Accredited Online Colleges in Missouri: What Are the Best Virtual Schools in Missouri?

Saint Louis University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1818, making it one of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University has a campus in St. Louis Missouri and in Madrid, Spain. This school’s graduation rate is well above the national average, according to the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard.

Saint Louis University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 18% (undergraduate); 25% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $65,943

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Saint Louis University

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information System. This computer information systems degree is a four-year program consisting of accelerated eight-week terms. Students who earned an associate degree through a partner program are eligible to complete this degree in two years.
• Bachelor of Science in Strategic Intelligence. This bachelor’s degree program teaches students how to keep data secure in the fields of business or international intelligence.
• Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence. A strategic intelligence master’s degree prepares you for a career as an intelligence analyst in the government or with a private organization.
• Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner. The nurse practitioner program will teach you how to facilitate health care improvement and teach other nurses.
• Emergency Management Certificate. This is a one-year certificate program that teaches students how to navigate different interconnected agencies during an emergency. It prepares students to work as risk managers, firefighters, and emergency managers.

The University of Missouri at Columbia, affectionately known as Mizzou, is a public college that was founded in 1839. It is a land-grant university, and it is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri education system. Forty-eight percent of students graduate from this institution without any debt.

University of Missouri - Columbia Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 16% (undergraduate); 40% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 68%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $56,986

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at University of Missouri - Columbia

• Bachelor of Arts in Child Advocacy Studies. This online bachelor’s program teaches students the skills they need to be advocates for children in situations where children are threatened or in danger.
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. An information technology bachelor’s degree prepares students for a career in IT with a business-focused approach to designing computer networks, intellectual property, and data analysis.
• Bachelor of Science in Veterinarian Technology. This is the first complete online and asynchronous veterinary technology bachelor’s degree in the US. It prepares students to pass the Veterinary Technician Specialist professional certification.
• Master in Education in Mental Health Practices in School. This online master’s program will help you improve your classroom management skills and promote positive mental health in your students.
• Gerontological Social Work Graduate Certificate. The graduate certificate helps students to build awareness of aging services, policies, and disability rights. Students should already have a Bachelor or Master of Social Work or be currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Mizzou.

Webster University is a private college that was founded as a female college in 1915. It became a coed school in 1962. Webster was the first Catholic college to integrate its student body, and its first Black student graduated in 1950. Today, Webster has in-person and online programs for graduate and undergraduate students.

Webster University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 13% (undergraduate); 43% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $47,663

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Webster University

• Bachelor of Arts in Scriptwriting. This program allows students to learn from professional writers and study successful scripts to learn how to craft engaging stories.
• Bachelor of Arts Media Studies. Students who want to write content for different media platforms and create engaging communication strategies should consider this BA program. Graduates can work as web content managers or media researchers.
• Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. This program, taught by the Department of Teacher Education, prepares students to teach in diverse classrooms.
• Master of Arts in Gerontology. Gerontology students learn how to care for the elderly and understand the social, economic, and political issues an aging population faces.
• Master of Arts in Public Relations. In this PR master’s degree, students will practice developing solutions to real-world issues. They’ll learn about budgeting, develop writing skills, and build a portfolio.

Drury University is a private liberal arts college in Springfield, Missouri, founded in 1873. It is a Christian-affiliated school with an active alumni network. Online students can take programs in four pathways which are Business, Leadership and Communication, Education, Health and Behavioral Science, and Public Service and Safety.

Drury University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 0% (undergraduate); 70% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 63%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $37,543

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Drury University

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Students in this program can complete all coursework online, but they will need to complete several key fieldwork experiences in person. Non-traditional students from low-income households can win a Fast Track grant to pay for this degree.
• Bachelor of Science in Graphic and Digital Design. Graphic and digital design is a four-year bachelor’s program that teaches students a mix of artistic and technical design skills. Courses have projects that you can use to build a professional portfolio.
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Students in this criminal justice program will take 42 credit hours of required classes in topics such as white-collar crime, the judicial process, and forensic science, in addition to general education requirements.
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This bachelor's program teaches students about social interaction and group dynamics. Graduates can work in education, social work, or counseling.
• Bachelor of Science in Communication. A Bachelor's Degree in Communication focuses on messaging, conflict resolution, and brand management through both written and oral formats.

Maryville University is a private school that was founded in 1872 by the Society of Sacred Heart in Saint Louis. It was initially a women’s college, but today it enrolls male students too. Maryville University is the second-fastest-growing private university in the US, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Maryville University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 45% (undergraduate); 88% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $53,466

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Maryville University

• Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology. This program teaches students about psychology, criminal justice, and social science. Students will practice using principles from these three fields to analyze real-world problems.
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This BS degree program culminates with an internship in one of two paths, police academy training or project-based learning. Students can also take graduate-level courses that are transferable to a master’s degree program.
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The psychology program explores topics in social science and includes a focused psychology research sequence. Students can transfer up to two years' worth of credits to complete this degree in only two years.
• Master of Science in Data Science. This master’s program builds proficiency in data mining, machine learning, and big data. Students will also learn programming in SAS, Python, and SQL.
• Master of Science in Nursing. This Master’s in Nursing program is a two-year degree that offers five areas of concentration, including adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Students will need to complete clinical experiences, but they can do this where they live without traveling to St Louis.

