Best MA Degree

South New Hampshire University is a private institution known for its innovation in online education and commitment to accessibility. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, SNHU serves over 135,000 online students and 3,000 on campus. Established in 1932 as a business-focused school, it has grown into a comprehensive university offering diverse programs. SNHU provides some of the best MA degrees, including an MA in Communication, designed for career advancement. Its flexible, student-centered approach makes graduate education more accessible and industry-relevant.

National University, a private institution based in San Diego, California, is recognized for its flexible, career-focused programs tailored to adult learners. Established in 1971, it offers over 130 undergraduate and graduate degrees across California campuses and online. Known for its accelerated four-week course format, the university emphasizes accessible education. National University provides some of the best MA degrees, including a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, designed for professionals seeking expertise in mental health fields. Its commitment to innovation and student success makes it a leader in higher education.

Boston University, a prestigious private research institution in Boston, Massachusetts, is known for academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1839, it offers diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 17 schools and colleges. A member of the Association of American Universities, BU is recognized for its research contributions and distinguished faculty. With over 38,000 students, the university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and global engagement. Among its top programs, BU offers a Master of Arts in Education, preparing graduates for leadership roles in academic and policy-driven settings.

The University of Chicago, a leading private research institution, is renowned for academic excellence and intellectual inquiry. Founded in 1890, it has pioneered breakthroughs in economics, sociology, and the sciences. Its Hyde Park campus houses the College, four graduate research divisions, and eight professional schools, including the Booth School of Business and the Pritzker School of Medicine. With over 100 Nobel laureates among its affiliates, UChicago fosters rigorous scholarship. Among its distinguished programs, the Master of Arts Program in the Humanities offers an interdisciplinary exploration of literature, philosophy, and the arts.

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), an Ivy League institution founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, is one of the nation’s oldest universities. Penn comprises four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools in Philadelphia’s University City, including the prestigious Wharton School and the first medical school in North America. With a $22.3 billion endowment, it ranks among the wealthiest U.S. universities. Penn alumni include U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and global leaders. It offers the best MA degrees like the Master of Arts in English is among the nation’s top graduate programs.

New York University (NYU), founded in 1831 by Albert Gallatin, is a premier private research institution in New York City. Its main campus in Greenwich Village surrounds Washington Square Park, with additional locations in Brooklyn and across Manhattan. NYU is one of the largest private universities in the U.S., known for its selective admissions and global presence. It has 10 undergraduate and 15 graduate schools, including Tisch School of the Arts, which offers the renowned MA in Dramatic Writing. NYU’s faculty and alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners, and global leaders.

Louisiana Tech University, established in 1894 as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana, is a public research institution in Ruston. Part of the University of Louisiana System, it holds an R2: High Research Activity classification. The university offers a range of academic programs across five colleges, including a highly regarded MA in History. Louisiana Tech provides education at multiple locations, including its main campus, the Shreveport Center, and Barksdale Air Force Base. Recognized for its research contributions, the university continues to expand its academic and technological advancements.

Northwestern University, founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois, is a private research institution and the oldest chartered university in Illinois. Initially affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, it later became non-sectarian. Northwestern includes eleven schools, including the Kellogg School of Management and Feinberg School of Medicine. With a $15.6 billion endowment and over $1 billion in research funding, the university is renowned for its academic excellence. Northwestern offers top MA degrees, including the MA in Counseling, catering to various fields.

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) is a public historically black university founded in 1956. As part of the Southern University System, it offers a variety of academic programs. SUNO’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice is among the top graduate degrees, providing students with advanced knowledge in the criminal justice field. With a rich history shaped by integration and growth, SUNO has expanded its academic offerings, including notable social work and criminal justice programs. The university continues to foster community solutions and academic excellence.

Duke University, founded in 1838 as Trinity College, is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. It was renamed in 1924 to honor the Duke family’s contributions, particularly through the Duke Endowment. With a campus spanning over 8,600 acres, it offers world-class academic programs and is home to notable facilities like Duke Chapel. Known for its commitment to research, Duke spends over $1 billion annually. The university offers excellent graduate degrees, including the Master of Arts in History, among other prestigious programs.

