Looking for how to get a masters degree for free? Here is a guide exposing the best free online masters degree courses with certificates offered by reputable and accredited international universities that you can apply for.
In a bid for career advancement, a master’s degree is the first thing that comes to mind and it is so because it has proven to be a powerful tool or degree that takes your knowledge, skills, and in general, career to the next level. Especially now that undergraduate degrees are now treated as a ‘common degree’.
There are a number of reasons why people pursue a master’s degree certificate, it may be personal reasons, to get a promotion in the workplace, to start up a new business or career path, to become more professional, to go up the academic ladder, etc.
NOTE: While you are here, you should also know that there are schools that pay you to study with them online.
The reason for getting the degree is endless but it is equally important since you have decided to continue your education and taking any of the free online master’s degree courses I will list out soon will help in advancing your career and what’s more, you get a certificate after completion.
Yes, it is interesting to advance your career but it can be stressful and expensive too and an individual in the modern world does not deserve stress nor spend too much, not with the current innovations and technological advancements created to make life easier and less expensive too.
In making life easier and less expensive, these innovations and technological advancements have contributed immensely to the education section and now you can get any degree online, master’s degree included, in a less stressful environment with several tips and tutorials and it is less costly this way.
About Online Masters Degrees With Certificates
Online learning is one of the biggest and best changes that the education sector has experienced in a long time, I daresay that the sector has done a good job of putting modern digital technologies to good use and the outcome is exceedingly beneficial.
Instead of running around going to schools and facing the stress and inconvenience, you could still learn whatever you want, get a degree of your choice, including free online masters degree courses with certificates in the comfort of your home with just a laptop/desktop computer or a smartphone and an internet connection.
The creation of online learning platforms is just one of the major contributions that modern technologies have made to the education space and innovations like this is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, which is why some modern businesses, organizations and firms prefer to employ individuals who got their skills, knowledge and degrees through online learning.
Simply put, the employees of these organizations believe if you can make use of such an innovation and still become learned then you can be able to understand how important modern technologies and innovations can contribute to the success of an organization, business, or firm.
In the case of online study, which utilizes the internet to teach and equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge no matter where you are in the world. For example, you can be in Malaysia and get an online master’s degree certificate from Stanford University or if you are interested in getting a business certificate you can get one through the Harvard business school online right in the comfort of your home or anywhere that is comfortable enough for you to study.
In fact, world-class institutions have adopted the online learning innovation and over the years have produced brilliant graduates where some have entered the workforce with better positions and others were able to start new businesses which were successful.
It may surprise you to know this but you can actually take free online courses offered by the Ivy League institutions, yes the same Ivy League schools that you know which are popular, among the best schools in the world, very expensive and highly competitive to enter, anyone from any part of the world can take the online courses they offer without paying a dime.
Online learning generally has its advantages but how about the benefits of actually getting a master’s degree certificate online, I shall discuss them too.
Advantages of Online Masters Degree Courses With Certificates
- Unlike a regular school student that must go to the classroom daily, for an online master’s degree, you can learn the same course and gain the same skills, techniques, and knowledge from the comfort of your home or anywhere that seems comfortable for you to learn.
- An online master’s degree is cheaper and more affordable compared to traditional offline masters programs.
- The online master’s degree programs are flexible which means you get to study with your own timetable.
- The flexibility of an online master degree allows it not to completely affect your daily activities, some people are even employed while studying for their master’s degree online.
- After completion, the benefits are the same as a traditional school master’s graduate.
- It is faster to complete.
Above are some of the major advantages associated with getting an online master’s degree.
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Degree
There are certain requirements needed to begin your online master’s degree programs and these requirements are general, but still contact your host institution to know more, just in case.
- In order to apply for any online master’s degree program, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree program.
- Your bachelor degree certificate will be part of the admission application process and you’ll be required to submit it during application.
- While some online institutions may require a specific GPA in an area of study, some online institutions do not require it so you should check in with your host online institution to enquire about this.
- Some online schools may or may not request the GRE or GMAT scores for your online master’s application, you should check in with your host institution to be certain for sure
- Fill out the online master’s degree application form correctly, confirm your entries before submitting them.
What is the difference between an online and the traditional master degree certificate?
An online master’s degree certificate and a traditional master’s degree certificate are the same if obtained from reputable accredited international universities. They can both take you to the same places and can be accepted worldwide.
