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What Is a Self Paced Master’s Degree Program?
Self Paced Programs & Other Online Programs: What’s the Difference?
What are some of the benefits of self-paced degree programs and courses?
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Self Paced Masters Degree?
While self paced learning has been around in some form since the 1700s when private correspondence courses were advertised, it didn’t really take off until the internet became readily available. Since then, wi-fi, especially in public places and coffee shops, and mobile devices have made self paced learning, especially in graduate school, even more accessible.
And, as we now are connected wherever we are, it is often easier to meet deadlines, perform research, and communicate with peers and professors. Plus, with more professional and personal responsibilities, self-paced master’s programs could allow you the option to take as many or as few online courses or offline courses as you feel comfortable. Some even may allow you to complete a course in two weeks. While many self-paced programs are offered online or in a hybrid format, understand your own learning style to decide whether a campus or distance program is better for you.
Did You Know? The Society to Encourage Studies at Home, created in 1873, was the first correspondence school in the United States.
Tips for Self Paced Master’s Degree Program Success
Educational opportunities like this may be a great choice for some students. However, there is a lot of work that goes into these programs. It is often important to know if this type of education fits your needs. It is also important to consider your study habits and expectations. These tips may offer some help.
Invest in the Perfect Program
A great starting point is choosing the perfect type of online degree program. Many schools may now offer these programs. Not all are the same. Some may have more flexibility than others. A student also needs to think about what they plan to learn. Choose a program that is worth the time and monetary investment.
Ensure Ample Time Management
Study time is often an important part of these programs. Students may need to be capable of managing their own time. That may mean scheduling time each day or week to work on the course assignments. They may need to meet specific timelines for completing assignments. Without a class time to visit each day, it could be easy to push off required assignments until the last minute. Many students may benefit from more organized and paced out education.
Plan a Space to Study
It may also be important to have a specific place to study. Having the same place to go to study may help some students stay organized. Class material, like videos, textbooks, and note-taking material in that space may help to make it feel more like a classroom. It may also help to reduce at least some of the distractions students have.
Find Out What Resources Are Available
A self paced program is not one where the teacher leaves the student to manage their education alone. Many instructors may still provide time for meeting with them. They may also have meet ups locally. Other resources to the student may also be available. This includes on campus library access or student support services. Find out what type of services are available to help encourage learning.
Reach Out for Help
A self paced program may seem like a solitary learning experience. Yet, many schools may provide a range of resources for students to use if they need help. For students unsure about material or confused on topics, reaching out to the instructor, other students, or a tutor may be helpful. It is a great idea to learn about the school’s resources before choosing a program.
Plan to Succeed
Know the start dates for each program. Plan out a schedule to help meet specific goals throughout the learning process. Stick with a plan like this to help minimize the risk of running out of time.
Universities With Self-Paced Master’s Degree Programs Online & On-Campus
While many universities offer online master’s degrees or at least some type of hybrid learning for your degree, the 15 schools listed below offer a variety of self-paced learning options that allow you to take courses at your convenience – including self paced masters degree online options.
