Graduate Degree Programs

In a rapidly changing world, the field of criminal justice offers opportunities for long-term stable careers in law, the legal system and social services. Although entry-level positions in criminal justice are available for those with a bachelors of arts or sciences in criminal justice, an advanced degree in criminal justice from an accredited online university can open doors to new opportunities in both local and international settings. The top ten online programs for a master’s degree in criminal justice are offered by accredited public and online universities and include:

1. The University of Colorado at Denver
The UC Denver online masters degree in criminal justice is offered through the college’s School of Public Affairs. The 36-hour program is equivalent to the traditional classroom version and is taught by the same faculty. The program can be completed either entirely or partially on line, and includes courses on all major areas of criminal justice, such as corrections, juvenile justice, the judiciary and law enforcement, and requires a thesis for graduation. For those entering the program without previous criminal justice experience, an internship is required.

2. Boston University Online
Boston University offers a 10 course online Master of Criminal justice degree program totaling 40 credit hours. This program is conducted completely online, with no campus presence involved. Designed for working law enforcement professionals, this program provides am in-depth examination of practical and theoretical issues in criminal justice.

3. Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration includes 36 credit hours of study in either Justice Administration or Forensic Science Administration. With coursework in areas such as organizational administration and budget planning, both these specializations prepare students for leadership roles in public and private institutions.

4. University of Massachusetts
The UMass online campus offers the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with 33 credit hours of study. Like Boston University’s program, the UMass version is intended for working professionals in criminal justices to further their careers in administrative and leadership positions. The program includes numerous electives to allow students to tailor studies to their specific needs.

5. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati’s 48-hour Master of Science program in Criminal Justice is highly comprehensive and academically very rigorous. Designed to provide a thorough understanding of the criminal justice field, the program covers theories of criminal justice, administration, and research, with special topic options for specific interests.

6. Florida State University
Florida State’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice can be earned online in36 credit hours. Offered through the school’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the program is aimed at working professionals in the field who are seeking to move up into administrative and leadership positions in the three main branches of criminology. With numerous elective options, the program can be tailored to specific needs and interests.

7. Capella University
Online Capella University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice that includes coursework in the three main areas of criminal justice as well as human behavior, public policy, social change and cultural awareness. Aimed at specialists in the field seeking to advance their careers, the program offers concentrations in a variety of specializations such as forensics, homeland security and public health.

8. Walden University
Longtime leader in online education Walden University offers a number of master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and related fields. Students can select from a general Master of Science in Criminal Justice, which provides an overview to the field or a self-guided program offering options for specialization in areas of a student’s particular interest. Walden also offers a Master of Public Administration and Masters of Public Policy in Criminal Justice for professionals already working in the field.

9. Kaplan University
Kaplan’s online Masters programs in Criminal Justice include specializations in Criminal Justice Leadership, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, and Corrections for those already working in the field. Kaplan also offers a Master of Public Administration with a Criminal Justice concentration which is designed to help administrators in the field to develop leadership techniques.

10. University of the Rockies
The University of the Rockies offers a Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Criminology and Justice Studies. This accredited online program offers courses and seminars focusing on the theoretical aspects of psychology and criminology, areas such as the theories of crime, correctional philosophies and victimology.

Online Masters degree programs in Criminal Justice offer flexibility and convenience, with numerous options for preparing students to advance their careers or launch new ones in the rapidly growing fields of criminal justice and criminology.

Online education is becoming increasingly popular among busy college students. Many students are busy with family and work obligations and having the time to complete a traditional college program can seem impractical. Online degree programs can offer high-quality education to individuals that prefer to take courses at their own pace. There are many online schools available; however, choosing the best online school can often be overwhelming.

