Online learning has taken the world by storm. Over six million Americans are pursuing some form of online education. In particular, graduate students are twice as likely to pursue and obtain a degree online. In this article, we’ll tell you everything about the best Ivy League online master’s programs offered by the nation’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions.
Ivy League online master’s degree programs provide a wealth of benefits over traditional degree programs. Not only are these programs less costly, but according to a LinkedIn survey, 58 percent of graduate students would rather pursue their education online. This is due to the high standards of most online programs and the plethora of resources that are offered exclusively online.
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Furthermore, online students can pursue their degrees on their own schedule via asynchronous (self-paced) programs. The ability to find degree programs and access them whenever you’re most comfortable is an invaluable asset. If used right, online learning can provide you with a first-rate education without the expenses or hassle of face-to-face learning.
While online programs offer several benefits, it is still possible to fall prey to ineffective programs. When it comes to excellent online education, it is difficult to go wrong with Ivy League institutions.
As of today, there are several online graduate degrees available from Ivy League universities. Of the eight Ivy League schools, seven currently offer online master’s programs; Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, UPenn, and Yale. Learn more about the cost, accreditation, and overall quality of each Ivy League degree below.
Brown University
Programs Offered:
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Technology Leadership
Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership
Master of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship
Estimated Cost: Around $61,000 per academic year
Brown University online master’s degrees are offered as low-residency, fully online programs. These high-quality online degree programs are ideal for professionals and students who have full-time jobs and are looking to career switch or upskill. Furthermore, Brown University masters online programs allow international students and those who can’t commute to gain an Ivy League quality education.
Applicants to online academic programs at Brown must complete an online application. This includes submitting a resume, personal statement, and transcripts. Brown University MOOCs are offered on an open enrollment basis but don’t have the same level of qualification as an online graduate program, such as an online MBA Ivy League program.
Columbia University
Programs Offered:
Master of Science in Applied Analytics
Master of Science in Bioethics
Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management
Master of Science in Human Capital Management
Master’s in Insurance Management
Master of Science in Nonprofit Management
Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management
Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Master of Science in Information and Knowledge Strategy
Master of Science in Social Work
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Master of Public Administration
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Master of Science in Material Science and Engineering
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Estimated Cost: Around $54,000 per academic year
A leader in higher education for more than 250 years, Columbia University has expanded its professional development and higher education opportunities through online learning. According to Vice Provost Soulaymane Kachani, Columbia schools and faculty have developed pioneering programs and initiatives in the field of online learning over many years.
Through its online initiative, Columbia has been very successful in its distance learning initiative. By ensuring a rich and dynamic educational environment for learners near and far from campus, Columbia University online master’s have proved to be a great choice for high-quality education.c
Graduate admission requirements for Columbia University online master’s degrees typically include official college transcripts, a resume, a recommendation letter, and a personal statement. Some programs require the submission of a portfolio. Furthermore, most Columbia online master’s require the submission of GMAT or GRE scores.
Cornell University
Programs Offered:
Executive Master of Human Resource Management
Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
Estimated Cost: Around $62,000 per academic year
Cornell’s proven model of online learning allows students to learn on their schedules without stepping out of their jobs. Cornell University online master’s learners can participate in small, personalized classes in which they can master relevant and applicable concepts.
With their expert engagement, global network, and VIP support, Cornell University online graduate programs are excellent through and through. The online application process requires students to submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and an application fee. Applicants must also have earned a bachelor’s degree.
Dartmouth College
Programs Offered:
Master of Healthcare Delivery Science
Estimated Cost: Around $58,000 per academic year
Best known for its strong STEM programs, Dartmouth online master’s programs are another excellent option for graduate students. Online degrees at Dartmouth are no different, as each course reflects the college’s learning philosophy. Each Dartmouth College online master’s is designed to be rigorous and intimate. This helps foster a close relationship between students and the faculty through close-knit groups.
For online students seeking undergraduate programs or non-degree programs, Dartmouth College offers several options, including two hybrid degree programs and MOOCs through DartmouthX (in partnership with edX). The graduate degree programs at Dartmouth require official transcripts and an online application.
