10 Best Online Accelerated Master's Degree Programs 2025

Getting a master's degree is a great way to advance your career and pursue potential salary increases. Perhaps you're looking to get your degree quickly; after all, you don't want to spend any more time in school than necessary.

If this sounds like you, keep reading as we explore some top online accelerated master's degree programs that can help you reach your goals as soon as possible. We'll also take a closer look at some questions you may be asking about accelerated master's programs.

Fastest Online Accelerated Master's Degree Programs

Most master's degrees take about two years to complete, but many schools throughout the country offer programs with accelerated timeframes. Below, we'll explore some of the top schools offering graduate programs you can complete in a year or less.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online school based in Utah. It offers various high-demand online master's degrees, including:

• human resource management
• cybersecurity and information assurance
• public health
• special education
• accounting

All programs are self-paced and competency-based, meaning students can progress through their courses as quickly as they want. Tuition is charged by the term instead of the credit hour, so students who finish their degrees quickly complete some of the cheapest online master's degrees available.

Average in-state tuition: $8,302

Average out-of-state tuition: $8,302

Average time to completion: six to 12 months

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public school in Fort Collins, CO. It offers a variety of online master's degrees, including some that can be completed in accelerated timeframes. These include:

• tourism management
• applied statistics
• education sciences
• healthcare administration
• computer information systems

Some of these programs can be completed in as little as one year. The tourism management degree, available both online and in-person, is the fastest degree the school offers, with an average completion time of nine months.

Average in-state tuition: $11,159

Average out-of-state tuition: $27,361

Average time to completion: nine to 12 months

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Louisiana State University Shreveport

Louisiana State University Shreveport is a popular online college providing both graduate and undergraduate degrees for remote learners. Master's degrees include:

• business administration
• educational leadership
• curriculum and instruction
• nonprofit administration
• health administration

Most of the programs at this school are designed to be completed within one year. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) option can be completed in as little as 10 months.

Average in-state tuition: $6,196

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,196

Average time to completion: 10 to 12 months

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Longwood University

Longwood University is a public school in Virginia. It offers a variety of accelerated online MBA degrees, with specializations such as:

• finance
• economics
• real estate
• data analytics
• general business

These business degrees are highly affordable and can help graduate students earn their credentials quickly. They are designed for completion in as little as 10 months.

Average in-state tuition: $6,678

Average out-of-state tuition: $18,846

Average time to completion: 10 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Eastern University

Eastern University is a private, nonprofit school in Pennsylvania. It features online coursework designed for busy working adults, with master's degrees in areas such as:

• data science
• organizational management
• theological and cultural anthropology

Different master's programs have different average timeframes for completion. That said, the schools flexible coursework and accelerated course sessions make it possible for students to finish some of the programs in as little as 10 months.

Average in-state tuition: $14,418

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,418

Average time to completion: 10 to 18 months

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University is a private, Catholic school located in Florida. Students can complete a variety of online master's degrees in accelerated timeframes. Areas of study include:

• instructional design and technology
• cybersecurity management
• sports administration
• educational leadership
• nursing - family nurse practitioner specialization

Again, the length of time it takes to complete a degree program varies by the program. Some of the degrees can be completed within 10 to 12 months, while other accelerated degrees may take up to 18 months to complete.

Average in-state tuition: $14,850

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,850

Average time to completion: 10 to 18 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public school offering many online programs. Popular accelerated master's degrees include:

• business analytics
• entrepreneurship
• health sciences
• global trade management
• higher education administration

Thanks to the flexible nature of the school's online courses, full-time students can take heavy courseloads and study year-round to complete many of these programs within 10 to 12 months.

Average in-state tuition: $6,948

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,499

Average time to completion: 10 to 12 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Regis University

Regis University is a private Jesuit school in Colorado. Students can earn various online master's degrees in accelerated timeframes. Options include:

• criminology
• information technology management
• creative writing
• health informatics
• elementary education

The school offers accelerated eight-week terms and six new start dates each year, making it possible for students to study year-round and complete their education in as little as a year.

Average in-state tuition: $14,573

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,573

Average time to completion: 12 months

Accreditation: HLC

9. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is a public school known for providing a variety of online degree programs. Some of the accelerated master's degrees include:

• social work
• criminal justice policy and leadership
• public administration
• teaching
• computer science

Students complete six- to eight-week course sessions on their own time and have multiple yearly start dates that allow them to study year-round. Students can earn FAFSA for master's degree programs at this school as long as they maintain full-time status.

Average in-state tuition: $10,296

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,040

Average time to completion: 12 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Trine University

Trine University is a private school headquartered in Indiana. It offers a range of flexible learning opportunities for busy adults. Master's degrees available include:

• engineering management
• leadership
• information studies
• organizational leadership
• artificial intelligence

The school offers new online classes starting every eight weeks, and students progress at whatever pace works for them. Highly motivated learners can complete most programs in as little as 12 months.

Average in-state tuition: $10,350

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,350

Average time to completion:12 months

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We endeavor to provide information about the best schools when creating our college rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting the graduate degrees featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Program length: All of the schools feature at least one graduate-level degree program that can be completed in less time than average, typically a year or less.
• Academic quality: Each of the schools are known for providing high-quality online master's programs.
• Student outcomes: All of the programs feature high graduation rates and high numbers of students succeeding in their career goals after graduation.

What Are the Fastest Types of Master's Degrees?

Some types of master's degrees naturally lend themselves to faster completion times than others. Let's look at some of the most common types of degrees that schools offer in accelerated timeframes.

1. Business Administration: Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees help students pursue leadership roles in many different areas of business. They are commonly completed in 12 to 15 months, though some programs may offer even shorter 10-month completion times.

2. Education: Master of Education degrees prepare students to advance or transition to a career in teaching, curriculum design, or educational leadership. Many students can complete these degrees within 12 to 18 months.

3. Social Work: Master of Social Work degrees prepare students to become licensed social workers. Those with a bachelor's degree in social work can pursue an advanced-standing master's degree, a type of accelerated program that can be completed within one year.

4. Healthcare Administration: Similar to business administration degrees, these programs prepare students for business and leadership positions in healthcare settings. They are often completed in a year or less.

5. Computer Science: A Master of Science in computer science can help learners pursue advanced positions in computer programming, software development, and related fields. Accelerated programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete.

FAQs About Accelerated Master's Degrees Online

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master's degree holders earn an average of $300 more per week that those with a bachelor's degree. So we understand why you may want to earn your master's degree quickly.

If you still have questions about enrolling in an accelerated online master's program, you're not alone. Keep reading for answers to some commonly asked questions.

Are There Any 1-Year Master's Degrees Online?

Yes, many schools offer 1-year master's degree programs online. All of the schools featured in this article provide a variety of master's degrees that students can complete in a year or less.

Are There Any 6-Month Master's Degrees Online?

Some schools offer flexible curriculum and generous transfer policies that make it possible for highly motivated students to get their degree within six months. However, 6-month master's degrees online are rare, as most programs are not designed specifically to be completed that quickly.

What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get Online?

Different students may have different ideas about what constitutes an ''easy'' or ''hard'' master's degree. That said, many students agree that some of the easiest master's degrees to get online include non-technical options like business administration, psychology, and counseling.

Earn Your Master's Degree Online Today

If you're ready to start taking graduate courses as part of an accelerated master's program, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges and universities to find out more about their available degree programs and to find the ideal option for you.