Home » Best Online Master’s Programs in Washington
Discover the best online master’s programs in Washington from ten leading universities. Compare degrees, tuition, and features to find your ideal graduate program in 2026.
Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Washington State has a vibrant higher education landscape featuring a mix of public and private institutions that offer diverse academic programs and research opportunities. The state’s universities are hubs for research and innovation, contributing to the growth of various industries, particularly technology and healthcare.
Washington has a network of private, public, community, and technical colleges that provide affordable two-year degrees, master’s programs, doctoral degrees, and vocational training. As in many states, one challenge facing higher education in Washington is affordability. Efforts have been made to increase access and reduce the financial burden on students through programs such as the Washington College Grant.

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Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
In Washington, higher education is primarily a state function. The University of Washington in Seattle is the largest institution, with branch campuses in Bothell and Tacoma. Washington State University, founded in 1890, has branch campuses in Pullman, Spokane, Vancouver, and Richland. Three state colleges, originally teacher-training institutions, have become universities—Western Washington University, Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University. The Evergreen State College joined the state system in 1971. Washington also has a network of over 30 community colleges and several private institutions, including Whitman College, University of Puget Sound, Gonzaga University, and Seattle University.
If you’re seeking an online master’s degree in Washington, you’re in the right place. Continue reading. For general information about master’s degrees or resources to pursue a specific program, visit our resource page or the dedicated online master’s program section.

There are numerous well-regarded master’s degree programs offered by Washington’s universities. Some of the best universities in the state provide excellent student support services, networking opportunities, research facilities, and more. These are a few of the best universities and their programs chosen using our unique methodology.

Washington State University Global Campus is the online and distance education branch of Washington State University, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that can be completed online. It provides flexible and accessible education options for students of diverse backgrounds and locations. Washington State University utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 59% | $11,781 |
| Programs Offererd | Links |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Agriculture MS | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |
| Electrical Power Engineering (PSM) | Electrical Power Engineering PSM | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |
| Engineering and Technology Management | Engineering and Technology Management | Washington State University (wsu.edu) |
| Executive MBA | AP-EMBA | WSU Online MBA |
| Health Communication & Promotion | Health Communication and Promotion | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |
| MBA | ap | WSU Online MBA |
| Music | Music | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |
| Software Engineering | Software Engineering MS | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |
| Special Education | Special Education EdM | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |
| Strategic Communication | Strategic Communication Master’s | WSU Global Campus | Washington State University |

The University of Washington- Professional & Continuing Education offers various non-degree programs, certificates, and courses designed to help individuals enhance their skills, advance their careers, and stay current in their fields. These programs cater to diverse learners, including working professionals, adult learners, and those seeking career changes. UW PCE provides accessible and practical education to support personal and professional growth. University of Washington’s total number of students in fall 2022 is 29,843.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 82% | $16,278 |

Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. It provides a supportive environment for education and personal growth in a picturesque setting. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,566 (fall 2022), its location is rural, and the campus size is 380 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 58% | $9,822 |
| Programs Offererd | Links |
|---|---|
| M.Ed. School Administration | Masters of Education School Administration Program | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.Ed. Higher Education | Masters of Education Higher Education | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.Ed. Master Teacher | MAT Home | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.S. Information Technology and Administrative Management | MS-ITAM Overview | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.A. Professional and Creative Writing | M.A. Professional & Creative Writing | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.S. Health and Physical Education | Health and Physical Education, MS (Online) | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.S. Athletic Administration | Sport & Athletic Administration, MS (Online) | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |
| M.S. Safety and Health Management | Master of Science in Safety and Health Management | Central Washington University (cwu.edu) |

City University of Seattle is a private nonprofit university based in Seattle, Washington, USA. Established in 1973, it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, mainly focusing on business, technology, and management fields. The university is known for its flexibility, catering to working adults and non-traditional students through online and on-campus programs. The City University of Seattle has a total enrolment of 7,121 students. It is committed to providing practical education that aligns with the job market’s needs and helps students advance in their careers.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| NA | $11,812 |

