The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842, is one of the most prestigious and globally recognized Catholic research universities in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, it is known for its commitment to academic excellence, moral leadership, and social impact. With a mission rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, Notre Dame fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and community engagement.
Boasting a beautiful campus, highly ranked programs, and a robust alumni network, Notre Dame has consistently been ranked among the top 25 national universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. In recent years, Notre Dame has expanded its reach by launching high-quality online degree programs designed to serve working professionals, non-traditional learners, and international students seeking a world-class education without relocating.
Whether you’re in South Bend or South Africa, Notre Dame’s online offerings bring together rigorous coursework, distinguished faculty, and a collaborative learning environment to help students achieve academic and career success. From business and analytics to theology and nonprofit management, Notre Dame’s online programs are structured for flexibility, access, and impact.
Available Online Degree Programs
Notre Dame’s online programs are designed to maintain the same academic standards as their on-campus counterparts. These programs are delivered through the university’s professional and continuing education divisions, such as the Mendoza College of Business, the College of Arts and Letters, and the School of Global Affairs. Here’s a breakdown of available programs, including full-time and part-time options:
1. Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS)
- Format: Part-Time (Flexible)
- Duration: 21–24 months
- Ideal For: Working professionals in tech, finance, and consulting
- Highlights: Live online sessions, hands-on capstone project, and mentorship opportunities
2. Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration (EMNA)
- Format: Part-Time
- Duration: 24–30 months
- Ideal For: Mid-career professionals in nonprofit or NGO sectors
- Highlights: Courses in ethical leadership, fundraising, and financial management
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Hybrid and Online Options
- Format: Full-Time and Part-Time
- Duration: 18–24 months
- Ideal For: Business professionals aiming for leadership roles
- Highlights: International immersion, live sessions, leadership labs
4. Master of Global Affairs (Online Track)
- Format: Part-Time (International focus)
- Duration: 24 months
- Ideal For: Diplomats, policymakers, and international development workers
- Highlights: Focus on peace studies, policy analysis, and global systems
5. Online Certificate Programs (Non-Degree)
- Popular Options: Leadership, Digital Marketing, Executive Fundraising
- Duration: 6–12 weeks
- Designed For: Professionals seeking skill enhancement without a full degree
- Transferable Credits: Some certificates may be applied toward master’s programs
Program Structure and Delivery
Notre Dame’s online courses use a mix of asynchronous (self-paced) modules and synchronous (live) virtual classes. Students can interact with faculty and peers in real-time, access learning materials anytime, and participate in group projects. This blended approach ensures both flexibility and engagement.
Courses are delivered through Notre Dame’s proprietary learning platform, supplemented by Zoom sessions and advanced collaboration tools. Faculty are the same renowned professors who teach on-campus, ensuring continuity in quality and rigor.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Options
Notre Dame offers both full-time and part-time formats across most online degree programs. Here’s a breakdown:
| Program | Full-Time Option | Part-Time Option | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Online) | ✅ | ✅ | Professionals, Entrepreneurs |
| MS in Data Science | ❌ | ✅ | Analysts, Engineers, Coders |
| Executive MNA | ❌ | ✅ | Nonprofit Managers |
| Master of Global Affairs | ❌ | ✅ | NGO, Policy, Diplomacy Fields |
| Online Certificates | ❌ | ✅ | Lifelong Learners, Skill-Builders |
- Full-Time Programs: More intensive, typically completed in under 2 years. Best suited for students who can dedicate 30–40 hours per week.
- Part-Time Programs: More flexible and spread out over 2–3 years. Ideal for working professionals balancing job, family, and study.
Local and International Student Access
Notre Dame’s online programs are open to both U.S.-based and international students. The university’s digital infrastructure supports learners across time zones, with asynchronous content and scheduled live sessions at globally considerate times.
Key Benefits for International Students
- No Need for Student Visa: 100% online access removes travel barriers
- Global Peer Network: Work on projects with classmates from multiple countries
- Cultural Integration: Online community events, guest speakers, and forums promote intercultural learning
Additionally, Notre Dame offers dedicated support for international applicants, including:
- Personalized admissions advising
- Credential evaluation assistance
- Language proficiency guidance (TOEFL/IELTS requirements)
How to Apply
Applying to an online degree program at Notre Dame involves several key steps. While each program has specific requirements, the general application process includes:
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Choose Your Program
- Visit online.nd.edu and select your preferred course of study.
- Prepare Your Documents
- Bachelor’s Degree Transcripts (for graduate programs)
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation (typically 2–3)
- English Proficiency Test Scores (for international students)
- Submit Application
- Apply through the program’s dedicated portal before the published deadline.
- Pay the application fee (usually between $75–$100 USD)
- Interview
- Some programs may require an admissions interview (virtual)
- Admission Decision
- Expect a decision within 4–6 weeks of application completion
- Enrollment and Orientation
- Once admitted, students complete an online orientation and begin coursework in the next academic term.
Tuition Fees
Notre Dame’s online programs reflect its elite academic reputation and are priced competitively among top U.S. universities.
| Program | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|
| MS in Data Science | $45,000–$49,000 (Total) |
| Executive MNA | $42,000 (Total) |
| Online MBA | $65,000–$70,000 (Total) |
| Global Affairs | $48,000–$52,000 (Total) |
| Certificates | $2,000–$6,000 (Per Certificate) |
Tuition includes access to digital libraries, course materials, tech support, and career services. Additional fees may apply for optional immersion trips or in-person networking events.
Scholarship Opportunities
Notre Dame is committed to helping students reduce the financial burden of graduate education through various forms of financial aid and scholarships.
Types of Available Aid
- Merit-Based Scholarships
- Awarded during the admissions process based on academic or professional excellence
- Typical awards range from $5,000 to $15,000
- Need-Based Assistance
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply via FAFSA for need-based aid
- Payment plans and loan counseling also available
- Corporate Sponsorship and Employer Reimbursement
- Notre Dame provides resources for students seeking employer sponsorship
- Many students use tuition reimbursement from Fortune 500 companies
- International Student Funding
- Though not eligible for U.S. federal aid, international students can apply for Notre Dame’s international scholarship pool
- External grants, Fulbright funding, and home-country government aid may also be used
- Fellowships and Assistantships
- Select online programs offer limited fellowships based on prior contributions to community service, research, or the nonprofit sector
Career Support and Alumni Network
Notre Dame’s online students gain access to the university’s powerful career development resources, including:
- 1-on-1 coaching
- Resume workshops
- Industry-specific job boards
- Alumni mentoring
Graduates also join the Notre Dame Alumni Association—a network of more than 140,000 professionals across 180 countries. This global reach enhances both career mobility and professional development opportunities.
For more information, visit https://online.nd.edu and begin your journey with one of the world’s most respected educational institutions.
