7 Best Self-Paced Master's Degree Programs Online for 2025

Earning a master's degree can help you pursue job promotions and pay increases. Maybe you're thinking about pursuing enrollment in a master's program, but you're worried about the time commitment. So, you're wondering: do any schools offer self-paced master's degrees online?

Keep reading as we take a look at some of the top self-paced online colleges in the U.S. and the master's degrees they offer. We'll also explore answers to some questions you may have.

What Is a Self-Paced Master's Degree?

Simply put, a self-paced master's degree is a graduate degree you can complete on your own time. Self-paced degrees do not offer set schedules or deadlines and typically allow students to take as much or as little time as they need to complete online courses.

Though many schools claim to offer self-paced study options, most of them require learners to meet weekly or monthly deadlines or complete each course within a period of eight to 16 weeks. Truly self-paced programs may require students to complete all coursework within a certain number of years, while others may allow lifetime access as long as they pay the subscription-based tuition.

Best Self-Paced Online Master's Degree Programs

If you already have a bachelor's degree and are ready to take your career to the next level, keep reading. Below, we'll look at the best online colleges providing self-paced master's degree programs.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit university headquartered in Utah. It offers competency-based degree programs in an array of subjects. Master's degree programs include:

• computer science
• data analytics
• human resource management
• public health
• educational leadership

Students complete courses as quickly or slowly as they want and pay a flat tuition rate every six months. The school provides opportunities for students to move more quickly through subjects they are familiar with, potentially helping them graduate quickly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,842 per year
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is one of the only public schools to offer competency-based master's degrees online. Students at this school can pursue an online Master of Science in business and a Master of Arts in organizational leadership.

These programs are available in the school's YourPace format, which builds on students' previous experience and education to help them get ahead. Students pay a flat tuition rate every eight weeks and progress through their studies at whatever pace works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,100 per year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private, for-profit school headquartered in California. It offers fully online degree programs, including a Master of Arts in organizational leadership.

The competency-based MyPath format used for this program allows students to pay a flat rate every 24 weeks and complete courses whenever it works for them. There are no course limits, so students can take as heavy or as light a course load each term as their schedules allow.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,140 per year
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

4. Capella University

Capella University is a private, for-profit university headquartered in Minnesota. It offers self-paced master's degrees in several fields of study, including:

• psychology
• nursing
• health administration
• business administration
• human resource management

These degree programs feature several specializations to help students pursue specific career goals. Learners can complete as many credit hours as they want and pay a subscription-based tuition rate every 12 weeks.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,092 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Walden University

Walden University is another private online school headquartered in Minnesota. It offers various competency-based degrees, including master's programs in areas such as:

• criminal justice
• early childhood studies
• nursing informatics
• psychology
• business administration

The school offers a self-paced format known as Tempo Learning, which allows students to complete coursework at their own pace and pay a flat tuition rate every three months. This format gives students the flexibility to set their own schedules, according to whatever works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,361 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is an online school based in Orange Beach, AL. Master's degree students at this private, for-profit university can complete programs such as:

• public administration
• occupational safety and health
• nursing education
• fire executive leadership
• homeland security

The school's self-paced format, known as Life Pace, allows students to study on their own schedule and graduate in a timeframe that works for them. Students pay a low per-credit-hour tuition that helps them avoid breaking the bank.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,756 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private school system with locations around the U.S. It offers the following self-paced online master's degrees:

• nursing
• human resources management
• healthcare administration
• business administration
• public health

The self-paced format is known as Empowered Learning, and it allows students to study at their own pace as long as they participate in class at least once every 14 days and complete coursework by the end of the term. Courses use real-world learning scenarios to provide highly practical knowledge and skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,490 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only the best programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the online learning opportunities featured above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies, ensuring they adhere to rigorous academic standards.
• Program format: Each program is available online and in a self-paced format.
• College reputation: Each school is known for providing high-quality on-campus and online education programs for learners.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Master's Degrees

If you still have questions about pursuing a self-paced learning experience, you're not alone. Read on as we provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

What's the Fastest Master's Degree To Get?

Not all master's degrees take the same amount of time to complete. Accelerated programs can often be completed in a year, while degrees in certain areas of study can be completed in a year or less even without pursuing an accelerated program. Common fast degrees include business administration, healthcare administration, nursing, education, and accounting.

Can You Get a Master's Degree at Your Own Pace?

Yes, it is possible to complete a master's degree at your own pace. Each of the schools featured in this article offers self-paced master's degree programs in popular, career-focused fields to help students expand their career opportunities without sacrificing other commitments in their lives.

What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get?

The easiest master's degrees to get will largely depend on students' own strengths and weaknesses. Some master's degrees commonly considered to be relatively easy include communications, sport management, and organizational leadership. That said, any graduate program with no GRE requirements and relaxed admissions standards may also be considered easy, depending on the specific subjects that students excel at.

Is Self-Paced Online College Worth It?

Completing self-paced studies online takes commitment, dedication, and strong organizational skills. Students must be able to motivate themselves to stay on track and complete their degrees. But, for students willing to put in the work, self-paced programs can be well worth the time and effort they cost because they make it possible for busy learners who might not otherwise be able to go back to school to advance their education.

Are There Any Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online?

The only truly tuition-free online college is University of the People, which only charges course fees for its degree programs. Learners at this school can earn master's degrees in business administration, education, and information technology.

Discover Online Master's Degrees

If you're ready to enroll in a self-paced master's degree program, check out the colleges and universities featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their admissions process and choose the right program for you.