Arizona State University’s Snapshot
100+
Online master’s programs
~$878
Per credit hour
~$26k
Typical total cost
R1
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type
Public university
Regional accreditation
HLC
Admissions model
Rolling (most programs)
GRE/GMAT required
Not required (most programs)
Out-of-state premium
None — flat rate for all
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- CSWE
- CCNE
- CACREP
- ABET
- CEPH
- NASPAA
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare ASU by What Matters Most
- Compare institutional reputation → Public R1 research university with one of the largest online graduate infrastructures in the U.S.
- Compare program breadth → 100+ online master’s programs across business, engineering, healthcare, counseling, education, and more
- Compare accreditation → HLC regional accreditation plus AACSB, CSWE, CCNE, CACREP, ABET, CEPH, and NASPAA programmatic credentials
- Compare affordability → ~$626–$878 per credit depending on program and college
- Compare alternatives → University of Arizona, Purdue University, University of Florida, and Western Governor’s University
What Arizona State University Is Known For
Arizona State University has built a distinctive position in the online master’s landscape on three pillars: scale, innovation infrastructure, and research-university credibility.
ASU has been named the #1 Most Innovative University in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for nine consecutive years — a designation driven largely by its early, aggressive investment in online education. ASU Online isn’t a side project grafted onto a traditional campus; it operates as a mature, purpose-built unit with dedicated instructional designers, enrollment counselors, and student support systems. That infrastructure maturity translates into a more consistent online experience than what many universities can deliver.
The sheer breadth of ASU’s online master’s catalog is one of its strongest evaluation criteria. Very few universities offer 100+ online graduate programs spanning this many disciplines. Students can choose from AACSB-accredited business degrees through the W. P. Carey School of Business, CCNE-accredited nursing programs, CSWE-accredited social work programs, CACREP-accredited counseling degrees, ABET-accredited engineering programs, criminal justice degrees, psychology programs, and affordable education degrees — all under a single institutional umbrella.
For employers, an ASU master’s degree carries the recognition of a large public R1 research university. The diploma doesn’t distinguish between online and on-campus completion, which matters for credential value. ASU’s alumni network is also among the largest in the country, which creates tangible professional networking advantages in fields like business, education, and public administration.
That said, ASU’s innovation reputation is a marketing-facing strength that doesn’t automatically translate into superior outcomes in every program. Students should evaluate individual program quality and accreditation rather than relying on the university-wide innovation label alone.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
ASU’s online master’s catalog is organized below by subject area. Tuition rates, credit requirements, and admissions models vary by program and college — review each carefully.
ASU’s business programs are housed in the W. P. Carey School of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation — a distinction shared by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 48 | $878 | $42,144 | 18–24 months | Rolling | AACSB | Concentrations: Finance, International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management. GMAT/GRE waiver available. |
| MS in Business Analytics | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 12–18 months | Rolling | AACSB | Fully online. |
| MS in Global Logistics Management | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 12–18 months | Rolling | AACSB | Strong supply chain reputation. |
ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers some of the most affordable online master’s programs in the university’s catalog, with per-credit rates significantly lower than most other ASU colleges.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEd in Curriculum and Instruction | 30 | $626 | $18,780 | 12–24 months | Rolling | Concentrations: ESL, Gifted Education, Applied Behavior Analysis. |
| MA in Education — Educational Leadership | 30 | $626 | $18,780 | 12–24 months | Rolling | — |
| MEd in Special Education | 30 | $626 | $18,780 | 12–24 months | Rolling | Concentrations: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorders. |
Programs in this area are delivered through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Information Technology | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 12–24 months | Rolling | — |
| MS in Computer Science | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 18–30 months | Deadline-based | Concentrations: AI, Big Data Systems, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering. Competitive admission. |
