Best 1-Year Master's Programs Online 2026

Updated on 1/21/2026

Earning a master’s degree doesn’t always have to take two or three years. For motivated students who want to advance quickly, one-year master’s programs offer a faster path to graduate-level credentials without putting life on hold. These accelerated programs are designed for efficiency, often using shorter terms, year-round schedules, or streamlined credit requirements to help students finish sooner.

Online formats make one-year master’s degrees even more accessible. By removing the need to relocate or commute, accelerated online master’s programs allow working professionals, career changers, and recent graduates to balance school with existing responsibilities.

In this article, we’ll explain how accelerated master’s degrees work, explore popular fields that offer one-year options, break down costs and financial aid, and highlight schools where students can earn a graduate degree in as little as 12 months.

What Is an Accelerated Master's Program?

There are two routes to completing a master's degree in one year: one for students who already earned a bachelor's degree and one for students currently enrolled in a bachelor's program. Both can also reduce their degree completion time by transferring previous coursework into the master's curriculum.

Students who have already completed a bachelor's can earn a master's in as little as one year by choosing a program with fewer credit hours (for example, 36 or fewer) and taking more classes each semester. Master's degree students are considered full-time when taking nine credit hours in a semester, but students can complete a 36-credit program by taking an average of 12 credits during each of three semesters.

There are also accelerated master's programs designed for students who are still working toward their bachelor's degrees. These programs typically require students to transfer to the master's degree school before their senior year, and allow students to complete coursework that goes toward their bachelor's and master's programs.

Popular 1-Year Master’s Programs Online

Below, you’ll find some of the most popular graduate programs you can pursue in less time, helping you to accelerate your career path.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

If speed and career flexibility matter to you, a one-year online MBA is often the first place students look. These programs are built to move fast, with intensive terms that cover core business areas like finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and strategy. Many are designed for professionals who already have some business background, which helps streamline the curriculum and keep the timeline tight. You’ll sharpen your business education, leadership skills, and gain practical experience, making you a valuable candidate in the job market.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $10,000 to $25,000

Master’s in Education (MEd)

Accelerated online master’s programs in education or educational leadership are popular with teachers and education professionals who want to advance without stepping away from the classroom. Rather than focusing on theory-heavy research, these programs emphasize practical skills tied to curriculum design, instructional leadership, or education technology. The structure is often fast-paced but familiar to students already working in schools.

• Typical program length: 9 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $9,000 to $20,000

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

A one-year online MPA is a strong option if you’re working in government, nonprofit leadership, or public service and want to move into management. These programs tend to focus on real-world decision-making, budgeting, and policy implementation rather than academic research. Many students choose MPAs because the curriculum translates directly to workplace responsibilities.

• Typical program length: 12 months
• Typical cost range: $12,000 to $22,000

Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Healthcare administration programs work especially well in a one-year online learning format because they don’t require clinical training. Instead, the focus is on systems, leadership, finance, and operations within healthcare organizations. These accelerated online graduate programs in healthcare are common among professionals already working in healthcare who want to transition into management or leadership roles.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $12,000 to $30,000

Master’s in Information Technology (IT)

One-year online master’s programs in IT are usually designed for students who already have some technical experience and want to formalize or expand their skills. Rather than spending time on theory alone, these programs often emphasize applied learning, systems management, and security fundamentals. That practical focus helps keep completion timelines short.

• Typical program length: 12 months
• Typical cost range: $10,000 to $25,000

Master’s in Data Analytics or Data Science

If you’re looking to build advanced analytical skills quickly, accelerated data analytics programs are increasingly common. These one-year online degrees concentrate on interpreting data, working with analytics tools, and applying insights to real problems. Because of the pace, they tend to work best for students who already have some quantitative or technical background.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $12,000 to $30,000

Master’s in Accounting

Many one-year online master’s programs in accounting are designed with CPA eligibility in mind. For students who already hold undergraduate accounting degrees, these programs can move quickly through advanced coursework in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. The accelerated structure helps students meet professional requirements without extending their time in school.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $10,000 to $25,000

Master’s in Project Management

Project management is another field that lends itself well to accelerated online study. These programs focus on planning, leadership, risk management, and organizational strategy, making them useful across industries. Students often choose this path because the skills apply immediately at work, even before graduation.