Founded in 1827, Lindenwood University was initially a private college school for women. Today all genders are welcome, and students can enroll in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Ninety-three percent of graduates find employment or enroll in further education within six months of graduation.

Lindenwood University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 17% (undergraduate); 63% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $47,009

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Lindenwood University

• Bachelor of Arts in Game Design. In this game design bachelor’s degree program, students will learn about advanced game design and production, from brainstorming to finished product.
• Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications - Media Arts and Production. The degree covers a wide variety of media arts such as radio, podcast, and video production. Students learn about basic reporting, film editing, and production.
• Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing. A Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing focuses on how to analyze an audience and design a marketing campaign for that group of people using big data. Students finish this program with a capstone course.
• Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine. This paramedicine program is designed for certified paramedics to become further educated on emergency and pre-hospital care. It is one of very few paramedicine bachelor’s degrees offered in the US.
• Master of Arts in Early Intervention in Autism & Sensory Impairments. Students in this program can specialize in autism spectrum disorder, deaf/hearing impairment, or vision impairment. Students will learn how to work with parents and caregivers of children with autism or sensory impairments to make sure they get the care they need.

Missouri Baptist University is a private school associated with the Southern Baptist church. This school has six regional learning centers across Missouri as well as an online campus. Its focus is Christian education, and faith is integrated into most classes.

Missouri Baptist University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 6% (undergraduate); 49% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 52%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $39,658

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Missouri Baptist University

• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Healthcare Management. Students will learn about the legal and ethical issues in the field of health services. Students can transfer in up to 96 of the required 120 credits, making this a great option for students with prior degrees in related fields.
• Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Students learn marketing strategies and consumer behavior through this online marketing degree. After graduation, students can work in roles like marketing specialist and market research analyst.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students in this program will focus on leadership skills, strategic planning, and communication skills. This degree is great preparation for students who want to earn a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
• Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner. Registered nurses can enroll in this program to learn about primary care for all ages. Graduates can go on to work in private practices, rural health clinics, or Indian Health Services.
• Master of Social Work. Students in the master of social work program will learn from social work professionals who have worked in faith-based non-profits and other types of organizations. This program prepared students for advanced roles in social work organizations.

Northwest Missouri State University earned its university status in 1972. The school has over 160 majors and programs with student support services like tutoring and supplemental instruction to make sure all students stay on track to earn their degrees. This school is also home to the official Missouri State Arboretum.

Northwest Missouri State University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 6% (undergraduate); 85% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 51%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $43,505

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Northwest Missouri State University

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Students in this program will learn the fundamentals of accounting to prepare them for the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) exam. In fact, the CPA pass rate for students in this program is15 percent higher than the state average.
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology. This program offers a comprehensive study of factors behind criminal behavior and teaches students different methods for interacting with criminals and victims.
• Bachelor of Science in Marketing. The marketing bachelor’s program offers a solid foundation in business and explores relevant case studies. Students will learn how to use creativity and technical skills to create persuasive marketing campaigns.
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This bachelor's degree program focuses on critical thinking skills as students learn the biological, social, and emotional aspects of psychology.
• Master of Science Early Childhood Education. This 30-credit master's program in early childhood education can be completed in only 12 months. The curriculum highlights the role of culture in child development and prepares students to work with diverse populations.

Southeast Missouri State University is a public university that was founded in 1873. The school was initially established as a teaching school. Today, Southeast Missouri State has over 230 undergraduate programs and 44 graduate degrees.

Southeast Missouri State University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 14% (undergraduate); 44% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 49%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $39,874

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Southeast Missouri State University

• Bachelor of Science in Technology Management. This bachelor’s degree program focuses on technical computer applications in the field of computer science. Graduates can work in technical management or technical sales.
• Bachelor of Science Child Development Degree. With a child development degree, students will gain an understanding of how family dynamics and environment affects children. Students can go on to work in education or human services.
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Students can choose an Academic/University track or a Law Enforcement Acadamy track. The first track is designed to prepare students for law school or other further education while the second track prepares students for a career in law enforcement.
• Master of Public Administration. A Master of Public Administration teaches students how to develop leadership skills and how to analyze public policy. Graduates can work as emergency management directors or human resources managers.
• Master of Business Administration - Accounting. Students will learn about research methods, organizational behavior, and marketing in this MBA in Accounting program. This degree helps students unlock jobs at the highest level of management.

Park University is a private institution that was founded back in 1875 as Park College. Today, they have a student body with international students from 57 different countries. Park University offers 78 degree programs and 31 certificate programs.

