Ivy League Online Masters

Most Ivy League online master’s programs operate on a hybrid model, blending remote coursework with periodic on-campus experiences. This approach serves multiple purposes: it facilitates deep networking among cohort members, provides hands-on learning opportunities that benefit from physical presence, and maintains the distinctive campus culture that defines Ivy League education.

The extent of on-campus requirements varies significantly by program and institution. Some programs require as little as a single three-day orientation, while executive programs may include multiple week-long international residencies. Understanding these requirements before applying is crucial for working professionals balancing career and educational commitments.

Weekend Residencies vs. Week-Long Intensives vs. Extended Campus Time

Ivy League programs structure their on-campus components differently based on program type and student demographics:

Weekend Residencies: Programs like the IE Brown Executive MBA utilize Friday-through-Sunday formats, typically 8-10 weekends spread across the program duration. This model minimizes time away from work while building strong cohort relationships.

Week-Long Intensives: Harvard Extension School’s on-campus requirements typically involve one-week summer sessions. Cornell’s engineering programs include annual week-long sessions on the Ithaca campus. These concentrated experiences allow for deep engagement with coursework and networking.

Extended Campus Time: Some professional programs, particularly in healthcare and nursing, require longer clinical or practicum components that may span several weeks. Yale’s Doctor of Nursing Practice and certain public health programs fall into this category.

How On-Campus Requirements Affect International Students

International students considering Ivy League online programs must carefully evaluate visa implications of on-campus residencies. For short visits (typically under 7 consecutive days), a B-1/B-2 tourist visa often suffices. However, programs requiring extended campus presence may necessitate F-1 student visa arrangements.

Columbia’s fully online MS in Computer Science stands out as one of the few Ivy League options requiring no U.S. visits, making it particularly attractive for international professionals unable to travel. Programs should be contacted directly to confirm current visa requirements, as policies can change.

A common concern among prospective students involves credential recognition. The straightforward answer: Ivy League online master’s degrees are identical to on-campus degrees on official transcripts and diplomas. Harvard Extension School, Columbia School of Professional Studies, and Penn Engineering do not distinguish between delivery formats on academic records.

Your diploma will display the degree name (such as “Master of Liberal Arts” or “Master of Computer and Information Technology”) without indicating whether you completed coursework online, on-campus, or through a hybrid format. Background verification services and employers cannot identify your study format from official academic credentials.

A 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 82% of employers view regionally accredited online master’s degrees as equivalent to on-campus degrees, regardless of admission pathway or delivery format.

Ivy League institutions have historically been selective about online education, prioritizing their campus-based experience. However, several factors have driven expansion into online graduate programming:

• Access and mission alignment: Many Ivy League schools, particularly their continuing education divisions, were founded to extend educational opportunities beyond traditional students. Harvard Extension School’s 1910 founding specifically aimed to serve working professionals.
• Global talent access: Online programs allow these institutions to attract accomplished professionals worldwide who cannot relocate to Cambridge, Philadelphia, or New York.
• Revenue diversification: Professional education programs generate significant tuition revenue while serving students who might not otherwise engage with the institution.
• Technology advancement: Modern learning management systems and video conferencing have eliminated previous barriers to quality online instruction.

As of 2025, seven Ivy League universities offer online or hybrid master’s degree programs. Princeton remains the only Ivy League institution without degree-granting online programs, though it provides extensive free courses through Coursera and other platforms. The following sections detail specific programs, tuition costs, and requirements for each institution.

Harvard University Online Master’s Programs

Harvard offers the most extensive portfolio of online graduate programs among Ivy League schools, primarily through Harvard Extension School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. With over 20 fully or mostly online master’s degree options, Harvard provides pathways across liberal arts, professional, and health fields.

Harvard Extension School: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM)

Harvard Extension School offers the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in over 20 fields of study, making it the most accessible entry point to a Harvard graduate degree. Programs include concentrations in Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Management, Finance, International Relations, Digital Media Design, Museum Studies, Sustainability, and numerous liberal arts fields.

