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Online Master's Degree Programs in Utah

In the state of Utah, there are a number of public universities and several private non-profit colleges and universities that have online master’s programs in a variety of academic disciplines and professional fields. These schools provide Utah residents who hold a bachelor’s degree and who meet other qualifications with options for pursuing personal and professional advancement through graduate studies at the master’s level without having to commit to relocating or to commuting regularly to a college campus. In addition, there are many public and private colleges and universities throughout the country that offer online master’s programs that accept students from out-of-state.

This page is designed to be a resource for Utah residents who would like to know more about the options for earning a master’s degree online. It provides an overview of schools in Utah that offer online master’s programs in many of the state’s most common fields of study as determined by an analysis of graduation data collected by the US Department of Education for its Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The sections below also provide information about accredited, non-profit, out-of-state schools in the Utah region that offer online master’s programs in common fields and that accept applicants who reside in Utah.

Schools in Utah That Offer Online Master’s Programs

The Utah System of Higher Education encompasses seven publicly funded colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s and graduate degree programs, including Utah Valley University in Orem, The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah State University in Logan, and Southern Utah University in Cedar City. All of these schools are active in offering online courses and online degree programs, and many of them have online master’s degree programs.

Utah’s seven state universities are listed in the table below from largest to smallest based on an analysis of IPEDs enrollment data.

School	Location	Online Degree Programs
Utah Valley University	Orem	Yes
The University of Utah	Salt Lake City	Yes
Weber State University	Ogden	Yes
Utah State University	Logan	Yes
Dixie State University	St. George	Yes
Southern Utah University	Cedar City	Yes

There are also several private, non-profit schools in Utah that are active in offering online courses and online degree programs. The three largest of Utah’s private colleges and universities are listed below along with the location of each school’s main campus and whether or not the school offers online degree programs.

School	Location	Online Degree Programs
Western Governors University	Salt Lake City	Yes
Brigham Young University-Provo	Provo	No
Westminster College	Salt Lake City	Yes

Out-of-State Schools in the Utah Region That Offer Online Master’s Programs

Utah residents who are interested in exploring additional options for earning a master’s degree online may want to begin with several schools located in states bordering Utah. The University of Arizona, a large public research university located in Tucson, is one such school. Among the many online degree programs offered by The University of Arizona are online master’s programs in accounting, business, education, engineering, healthcare, legal studies, nursing, and public health. Many of these programs are 100% online and thus do not require students to attend any campus-based sessions, and most accept applicants who plan to remain in Utah while earning their degree.

The neighboring state of Colorado is also home to a large public research university that is active in offering online master’s degree programs. Colorado State University (CSU) offers an array of master’s programs through CSU Global, its designated online campus. These include master’s programs in accounting, criminal justice, data analytics, finance, healthcare, human resource management, information technology, organizational leadership, and teaching.

The University of Idaho, which is the primary institution in the Idaho state system of higher education, is another public university in a neighboring state that has online master’s programs. Among the online programs offered by The University of Idaho at the master’s level are programs in educational leadership, physical education, and special education, as well as programs in a number of science and engineering fields.

In the neighboring state of New Mexico, there are several schools that offer online programs, including the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque. Through UNM Online, Utah residents can pursue master’s-level studies in fields such as computer engineering, construction management, elementary and secondary education, and space systems engineering.

Finally, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in the neighboring state of Nevada has online master’s programs in an array of fields, including data analytics, educational psychology, emergency management, nursing, and urban leadership.

