The United States remains a major destination for international students and offers a wide range of on-campus, online, and hybrid graduate programs. The country is known for research opportunities, flexible academic pathways, and high-quality education.
For international students, career options after earning a U.S. degree depend on visa status, employer requirements, and work authorization. For example, F-1 students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for work related to their field of study. You can also explore work opportunities in the USA, but always check the latest university and government guidance before making plans.
In this article, let’s talk about universities in the USA that offer online or hybrid master’s programs. Knowing these options can help you compare formats as you plan your graduate studies.
Top Schools Offering Online Master’s Degrees in the U.S.
1. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is among the most prestigious universities in the USA. Johns Hopkins University opened in 1876 and now offers a range of graduate programs with online or hybrid delivery through several schools.
One well-known option is the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Online/Part-Time Master of Public Health (MPH). The program may be completed fully online, fully onsite, or through a combination of online and onsite courses. The Online/Part-Time MPH can be completed at a full-time pace of one year or a part-time pace of up to four years.
The MPH requires 80 credits and includes core courses, elective courses, advising and goals analysis, a practicum experience, and a capstone project. Other Johns Hopkins online and hybrid master’s programs have different structures, so applicants should review the official program page for the degree they plan to pursue.
2. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles offers the Master of Science in Engineering Online through the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. The program is 36 units, 100% online, and asynchronous, making it a flexible option for working professionals.
The inaugural class of the UCLA MS Engineering Online program began in 2007. Since then, the program has awarded more than 1,800 Master of Science degrees to fully employed and part-time students. Students can focus on a specific major or build a multidisciplinary program of study that fits their professional goals.
MSOL courses can be accessed asynchronously from anywhere in the world, and optional live components may include orientation, office hours, bonus lectures, and graduation activities. International applicants should review the official admissions page for current English proficiency and application requirements.
3. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology has delivered online master’s programs to career-focused adults around the world for more than 40 years through Georgia Tech Professional Education. Its current online master’s page lists degree options in fields such as aerospace engineering, analytics, computer science, cybersecurity, electrical and computer engineering, industrial engineering, management, mechanical engineering, medical physics, occupational safety and health, and operations research.
Georgia Tech’s online master’s programs are built on its on-campus programs. Students can expect rigorous coursework, digital learning tools, access to online lectures and videos, discussion boards, and virtual interaction with classmates and faculty members.
Some Georgia Tech online degrees are fully online Master of Science programs, while others are hybrid professional master’s degrees that combine online learning with limited visits to the Atlanta campus. Applicants should check the format, deadlines, prerequisites, and degree requirements for each program.
4. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is part of the University System of Maryland, but it is separate from the University of Maryland, College Park. UMGC offers more than 40 online master’s degrees and concentrations, along with other graduate programs such as doctoral degrees and certificates.
UMGC master’s programs are generally 36 credits, although the exact length depends on the program, transfer credits, and the number of credits a student takes each term. The online MBA, for example, can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Instead of limiting students to only fall and spring intakes, UMGC uses multiple online and 8-week graduate sessions throughout the year for many programs. This can give students more flexibility when planning their enrollment timeline.
5. New York University
New York University has degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. NYU also offers online and hybrid degree options through several schools.
NYU School of Professional Studies lists more than 10 online master’s degree programs in areas such as project management, global security, hospitality, tourism, human capital management, professional writing, translation, and more. NYU Tandon also offers online graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and design.
Program formats vary across NYU. Some degrees are 100% online, while others combine asynchronous and/or synchronous online learning with live sessions or short in-person requirements. Students should review each degree page carefully before applying.
FAQs: Online Master’s in the USA
Can International Students Take Online Master’s Programs in the U.S.?
Yes, many U.S. universities accept international applicants for online master’s programs, and students may often complete fully online programs from outside the United States. However, immigration rules are different if you plan to enter or remain in the United States in F-1 status.
Under current F-1 rules, only the equivalent of one online or distance education class, or three credits per term, may count toward the full course of study requirement when the class does not require physical attendance. Because of this, some fully online programs may not support an I-20 or F-1 student visa.
Always confirm the visa implications with the university’s international student office before enrolling.
Online master’s programs in the United States existed well before COVID-19, but the pandemic increased interest in remote learning. Today, online and hybrid options vary widely by university, subject, delivery mode, cost, and admissions requirements.
We hope this article on universities offering online master’s degrees in the USA is informative and helpful. If you are interested, feel free to visit our Study in the USA Page and Available Courses for International Students!