Obtaining a nursing degree online through an accredited nursing program can be a practical decision for those who love working with people and making a difference. Researching the school before making the commitment to enroll can help ensure that the completed certificate or degree will be acknowledged by employers. Accreditation is an important consideration when determining what online nursing school to attend. A school that is accredited is required to uphold a certain degree of success and supply a quality education to all attending students. Receiving a quality education is essential to acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding and lucrative career in nursing.

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is an accredited online university that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Nurses with an undergraduate degree can enhance their career by earning a Master of Science in Nursing. An MSN is appealing to registered nurses that are interested in educating others and managing the business aspect of a healthcare organization.

Grand Canyon University

Online programs at Grand Canyon University offer students the chance to interact with other classmates and instructor through online discussion throughout the course. As a Christian-based university, students are encouraged to apply ethical and moral values towards their college educational studies as well as in their place of work.

Capella University

Offering different nursing programs to choose from, Capella University offers a superior education to individuals that aspire to enhance their current nursing career. Accredited programs include specific fields of study including gerontology, diabetes and administration.

Azusa Pacific University

Students who want to get into nursing can benefit from the certificate and degree programs that are offered at Azusa Pacific University. The school of nursing offers financial aid in the forms of scholarships and traineeships at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students must submit an application, copy of their immunization records and current nursing certificate or degree, transcripts, references, and a writing sample to display their level of communication skills.

Kaplan University

Students have the opportunity to pursue a MSN through Kaplan University’s nursing program consisting of highly-skilled instructors and a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who attend full-time can earn their degree in 18 months. Some of the certificate programs Kaplan University offers include:

• Nurse Administrator
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Chamberlain College offers individuals the chance to pursue an associate degree in nursing online in addition to advanced nursing programs. Various forms of financial aid in the form of grants, loans and scholarships are accessible for students who qualify. All nursing programs are nationally and regionally accredited ensuring top quality education for all students.

Western Governor University

Nursing programs at Western Governors University are offered at an affordable rate and tuition is charged every six months. The programs are offered at a flat rate for everyone and financial aid is also available for most students. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and complete an entrance interview upon acceptance.

Keiser University

The online nursing program at Keiser University is designed to assist registered nurses in obtaining a MSN to advance their professional career. Students are required to speak with an admissions counselor and provide verification of any previous schooling before applying for admission.

South University Nursing

Accelerated courses offered at South University College of Nursing allow students to complete their degree in less time than similar nursing programs offered at other colleges. Small class sizes allow students to receive personalized attention and offer a friendly and challenging learning environment.

Everest University

Nursing programs at Everest University offer regulated degree programs for all students who have a desire to work in the rewarding field of nursing. Everest offers an advanced MSN degree program in addition to practical nursing and associate degree programs. All programs are approved by the State Board of Nursing and voluntarily receive regular evaluations to ensure the curriculum is adequate to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing. Career placement services are provided to graduates to assist with resume improvement, interviewing proficiency and finding employment.

The consumer group TheBestColleges.org, created to inform the public about the most economical and prestigious collegiate programs, published an online ranking for the top online master’s in healthcare administration degrees. The group selects and ranks the graduate programs by considering public data concerning reputation, accreditation, student satisfaction, the ratio of students to instructors, and overall tuition costs. Degrees eligible for consideration include master’s in business administration with healthcare specialties, as well as master’s in nursing with management specialties.

Here are the group’s top ten online master’s in healthcare administration programs:

10. Seton Hall, South Orange, New Jersey
One of the most distinguished Catholic universities in the country, the small class sizes and dedicated faculty makes this 42-credit hour program outstanding. Students are grouped into cohorts for the duration of their studies, and most are able to complete the degree in two years. The program focuses on six main areas of study: understanding the healthcare environment, managing change, financial competencies, decision making, and strategic leadership and analysis. Although the majority of the coursework can be completed online, three on-campus weekend residences are required for degree completion.

9. University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania
This small Jesuit university offers a master’s of business administration with a specialization in healthcare management degree completely online in 36 credit hours. Designed for working professionals, the flexible program emphasizes the Jesuit ideals of social responsibility and ethical decision making.

8. Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
The online master’s of business administration healthcare management degree is a 46-credit hour program designed for working adults. The flexibility of the program allows working professionals to access online lectures and case studies from a faculty with 20 years of experience training healthcare administrators. Students may also complete optional residencies or consulting practicums.

7. Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
This private university offers a master’s in health communication, an accelerated, award-winning program that can be completed in 40 credit hours or as little as 18 months. With all courses completely online, working students who want to advance in healthcare management to more communication and publicity have the opportunity to continue their educations.

6. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Department of Health Policy and Management at this public university is ranked in the top two or three in the country, and the academically challenging online executive master’s in health administration is a two-year, 48-credit hour program. With training in communication and analytical thinking skills, students are also required to complete three on-campus sessions per year, each lasting four to six days.

5. Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Obtainable at a reasonable cost, this Jesuit university offers a master’s of health administration in 36-42 credit hours with small class sizes. Students may specialize in informatics, dealing with technologies and policies in record keeping, or health care ethics, focusing on moral theory and ethical decision making. Both degree options can be completed online.

4. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
This public university is renowned for its knowledgeable faculty and affordable tuition, making the master’s of health administration program one of great value. Students focus on basic business theories and management in healthcare. All coursework can be completed online in less than three years, but a residency is required.

3. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
The master’s in nursing in health management systems degree can be completed in 39 credit hours or two years of part-time study. All courses are delivered online from an outstanding faculty; students are never required to visit campus, but observations are arranged through collaboration between Vanderbilt and professionals in the student’s geographic area.

2. Northeastern University, Boston Massachusetts
This university receives more applications than any other private institution, and its master’s in business administration with a healthcare management specialization program can be completed entirely online. The 50-credit hour program is designed for working students who study the history and evolution of the healthcare industry as well as the current issues facing professionals. Students learn all aspects of the healthcare system from an accredited and nationally ranked faculty.

1. George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Rooted in one of the most highly regarded business schools in the nation, the online master’s in healthcare business administration can be completed in two years or 52 credit hours. Designed for healthcare professionals wishing to expand their business and management skills, the renowned faculty trains students to work in a variety of healthcare environments. This program can be completed entirely online.

A master’s degree in social work prepares an individual for a career in a chosen specialty. The degrees may move people into supervisory positions, or even better qualify one with vast experience in the sector for directory or executive level employment. Many people choose to pursue online social work degree programs because they are very flexible yet affordable. Even with the many options available, only a good number of sites offer the best online social work degree programs.

The University Of South California’s School Of Social Work ranks at the top nationally. It is not only the most highly regarded social work school in the country, but also the first elite universities to offer a master’s program is social work. The online master program offered by this university has the academic rigor of the on-campus program, with the only difference being the mode of delivery. The same strict admission standards, graduation requirements, and course work are the same as the ones offered on-campus. It is also highly flexible and gives students the opportunity to complete it virtually from anywhere in the world. This highly interactive degree program enables students to apply what they have learnt in class to real life situations. If offers them a chance to work with real-life clients within the society. Financial aid is also available for all applicants irrespective of their geographical location.

Saint Leo University is a small catholic institution that offers quality liberal arts courses. The online social work master’s degree program offered by this university also matches up to the same standards. It features a standard full-time degree program that takes two years to complete. The university also offers a one-year advanced course to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree course in the same field, within the previous five years. This university offers financial aid to its applicants, although regional limitations apply to this program.

The Northeastern University offers its social work masters students with a highly flexible and interactive program. The program features a core curriculum as well as electives. The students can choose organizational communication, leadership, or global studies program. Work-based applications and a capstone service project are also featured in the online program. Part-time students would complete the program in three years while full-time students take only two years.

The Florida State University College of Social Work offers a highly flexible masters program that allows students to be online at their own convenience. The online master’s degree program does not entail campus visits. It features placement opportunities and takes about two years to complete. Non-residents benefit from a significant fee waiver.

