UNCW is among the top-ranked public, master's-focused universities in the South.

The Graduate School administers excellent master's programs in the College of Arts and Sciences , the Watson School of Education , the School of Nursing , and the Cameron School of Business.

In addition, the following terminal degrees are offered in nationally renowned programs – the M.F.A in creative writing, the Ed.D. in educational leadership and administration and the Ph.D. in marine biology.