Graduate degrees are available in many different specializations. But what about an online master’s in science? Many of these degrees prepare students for professions in practical work environments, like engineering firms, research labs, and similar organizations.
Fortunately, there are many top master’s in science online degrees available. While some programs may require an in-person experience, most allow students to earn their degrees 100% online. Furthermore, many of the best online graduate programs in science are available at affordable tuition rates.
Read on for a breakdown of the best online master’s in science.
What is a Master’s in Science?
A master’s in science is an advanced degree that specializes in one’s education and knowledge in an area of scientific understanding. Master’s in science degrees prepare graduates for careers in teaching, research, or other fields.
Three Branches of Science
All science consists of three major branches. Master’s degrees in science also follow this branch categorization at many schools.
1. Natural Science
2. Social Science
Social sciences concern human behavior, identity, and interactions among people. Examples of social sciences include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Archaeology
- History
- Geology
- Law
- Politics
3. Formal Science
Formal science disciplines are those that concern numbers and data. Examples of formal science include:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Technology
Three Branches of Natural Science & Their Main Sub-Fields
Natural science is among the most popular science branches, primarily because it’s a versatile field that qualifies students for many different positions.
1. Physical Sciences
The physical sciences include physics and chemistry. These concern how the physical world changes and works.
2. Life Sciences
Life sciences are those that concern life, including but not limited to subjects like:
- Anatomy
- Botany
- Biology
- Zoology
- Neurobiology
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Paleontology
- Cell Biology
- Etiology
3. Earth Science
Earth sciences revolve around studies of the earth and its composition and astronomical objects. The chief fields are geology and astronomy.
Online Master’s in Science Overview
Generally, online master’s in science programs include a few core similarities regardless of their specializations or concentrations.
Admission Requirements
Master’s programs typically have high admission requirements, such as:
- GPA requirements, usually 2.8 or 3.0 or above
- Letters of recommendation, usually two or three
- An essay or statement of intent
- A completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant or related field
Course Work
Most master’s in science programs include focused or specialized courses in one’s field of study. For example, depending on the concentration, they may consist of more foundational or generalized courses.
Length of Program
Most online master’s programs take two years to complete 30 or so credits. However, some programs can be completed in one year, while others typically take three years.
Master’s Degrees in Physical Science
Generally, master’s degrees in physical science include core or foundational courses in topics such as physics and chemistry, regardless of specialization.
Master’s Degrees in Life Science
Life science master’s degrees frequently include biology or microbiology courses to ensure students know how life itself functions and evolves.
Master’s Degrees in Earth Science
Master’s programs in Earth science frequently include some introductory geology courses. However, some astronomy courses may forgo these for more specialized classes.
How Do I Choose an Online Master’s in Science Program?
Choosing an online master’s in science program can be tricky. Therefore, students should focus on significant factors to ensure they pick the right program for their needs and limitations.
Cost
Always consider the cost. Generally, out-of-state students pay more than in-state students regardless of whether they attend online or in person.
Program Format
Some programs are only available online, while others may be available only in person. If a program appears to be online, make sure it’s not a hybrid program, which requires some in-person hours for graduation.
Location
A program’s location can impact its tuition, accessibility, and course offerings.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential in picking an online master’s in science program. A school should be at least regionally and nationally accredited to be worth a student’s time and money. Specific accreditations for given programs are also signs of good academic quality.
Student Support
Students may wish to check whether a school offers good student support resources like library access, student advisors, etc.
Best Online Master’s Programs in Science
1. Online Master’s in Physical Science
Online master’s degrees in physical science cover subjects like physics and chemistry. These can be great steppingstone degrees for future researchers or college professors. They can also prepare students to enter practical or applied physics jobs in laboratories or engineering firms.
University of Saint Joseph
Accreditation: NECHE
Program: Master of Science in Chemistry
Duration: 2 years
The University of Saint Joseph offers students an online master’s in chemistry. It’s a very flexible program with two culmination options: thesis or non-thesis. Either way, students take courses ranging from biochemistry to medicinal chemistry to inorganic chemistry and more.
Furthermore, the program is notable since it provides high school teachers opportunities to broaden their applied chemistry skills. They can take specialized courses like biochemistry of cancer, forensic chemistry, and more.
All students must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a similar discipline to qualify. GPA requirements are relatively achievable at 2.8 or higher. All students must also have two letters of recommendation to qualify.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Master of Chemistry in Analytical Chemistry
Duration: 2 years
The Illinois Institute of Technology’s Master of Chemistry in Analytical Chemistry is a professional degree program. It’s designed for students who want to bolster their chemistry knowledge for applied science contexts, such as jobs in laboratories, jobs for medicinal or pharmaceutical companies, and more.