The three-year Michigan State University online program offers one week of face-to-face interaction every year. The online social work master’s degree program combines video conferencing, face-to-face programs and quality structured online instructions. The online program has also received full accreditation by the Council of Social Work education. It features supervised field education units in the local community and offers financial aid without geographical restrictions.

The Boston University offers a part-time online masters program with clinical social work practice. It gives students the option of selecting between the traditional MSW track and the human service experience track. The school’s faculty supervises the online program, and it takes about two years to complete. The masters program is very interactive with face-to-face provisions, which require students to be available at specific times.

Unlike most online degree programs, Fordham University offers short yearly visits to the main campus, for the students to meet with the faculty as well as other online students. The social work masters degree program takes two years to complete, and comes with clinical concentration. Financial aid is available and although it incorporates geographical restrictions.

Although the Texas State University has a young school of social work, both its traditional and online masters’ degree programs have captured national attention. The faculty members that deliver the online courses are specially trained to deliver interactive programs. This program incorporates students from all over the world, and offers financial aid without geographical restrictions.

The University of North Dakota offers a part-time online degree program that takes two years to complete. Students can apply for this program irrespective of their geographical location, as long as they have a bachelor’s degree in social work. Live web classes are featured in the evenings and weekends, and students are required to visit the campus only once.

University of New England is ranked among the best universities in the north, offering a wide range of both undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Campus visits are not required, and its online course features supervised fieldwork in students’ community. The university’s school of social work offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks that are fully certified by the CSWE. The tuition feet for this masters degree program is $715 per credit hour, and this application has no geographical boundaries.
The ratings of the best online social work degree programs are based on various factors like school reputation, student satisfaction, instructional quality, and affordability.

Regardless of the level achieved in social work training, all the states have different certification, licensing, and registration requirements in order to practice in this field.

The consumer group SuperScholar.org, which frequently publishes online college rankings based on affordability and credibility, recently released its rankings for the best online master’s in computer science degrees. Their ratings are calculated by analyzing public data concerning market reputation, academic quality, student satisfaction, and value.

Here are ten of the top online master’s in computer science programs from across the country:

10. Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
A private university owned by the Methodist Church, SMU is a frequent recipient of awards for academics and research. Several master’s degrees are available online, including computer science and engineering, engineering management, information, and systems. Most degrees require 10 courses and are aimed at international students, making the online availability more flexible.

9. Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
This private institute is an award-winning leader in online education, offering a 16-course online master’s in information technology. The university faculty remains in frequent talks with nationwide employers to ensure that the program remains relevant in the ever-changing computer science marketplace.

8. Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a leader in technology, technological research, and international outreach. As a public university, it offers on online master’s in information technology. Students may choose to complete the degree in two, three, or four years, although most choose the three-year option.

7. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
As one of the very first research universities in the country, this institute remains one of the best in the world in scientific and technological research. Students of the master’s in computer science program must complete 10 courses within five years. The university also offers a master’s in systems engineering degree, as well as concentrations in telecommunications, networking, and bioinformatics.

6. Columbia University, New York, New York
This prestigious university offers a 30-credit online master’s in computer science degree that must be completed within five years of enrollment. Students may choose to concentrate in several different tracks: computer security, machine learning, natural language processing, network systems, software systems, or vision and graphics. Those students who cannot decide on a concentration may choose to create a personalized track with faculty supervision and sponsorship.

5. Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A private research institute, Drexel is known for its strengths in engineering, technology, and science. Recently the university has also received additional attention for improvements and innovations in its faculty and degree programs. Students have the opportunity to choose between a master’s in computer science, information systems, or software engineering; the number of credit hours and length of study vary by program.

4. Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
With a Methodist Church background, this university is well-known for its commitment to research and academic study. Students may earn a master’s in computer information systems with a concentration in database management and business intelligence, health informatics, IT project management, or security. Only 10 courses are required for this degree, and most students can complete the program in less than two years of study.

