10 Affordable Online Master's in Professional Studies Programs 2025

A Master of Professional Studies (MPS) can help you build specialized expertise and advance in your career without putting your life on hold. Below, we'll highlight affordable online options along with advice for choosing the right program, understanding costs, exploring potential career paths, and reviewing common questions. If you want to grow in your current field or move into a new industry, you can find a program that aligns with your professional ambitions and budget.

What Is a Master of Professional Studies?

A Master of Professional Studies is a graduate degree that provides advanced, career-focused training in a specific field. Unlike traditional research-based master's programs, an MPS provides academic theory along with practical application, preparing you for real-world challenges in your profession.

Specializations can range from cybersecurity and data analytics to organizational leadership and project management. Most programs include core professional skills courses, concentration-specific classes, and a capstone or applied project to demonstrate your abilities.

This degree will give you targeted, flexible training that can be completed in one to two years, helping you advance quickly without stepping away from your career.

Can You Get a Master of Professional Studies Online?

Yes, you can earn a master's in Professional Studies fully online. Many universities now offer an online Master of Professional Studies designed for working adults.

These programs are often delivered asynchronously, allowing you to access lectures and assignments on your own time. Some may include optional live sessions for discussions or networking. While the coursework can be completed remotely, certain concentrations might require you to visit the campus for things such as residencies or industry projects.

With many accredited schools offering this degree online, you can pursue your professional goals from anywhere while continuing to work and manage other responsibilities.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Professional Studies Cost?

The cost of a Master of Professional Studies online varies by school but generally ranges from $450 to $1,000 per credit. With most programs requiring 30 to 36 credits, you can expect to pay between $13,500 and $36,000 in tuition.

Annual tuition often falls between $8,000 and $18,000, depending on the institution's rate and your pace of study. Additional expenses may include textbooks, technology fees, and possible costs for capstone projects or short residencies.

You can often offset your costs through financial aid, including scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and federal student loans, making it possible to earn your degree without overextending your budget.

Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Professional Studies

Below, you'll find some of the most affordable online Master of Professional Studies degrees, chosen for their quality, flexibility, and value for working professionals.

1. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers an online MPS that lets you tailor your graduate education to your career goals. The program is entirely online, and you can choose from multiple concentrations such as organizational leadership, human resource management, and instructional technology. Coursework applies your skills through projects, case studies, and professional research.

You'll benefit from FHSU's flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, and experienced faculty who bring industry knowledge to the classroom. This program is ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement or a transition into leadership roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $349 per credit
• Program length: 30 credit hours
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University's MPS program gives you a customizable online learning experience with concentrations in areas like business, criminal justice, and information systems. The curriculum blends core courses in professional communication, research methods, and leadership with concentration-specific classes to match your career objectives.

Delivered fully online, the program is accommodating to working adults and those balancing family responsibilities. You can apply your coursework directly to professional challenges, making it especially valuable for career advancement in public, private, or nonprofit sectors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $471 per credit hour
• Program length: 30 credit hours
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of North Alabama

Flexibility is at the heart of the University of North Alabama's (UNA) online MPS, making it a strong choice if you're a working professional. The program blends core leadership and management courses with customizable concentrations in areas such as community development, information technology, and security. The online format allows you to balance your studies with career and personal commitments while building skills relevant to your specific field.

You can expect coursework focused on applied problem-solving, organizational communication, and strategic planning. With the option to tailor electives, the program works well for those seeking interdisciplinary expertise or career advancement in fields that value leadership and specialized knowledge.

• Estimated tuition cost: $495 per credit hour
• Program length: 30 credit hours
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Missouri State University

At Missouri State University (MSU), the online MPS is designed for students who want a degree as versatile as their career goals. The program integrates a professional core in project management, organizational communication, and applied research methods with multiple emphasis areas, including business, health, and education.

