Thanks to advancements in distance learning technology, earning a master’s degree fast has never been more convenient with these quickest masters degree programs online. It used to be that to earn a master’s, students would have to consider relocating, which could mean leaving their jobs to go to school full time. Circumstances like these might result in significant financial hardship during the period in which they were earning their degree. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Even top universities have started offering accelerated online masters programs online for prospective students all over the world!
Whether you’re an educator, community organizer, or business person considering a graduate degree program, an accelerated online masters program may be exactly what you need. One of the most compelling advantages to fast online degrees lies in their flexibility for adult learners. However, the key to understanding the power of an accelerated degree program is that these actually tend to be among the most flexible programs you can find. At the bottom of the article, after our ranking of the top fast-track online master’s programs, you can read more about our ranking methodology. You will also find some answers to frequently asked questions regarding such graduate degree programs.
Featured Programs
Ranking One Year Master’s Programs Online and the Quickest Master’s Degree Programs Online
9-11 Months: Best One Year Master’s Programs Online
#1. Colorado State University
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Fastest Program: 9 Months
Colorado State University offers a wide array of accelerated options, some of which can be completed in under 12 months. In fact, it is home to the fastest degree program featured in this ranking of best 1 year masters programs online. The tourism management degree at CSU requires 30 credit hours of coursework; this program is a 9 month master’s degree online, meaning it can be completed in less than a year. Moreover, the online master’s programs in teacher education, and the master’s in applied statistics can be completed in just a year as well. The university also offers a robust master’s in computer information systems can be completed in 18 months. Additional online master’s degree programs offered by this nationally ranked school include:
- Online Master of Science in Horticulture and Human Health
- Online Master of Science in Microbiology-Immunology
- Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Online Master’s in Project Management
- Online Master of Organizational Leadership
Graduate Tuition: $9,000
#2. Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Fastest Online Master’s Degree Program: 10 Months
Impressively, there are a total of five accelerated online master’s degrees offered by LSU Shreveport. For example, the MBA is a “less than a year” masters program online and can be completed in just 10 months, despite requiring a full 30 credit hours of study. The others can be completed in 12 months of rigorous study. These include master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, health administration, and nonprofit administration. The MBA degree program offers several specializations such as hospitality and casino management, human resources management, organizational leadership, marketing, and project management. If you are searching for the quickest masters degree programs the country has to offer, LSU Shreveport is definitely worth a look. Additional online learning options available from the school include:
- Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Online Master of Arts in Educational Technology
- Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
- Online Master’s in Health Administration
Graduate Tuition: $6,196
#3. St. Thomas University
Fastest Program: 10 Months
In terms of the fastest online master’s degrees, St. Thomas offers a highly sought-after one-year online master’s program. This online master of business administration (online MBA program) can actually be completed in just 10 months of diligent online study. Moreover, the school also offers an MS in educational leadership that can be completed in 12 months as well as a 10-month MS in instructional design and technology. If that weren’t enough, the online master of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner concentration requires 47 credit hours and can be completed in just 18 months. In addition to these accelerated options, St. Thomas University also offers other university programs at the master’s level that can be completed within two years of online education.