3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
A private research university, USC has become one of the best-ranked and most prestigious in the country. The institute’s 28-credit program requires students to take six graduate courses and complete a thesis before earning a master’s in global information science and technology. For a student who can enroll in two classes per semester, the program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

2. Stanford University, Stanford, California
One of the top research facilities in the world in the areas of science and technology, this university has produced more Turing award winners, the computer science equivalent of the Nobel Prize, and computer company founders than any other institute of higher learning. The online master’s in computer science program requires 45 credit hours. Students can earn the entire degree online or choose to take some classes face-to-face. Although students are only required to complete the degree in five years, most finish in three.

1. Brandeis University, Boston, Massachusetts
As a small, private research university, this institute demonstrates a continued commitment to innovation in science and technology that has been apparent since its founding by Albert Einstein and others in 1948. The university offers several online master’s degrees, each requiring 30 credit hours for completion. Students may choose between health and medical informatics, information assurance, software engineering, virtual team management, and management of projects and programs.

The U.S. World and News Report yearly ranks educational programs in the United States. The publication recently released its 2013 rankings, including those for online master’s in education programs. These rankings are based on a combination of admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, student engagement and accreditation, and student services and technology. Programs that excel in at least three of these four categories are placed on the list.

Here are ten of the top online master’s in education programs from across the country:

10. Brenau University, Gainesville, Georgia
Breneau is a private institution where application to the master’s program is rolling, and there is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. The fully online program features 13 full-time and five part-time faculty members, and students can choose to follow a research/policy track or a teaching track.

9. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
With a rolling application process, this private institution features the majority of its courses online. Students can choose either the teaching track or research/policy track, and 51 full-time plus 30 part-time faculty members are available, as well as 24-7 live tech support for all online students.

8. Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
This public university also features a rolling application process, as well as seven full-time and three part-time faculty members. Students may choose to explore the teaching track, counseling/psychology track, or administration track. Although the majority of classes are online, students have the option to select some face-to-face courses with university permission.

7. Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas
All courses at this public institution are available online, so rolling applicants can utilize the 11 full-time and 9 part-time faculty members to complete the degree. Students may choose between the teaching track, counseling/psychology track, and administration track.

6. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, University Park, Pennsylvania
This public university boasts having all education classes published online, and qualified rolling applicants are never denied enrollment. Students have the options of the research/policy track, teaching track, or administration track in this program, and they can also switch to campus-based education at any time. Tuition fees are equal for both in-state and out-of-state students.

5. University of Houston, Houston, Texas
With 100 percent of the students at this public university already employed, the school offers the convenience of all courses being available online. Each applicant is required to have taken the GRE exam, and the application deadline for the online program is March 1. This program only offers the teaching track, and it is very selective in its acceptance process. With just 25 students enrolled, the university has four full-time and two part-time faculty members.

4. Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois
This public institution requires all prospective students to have taken the GRE exam before applying for rolling admission. Approximately 99 percent of the program’s students are employed before they enter either the teaching track or administration track. The majority of the courses in this program are available online, where students can take advantage of 12 full-time and seven part-time faculty members. Students have the option to change to face-to-face classes if necessary.

3. University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska
All classes at this public university are posted online, so the 97 percent of students who are already employed have the flexibility for their convenience. All prospective students must have taken the GRE exam before applying for the rolling admission; all qualified applicants are admitted. Students can enter the teaching track or administration track and access classes from the 19 full-time and three part-time faculty members.

2. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Each prospective student is required to take the GRE exam for consideration at this rolling application, public university. Almost 95 percent of the students in the teaching track or counseling/psychology track of this program are already employed. The 12 full-time and three part-time faculty members do not deny admission to any qualified applicant, and in-state and out-of-state students face equal tuition fees.

1. Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
Because 94 percent of the students in this program are employed, all courses are online at this private institution. Each prospective student must take the GRE exam before submitting an application prior to the February 1 deadline. Only the teaching track is available, but the program does not deny enrollment to any qualified applicants. Students have the option to complete the program online with 13 full-time and four part-time instructors, or they can switch to face-to-face campus instruction at any time. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Those interested in an MBA course can choose to do the regular or online program. The latter is more advantageous since it is less taxing in terms of time. Online MBA programs are also devoid of hidden costs. The following are some of the leading lights in offering online MBA degree programs.

1. Ashford University

At Ashford, there are no restrictions on the residency of the applicants. This allows people of different nationalities to undertake the program. The course itself is of two types; these types include the standard and personalized program.

The personalized program allows learners to specialize in different branches in nine credit hours. Examples include health care administration, business economics, environmental management, organizational leadership and project administration among others.

Ashford also stands out for its flexible policies regarding the transfer of credits. This is a leeway for students to gain maximum credits. The only requirement is a college degree from an accredited institution.

2. Everest University Online

This is the online branch of the Everest University. It also puts limited emphasis on residency requirements. It is perfect for an MBA degree since it has no fixed admission requirements or dates. This allows many people to join at any time. The enrollment process is also a simple one that involves telephone interviews, financial aid and online forms.

3. University of Phoenix School of Business

The MBA degree program for this university is totally available online. It consists of 36 and 15 hours of core coursework and elective concentration respectively. Learners can elect to specialize in a range of fields. These include: health care management, technology management, accounting, marketing and energy management among others.

Successful applicants must possess undergraduate degrees from accredited institutions. Equally important is a clean disciplinary record and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

4. Salem International University

The online MBA degree program for Salem International University takes one year to complete. It consists of 12 courses that are divided into 7 core courses and 5 elective ones. Each of the courses takes one month to complete hence the 12 months completion period.

The only requirement for joining the program is a bachelor’s degree from accredited universities or colleges. Other than that, the university does not conduct any test requirements before enrollment.

5. El Business School, Madrid

This Madrid-based institution emphasizes the need for two-week residencies in Madrid. This is worthy in view of the packages of its MBA degree program. It adopts case studies as its teaching method. This includes asynchronous online lessons, blended sessions and interactive video activities. The video activities are usually live sessions that occur on weekends.

The duration of the course is 15 months and offers people the chance to learn in Spanish or English. Due to its reputation, it is a perfect place to develop wide networks in business careers.

6. Hough Graduate School of Business, The University of Florida

At the Hough Graduate School of Business, online students enjoy access to its Internet MBA. This program caters to those who had earned an undergraduate degree in business seven years ago. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in business. Also, they must have a professional experience in business of at least two years.

7. Kelley School of Business, Indiana University

Those who choose to undertake an MBA degree course at this university can choose when to graduate. The program allows students to complete their courses within two or five years. Of course, this hinges upon the learners’ preferences and needs.

This online program, Kelley Direct Online MBA, pays attention to general administration. Those who need personalized tailoring can opt for nine hours of elective courses. The lesson times are also flexible.

8. Ken Blanchard College of Business, Grand Canyon University

The Ken Blanchard College of Business allows its learners to choose from three online MBA programs. These include dual Master’s of Science in Leadership/MBA program, general MBA courses or an online MBA program with one emphasis.

Students can choose to concentrate in finance, accounting, leadership or marketing. They must undertake each course individually with 54 being the minimum credit score for graduation.

9. Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University

The Keller Graduate School of Management online MBA degree consists of 16 different concentrations. Successful applicants need not undergo testing; a minimum grade of B in English composition or college algebra will do.

10. Isenberg School of Management, The University of Massachusetts

This online business school allows learners to segment their courses as per their desires. There are those who would wish to take a few or many courses every semester. It boasts of asynchronous courses under the tutelage of its on-campus faculty. It also facilitates live courses for those who stay near its UMass satellite branch.