UNC ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS

Influence Change With UNC’s Online Master’s Degrees

Through UNC-Chapel Hill’s online master’s degree programs, motivated professionals all around the world can receive access to the research, teaching and public service opportunities that are the hallmarks of a Carolina education.

Carolina graduate programs prepare you to not only reach the next stage of your career but also to improve lives through leadership, professional expertise and civic engagement in North Carolina and beyond.

BECOME A CAROLINA-CALIBER LEADER

Explore UNC’s Online Master’s Programs

ALLIED HEALTH

BUSINESS

DATA SCIENCE

GOVERNMENT

HEALTH INFORMATICS

INFORMATION AND LIBRARY SCIENCE

JOURNALISM AND MEDIA

NURSING

PHARMACY

PUBLIC HEALTH

SOCIAL WORK

UNC Online Master’s Programs: At-a-Glance Overview

Explore our diverse portfolio of online master’s degrees from top-ranked UNC departments. Compare the logistics of each field of study below to find the program that fits your professional goals and personal schedule.

Field of StudySpecific Program(s)Total CreditsEstimated TimelineGRE/GMATPrimary Professional Focus
Allied Health
– MS in Clinical Lab Science (MLS)
– Master of Radiologic Science (RA)
– MLS: 33 Credits
– RA: 51 Credits
– MLS: 2 to 5 years (FT/PT)
– RA: 2 years
Not Required
– MLS: Advanced laboratory leadership
– RA: Medical imaging procedures and patient management
Business
– Online MBA
– Master of Accounting (MAC)
– MBA: 62 Credits
– MAC: 30–48 Credits
– MBA: 18–36 Months
– MAC: 12–36 Months (FT/PT)
– MBA: Waivable based on GPA/Experience
– MAC: Not Required
– MBA: Global executive leadership
– MAC: Specialized professional accounting and tax
Data Science
Master of Applied Data Science (MADS)
30 Credits
~16 Months
Not Required
The full data life cycle, including machine learning, AI, and big data ethics
Government
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
45 Credits
15–36 Months (FT/PT)
Not Required
Managing complex public and nonprofit organizations and policy analysis
Health Informatics
Online Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Biomedical and Health Informatics (BMHI)
35 Credits
17 Months (FT) or 3 Years (PT)
Not Required
Management of clinical and public health information systems and data analytics
Information and Library Science
Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Digital Curation and Management
30 Credits
2–4 Years
Optional
Digital curation and library management
Journalism and Media
M.A. in Digital Communication
30 Credits
2.5 Years
Not Required
Strategic storytelling, audience analytics, and reputation management
Nursing
MSN in Nursing Health Care Leadership and Administration
32–42 Credits
2–3 Years (FT/PT)
Not required
Advanced clinical leadership and management of nursing and health care staff
Pharmacy
– MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Specialization in Health-System Pharmacy Administration
– MPS in Regulatory Science
– MS: 35 Credits
– MPS: 32 Credits
– MS: 2–5 Years (FT/PT)
– MPS: 1–2 years
Not Required
– MS: Health-system pharmacy leadership
– MPS: Drug/device development and regulatory compliance
Public Health
– Master of Public Health (MPH)
– Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
– MPH: 42 Credits
– MHA: 49 Credits
– MPH: 20–36 Months (FT/PT)
– MHA: 2 Years
Not Required
– MPH: Health equity and evidence-based policy
– MHA: Strategic and financial health system management
Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
– Adv. Standing: ~40 Credits
– Regular: 62 Credits
– Adv. Stnd.: 12 months
– Regular: 24–36 Months
Not Required
– Adv. Stnd.: Advanced clinical social work on an accelerated track
– Regular: Social justice foundations and clinical advocacy on a flexible path

Is an Online Master’s From UNC Worth It?

UNC-Chapel Hill has long been recognized for its academic excellence, pioneering research and commitment to advancing the public good.

That tradition now extends to our growing portfolio of online master’s programs, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their expertise and earn a respected, career-relevant credential—without stepping away from their careers.

A Premium Learning Experience

UNC’s state-of-the-art online learning platform connects students with leading faculty, industry experts, and a global network of peers and alumni. By combining synchronous and asynchronous learning, the program serves as a structured yet adaptable educational experience that supports continued career growth.

Online Master’s students can expect:

  • Interactive, live online classes
  • Self-paced coursework
  • Direct faculty mentorship
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Personalized support and career resources

A Legacy of Excellence

For years, UNC-Chapel Hill has been recognized as a national leader in in-person and online education, boasting high rankings across its master’s program offerings:

#3

In top online MBAs1
Top 10

In online nursing programs2
#8

Worldwide for online MBAs3
#3

In highest graduation rates for online master’s programs4
R1

Offered by an R1 Carnegie-designated research institution5
15

Online Master’s programs6

ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT POLICIES

Each of UNC-Chapel Hill’s online master’s degree programs is offered through a professional school, which has unique admissions policies and requirements. Visit the webpage for the online master’s program you’re interested in to learn more about the enrollment process and application criteria.

FAQs About UNC Chapel Hill’s Online Master’s Programs

  • Because the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a state institution, tuition rates depend on your residency. North Carolina residents typically qualify for a lower in-state rate, while out-of-state students pay a non-resident rate. 

    You can review the exact cost per credit hour and explore your funding options by visiting the tuition and financial aid page.

  • While traditional graduate assistantships are typically reserved for on-campus students, certain online programs at Carolina do offer fellowships or merit-based scholarships. For instance, students admitted to the Online MBA may automatically be considered for fellowships. Many online learners also finance their degree through federal financial aid, external scholarships or employer sponsorships.

  • Yes. The University proudly accepts military and veterans’ benefits to help cover the cost of your education. Additionally, many online master’s students utilize employer tuition reimbursement programs offered by their workplaces. You can coordinate directly with our financial aid office to apply these approved benefits toward your balance.

  • Our online master’s degrees utilize a highly engaging blended learning model. You will complete self-paced asynchronous coursework—such as recorded lectures and readings—on your own schedule during the week. Then, you will attend weekly synchronous live classes via webcam to discuss these concepts face-to-face with your professors and peers.

  • No, your diploma will not say “online.” Your diploma will simply indicate the master’s degree you earned from UNC. All online programs are developed and taught by world-class UNC Chapel Hill faculty.

  • While the majority of your coursework is completed online, some programs offer or require in-person learning experiences. These events allow you to visit the campus or other global locations for intensive face-to-face networking and leadership training. We recommend checking the specific requirements of your intended program to see if any travel is necessary.

  • The time commitment varies depending on the specific degree and whether you enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. Generally, online master’s students dedicate roughly 15 to 20 hours per week to studying, attending live classes and completing assignments. You can review the structure and pacing options for your specific degree by exploring the program curriculum.

  • Yes, online students have access to comprehensive career services and dedicated professional development resources. You will also become part of an extensive global alumni network. This provides you with opportunities to connect with thousands of industry leaders who can support you at every stage of your career.

  • No, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides dedicated support to help you navigate your clinical or field placement requirements. Our placement team will actively partner with you to facilitate contacts with approved sites and preceptors in your local area. This allows you to focus entirely on your professional training while we help manage the administrative details.

  1. Best Online MBA Programs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June, 2026.  ↩︎
  2. UNC’s Online MBA, nursing programs rank in top 10. (2025). Tar Heel Times. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
  3. Business school rankings. (2026). Financial Times. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
  4. Best Online Master’s Programs. (2026). Forbes. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
  5. Best Online Master’s Programs. (2026). Forbes. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
  6. Best Online Master’s Programs. (2026). Forbes. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