Graduate Tuition: $14,400
#4. Gardner-Webb University
Fastest Program: 10 Months
A quick trip to its website will reveal that Gardner-Webb offers numerous degree programs online, but the only one it offers in an accelerated format is the master of business administration. In fact, this renowned MBA can be completed fully online in just 10 months. Courses offered in this accelerated online master’s program include production research and operations management, business law and ethics, strategic management, organizational leadership, and international business. As you look for top one year masters programs online in the business niche, keep in mind that Gardner-Webb is both affordable and fast. Additional online master’s degree programs offered by the school include:
- Online Master of Arts in English
- Online Master of Science in Sport Education
- Online Master of Accountancy
Graduate Tuition: $10,080
12-14 Months: More of the Quickest Master’s Online Programs
#5. Western Governors University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Western Governors University offers 32 master’s offerings online, and because of the unique format, all of these accelerated master’s degree programs can be finished as one year online masters programs. A unique benefitof the school’s graduate offerings is that students have full control over the pacing of their accelerated programs at WGU, which means pretty much any master’s program can be completed in 12 months, or 18 months if that’s more comfortable. This programmatic feature enables students with busy schedules or family obligations to adjust the pacing as they go. WGU also charges tuition on a per-semester basis instead of per-credit. So the faster you finish the degree program, the less you pay. The school offers multiple degrees and accelerated programs in categories like online master of business, nursing, information technology, behavioral sciences, and special education. Additional examples of online master’s degrees offered through WGU include:
- Online Master of Science in Data Analytics
- Online Master of Science in Information Technology Management
- Online Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
Graduate Tuition: $7,500
#6. Regis University
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Fastest Program: 12 Months
There’s a reason so many distance learners at the graduate level prefer Regis University. For one thing, most of Regis’ accelerated master’s degree programs can be completed online in around one year by completing two 8-week courses at a time via online learning. Plus, the school has a broad repertoire of online learning options. Some of the online education degrees available at an accelerated pace are information and cybersecurity, information technology management, marketing, nonprofit management, business (MBA), organizational leadership, project leadership and management, and thirteen more programs. Additional online master’s program offerings from Regis University include:
- Online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
- Online Master of Science in Criminology
- Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
- Online Master of Education in Special Education
Graduate Tuition: $14,063
#7. Wilmington University
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Fastest Program: 12 Months
One of our top national universities, Wilmington University offers several online master’s degree options that can be completed in one year. These include high-quality programs for online students in cybersecurity, homeland security, information systems technology, management, nursing leadership, accounting, and administration of human services. There are other accelerated learning programs that take between 14 and 18 months, including education programs. Additional online degree programs include:
- Online Master of Science in Human Services
- Online Master of Education in School Leadership
- Online Master of Science in Environmental Science
Graduate Tuition: $9,000
#8. California Baptist University
Fastest Online Program: Under 12 months
Almost every single master’s degree offered at California Baptist University can be completed in 12 months of online learning. A couple of them take an additional six months to complete simply because they require more credit hours. Of course, this is the average completion time for earning a master’s degree here, implying that it’s actually possible to complete some of these degrees in less than one year. The fastest master’s degrees available online include master’s in public health, public administration, organizational leadership, business administration, kinesiology, information technology, and education. As an indicator of academic excellence, California Baptist University boasts full institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Graduate Tuition: $13,590
#9. University of North Texas
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Fastest Online Program: 12 Months
The University of North Texas offers an incredible variety of master’s programs, many of which can be completed in just 12-14 months. These online learning programs include graduate degrees such as accelerated online master of advanced data analytics, early childhood education, educational psychology, business administration, supply chain analytics MBA, and supply chain management MBA, marketing, marketing analytics, and organizational behavior and resource management. Additional offerings for online master’s degree programs from the University of North Texas include:
- Online Master of Science in Anthropology
- Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management
- Online Master’s in Health Services Management
Graduate Tuition: $6,350
#10. University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley
Fastest Program: 12 Months
To be clear, UT- Rio Grande Valley is one of the country’s leading national universities. In terms of quick online master’s degrees, the school’s renowned online master’s in education requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in just ten months; the university’s other master’s degrees can be completed in 12 months. This includes master’s degrees in nursing administration, public affairs, social work, health sciences, education (curriculum and instruction), and education (educational leadership). Another important note is that the MBA program has a Spanish language version that can be completed in 12 months. Additional online master’s degree options offered via the university’s distance learning program include:
