832
  • Purchasing Manager – $65,175


5. Online Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA)
Business professionals who have several years of executive or manager experience and who wish to assume leadership roles should an online Executive Master of Business Administration. This is the best online masters degree that can lead to CEO positions. A CEO is a high-level responsible executive decision maker who is responsible for the entire organization and its high-level employees. PayScale calculates the national average salary for a chief executive as $156,000 for him. The online EMBA builds on the student's current business knowledge and experience to develop higher-level skills and expertise. From an executive perspective, courses focus on topics such as financial accounting and management, applied economics, communications, entrepreneurship, organizational behavior and strategy, marketing strategy, and managing the global business environment. The advantage of this well-paid online master's degree is that it can be completed in just 18 months with full-time employment.

Average Salary:

  • CEO – $156,000


6. Online Masters in Human Resources
If you want to advance your HR career, an online Master’s in Human Resources can give you the competitive edge you need. This well-paid online master's degree prepares students to successfully lead and develop their workforce. Through study topics such as effective organization, talent development, fundamentals of research and writing, leadership in a global environment, strategic working relationships, and maximizing human capital, students establish themselves as leaders and Manage performance, expand your knowledge of how to train your employees, resolve conflicts, and strategize to maximize productivity. According to PayScale, the national average salary for Chief Human Resources Officers is $151,649, and for Managers, Compensation and Benefits is $88,097. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees everything related to human resources within the organization, including employee recruitment, training, and retention. Manager, Compensation and Benefits is the part of Human Resources that focuses on employee compensation and benefits.

Average Salary:

  • Chief Human Resources Officer – $151,649
  • Manager, Compensation & Benefits – $88,097
  • Training Manager – $66,731
  • Human Resources Manager – $65,070


7. Online Masters of Engineering
Usually teams of engineers develop the innovations we see today. With a huge number of options in the engineering field, an online master's in engineering can help you further diversify your career opportunities. You can be an engineering manager or an engineering director. This flexible online degree is designed for engineers who want to advance their careers by enhancing their knowledge, education, qualifications, technical and practical engineering skills. Coursework takes approximately one to two years to complete, including business fundamentals, management, leadership, engineering-specific courses, and collaborative consulting projects. According to PayScale, the national average salary for senior engineering managers is $151,483, and the average salary for engineering directors is $148,757. Both professions are responsible for engineering projects and crew management. This information shows that this degree is the highest paid online master's degree in engineering.

Average Salary:

  • Senior Engineering Manager – $151,483
  • Director of Engineering – $148,757
  • Optical Engineer – $87,622
  • Sales Engineer – $71,525


8. Online Masters of Business Administration
With a wide range of optional career paths with a business degree, an online master's degree in business administration gives students a competitive edge for high-paying jobs. As one of her highest-paying online master's degrees, graduates develop an understanding of business fundamentals, technical skills, and organizational strategic oversight and leadership. Taught by specialist faculty, this challenging and exceptional educational experience can be completed in 18 to 36 months. Coursework covers subjects such as finance, communications, leadership, business strategy, entrepreneurship, and marketing with optional majors. Chief Her Operations Officer is his second-highest executive responsible for successfully running operations within the organization, with a national average salary of $144,446 for him, according to PayScale. According to PayScale, senior professional services consultants train and consult with customers to ensure that their product knowledge is accurate and that the national average salary is $97,893.

Average Salary:

  • COO – $144,446
  • Senior Professional Service Consultant – $97,893
  • Regional Sales Manager – $80,134
  • Operations Manager – $63,502


9. Online Masters of Finance
The need to manage finances is great and ongoing. This is a good career for future job security. His one of the best paid online masters degrees is the online masters degree in finance. It requires students' current knowledge, education, and experience to maximize their analytical skills and understanding of managing financial markets. Research topics include financial modeling and accounting, capital structures and costs, multinational financial management, quantitative methods, financial market analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio management. The flexibility of this well-paying online master's degree allows students to work full-time and gain experience while receiving this comprehensive and valuable education. According to PayScale, the national average salary for a chief financial officer is $141,243, and the average salary for a financial director is $116,670. The CFO is responsible for all financial operations of the organization. Finance Director, through accounting, analysis and forecasting, leads a team to create and execute financial plans for the organization.

