Getting A Master’s Degree From UoPeople: All Questions Answered

If you want a master’s degree but don’t want to take on heavy student debt, this could be the right path for you. UoPeople offers fully online, tuition-free master’s programs built for working adults who want to move forward in their careers without stepping away from work or family responsibilities.

There are three graduate degrees available: the MBA, the MSIT, and the M.Ed. All programs are 100% online and asynchronous, so there are no live class sessions to attend. You complete weekly coursework on your own schedule. UoPeople is accredited by WSCUC, a recognized institutional accreditor in the United States. That accreditation supports degree recognition by employers and many further education institutions.

Below, you’ll find clear answers about programs, costs, admissions, and what to expect.

Key Takeaways

• UoPeople offers three fully online master’s degrees designed for working professionals. Instead of traditional tuition, you pay assessment fees per course.
• For MBA and MSIT programs, the assessment fee is $450 per course. For the M.Ed., it’s $400 per course. There is also a one-time $60 application fee.
• All programs are accredited by WSCUC and designed to be flexible, allowing you to study from anywhere with internet access.
• Most students complete their degree in about 1.5 to 2.5 years, depending on course load.

Overview Of UoPeople Master’s Degree Programs

Each master’s program is structured to support busy adults. Courses run in nine-week terms. Every week includes assigned readings, written work, and online discussions. There are deadlines, but there are no fixed lecture times. That flexibility allows you to plan your study time around work and personal commitments.

The programs focus on practical application. You won’t just study theory. You’ll apply what you learn to real-world situations relevant to your field.

The three degrees serve different goals. The MBA centers on business leadership, the MSIT focuses on advanced technology and systems management, and the M.Ed. supports teaching practice and educational leadership.

Master Of Business Administration (MBA)

If you’re aiming for leadership roles in business, the MBA is designed to strengthen your management and decision-making skills. The curriculum covers core business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and organizational behavior.

You’ll learn how to analyze data, manage resources, and think strategically about long-term growth. The goal is to prepare you to lead teams and organizations more effectively.

MBA Learning Outcomes

During the program, you develop the ability to:

• Interpret financial information and make informed decisions
• Design and evaluate business strategies
• Improve operational performance
• Lead teams and manage change

MBA Career Preparation

The MBA can support advancement into management and executive-track roles. Graduates often pursue positions such as operations manager, marketing manager, financial manager, or management consultant. Outcomes depend on your prior experience, but the program is designed to strengthen your leadership capabilities.

MBA Curriculum Structure

The MBA consists of 12 courses. These include foundational subjects like managerial accounting, corporate finance, organizational behavior, and strategic management. The program concludes with a capstone course that integrates your learning into a comprehensive applied project.

In terms of cost, the structure is straightforward. There is a one-time $60 application fee, and each course carries a $450 assessment fee. With 12 courses, the estimated total is $5,460. There is no traditional tuition charged per credit hour.

MBA Admission Requirements

To enroll, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of professional work experience. If English is not your first language, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency through accepted testing or prior English-language education.

Master Of Science In Information Technology (MSIT)

If you work in technology and want to move into more advanced or leadership roles, the MSIT focuses on both technical depth and management skills. The curriculum addresses modern IT challenges, including cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, and systems architecture.

You’ll study how to design, evaluate, and manage complex IT systems in real organizational environments.

MSIT Learning Outcomes

In the MSIT program, you strengthen your ability to:

• Develop structured solutions to advanced computing problems
• Apply security standards and best practices
• Assess and manage IT infrastructure
• Lead technology projects and teams

MSIT Career Preparation

This degree can support growth into senior technical or management roles, such as IT director, systems architect, or information security manager. The program is intended to help you bridge the gap between hands-on technical work and higher-level responsibility.

MSIT Curriculum Structure

The MSIT also includes 12 courses and concludes with a capstone project. Coursework covers areas such as advanced networking, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and IT management.

Costs follow the same structure as the MBA: a $60 application fee and a $450 assessment fee per course, for an estimated total of $5,460 for the full program.

MSIT Admission Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. English proficiency is required if applicable. A technical foundation is important for success in this program.

Master Of Education (M.Ed.)

If you want to grow as an educator or move into leadership within schools, the M.Ed. is designed to strengthen both your teaching skills and your understanding of how students learn. The program focuses on practical classroom strategies, curriculum design, and educational leadership.

You’ll explore learning theory, assessment methods, and instructional planning. The goal is to help you become more effective in supporting student growth while also preparing for broader roles in education.

