Online and Distance Learning

This page helps students who are looking for information about masters distance learning programs, including masters online programs.

Why study masters distance learning programs?

Whereas a bachelors degree used to be the entry qualification, many jobs now require a masters degree. The master's degree is an award that recognizes increased expertise in an academic discipline or professional field of study. It is an award you receive upon successful completion of one to two years of advanced graduate study after your bachelor's degree. It usually requires course work, a project, a thesis, or a comprehensive examination. The most commonly awarded types of master's are the Master of Arts (abbreviated to MA or M.A.) and the Master of Science (often abbreviated to MS or M.S. in the United States and MSc or M.Sc. in Europe and the Commonwealth).

Most of the subject areas covered in this website are available by distance or online learning.  Online masters programs are particularly popular amongst those who are working or are returning to study after a long time away from it.  So, for example, you can study the following online: masters teaching programs, masters psychology programs, masters counseling programs, masters accounting programs, plus many others.

Requirements for taking masters distance learning programs

Masters distance learning programs' requirements are usually graduation from a bachelors program or equivalent tertiary program.  However, there are an increasing number of masters programs that are offering an "executive stream" that take into account prior learning obtained whilst working.  The executive MBA is perhaps the most well-known of this type of program.

Why are online masters distance learning programs so popular?

Online masters distance learning programs are commonly taken while working full time, as a way to advance your professional credentials so online college classes are the most convenient way to accomplish this goal. New ICTs now make it possible for you to take  online masters degrees programs in many areas, e.g., a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Anaheim University which includes "Green" courses in a Sustainable Management MBA (see the banner on the right of this page).

Other popular online masters programs include: MA TESOL online; Masters in Information Technology; Masters in Education; Masters in Health Care Management; Masters degrees programs in nursing; and, Masters in Public Administration. These can be taken from a distance education institution anywhere in the world. 

Learning programs online is not easy - students taking online masters degrees programs can find it hard and often lonely.  So learn to use your fellow online students for mutual support. You will also need understanding friends and family because you will not be able to attend many of their social occasions.  In this respect, some students find that working night shifts often helps them to study, e.g., nurses completing their masters nursing online - they can use the quiet moments to catch up with some reading.

What can graduates expect to earn?

Clearly, what you earn will depend on many factors, e.g., experience, job and location. However, according to PayScale.com, the following are the approximate salaries that can be expected in the US (as at November 2009):

Elementary School Teacher: $44,000;

High School Teacher: $50,000;

Architect: $60,000;

Software Engineer: $65,000;

Executive Director (Non-profit Org): $70.000;

Physician Assistant: $72,000

Senior Software Engineer: $92,000;

Further information 

To learn more about the specific masters distance learning programs, click on the subject area of interest under "Online Programs". From there you should be able to find details of specific Masters degrees programs, e.g., Masters Nursing online and MA TESOL online.

You can also search here for masters distance learning programs

If you don't find what you want here, try using the search facility on this site with distance learning masters programs as your search term.

You also use this link to search for online degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.