What is the Easiest Master’s Degree? + 10 Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into [2024]

We’re engulfed in a world of convenience, technological innovation, and constant improvement. Companies and universities are moving remote, with industries in the tech space rising in market growth and popularity.

In today’s labor market shortage, you might wonder: should I go to graduate school? A shortage of workers means a surplus of jobs; plus, why struggle through a difficult degree if you might not even need it to land a good job these days? And with how long grad school can be, is it even worth the investment at this point?

Here’s the thing: not all master’s degrees are difficult! Some schools have reputations for being the easiest grad schools to get into. Bottom line? The easiest master’s degree is within reach. We’ll walk you through some easy graduate programs that won’t be as much of a burden in terms of admission requirements and workload!

First, let’s chat briefly about some of the easiest grad schools to get into.

Easiest Master’s Degree: 10 Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into

How can we tell which grad schools have the lightest admission requirements? Acceptance rate is a good place to start. For example, a school like Harvard is notoriously difficult to achieve admission, as seen by its 5% acceptance rate.

But some schools accept nearly 90% of their applicants! Here are some of the easiest grad schools to get into and their acceptance rates:

School	Popular Programs	Acceptance Rate
University of Kentucky	MBA, Law	94%
University of Kansas	Speech-Language Pathology, Education	92.5%
Kansas State University	MBA, Engineering	95.6%
Iona College	Business, Finance, Accounting	92.6%
Palm Beach Atlantic University	Nursing, Education, Science	89.9%
Indiana University of Pennsylvania	Business, Education	94.2%
Samford University	Health, Marketing	83.9%
University of Wyoming	Pharmacy, Education, Nursing	96.8%
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs	Business  Management, Social Sciences, Homeland Security	95.3%
Academy of Art University	Graphic Design, Game Design, Fashion Design, Fine Art	100%

But remember one thing: just because the school is easy to get into, that doesn’t mean the school’s graduate programs are easy. How many students actually graduate? Are the programs flexible or only available online?

When it comes to the easiest online master’s degrees (or on-campus), you want to look at the field of study. Then, you’ll want to assess program flexibility and course difficulty, among other factors, to find the easiest schools.

In the next section, we’ll cover solid major options for an easy on-campus degree or easy online master’s degree.

Pro tip – compare the next section of easy master’s programs with this section’s easy universities to get into. If you can find a link between a school and an easy program, you’ll heighten your chances of finding the ultimate easy master’s degree.

Related: Top 10 Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees in the US

Why Did We Choose These Universities as the Easiest?

We chose to include the schools above for various reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• High acceptance rate
• Offers a few options for the easiest master’s degree online
• Has online and on-campus options available
• High graduation rate
• Affordability

What Makes a University Easy?

There are a few factors that figure into whether a college or university is easy to get into. Not all institutions are alike — some are certainly less of a challenge to get into and graduate from than others. It’s tough to compare a top University like Harvard or Yale with others that are clearly not within the same league. But what exactly makes a university easy?

Let’s take a look at a few factors:

• Acceptance Rate – An institution’s acceptance rate is a solid indication of whether it’s easy and easy to get into. Schools that have acceptance rates of above 50% are a good sign that you might be able to find the easiest master’s degree to obtain. However, if you see an institution with sub-10% acceptance rates, it’s a clear sign that the school is selective and more difficult to get into than others.
• Graduation Rate – The graduation rate, or percentage of students who finish with their degrees, is another great indication of a school’s difficulty level. Some programs are naturally more challenging than others; the easiest master’s degree to get online will most likely have a far higher graduation rate than some of the more difficult options out there. A school’s overall graduation rate can indicate whether students are struggling to finish their degrees or not.
• Student Services and Support – Some schools offer student support and services that make studying there a much more pleasant and easy experience overall. Look for schools with career services, student services, libraries, tutoring setups, and more.
• Flexibility and Availability of Options – Universities will have varrying academic catalogs. However, having the flexibility to choose your graduate program and whether you want to do your degree online or in person can go a long way.
• Cost and Financial Aid – There’s no denying that some schools are simply too expensive to get into for many students. Thus, an institution that offers financial aid, financing options, and affordable tuition is easier to get into than others.

Easiest On-Campus and Easiest Online Master’s Programs

Now that you know some of our top picks for easy grad schools to get into along with our criteria for them, we can finally discuss some of the easy master’s degrees you can earn to boost your career.