M.Ed. Learning Outcomes

Through the M.Ed., you develop the ability to assess student needs, apply research-based teaching strategies, and design instruction that supports diverse learners. You also strengthen your understanding of curriculum planning and evaluation.

M.Ed. Career Preparation

This degree can support advancement into roles such as classroom teacher, instructional coordinator, curriculum developer, or education administrator. As with any degree, career outcomes depend on your experience and local requirements, but the program is built to support professional growth in education.

M.Ed. Curriculum Structure

The M.Ed. includes 13 courses. Core areas include learning theory, instructional design, assessment, and curriculum development. The program concludes with a capstone project that demonstrates applied understanding of educational practice.

The cost structure differs slightly from the other graduate programs. There is a one-time $60 application fee. Each course carries a $400 assessment fee. With 13 courses, the estimated total cost is $5,260. There is no traditional tuition.

M.Ed. Admission Requirements

To enroll, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. If English is not your first language, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency. Teaching or education experience is helpful, though not always mandatory.

UoPeople Tuition-Free Model Explained

The term “tuition-free” means you are not charged traditional tuition per credit or per semester. Instead, you pay assessment fees for each course you complete.

For MBA and MSIT programs, the assessment fee is $450 per course. For the M.Ed., it is $400 per course. There is also a $60 one-time application fee. Because the number of courses is fixed, you can estimate your total cost before you begin.

Compared to many traditional master’s programs that can cost $30,000 to $70,000 or more, the total cost here is significantly lower. That cost difference is often the main reason students choose this path.

Online Learning Format And Student Experience

All graduate programs are fully online and asynchronous. That means there are no live lectures you must attend at a specific time. Instead, each course is divided into weekly learning units.

A typical week includes assigned readings, written assignments, and discussion participation. You interact with classmates from around the world. In many courses, peer assessment is part of the process, meaning students review each other’s work using structured grading criteria.

Courses generally last nine weeks. You can take one or more courses per term, depending on how much time you can commit. This flexibility allows many students to continue working full-time while studying.

Admission Requirements And Application Process

The application process is straightforward but requires preparation.

General Admission Requirements

To apply to any master’s program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You’ll need to submit official transcripts and complete the online application. If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted testing or qualifying prior education.

Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs have additional expectations. The MBA requires at least two years of professional work experience. The MSIT requires a technical academic background. The M.Ed. program prefers applicants with experience in education. These requirements help ensure you are prepared for graduate-level coursework.

Comparing UoPeople To Traditional Master’s Programs

When choosing a master’s degree, cost, flexibility, and accreditation usually matter most.

In terms of cost, traditional on-campus programs can exceed $50,000. Even many online programs cost $20,000 or more. The graduate programs at UoPeople total around $5,000 to $5,500, depending on the degree.

The asynchronous format lets you study from anywhere with an internet connection. You don’t have to relocate or pause your career.

UoPeople is accredited by WSCUC. Accreditation matters because it signals that academic standards are reviewed and recognized. Requirements for employment or further study can vary by field and country, so it’s always wise to confirm expectations in your specific situation.

Conclusion

Earning a master’s degree is a serious commitment. You want to know the cost, the structure, and whether it fits your life.

There are three graduate options available: the MBA, the MSIT, and the M.Ed. All are fully online. There is no traditional tuition. Instead, you pay assessment fees per course, plus a one-time application fee. Depending on the program, the total cost is typically just over $5,000.

The flexible, asynchronous format allows you to continue working while you study. With WSCUC accreditation in place, the degrees are supported by recognized academic standards.

If you’re looking for a way to advance professionally without taking on heavy debt, this path is designed to help you do so.

FAQs

How much does a UoPeople master’s degree really cost?

The total cost depends on the program. MBA and MSIT programs are typically $5,460 in assessment fees, plus a $60 application fee. The M.Ed. is typically $5,260, plus the $60 application fee. There is no traditional tuition charged.

Is UoPeople accredited and recognized by employers?

Yes. The university is accredited by WSCUC. Accreditation supports recognition by many employers and institutions. Specific requirements can vary by industry and location.

Can I complete a UoPeople master’s degree while working full-time?

Yes. The programs are asynchronous, meaning there are no required live class times. Many students continue working while completing weekly coursework.

What is the admission process for UoPeople master’s programs?

You submit an online application, official transcripts, and any required documentation, such as proof of English proficiency. Some programs also require professional work experience. Once admitted, you enroll in your first term and begin coursework online.