Shortest Online 6-18 Month Master's Degrees 2025

If you're thinking about going back to school for your master's degree, you may be wondering about your options. Specifically, you'd like to know more about the shortest online master's programs available.

Keep reading as we explore some short master's degree programs, including schools that offer competency-based, 6-month master's degrees online. We'll also talk about the fastest timeframes for master's degrees and answer a few common questions you may have.

What Is an Accelerated Online Master's Degree?

Getting a graduate degree can help you change jobs or pursue higher pay and advanced career paths. An accelerated online master's degree enables you to accomplish those things more quickly.

These advanced degree programs offer flexible coursework, heavy courseloads, and options to study year-round. These features make it possible for working professionals to get their degrees in accelerated timeframes without sacrificing work or other life commitments.

How Fast Can I Complete a Master's Degree?

Different schools offer different types of accelerated degree programs, and not all of them have the same completion times. Most accelerated programs take around 12 to 18 months to complete � but some faster programs are available.

Depending on your educational history, transfer credits, and study schedule, you may be able to earn your master's degree in as little as six months at some schools. Other colleges and universities provide graduate programs that can be completed in nine to 10 months.

6-Month Master's Degrees Online

True six-month master's programs are rare; however, some schools offer enough flexibility to enable highly motivated learners to graduate in this timeframe. Let's look at a handful of colleges providing master's degrees that some students can complete in as little as six months.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private online college with various competency-based degree programs. Some of the master's degrees available include:

• management and leadership
• public health
• computer science

The school offers self-paced coursework and opportunities for students to accelerate their studies. While finishing a degree in six months would be challenging, it is not impossible at this school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,825 to $6,955 per six-month term
• Financial aid: Students can help pay for school through scholarships, federal financial aid, military benefits, corporate partnerships, and more.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school with an array of online and on-campus degree programs. Some of the online master's programs include:

• cybersecurity
• healthcare administration
• political science

The school accepts up to 50% of the total degree requirements as transfer credits, allowing students with prior graduate-level experience to complete their degree quickly and efficiently. Plus, accelerated eight-week course sessions and flexible study options can help students graduate fast, sometimes in as little as six months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Various scholarships and financial aid programs are available to help students pay for school.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Capella University

Capella University is an online school offering both traditional and competency-based degree programs. Some of the master's degrees offered include:

• human resource management
• psychology
• nursing

Students can choose the FlexPath option for many of these degrees, which allows them to take courses at their own pace and accelerate their studies as much as they want. While it's rare for students to graduate within six months, the flexible schedule and generous transfer policy make it possible.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,640 to $3,075 per 12-week term
• Financial aid: Scholarships, progress rewards, grants, loans, and employee benefits are just a few of the ways to save money at this school.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9-Month Master's Degrees Online

While it's possible to complete a competency-based master's degree within nine months, some schools also offer instructor-led programs that can be finished within this timeframe. Let's take a closer look at these online programs.

1. Simmons University

Simmons University is a women's school offering co-educational graduate degrees. Online students can pursue an accelerated Master of Social Work (MSW) that can be completed in as little as nine months.

To graduate within this timeframe, students must have a bachelor's degree in social work to qualify for advanced standing in the master's program. Students in this track complete 34 credit hours to graduate with their MSW degree quickly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,185 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Numerous scholarships and loans are available to help graduate students pay for their expenses.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public school in Fort Collins, CO. It offers various online degree programs, including an accelerated master's degree in tourism management.

This program is highly flexible, allowing students to complete their degree in a customized timeframe or as little as nine months. Students complete 30 credit hours of courses that help them develop leadership skills for managing resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-based organizations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $794 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use federal financial aid, scholarships, and military benefits to cover their degree costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University is a public school offering many online and in-person degree programs. Its online Master of Social Work is highly flexible and offers opportunities for acceleration, potentially enabling students to graduate within nine months.

The program requires 33 credit hours for advanced standing students, who can finish in as little as two semesters. Students can earn course credit by exam for some classes and take accelerated seven-week courses, both of which make it possible to accelerate their studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $604 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can take advantage of federal aid, scholarships, and payment plans to pay for their education.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10-Month Master's Degrees Online

Some types of degree programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), lend themselves well to a 10-month completion timeframe. Let's look at three schools offering 10-month online master's degree programs.

1. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University is a public school known for providing various online learning opportunities. Some of its master's degrees can be completed in as little as 10 months, including:

• accountancy
• accountancy/data analytics
• legal studies

Students in these programs complete 30 credit hours of flexible online courses, progressing through the program at whatever pace works best for them. Multiple yearly start dates make it possible to study year-round, making it easy for them to choose an accelerated pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,535 total
• Financial aid: Federal aid programs, scholarships, and military benefits are available for eligible students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

2. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is known for its array of flexible online degree programs. Students can pursue enrollment in various 10-month online master's degrees, including:

• educational leadership
• global trade management
• marketing

These programs offer highly affordable tuition and accelerated study schedules. Course sessions run for seven weeks, and students can enroll in new classes at various points throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $458.33 to $472.22 per credit hour
• Financial aid: State and federal aid programs, scholarships, and external financial aid options are all available for students at this school.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Longwood University

Longwood University is a public school in Farmville, VA. It is known for its affordable and accelerated online MBA programs, with specializations in areas such as:

• real estate
• technology management
• economics

All programs are 31 credit hours in length and offer flexible study schedules. Those who study full-time typically complete their degree within 10 to 12 months, while part-time learners have the option to take longer if needed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,950 total
• Financial aid: The school offers a vast array of scholarships and accepts external financial aid as well.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

12-Month Master's Degrees Online

Many colleges and universities offer 12-month master's degrees. Let's explore a few of these schools in greater depth.

1. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University is a public school featuring various affordable online bachelor's and master's degrees. Many of the master's programs can be completed within one year, including:

• nutrition
• strategic communication
• business analytics

All programs are highly flexible and prepare students for real-world applications. Pay-by-the-course tuition and frequent start dates are ideal for working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,210 to $14,280 total
• Financial aid: Students can apply for school-based and outside scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
• Accreditation: HLC

2. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is located in New Jersey. This public school offers various hybrid and fully online master's degrees, including:

• public policy
• teaching
• sport administration

Most programs can be completed in as little as a year, though flexible study schedules enable students to set their own paces. Students can choose from an array of concentrations and start dates to pursue the ideal program for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,910 to $29,601 total
• Financial aid: Federal aid and scholarships can help students afford their education at this school.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a large public school with various online offerings. Some of the 12-month master's degrees available to online master's students include:

• engineering management
• disaster preparedness/emergency management
• early childhood services

Students can personalize their educational experience with highly flexible courses, choosing whatever study schedule works best for them. Accelerated learners can progress through courses quickly and study year-round to finish in as little as one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,500 to $12,600 total
• Financial aid: The majority of students at this school receive funding through scholarships and state and federal aid programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

18-Month Master's Degrees Online

Schools with 18-month master's programs provide students with a more relaxed pace while still enabling them to graduate sooner than the typical two-year timeframe. Keep reading as we look at some schools with these types of programs.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school providing hundreds of degree and certificate programs. Some of its online master's degrees include:

• clinical mental health counseling
• information technology
• organizational leadership

The school is transfer-friendly and offers convenient and flexible eight-week course sessions. While no minimum timeframe is given for completing degree programs, the flexible nature of the school's learning model makes it easy even for part-time learners to graduate within 18 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides scholarships, corporate partnerships, military discounts, and more to help students pay for their degree.
• Accreditation: NECHE

2. National University

National University is a private school based in California. Students can pursue various popular master's degree programs, including:

• business administration
• education
• applied behavior analysis

Most programs can be completed within 18 to 24 months. Students benefit from flexible, accelerated courses and a year-round term system as they work toward earning their degrees quickly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,416 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and federal aid programs are the main sources of funding at this school.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private school that caters to busy working adults with its online degree programs. Some of the online master's degrees include:

• public administration
• special education
• theological studies

Many of the available programs can be completed in 18 months or less. Most courses are offered in accelerated five-week sessions, enabling even those with career and family obligations to earn their degrees fast.

• Estimated tuition cost: $557 to $698 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Many graduate scholarships are available, as well as federal funding options.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Chose the Best Accelerated Master's Degrees

We strive to include only top colleges and universities in our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the graduate-level programs featured above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are nationally or regionally accredited institutions, ensuring they meet basic academic standards.
• Program length: Each program can be completed within six, nine, 10, 12, or 18 months.
• Tuition cost: All of the online education programs feature affordable tuition rates and/or financial aid opportunities to help students afford their education.

FAQs About Accelerated Online Master's Degrees

If you still have questions about getting a master's degree online, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some common questions you may be asking.

Can You Get a Master's Degree in 3 Months?

It is theoretically possible for some students to earn a master's degree within three months at certain schools. However, even at competency-based schools, this is very difficult to do. The student would need to have a significant number of transfer credits and would have to complete the coursework at an exceptionally fast pace. Most master's degrees take at least nine to 12 months to complete.

Are Accelerated Master's Degrees Respected?

Yes, accelerated master's degrees are as well respected as traditional degrees as long as they come from a reputable, accredited university. Employers recognize that accelerated programs take additional levels of hard work and self-discipline to complete, potentially giving them a greater respect for your degree.

What Fields Offer the Fastest Master's Degrees?

Certain master's degrees are more likely to be offered in an accelerated format than others. Common types of accelerated programs include:

• business administration
• social work
• hospitality management
• educational leadership
• criminal justice

How Much Do Accelerated Online Master's Degrees Cost?

Tuition rates for accelerated programs can vary depending on the types of programs and the schools offering them. Among the schools featured in this article, rates typically range from a little more than $480 to more than $1,150 per credit hour and from around $10,000 to nearly $30,000 total.

Find an Accelerated Degree Program

If you're ready to pursue your career goals with an accelerated online master's degree, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges for more information on each program and find the right one for you.