But before we get into our list of the easiest graduate degrees, let’s cover a few criteria. What makes a graduate program easy? We consider the following in our assessment:

• Coursework and Workload – As we selected programs to put on our list of the easiest online master’s degrees, we looked at published curriculums and sample syllabi to see how much coursework you’ll need to complete to graduate. We selected some of the programs that require the least work to allow you to fit them into your schedule — but although these programs are lighter, that doesn’t mean they won’t be challenging!
• Graduation Rate – We included programs with some of the highest graduation rates, meaning the percentage of students who graduated from the program. Although high graduation rates can be an indication of easy online master’s programs, they are not the only factor to consider! We typically looked at graduation rates in relation to the other criteria on this list.
• Online Option – Remote study options, either fully online or hybrid, offer more flexibility in completing your degree. Thus, we ensured that we included some options for the easiest online master’s degree programs you can earn in 2024. Online master’s programs are just as valid and respected as in-person programs, as long as they come from accredited institutions.
• Program Duration – The easiest master’s degree to earn will likely be one that’s shorter. After all, shorter programs are less of a time and financial commitment, allowing you to re-enter the workforce and go for career advancement as soon as possible.
• Less Math & Science – Some graduate degree programs include far too much math and science to be sustainable for some students. Since everyone has their own strengths, we chose to include some programs that are less math and science-intensive.
• Fewer Major Requirements – Another factor we considered is whether there are many major requirements. We included programs with no internship or thesis requirements — or that at least offer a non-thesis option.
• Financial Aid Opportunities – Cost and financial difficulty also factor into our decisions to include and exclude programs from this list. Thus, we included graduate degree programs with financial aid opportunities that can level the playing field for those with fewer resources to work with.

Now, let’s get into our list! Hint: most of them are humanities and social science degrees instead of heavy science degrees. Some of these easiest master programs to get into also don’t require any GRE or standardized test scores, making admission even more probably!

1. Communication

Median Salary: $68K/year with an MA in Communication

Average Tuition Costs: $10,000-$20,000/year

A master’s degree in communication is one of the most versatile graduate degrees available. You can use skills from a communications degree in so many different industries, including government, public relations, entertainment, academia, and many more. Many schools offer flexible and online communications degrees, with some taking as little as one year to complete!

While the degree is text-heavy, you’ll be fine if you just dedicate enough time to research the concepts.

Universities with easy master’s in communications programs include:

• Liberty University: Online Master’s in Communications
  • Graduation rate: 57.6%
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • GPA requirement: 2.5

• Southern New Hampshire University: Online Master’s in Communications
  • Graduation rate: 44%
  • Acceptance rate: 87%
  • GPA requirement: 2.75

• Arkansas State University: Master’s in Communication Studies
  • Graduation rate: 48.2%
  • Acceptance rate: 67.2%
  • GPA requirement: 2.75

2. Education

Median Salary: $63K/year with a Master of Education (MEd)

Average Tuition Costs: $52,000

A master’s in education is a sure route to a stable career as a teacher. In fact, many US states have teacher shortages that make this degree a marketable one. Different states have different education degree requirements, but some schools offer programs that last one year (two years is more common). Furthermore, education offers the opportunity to specialize in many different fields, from early childhood education to educational leadership — this makes things easier because you have more freedom to pick a sub-field that you enjoy and are skilled in!

Universities with easy master’s in education programs include:

• California State University: Online Master’s in Education
  • Graduation rate: 47.2%
  • Acceptance rate: 76.5%
  • GPA requirement: 3.0

• East Carolina University: Various Master’s Programs with Specific Education Specialities
  • Graduation rate: 62.1%
  • Acceptance rate: 87.9%
  • GPA requirement: 2.70

3. Sports Management

Median Salary: $57K/year for MS, $59K/year for MA, $62K/year for MBA

Average Tuition Costs: $9,000-$30,000/year

A sports management degree is an easy online master’s degree major, with many schools offering completely 100% online programs! Much of the curriculum is practical and easier if you have a bit of experience in the sports industry.

Most programs are flexible, allowing you to complete your degree on your own terms. Students report coursework as less intense than in other programs, providing a strong school-life balance. And of course, programs are short in duration — many sports management master’s degrees take only one year to complete.

Universities with easy master’s in education programs include:

• Liberty University: Master’s in Sports Management
  • Graduation rate: 57.6%
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • GPA requirement: 2.5

• Louisiana State University: Master’s in Sports Management
  • Graduation rate: 66.4%
  • Acceptance rate: 73.4%
  • GPA requirement: 3.0

4. Organizational Leadership

Median Salary: $77K/year for MS, $89K/year for MBA

Average Tuition Costs: $13,000-$32,000

Corporate companies are always looking for the latest innovations for efficiency and growth. Organizational leadership is a more popular degree now than ever. You’ll learn about marketable corporate skills like change management, communication, and team management – topics that many might consider to be common sense, especially if you already have experience in the corporate world.

What sets this master’s field apart from other degrees is the immense flexibility you can have while studying. Since many higher executives study these programs, they’re built to work around a 9-5 work schedule, making part-time, online, and hybrid study the norm. It’s also a field with great market potential, making it a good bargain in terms of an easy degree versus a lucrative career.

