Life’s responsibilities and joys can often only be taken in at a glance in a passing moment. Time is always flying by and there never seems to be enough of it. Often, earning a master’s degree seems impossible because “Who has time for a long-term degree program?” Colleges and universities have responded to the need for quality graduate education that doesn’t take a seeming lifetime. This evolution in education has given rise to the fastest online master’s degree programs. Today numerous schools allow students to earn a master’s degree online in only half the time it would typically take. Less time required to complete their master’s degree means students also save big on tuition costs. Typically, fast-track online master’s degrees also allow for credit transfers, significantly reducing credit requirements.
Recommended Schools
For professional and employed master’s degree students, accelerated master’s program online are a great option. The faster a needed master’s degree is earned, the faster the rewards of higher pay and greater job security come! A job candidate holding a master’s degree in the field often has a competitive edge over their undergraduate counterparts. Payscale.com revealed that master’s degree holders earned median pay of $75,459 a year while workers with bachelor’s degrees earned only $63,009.
********************
People Also Ask:
How fast can you get a Master’s degree online?
You can earn a master’s degree online in as little as 6 months! Earning an accelerated master’s is a great choice for students with busy lives that are well-disciplined and focused.
Can you get your Master’s in 1 year?
Yes, earning a Master’s degree in one year is doable; however, it will require the correct type of degree program. Typically, some degrees subjects take longer than others to complete.
What are 1 year Master’s programs?
If you are interested in earning a Master’s degree within a year’s time, there are several to consider depending on your career aspirations. The most popular include Accounting, Education, Finance, Nursing, Business Administration, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, as well as Computer Science or Management. These accelerated programs are great for those who are looking for a great job promotion!
What is the quickest Master’s degree program?
If you are looking for the quickest Master’s degree program, perhaps the field of Accounting is for you. Generally, a Master of Accountancy program can be completed within a year to become a CPA.
Is earning a fast Master’s degree really a good idea?
You may assume that a “fast or accelerated” Master’s degree program won’t be beneficial to your career, but that’s simply not true. Now granted, there may be some job occupations that won’t allow it or must be completed in the regular timeframe. However, if you are searching for a quick option, check out our list below to see if you can find a school that fits your needs!
How long will it take to earn an accelerated Master’s degree online?
Generally, you can earn your Master’s degree in one year through a fast-paced online Master’s degree program.
What is the shortest Master’s degree program?
Short Master’s degree programs include those in Business Administration, Finance, and Education. Some Psychology degree programs are available in an accelerated fashion, to name a few.
What is the fastest way to get a Master’s degree?
If you would like to earn your Master’s degree fast, consider an accelerated degree program; perfect for those already invested in a career and need the extra credentials for a job promotion. Accelerated programs are often available online, too!
********************
Do you need help deciding on a career choice? Check this out:
Are you concerned about the cost of your Master’s degree program? If so, look at these choices:
Page Jumps for Quick Reference
Methodology:
We’ve put together 30 Universities that offer the Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs. The online schools in this list appear in random order, due to the variety of topics and program offerings. They were each considered based on:
- 100% Online Distance Learning or Hybrid Format,
- Number of available Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs,
- Length of each Fast Track Program,
- Proper Accreditation,
- Quality of the school’s Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs,
- Financial Aid Support,
- Positive reviews from students and accredited resources listing college and university statistics,
- Online Learning Management Systems, and Student Resources,
- Promotes potential career success through job placement.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
30 Fast Online Masters Degree Programs
University of Miami
Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs
This university holds various online programs and degrees that students can take advantage of. The University of Miami currently offers more than 180 undergraduate majors and programs. For students planning to take on sped-up learning programs, they can earn certification and MBAs with a 10 month masters degree online up to two years. This university’s most notable accelerated programs are MBA in Real Estate (40 credits), Master of Science in Finance (35 credits), and BSN programs (55 class credits). There’s a possibility of accelerated completion if you already earned credits from a previous learning experience. These types of programs answer the current needs of the growing global necessities for brokers or businesses planning to get into real estate, local and global investments and trade, and healthcare providers.