Average Salary:

  • CFO – $141,243
  • Finance Director – $116,670
  • Senior Actuarial Analyst – $83,493


10. Online Masters in Risk Management and Insurance
Another top paying online master's degree is the online master's degree in risk management and insurance. Poor risk management can be detrimental to an organization. In this degree, the student learns to identify, analyze, evaluate, manage and control risks with the help of various insurance policies. This comprehensive training helps students analyze financial data, conduct analyses, develop global understanding, study financial markets and understand insurance contracts. The curriculum includes classes such as financial markets, quantitative methods, life and health insurance, insurance risk management, insurance company operations, and liability and property risk management and insurance. Graduates can move into  high-paying executive management careers, which according to PayScale bring a national average salary of $124,632. This position is critical to the organization as they are responsible for ensuring that the company is fully compliant with all  laws and audits in its operations.


Average Salary:

  • Director, Risk Management – $124,632


11. Online Masters in Cybersecurity
Since businesses are run by computers, protection is very important to prevent intruders from accessing valuable data. As such, the Online Master in Cybersecurity is a highly paid online master's degree.The curriculum builds on the student's prior knowledge and experience in IT and engineering and includes information security, system security management, cyber threat intelligence, computer network fundamentals, It offers courses such as Cyber ​​Warfare. Although 100% online, students gain hands-on experience to gain knowledge about how best to assess, plan, manage, prevent, and enforce security for computer systems and networks within an organization. This degree prepares students for multiple careers. According to PayScale, an information security manager creates strategies, finds and prevents problems, and takes overall responsibility for security her policies, and the average salary he earns is $120,007. According to PayScale, cyber security analysts, responsible for monitoring, analyzing and resolving data-related security issues, earn an average salary of $75,908.

Average Salary:

  • Information Security Manager – $120,007
  • Cyber Security Analyst – $77,311


12. Online Masters in Aeronautics
One of the best paid online masters degrees in aviation is the online masters degree in aviation. This flexible online degree helps young students and aviation professionals expand their knowledge, skills and career opportunities. New technological advances, including gaming technology, allow online students to have virtual, hands-on experiences with specific projects as if they were actually there. As part of the curriculum, students acquire advanced knowledge in all areas of business, including aviation and air transportation. Research interests include air transportation systems, statistical analysis of aviation, aerospace research methods, and human factors in the aerospace industry. According to PayScale, the average salary for airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers is $116,570. Airline pilots are responsible for the flight crew and the success of the flight. A co-pilot assists the pilot in these missions, while a flight her engineer oversees operations and controls.

Average Salary:

  • Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer – $116,570


13. Online Masters in Petroleum Engineering
Another highly paid online master's degree in engineering is the online master's degree in petroleum engineering. Many of our products are petroleum based and our energy needs are fueled by petroleum, so these engineers are in demand and very reliable. Classes include reservoir engineering, oil and gas reservoir development, well logging and drilling, oil production, pressure transfer testing, horizontal drilling, petroleum fluid properties and phase equilibria. In these courses, students learn how to harness the discovery, development, and production of natural resources such as oil, gas, and water to meet their energy needs. Online options help students continue to gain significant experience while earning this degree. According to PayScale, the national average salary for petroleum engineers is $101,290. These engineers oversee, design and test the methods, operations and equipment used to safely drill, collect and recover oil and natural gas for production.

Average Salary:

  • Petroleum Engineers – $101,290


14. Online Masters in Nonprofit Management
Non-profit organizations serve their communities by providing charitable foundations, religious organizations, support groups, and charitable organizations. Online Masters in Nonprofit Management can produce the highly qualified leaders needed to lead these organizations. This well-paid online master's degree enhances and provides skills in strategic planning, program management, leadership, team building, fundraising, marketing, human resource management, and entrepreneurship relevant to the nonprofit sector. Coursework may include the nonprofit sector, social entrepreneurship, grant writing in nonprofit organizations, and financial and resource management. The flexibility of the online classroom allows this degree to be completed in less than two years. According to Payscale, the average salary for a nonprofit chief operating officer is $109,829 and for a nonprofit executive director is $68,803. A COO (non-profit organization) is a senior her professional who is responsible for company operations, policies, and procedures by leading a team, planning goals, and setting projects. A nonprofit executive director oversees the funding and fundraising of the organization.