• Typical program length: 12 months
• Typical cost range: $10,000 to $22,000

Master’s in Psychology

One-year online master’s programs in psychology are usually non-clinical and focus on applied or general psychology rather than licensure. Coursework may explore human behavior, research methods, and psychological theory, which can be useful in business, education, social services, or research roles. These programs are best suited for students who want graduate-level training without committing to a multi-year path.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $10,000 to $30,000

Master’s in Social Work (MSW)

Accelerated one-year MSW programs are typically available only as advanced standing options for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work. While coursework can often be completed online, required field placements still take place in person. These programs move quickly and are best for students who meet eligibility requirements and want to enter professional practice as soon as possible.

• Typical program length: 9 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $12,000 to $30,000

Master of Public Health (MPH)

One-year online Master of Public Health programs are especially appealing to students who want to move quickly into roles focused on population health, policy, or program management. Accelerated MPH programs typically emphasize public health foundations such as epidemiology, health policy, and biostatistics, rather than research-heavy capstones. Many are designed for professionals already working in healthcare, public service, or nonprofit settings who want broader impact without stepping away from work for multiple years.

• Typical program length: 11 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $12,000 to $30,000

Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Online master’s programs in organizational leadership are a strong fit for students seeking management or leadership roles across a wide range of industries. These one-year programs focus on communication, ethical leadership, organizational change, and team development. Because the curriculum is broadly applicable and typically does not require licensure or clinical hours, organizational leadership degrees adapt well to accelerated online formats.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $9,000 to $20,000

Master’s in Business Analytics

One-year online master’s programs in business analytics are designed for students who want to build data-driven decision-making skills quickly. These programs combine business strategy with analytics tools, data interpretation, and applied problem-solving. Accelerated formats work best for students who already have some comfort with quantitative concepts and want to apply analytics directly to business operations or leadership roles.

• Typical program length: 10 to 12 months
• Typical cost range: $12,000 to $30,000

Best 1-Year Master's Degree Programs Online

Students looking for affordable 12-month master's degree programs can find options in almost every field. Many schools offer online master's programs across the U.S. We'll discuss 10 schools with accelerated options below.

1. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers several dozen fully online master's degree programs that do not require any in-person components. Most programs contain 30 to 36 credit hours and allow students to transfer in some undergraduate credit hours.

Available programs include an MBA, a Master of Science (MS) in economics, and other degrees in fields such as accounting, education, and information technology. Students can finish one of these programs by taking nine to 12 credit hours during each of the three academic semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $284 to $540 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers several online master's degree programs, with options in education, information technology, healthcare, and other fields. Some of the programs that require 36 credit hours or less include:

• MS in online travel technology and analytics
• Master of research administration
• MA in English: technical communication
• MS in hospitality and tourism management
• MS in digital forensics

Students can complete one of these or several other programs in as few as three semesters by taking 12 credit hours in one or more of their semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $288 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Eastern University

Eastern University offers multiple online master's degree programs that students complete through accelerated, seven-week class terms. The shorter course terms enable students to complete more classes during an academic year than they would through traditional semesters.

The MS in data science, MS in data analytics, and the MBA can all be completed in as few as 10 months of full-time study. Other online master's options include degrees in therapy, education, special education, divinity, and theology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $300 to $450 per credit
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers numerous online master's degree programs, including an MBA program with ten specialization options. Other options include a 30-credit MS in cybersecurity as well as master's degrees in international affairs, healthcare administration, and mathematical sciences.

Graduate students can transfer some of their qualifying undergraduate coursework into the master's program and apply those credits toward their new degree. Classes are offered in traditional length or accelerated, eight-week terms, giving students more flexibility as well as more opportunities to start their program each year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $417 to $500 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Clayton State University

Clayton State University offers several fully online master's programs that can be completed in as little as one year, including:

• MA in liberal studies
• MS in supply chain analytics
• Master of archival studies
• MBA
• Master of Public Administration

These and some other programs consist of 36 credit hours or fewer. Students can transfer in up to nine credit hours of qualifying undergraduate coursework and have access to the same academic support services as their on-campus peers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) offers more than 20 different online master's degree programs, most of which consist of 30 to 39 credit hours of coursework. Students can transfer up to one-third of the required credit hours into the program, and can take classes in traditional or accelerated term lengths.