The 15 Most Common Areas for Master’s Degree Studies in Utah

In order to determine the areas of study that are most common at the master’s level in Utah, OnlineEducation.com analyzed data from IPEDS on the number of students graduating annually from master’s program offered by schools in Utah. Based on this analysis, the top 15 areas for master’s level studies in Utah are:

Nursing Administration
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Curriculum and Instruction
Accounting
Educational/Instructional Technology
Organizational Leadership
Mathematics Teacher Education
Information Resources Management
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
Special Education and Teaching
Educational Leadership and Administration
Elementary Education and Teaching
Education
Social Work

IPEDS classifications do not match precisely with the names of specific online master’s programs. However, an analysis of the IPEDS data offers a representative overview of general areas of study that are most common for students pursuing a master’s degree in Utah. The sections below provide details about online master’s programs in most of the areas of study listed above, including programs offered by schools in Utah and programs offered by schools in neighboring and regional states.

Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Utah

Registered Nurses (RNs) in Utah have several in-state options for earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree online. Utah Valley University (UVU), for example, offers an online MSN program for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). The program has a nurse educator focus and includes coursework in teaching nursing in clinical settings, leadership in nursing education, and advanced practice nursing, as well as a clinical teaching practicum. The program has a four-semester completion plan.

The University of Utah is another school that offers an online MSN program. Offered through UOnline, the program has a Nursing Care Management emphasis and includes coursework in healthcare quality improvement, ambulatory care, telehealth, and advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. The UOnline program requires students to complete a clinical management practicum, and gives students the option of enrolling full-time, which can lead to graduating in four semesters, or part-time, which can take six or more semesters. The program is designed for RNs who hold a BSN degree.

Western Governors University (WGU) offers a number of online degree programs through its College of Health Professions, including several online MSN programs. WGU has an online MSN in Nursing Education program with a track for RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN-to-MSN), and a track for RNs who have an associate degree in nursing (ADN-to-MSN). WGU also has an online MSN in Leadership and Management program and an online MSN in Nursing Informatics program, both of which offer BSN-to-MSN and ADN-to-MSN tracks.

RNs in Utah may also want to explore online MSN programs offered by out-of-state schools, including several programs offered by schools in the neighboring states of Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico. The University of Wyoming offers two MSN specializations online: Nurse Educator; and Nurse Leader. Both specializations are designed for RNs who hold a BSN degree and can be completed in five or more semesters of part-time enrollment.

There are two public universities in Arizona that offer online MSN programs: The University of Arizona; and Northern Arizona University (NAU). The program offered by The University of Arizona has a Clinical Systems Leadership curriculum, a 15-month BSN-to-MSN completion plan, and a 24-month ADN-to-MSN completion plan. NAU offers a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN specialization online as well an online MSN program with a general advanced practice nursing curriculum. Both programs allow students to complete their degree at their own pace provided they graduate within six years.

In addition, there are three schools in New Mexico that offer online MSN programs. New Mexico State University (NMSU) has an online BSN-to-MSN program with a Nursing Administration curriculum and full-time and part-time enrollment plans. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) has an online MSN program with a Nurse Educator curriculum that can be completed in roughly two years of full-time enrollment. And Western New Mexico State University (WNMU) has an online MSN program with a Community & Rural/Frontier Health specialization that gives students the option of pursuing an Advanced Public Health Nurse credential while earning their master’s degree.

Note: Most online MSN programs require students to complete clinical practicums under the supervision of qualified preceptors at program-approved sites. RNs who work and reside in Utah may thus want to contact program administrators regarding potential clinical placements prior to applying to online MSN programs offered by out-of-state schools. In addition, Utah RNs who intend to pursue additional licensure in an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specialization after graduating from an online MSN program offered by an out-of-state school should review Utah’s licensing requirements, as these requirements vary by state.

Online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) Programs in Utah

The University of Utah, Utah State University (USU), and Southern Utah University (SUU) are three public universities in Utah that offer online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The University of Utah’s online MBA program is offered through the David Eccles School of Business by UOnline and requires students to attend a three-day campus residency at the start of the program. The USU program is offered through the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and does not require any campus visits. In addition, SUU offers an online MBA program with a general business administration track and specializations in Finance, Leadership, and Marketing.