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#1: Southern New Hampshire University
With more than 3,000 campus students and more than 80,000 online students, plus an alumni network of more than 84,000, Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. SNHU offers a variety of master’s degrees that may be earned in as little as 15 months with two courses per ten-week term. Or, you may take one course per term and earn your degree on your schedule. Some of the more than 100 master’s degrees available at SNHU are:
- M.S. Data Analytics
- M.S. Public Health
- Masters in Operations and Project Management
- M.B.A. with Concentration in Internet Marketing
- M.S. Psychology
#2: Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global serves 30,000 students and is an adult-serving public university that focuses on convenient online degrees in career-oriented fields of study. Purdue University Global offers online master’s degrees that may be earned in about two years or longer, depending on the flexible scheduling you choose.. Or, you may take one course per term and earn your degree on your schedule. Some of the dozens of master’s degrees available at Purdue University Global include:
- M.S. Accounting
- M.S. Homeland Security
- Masters in Health Education
- Master of Public Administration
- M.S. Psychology
#3: Walden University
For the past 45 years, Walden University has been serving the higher education needs of adult learners. Today, Walden serves students from all 50 states and more than 150 countries from around the world through programs that reflect current market trends and promote positive social change. Tempo Learning, Walden’s self-paced learning format, is an innovative and custom way to complete your degree. These programs allow you to use real-world experience to potentially speed your progress through a curriculum that may be applied to your job immediately. Some of the Tempo Learning programs are:
- (M.P.H.) Master of Public Health – General
- M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology – Online Learning
- (M.B.A) Master of Business Administration – Self Designed
Other online programs:
- M.S. in Criminal Justice – Self-Designed
- M.S. in Human Resource Management – General Program
#4: Northeastern University
#5: Grand Canyon University
#6: Indiana Wesleyan University
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
- Graduate Teaching Certificate – Biology
- M.S. Nursing – Associate to Master’s – Nursing Administration
- Master of Business Administration
#7: Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies
The Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies offers a supportive, collaborative environment that allow students to balance their personal and professional lives with the pursuit of learning. Adult learners have been a core part of Northwestern’s mission for more than 80 years. As a result, the school offers a variety of programs that combine online technology with the interactivity of the classroom, all around your busy schedule. Some of these programs are:
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Global Health
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Policy and Administration
- (M.A.) Master of Arts in Sport and Fitness Administration / Management
- Master of Science (M.S.) Predictive Analysis
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Systems
#8: Liberty University
Offering more than 550 programs of study, and with an alumni network of more than 250,000, Liberty University provides an education with a solid Christian foundation and is committed to academic excellence. Many of the master’s degrees at Liberty may be earned in 12 months. Or, you may pursue these programs at your own pace through flexible programs designed to allow you to work while pursuing your degree. Some of these programs are:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Leadership
- Master of Arts (M.A.): Marriage and Family Therapy
- (M.A) Master of Arts: Strategic Communication
- Master of Education (Med): Teaching and Learning: Early Childhood Education
- Master of Public Administration (MPA): Law and Public Policy
#9: University of North Carolina
As the nation’s first state university to open its doors, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill serves as an educational and economic beacon for the people of North Carolina and beyond. In addition, the faculty at UNC is dedicated to innovation, excellence in their teaching, and have made discoveries that touch every aspect of society. UNC also offers a growing selection of online graduate programs designed for students to complete at their own pace. Some of these degrees are:
- Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
- Master of Science (M.S.) Public Policy
- Master of Pubic Administration (M.P.A.)
- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- (M.A.) Master of Arts in Communication Studies
#10: University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix provides students with the ability to work and study at their own pace. This is done through the use of online coursework that is flexible and may be completed at the pace of the student. Students are not required to take a minimum number of courses per semester and may take them as needed. This allows for the ability to work and continue on with their lives while also pursuing a masters degree. Here are some of the flexible majors they offer:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Health Administration
- M.S. of Information Systems
- Master of Management
- Master of Public Administration
#11: University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus is the online extension of the University of Arizona. This program provides students with the ability to study and learn at their own pace as they pursue a masters degree. They have a number of online and flexible masters programs to choose from. Here are some examples:
- Master in Business Administration
- Master in Psychology
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
- Master of Information Systems management
- Master of Arts in Special Education
#12: Strayer University
Strayer University is an online school that offers a number of flexible masters degree programs. These programs are designed to work with the busy lifestyle of todays student. These programs may allow students to work at their pace and to choose the classes they need when it is convenient for them. Here are some of the programs they offer a flexible masters in:
- Masters in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Human Resource Management
- M.S. in Information Systems
- Master of Health Services Administration
#13: Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College offers a number of masters degree programs that are meant to help professionals to succeed while they enhance their careers. The programs offer the ability to learn online and have the flexibility one needs on order to succeed and earn their degree while still working. Here are some examples of the programs offered:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Public Health
- M.S. in Nursing Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Human Resource Management
#14: Capella University
Capella University offers a number of online and flexible masters programs. These programs are designed to help students to earn the degree they want at a pace that they are able to complete it. They provide flexible scheduling and class options to meet the needs of the busy and working student. Here are some examples of the programs they offer:
- MS in Human Resource Management
- MS in Information Technology
- Masters in Psychology
- MS in Education
- MPA in Public Administration
- MHA Master in Health Administration
#15: Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers a number of programs for students to earn a masters degree. These programs offer the flexibility and options that one needs in order to pursue the degree at their own pace. They have a number of degree programs from which to choose including the following:
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In the table below are a few ideas from partner universities to get you started.