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Can You Get a Master's Degree Online? What to Know Before You Apply.

Yes, you can complete a full master's degree entirely online, including at the University of Mississippi, without having to upend your life.

Online Grad School 101
Andrew Freiman
By Andrew Freiman
18 Sep 2026
Can you get an online master's degree? Photo shoes and online student doing coursework while she has downtime at work.

Key Points Summary

    Online master's programs are no longer a niche alternative. More than 40% of graduate students in the U.S. took all of their coursework online in fall 2024, according to IPEDS data analyzed by OnEdTech. 

    An online graduate program lets you:

    • Continue working while earning your degree

    • Study without relocating

    • Avoid commuting to campus

    • Build coursework around work and family

    • Attend a program that isn't available in your local area

    • Complete coursework from wherever you have a reliable internet connection

    How Much Does an Online Graduate Degree Cost?

    Cost varies by program, but online graduate degrees are often cheaper than in-person programs. Remember to always compare the total cost of attendance rather than just tuition alone.

    When crunching the numbers, make sure to include:

    • Tuition per credit

    • Required fees

    • Books and course materials

    • Technology requirements

    • Internship or clinical expenses

    At the University of Mississippi, online graduate-level courses are charged at in-state rates regardless of where you live. For many prospective students that can be the deciding factor against a full-price in-person program.

    Taking a graduate degree online also means you won't have to pay to commute or move to get closer to campus.

    What Does an Online Master's Program Actually Look Like?

    Online graduate programs have different delivery methods depending on the department and course.

    Regardless of the delivery method, most online programs include:

    • Weekly assignment deadlines

    • Scheduled exams

    • Required discussion participation

    • Live virtual classes

    • Group projects

    • Meetings with professors

    • Internships or clinical requirements

    Before you apply, find out how much flexibility a specific program actually provides. Online programs could require different things at different schools, even between departments at the same school.

    Is an Online Master's Degree Easier Than an In-Person Degree?

    No, an online graduate degree isn't easier or harder than an in-person one. Academic difficulty depends on the program, the field of study, and the specific courses you take, not on whether or not the class is online.

    Online graduate students still conduct research, analyze complex information, write extensively, complete projects, often collaborate with classmates, and strive to demonstrate advanced knowledge of their field. Those expectations don't change because the classroom is online.

    An online program does feel more manageable for students who are comfortable working independently and good at maintaining an organized schedule.

    Is an Online Master's Degree Worth It?

    Yes, generally. National data shows that people with more education tend to have higher earnings and lower unemployment. In 2024, full-time workers over 25 with a master's degree had median weekly earnings of $1,840, compared with $1,543 for workers with just a bachelor's degree. Unemployment rates were 2.2% and 2.5%, respectively.

    Those numbers show an association between educational attainment and labor-market outcomes, but they don't mean that a master's degree will automatically raise your weekly salary. Earnings can vary by occupation, industry, experience, field of study, and the health of the job market.

    In the end, whether an online master's degree is worth it may not be the right question at all. A better question may be: Does this specific online degree help you advance your career or help you gain new skills needed in your field?

    How Do Employers View an Online Graduate Degree?

    When weighing the importance of an online graduate degree, employers tend to look at:

    • The institution awarding the degree

    • Accreditation

    • The relevance of your field of study to your work

    • The skills you developed

    • Your professional experience

    • Your ability to apply what you learned to the job

    • The job requirements

    An online graduate degree from an accredited, established university with a strong program in your field carries more weight than a degree from an unaccredited or low-quality institution.

    Is Online Graduate School a Good Fit for You?

    Online graduate school works best if you can:

    • Manage your time well. You can organize coursework around work and other responsibilities without struggling to meet every deadline.

    • Work well independently. You're comfortable reading, researching, and completing assignments without spending hours each week in a physical classroom.

    • Communicate well online. You're comfortable asking questions, participating in discussions, and reaching out to professors through email or other digital tools.

    • Work well with technology. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be able to navigate a learning management system (like Blackboard or Canvas) and join virtual meetings without problems. Check with your institution's technology requirements to ensure you have the tools you need.

    • Define what you want to accomplish. You know why you want the degree, whether it's to advance in your current role, change fields, meet licensing requirements, or build specialized skills.

    An in-person graduate program may be a better fit for you if you need hands-on training, lab or clinical access, or a more structured academic environment than online programs offer.

    Can You Work While Earning an Online Degree?

    Yes, and for most students, this is one of the biggest reasons to apply to online graduate school. Instead of leaving your job to attend graduate school full-time on campus, you can continue earning some cash and gaining professional experience while you study.

    Be careful about what you're signing up for. Some programs can be intense, with high course loads and even higher expectations.

    Where You're Allowed to Study Online

    If you live outside Mississippi, check where you're allowed to enroll before you apply. The University of Mississippi is part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which decides which online programs students can take depending on their home state.

    Review UM's State and Territory Authorizations page to make sure your state allows for the specific online program you're thinking about.

    Interested in studying online at UM?

    The University of Mississippi offers a range of online degrees to choose from.

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