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6 Good Reasons to Earn Your Master’s Degree Online

Good reasons to get your master's online include accessibility, no set class times, affordability, more degree options, global networking opportunities and all the benefits that come with an in-person degree.
A cartoon man sitting on a giant stack of books, surrounded by icons including a pencil, grad cap, planet, trophy, clipboard and several other shapes.

If you're ready to get your master's, you'll need to decide how to do it. While some students may prefer to pursue their degree in person, there are plenty of reasons that might lead you to earn your master's online — especially if you already have a busy life.

What Are the Benefits of an Online Master's Degree?

Here are some of the top reasons to get your master's through an e-learning program:

1Accessibility — Study Anywhere

"Online learning is ideal for working professionals, parents, military personnel and anyone who needs flexibility," said Dr. Jessica Rogers, a senior associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with over 15 years of marketing and management experience. "It’s also a great option if you live far from a university."

No matter where you are or where you travel, you can keep up with your courses as long as you have an internet connection.

2No Set Class Times — Do Your Coursework Any Time of Day

Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior associate dean of business programs at SNHU.
Dr. Jessica Rogers

"Online programs often provide asynchronous options, so you can learn on your time, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night," Rogers said. "For adult learners or first-generation students, the ability to learn without uprooting your life can be a game-changer."

These programs can be particularly beneficial if you have a busy schedule that prevents you from attending in-person classes.

Learn more about how online classes work.

3Affordability — Lower Costs, No Lost Income

An online master's might be cheaper than an in-person program — particularly if you're earning your degree from a nonprofit university like SNHU. And with a virtual learning environment, you don't have to sacrifice your income to advance your education. In fact, many students earn their master's degrees while working.

4More Degree Options — Find Your Perfect Match

An in-person degree limits you to the programs available in your area. But many online schools offer dozens of different master's degrees with options to specialize with a concentration in many cases. For instance, SNHU's Master of Business Administration (MBA) offers 17 different concentrations for you to choose from, including finance, human resources, business analytics and more.

Find Your Program

5Global Networking — Make Connections Around the World

When learning remotely, you can make connections all over the world. You may even have the opportunity to interact with peers from other countries or military learners who are studying while deployed. This can give you a chance to diversify your professional network and practice communicating with people who have different experiences from your own.

6All The Same Benefits — New Skills, More Opportunities

"A master’s degree is more than a credential; it’s a sign to employers that you have deep expertise, resilience and a growth mindset," Rogers said. "It sharpens your ability to solve problems, lead teams and think strategically."

And a master's that you earn virtually offers all the same career benefits as an in-person degree, according to Rogers. "What matters most to employers is your skills and how you apply what you’ve learned," she said. "As long as the degree is from an accredited and respected institution, whether it was earned online or in person is increasingly irrelevant."

Learn more about if a master's degree is worth it.


Can I Get Master’s Degrees Online?

Can You Get Your Master's While Working Full Time?

Nicholas Patterson '22 '25MFA, MFA in Creative Writing graduate from SNHU.
Nicholas Patterson '22 '25MFA

You can absolutely get your master's degree while working a full-time job — and many online learners do just that.

For example, Nicholas Patterson '22 ’25MFA earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from SNHU while working full time.

"My advisor was always there to check in," he said. "Just making sure that I was able to handle the workload, especially working full time while going to classes full time."

He said he felt very supported throughout his program and was even able to write and revise a novel during his thesis courses.

"It is possible to manage your full-time role with taking classes online and continuing to better yourself in both fields," said Patterson.

With the flexibility of an online degree, getting your master's doesn't have to mean putting your life on pause. You can advance your education and level up your employability whenever and wherever it makes sense for you.

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU online master's degree that can best help you meet your goals.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.

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Corey Dantzler, an SNHU graduate working on his masters degree from his home desk.

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A stack of five building blocks on a yellow backdrop: the bottom four blocks feature pieces of a ladder and the top depicts a graduation cap.

What Are the Requirements for a Master’s Degree? Know Before You Apply

Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since you last applied to college, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the requirements for a master’s degree. Understanding what’s ahead can help you confidently navigate the graduate admission process.
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What Master's Degree Should I Get?

Are you ready to get your master's degree? You have a lot of options to consider. Two graduate admission counselors at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) shared their advice on how to choose a master's program that can get you where you want to go.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.