This question or rather a confusion has pushed many who want to earn their certificates online to shun it for traditional learning because they think an online certificate is not as authentic as the one gotten through the regular school.
There is almost no difference between an online and traditional masters degree, just that one is gotten online and the other isn’t. One thing you can always check is if the online degree is also recognized and accepted in your country too.
So, with this confusion cleared it is high time I went back to the original reason for this article. I’ve listed below a number of masters degree courses that offered exceptionally online for free by accredited reputable international universities.
Are there any free online degrees?
Yes, there are several free online degrees for undergraduate studies, masters and even Ph.D. programs. As a matter of fact, the free online Program in Media Arts & Sciences by MIT covers both masters and Ph.D. programs all for free!
Anyway, my focus on this particular article is basically on available free masters degrees for students from all over the world and their application details.
Where can I get my masters degree for free?
University of People is one of the places you can get a free tuition master’s degree. The university is the first and only American accredited online university with free tuition education. UoP executes all of its programs, awards, and all of its degree certificates exclusively online.
Following our listing of free masters degree programs here, below are the places you can get masters degree for free;
Places you can get a Masters Degree Free
- University of People
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Curtis Institute of Music.
- MIT Media Lab’s Program in Media Arts & Sciences
- Curtis Institute of Music, Master of Music
- University of People MBA Program in Management
- University of People Master of Education
All these free online masters degree courses with certificates can be obtained online from any part of the world and they are all free. You can find details and application links of these programs below.
This program is a free online masters degree course with certificates offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the program accepts 50 master’s candidates each year equipping them with skills to create and design innovative devices for human adaptation and augmentation which will help in improving lives.
Media Lab courses deal with communications, design, learning, human-computer interaction and entrepreneurship and students who apply for this application to get to explore all of it and more.
To apply for this free online master’s program, applicants must have strong foundational knowledge in computer science, psychology, architecture, neuroscience, mechanical engineering, and material science. A GRE score isn’t required but TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers.
All applications including three recommendation letters and transcripts from past institutions will all be submitted online.
Curtis Institute of Music, Master of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music offers a free online masters degree course with a certificate in music, the institute accepts only about 4% of the total applicant making it a highly selective program.
To apply, applicants of master of music degree require a minimum of thirty-two graduate credits and must have a bachelor of music degree or take or audit at least one course in literature, drama, art, history, modern language and musical studies.
The GRE or GMAT scores are not required to apply for this program but non-native speakers of English are required to take the TOEFL with a score of 79 and 80.
University of People MBA Program in Management
Master of Business Administration in Management is a free online master’s degree program with certificate offered by the University of People, the program takes fifteen months of full-time study to complete or six terms which busy students can make to fit their schedule by taking the part-time study and take one course per term.
To apply for this program, applicants must present their bachelor’s degree, be proficient in English but non-native English speakers should provide proof of English proficiency, have a minimum of two-year work experience, and have one reference which may come from an employer or past lecturers.
The GMAT score is not required to proceed with your application but a letter of recommendation is necessary. All of the documents will be submitted via the provided application portal.
University of People Master of Education
The University of People offers yet another free online masters degree course in Education with a certificate that is designed to train students for dynamic careers in education, childcare, and community leadership.
The program has two specializations which are;
- Elementary/Middle School Education
- Secondary Education
And students must choose to specialize in one of the above areas.
Before you apply for this program be sure to have the following requirement;
- An undergraduate degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- English proficiency, non-native English speakers should take the TOEFL.
- No GMAT or GRE required
All of the above documents are to be submitted electronically via the online application portal, begin your application HERE.
There you have the complete details on the best free online master’s degree courses with certificates and the necessary guidance that will help to apply for these programs successfully.
The programs are all free to study and you still get an authentic certificate that will be recognized by public and private organizations anywhere in the world.
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FAQs
4 Best Free Online Masters Degree Courses With Certificates 2023? ›
Learners from anywhere in the world can enroll in a course of their choosing and learn at no cost, or aim to earn a certificate of completion for a low fee.
Which website is best for online certification courses? ›- Udemy. 3321+ Courses.
- Edx. 1986+ Courses.
- Coursera. 1647+ Courses.
- Swayam. 1511+ Courses.
- Futurelearn. 1074+ Courses.
- Mindmajix Technologies. 677+ Courses.
- Vskills. 539+ Courses.
- Emeritus. 293+ Courses.