Eastern Washington University is a public institution that was founded in 1882. The university’s scenic campus in Cheney and additional centers and locations provide students with a conducive environment for their education and personal development. EWU plays a significant role in higher education and workforce development in eastern Washington state. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,439 (fall 2021), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 330 acres.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 53% | $12,015 |
Gonzaga University is known for its strong commitment to Jesuit values, social justice, and academic excellence. It provides students with a well-rounded education emphasizing ethical leadership and community service. The university’s campus in Spokane offers a supportive and engaging environment for students, and Gonzaga has a reputation for producing graduates who positively contribute to society. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,986 (fall 2022), its setting is city, and the campus size is 152 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 88% | $17,296 |
| Programs Offererd | Links |
|---|---|
| MA in Communication and Leadership Studies | Master’s in Communication & Leadership (COML) | Gonzaga University |
| MA in Organizational Leadership | Master’s in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) | Gonzaga University |
| Master’s in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) | M.Ed. in Educational Leadership | Gonzaga University |
| MA in Sport and Athletic Administration | Master’s in Sport Administration | Gonzaga University | Gonzaga University |
| MA in Theology and Leadership | Master’s in Theology and Leadership | Gonzaga University | Gonzaga University |
| MSN | Master of Science in Nursing | Gonzaga University |
| Master’s in T&D Engineering | Transmission and Distribution Engineering Program | Gonzaga University |
| RN to MSN | RN to MSN | Gonzaga University |
| Second MSN | Second MSN | Nurse Practitioner | Gonzaga University |
Northwest University, founded in 1934, is known for its emphasis on faith integration, community engagement, and academic excellence. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, Northwest University offers students a picturesque campus setting and personal and spiritual growth opportunities. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 838 (fall 2020), its neighborhood is suburban, and the campus size is 56 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Northwest University’s fall 2022 enrollment is 1,778 students.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 58% | $18,401 |
| Programs Offererd | Links |
|---|---|
| Online Master in Ministry | Online Master in Ministry (northwestu.edu) |
| Online MA in Bible and Theology | Online Master of Arts in Bible and Theology (northwestu.edu) |
| Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (northwestu.edu) |
| Online MA in International Community Development | Online Master of Arts in International Community Development (northwestu.edu) |
| Online MA in Leadership Studies | Online Master of Arts in Leadership Studies (northwestu.edu) |
| Online Master of Business Administration | Online Master of Business Administration (northwestu.edu) |
| Online MS in Data Analysis and Research Psychology | Online Master of Science in Data Analysis and Research Psychology (northwestu.edu) |
| Online MS in Nursing | Online Master of Science in Nursing (northwestu.edu) |
Whitworth University, established in 1890, offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, healthcare, and the liberal arts. The university emphasizes academic excellence, community engagement, and fostering ethical leadership. Situated in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Whitworth University provides students with a supportive and inclusive campus environment for academic and personal development. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,220 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 200 acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 77% | $12,312 |
| Programs Offererd | Links |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA, part-time) | MBA | Whitworth University |
| Gifted & Talented, M.A.T. | Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Gifted Education & Equitable Instruction | Center for Gifted Education | Whitworth University |
| Gifted Education Specialty Endorsement | Gifted Education Specialty Endorsement | Graduate Studies in Education | Whitworth University |
| Teaching & Learning, M.Ed. | Teaching & Learning, M.Ed. | Graduate Studies in Education | Whitworth University |
George Washington University, founded in 1821offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including business, politics, international affairs, healthcare, and the arts and sciences. The university provides students unique opportunities for internships, networking, and engagement with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,763 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 43 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 85% | $31,770 |
Western Governors University, established in 1997, has total enrollment of more than 160,000 students, including more than 13,000 in Washington state. It was founded by a group of U.S. governors, which is reflected in its name. WGU has a unique competency-based learning model that allows students to advance through their programs by demonstrating their mastery of course content rather than following a traditional semester-based schedule.
| Grad rate | Tuition fees |
|---|---|
| 72% | $8,444 |
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