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEng in Electrical Engineering | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 18–30 months | Deadline-based | ABET | Concentrations: Electric Power and Energy Systems, Signal Processing and Communications. |
| MEng in Software Engineering | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 18–30 months | Deadline-based | — | Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. |
ASU’s nursing programs are housed in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and carry CCNE accreditation. Both require clinical hours and are not fully online. For a broader view of online MSN programs , see our subject hub.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner | 46 | $878 | $40,388 | 24–36 months | Deadline-based | Clinical hours required. |
| MSN — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP | 43 | $878 | $37,754 | 24–36 months | Deadline-based | Clinical hours required. |
ASU’s MSW is CSWE-accredited , which is essential for licensure in all 50 states.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | 60 | $878 | $52,680 | 24–36 months | Deadline-based | Concentrations: Children and Families, Behavioral Health. Requires field placement. Advanced standing (33 credits) for BSW holders. |
For students interested in clinical paths, ASU’s CACREP-accredited counseling program is the relevant degree. See also our broader psychology programs guide.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Counseling — Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 60 | $878 | $52,680 | 24–36 months | Deadline-based | CACREP-accredited. Requires practicum and internship hours. |
| MS in Psychology | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 18–24 months | Rolling | Concentrations: Quantitative Research Methods, Applied Behavior Analysis. |
ASU’s healthcare programs sit within the College of Health Solutions. For a broader comparison of online MHA programs , see our subject hub.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 42 | $878 | $36,876 | 18–24 months | Rolling | CEPH | Concentrations: Health Promotion, Biostatistics. |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA) | 42 | $878 | $36,876 | 18–24 months | Rolling | — | College of Health Solutions. |
For more options in this field, see our criminal justice programs hub.
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Criminal Justice | 33 | $878 | $28,974 | 12–24 months | Rolling | Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. |
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Cybersecurity | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 12–24 months | Rolling | Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. |
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Administration (MPA) | 42 | $878 | $36,876 | 18–24 months | Rolling | NASPAA | Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. |
| Program | Credits | Tuition/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Duration | Admissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Communication | 30 | $878 | $26,340 | 12–24 months | Rolling | — |
How Arizona State University Compares
The table below positions ASU against four peer institutions commonly considered by prospective online master’s students. Each school occupies a different niche, and the right choice depends on your priorities.
| Dimension | Arizona State University | University of Arizona | Western Governors University | Purdue University | University of Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public R1 | Public R1 | Private nonprofit | Public R1 | Public R1 |
| Online Master’s Programs | 100+ | ~60 | ~40+ | ~50 | ~40 |
| Tuition Model | Per-credit (~$626–$878) | Per-credit (~$600–$1,000+) | Flat-rate per 6-month term (~$4,295–$4,795) | Per-credit (~$420–$900+) | Per-credit (~$550–$1,100+) |
| Admissions Flexibility | Rolling for most; deadline-based for clinical/engineering | Varies by program | Open enrollment (competency-based) | Varies by program | Mostly deadline-based |
| Key Strength | Program breadth + innovation infrastructure | Select niche programs (e.g., sciences, public health) | Low cost + self-paced flexibility | Engineering, technology, and Purdue Global access | Highly ranked specific programs (business, education) |
| Accreditation Depth | AACSB, CSWE, CCNE, CACREP, ABET, CEPH, NASPAA | AACSB, CEPH, others | ACBSP (business), CCNE (nursing) | AACSB, ABET | AACSB, NCATE, CEPH |
| Best For | Maximum choice at a recognized public university | Students wanting UA’s specific program strengths | Budget-conscious, self-directed learners | Engineering/tech professionals | Students prioritizing program-specific rankings |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- ASU vs. University of Arizona: ASU’s catalog is roughly twice the size of UA’s online offering. UA may be stronger in specific niche areas, but if you need breadth and flexibility of choice, ASU has a clear edge.
- ASU vs. Western Governors University: Completely different models. WGU’s flat-rate competency-based approach can be dramatically cheaper for self-paced learners, but it doesn’t carry the same research-university credential weight. ASU is better if employer’s perception of the institution matters in your field.