Benedictine University
Fastest Online MBA
Benedictine University has campuses in Lisle, Illinois (Lisle Main Campus), and E. Main Street Mesa, Arizona (Mesa Branch Campus). Within the university is a network of colleges and departments including the Goodwin College of Business, College of Education and Health Services, College of Liberal Arts, College of Science, and School of Graduate, Adult and Professional Education. Students may want to take advantage of their Master’s in Business Administration 1 year masters programs online if you attend two classes in each session. If you’re opting for the traditional one time class, you can earn the masters in 22 months. The same applies to students who have not completed a prior related degree.
You can also opt to get the MBA program where students are required to take two classes for each session, as long as you already hold a related degree. In this fast-track master’s program, not only will you be taught the foundation courses for businesses; you will also learn critical analysis and essential decision-making processes.
Recommended Schools
California Baptist University
Online Accelerated MS of Accounting Degree Program
CBU is a private-owned University in Magnolia Avenue Riverside, California. It offers undergraduate and graduate courses in the academic fields. The Masters of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is for students who want to advance in their accounting professional. Students with existing major credits can finish this accelerated course within a year. It’s a step above the undergraduate degrees that will take you closer to your dream of being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Students will need 30 major units before they can proceed with attending CBU for an accelerated master’s.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Fastest M.Ed. in Special Education Degree
Considered one of the largest private institutions in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University offers over 90 degrees, many of them are offered online. You can get a Master of Education (M.Ed.) In Special Education online that can earn you 33 credits. This is specifically designed for teachers that are looking into specialized fields of educating students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Students can accomplish this certification in under two years or more by either passing at least one of the four CORE exams or completing a 3-hour credit in phonics. M.Ed in Special Education teachers find themselves lucrative jobs with an average of $46,158 and potential career growth.
University of North Texas
QUICKEST MASTERS DEGREE ONLINE of Education Degree Program in Educational Leadership
Located in Denton, Texas, the University of North Texas holds 106 bachelors, 88 masters, and 37 doctoral degrees. The school offers accelerated masters in Education online such as Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership is duly recognized by the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The aim of the graduate program seeks to advance students who want to take on leadership roles in the educational system in schools or school districts. This a 30-hour M.Ed. education that will require students to finish 10 Education Admin courses online. Students can complete 1 year online Masters in Education programs by taking two courses for each session.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Fastest MBA in Accounting
Southern New Hampshire University is situated in Manchester, New Hampshire. It offers a fast-track program for CPAs who are looking to enhance their accounting skills in the real-world set-up. The MBA in Accounting is one such a course to help students get a leg-up in areas such as capital budgeting, portfolio management, and other aspects in the financial market. This less than 1 year masters program online can be completed within 15 months with two courses are taken on every 10-week term. Students can take advantage of this platform to learn at their own pace and accessible online. SNHU also offers one of the lowest online rates for this program.
Ball State University
Online Accelerated MA in Educational Psychology Degree
This university in Indiana offers accelerated learning programs online in the fields of learning and human development, and some say that it’s the quickest degree to get, would be the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, which is one of Ball State University’s accelerated Masters in Psychology online programs for students of any academic background wanting to add education to their career. This course can be finished within 18 months and less than a year if you will take a full load for each term. You also get to earn 30 credits from this short course with 18 credits from core courses and 12 credits any chosen specialization (Gifted and Talented specialization, Human Development, Statistical, and Research Methods, and Neuropsychology). There will still be likely career opportunities for those planning to take teaching professions.
Becker College
Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs
The Becker College has campuses in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Leicester. Students can check out the Center for Accelerated and Professional Studies for available online and accelerated programs of their picking. Under the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, students can pursue their Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, a 60-credit program. Through the school’s B.A. to M.A. option, eligible undergraduate students can start with their Mental Health Counseling master’s program before they reach their senior year. Becker College also offers the Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media online which is also a 60-credit program.