Master's programs that can be completed in one year include an MA in communication, an MS in exercise science, an MA in history, and an MA in gerontology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers several dozen online master's degree programs that feature eight-week, accelerated course terms. Some of the programs that require 36 credit hours or less include:

• MS in accounting and financial management
• MS in cyber operations
• Master of Education in instructional technology
• MS in marketing management
• MS in transformational leadership

Students can transfer up to one-third of the credit hours into their program and take courses at the pace that suits their needs. UMGC also provides various military resources and benefits, including a discounted tuition rate of $336 per credit.

• Estimated tuition cost: $544 to $694 per credit
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Liberty University

Liberty University has hundreds of online programs, including graduate degree options in almost every field of study. Programs that can be completed in as little as one year include:

• MBA (general track)
• Master of Arts in teaching (elementary, middle, or secondary education)
• MA in visual communication design

Students can add a concentration to their MBA as well as several other programs, although adding a specialization increases the time of the program. Grounded in Christian values, the school offers discounted military tuition as well as accelerated eight-week class terms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 to $645 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers several fully online programs, many of which consist of 30 to 36 credit hours. Some of the programs that require only ten classes are:

• MS in crime analysis
• MA in education
• Master of accountancy and data analytics
• MS in aging
• MS in biostatistics
• MA in communication

Most courses in these programs are eight weeks long. Other accelerated master's programs include options in information systems, leadership, marketing, Spanish, and supply chain management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers online master's degree programs in various fields, many of which require 30 to 36 credit hours. There are four 10-week class terms each academic year, enabling students to divide courses across four semesters instead of the traditional three.

Programs that can be completed in one year include master's degrees in accounting, data analytics, computer science, creative writing, and marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Our team reviews many schools to identify as many relevant and desirable programs as possible. We use specific criteria to determine which schools to feature in our rankings, including factors such as cost, learning experience, and admissions requirements.

• Accreditation: Each of the schools that we feature has been accredited by a regional accrediting body, meaning they meet various academic standards.
• Program length: The programs featured here can be completed in as little as one year, giving students more tools to reach their career goals sooner.
• Program reputation: All programs feature supportive and knowledgeable faculty, and online learners have access to high-quality resources and curriculum.

How To Choose an Online Accelerated Master’s Program

Choosing an online accelerated master’s program is less about finding the fastest option and more about finding a program you can realistically complete. One-year formats move quickly, so the right choice balances speed, structure, and support.

Consider the Program Format and Pace

Some accelerated programs follow short, intensive terms, while others run year-round with fewer breaks. Look closely at whether courses are asynchronous, synchronous, or a mix of both. A format that fits your schedule is critical, because falling behind in a fast-paced program can be difficult to recover from.

Review Credit Requirements Carefully

Many one-year programs require fewer total credits than traditional master’s degrees, but that is not always the case. Some programs compress timelines by increasing course loads instead. Comparing total credits, not just program length, gives you a clearer picture of workload and cost.

Check Accreditation and Program Reputation

Accreditation matters just as much in accelerated programs as it does in traditional formats. Make sure the institution holds recognized accreditation and, when applicable, that the program meets professional or licensure expectations in your field.

Evaluate Support Services and Flexibility

In a one-year program, access to advising, technical support, and clear course expectations can make a big difference. Programs that offer strong academic support and predictable schedules are often easier to complete on time.

How Much Does a 1-Year Master’s Program Online Cost?

The cost of a one-year online master’s program varies widely based on the school, field of study, and program structure. In general, many accelerated online master’s programs cost less overall than traditional two-year programs, but that is not always guaranteed.

Most one-year online master’s degrees fall into a broad range of $10,000 to $30,000 in total tuition, with some programs costing less and others exceeding that range, especially in specialized or high-demand fields. Public universities often offer the most affordable online graduate programs with flat tuition rates.

It’s important to look beyond advertised per-credit costs. Accelerated programs can include higher course loads, technology fees, or condensed schedules that affect total expenses. Comparing the full program cost from start to finish gives you the most accurate sense of affordability.