Learners from anywhere in the world can enroll in a course of their choosing and learn at no cost, or aim to earn a certificate of completion for a low fee.
Are degrees from Coursera valid? ›With Coursera certificates, they are widely recognized and are just as valuable as a college certificate or degree. You can add them to your resume just like you would any college qualifications.
What is the success rate of online courses? ›The average completion rate for online courses teeters around 15% and the dropout rates are astronomical.
Are free certificates worth it? ›On the one hand, free certifications may be seen as less valuable because they usually don't require the same investment of time and money as paid certifications. On the other hand, free certifications demonstrate a strong commitment to your professional development and a desire to stay current in your field.
Do employers take online certificates seriously? ›Do employers accept online degrees? In general, employers should treat an online degree the same as they would a campus-based degree. Most employers care far more about the quality of the school than the delivery format of the degree.
Is MIT online certificate worth it? ›Yes, online courses at MIT are worth it. This school has a record of propelling its students to the forefront of their fields. Its top-notch faculty and challenging curriculum guarantee that you will learn cutting-edge information and acquire valuable skills.
Is edX verified certificate worth it? ›According to edX, some organizations and educational institutions may offer credit based on the verified certificate, so in this case, it is totally worth it. You can also add an edX certificate to your resume to show your expertise and attract potential employers.
Is edX truly free? ›Except for Professional Education, Boot Camps, and Executive Education courses, there is no cost for taking edX open courses when you enroll in the free audit track, which does not offer certificates or provide graded assignments.
Do employers accept Coursera certificates? ›
Yes, you can put Coursera on your resume. Employers will value the skills and knowledge you gained through taking Coursera courses.
Can I really get a job with a Coursera certificate? ›Question with a best answer. Yes, certifications from Coursera are legitimate and recognized by many employers around the world.
Are certificates from Coursera worth it? ›Are Coursera Certificates worth it? On the whole, yes. If you're seeking promotion, looking for a career change, or the skills you are learning are highly sought after, then a Coursera Certificate does have value and is definitely worth the investment. Coursera partners and course providers are world class.
Are there any online degrees that are worth it? ›Business Administration is ranked as the best online degree to get because of the many specialization options and the highest salary potential with only a bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA), or a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) may prepare graduates for many career options.
Are any online degrees respected? ›According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 92 percent of employers view online degrees from brick-and-mortar schools as favorable, while only 42 percent would consider a candidate with an online degree from a university that operates solely online, despite any accreditation.
How many hours should an online course be? ›Anywhere between 4 to 8 hours of total length would be a very typical number for most industries. Not that you are specifically aiming for a given length, it's just it will naturally take you that much time to explain everything in sufficient detail. But your courses don't have to always take that long either.
Is Harvard free online certificate worth it? ›Yes, online courses at Harvard are worth it if you are looking to earn a reputable certificate from a world-famous Ivy League university. Harvard University offers tons of courses in the areas of data science, computer science, education, and business, and having an additional certification is helpful for your career.
Do free online courses count? ›Do MOOC's Count Toward Academic Credit? It's not common to earn academic credit through free online courses, but there are occasional exceptions. For example, if you are already attending the school presenting the MOOC, they may award some credit upon completion of the paid certification program.
Do online certificates mean anything? ›No matter the situation or perspective, online career certifications improve current performance and queue up success in the future. Pursuing certifications is always a good idea, but makes even more sense if: you're an employee searching for a new job. you're an employee looking to grow with your current company.
Do graduate certificates count towards Masters? ›A graduate certificate is not considered a graduate degree, like a master's or doctoral degree. However, it can provide a strong foundation for future study that results in a graduate degree. The credits earned in a graduate certificate program may satisfy requirements for entry into certain graduate programs.
Should I put online certifications on resume? ›
We recommend listing online courses in the Certifications or Professional Development sections on your resume. Some people list online courses in the Education section. We don't recommend doing so because it can detract attention from your degree programs, which you should highlight more prominently.
Do graduate certificates expire? ›Another difference is that certificates typically do not expire, whereas certifications are often time-based and must be renewed upon expiration. You could have credits from certifications or prior experience that are transferable towards a degree program of your choice.
Is Stanford online certificate worth it? ›Yes, the edX Stanford online certificate is worth it. The verified certificates are perfect for professionals looking to prove they acquired job-relevant skills through professional training. Stanford University offers free certification courses that can be used to sharpen acquired skills.