There are also two private, non-profit schools in Utah that offer online MBA programs: Western Governors University (WGU), and Westminster College. WGU’s online MBA program is a competency-based program that consists of 11 courses covering topics in management, economics, marketing, accounting, leadership, finance, and strategy. The Westminster College program is a project-based online MBA program that requires students to complete 25 projects while earning their degree and that is designed for working business professionals who have several years of prior management experience.

Utah residents who are interested in exploring online MBA programs offered by out-of-state schools in the Utah region may want to consider two programs offered by public universities in Arizona. Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online MBA program through its W.P. Carey School of Business. The ASU program consists of 11 core courses and six electives that allow students to explore topics in international finance, sustainable business practices, global marketing, and other business specializations. Finally, The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management has an online MBA program with six optional concentrations: Entrepreneurship; Finance; Health Care Management; Management and Organizations; Marketing; and Privacy and Security.

Online Master’s in Education Programs in Utah

Among the Utah schools that offer online master’s programs for teachers and educators are two of the state’s public universities: The University of Utah; and Utah State University (USU). Through UOnline, The University of Utah offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Fine Arts program. The MAT in Fine Arts program requires students to attend one short campus residency and offers a curriculum designed for teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. However, the program does not require applicants to hold a state teaching license.

USU offers master’s programs in a variety of teaching and education specializations, including online Master of Education (MEd) programs in Career & Technical Education, Educational Technology & Learning Sciences, and Physical & Sport Education. In addition, USU offers several online Master of Science (MS) programs in education fields, including an online MS in Agricultural Education program, an online MS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education program, and an online MS in Technology & Engineering Education program. Finally, USU has an online Instructional Technology & Learning Science program that has an MS degree option and a Master of Arts (MA) degree option.

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private non-profit school in Utah that has several online master’s programs in education fields. The online programs offered by WGU’s Teachers College include: an online MS in Curriculum & Instruction program that does not require a teaching license and does not lead to additional licensure; and an online MA in Science Education (Middle Grades) program for licensed teachers who are interested in teaching science at the junior and middle school levels. WGU’s Teachers College also offers online MA programs in Elementary Education, Mathematics Education (Secondary), and English Education (Secondary) that are designed to prepare students for state certifications.

The University of Idaho, Idaho State University (ISU), and the University of Wyoming are three schools in adjacent states that offer online master’s programs in teaching and education. The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho offers online MEd programs in the following areas: Educational Leadership; Curriculum & Instruction; Physical Education & Physical Activity Pedagogy; and Special Education.

ISU offers a number of online MEd programs as well, including programs in the following specializations: Elementary Education; Secondary Education; Instructional Design & Technology; K-12 Education Administration; K-12 Athletic Administration; and School Psychological Examiner. ISU also has an online MAT program that requires students to complete a field practicum. Finally, the University of Wyoming offers two online MA programs for educators: an online MA in Higher Education Administration program; and an online MA in Educational Leadership program. The Educational Leadership program requires an 11-week school-based internship.

Note: Online master’s in education and teaching programs may require students to complete school-based internships and/or supervised teaching hours. Utah residents who are considering online programs offered by out-of-state schools may want to contact program administrators regarding potential internship and student-teaching sites prior to initiating the application process. Utah residents should review Utah state licensing requirements for teachers as these requirements vary by state.

Online Master’s in Accounting Programs in Utah

There are three schools in Utah that offer online master’s programs in accounting. Southern Utah University (SUU) has a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program that gives students the option of taking courses online or on campus. The SUU MAcc program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting. However, students with a non-accounting bachelor’s degree may qualify for the SUU program by completing several preparatory courses in accounting.

Weber State University has an online Master of Taxation program that is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting. And Western Governors University (WGU) has a 30-credit online Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program that can be completed in 24 months.

Among the out-of-state schools that offer online master’s in accounting programs are several schools in states that border Utah. The University of Nevada, Reno has an online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program with two tracks: a Background track for students who have a bachelor’s degree in business but only minimal experience in the accounting profession; and a Core track for students who have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or significant professional accounting experience.

The Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona offers an online MS in Accounting program that requires applicants to have completed several undergraduate prerequisites in accounting. Students who have not completed undergraduate coursework in accounting may be eligible for the Eller College online program if they successfully complete six bachelor’s-level courses in accounting through The University of Arizona or another accredited college or university.

Idaho’s Boise State University offers an online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program that consists of ten courses that can be completed in as few as 12 months. The Boise State program includes an accounting internship and requires applicants to have completed 18 semester credits of upper-division coursework in accounting and 15 credits of upper-division undergraduate business courses.

Colorado State University (CSU) has an online Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) program that is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting. However, the CSU program also accepts applicants who have prior professional accounting experience and 15 credit-hours of undergraduate accounting coursework, as well as applicants who hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, 12 credit-hours of upper-division accounting coursework, and prior experience in the accounting profession. Students in CSU’s online MPAcc program can choose from five specializations: Data Analytics; Fraud Investigations & Forensic Accounting; Auditing & Assurance; Taxation; and Professional Accounting.

Note: Utah residents who intend to qualify for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure after completing an online master’s in accounting program should review Utah’s CPA eligibility requirements prior to applying to an out-of-state program, as CPA requirements vary by state.

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Programs in Utah

Southern Utah University (SUU) is one of the schools in Utah that offers an online master’s program in organizational leadership. The SUU program is an online Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program with a Leadership specialization that includes coursework in the psychology of leadership and the skills associated with effective leadership. Students in the 30-credit program can choose one of several additional specializations to pair with the Leadership curriculum, including Business Administration, Systems Quality Leadership & Management, and Professional Communication.

Western Governors University (WGU) is another school in Utah that offers an online master’s program in organizational leadership. The WGU program is an online Master of Science (MS) in Management and Leadership program that features coursework in organizational behavior, organizational management, team leadership, and change management and innovation. WGU also offers an online Master of Health Leadership program with a curriculum that focuses on organizational leadership in the healthcare sector.

Boise State University, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and Colorado State University (CSU) are three out-of-state schools in the Utah region that offer online master’s program in organizational leadership. Boise State has an online MS in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program that focuses on workplace training and development strategies. NAU has an online Master of Organizational Leadership program with three specialization options: Leadership in Criminal Justice Administration; Organizational Leadership; and Project Management.

CSU Global has three online programs with organizational leadership curricula: an online MS in Organizational Leadership for students who have only minimal workplace experience; an online Executive MS in Organizational Leadership program for professionals with at least five years of leadership experience; and an online MS in Management program that does not require prior professional experience and that has two specialization tracks: Organizational Leadership and Change Management; and Organizational Learning and Performance.

Online Master’s in Mathematics Programs in Utah

There are three schools in states bordering Utah that currently offer online master’s programs in mathematics: Colorado State University (CSU); Northern Arizona University (NAU); and the University of Idaho. All three schools offer online master’s programs for teachers who have a background in mathematics and would like to teach mathematics at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

The CSU Global program is an online Master of Science (MS) in Teaching and Learning program with a specialization in K-12 Mathematics. It is designed for teachers who have already completed the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in mathematics. It features advanced coursework in mathematical and statistical modeling, higher geometry, and discrete mathematics.

The NAU program is an online MS in Mathematics Education program that is designed for current and future secondary school teachers who have at least 23 credits of prior undergraduate-level coursework in mathematics. And the University of Idaho program is an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program with a Mathematics specialization that is designed for licensed teachers who want to strengthen their mathematics teaching skills.