Courses are entirely online, so you can complete assignments on your schedule. The interdisciplinary format is especially beneficial for mid-career professionals who need to combine expertise from more than one discipline. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared to tackle complex workplace challenges with skills in leadership, strategic decision-making, and problem-solving.

• Estimated tuition cost: $507 per credit hour (in-state); $899 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: 33 credit hours
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Wilmington University

Wilmington University's online Master of Science (MS) in professional studies offers a highly customizable path for students looking to advance in multidisciplinary careers. The program has core courses in research methods, leadership, and organizational management along with electives you can choose to match your professional goals. Areas of interest can include behavioral science, conflict resolution, or human resource management.

Because all coursework is available 100% online, you can complete assignments and collaborate with peers on a schedule that fits your life. This degree is ideal if you want to learn leadership skills and specialized knowledge.

• Estimated tuition cost: $537 per credit hour
• Program length: 33 credit hours
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University's (MTSU) online MPS is structured to help mid-career professionals enhance leadership, communication, and project management abilities. You can choose from concentrations such as strategic leadership, human resources leadership, and training and development, allowing for targeted career preparation.

The program is fully online, with a mix of asynchronous coursework and interactive discussions designed to foster real-world problem-solving skills. MTSU's curriculum applies theory to workplace situations, making it especially valuable if you want to step into a management role or expand your influence in your current organization.

• Estimated tuition cost: $597 per credit hour (in-state); $746 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: 30 credit hours
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Bellevue University

Bellevue University's online MPS provides a career-focused option for students who want to design their own program of study. The degree offers core classes in applied research, leadership, and ethics, and you'll have the freedom to choose electives across multiple disciplines, including business, communication, and technology.

The program's online format caters to working adults, with a curriculum designed to immediately connect to professional settings. You'll graduate with a broad skill set and targeted expertise, making this program a strong choice if you're seeking a leadership position or wanting to shift into a new career field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $680 per credit hour
• Program length: 30 credit hours
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Tennessee Tech

Tennessee Tech's MPS is built for working professionals who want to advance in leadership, communication, and strategic management roles. You can select from concentrations such as human resources leadership, training and development, and strategic leadership. Coursework applies research with organizational best practices, ensuring you can immediately use what you learn in your workplace.

To give you maximum scheduling flexibility, the program is fully online with asynchronous courses. With a curriculum aimed at enhancing practical problem-solving skills, Tennessee Tech's MPS is great for mid-career professionals and those transitioning into management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $699 per credit hour (in-state); $839 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: 30 hours
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University's online MPS focuses on blending academic learning with real-world application. You can pick a customizable concentration, allowing you to focus on areas such as leadership, organizational development, or performance improvement. The program integrates case studies, applied projects, and mentorship opportunities for a career-relevant learning experience.

With its 100% online format, this program can accommodate your busy schedule. Lipscomb's approach focuses on ethical leadership and strategic thinking, making it an excellent choice if you want to move into executive-level roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

• Estimated tuition cost: $899 per credit hour
• Program length: 30 to 36 credit hours
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island's (URI) online MPS gives you an interdisciplinary approach that allows you to design a degree aligned with your career goals. The program combines core courses in professional communication, leadership, and applied research with elective options across multiple disciplines.

URI's MPS program caters to working adults, with online, asynchronous coursework that can be completed around your schedule. This degree is especially beneficial for students seeking to advance into leadership positions, shift industries, or broaden their expertise through a customized academic path.

• Estimated tuition cost: $918 per credit hour
• Program length: 30 credit hours
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

We chose the schools on this list based on three key factors so you can find high-quality, affordable education.

• Accreditation: We only included regionally accredited institutions, ensuring that each program meets high academic standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other universities.
• Affordability: Tuition rates were compared to identify programs that provide strong value without sacrificing quality, with special consideration for those offering competitive per-credit costs.
• Program reputation: Schools with strong faculty expertise, positive student outcomes, and well-regarded curricula in professional studies were prioritized to help you find respected, career-relevant options.