How much does MIT certification cost? ›MIT Professional Education offers classes online only. This school offers training in 3 qualifications, with the most reviewed qualifications being Cultural Awareness for Global Business, Data Science & Machine Learning, and Machine Learning Certificate. The cost to attend MIT Professional Education is $1,800.
Are Harvard online courses Recognised? ›Harvard's online program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a regional accreditor. Students can take Harvard's online courses individually or enroll in a degree or certificate program.
Which is better edX or Coursera? ›What are the most significant differences between Coursera and edX? Topics: Both platforms offer a diverse range of subjects. However, Coursera focuses more on professional training, for example computer science and business degrees. EdX offers numerous courses in the humanities and the natural sciences.
Do employers take edX seriously? ›Employers recognize EdX MicroMasters
EdX MicroMasters are recognized by employers because they are created by top universities and industry-leading companies like Walmart, GE, Ford, and IBM. These edX partners understand what in-demand skills workers need, so they have tailored these courses with that in mind.
Yes ! If you have a 'Honor-Code' certificate, you can put it in your resume. Previously, edX used to give honor-code certificates for those who have audited the course and have obtained a passing grade. Now, edX is no more providing any certificates to those who haven't paid for the course.
Is edX accredited in USA? ›edX Is Accredited
However, because universities own it, you can get many accredited courses and verified certificate programs on edX.
edX courses do not award free certificates. Certificates are awarded only to passing students registered in the paid certificate track. The enrollment fee for this track varies by course. Most courses can be viewed in the audit track entirely free, but again will not award a certificate.
Do colleges care about edX courses? ›
Most edX open courses do not directly award academic credit. Each educational institution makes its own decision regarding credit. Check with your university for its policy. Please note: edX open courses don't currently offer transcripts or proof of registration for the purpose of obtaining credit.
Which is better Udemy or Coursera? ›Udemy is best if you want a wide range of affordable courses and Coursera is ideal if you are looking for a structured course or program taught by top professors from a prestigious University or Organization.
How much does Coursera certificate cost? ›How much does an online certificate program on Coursera cost? Professional Certificate program costs range from $39-$99 USD per month. You can start with a 7 day free trial. MasterTrack Certificate program costs typically range from $2,000-$5,000.
How much does Coursera cost per month? ›How much is Coursera? Coursera Courses can be accessed for free, Guided Projects start at $9.99 and Specializations and Professional Certificates from $39.99 a month.
Do employers recognize Google certificates? ›The simple answer: Yes. These certificates are a great way to boost your resume and give you the tangible skills required for entry-level positions in these competitive fields. Google Certificates are a great choice to add skills to your resume, as: They are designed for beginners.
Are Google certifications worth it? ›Google career certificates offer many benefits to students, and they are certainly worth the time and effort. To begin with, the certificates are prepared by Google practitioners that are experts in their fields. Everything you'll learn in the courses is practical advice you can use in your job and is not just theory.
Is Udemy certificate valid in USA? ›The short answer is that Udemy certificates themselves are not accredited. Because Udemy is not an accredited institution, so any qualifications will not be recognised as formal. However, there are Udemy courses that are accredited by independent bodies.
What companies accept Coursera certificates? ›Coursera's professional certificate programs provide job-specific training for companies like IBM, Google, Salesforce, and Meta. You may secure an entry-level job with the essential skills you get during online learning.
Do Coursera certificates expire? ›A Course Certificate itself does not expire. Maybe you mean your payment expired. If you paid for a course and more than 180 days have passed, you need to pay again or apply for Financial Aid.
How do I verify my Coursera certificate? ›- Go to your Settings.
- Scroll down to the ID Verification section (you'll only see this section if you're enrolled in a class that requires it).
- Click Verify My ID to start the process.
What degrees are best online? ›
- Computer Science. Virtually every industry relies on computer scientists in some form or another. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Finance. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Education.
| Rank | School Name | Financial Aid Available |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | Yes |
| #2 (tie) | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide | Yes |
| #2 (tie) | University of Illinois--Chicago | Yes |
| #4 (tie) | Medical University of South Carolina | Yes |
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees dominate the list of collegiate programs that lead to top-paying careers. While some bachelor's degrees in the humanities and social sciences don't typically offer high salaries, they can provide a foundation for a graduate degree and a more lucrative career.
What is the easiest online college to get into? ›The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is perhaps the easiest online university to get into for individuals with college credit. It offers an online degree for B.A in Women's and Gender Studies that requires at least 13 college credits to proceed with the enrollment.
