6 Best One-Year Online Master's Programs

Discover the top one year masters programs that will help you get a jumpstart in your career in a short period of time while maintaining a positive work-life balance.

Jobs often require higher degrees for promotional opportunities and advancement, but at the same time, many individuals are also balancing a busy personal life. Earning an MBA that took two years to complete was once the status quo for earning a promotion.

These individuals are on the hunt for solutions to achieving their professional goals while keeping a balance between work and life. As a result, graduate schools are helping students earn degrees in a shorter period through one-year master's programs.

In this article, we'll discuss the value of accelerated higher education while offering a list of the top one-year master's programs available online.

List Of One-Year Online Master's Degree Programs

Looking for solutions that will help you get a higher education in a short period? These schools offer one-year master's programs to busy professionals.

1. Hult University

Hult University specializes in international business and offers multiple accelerated degrees in its international business program.

Students can either choose a standalone international business degree or the option to start an internship at a global company. Students can also choose specialist programs such as international marketing or finance.

2. Tulane University

Tulane University offers a graduate degree in cell and molecular biology that can be completed in one year.

This is a great accelerated program for professionals going into biology, or need to complete a program for a medical career. Students will take 30 credit hours over two semesters.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a pioneer in online learning and has emphasized programs for busy professionals for years.

Their course catalog offers several accelerated, 12-month master's programs across different schools of study. More than 40 ASU online degrees are part of the program, from engineering and health, and nursing, to business and technology.

4. Johnson and Wales University

Johnson and Wales University offers online master's degree programs through their College of Professional Studies.

For some students, no GMAT is required to apply. The master of business administration takes one year to complete and allows students to enter the workforce quickly with an industry-focused curriculum.

5. Curry College

Curry College offers an online MBA program that can be completed and his few is 12 months.

Having an MBA is one of the most popular master's programs that can lead to careers for IT managers, management consultants, sales engineers, or chief executives.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers master's degree programs that are 100% online. Their programs can be completed in as few as 15 months and they offer 80 different graduate programs in this model.

SNHU guarantees that its programs are flexible and career-focused for busy professionals.

Can You Complete a Master's in One Year?

Yes, it's common for colleges to now offer one-year master's programs, and can even do so in an online format. This gives students a competitive edge toward completing their program because it requires a shorter time commitment. However, the accelerated program may be more intensive than the traditional master's format.

What Types of Master's Degrees Can You Complete In a Year?

The most popular master's programs available in the accelerated format include:

  • Business analytics
  • Computer science
  • Health sciences

These are typically offered either hybrid or through remote learning. Other popular options also include a master's in:

  • Education
  • Business administration
  • Marketing

Accelerated Paths to a Master's Degree

An accelerated path means that you can complete a one-year master's program instead of the traditional two to four years.

What Is the Quickest Master's Degree?

Where a traditional master's degree can take anywhere between 2 to 4 years to complete and is typically a part-time course load, an accelerated master's degree is usually completed within one year.

Because the same amount of material is covered in a shorter period, students should expect the accelerated program to be more intensive. Some colleges require summer classes, and students may take more than the standard number of courses during a semester.

How Fast Can You Secure a Master's Degree?

For students who want to quickly complete a master's degree, there are other ways besides enrolling in a one-year master's program.

The most common is to start full-time enrollment. While this can be challenging with a work schedule, it ensures that more courses are taken during the semester. Another option is to complete electives during the summer or in an online format.

The most common one-year master's programs include:

  • Information technology
  • Data analytics
  • Entrepreneurship

Students who want to complete a program quickly might consider one of these options.

One-Year vs. Two-Year Master's Programs

The benefit of taking a one-year master's program instead of a two-year program is to enter the job market earlier and spend less time in school. This might also encourage lower tuition fees.

However, students should consider that there might be a higher volume of work to be done in a shorter period.

FAQs About One-Year Master's Degrees

Continue reading for frequently asked questions about one-year master's degrees and their answers.

Are There Any Affordable One-Year Master's Degree Programs Available?

Yes, there are several affordable one-year master's degree programs online. Start by checking out the options in the list above.

Are There Any One-Year Master's Programs That Don't Require a GRE or GMAT for Admission?

Yes, some universities don't require a GRE or GMAT for their application. Be sure to check the requirements of each school before submitting your application.

What Are the Admission Requirements for One-Year Master's Programs?

Admissions typically require:

  • A completed application
  • Application fee
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Undergrad transcript
  • An essay

Make sure to check the individual requirements of each college you apply to.

Start Your One-Year Graduate Degree Today

Jumpstart your career and get into the workforce earlier with an accelerated master's degree. A one-year master's degree program can help you stand out to prospective employers or become eligible for promotion within your company.

Check out the institutions listed above and more options available on Learn.org today.