Mercy College
Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs
Mercy College is located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and offers more than 90 academic programs for graduates and undergraduates in five categories: Business, Health, Liberal Arts, Education, Natural Sciences, and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College is notable for its Master of Science in Cybersecurity online program. In fact, the program is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. As part of a dual degree program, Mercy College’s fast-track online master’s degree in Cybersecurity can be completed in 18 months.
Recommended Schools
Western Governors University
Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, this university is known to provide online platforms suitable for those who want flexibility and to those who don’t have sufficient resources to fund their studies. Under the school’s College of Business Online, Teachers College Online, College of Information Technology Online, and College of Health Professions Online, Western Governors University offer up to 37 accelerated online master’s degrees programs. In these competency-based programs, students work with a Faculty Mentor to optimize their schedules and work through their course materials. Students can transfer their previous learning credits to their desired online master’s program.
Limestone College
Online Accelerated Master’s of Business Administration
Located in Gaffney, South Carolina, Limestone College offers less than one year online Masters in Business Administration program. The school takes pride in its online courses that are characterized by a simple admission process, quality professors, and networking opportunities for future career growth. To be eligible for the fast-track MBA program at Limestone College, your current GPA should be 3.5 and you must have completed 90 undergraduate hours, half of which must be completed at Limestone.
Recommended Schools
Florida State College
Online Fastest Master’s Degree Programs
This institution is located in Jacksonville, Florida where it offers online programs for students seeking accelerated master’s degrees. They can opt for the +1Planning where they can just add one course every semester and attend school all year to fast-track their learning. They can take a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Accelerated Curriculums focused on obtaining a certain degree, in the fastest way possible. Students may choose from 150+ programs, including the quickest masters degree that they can complete online.
Lamar University
Accelerated MS in Nursing Online
Situated in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University offers graduate and undergraduate programs in online platforms. They have an 8-week undergraduate accelerated program to earn a degree for those taking it online. Traditional 15-week formats are also available for those who would want to have a more personal interaction with fellow students. Students can choose from academic studies in Business, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Fine Arts and Communication. Students in the healthcare sector may want to take advantage of their quickest online degree in Master of Science in Nursing online program offered in an 8-week format.
Charter Oak State College
Online Fastest Master’s Degrees
Charter Oak State College is located in New Britain, Connecticut. It offers accelerated degree programs, including a fast track online master’s, to those with Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Students with PLA can use previous credits from college, military experience, and certifications to earn an online master’s degree fast, depending on the number of credits earned and transferred. Students at Charter Oak State College are pursuing their accelerated online master’s degrees in various academic disciplines in the field of Business, Psychology, Health Information, Cyber Security, and General Studies to name a few.
East Coast Polytechnic University
Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs
East Coast Polytechnic University (ECPI) maintains various campuses in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Texas. Primarily offering career-oriented programs, this school provides accelerated online master’s degree programs suitable for adult learners wanting to be more professionally honed in their chosen craft. Academic programs feature accelerated online master’s degrees in the field of technology, nursing, criminal justice, business, nursing, and health science can be earned in as short as two years. These programs are intended to prepare students for immediate employment after earning the degree.
University of Texas
Accelerated Master of Public Administration Online Degree Programs
Students may also look into the University of Texas for accelerated online programs. All in all, they can choose from 700+ web-based courses to help them achieve their degree with flexibility and in the least amount of time. University of Texas students can pursue the Master of Public Administration online at an accelerated pace. The complete coursework takes 24 months to complete with 39 credit hours. Students of this accelerated online master’s degree pay roughly $16,000. Graduates receive the same quality diploma as their traditional on-campus learner counterparts.
Eastern Kentucky University
Fastest Online Master’s Degrees
Eastern Kentucky University offers less than 1 year masters programs online Education ranging from associate, bachelor’s degree, and doctorate degree. In particular, it has 15 online master’s degree programs that equip students with advanced expertise in their field of studies such as Education, Psychology, Nursing, and Special Education. At EKU, most online courses, including the 1 year online Masters in Education are offered in two 8-week or 6-week terms during the fall and spring or summer semesters, respectively. In this accelerated schedule, students carry a full-time load while focusing on two classes only per term.