Financial Aid Options for 1-Year Graduate Programs

Even in accelerated formats, graduate students may qualify for several types of financial assistance. Common options include:

• Federal student loans, which are available to eligible graduate students who complete the FAFSA
• Employer tuition reimbursement, especially for programs aligned with leadership, business, healthcare, or technology roles
• Graduate scholarships, offered by some schools based on academic performance, professional experience, or field of study
• Military and veteran education benefits, which can be used for eligible online graduate programs
• Payment plans, allowing tuition to be spread across shorter terms rather than paid all at once

Because one-year programs move quickly, it’s especially important to confirm how financial aid is disbursed and whether employer reimbursement timelines align with billing schedules.

Can You Work Full-Time During a 1-Year Master’s Program?

Many students do work full-time while completing a one-year online master’s program, but success depends on the program’s structure and your availability. Accelerated programs require consistent weekly effort, and the workload is often heavier than in traditional formats.

Asynchronous programs tend to be the most manageable for full-time working professionals, since they allow you to complete assignments on your own schedule. Programs with frequent live sessions or group meetings may be harder to balance if you work irregular hours.

In general, students should expect to spend 10 to 20 hours per week per course, depending on the subject and pace. Some learners choose to reduce work hours temporarily, while others succeed by planning carefully and maintaining steady routines.

FAQs About 1-Year Online Master's Programs

If you are considering an online degree and want to fast-track your coursework, you should decide what features and outcomes you want from your program. The FAQs addressed below should help you determine more of what you want from your online master's program.

Can You Get a Master’s Degree in 1 Year?

Yes, it is possible to earn a master’s degree in one year, particularly through accelerated or year-round online programs. These programs compress coursework into shorter terms or require higher course loads, allowing students to complete degree requirements more quickly than traditional formats.

What Is the Quickest Master's Degree To Get?

The quickest master's degree to complete is one with a lower number of credit hours (30 to 36) that allows you to complete your classes faster. While some schools require you to take classes at certain times within your program, many online master's degrees offer flexibility to take more courses and finish sooner. There are accelerated programs in most fields of study, many of which are featured above.

Is a 1-Year Master’s Degree Worth It?

A one-year master’s degree can be worth it for students who want to advance quickly, reduce time away from the workforce, or limit total education costs. The value depends on the field, program quality, and how well the degree aligns with your career goals.

Are Online Master’s Degrees Credible?

Online master’s degrees are generally considered credible when they are offered by accredited institutions. Employers tend to focus more on accreditation, skills, and experience than on whether a degree was completed online or on campus.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of 1-Year Master’s Programs?

The main advantages include faster completion, lower overall costs, and quicker career advancement. Potential disadvantages include heavier workloads, less flexibility for unexpected life events, and limited opportunities for breaks or slower pacing.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a 1-Year Master’s Program?

Admission requirements vary by school and field but typically include a bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA expectations, and application materials such as transcripts and recommendations. Some programs may also require prerequisite coursework or professional experience.

Do I Need To Take the GRE or GMAT?

Each school has its own admissions policies regarding prior coursework and potential entrance exams. There are many graduate schools with no GRE requirements that offer flexible, accelerated master's degrees. You can view admissions requirements on the individual program pages or admissions requirements overviews.

How Much Can I Earn With a 1-Year Master’s Degree?

Earnings after completing a one-year master’s degree vary widely by field, industry, and experience level. Many students who enroll in accelerated programs use the degree to qualify for promotions, leadership roles, or specialized positions rather than immediate salary jumps. As a postgraduate credential, a master’s degree can strengthen long-term earning potential, especially in business, healthcare, and technology fields.

Are Certificate Programs an Alternative to a 1-Year Master’s Degree?

Certificate programs can be a useful part-time alternative for students who want to build specific skills without committing to a full master’s degree. These programs are typically shorter, more focused, and less expensive than postgraduate degrees, making them appealing for career advancement or skill updates. However, certificates do not carry the same long-term credential value as a master’s degree and may not qualify you for roles that require graduate-level education.

Discover Online Master's Degrees

Explore other great master's degree programs on Learn.org, including the most affordable options and those that lead to the best-paying jobs. Contact the schools with programs you're interested in to get started.