Are online masters degrees recognized? ›Are online master's degrees respected? Yes, employers respect degrees earned from online master's programs. Online master's degrees from accredited online masters programs meet the same educational standards as in-person degrees.
Is University of Phoenix accredited? ›University of Phoenix has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org since 1978.
How long is a master class? ›Most MasterClass courses are between 2 and 5 hours long in total and consist of a series of video lessons. Each individual lesson can be between 5 and 30 minutes in length. Courses are also accompanied by a downloadable class guide in the form of a PDF.
How many hours a week is an online Masters? ›How much study time does a full-time online student need to plan for? If you are planning to attend as a full-time online student (12 credits or more), you should have 36 hours per week available for study time and an additional four hours per week to review course materials.
How long should you study everyday for an online class? ›The general rule of thumb regarding college studying is, that for each class, students should spend approximately 2-3 hours of study time for each hour that they spend in class.
Is MITx MicroMasters free? ›MicroMasters® Programs
You may enroll in any of the courses for free and, when you're ready, upgrade to the MicroMasters track. MITx MicroMasters programs can help you equip your workforce with skills that they can apply on the job immediately.
Is MIT xPRO free? ›
Free online courses from MIT xPRO
Browse free online courses in a variety of subjects. MIT xPRO courses found below can be audited free or students can choose to receive a verified certificate for a small fee. Select a course to learn more.
Main navigation. MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is a free, publicly accessible, openly-licensed digital collection of high-quality teaching and learning materials, presented in an easily accessible format.
Is MITx the same as MIT? ›MITx is the massive open online course (MOOC) program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A constituent program of MIT's Office of Digital Learning, MITx produces MOOCs from MIT departments and faculty.
What is the difference between a masters degree and a MicroMasters degree? ›While both offer graduate-level courses, a MicroMasters is a shorter program created by edX and offered by edX partner institutions. A master's degree, on the other hand, is a graduate degree program that takes longer and is offered by universities all over the world.
How much does MIT Opencourseware cost? ›OCW is a free and open publication of material from thousands of MIT courses across the entire MIT curriculum.
Is a MicroMasters a real degree? ›While a MicroMasters isn't a degree, a MicroMasters certification is what you can earn after taking a MicroMasters course. A MicroMasters course is a condensed online graduate course from a top university.
Is MIT xPRO legit? ›No, MIT xPRO is absolutely not a scam. MIT xPRO offers world-class programs with a balance of leadership and technical excellence. It is safe to enroll in any of the MIT xPRO online programs. If you believe you've come across an MIT xPRO scam, though, please contact the bootcamp immediately.
Is MIT xPRO affiliated with MIT? ›The “MIT xPRO” names, logos and seals are trademarks ("Trademarks") of MIT.
How much does MIT xPRO cost? ›Time to complete this education training ranges from 1 week to 7 weeks depending on the qualification, with a median time to complete of 3.2 weeks. The cost to attend MIT xPro ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $2,500.
How can I study for free in MIT USA? ›2. Can I study at MIT for free? While you can't pursue a full-time course at MIT for free, you can opt for the open-course ware or OCW. It is a free and open educational resource provided for faculty, self-learners, and students globally by MIT.
Does MIT have online Masters? ›
Advance your career or accelerate your Master's degree with a graduate-level digital credential from MIT. The MicroMasters program credential from MIT Open Learning is a professional and academic credential for online learners from anywhere in the world who seek focused, accelerated advancement.
How much does MIT cost for 1 year? ›MIT also recently changed its financial aid policies to provide more support for U.S. veterans and veterans' dependents. For undergraduates not receiving any need-based financial aid, tuition and fees will be $60,156 for the 2023-24 academic year.
Is MIT as good as Harvard? ›In terms of standardized test scores, MIT students have slightly higher averages, with an SAT score of 1520 and an ACT score of 35, compared with Harvard's averages of 1480 and 35. Overall, these slight differences are nominal, meaning that both schools are extremely hard to get into.
Is MIT owned by Harvard? ›MIT is chartered as a non-profit organization and is owned and governed by a privately appointed board of trustees known as the MIT Corporation.
What is the hardest MIT degree? ›Every major at MIT is academically rigorous and will push students to expand their academic horizons so they can graduate with new knowledge and a deepened understanding of their field of study. With that being said, engineering majors are often thought to be amongst the most challenging at MIT.