Specifically, courses focus on methods development, chromatography, and similar subjects. All students also take classes on statistical methods and project management. Thus, it’s a perfect choice for future project managers or chemistry team leads who need to juggle large teams of people to accomplish objectives. There’s even a technical communication skills class included for this very purpose.
Ohio University
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Master of Science in Chemistry
Duration: 2 years
Ohio University offers a master’s degree in chemistry to online students. This program is particularly accessible because it doesn’t require GRE scores, unlike most graduate programs. Furthermore, students don’t have to complete a thesis to finish this degree program.
Because it is only 30 credits long, students can complete it in three semesters. However, each semester is roughly one year long. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to attend this program – it’s not as “accelerated” as many students first think.
From start to finish, the program keeps the needs of future science teachers and professionals in the field in mind. It offers professional development resources for career success for future teachers. It’s also taught by renowned faculty from Ohio University. The program covers chemistry’s advanced fundamentals and specifics, enabling students to pursue doctoral degrees in research contexts after graduation.
The program is available with three different start dates, and students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better in their current degree program. Three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose are also required for all students.
Johns Hopkins University
Accreditation: MSCHE
Program: Applied Physics Master’s Degree
Duration: 2-4 years
The well-known Johns Hopkins University offers an online and part-time applied physics degree at the graduate level. Because this is a part-time degree, it’s ideal for working professionals or those who don’t have the time to commit to school full-time.
This program is one of the few applied physics degrees one can complete online. It’s an excellent program for aspiring professionals who want to work in physics. The courses here will prepare graduates for professions in industries handling fiber-optic cables, laser optics, quantum optics, astrophysics, and other areas.
Notable scientists from organizations like NASA and the Johns Hopkins Physics Lab teach the program’s material. Students can select courses tailored to their degree preferences and concentrate the program on either photonics or materials and condensed matter. Notably, 70% of the enrolled students in this program are covered by employer contribution programs.
University of Central Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Science in Optics and Photonics
Duration: 2 years
The University of Central Florida offers an online graduate program in optics and photonics. It’s a well-rounded and robust program that requires 30 credit hours. Students can choose between a more dedicated photonics track, a specialized optics track, or a generalized and balanced optics and photonics track, depending on their career preferences and goals.
Regardless, it’s a very flexible degree program intended for those with a bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Experts teach all classes in optics and photonics at UCF. Students benefit from an in-depth curriculum covering lasers, physical optics, electromagnetics, etc.
It’s a full-time program exclusively, however. Therefore, it’s not the best choice for graduate students who need a part-time learning schedule.
2. Life Science Master’s Degrees
As one of the main branches of natural science, there are plenty of online master’s degrees in life science. These degrees are perfect for future educators, aspiring researchers, or those who want to know how life works in greater detail.
University of Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science
Duration: 1-3 years
The University of Florida’s online campus offers a Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science. Furthermore, students can specialize in this program in medical microbiology. In this way, it’s tailored perfectly for future medical professionals, though not those who necessarily want to become medical doctors.
The program is available at a full-time or part-time pace, depending on what works best for each student. Tuition is relatively affordable compared to other graduate schools. Furthermore, it’s possible to complete this program in one year at an accelerated pace.
Because the University of Florida offers the program, students will benefit from various educational resources and student support avenues.
University of West Alabama
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Science in Conservation Biology
Duration: 1-4 years
The University of West Alabama offers a Conservation Biology graduate degree. It’s an ideal choice for future professionals who want to prioritize biodiversity and maintain natural ecosystems worldwide.
It’s a 100% online degree available full-time or part-time, depending on one’s preferences. The program is notable since it provides opportunities to advance or develop one’s career by connecting them to different organizations and employment agencies. The program can be completed in as little as one year, depending on one’s completed prerequisites and work experience.
Columbia University in the City of New York
Accreditation: MSCHE
Program: Master of Science in Bioethics
Duration: 2 years
Columbia University in the City of New York’s Master of Science in Bioethics is a 36-hour, interdisciplinary graduate program. Unlike other graduate programs in the same field, this program emphasizes and explores different ethical issues in modern biotechnologies and medicine.
It is a perfect program choice for future hospital administrators, researchers, and geneticists. It teaches students to tackle the complex moral and ethical quandaries present in these fields, which are likely to increase in number and complexity as the years go on.
The program is one of the best online graduate programs since it’s offered through Columbia Online’s distance learning technologies and intuitive tools. Students benefit from career networking databases, special tuition rates for veterans and US servicemembers, library services, and an extensive alumni network. All applicants must have GRE scores and a relatively high minimum GPA to qualify.