The ALM follows a performance-based admission model. Students must complete 2-3 designated admission courses with grades of B or higher before applying to degree candidacy. This “prove yourself first” approach eliminates traditional barriers like GRE requirements while ensuring admitted students can succeed at the graduate level.

Program requirements include 12 courses (48 credits) for most concentrations, with a culminating thesis or capstone project. The curriculum balances flexibility—allowing students to customize their course selections—with structured requirements ensuring rigorous academic preparation.

Harvard School of Public Health: Master of Public Health (MPH)

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers an online MPH-Generalist program designed for working health professionals. The 24-month, part-time program delivers rigorous public health education with the flexibility needed for professionals balancing careers and education.

The program incorporates asynchronous learning with optional synchronous sessions, allowing students to learn at their own pace while engaging with peers and faculty. Coursework covers epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences.

According to Harvard’s statistics, 50% of students in the MPH-Generalist online program receive partial scholarship support, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

On-Campus Requirements for Harvard Online Programs

Harvard Extension School requires 8 on-campus credits for bachelor’s programs, while on-campus requirements for master’s degrees vary by field. Most ALM students fulfill residency requirements through Harvard Summer School, which offers intensive 3-week and 7-week sessions on the Cambridge campus.

The Computer Science ALM, for example, requires a pre-capstone course taken on campus during a 3-week summer session. This experience provides hands-on collaboration with peers and faculty as students develop their capstone projects. Weekend and extended formats help accommodate diverse schedules.

Harvard Extension School Tuition & Financial Aid

Harvard Extension School’s tuition structure makes it one of the most affordable Ivy League options. For the 2025-2026 academic year, graduate courses cost approximately $3,340 per course. With most ALM programs requiring 12 courses, total program costs range from $40,000 to $45,000—significantly less than comparable programs at other Ivy League institutions.

Program	Estimated Total Cost
ALM (Most Fields)	$40,000 – $45,000
MPH-Generalist (Online)	$74,340
Museum Studies ALM	$33,400 (10 courses)
Per Course Cost	$3,340

Financial aid options include Harvard Extension School grants, federal student loans, and the Kwan Fong Scholarship for graduate students. The school encourages all applicants to complete the FAFSA and institutional aid applications regardless of financial situation.

Columbia University Online & Hybrid Master’s Degrees

Columbia University provides extensive online graduate offerings through its School of Professional Studies (SPS), Columbia Video Network, and Teachers College. These programs combine Ivy League academic rigor with the flexibility working professionals require.

Columbia School of Professional Studies Programs

Columbia SPS offers 15+ online master’s degrees designed for career advancement. Programs span analytics, management, technology, and social impact fields. Popular offerings include:

• MS in Applied Analytics: Data analytics with leadership and communication skills
• MS in Enterprise Risk Management: Comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation
• MS in Human Capital Management: HR strategy and organizational development
• MS in Information and Knowledge Strategy: Knowledge management and organizational learning
• MS in Strategic Communication: Corporate and marketing communications
• MS in Bioethics: Interdisciplinary approaches to ethical challenges in healthcare

MS in Computer Science (Fully Online Option)

Columbia Engineering’s MS in Computer Science through the Columbia Video Network (CVN) represents one of the most rigorous fully online computer science programs available. According to U.S. News & World Report, Columbia ranks #2 among online master’s in information technology programs.

The program ensures online students receive an identical experience to on-campus students regarding admissions standards, coursework difficulty, professor access, and graduation requirements. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical computer science and practical technology applications, with specializations available in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, security, and computational biology.

Crucially for international students, the Columbia MS in Computer Science can be completed 100% online with no required campus visits, making it one of the few Ivy League options accessible without U.S. travel.

MS in Data Science (Hybrid Format)

Columbia’s MS in Data Science combines statistical foundations, machine learning techniques, and domain applications. The hybrid format blends online coursework with periodic campus intensives, fostering collaboration while accommodating working professionals.