Recommended Schools
Immaculata University
Online Fast-Track Master’s Degree Programs
Aside from providing traditional on-campus programs, this university located in Pennsylvania offers fast-track online master’s degrees through the College of Lifelong Learning. Various programs are available for adult learners in the fields of Business, English Communication, Nutrition, Nursing, Social Sciences, and Technology to name a few. Students with prior learning credits (up to 72 credits) can be converted as part of the degree to give them a shorter learning period with these less than 1 year masters degree programs.
Concordia University – Chicago
Online Accelerated MBA or MEd Degree Programs
Situated in River Forest, Illinois, Concordia University offers accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd). Fit for in-service educators, the fast-track online MEd programs at Concordia is a best example of a one year masters programs online. The school’s one year Masters programs in Education online and MBA focus on the principles of a servant and ethical leadership, organizational change, global awareness, critical thinking, decision-making, financial modeling, and project management.
Albertus Magnus College
Online, Accelerated and Flexible Master’s Degrees
This university offers Online and Flex programs for students who want to complete their online masters degree in 12 months or less. At Albertus Magnus College, courses are usually completed within 8 weeks and in an accelerated format where students get practical and real-world applications suitable to their chosen field of interest. Students will need to take two classes for each term and earn 30 credits per year. They also have the option to attend hybrid master’s degree classes.
Park University
Fastest Master’s Degree Online Programs
Located in Parkville, Missouri, Park University has 41 learning centers scattered across the United States. They offer a variety of online master’s degree programs that are offered online. Aside from a variety of disciplines available in accelerated learning formats, they also have 8 master’s programs for students with previous learning credits. Park University’s accelerated online masters degrees run on eight-week term classes.
Colorado State University – Global
Online Fastest Master’s Degrees
Colorado State University is situated in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Students can choose from accredited programs under a Master’s Degree. Online students are given an 8-week program of their chosen field and degree. The Global Campus is also available monthly so there won’t be any missed dates should you choose at a later time. At CSU-Global, students earn their quick degree programs in various areas of study including Agricultural Sciences, Arts and Music, Communications, Business, Organization, and Management, Computer Science and Technology, Education, Engineering, Health, and Human Sciences, Natural Resources and Environment, and Statistics.
Arkansas Tech University
Accelerated Online Master’s Degrees
Arkansas Tech University currently provides accelerated learning programs in the fields of Public Relations, Early Childhood Education, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Agricultural Business to name a few. Students are required a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to be able to fully advance their learning curve with up to 12 hours of credit. Students earn their MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MEd in Educational Leadership, MEd in Library Media, MEd in Special Education K-12, MS in College Student Personnel, MS in Emergency Management & Homeland Security, and MS in Health Informatics.
Azusa Pacific University
Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs
Located in Azusa California, Azusa Pacific University offers students accelerated degrees with their University College platform. Courses are intended for adults seeking to earn a degree through evening school or online. The online master’s degrees offered at Azusa include in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Leadership, Business Administration, Business Management, Physical Education, School Librarianship, Screenwriting, and more–which students can opt to take at an accelerated pace. In terms of the duration of its online classes, Azusa complies with the standard rule of thumb that is “3 hours of homework time for every hour of class time.”
Philadelphia University (Jefferson University)
Online Accelerated MBA Degree Program
Philadelphia University offers below one year online programs or 8-week programs for students who’d want to earn their degrees in the least time possible. Fast-tracked online programs are offered in the areas of Accounting, Business Management, Law Enforcement Leadership, Professional Communications, and Behavioral and Health Sciences, and more. Students can also take advantage of Innovation MBA that also provides an 8-week course that can be completed in one to two years. For its accelerated online MBA programs, Jefferson offers concentrations in Business Analytics and Strategic Design Thinking. To qualify for the online MBA, students must have post-undergraduate work experience.
Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s Degree Accelerated Programs
Students at Grand Canyon University can complete four-credit courses in 7-week and 8-week online programs. With quicker and more efficient pacing, you can choose from various degree programs suitable for your master. Popular fields of study include Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, Psychology and Counseling, Medical Studies, and Athletic Sciences. Adult learners with a college-level background can look into Lifelong Learning Assessment for advanced education through the school’s below 1 year online masters programs.
Regis University
Online Fastest Master’s Degree Programs
Regis University offers two online master’s degrees in 5-week to 8-week course programs through the College of Contemporary Liberal Studies. Students have the option to decide on their online Master of Arts degree plans, such as in Applied Psychology, Communication, Creative Writing/Literature, and Religious Studies/Philosophy. The total MA degree requirement is 36 credit hours. CCLS also offers the M.S. in Criminology degree at an accelerated pace and requires 36 credit hours. Career paths for online master’s in Criminology graduates include human behavior, leadership, and cybercrime and terrorism.
Elmhurst College
Online Fast-Track Master’s Degree Programs
Intended for adult learners, Elmhurst College focuses on three fast-tracked programs that get you a degree in the shortest time possible. These shortest online degree programs under its online graduate programs department of Elmhurst, offers an intensive, accelerated, and full-time 100% Masters in Business Administration. To qualify for this quick online MBA, college graduates must hold a bachelor’s degree from either an accredited U.S. school or a foreign equivalent. This one year masters degree programs online which they offer is definitely a breakthrough than the traditional way, which usually takes 2 years.
Northeastern University
MS of Applied Nutrition Distance Learning Degree Program
Northeastern University, located in Boston, MA, offers an online Master’s degree program in the field of Applied Nutrition. In addition, they offer four areas of concentrations, such as in Business and Entrepreneurship in Nutrition, Nutrition and Fitness, Obesity and Nutritional Health, or Nutrition Education. Through this program, you can enhance your skills in nutrition, good health promotion, metabolism, disease prevention, and clinical behavior. The average completion date for the online Master’s degree in Applied Nutrition can be earned in two years or less. Your degree program will be instructed by fitness specialists and registered dietitians, among other nutrition professionals. Due to the increase of interest in disease prevention and continuing illnesses, nutrition specialists are needed in hospitals, nursing homes, and fitness centers, as well as for those who desire personal chefs and exercise trainers.
What is the length of a typical master’s degree program?
If you’re considering to upscale your degree, you need to consider the length of learning time. On average, earning a master’s degree usually takes 2 years. Depending on the field of study you choose, you can complete the credit requirements with around 30-60 semester hours (or a median of 36 semester hours). If you’re an adult learner who wants to go back to school without needing to give up your work or career, you will have to complete about 45 credit hours.
What criteria determine admission into a master’s degree program?
Certain tests are needed prior to entering a master’s degree program. A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a more common test for graduate admissions. The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a one-hour exam that consists of verbal-analogy questions. If you plan on getting an MBA, you need to pass the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) consists of questions that assess the reasoning, reading comprehension, and logic of incoming master’s in law students.
Transcripts are essential for previous learning credits for accelerated online master’s degree programs. You are also most likely to be asked to present letters of recommendation. The university will use these documents, along with your other submitted information, to assess your experience and preparedness for a graduate-level program.
A personal statement or essay will be required of you as well before admission to an online master’s degree program. Some programs may also require students to provide an academic writing sample from their undergraduate years.
How do I benefit from an online master’s degree program?
Specialized knowledge in your chosen field as a master’s degree holder gives you an edge over those without it. Earning a master’s degree gives you career stability and job security. Individuals who have obtained advanced educational degrees are more employable and have better earning potential as employers generally find you more credible and dedicated to your craft. A masters also allows you to gain new skills for an even more solid footing in your area of study.
“All our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney