What Are the Easiest Master’s Degree Programs?

The easiest master’s degrees vary from person to person. A master’s in aeronautics may be easy for someone passionate about aviation and the aerospace industry. Conversely, someone ready to start their own business may be excited about earning a master’s in entrepreneurship, which could make studying easier.

“Easy” is subjective and depends to a large degree on your interests, experience, background, and skills. For instance, if you possess strong critical thinking and analytical skills, you may find a master of business administration is easier than other programs.

That said, certain traits, like program flexibility and no prerequisites, may suggest a program is easier than others. Here, we’ll explore some top considerations and how to find the easiest master’s degree for you.

For fall 2023 admissions, colleges received 2,007,958 applications to master’s programs. Mathematics and computer science programs saw the greatest number of applicants at 409,358. Around 41% were accepted, resulting in one of the lowest acceptance rates.

Some master’s programs are less competitive. One of the fields with the highest acceptance rates was education. Graduate schools accepted 67.4% of the 119,583 applications received.

Admission requirements also factor into the degree of difficulty. Some programs may require a relevant bachelor’s degree or a higher undergraduate GPA for admission. Others require more or highly specific prerequisites or higher scores on entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE.

The school also plays a significant role in a program’s acceptance rate. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, selective universities with the lowest acceptance rates include Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.

Other schools accept almost all of their applicants, but few graduate programs offer open admission. Instead, look for schools that have low minimum GPA and entrance exam score requirements.

To determine which master’s programs are the easiest, we reviewed field-specific findings from the Council of Graduate Schools 2024 Graduate Enrollment and Degrees report. We also considered common degree characteristics pertaining to admissions, program formats, and curricula.

Read on to learn why we have identified master of education (M.Ed.) and master of business administration (MBA) as the easiest master’s degrees to earn.

A master of education is considered one of the easiest degrees to earn because of flexible scheduling. Pursued by many working teachers, this flexibility enables them to fit coursework into their schedules, whether taking classes online, in the evenings, or part-time. In fall 2023, of all graduate students studying education, 61.6% were enrolled part-time.

Additionally, the curriculum can be aligned with a student’s field of interest, incorporating practical knowledge and real-world applications. For instance, a student may pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education, special education, or curriculum and instruction, each giving them hands-on experience in their intended career path.

These specializations are part of the reason the M.Ed. is one of the most popular master’s degrees. Of all the master’s degrees awarded during the 2022-2023 academic year, 15.9% were in education. The only field to award more master’s degrees was business.

Because students enter the M.Ed. program with some familiarity with many of the subjects covered, it can be easier to learn the material. Direct classroom experience enables students to apply what they learn — one of the best methods for retaining knowledge.

Almost all MBA programs require applicants to possess at least two years of professional work experience, though many programs have no GMAT requirement. An MBA builds upon a student’s professional background, with classmates sharing lessons learned from real-world experiences.

Because of this, many part-time MBA programs are designed for working students. In fall 2023, of all graduate students studying business, 45.7% were enrolled part-time. Additionally, many MBA programs are offered online, sometimes in an accelerated, one-year format. This flexibility in program formats enables a student to earn their degree around their schedule and at their own pace, making for a more manageable courseload.

An MBA program is as much about the teaching of business principles as it is about the connections students make. Building a network of peers can open up career possibilities years down the road. At the same time, it provides a support group, helping students learn the art of collaboration as they assist one another in reaching shared assignment goals.

Of all the master’s degrees awarded during the 2022-2023 academic year, 20.1% were in business, making it the most popular field. Part of an MBA’s draw lies in its specializations, enabling students to study areas they’re most passionate about. Some MBA concentrations include healthcare management, accounting, and data analytics.

No matter which master’s degree you decide to pursue, there are ways to make the journey smoother, easier, and less stressful. These top suggestions can help ensure you reach your educational goals.