Average Salary:

  • COO, Non-profit – $109,829
  • Executive Director, Non-Profit – $68,803


15. Online Masters in Physician Assistant Studies
One of the best paid online master's degrees in healthcare is the online master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Physician assistants are licensed and perform many of the basic tasks that physicians do, such as: These include treating illness or injury, conducting physical examinations and tests, ordering and interpreting tests, advising and advising patients, diagnosing and prescribing medications, and performing routine and basic procedures. According to PayScale, the national average salary for a physician assistant is $100,803. This well-paid online master's degree offers a collaborative education, combining all organ systems such as reproductive, dermatology, cardiology, and endocrinology with all research subjects. Research interests include human anatomy, diagnostic research, behavioral and preventive medicine, basic research, patient assessment, clinical medicine, and pharmacology. By combining online courses with face-to-face clinical rotations, this mixed degree equips students with the knowledge and skills of a physician's assistant, as well as the administration, management, education, and research skills necessary for a successful career.

Average Salary:

  • Physician Assistant – $100,803


16. Online Masters in Chemistry
Professionals who want to expand their knowledge, skills and opportunities in the field of chemistry should consider pursuing an online master's degree in chemistry. This flexible, well-paid online master's degree is available during a full-time contract that allows students to control when and how fast they progress through coursework. Students focus on advanced analytical chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, mass and NMR spectroscopy, advanced physical chemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry, advanced biochemistry, industrial and polymer chemistry, pharmaceuticals, molecular modeling, and medicine. You will learn subjects such as the basics of heterocycles that you have applied. Chemistry. A graduate can pursue a career as a materials scientist, with an average salary of $90,804, according to PayScale. Materials scientists often identify, study, analyze and test the chemical properties of materials in the laboratory to provide solutions to improve and ensure product quality.

Average Salary:

  • Materials Scientist – $90,804


17. Online Masters of Nuclear Engineering
The Online Master in Nuclear Engineering is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in nuclear engineering with a bachelor's degree in engineering. This is a highly paid online master's degree. Nuclear engineers develop reaction plans, assess risks, predict impacts, test nuclear methods, assess performance, apply reactor technologies, and execute complex model interactions to improve the nuclear power within an organization. Successfully complete an engineering project. Courses in radiation protection and shielding, the nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management, reactor system design principles, statistical thermodynamics, and power plant simulation prepare graduates for this highly paid career. In addition to the advanced knowledge taught in these courses, students learn the importance of following safety laws. PayScale shows that the average salary of a nuclear engineer is his $89,040, proving that this is a highly paid online master's degree. These engineers can work in many different types of organizations, from laboratories to power companies to nuclear power plants.

Average Salary:

  • Nuclear Engineer – $89,040


18. Online Masters in Healthcare Administration
The healthcare industry is a large employer with many jobs in demand and opportunities that continue to grow. Another of the best paid online masters degrees is the online masters degree in healthcare administration. This degree is designed to help medical professionals expand their knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles. Students explore topics such as economics, global health and diversity, communication, strategic planning, biostatistics, health care quality and improvement, health policy and law, health care financing and reimbursement. The education provided develops students' understanding of financial data, administrative functions, human resources, healthcare operations and environments, information management systems, and organizational development to successfully improve the quality, effective operation, and healthcare facilities. helps to let According to PayScale, the average salary of a hospital administrator who oversees all operations at a hospital is $88,266, and the average salary of a medical administrator who oversees all operations at the medical facility they operate is $74,392.

Average Salary:

  • Hospital Administrator – $88,266
  • Healthcare Administrator – $74,392


19. Online Masters in Aerospace Engineering
Engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture many different things. Engineers interested in aircraft, spacecraft, and related equipment and wanting to advance their careers should pursue an online master's degree in aerospace engineering. This well-paid online master's degree is completely online, allowing students to continue working and gain experience while completing coursework. Research topics include fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and materials, mechanics and control, mathematics, aerodynamics, aerospace systems, space mechanics and space applications, structures and materials, and propulsion. Optional specializations also include structural mechanics, aerospace control, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft. Students will greatly expand their knowledge and understanding of everything aerospace engineers need to know to be successful. This includes not only product development, approval, testing and manufacturing, but also the subtleties in the design of everything that flies. According to PayScale, the national average salary for an aerospace engineer is $86,913.

Average Salary:

  • Aerospace Engineers – $86,913


20. Online Masters in Education Leadership
Teachers or educators who aspire to be school leaders or principals will greatly benefit from the online Masters in Education Leadership. This well-paid online master's degree allows students to continue their education and training while completing coursework. Topics of learning include school, family, and community connections. School funding and human resources. A significant problem in educational leadership. management of school staff; data-driven decision making; educational leadership; public school law; and principal. Graduates have extensive knowledge of how to develop curricula, foster collaboration, solve problems, interact with parents and communities, interpret test results, overcome challenges, and mentor and mentor other teachers. I will graduate with this understanding. Her one of the careers this degree offers students is as an elementary school principal, with an average salary of $86,233 for her, according to PayScale. This position is responsible for the supervision and success of school staff and students, managing school operations and ensuring safety.

