Most Desired Master’s Degrees

National University, founded in 1971 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a private institution known for serving adult learners. Offering both on-campus and online programs, the university emphasizes flexible learning options, including blended courses and asynchronous online classes. National University offers a most sought-after Master of Science in Nursing to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the healthcare sector. The university’s programs are tailored to accommodate working professionals, with accelerated formats and evening classes. With a focus on career advancement, it provides a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees across different fields, supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), located between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire, is a private institution focusing on business, hospitality, healthcare, and education degrees. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, SNHU offers both on-campus and online programs. It is one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation, with 135,000 online students and 3,000 on-campus. SNHU offers a most sought-after Master of Business Administration (MBA), providing advanced education for professionals aiming to lead in various industries.

Harvard University, founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Known for its prestige, influence, and wealth, it has evolved into a world-leading research university. Harvard offers many graduate programs, including a Master’s in Education, one of the most desired degrees for those looking to advance in educational leadership and policy. With an endowment valued at $50.7 billion, Harvard is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, producing numerous Nobel laureates, world leaders, and groundbreaking researchers.

Stanford University, founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford, is a prestigious private research university in Stanford, California. Known for its influence in shaping Silicon Valley, Stanford has pioneered advancements in technology and business. The university offers a wide range of graduate programs, including a Master’s in Computer Science, one of the most desired degrees for those pursuing careers in technology and innovation. Stanford consistently ranks among the top universities globally, with world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and a vast alumni network.

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), founded in 1868, is a prestigious public research university in Berkeley, California. Known for its academic excellence, it offers a wide range of programs, including a Master’s in Data Science, one of the most desired degrees for aspiring professionals in the tech and analytics fields. UC Berkeley is recognized for its cutting-edge research, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections, making it a leading institution globally in various disciplines.

Columbia University, founded in 1754 as King’s College, is a prestigious Ivy League research institution in New York City. It offers a highly sought-after MBA program through its Graduate School of Business, known for shaping leaders in various industries. Columbia is renowned for its academic rigor, research contributions, and influential alumni, including U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners. The university’s commitment to innovation and intellectual excellence makes it one of the top global institutions.

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), founded in 1740 and championed by Benjamin Franklin, is a prestigious Ivy League research university in Philadelphia. It houses four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools, including the nation’s first collegiate business and medical schools. Penn offers a highly sought-after Master of Science in Nursing, renowned for its academic excellence. Its historic campus and influential alumni, including U.S. presidents and Nobel laureates, underscore its legacy of leadership and innovation.

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (U-M), founded in 1817 in Ann Arbor, is Michigan’s oldest higher education institution. As one of the earliest American research universities and a founding member of the Association of American Universities, it is renowned for academic excellence. Offering 250 degree programs across 19 colleges, the university employs over 8,000 faculty members and enrolled 52,065 students in 2023. Its prestigious offerings include a highly sought-after Master’s in Engineering.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), established in 1919, is the second-oldest campus in the University of California system. Renowned for academic excellence, UCLA offers 337 undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse disciplines. An annual enrollment of over 45,000 students includes professional Arts, Engineering, and Medicine schools. UCLA is celebrated for its highly sought-after programs like the Master of Science in Engineering, attracting global applicants to its innovative and research-focused programs.

Duke University, a private research institution in Durham, North Carolina, was founded in 1838 by Methodists and Quakers. Renamed in 1924 to honor Washington Duke, the university spans over 8,600 acres and includes a marine lab in Beaufort. Known for its global reach, Duke administers schools in Singapore and China. With more than $1 billion in annual research expenditures, Duke offers one of the most sought-after Master of Engineering Management programs, attracting future leaders worldwide.

New York University (NYU), founded in 1831 by Albert Gallatin, is a prestigious private research university in New York City. With its main campus in Greenwich Village near Washington Square Park, NYU offers ten undergraduate and 15 graduate schools, including the Silver School of Social Work. Known for highly sought-after programs like the Master of Social Work, NYU has a global presence with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai and academic centers worldwide.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), established in 1883, is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. Located in Austin, it is a public research university with expenditures exceeding $1 billion annually. Known for its iconic campus, including the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, UT Austin offers renowned programs, such as the highly sought-after Master’s in Artificial Intelligence.

The University of Washington, Seattle (UW), established in 1861, is a leading public research institution located in Seattle. Spanning a 703-acre campus in the University District and featuring satellite campuses in Tacoma and Bothell, UW boasts one of the world’s largest library systems. Renowned for its medical, engineering, and scientific research, it spent $1.73 billion on R&D in 2024. Its highly sought-after programs, including the Master of Public Administration, attract students globally.

The University of Southern California (USC), established in 1880, is a prestigious private research university in Los Angeles. Known for its vibrant campus and extensive academic offerings, USC comprises 22 schools, including the renowned Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. With over 49,000 students from 115+ countries, USC excels in research, athletics, and professional education. Highly sought-after programs, like the Master of Business Administration, attract global talent to this historic institution.

Western Governors University (WGU), founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, is an innovative private online university based in Millcreek, Utah. Employing a competency-based learning model, WGU offers flexible, accredited programs tailored for working professionals. Known for its affordability and accessibility, the university enrolls over 129,000 students, with a median age of 37. WGU offers highly sought-after programs, including the Master’s in Education, and has gained recognition for its pioneering approach to online learning and student success.

Northwestern University (NU), founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois, is a prestigious private research university and the oldest chartered university in Illinois. Renowned for its innovative research and academic excellence, Northwestern is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and joined the Association of American Universities in 1917. With eleven schools, including Kellogg School of Management and Medill School of Journalism, it offers highly sought-after programs, such as the Master’s in Data Science.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its innovation and academic excellence. In 1967, it became Carnegie Mellon University following a merger with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research. CMU comprises seven colleges, including the School of Computer Science and Tepper School of Business, and offers highly sought-after programs like the MS in Computer Science. With campuses worldwide, CMU fosters groundbreaking research and global academic collaboration.

Eastern University (EU) is a private Christian university in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, with additional campuses in Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Founded in 1925 as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, it evolved into a university in 2001. EU is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The 114-acre campus features historic architecture and facilities like the Bradstreet Observatory. Eastern provides highly sought-after programs, including the Master’s in Business Administration.

Marshall University, founded in 1837 in Huntington, West Virginia, is a public research institution named after U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall. The university features historic landmarks like Old Main and offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Renowned for its academic offerings, Marshall provides highly sought-after degrees, including the Master’s in Business Administration. With a legacy of resilience and growth, the university plays a pivotal role in education and research in the Appalachian region.

Lamar University, located in Beaumont, Texas, is a public institution and a Texas State University System member. Established in 1923, it has become a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Spanning a 299-acre urban campus, Lamar is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas. It offers highly sought-after programs like the Master of Science in Nursing.