The program draws faculty from statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics departments, providing interdisciplinary perspectives on data challenges. Students develop expertise in predictive modeling, data visualization, big data infrastructure, and ethical considerations in AI applications.

Master of Social Work (MSW) – CSWE Accredited

Columbia School of Social Work offers an online MSW pathway for working professionals seeking advanced social work credentials. The program maintains full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring graduates meet licensure requirements across all U.S. states.

Field placement requirements, integral to social work education, can be completed in students’ local communities under Columbia faculty supervision. This model allows professionals to gain clinical experience while maintaining employment and family commitments.

Columbia On-Campus Residency Requirements (3-5 Days)

Most Columbia SPS programs incorporate brief on-campus residencies, typically 3-5 days per semester. These intensive sessions include guest lectures from industry leaders, networking events, group projects, and co-curricular activities that enhance the learning experience.

The New York City location provides unique advantages for residencies, with access to Fortune 500 headquarters, leading media companies, major financial institutions, and cultural organizations. Students regularly engage with guest speakers from organizations headquartered in Manhattan.

Columbia Tuition Costs & Payment Plans

Program	Estimated Total Cost
MS in Applied Analytics	$75,000 – $85,000
MS in Computer Science	$70,000 – $80,000
MS in Human Capital Management	$72,000 – $82,000
MS in Strategic Communication	$68,000 – $78,000
MSW (Online Pathway)	$85,000 – $95,000

Columbia SPS introduced the Dean’s Fellowship Program in 2025, providing up to $30,000 in support for master’s students beginning fall 2026. Payment plans allow students to spread costs across the program duration. Many employers provide tuition reimbursement for Columbia programs.

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Online Master’s Programs

Penn Engineering and the Wharton School offer distinctive online graduate programs that leverage Penn’s strengths in technology, business, and professional education. Penn’s online offerings are notable for serving students without traditional prerequisites in their fields.

MCIT Online: Master of Computer & Information Technology (No CS Background Required)

Penn’s MCIT Online program represents a pioneering approach to graduate computer science education. Designed specifically for students without undergraduate backgrounds in computer science, MCIT provides a rigorous foundation for career transitions into technology.

“This degree represents the democratization of computer science,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera CEO, when the program launched. “It brings a world-class, Ivy League degree within reach of people of all backgrounds, from anywhere in the world.”

The program requires completion of 10 courses (six core courses and four electives) delivered entirely online through Coursera’s platform. Students come from diverse academic backgrounds—business, history, chemistry, medicine, and numerous other fields—united by quantitative aptitude and motivation to enter technology careers.

At approximately $2,636 per course unit ($26,360 total), MCIT Online costs roughly one-third of the on-campus equivalent, making it one of the most affordable Ivy League master’s programs available. No prior programming experience is required, though proficiency in math and problem-solving is expected.

Wharton Executive MBA (EMBA) – Global Residencies

The Wharton Executive MBA consistently ranks among the world’s premier executive programs. While not fully online, the hybrid format combines distance learning components with intensive residencies, allowing senior executives to earn a Wharton MBA while maintaining their careers.

Students attend class on alternating weekends at either the Philadelphia or San Francisco campus, with additional week-long global residencies in locations like Silicon Valley, Washington D.C., and international business centers. The program spans approximately two years.

Tuition for the Wharton EMBA class entering in 2025 is $238,620, making it one of the most expensive MBA programs globally. This cost includes meals and boarding for all required in-person sessions. According to Executive MBA Council data, 16.4% of EMBA students receive full sponsorship and 27.5% partial sponsorship.

UPenn BAAS: First Ivy League Online Bachelor’s Degree (Context)

While not a master’s program, Penn’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) deserves mention as the first fully online undergraduate degree from an Ivy League institution. This program demonstrates Penn’s commitment to accessible education and may serve as a pathway for students who subsequently pursue Penn graduate programs.

