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 online master’s programs offered by the nation’s prestigious Ivy League institutions.
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.
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.
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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. Learn more about the cost, accreditation, and overall quality of each Ivy League degree below.
Of the eight Ivy League schools, six currently offer online master’s programs; Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, and UPenn.
Brown University
Programs Offered:
Executive Master in Cybersecurity
Executive Master in Science and Technology Leadership
Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership
Estimated Cost: Around $59,000
Online learners can take courses from Brown through MOOCs (offered in partnership with edX), as well as courses directly from the university, in areas such as cybersecurity, economics, finance, biology, and Greek mythology.
Applicants to the hybrid graduate program at Brown must complete the application process, including submitting a resume, personal statement, and transcripts. Students wishing to complete online courses through Brown must complete an application process, including transcripts. Brown University MOOCs are offered on an open enrollment basis.
Columbia University
Programs Offered:
Master of Arts in Statistics (hybrid)
Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering
Master of Social Work
Estimated Cost: Around $54,000
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 with its distance learning initiative. By ensuring a rich and dynamic educational environment for learners near and far from campus, Columbia has proved to be a great choice for online master’s programs.
Graduate admission requirements typically include official college transcripts, a resume, a recommendation letter, and a personal statement. Some programs require the submission of a portfolio. Many require 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 $57,000
Cornell’s proven model of online learning allows students to learn on their schedules without stepping out of their jobs. Online 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’s online master’s programs are excellent through and through.
Admissions to the graduate degree programs entail different specific requirements for each program.
Dartmouth College
Programs Offered:
Master of Healthcare Delivery Science
Estimated Cost: Around $38,000
Best known for its strong STEM programs, Dartmouth’s online programs are another excellent option for graduate students. Online degrees at Dartmouth are no different, as each course reflects the college’s learning philosophy. All of Dartmouth’s online courses are designed to be rigorous and intimate, in order to foster a close relationship between students and the faculty.
For online students, 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 process.
Harvard University
Programs Offered:
Master of Liberal Arts in Management
Master of Liberal Arts in Journalism
Master of Liberal Arts in Biology
Master of Liberal Arts in Software Engineering
Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology
Estimated Cost: Around $34,000
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 programs in which they explore their interests and enhance their skills.
Harvard University currently offers 24 online graduate programs, the most out of all the Ivy League schools. However, students are required to take at least one course on campus.
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
Estimated Cost: $26,300
Back in 2018, students were finally able to enroll in the first and only online master’s program offered by UPenn. Available on Coursera, you can now obtain a master’s degree from UPenn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, in computer and information technology.
Penn’s online Master’s Degree in Computer and Information Technology costs $26,300, which is about a third of the cost of the on-campus version. Applicants do not require a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, though they must possess an undergraduate degree in some field. They must also submit personal statements, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts.
Princeton University
Princeton does not currently feature fully online master’s programs. Princeton offers over 30 free online courses on platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Kadenze. Via their massive, open, online courses (MOOCs), Princeton seeks to provide exceptional educational opportunities to learners regardless of their location.
The MOOCs are free and not for credit, but are created by Princeton faculty. Princeton’s MOOCs include:
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Global History of Capitalism
Making Government Work in Hard Places
The Art of Structural Engineering: Bridges
Computer Architecture
Yale University
Though Yale does not offer online master’s programs at the moment, it does feature several online learning opportunities. Online learning at Yale is offered via a variety of platforms including YouTube, iTunesU, Coursera, and through Open Yale Courses. Most of Yale’s offerings are in the form of MOOCs (which are free and open to all) such as:
Introduction to Psychology
Moral Foundations of Politics
The Global Financial Crisis
America’s Written Constitution
Essentials of Global Health
Conclusion
Online learning is one of technology’s greatest blessings. However, some universities offer programs that may not be up to the mark in terms of quality, cost, or even convenience. Ivy League institutions are most definitely 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 program is enticing. Today, it’s never been easier to enroll. We here at CareerKarma hope you found this guide helpful, and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
