Can You Get a Master’s Degree Entirely Online?

Yes, it is possible to earn a fully online master’s degree — and for many learners around the world, online degrees offer flexibility, affordability, and real opportunities. But whether the degree is recognized and meaningful depends heavily on the institution and its accreditation. A leading example worth close attention is University of the People (UoPeople). Below, we explore what “fully online master’s” really means, how UoPeople’s model works, and what you should carefully check before enrolling — especially if you live outside the U.S.

What Is an Online Master’s Degree and How Does It Work?

A “fully online master’s degree” refers to a postgraduate program where all coursework, lectures, assignments, interactions, and assessments are conducted over the internet — no physical campus required. This mode offers unique advantages: you can study from anywhere, maintain a job or family commitments, and learn at your own pace.

Such programs often attract working professionals, international students, or those who cannot relocate — and importantly, many of them are now offered by established, accredited institutions rather than informal “degree mills.” As remote education becomes more common, the line between campus-based and online learning has blurred — but the legitimacy of a degree still depends largely on where you study.

Can You Earn a Legitimate Online Master’s Degree?

Yes — provided the institution is properly accredited.

Is an Online Master’s Degree from University of the People Legitimate?

Yes! Here’s how UoPeople stands out:

• Accreditation matters. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a credible U.S.-based regional accrediting agency. UoPeople’s accreditation ensures its institutional quality and legitimacy.
• UoPeople offers 100% online master’s degree programs in three main domains: Business Administration (MBA), Information Technology (MSIT), and Education (M.Ed.).
• Its model is designed to be accessible globally: students from over 200 countries can enroll, and all learning — from textbooks to assignments — happens online. No on‑campus attendance is required.

In other words: if you want to earn a master’s degree entirely online, UoPeople offers a genuine, accredited option — not a “degree mill.”

What Are the Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree Fully Online?

Affordability

Online universities are known for being much cheaper than traditional campus-based master’s programs. For example, University of the People does not charge tuition, campus, or book fees; instead, you pay modest assessment fees per course.

Flexibility

Students can study from anywhere in the world, often on their own schedule. For example, University of the People does not require students to be online at any particular time, enabling them to study when convenient.

Global Accessibility and Diversity

Students from around the world — from different socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures — study together, offering a rich, international classroom experience without leaving home.

Quality and Support

UoPeople’s instructors and academic leaders include professionals from top global universities. The institution emphasizes small classes, peer interaction, academic advising, and support systems, despite being fully online.

For many learners — particularly those balancing work, family, and other responsibilities — these benefits make online master’s degrees not just feasible, but attractive.

What Are the Key Considerations of Online Master’s Programs? What Should You Check Before Enrolling?

• Recognition may vary by country or institution. Even though UoPeople is accredited in the U.S., recognition of its degrees may differ depending on where you live or aim to work.
• Field‑specific restrictions. For professions requiring licensing (e.g., engineering, medicine, certain regulated sectors), an online master’s might not be sufficient; hands‑on training or in‑person requirements may still apply.
• Due diligence is still needed. You should verify that the credits, course structure, and evaluation standards satisfy the requirements of future employers or further academic institutions — especially if you plan to continue into a PhD or work in a regulated industry. Credential evaluation agencies (e.g., for foreign admission) may have their own benchmarks.

Therefore, while online master’s degrees — and UoPeople’s — are legitimate and valuable in many cases, they are not automatically equivalent to every traditional master’s degree everywhere in the world. Context matters.

Is It Realistic to Earn a Fully Online Master’s Degree That Has Real Value?

Absolutely — under the right conditions. With institutions like UoPeople, which now holds U.S. accreditation and offers flexible, affordable, fully online master’s programs, it is entirely realistic to earn a postgraduate degree from home.

If you live outside the U.S.and are considering such a program, follow these steps:

• First, verify whether your target employers or further‑study institutions accept international online degrees.
• Also, ensure your online program is from an accredited institution, and that you understand any credential evaluation or recognition requirements.
• Finally, weigh the benefits — flexibility, cost, global exposure — against the possible limitations (recognition variation, field‑specific constraints).

For learners seeking flexibility and global access, a fully online master’s from a credible institution is no longer a fringe alternative — it’s a viable, often smart, route.

In conclusion, yes — it is possible to obtain a master’s degree entirely online, and yes — such a degree can carry real weight. The key is to choose your institution wisely. In that regard, University of the People emerges as a leading example: globally accessible, accredited, affordable, and genuinely designed for the modern, mobile learner. If you are willing to do your homework (on credential acceptance, recognition policies, and your career goals), a fully online master’s could be a powerful stepping‑stone.