Why Choose a Master of Professional Studies Program?

A Master of Professional Studies can be the next step in your career, no matter what field you're in. You get to shape the program around your goals, choosing concentrations in areas like leadership, communications, or organizational development.

Along the way, you'll build both the academic knowledge and the practical, on-the-job skills you can put to work right away. It's a smart choice if you're a mid-career professional aiming for a promotion, a career seeker ready to dive into something new, or an entrepreneur looking to fine-tune your strategy. Benefits include:

• Expanded career opportunities and leadership potential
• Practical skills that transfer directly to the workplace
• Increased earning potential and marketability

What To Look for in an Affordable Master of Professional Studies Degree

When you're looking into an affordable Master of Professional Studies program, start by comparing the cost per credit and the total price tag, and don't forget to factor in any extra fees. Make sure the school is regionally accredited so your degree carries weight with employers. Flexibility matters too, so see if they offer asynchronous classes or part-time options that fit your schedule.

It's also worth checking out the faculty to make sure they bring real-world experience to the table. Look for concentrations that align with your career goals, and explore ways to lower costs through financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement. Finally, take a look at alumni stories and the program's overall reputation to be sure your investment will pay off in the long run.

What Can You Do With a Master of Professional Studies Degree?

With a Master of Professional Studies degree, you can step into leadership or specialized roles across a wide range of industries, from business and communications to education, government, and nonprofit management. Graduates often work as project managers, human resources directors, communications strategists, or organizational consultants.

Your future employer could be anyone from a Fortune 500 company to a public agency, university, or mission-driven nonprofit. Salaries vary by field, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a master's degree in the United States earn a median of $1,840 weekly, which translates to approximately $95,680 annually. Thanks to the degree's interdisciplinary approach, you'll have skills that can adapt to changing industries, so it's a smart move if you want both flexibility and upward career growth.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Master of Professional Studies Programs

If you're exploring graduate options, you may have questions about what a Master of Professional Studies offers, how it compares to other degrees, and what careers it can lead to. Below, you'll find clear answers to help guide your decision.

Is a Master's in Professional Studies Worth It?

A Master's in Professional Studies can be highly valuable if you're a mid-career professional or making a career switch and want practical, job-ready skills. You can tailor the coursework to fit your goals, positioning yourself for leadership opportunities. Plus, compared to more research-focused graduate programs, this degree often offers a quicker return on your investment.

What Is the Difference Between a Master's and a Master of Professional Studies?

A traditional master's degree often leans toward research and academic theory, while a Master of Professional Studies is all about applied, career-focused skills. MPS programs usually mix interdisciplinary coursework with hands-on projects and industry-focused training, which is a great help for working professionals who want skills they can use right away.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in Professional Studies?

An MPS can open the door to leadership and specialist roles in areas like business, nonprofit management, government, communications, and education. Graduates often work as project managers, HR directors, program administrators, or communications strategists. The degree's adaptability means you can move between industries while putting your management and problem-solving skills to work.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Master's in Professional Studies?

Most online Master of Professional Studies programs take one and a half to two years to complete with full-time study. Part-time options are common, extending timelines to two to three years, but they allow you more room to balance coursework with career and personal responsibilities.

Can I Do a PhD With a Professional Master's?

Yes, it is possible to pursue a PhD after earning an MPS, though eligibility depends on the specific doctoral program. You may need to meet additional research or academic prerequisites, especially for PhDs in fields that prioritize theoretical or scholarly preparation.

Do Professional Master's Degrees Have a Thesis?

Many MPS programs do not require a traditional thesis, focusing instead on applied projects, capstone courses, or internships. These alternatives allow you to demonstrate mastery through real-world problem-solving and professional application rather than solely through academic research.

Discover Online Master's Programs

Earning your Master of Professional Studies can open doors to new opportunities and give you the skills to excel in your chosen field. Explore the programs featured on Learn.org today and connect with schools to find the path that fits your career goals.