Easiest Master’s Degrees to Get

While no master’s program is easy, some are easier than others. Master’s degree programs that take a practical approach to learning are easier than those that teach theoretical concepts – a master’s degree program can be relatively easy if you’re passionate about the subject you’re studying.

“Easiest” is subjective, but the most manageable master’s programs also offer flexible learning options, such as part-time, online, and self-paced learning formats. These programs tend to offer affordable tuition rates and shorter durations as well. They also focus more on applying practical skills and real-world professional practice rather than writing a thesis or carrying out an extensive research project.

Ultimately, the easiest master’s degree program boils down to a number of factors that include the school you choose, how its system is set up, and whether the program you enroll in aligns with your skills, interests, and learning style.

Read on to learn more about the easiest master’s degrees you can earn.

Choosing the easiest master’s degree depends, again, on your skills, interests, and learning style. What kind of study material can hold your interest? What kind of jobs can your master’s degree program lead to? The following steps will help you narrow down your master’s degree program search.

When selecting the cheapest and easiest master’s degrees, we considered a variety of factors. These include program affordability, duration, and flexibility, such as part-time or online options.

We also looked for programs with fewer admission requirements. You can apply to many of these master’s programs without taking the GMAT and GRE.

While the level of difficulty of any program depends on your skills, educational background, and interests, we also focused on master’s programs that center on practical application over theory and research. Many students find these programs easier than those that teach theoretical concepts.

Passionate about teaching? You might pursue a master’s in education. Geared towards working teachers, master’s in education programs tend to offer flexible learning environments to help balance your career and learning schedule. These programs enable you to train for advanced teaching and administrative roles. Many of them don’t require GRE scores.

Master’s in education programs tend to take 1-3 years to complete, although the amount of time you spend on this degree depends on the number of credits your program requires and whether you take a full-time or part-time course load.

You can earn a master’s in communication in two years as a full-time student. If you’re interested in how people use language to communicate and are eager to work in advertising, journalism, media, or public relations, then this degree might be easy for you.

Media and communications roles run a wide range, from photographers and journalists to broadcast technicians and radio and television announcers. These roles pay a wide range, from $40,760 annually for photographers to $80,050 for technical writers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Due to its emphasis on practical business knowledge, a master’s in business administration program can be easy for those with a background in business.

Many MBA programs offer flexibility through part-time and online options, which can be less expensive and intensive. You can earn this popular degree in a short amount of time by enrolling in an accelerated, one-year program.

What makes this master’s degree easier than most is that it is designed for healthcare professionals and focuses on practical management skills. This master’s degree can be an inexpensive option because you can often complete these programs online, saving money. The degree also offers a high return on investment, as healthcare degrees are in demand.

The BLS projects medical and health service managers to grow 29%. Master of health administration degree holders can expect to earn $110,680 per year, according to the BLS – that’s $53.21 per hour.

This practical degree can lead to high-level roles at the forefront of human resources. Many human resources programs are flexible because they are designed for working professionals.

You can earn your degree with the flexibility to continue your career, graduate, and position yourself as an HR leader. Many of these programs only require one year of study and can be completed online. Graduates of human resource management programs go on to work in high-paying fields. Human resource managers earn $136,335 per year, according to the BLS.

Earning a master’s in liberal studies (a broad exploration of the humanities) gives students the flexibility to tailor their coursework to meet their academic interests. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to engage more deeply with their work. Many of these programs are individualized, allowing professors to meet the unique needs of each student.

As a master’s student in a liberal studies program, you will enhance your writing, research, and critical thinking skills. You’ll become a well-rounded, creative thinker. A liberal studies master’s degree is great if you want to study more than one area. You can, for example, study a blend of history and English or public policy and human services.

If you’re eager to advance your career in sports or begin a new career in athletic leadership, consider a master of science in sports management. Many schools offer these master’s programs online, and they don’t take long to complete. You can earn your degree in one or two years, and then start your career.

The BLS lists $73,460 (or $35.32 per hour) as the average pay for entertainment and recreation managers.

For some people, applied technology comes easy to them. If this describes you, you’ll excel in a master’s in information technology program.

You’ll do especially well if you have a professional background in tech.

The degree pays off. Computer and information systems managers earn an average salary of $169,510 per year or $81.50 per hour, according to the BLS.

A master’s in counseling is easier and more manageable than many master’s degrees because it takes a practical approach to learning. This includes practical skills like active listening and communication. Students also benefit from the flexibility of these programs, as many colleges and universities offer master’s in counseling programs as online, part-time, and evening classes.

According to the BLS, substance abuse and mental health counselors earn an average salary of $53,710 per year or $25.82 per hour.

You’ll gain valuable management and leadership skills with a master’s in organizational leadership. This interdisciplinary degree applies psychology to leadership, sales, marketing, human resources, and other teams within an organization.

Earning this degree opens up careers as an operations manager, healthcare manager, organizational consultant, and training and development manager. You could even become a school principal.

An accessible master’s degree, a criminal justice program focuses on applied practice rather than theory. You’ll engage in real-world scenarios, examine public policy, and learn law enforcement practices. Graduates enter the workforce as police captains, intelligence analysts, fraud investigators, and related roles.

This degree will be especially easy if you have a background in criminal justice or in a field related to law enforcement. For busy master’s students who need to work at their own pace, part-time and online programs are widely available at universities across the nation.

Nursing isn’t the easiest profession, but a master’s in nursing can be relatively easy for those with a background in nursing and a passion for helping healthcare patients. Master’s in nursing degree holders can also find jobs as clinical nurse specialists, nurse managers, and research nurses, among others.

What’s great about a master’s in nursing degree is that you can earn one online without taking the GRE. Nurses are in high demand. According to the BLS, the field of nursing is expected to grow by 6%. Nurses earn an average of $86,070 per year.

With a master’s degree, you can earn much more. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $129,480 per year.