UPenn Work Experience Requirements by Program

Program	Experience Required	Notes
MCIT Online	None required	Open to career changers
Wharton EMBA	8-10+ years	5+ years managerial preferred
MSE-DS Online	None required	CS background needed

UPenn Online Program Costs ($26,000-$238,000+)

Penn’s online programs span a wide cost range depending on the degree level and program type:

Program	Total Program Cost
MCIT Online	$26,360
MSE in Data Science	$31,460+
Wharton EMBA	$238,620

Cornell University Online Graduate Programs

Cornell offers online graduate education through multiple channels: Cornell Engineering’s distance learning programs, eCornell’s professional master’s degrees, and Cornell Tech’s hybrid offerings. These programs maintain Cornell’s tradition of combining theoretical rigor with practical application.

Cornell Master of Engineering (Systems Engineering, MEng)

Cornell Engineering offers distance learning Master of Engineering programs in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. According to U.S. News & World Report, Cornell ranks #21 among online engineering programs.

Distance learning students take the same classes from the same faculty as on-campus students, earning an identical degree. The program is designed for working professionals, with 100% of enrolled students employed full-time, most at Fortune 500 companies. Courses are delivered asynchronously with recorded lectures, though some programs include annual week-long campus residencies.

Employment outcomes are strong: 100% of job-seeking graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation, with average starting salaries of $126,000 for those reporting new positions.

Cornell Executive MPA (Master of Public Administration)

Cornell’s Brooks School of Public Policy offers the Executive Master of Public Administration as an 18-month blended program for working professionals. The program combines online learning with two week-long in-person sessions and one weekend session.

Designed for mid-career professionals seeking to enhance skills in public affairs, the curriculum covers strategic planning, economic and financial analysis, program evaluation, and project management. Graduates pursue careers across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

EMHRM: Executive Master’s in Human Resource Management

Cornell’s renowned ILR School (Industrial and Labor Relations) offers the Executive Master of Human Resource Management for senior HR professionals. The selective 15-month online program targets candidates with 8+ years of HR experience seeking senior leadership positions.

The curriculum addresses strategic human capital challenges, including talent acquisition, workforce development, organizational design, and HR analytics. Class sizes are intentionally small to facilitate peer learning among experienced HR executives.

Cornell Tuition & On-Campus Requirements

Program	Estimated Cost	On-Campus Time
MEng (Distance)	$54,000 – $62,000	1 week annually
Executive MPA	$70,000 – $80,000	2 weeks + 1 weekend
EMHRM	$75,000 – $85,000	Multiple sessions

Brown University Online Master’s Degrees

Brown University offers several online and hybrid master’s programs through its School of Professional Studies and academic departments. Programs emphasize Brown’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach while serving working professionals.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Brown’s two-year Master of Science in Cybersecurity delivers advanced interdisciplinary education for protecting global information systems. The program is available in both on-campus and fully online formats, with a fifth-year master’s option for Brown undergraduates.

Students choose between two tracks: Computer Science (emphasizing technical security skills) and Policy (offered in collaboration with the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs). The policy track addresses cybersecurity from technological, legal, economic, and social perspectives.

Online students participate remotely in classes alongside on-campus peers. Live sessions can be attended synchronously or viewed as recordings. The program requires eight courses completed over 4 semesters, with each course costing $9,168 for the 2025-2026 academic year (approximately $73,344 total).

Importantly for online graduates, there is no “online” designation on the diploma or transcript—credentials are identical to on-campus degrees.

Master of Public Health (MPH) – Launched 2022

Brown School of Public Health offers a fully online MPH program designed for working professionals and international students. The 16-24 month program provides training in biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health while maintaining Ivy League academic standards.

The total program cost is approximately $65,208, making it competitively priced among Ivy League public health programs. Brown reports strong placement rates: 99% of MPH graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

IE Brown Executive MBA (EMBA) Weekend Residencies

Brown partners with IE Business School in Spain for a low-residency Executive MBA, ranked 3rd among EMBA programs globally by The Economist. The program integrates innovative management skills with human sciences, designed for executives who question assumptions and drive organizational change.