Average Salary:

  • Elementary School Principal – $86,233
  • College Administrator – $61,829


21. Online Masters in Computer Engineering
One of the best paid online masters degrees related to computers is the online masters degree in computer engineering. A business cannot function without a computer. Our world cannot function without computers. There is a great need for professionals in the field of computer technology. This flexible online degree prepares students to master hardware and software applications, Internet protocols, modern modeling software, design tools, network programming, current industry trends, computer system design, prototyping, technical skills, research experience, and deepen your knowledge of solutions to advanced engineering problems. . Classes cover digital control and filters, computer networking, computer configuration and architecture, digital signal processing, hardware/software design, power system market introduction, computer architecture, solid state optical properties, robust control systems, and power distribution networks. handle. According to PayScale, a computer hardware engineer is involved in all levels of the design and development process for computer hardware and systems, and the national average salary he earns is $85,788.

Average Salary:

  • Computer Hardware Engineers – $85,78


22. Online Masters in Psychology
Psychology is a fascinating study of the mind, its functions and behavior. An online master's degree in psychology is recommended to become a respected and qualified psychologist. This well-paid online master's degree is convenient, flexible, affordable, and can be completed in less than two years. Degree programs include psychological research, measurement, ethics, research methods in psychology, social psychology, cognitive processes, measurement and evaluation, theory of personality, and ethical practice in psychology. Areas of potential interest include developmental psychology of children and adolescents, forensic psychology, and psychology of business organizations. Graduates of this degree develop an understanding of research methods, the application of theory, personality, ethical practice, the human psyche, social problems and their impact on behavior, and psychological challenges and solutions. According to PayScale, the average salary of a psychologist is $83,639. Psychologists study, test, examine, diagnose, and treat psychological behaviors, typically caused by crisis, injury, trauma, or illness, in therapeutic sessions.

Average Salary:

  • Psychologist – $83,639


23. Online Masters in Geological Engineering
Another high-paying online master's degree is the online master's degree in geological engineering. This area of ​​study takes the science of the stationary properties of the Earth and how they change over time and applies them to engineering factors to ensure the success of your projects. By applying this knowledge and progress through this coursework, students will learn to use geological factors to assess hazards and to design, engineer, survey and develop geological projects and mineral and energy resources. increase. Research topics include engineering geology, civil engineering, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, soil mechanics, site characterization, leachate and slope stability, and tunnel design and construction. Using innovative technology, our online classrooms give you the flexibility to gain work experience and manage family responsibilities while you study. According to PayScale, one job graduates can pursue is a mining engineer, with an average salary of $80,892. Mining engineers are responsible for mine operations and project management.

Average Salary:

  • Mining Engineer – $80,892


24. Online Masters in Construction Management
Everywhere you look you see buildings, roads, stadiums and other structures built by construction teams. Someone has to manage these projects and that brings us to this well-paid online master's degree.The online master's in construction management prepares current professionals to maintain this leadership position. and equip. The construction manager oversees the construction of projects from start to finish, and the average salary he earns is $80,011, according to PayScale. They manage the time, budget, supervision, quality, design, planning, safety, construction and successful execution of each project. In this well-paid online master's degree course, students complete courses in leadership in construction, construction accounting and financial management, construction management techniques, cost estimating and bidding strategies, construction project management, and risk management in construction. Graduates possess skills and advanced knowledge in leadership, decision-making, project implementation, sustainability, management, and technical competence.

Average Salary:

  • Construction Manager – $80,011


25. Online Masters in Electrical Engineering
An online master's degree in electrical engineering can open up a wide range of advanced career opportunities for today's professional engineers. One of his possible paths is to become an electrician. They are responsible for researching, creating, designing, improving and implementing all electrical products or devices and their components. PayScale states that the average salary for an electrical engineer is $78,870, proving that this degree is a high-paying online master's degree. In this degree, students acquire, among other things, an understanding of new technologies, advanced research experience, improved technical skills, and a deeper knowledge of electronic components and theory. Research topics include optical properties of nanostructures, technical concepts in pulsed high-performance electronics, high-resolution measurement techniques, particle beam accelerator technology and engineering, power engineering, grid integration of wind energy systems, telecommunications and internet technologies. increase. This flexible online course can be completed in two years.

Average Salary:

  • Electronics Engineer – $78,870
  • Electrical Engineer – $73,544
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