Park University Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Fully Online Enrollment: 69% (undergraduate); 79% (graduate)
• Overall Graduation Rate: 25%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $51,085

Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Park University

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In this program, students will learn about human behavior and different mental processes. This is a four-year program with 122-credit hours required.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. The graphic design bachelor’s degree teaches students about typography, branding, and 3D animation. Through four years of classes, students will build a professional design portfolio.
• Master in Education Teacher Leadership. The teacher leadership master’s degree helps current teachers prepare for management roles such as department leader. Students can focus on literacy or curriculum and instruction.
• Associate of Science in Information and Computer Science. This Associate Degree in Information and Computer Science teaches students the latest technology and methodology in a wide range of computer science disciplines. After graduation, students can join the workforce or continue on to a bachelor’s degree.
• Diversity and Social Justice Certificate. The diversity and social justice certificate is a 12-credit course that focuses on social issues in today’s society. This program offers a formal learning experience for students who need to develop a better understanding of diversity in their current careers.

1. Missouri University of Science and Technology. At Missouri University of Science and Technology, students can get a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. This three-year program offers two tracks in cyber security or data science.
2. Saint Louis University. Saint Louis University offers data analyst and cyber security concentrations for students majoring in computer science. Online courses are taught in  eight weeks terms, and students can finish their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in four years.
3. Northwest Missouri State. At Northwest Missouri State, cyber security bachelor’s degree students learn about digital forensics and how to detect vulnerabilities in a computer network. Students also learn cryptography and security engineering.

1. Maryville University. Maryville University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing. The program allows working nurses to advance their education in one of five concentrations and work towards their Nurse Practitioner certification.
2. Missouri Baptist University. Missouri Baptist University offers a two-year nursing executive leadership master’s program. The flexible online courses prepare students for leadership roles in nursing.
3. Columbia College. The nursing associate degree program at Columbia College sets students up for professional success with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 82 percent and a job placement rate of 95 percent.

1. East Central College. East Central College’s health information management associate degree teaches students about medical terminology, ICD coding, and insurance policies.
2. St. Charles Community College. St. Charles has an online community college certificate program that covers medical billing and coding. It’s a 35-credit course that teaches students proper billing procedures and how to accurately maintain medical records.
3. State Fair Community College. State Fair Community College offers a professional certificate in medical billing. This 33-credit course teaches healthcare reimbursement, medical terminology, and coding. Students will have the opportunity to complete an externship for hands-on experience.

1. Drury University. In Drury’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology, students will take classes in applied human development, drugs and behavior, and the psychology of gender.
2. Maryville Unversity. Maryville University offers two Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology, one in general psychology and one in forensic psychology. Students can also use the early access program to take graduate-level courses and get started on their master’s or PhD degree.
3. Missouri Baptist University. Missouri Baptist University offers a psychology bachelor’s degree program. This Christian-affiliated school integrates empirical science theory and bible teachings.

1. Missouri Baptist University. Missouri Baptist University has a Master of Science in Education program that focuses on leadership building. It helps develop professional technical skills and is designed for teachers who already have their teaching certificates.
2. Maryville University. Maryville University offers an online Doctorate in Education for students who already have their teaching certification. The program lasts 32 months and follows a cohort learning model. Students complete both courses and a dissertation simultaneously.
3. Park University. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Park University. All coursework can be completed online, but there are in-person experiential learning requirements. Faculty will help with placement for fieldwork and student teaching.

1. University of Missouri - Columbia. The University of Missouri Columbia offers an online, part-time Master of Social Work. Students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work can complete the program in two years, while students with a bachelor’s degree in other fields will take three years.
2. Maryville University. An online social work master’s degree is available through Maryville University. This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

1. Southeast Missouri University. Southeast Missouri University offers an online Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. At the bachelor’s degree level, students can choose to specialize in either criminal justice administration or law enforcement.
2. Park University. Park University offers a bachelor’s degree with one of three concentrations and two certification options. Students in this program get a practical look at careers in criminal justice through internship opportunities.
3. University of Central Missouri. At the University of Central Missouri, students study both state and federal law enforcement protocols. Students can choose from eight- and 16-week-long courses, and students can work with a dedicated career coach to receive their bachelor's and master's degrees in tandem.

1. University of Missouri - Columbia. The University of Missouri at Columbia offers a three-year accounting master’s degree. The classes are 100 percent online, but students may attend development workshops on campus.
2. Northwest Missouri University. Northwest Missouri University's Bachelor's Degree in Accounting prepares students to take the Certified Professional Accountant certification exam. Students learn about both local and federal income tax compliance and work on their analytical, technical, and practical skills.
3. Park University. Park University’s accounting department offers Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting, Management/Accounting, and Business Administration with Accounting Concentration in addition to an associate degree and an accounting minor for business and non-business majors. These programs are all accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.