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is a prestigious private research university in Los Angeles, California. It is the oldest private research university in the state and offers a wide range of academic programs across 22 schools, including the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. USC has over 49,000 students and is renowned for its research, enrolling students from all 50 states and over 115 countries. The university offers leading graduate degrees, including the Master of Arts in Teaching, among its distinguished programs.

The University of Indianapolis (UIndy), founded in 1902 as Indiana Central University, is a private, United Methodist Church-affiliated institution in Indianapolis, Indiana. UIndy offers a variety of degrees, including Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. The university’s main campus is in the city’s southern area, with international programs in China, Cyprus, and Belize. UIndy provides excellent graduate degrees, such as the Master of Arts in International Relations, making it a leading choice for advanced studies in diverse fields.

Ohio University (OU), located in Athens, Ohio, is a public research university established in 1804, making it the first in the Northwest Territory. The university offers over 250 undergraduate study areas and master’s and doctoral degrees, including the Master of Arts in Economics. With more than 30,000 students across its nine campuses, OU is recognized for its high research activity and is a key member of the University System of Ohio. It provides a diverse academic experience with strong regional and international partnerships.

Dallas Baptist University (DBU), a private Christian university founded in 1898, offers a broad range of academic programs, including the Master of Arts in Theological Studies. The university operates campuses in Dallas, Plano, and Hurst, providing 84 undergraduate majors, 24 master’s programs, and two doctoral degrees. Over the years, DBU has grown substantially, now enrolling over 4,400 students, many of whom reside on its 368-acre campus. DBU is known for its Georgian-style buildings and strong Christian faith-based education.

Brown University, a private Ivy League institution founded in 1764, is in Providence, Rhode Island. As one of the oldest U.S. universities, it was the first to offer equal admission regardless of religious affiliation. Brown offers prestigious graduate programs, including the Master of Arts in Education. It is renowned for its Open Curriculum, allowing students to design their course of study. The university is affiliated with major institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Brown’s academic rigor and selectivity make it one of the top universities globally.

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), established in 1934, is a public institution with campuses in Portales, Ruidoso, and Roswell. It is New Mexico’s largest regional university and a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution. ENMU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Master of Arts in Anthropology. The university provides affordable online degrees, particularly in business and education, and is known for its commitment to accessibility and regional development. With a focus on community engagement, ENMU continues to serve diverse student populations across its campuses.

The University of Oklahoma (OU), established in 1890, is a public research institution in Norman, Oklahoma. It offers 174 bachelor’s, 199 master’s, and 101 doctoral programs, including the Master of Arts in Museum Studies. Classified as an R1 university, OU is renowned for its research, with over $416 million in research expenditures in 2022. The university has two prominent museums: the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. OU’s distinctive “Cherokee Gothic” architecture is a hallmark of its campus.

The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), founded in 1969, is a public research university offering 140 programs across bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. Classified as an R1 institution, UAB is the state’s largest employer, with over 53,000 jobs. The university’s health system is among the largest academic medical centers in the U.S. UAB’s diverse campus spans 636 acres and includes innovative academic, residential, and research facilities. UAB offers prestigious programs such as the Master of Arts in Sociology.

American University (AU) is a private research university in Washington, D.C., chartered by Congress in 1893. Its 90-acre campus houses eight schools, offering over 160 programs, including 71 bachelor’s, 87 master’s, and 10 doctoral degrees. AU’s student body of over 13,000 includes students from all 50 states and 141 countries. Known for its emphasis on public service and internationalism, AU is classified as a high research institution (R2). It offers prestigious programs, including the Master of Arts in International Relations.

The University of Wisconsin, founded in 1848, is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. Located on a 933-acre campus along Lake Mendota, it offers 136 undergraduate majors, 148 master’s programs, and 120 doctoral degrees across 13 schools and colleges. With 34,200 undergraduates and 14,300 graduate students, UW–Madison is classified as an R1 institution and a Public Ivy. The university offers prestigious programs, including the Master of Arts in Professional Communication, and is home to 20 Nobel laureates.