Hybrid Degree Programs: Meaning, Advantages, & More

Hybrid programs combine both in-person and online features to provide students with some flexibility while maintaining the experience of learning among peers. Educational institutions continue to develop education programs that integrate online courses with face-to-face experiences for learners.

Hybrid learning programs are available at the graduate and undergraduate levels, with options in information technology, mental health, cybersecurity, and other popular fields. Continue reading to learn more about hybrid degree programs.

What Is a Hybrid Degree Program?

Hybrid degree programs mix the benefits of in-person classes with the flexibility and accessibility of online coursework. The online portion of a hybrid program may offer asynchronous or synchronous learning, or some combination of the two. ''Asynchronous'' simply means that online students can work at times that fit their schedule, while synchronous refers to some scheduled online components (such as course lectures).

How Does a Hybrid Degree Program Work?

Each program's format can vary, but many involve periodic campus or other in-person sessions. Other hybrid programs enable students to choose their preferred mix of online and on-campus classes throughout their program. The specific balance of online and in-person components depends on the program and the school, but an increasing number of institutions are offering hybrid degrees.

Hybrid vs Online Programs

Hybrid programs involve some in-person requirements, while fully online degree programs do not. Programs offered fully online are more convenient, as students can complete their coursework from anywhere without the need to come to campus. For hybrid programs, the frequency of in-person requirements varies, but students may prefer to choose a school within a reasonable driving distance.

Benefits of a Hybrid Degree Program

While online programs offer more flexibility, they lack many of the community and support features that in-person programs provide. Students in fully online programs are less likely to connect with peers and may feel alone within their program. Hybrid programs enable students to interact with their classmates and support one another, as well as collaborate throughout their program.

Best Colleges and Universities With Hybrid Programs

More schools now offer online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, giving students more options for pursuing their degrees. Below are 10 of the best hybrid programs and schools, each of which features its own balance of in-person and online learning components.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is widely known for its STEM and related high-quality programs, including three hybrid options:

• Professional Master's in Applied Systems Engineering (PMASE)
• Professional Master's in Manufacturing Leadership
• Professional Master's in Occupational Safety and Health (PMOSH)

Each of the two-year hybrid programs are structured in a cohort model, allowing students to progress with their peers. Online coursework is asynchronous but may include periodic virtual meetings with classmates. Students meet on campus three times during each program for three or four days each.

• Estimated tuition cost: $601 to $1,302 per credit (varies by program and residency)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Houston

The University of Houston (UH) offers undergraduate and graduate hybrid programs, as well as primarily and completely online program options. Undergraduate hybrid programs include options in human resource development, psychology, and consumer sciences.

Master's hybrid programs include social work, special education, data science, and supply chain technology. UH also has a hybrid program for a Doctor of Education (EdD) in professional leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $362 to $1,137 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers dozens of programs across various levels of study, and students can complete some coursework from multiple programs online. The wide assortment of online and on-campus classes enables students to complete their degree programs through a hybrid format.

Undergraduate programs are open to students with a high school diploma and include degrees in accountancy, computer science, and communication. Graduate programs are available at both the master's and doctoral degree levels, with options in business analytics, education, management, and several other fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $536 to $1,614 per credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a few hybrid master's degree programs, including:

• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Science (MS) in dental hygiene
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

MSN students can choose from four specializations, including primary care family nurse practitioner (NP) and primary care pediatrics NP. Each hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person practicum experiences, whether on campus or at relevant facilities, to build their skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $545 to $2,438 per credit (varies by program and residency)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, dubbed ''Carolina'' by North Carolinians, offers a few hybrid programs:

• Doctoral degree in health leadership
• Executive MBA
• Master's degree in radiologic science

The health leadership program involves a multi-day campus visit each semester and the radiology program combines online coursework with clinical practicum components. The MBA is available in three hybrid options, including a once-per-month option, and features two separate networking weekends over the course of the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $292 to $3,939 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Northwestern University

There are multiple hybrid programs available at Northwestern University, including:

• MS in learning and organizational change
• MS in technology, people, and policy
• MS in health services and outcomes research
• MS in health professions
• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)

The master's programs can be completed in one to two years, while the doctoral program is a two-year cohort degree program. Students can complete a lot of their coursework online and collaborate and learn with peers in periodic in-person sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,973 per term (varies by program)
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as well as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Both programs enable students to select an area of concentration and complete coursework online over a three-year period.

SHU also has an MS in accounting and an MS in industrial/organizational psychology, both of which can be completed in one year. The accounting program consists of monthly in-person meetings, while the psychology program has weekly on-campus components.

• Estimated tuition cost: $850 to $1,010 per credit
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University offers more than 70 hybrid programs, including various options for both undergraduate and graduate students. Baccalaureate program options include business analytics, agricultural sciences, early childhood education, computer science, and criminal justice.

Students can also pursue a hybrid master's degree in fields like healthcare leadership, marketing analytics, public health, and chemistry. Doctoral degree programs include those in higher education, curriculum and instruction, and experimental psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $543 to $991 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Northeastern University

Northeastern University has campuses in several different states, including Massachusetts, California, Maine, and others. Most programs at Northeastern can be completed through a hybrid format — and students can combine online and on-campus classes to create their ideal balance of in-person and remote components.

Students can complete undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs through a combination of online and campus courses, including options in project management, behavior analysis, and bioinformatics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $560 to $1,946 per credit
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga offers several hybrid programs, which consist primarily of online coursework and various in-person components.

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice
• BS in business analytics
• Educational Specialist (EdS) in school psychology
• Master of Music
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in leadership and decision making
• Doctor of Education (EdD) in leadership and professional practice

Students can also pursue supplemental certificates, minors, and degrees through fully online courses, and have the opportunity to apply for hundreds of in-house scholarships through the scholarship portal.

• Estimated tuition cost: $363 to $522 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

In choosing which schools to include in our rankings, we evaluate various criteria from numerous schools across the country. Some of the key characteristics that we look for are accreditation, cost, quality, and format.

• Accreditation: All of the ranked schools have institutional accreditation, which means the schools surpass a list of specific academic quality standards.
• Hybrid format: Each program listed can be completed in hybrid format, blending online flexibility with the benefits of in-person learning.
• Program reputation: Students have access to user-friendly online interfaces as well as knowledgeable and supportive program faculty.

FAQs About Hybrid Degree Programs

Before you choose a program, think about what features are going to give you the best experience and outcome. The FAQs below address several key considerations for hybrid programs.

Is a Hybrid Degree Worth It?

The short answer is, it depends. Not all degrees are equal, as some fields offer a greater salary outlook and employability. Review career projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website to assess the outlook of your preferred degree field(s).

What Does Hybrid Mean in College?

Hybrid simply means a mix of online and on-campus. Depending on your program, you might attend campus sessions once per semester, once a month, or a few times a week. Check your candidate programs for specific hybrid details.

Are Hybrid Courses in College Harder?

No, hybrid courses are not necessarily harder. Just like any course, it depends on your familiarity with the material and your assignments. In a hybrid format, however, you can still lean on peers and professors for support (which is harder in fully online programs).

Explore Hybrid Degree Programs

Explore other popular and well-paying hybrid degree programs on Learn.org, and contact the schools that offer programs in your field of interest.