3. Master’s in Earth Science Online
There are plenty of online graduate programs in Earth sciences. Most of these are in geology, though there are a few degrees in astronomy available as well.
Northwest Missouri State University
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Master of Science in Geographic Information Science
Duration: 1-2 years
Northwest Missouri State University offers an MS in Geographic Information Science or GIS. It’s a perfect degree program choice for future land managers or cartographers. The program includes courses on modeling with GIS systems, cartographic design, database design with GIS, project management, and much more.
It is intended for future project leaders and managers first and foremost. Those who already have some experience working with GIS technology or working with the government may be able to trade some of their work experience for program credits.
Furthermore, students can take two extra courses rather than complete a thesis project. Instead, they’ll fulfill a research component and produce a high-quality paper during one of the GIS courses.
On top of that, students with a background in GIS use and who take a specific range of courses can earn an additional graduate certificate in Geographic Information Science.
Johns Hopkins University
Accreditation: MSCHE
Program: Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Duration: 2-3 years
Johns Hopkins University also provides a good Earth science master’s degree. This is a part-time degree in geographic information systems. It offers an excellent scientific foundation for understanding GIS technology and architecture.
After concluding the program, students will be prepared to work for companies using GIS technology. Courses cover geo-visualization, spatial data modeling, spatial data analysis, and more. It’s a data-focused field for future analysts, land managers, and scanning professionals.
University of Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Science in Geology
Duration: 2 years
The University of Florida also offers an online geology degree for students. All students in this program gain the opportunity to interact with employers in the geology and mining industries, potentially allowing them to network for future career prosperity.
Students take courses including but not limited to surface and groundwater interactions, hydrogeochemistry, and the geological evolution of North America. Experienced faculty members teach all the classes at this university.
More importantly, the University of Florida has various teaching assistantships and fellowships available to help offset the burden of tuition. Students can submit application materials online. All students must submit three letters of recommendation and a two-page personal essay, though GRE scores are unnecessary.
University of Houston
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Science in Geology
Duration: 2-3 years
The University of Houston’s master’s degree in geology is another top online choice. This online geology program comprises 30 hours, with six dedicated to each student’s thesis. However, students can forgo the thesis and complete 39 credit hours instead.
Students benefit from a broad alumni base and a dedicated faculty mentor. Students are allowed to choose between specializations in petroleum geophysics or petroleum geology. Either of these can prepare students for careers in the petroleum and energy fields.
Students can supplement their studies with online certificate options or short courses added to the degree program. GRE scores and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are both required for admittance.
Master’s in Science Outcomes
An online master’s in science degree qualifies graduates for careers in various fields, ranging from teaching to research to management. It all depends on the degree’s specialty or focus.
Master’s in Science Salary
An online master’s in science qualifies graduates for generally high salaries relative to the average population. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that those with a master’s degree in any field earn an average of $1,574 per week. That’s over $200 more per week than the average earnings of those with bachelor’s degrees: $1,334.
Further data highlights this standard difference. For example, the median wage for all occupations in 2017 was $37,690. It was $68,090 for all master’s-level disciplines. While the numbers have certainly changed since then, it’s still true that those with a master’s in science can expect to earn higher salaries than those without one. On top of that, employment for all master’s-level occupations is expected to grow by 17% until 2026.
What Careers Can I Get with a Master’s in Science?
One can pursue numerous careers once they have a master’s in science. Example careers include:
- Professor or postsecondary teacher
- Researcher at a laboratory
- Team lead or manager
- Engineering specialist
- Astrophysicist
- Biologist or microbiologist
- Geologist or land management specialist
- Conservationist or zoologist
FAQs
Are online master’s degrees valid?
Yes. So long as an online master’s degree comes from an accredited institution, it’s just as valid as a graduate degree earned at an in-person university.
Is a master’s in science worth it?
That depends on your goals and career ambitions. A master’s in science degree is only worthwhile if your career requires the degree or if you want to enter the education and research industries. Most research positions require researchers to have advanced degrees to prove their skills and an understanding of how to focus their research efforts.
Can you do a biology master’s online?
Yes. Many biology master’s degrees can be completed 100% online without any required laboratory or research organization time clocked.
Is an online master’s the same as a regular master’s?
Yes. There’s no difference in the degree itself, and your employer will not know that you earned your degree online unless you tell them. The main thing to prioritize is accreditation.
Next Steps
An online master’s in science could be just what you need to help your career take off. The right online graduate program can qualify you for advanced or managerial positions and provide the credentials necessary to bump up your salary. GetEducated’s list of the best online schools today to find the right program for you!