10 Accelerated 1-Year Master's Programs Online in 2025

While master's degree programs traditionally take around two years to complete, graduate students can earn their master's in as quickly as one year from numerous schools. There are a variety of 1-year master's programs online, with options in fields such as education, business, information technology, and social sciences. Continue reading to explore the fastest way to get a master's degree online.

What To Expect From 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.

Most Popular Degree Fields Offering 1-Year Master's Options

Many schools offer online master's degrees with accelerated options, allowing students to complete their program in a shorter timeframe. Accelerated master's programs can lead to different types of degrees, including a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA). Accelerated master's degrees are available in fields such as:

• business analytics
• information technology /computer science
• communication
• organizational leadership/management
• public administration / public policy
• English / creative writing
• health informatics

The most popular one-year master's programs include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as programs in organizational leadership and computer science. Graduate-level students may be able to complete a program faster if they pursue a graduate degree in a field that is closely related to their undergraduate degree.

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 ten 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, an 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

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.

Why Choose a 1-Year Online Master's Program?

Completing your master's degree in one year enables you to advance or change your career sooner. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master's degree graduates earn an average of 20% more than those with a bachelor's degree.

Additionally, the unemployment rate is lower for those with a master's degree, and the job market offers more opportunities for master's degree graduates. Online accelerated programs allow you to earn your degree faster without having to attend classes on a campus at specific times each week.

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.

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.

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

Your program cost primarily depends on the number of credits that you take and the tuition rate. For example, a 36-credit degree with a $500 per-credit tuition rate would cost $18,000 in total tuition, before any financial aid is applied. There are also various fees that you will have, such as online learning fees, technology fees, and student services fees.

Can I Work While Enrolled in a 1-Year Master's Degree?

Yes, you can definitely work while you complete your program. The online learning format makes a program more flexible, enabling working professionals to log in at times that are convenient for them. However, completing your online program in one year means that your courseload will require more time each week, so you should be proactive and find a balance that works for you.

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.

Discover Online Master's Degrees

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