Online Master’s in Computer Science and Information Technology Programs in Utah

Utah residents who are interested in exploring online master’s programs in computer science and information technology (IT) fields have two in-state options: The University of Utah; and Western Governors University (WGU). The University of Utah offers an online Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program with a curriculum that focuses on the business applications of IT systems. The 30-credit program has a flexible enrollment policy that allows students to complete their degree part-time or full-time. WGU offers an online Master of Science (MS) in IT Management program with a curriculum that includes coursework in IT financial management, technical communication, and current and emerging IT systems.

The University of Idaho is one out-of-state school in the Utah region that offers an online master’s in computer science program. The program offered by the University of Idaho is an online MS in Computer Science program that is part of the school’s Engineering Outreach initiative. The program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, although students who do not have a computer science degree are eligible to enroll in the program if they complete prerequisite courses in computer programming, data structuring, calculus, and operating systems.

Colorado State University (CSU) offers an online Master of Information Technology Management program through CSU Global that features specializations in: Business Intelligence; Cyber Security; Organizational Leadership and Change Management; Project Management; Strategic Digital Information Marketing; and Strategic Innovation and Change Management. Students in the CSU Global program must complete 24 credits of core IT coursework and 12 credits in one of the program’s specialization areas.

Online Master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Programs in Utah

There are two schools in Utah that currently offer online master’s programs in information assurance and cybersecurity. Southern Utah University (SUU) has an online Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance (MS-CSIA) program with two specialization options: Cyber and Web Security; and Government, Regulation, and Compliance. The SUU program is offered through the Computer Science & Information Systems department at the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science & Engineering.

Western Governors University (WGU) has an online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program with a curriculum that allows students to pursue the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator credentials while earning their degree. The WGU program consists of nine courses that students typically complete within 24 months.

Utah residents who are interested in out-of-state options for earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity online may want to explore the programs offered by two public universities in neighboring states: Colorado State University (CSU) and The University of Arizona. CSU Global offers an online Master of Information Technology Management program with a Cyber Security specialization. The program has a core curriculum that covers proficiencies in cloud-based IT systems, enterprise resources planning (ERP), and information systems auditing and security, as well as specialization coursework in emerging IT security technologies and cybersecurity defense strategies. The University of Arizona has an online MS in Cybersecurity program with an Information Systems track and a Physical Systems track.

The University of Utah offers a full-time online Master of Social Work (MSW) program that takes two years to complete and that has a Mental Health in Social Work focus. The 60-credit program, which is offered by The University of Utah’s College of Social Work through UOnline, has a two-year completion plan that includes two to three days of field education per week when classes are session.

Currently, there are no other online MSW programs offered by schools in Utah. However, there are several out-of-state schools in the Utah region offering online programs that accept applicants from Utah. Boise State University in the neighboring state of Idaho has an online MSW program with an advanced generalist curriculum that provides training in clinical and macro practice social work. Boise State’s program has a two-year, full-time enrollment track that includes 1000 hours of field education, as well as a one-year Advanced Standing track for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Colorado’s Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is another out-of-state school in the Utah region that offers an online MSW program. The MSU Denver program is similar in format to the Boise State program in that it has an advanced generalist curriculum, a two-year completion plan for traditional students, and a one-year Advanced Standing track for graduates from CSWE-accredited BSW programs.

Also in Colorado, the University of Denver (DU) offers an online MSW program with two concentrations: Mental Health and Trauma; and Health and Wellness. The Mental Health and Trauma concentration focuses on clinical social work, while the Health and Wellness concentration provides a mix of training in clinical and macro/community practice social work. The DU program can be completed in 21 months of full-time enrollment or 27 months of part-time enrollment by traditional students, and in 18 months by students who qualify for the program’s Advanced Standing track.

Note: Students who enroll in an online MSW program are required to complete field education hours in person at sites approved by the program. Utah residents who are considering online programs offered by out-of-state schools may want to contact a program administrator regarding potential field placements prior to initiating the application process. Utah residents should also be aware that licensing requirements for clinical social workers vary by state. Therefore, prospective students should review Utah’s licensing requirements prior to applying to programs offered by out-of-state schools.