Weekend residencies alternate between Brown’s Providence campus and IE’s Madrid location, with additional international immersion experiences. The cohort-based structure builds lasting professional networks among senior executives from diverse industries worldwide.

Brown Program Costs & Duration

Program	Duration	Total Cost
MS in Cybersecurity	24 months	$73,000 – $75,000
Master of Public Health	16-24 months	$65,208
IE Brown EMBA	15-18 months	$145,000+
MS in Business Analytics	16 months	$75,000 – $85,000

Yale University Online Programs (Limited Offerings)

Yale offers fewer online degree options than peer institutions, prioritizing its residential educational model. However, select professional programs provide online pathways for working professionals in healthcare and public health fields.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Hybrid Format

Yale School of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice as a hybrid program for experienced nurses seeking terminal practice degrees. The program prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in healthcare delivery, policy, and quality improvement.

Online coursework is supplemented with periodic campus intensives and clinical practice requirements. The program maintains the same diploma and graduation requirements as the residential DNP.

Yale School of Public Health also offers an online Executive Master of Public Health, a part-time program designed for working health professionals with significant experience. The program blends online education with in-person leadership training at the Yale campus, targeting professionals seeking to earn advanced public health credentials while continuing their careers.

Tuition for Yale’s online MPH is approximately $36,600 per year. Unlike Harvard and Brown, internal scholarships are limited, so students often seek external funding or employer support.

Why Yale Offers Fewer Online Degrees

Yale has historically emphasized residential education as central to its educational mission, valuing the campus community and in-person intellectual exchange. While the university provides extensive open online learning through Coursera (covering subjects from psychology to economics), degree-granting online programs remain focused on professional fields where hybrid formats enhance rather than replace the Yale experience.

This selective approach ensures that Yale’s online programs maintain institutional quality standards while serving students who benefit from flexible formats—primarily working healthcare professionals.

Dartmouth College Hybrid Master’s Programs

Dartmouth offers hybrid and online master’s programs primarily through its Geisel School of Medicine and Tuck School of Business executive education. These programs leverage Dartmouth’s intimate campus culture while accommodating working professionals.

Master of Public Health (MPH) Low-Residency Format

Dartmouth’s MPH program, offered through the Geisel School of Medicine, is available in three formats: an 11-month accelerated on-campus program, a 22-month fully online program, and a 22-month hybrid program with five total week-long on-campus sessions.

The online and hybrid MPH programs share identical curricula, academic calendars, and course schedules. Rooted in groundbreaking research from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, the program prepares students to question assumptions, develop innovative solutions, and implement changes in health policy and practice.

Student outcomes are strong: based on Class of 2021-2023 data, graduates report high employment rates within three months of graduation. The program accepts students from diverse backgrounds, including physicians, nurses, researchers, policy analysts, and administrators.

The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). No prior work experience is required, though work experience, community service, or volunteer experience is encouraged.

Dartmouth Executive Education Programs

Tuck School of Business offers executive education programs with hybrid components, though these are primarily non-degree certificates and professional development courses rather than complete master’s degrees. These programs serve senior executives seeking specific skills development.

Princeton University: No Online Degree Programs

Princeton remains the only Ivy League institution without online degree programs. The university has chosen to prioritize its residential educational model, believing the campus experience is integral to a Princeton education.

Princeton’s MOOCs on Coursera (Non-Degree Options)

While Princeton doesn’t offer online degrees, it provides more than 30 free online courses through Coursera, edX, and Kadenze. These massive open online courses (MOOCs), created and taught by Princeton faculty, cover topics including computer science, humanities, and social sciences.

All Princeton MOOCs are free to audit, with optional verified certificates available for a small fee (typically $50-$100). These courses are non-credit and cannot be applied toward a Princeton degree, but they provide access to Princeton faculty expertise and course materials.