Harvard University
Programs Offered:
Master of Liberal Arts in Anthropology and Archeology
Master of Liberal Arts in Biology
Master of Liberal Arts in Biotechnology
Master of Liberal Arts in Cybersecurity
Master of Liberal Arts in Data Science
Master of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design
Master of Liberal Arts in English
Master of Liberal Arts in Finance
Master of Liberal Arts in Global Development Practice
Master of Liberal Arts in Government
Master of Liberal Arts in History
Master of Liberal Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Master of Liberal Arts in Information Management Systems
Master of Liberal Arts in International Relations
Master of Liberal Arts in Journalism
Master of Liberal Arts in Management
Master of Liberal Arts in Mathematics for Teaching
Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology
Master of Liberal Arts in Religion
Master of Liberal Arts in Software Engineering
Master of Liberal Arts in Sustainability
Estimated Cost: Around $50,000 per academic year
Not only is it the oldest university in the country, but Harvard is also frequently noted as the best educational institution for several decades. With its new and innovative extension school, students can now pursue a wide variety of Harvard University online master’s programs in which they explore their interests and enhance their skills.
There are currently over 20 different Harvard online master’s degrees, the most out of all the Ivy League schools. Harvard uses its own platform; the Helix classrooms and web conferences. This technology allows students from all over the world to come together and take part in a live classroom experience.
Between the undergraduate and graduate schools, Harvard enrolls about 31,000 students. These numbers do not include those who take specific online educational courses. Applicants must provide a finished online application, specific grades, and GPA requirements in stipulated Harvard degree courses. Moreover, applicants must also provide certain academic standing, student conduct, and English proficiency requirements.
University of Pennsylvania
Program Offered:
Master of Computer and Information Technology
Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science
Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership
Master of Science in Animal Welfare and Behavior
Master of Healthcare Innovation
Estimated Cost: $38,000 per academic year
University of Pennsylvania online master’s programs are offered at a lower cost than traditional on-campus degrees. University of Pennsylvania also offers MOOCs and specialization courses for students looking to build a specific skill quickly.
Applicants interested in online education at University of Pennsylvania will be required to submit an application form, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and an application fee.
GRE scores are optional and some programs may require prospective students to submit a professional resume. Furthermore, you will need to have earned an undergraduate degree, typically in a related field.
Princeton University
Currently, there are no Princeton University online master’s degree programs. However, Princeton offers over 30 free online courses on platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Kadenze. With these MOOCs, Princeton seeks to provide exceptional educational opportunities to learners regardless of their location.
All of the online courses offered by Princeton are free, but unfortunately, they are not for credit. These individual courses are created by the Princeton faculty to ensure they are of a high standard and teach learners professional skills. Princeton’s MOOCs include:
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Making Government Work in Hard Places
The Art of Structural Engineering: Bridges
Yale University
Program Offered:
Executive Master of Public Health
Estimated Cost: $36,600 per academic year
There is currently only one Yale University online master’s program. This online program is offered as a hybrid degree, so students are required to attend the Yale campus for in-person management and leadership training.
The Yale online master’s degree is designed for professionals or those with a busy schedule, as the program is offered part-time. It takes two years to complete which includes a one-year integrative experience that allows students to take part in real-world public health problems.
Aside from the Ivy League online master’s, there are several other online learning opportunities at Yale. These are offered via a variety of platforms including YouTube, iTunesU, Coursera, and Open Yale Courses. Most of Yale’s offerings are in the form of MOOCs (which are free and open to all) and include:
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Should You Enroll in the Best Ivy League Online Master’s Degree Programs?
Ivy League online master’s degree programs are an incredible technological resource. Other universities offer programs that may not be up to the mark in terms of quality, cost, or even convenience. But Ivy League institutions are first-rate when it comes to many of these factors.
Whether you’re in high school or are a working professional, a chance to enroll in an Ivy League online master’s is enticing. Today, it’s never been easier to enroll in online graduate degree programs. We here at Career Karma hope you found this guide helpful, and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Ivy League Online Masters FAQ
Yes, in most cases you need an undergraduate degree to apply for the best online master’s programs Ivy League colleges offer. Typically, you will need a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Some universities may allow you to bypass the undergraduate degree requirement if you have vast experience in your field of study.
Are the best Ivy League online master’s degree programs worth it?
Yes, the best Ivy League schools with online master’s programs are worth it. Ivy League education is highly regarded and recognized globally. Including an Ivy League on your resume is a surefire way to impress future employers. Online classes provide focused learning and excellent educational experiences.
Do the best Ivy League online master’s degree programs offer scholarships?
Ivy League schools do not offer merit-based scholarships, but they will meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need. This means, for example, students can apply for financial aid using FAFSA. Furthermore, no Ivy League schools offer athletic scholarships.
Are the best Ivy League online master’s degree programs as good as in-person Ivy League master’s degree programs?
Yes, Ivy League online master’s degree programs offer the same level of high-quality education. Typically, there is little to no difference between in-person and online curricula at Ivy League institutions. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of learning. For example, online courses are cheaper but lack the social interaction of on-campus life.
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