- Online Master of Science in Mathematics
- Online Master of Science in Bioethics
- Online Master of Medical Science
- Online Master of Nutritional Health Sciences
Graduate Tuition: $7,002
#11. Lamar University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Lamar University basically charges the same price for tuition whether or not the student lives in Texas, resulting in the full cost of most master’s programs coming in between $8,000 and $10,000. The accelerated degree option efficiently prepares students in areas like education, business, and social sciences and most can be completed between 12 and 18 months. However, most are in the 15, 16, and 18 month range. The one 12-month program is the master of science in criminal justice, which requires 30 credit hours of study. Some of Lamar’s additional online master’s degree programs include:
- Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Online Master of Public Administration
- Online Master of Science in Nutrition
Graduate Tuition: $6,471
#12. Northeastern University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Northeastern University is one of the top universities in the United States. It should come as no surprise then that U.S. News and World Report ranks the school in the top 40 nationwide. For distance learners interested in quick graduate programs, the school offers many online options, but seven of them can be completed in as little as 18 months. As a standout option, the master’s in criminology in particular prepares students in just 12 months and 32 credit hours of study. Some 18-month degrees include commerce and economic development, corporate and organizational communication, eLearning and instructional design, energy systems, and engineering management. Additional online graduate school offerings include:
- Online Master’s in Computer Science
- Online Master’s in Biotechnology
- Online Master’s in Human Resource Management
- Online Master’s in Global Studies
Graduate Tuition: $25,801
#13. Trine University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Prospective graduate students will be happy to learn that Trine University offers all six of its online master’s degree programs at an accelerated rate; each can be earned in just 12 months. The master’s degrees are in business administration (MBA program), business analytics, organizational leadership, engineering management, and information studies. The degrees can be earned so fast because online courses are available two at a time in eight-week terms offered year round.
Graduate Tuition: $10,350
#14. Albertus Magnus College
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Albertus Magnus offers five accelerated programs at the master’s level that can be completed in about 12 months. Each degree program enables students to take courses in an 8-week format, and students can choose whether to take one or two classes per 8-week session. This flexibility allows you to control how much you want to take on at any given time. The degrees offered are accelerated programs in business administration (MBA), leadership, management and organizational leadership, accounting, and criminal justice.
Graduate Tuition: $21,744
#15. Capella University
Fastest Program: 14 Months
Capella University’s Flex Path option enables students to earn master’s degrees in a variety of fields via accelerated online learning. Programs can be completed within just 14 months of study and are available in fields such as business, education, psychology, and health science. For interested students, some of the specific online graduate programs featuring the FlexPath option from Capella University include:
- Online Master of Science in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development
- Online MBA in Health Care Management
- Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning
- Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Institutionally, Capella University is accredited by the accreditation council of The Higher Learning Commission. The school’s online MSN is also programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Graduate Tuition: $14,784
#16. University of Florida
Fastest Program: 12 Months
A leader in higher education, the University of Florida offers four online accelerated degrees beyond the bachelor’s degree. In particular, there is the AACSB-accredited master of science in business management, master of entrepreneurship and master of business degrees, all of which can be completed in 12 months. The MBA, also AACSB-accredited, is a 16 month online program, and UF also hosts a 16-month master’s degree online in mass communications. Many of these programs feature numerous concentrations online students can choose from to customize their studies.
Graduate Tuition: $10,770
#17. University of Southern Mississippi
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Graduate students interested in distance learning will be glad to know that the University of Southern Mississippi offers myriad accelerated master’s degree options in human capital development, public health, music education, logistics, trade, and transport. For instance, the logistics degree and human capital degree can be completed in 12 months for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the public health master’s degree requires 45 credit hours and can be completed in 15 months of higher education. Another standout option, the music education degree, can be completed in 18 months. One of the most attractive elements of online degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi is that online students take courses at the in-state tuition price regardless of their residency status.
Graduate Tuition: $9,094
#18. Mercy College
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Mercy College offers accelerated online programs at a few different paces to appeal to different types of distance learners. One such example is the MBA, designed to help students develop advanced leadership skills and critical thinking skills; it can be completed in just one year through the TURBO program. For prospective health professionals, nursing ed and nursing administration accelerated online master’s degrees can be completed in just 15 months. Moreover, the cybersecurity degree requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in 18 months. For those students interested in business careers, be advised that the GMAT is optional for the MBA program, and the GRE is optional for students applying to the cybersecurity program.