Universities with easy master’s in organizational leadership programs include:

• Seton Hall University: Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
  • Graduation rate: 67.1%
  • Acceptance rate: 78.2%
  • GPA requirement: 3.0

• Southern New Hampshire University: Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
  • Graduation rate: 44%
  • Acceptance rate: 87%
  • GPA requirement: 2.75

• Adler University: Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
  • Graduation rate: 81%
  • Acceptance rate: 76%
  • GPA requirement: 3.0

5. Healthcare Administration

Median Salary: $84K/year

Average Tuition Costs: $30,000+

If you talk to any nursing or medical graduate students, we doubt they’ll tell you school is easy. But healthcare administration is a related field that’s less demanding in coursework difficulty and scheduling.

Many healthcare administration graduate degrees are designed for healthcare professionals already working in the field. That means it’s easier tailored to unique schedules to accommodate people working. Additionally, healthcare administration is a growing niche, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic — you’ll have no problem finding lucrative career opportunities with this degree.

Universities with easy healthcare administration graduate programs include:

• Liberty University: Online Master’s in Health Administration
  • Graduation rate: 57.6%
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • GPA requirement: 2.5

• Briar Cliff University: Master’s in Health Administration
  • Graduation rate: 41.5%
  • Acceptance rate: 77%
  • GPA requirement: 3.0

• Saint Leo University: MBA in Healthcare Management
  • Graduation rate: 51%
  • Acceptance rate: 73%
  • GPA requirement: Not listed

What Are the Admissions Requirements for the Easiest Online Master’s Degree Programs?

Every institution has its own set of admissions requirements. However, there are a few requirements that generally remain the same across various graduate programs, colleges, and universities. Here are some of the common requirements for easy master’s degrees:

• Your completed application and fee (check with the program to see if you qualify for the waiver of this fee)
• A completed bachelor’s degree — depending on the program, you may need to have a degree in the same field or a closely related field
• Your undergrad transcripts
• A cumulative GPA meeting application requirements — usually 3.0 at least, but it’s not uncommon to see some programs that only require 2.5+
• Your recommendation letters
• Your standardized test results
• Your personal statement
• Resume/CV or portfolio
• If requested, your academic writing samples
• Any other prerequisites sought by the particular program

Why Pursue One of the Easiest Online Master’s Degrees?

There are quite a few reasons why you might want to enroll in easy online master’s degree programs — or just earn a master’s degree in general. Whether you’re getting into the easiest master’s programs or the hardest, earning your graduate degree comes with a few benefits.

If you are unsure about whether earning the easiest master degree online is for you, here are a few reasons that might help you decide.

• Salary Increase – The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that in 2021, bachelor’s degree holders earned an average median wage of $1,334 every week. On the other hand, those with master’s degrees earned $1,541 weekly, an increase of 17.9%. Depending on the field you enter, you may see a much higher (or lower) increase on your salary compared to if you didn’t earn a master’s degree.
• Lower Unemployment Rate – From the same set of data from the US BLS, we can see that master’s degree holders enjoy a lower unemployment rate compared to bachelor’s degree holders. The unemployment rate for master’s degree holders is 2.6%, while for bachelor’s degree holders, it sits at 3.5%.
• Higher Education Can Open Many Doors – Those who have earned graduate degrees can often find more fulfillment by being able to contribute more to society and history. Additionally, their quality of life can also improve further thanks to increased access to education, networks, social services, healthcare, and more.

Some of the easiest master’s programs to get into can provide you more opportunities to advance your career and see more chances of success overall. Just remember that although these are easy online master’s degrees, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t academically challenging at all!

Related: Top 9 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees You Can Get in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Master’s Degree is the Easiest?

The easiest master’s degree depends on your unique scenario. Generally speaking, people report master’s in communications, organizational leadership, and sports management to be some of the easier master’s programs.

What Master’s Degree is the Hardest?

The hardest master’s degrees are often in science and math fields, like engineering. These programs often have demanding course loads and minimal flexibility for scheduling.

Are the Easiest Online Master’s Degree Programs Valued by Employers?

Some of them are! Look for universities that boast high rankings and busy alumni communities. Regardless, some employers don’t mind where you got your degree as long as you have one!

Are the Easiest Online Master’s Degree Programs Affordable?

Not always. Some master’s degree programs are extremely quick and flexible but with high tuition fees. You’ll need to assess individual programs to find the most affordable ones. Keep in mind that tuition cost isn’t the only cost factor. Duration will dictate whether you pay tuition for one versus two years, for example.

Do the Universities That Offer These Easiest Online Master’s Programs Maintain a High Standard?

All the universities offering the easiest master’s programs are accredited and maintain a high standard in curriculum, staff, and facilities. Consider researching each individual university for more details.

Conclusion

You don’t have to study intensive graduate programs to get that cherished master’s degree. The easiest master’s degree is one that not only lets you breathe in your schedule; it offers you flexibility and relief in the areas you need it most.

Remember, the easiest master’s degree won’t just be one of the easy master’s programs to get into. Acceptance rate is only one criterion. What really matters is the program curriculum and how it fits with your schedule.

Interested in learning more about master’s degree options? Check out our list of the best online master’s degree programs. Or, if you’re interested in learning more about the next step after a master’s degree, check out the easiest PhDs.