- ASU vs. Purdue University: Purdue has a particularly strong engineering and technology reputation. ASU competes well in these areas but differentiates through broader program diversity across education, social work, and healthcare.
- ASU vs. University of Florida: UF tends to be more selective and has certain program-specific rankings that surpass ASU. ASU offers more rolling-admission flexibility and a wider selection of fully online programs.
Arizona State University Is
Best For
ASU Online is an especially strong fit for the following student profiles:
- 1. Working professionals who want maximum program choice within one institution. ASU’s catalog of 100+ online master’s programs means you’re unlikely to be forced to look elsewhere because your desired subject isn’t available. If you’re exploring multiple fields or want to pivot without switching schools, this breadth matters.
- 2. Career changers who need rolling admissions and flexible start dates. Most ASU Online programs admit on a rolling basis with multiple start dates per year, which means you aren’t waiting six months for a single fall cohort. This is especially valuable for career changers who want to start quickly once they’ve decided to make a move.
- 3. Students who want an R1 research university credential at a predictable, uniform price. ASU charges the same online tuition rate regardless of state residency. For out-of-state students, this eliminates the inflated tuition penalties that make many other public university programs unaffordable. The ASU name and R1 status carry real weight in fields like business, engineering, and public administration.
- 4. Education professionals seeking affordable MEd options. ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College programs start at $626/credit — significantly lower than the general ASU rate and competitive with other large education-focused programs nationally. Combined with rolling admissions and multiple concentrations, these are among ASU’s strongest value propositions.
- 5. Students in clinical or counseling fields who need fully accredited programs. ASU’s CSWE-accredited MSW, CCNE-accredited MSN tracks, and CACREP-accredited counseling program check the accreditation boxes required for licensure. If you need field placement support from a large, well-resourced institution, ASU’s infrastructure handles this at scale.
Not a Best Fit For
No university is optimal for every student. Here are specific scenarios where ASU Online may not be your strongest option:
- 1. You’re on a tight budget and total cost is your primary decision factor. ASU’s per-credit rates of $626–$878 put it in the mid-range for online master’s programs, but total costs for many programs land between $26,000 and $52,000. Western Governors University offers flat-rate terms around $4,295–$4,795, and Southern New Hampshire University frequently prices below $700/credit with aggressive financial aid. For budget-constrained students, these alternatives can save $10,000–$25,000 or more. Exploring student loan forgiveness programs may also change your cost calculus.
- 2. You want elite or Ivy-level brand prestige. ASU is a well-respected public university, but it doesn’t carry the brand premium of institutions like Johns Hopkins University or George Washington University . In fields where institutional selectivity signals matter — certain consulting, policy, or research roles — the ASU credential may not differentiate you in the same way.
- 3. You prefer a competency-based or fully self-paced learning model. ASU uses a traditional semester-based, instructor-led model. If you learn best by moving at your own speed and testing out of material you already know, Western Governors University is structurally designed for that approach. ASU’s model requires following a set course schedule each session.
- 4. You want very small cohort sizes and close faculty mentorship. ASU Online operates at a massive scale, which means class sizes in many programs are larger than what you’d find at smaller online providers. If a tight-knit cohort experience and regular one-on-one faculty relationships are priorities, smaller programs at institutions like Regis University or Eastern University may be a better fit.
- 5. You need a very niche program that ASU doesn’t offer online. Despite its breadth, ASU doesn’t cover every specialization. For example, if you need an online occupational therapy master’s program, ASU doesn’t currently offer one. Always verify that your specific program exists in ASU’s online catalog before committing.
Featured Programs and Top Picks
These five programs represent ASU’s strongest online master’s offerings — selected for accreditation strength, value, or distinctive positioning.
Why it stands out: AACSB-accredited MBA from a business school consistently ranked in the top 30 nationally. Four concentration options, GMAT/GRE waiver availability, and the W. P. Carey employer network give this program tangible career leverage.
Best for: Mid-career professionals who want an MBA from a nationally recognized, accredited business school without pausing their careers.Caveat: At $42,144 estimated total, it’s pricier than many online MBAs. Students purely optimizing for cost should compare alternatives.
Why it stands out: CSWE accreditation is non-negotiable for licensure, and ASU’s program has it. The advanced standing track (33 credits for BSW holders) significantly reduces time and cost. Concentrations in Children and Families and Behavioral Health align with high-demand practice areas.
Best for: Aspiring LCSWs who need a CSWE-accredited program with field placement support from a large university infrastructure. See CSWE-accredited MSW programs for a broader list.
Caveat: At 60 credits (standard track) and $52,680 estimated cost, this is one of ASU’s most expensive programs. Field placement requirements also mean it’s not fully location-independent.
Why it stands out: CCNE accreditation plus ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, which is well-resourced for clinical placement coordination. The FNP track prepares students for one of the highest-demand roles in healthcare.
Best for: RNs with a BSN who want to advance to nurse practitioner practice with a strong clinical training framework. Students exploring the BSN-to-MSN pathway should verify ASU’s specific prerequisites.
Caveat: Requires clinical hours, which are location-dependent. Competitive admission means this isn’t a guaranteed path even for qualified applicants.
Why it stands out: At $626/credit and only 30 credits, this is one of the most affordable online master’s degrees at a major R1 university — total cost under $19,000. Three concentration options (ESL, Gifted Education, and Applied Behavior Analysis) cover high-demand teaching specializations.
Best for: Practicing teachers who need a master’s degree for salary advancement or career growth without taking on major debt.
Caveat: This is a non-licensure degree. Teachers needing initial certification or principal licensure should verify whether this program meets their state’s specific requirements.
Why it stands out: Delivered through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, with concentrations in AI, Big Data Systems, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering. These specializations align with the highest-growth segments of the tech labor market.
Best for: Working software engineers and IT professionals who want to deepen technical expertise with a graduate degree from a recognized engineering school.
Caveat: Deadline-based, competitive admission. This is one of the more selective ASU Online programs and may not be accessible to career changers without strong technical backgrounds.
Admissions Snapshot
| Admissions Element | Details |
|---|---|
| General Requirements | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA (some accept 2.75+ with additional review). |
| GRE/GMAT Policy | Not required for the majority of ASU Online master’s programs. Some business programs offer GMAT waivers based on GPA or work experience. Select engineering/CS programs may recommend but typically don’t require GRE scores. |
| Admissions Model | Rolling for most programs — applications reviewed as received, with multiple start dates per year. Deadline-based for clinical, counseling, nursing, and select engineering programs (typically fall-start only). |
| Application Materials | Vary by program but typically include: transcripts, statement of purpose, resume/CV. Clinical programs additionally require professional references, background checks, and prerequisite coursework. |
| Clinical/Counseling Programs | MSW, MSN, and Master of Counseling programs require field placements, practicum hours, or clinical rotations. These have separate application timelines, additional prerequisites, and may require interviews. |
| Transfer Credits | Some programs accept limited transfer credits. Policies vary by college and program — verify directly with ASU Online. |
| International Students | English proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS) apply. All online programs are accessible internationally, though clinical programs with U.S.-based field placements may have location constraints. |
Tuition and Cost Overview
ASU Online charges uniform tuition rates regardless of residency — meaning out-of-state students pay the same per-credit rate as Arizona residents. This is a meaningful advantage for students outside Arizona who would face surcharges at other public universities.
| Cost Element | Details |
|---|---|
| General Per-Credit Rate | ~$878/credit for most programs (business, engineering, healthcare, criminal justice, psychology, public administration) |
| Education Per-Credit Rate | ~$626/credit for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College programs |
| In-State vs. Out-of-State | Same rate for all online students |
| Total Cost Range | $18,780 (30-credit MEd) to $52,680 (60-credit MSW/counseling) for the programs profiled on this page |
| Fees | Technology fees and program-specific fees may apply. Budget an additional $500–$1,500 per year for fees, depending on the program. |
| Financial Aid | Federal financial aid (loans, grants) available. ASU also offers institutional scholarships and graduate assistantships for some programs. Employer tuition reimbursement is commonly used by ASU Online students. |
| Payment Plans | ASU offers tuition installment plans within each session. |
Cost Context: ASU falls in the mid-range for online master’s tuition. It’s more expensive than flat-rate providers like Western Governors University or high-discount institutions like Southern New Hampshire University . It’s less expensive than many private research universities offering comparable programs. The education programs at $626/credit represent ASU’s strongest value tier.
For students in public service fields, federal student loan forgiveness programs may significantly reduce the effective cost of an ASU degree over time.
Visit Arizona State University official online programs page
Related Rankings
ASU appears in or is relevant to several OMC ranking pages. Use these to compare ASU against other top institutions in specific categories:
- Online Master’s Programs by State — ASU is one of Arizona’s flagship online master’s providers. Use this page to compare options across all 50 states.
- Online MSW Programs — ASU’s CSWE-accredited MSW is one of the major online social work programs nationally. Compare it against peers on accreditation, cost, and field placement support.
- Online MSN Programs — ASU’s CCNE-accredited nursing tracks compete with programs from other large public universities. See how they stack up on specialization options and clinical coordination.
- Online MHA Programs — ASU’s Master of Health Administration is one option among many. This ranking helps contextualize it against programs with programmatic accreditation (CAHME) that ASU’s MHA currently lacks.
- Online Criminal Justice Programs — ASU’s MS in Criminal Justice through the Watts College competes in a crowded field. Compare cost, curriculum, and career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ASU is regionally accredited by the HLC, and the diploma does not distinguish between online and on-campus completion. ASU’s status as a public R1 research university and its strong programmatic accreditations (AACSB, CSWE, CCNE, CACREP, ABET) give the degree legitimate weight. Employer perception is generally strong, particularly in business, education, engineering, and healthcare. It does not carry the same elite signaling as Ivy League or top-10 programs in prestige-sensitive fields.
Most programs range from 12 to 24 months for students enrolled at a typical pace. Clinical and counseling programs (MSW, MSN, Master of Counseling) generally take 24 to 36 months due to field placement and clinical hour requirements. ASU’s multiple start dates per year and session-based model allow some acceleration.
The majority of ASU Online master’s programs do not require standardized test scores. Many business programs offer GMAT waivers based on GPA or professional experience. A small number of competitive programs (e.g., MS in Computer Science) may recommend but typically do not require test scores. Always check program-specific requirements.
Total cost depends on the program. Most programs charge ~$878/credit, while education programs charge ~$626/credit. Total costs range from approximately $18,780 (30-credit MEd) to $52,680 (60-credit MSW or counseling programs). ASU charges the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students.
Yes, in terms of the credential. The degree and transcript are issued by Arizona State University without distinguishing the delivery mode. Online programs are taught by the same faculty, housed in the same academic colleges, and carry the same programmatic accreditations. The learning experience differs — online students learn asynchronously through ASU’s platform rather than in person.
ASU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Individual programs carry additional programmatic accreditations: AACSB (business), CSWE (social work), CCNE (nursing), CACREP (counseling), ABET (engineering), CEPH (public health), and NASPAA (public administration).
Most ASU Online programs are designed for working professionals, with asynchronous coursework and flexible session structures. Many students maintain full-time employment throughout. Exceptions include clinical programs (MSN, MSW, counseling) that require daytime practicum, clinical rotations, or field placements — these may require schedule adjustments with your employer.
ASU has a significantly larger online master’s catalog than the University of Arizona, which offers ~60 online programs. Grand Canyon University is a private, faith-based institution with a different cost structure and institutional identity. ASU’s R1 research status and breadth of accredited programs set it apart from both.