What Is The Easiest Master’s Degree To Get Online

Ready to elevate your career with a master’s degree but daunted by the thought of balancing work, life, and intense academics? You’re in the right place! Online master’s programs have transformed education, offering flexibility, affordability, and accessibility for busy professionals and career changers. But which online master’s degrees are the easiest to earn without compromising quality? In this article, we’ll explore programs with high acceptance rates, minimal prerequisites, and flexible formats, spotlighting 10 top universities to help you achieve your goals efficiently and rank high on your career ladder.

Easiest Online Master’s Degrees

“Easiest” master’s degrees combine high acceptance rates, no GRE/GMAT requirements, flexible coursework, and shorter durations. Here are some standout programs across top universities:

• Master’s in Education (M.Ed.): Programs like Curriculum and Instruction or Educational Leadership are accessible for educators, often leveraging teaching experience. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Western Governors University (WGU) offer asynchronous M.Ed. programs with no GRE requirements and acceptance rates above 60%.

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA): MBAs are versatile, often waiving standardized tests for professionals with work experience. University of the People and Liberty University provide flexible, test-free MBAs.

• Master’s in Communications: Arizona State University (ASU) offers a practical program focusing on skills like public relations, requiring minimal prerequisites.

• Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA): Ideal for non-clinical professionals, Purdue University Global’s MHA has high acceptance rates and no GRE requirement.

• Master’s in Criminal Justice: Lamar University’s program boasts acceptance rates above 80% and can be completed in 1-2 years.

These programs prioritize accessibility, allowing you to build on prior knowledge and study at your own pace.

Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs

Affordability is key to reducing financial stress. Here’s how top universities stack up:

• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Graduate tuition at $637 per credit, with a 36-credit master’s costing around $23,724.

• Western Governors University (WGU): Competency-based M.Ed. programs can cost as low as $9,000, completable in six months for fast learners.

• University of the People: Offers an MS in Education for approximately $4,000, one of the most affordable globally.

• Liberty University: Freezes tuition for nine years, with master’s programs starting at $565 per credit.

• Colorado Christian University (CCU): Master’s degrees cost around $4,875 annually, highly ranked for affordability.

• Kennesaw State University (KSU): Offers 15 online master’s programs, like Cybersecurity, at competitive rates.

• Jacksonville State University (JSU): Provides over 40 affordable graduate degrees with robust support.

These universities offer low tuition, flexible payment plans, and scholarships. Always verify accreditation to ensure your degree’s value and avoid diploma mills.

Fastest Online Master’s Degrees

Accelerated programs condense traditional two-year degrees into 12-18 months:

• Western Governors University (WGU): Its competency-based MHA can be completed in 12 months, allowing self-paced progression.

• Liberty University: Offers accelerated Criminal Justice programs with eight start dates yearly, completable in one year.

• Purdue University Global: MSN programs for nurses take 12-15 months, leveraging clinical experience.

• Arizona State University (ASU): Fast-track MBAs with asynchronous courses, no capstone in some tracks.

• Lamar University: M.Ed. in Educational Technology can be completed in 12-18 months.

These intensive programs require strong time management but offer quick career advancement. Check if full-time commitment or prior credits are needed.

Online Master’s Degrees Without GRE

Skipping standardized tests simplifies admissions:

• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): MBA and M.Ed. programs focus on work experience and transcripts, no GRE required.

• Liberty University: Over 200 online programs, including Public Health, rarely require entrance exams.

• Purdue University Global: MHA and MSN programs prioritize professional backgrounds over test scores.

• Western Governors University (WGU): IT Security master’s skips GRE, streamlining applications.

• Arizona State University (ASU): Master’s in Communications waives GRE requirements.

These universities value practical experience, but some may require higher GPAs or recommendation letters instead. Always confirm specific admissions criteria.

Flexible Online Master’s Programs

Flexible programs accommodate busy schedules with asynchronous learning:

• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Over 100 master’s degrees, like Organizational Leadership, offer 24/7 course access and five term starts.

• Western Governors University (WGU): Self-paced M.Ed. programs suit teachers balancing work and study.

• Kennesaw State University (KSU): Asynchronous options in Special Education and MBAs, no set login times.

• Jacksonville State University (JSU): Offers flexible tracks in various fields.

• Lamar University: Fully online M.Ed. in Educational Technology avoids on-campus requirements.

These universities cater to diverse learners with part-time or accelerated options. Ensure the program’s flexibility aligns with your lifestyle.

High Acceptance Rate Master’s Programs

High acceptance rates ease admissions:

• Western Governors University (WGU): M.Ed. programs accept most applicants with teaching credentials.

• Lamar University: Criminal Justice master’s have 80%+ acceptance rates.

• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Lenient admissions for MBAs and Communications.

• Liberty University: Holistic applicant reviews ensure high acceptance.

In 2023, education programs had a 67.4% acceptance rate across 119,583 applications. Verify accreditation to avoid less reputable programs with near-100% acceptance.

Master’s Degrees for Career Advancement

Master’s degrees boost earning potential, with 2023 data showing $244 more weekly earnings than bachelor’s holders:

• University of the People & Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): MBAs open leadership roles, with chief executives earning $103,840 annually.

• Western Governors University (WGU) & Lamar University: M.Ed. programs qualify teachers for administrative roles, addressing 36,000+ unfilled teaching positions in 2025.

• Purdue University Global: MSN degrees prepare nurses for high-paying advanced practice roles.

• Arizona State University (ASU): Master’s in Communications enhances public relations skills.

• Liberty University: Criminal Justice degrees support policy analysis careers.

These universities align programs with in-demand fields like business, education, and healthcare, offering networking and practical experience.

Online Master’s Degree Requirements

Admissions typically require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with GPAs of 2.5-3.0. Universities like SNHU and Liberty University accept lower GPAs with work experience. Common requirements include letters of recommendation, resumes, and personal statements. WGU and Purdue University Global may award transfer credits, shortening completion time. Nursing or counseling programs may need specific licensure. Verify programmatic accreditation (e.g., AACSB for business) to ensure career eligibility.

Benefits of Online Master’s Degrees

Online master’s degrees offer convenience, eliminating relocation or commuting costs. Universities like CCU provide programs under $5,000 annually. Flexible scheduling supports full-time work, and virtual forums enable global networking. Master’s holders enjoy lower unemployment and higher lifetime earnings ($3.2 million median). Accredited programs from KSU, JSU, and others match on-campus rigor, ensuring employer recognition.

Choosing the Right Online Master’s Program

Selecting the easiest online master’s involves balancing accessibility, cost, and career goals. Research accreditation, faculty, and support services at universities like WGU, SNHU, or ASU. Compare tuition, transfer policies, and program length—WGU’s six-month M.Ed. suits speed, while SNHU’s MBA fits long-term learners. Asynchronous programs (JSU, Lamar) suit self-starters; structured formats (ASU, Purdue) benefit guided learners. Ensure alignment with industry demands to maximize career impact.