So you're thinking about an online master's degree? Good call. I remember when my cousin was researching options last year - she almost got lost in all the noise. That's why we're cutting through the fluff today on Arizona State University online masters programs. No hype, just the real details you need before dropping tuition money.
ASU's online graduate programs have blown up recently. U.S. News ranks them top 10 nationally for online education seven years straight. But rankings don't pay your bills, right? Let's get practical.
Why Would You Even Consider ASU?
First things first: is an online degree from Arizona State University legit? Absolutely. Your diploma won't say "online" - it's identical to what campus students get. Their accreditation is gold-standard (Higher Learning Commission), plus program-specific badges like AACSB for business.
What surprised me? Their faculty setup. You're not getting second-string professors. The same people teaching on campus handle online courses. Dr. Smith in the engineering school told me they actually redesign courses specifically for digital delivery rather than just filming lectures.
Program Variety: More Than You'd Expect
Arizona State University online masters programs cover insane ground. We're talking 80+ options. Here's where they shine:
The Good Stuff
- Business programs ranked #2 by U.S. News (that MBA is killer)
- Engineering masters with ABET accreditation - rare for online
- Unique tech degrees like Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Actual STEM-designated programs for international students
Watch Out For
- Some specialized programs have waitlists (like Biomedical Diagnostics)
- Creative writing MA requires campus visits twice yearly
- Speech therapy programs need in-person clinical hours
Cost Breakdown: Show Me The Money
Let's talk dollars because tuition isn't cheap. Most Arizona State University online masters cost between $550-$1,400 per credit hour. Ouch? Maybe. But compare:
| Program | Total Credits | Cost Per Credit | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 30 | $1,075 | $32,250 |
| MBA | 49 | $1,350 | $66,150 |
| MA Communication | 30 | $710 | $21,300 |
| MS Engineering | 30 | $975 | $29,250 |
Military folks get sweet discounts - $250-$725 per credit. They also throw in fee waivers. Random perk: ASU Online students qualify for the same public transit deals as campus students. Weird but cool.
Getting In: What They Really Want
Admissions aren't cakewalk. Minimum 3.0 undergrad GPA for most ASU online masters programs, but competitive programs average 3.5+. My buddy with a 2.8 got into the Instructional Design program though - he crushed the personal statement.
Application Checklist
- Transcripts from every college (yes, even that community college summer class)
- Two letters recommending you don't suck
- Personal statement that doesn't put reviewers to sleep
- Resume showing relevant work experience (they actually read this)
- TOEFL/IELTS if you're international (minimum 80/6.5)
- $70 application fee (non-negotiable)
Hot tip: Some programs like the MS in Business Analytics want prerequisite courses done first. Check requirements early.
Weekly Reality Check: What Online Learning Actually Feels Like
Expect 15-20 hours weekly per class. The Canvas platform is solid - clean interface, decent mobile app. But here's the real talk nobody gives you:
"You'll have weeks where work explodes and you're up at 2am submitting discussion posts. The flexibility is great until your kid gets sick during finals week."
- Jenna R., current ASU Online MBA student
Synchronous sessions? Depends. Some professors require Zoom meetings at fixed times. Others let you binge-watch lectures Sundays at midnight. Always check course formats before enrolling.
Career Stuff That Matters
ASU's career services aren't just resume mills. They offer:
- Virtual career fairs with actual employers (Amazon recruits heavy from CS)
- Salary negotiation workshops that are surprisingly useful
- Alumni mentorship matching - I tested this and got paired in 72 hours
Post-grad surveys show 89% employed in-field within six months. Engineering grads report average $92k starting salaries. Not Ivy League numbers, but solid.
Scholarships You Might Actually Get
Forget those "1 in 10,000" merit awards. These Arizona State University online masters scholarships are attainable:
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Qualifies | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASU Online Graduate Scholarship | Up to $3,000 | New students with 3.5+ GPA | Rolling |
| Graduate Completion Fellowship | $2,000 | Final semester students | March 1 |
| Military Service Award | $1,500 | Active duty/veterans | None |
| Women in STEM Scholarship | $2,500 | Female tech students | June 15 |
Pro move: Department-specific scholarships exist. The journalism school gives $5k for podcasting projects. Always ask.
Tech Requirements: Don't Get Screwed
Serious warning: Their tech specs aren't suggestions. I saw a student fail an exam because her Chromebook couldn't run the proctoring software. Must-haves:
- Windows 10+ or macOS 10.15+ (no Linux support)
- Webcam for identity verification
- Reliable 5 Mbps internet (satellite won't cut it)
- Specific software like LockDown Browser
They have laptop loaner programs if money's tight. Apply early - funds run out.
Faculty Insights: Who You'll Learn From
ASU doesn't outsource teaching to grad students. I audited a cybersecurity class - the professor invented encryption tech used by banks. But quality varies. RateMyProfessor scores for online instructors:
| Department | Average Rating | Response Time | Key Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 4.3/5 | 12-24 hours | "Grading rubrics super clear" |
| Engineering | 4.1/5 | 24-48 hours | "Office hours actually helpful" |
| Education | 3.9/5 | 48+ hours | "Feedback sometimes vague" |
The psychology department has this rockstar professor who does TikTok office hours. Wild.
Real Answers to Real Questions
Can I finish faster than advertised?
Sometimes. Engineering programs let you take 3 classes per 7.5-week session if you beg your advisor. Business programs lock you into their cohort schedule. Summer sessions exist but cost extra.
Are exams proctored?
Yep - mostly Honorlock. It records your screen, webcam, and room scan. Some professors use timed exams without proctoring though. Always check syllabus week.
Can I transfer credits?
Maximum 12 credits from another grad program. They're picky - needs same course content and B grade minimum. Previous ASU courses transfer easier.
What if I need to pause?
One-year leave of absence allowed. Beyond that, reapply. Your credits expire after six years. Don't stretch it like my friend who took eight years - had to retake half his courses.
My Take After Digging Deep
ASU's online masters make sense if:
- You need name recognition without quitting your job
- Your employer offers tuition reimbursement
- You're disciplined enough for self-paced work
Think twice if:
- You thrive on classroom energy
- Your internet is sketchy
- You need hand-holding from professors
Final thought? Their Instructional Design MA program blows competitors out the water. But the Communication MA feels overpriced for what you get. Shop around.
Still debating? Call their enrollment advisors. Unlike some schools, they won't spam you 10 times daily. Just don't expect miracles - they can't waive requirements no matter how nicely you beg.
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