Graduate Tuition: $16,974
#19. Azusa Pacific University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
The three fast online master’s degree offerings from Azusa Pacific University are an MA in educational technology, an MBA accredited by the IACBE (International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education), and a master of business management. Notably, all of these programs can be completed in as few as 12 months of higher education. The two business degrees have six start times per year, and the educational technology master’s degree program features multiple start dates.
Graduate Tuition: $16,571
#20. University of Massachusetts
Fastest Program: 12 Months
The UMASS university system offers three online master’s degree options at an accelerated pace, coordinated through UMASS Online. The business and analytics degree is offered at UMASS Amherst, the accelerated MBA is offered through UMASS Boston, and the criminal justice degree is offered through UMASS Lowell. Both of the business degrees are AACSB accredited. In terms of school rankings, UMASS Lowell is highly ranked by U.S. News for the criminal justice master’s degree program, which can be completed in 18 months and 33 credit hours of study.
Graduate Tuition: $14,014
#21. Stetson University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Prospective graduate students interested in online education should be advised that Stetson University offers one accelerated online master’s degree in accounting. It’s offered 100% online and can be completed in one year of distance education. Courses are taught in an accelerated five-week format, so students can complete coursework efficiently. Another university highlight is the fact that the master of accountancy program at Stetson had the highest certified public accountant (CPA) exam pass rate in the state of Florida. The program offers an optional study track focused on taxation; it’s accredited by the AACSB.
Graduate Tuition: $17,671
#22. Benedictine University
Fastest Program: 12 Months
Benedictine University offers several online master’s degree offerings, but only one with an accelerated option. The fastest degree offered is the master of business administration; this accelerated MBA takes just 12 months to complete. The traditional MBA can still be completed in just under two years, with enrolled students taking only one course at a time. Moreover, Benedictine’s business programs offer numerous elective concentrations in marketing management, international business, finance, entrepreneurship, accounting, and healthcare administration, for example. A traditional online master’s in nutrition education is also available for students who have more time to devote to their studies.
Graduate Tuition: $18,530
15-17 Months: More Accelerated Online Programs for Graduate Students
#23. Park University
Fastest Program: 15 Months
The online MBA program at Park University emphasizes managerial skills and can be completed in just 15 months with a concentration. There are 14 additional concentrations that can be pursued including programs designed to prepare students in management information systems, disaster and emergency management, human resource management, management accounting, quality and innovation management, project management, public accounting, and homeland security. Prospective students will be happy to know that Park University is a private university accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Graduate Tuition: $6,435
#24. Southern New Hampshire University
Fastest Program: 15 Months
Distance learners at the graduate level will be interested to know that Southern New Hampshire University offers 25 fast track master’s programs online that can be completed in just 15 months. All that is required to earn these distance education credentials is for students to take two 10-week courses at once, year-round, in order to complete these incredibly fast online master’s degree programs. The school’s myriad degrees include master’s programs for students with career aspirations in accounting, economics, communication, criminal justice, education (curriculum and instruction), cyber security, healthcare administration, and business administration (MBA). The MBA program also features 15+ concentrations, including a popular emphasis in organizational leadership. As a testament to its quality, SNHU’s finance degree is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Graduate Tuition: $18,900
#25. Boston University
Fastest Program: 16 Months
Boston University’s graduate degree programs aren’t as fast as many on this list, but they all allow students to finish their online classes as fast as 16 to 18 months. In terms of reputation, Boston University is well-known as one of the top universities in the United States, ranked #40 by U.S. News and World Report. Fast track online master’s degrees available through this renowned university include business analytics, art education, computer information systems, criminal justice, enterprise risk management, financial management, and global marketing management. In addition to these accelerated master’s degree online programs, a traditional online master’s in music education is also available.
Graduate Tuition: $58,560
#26. University of Miami
Fastest Program: 16 Months
Impressively, the University of Miami offers five fast track master’s programs for working professionals that can be completed online in under two years. For example, the master’s in health informatics is a 22-month program that allows students to take graduate courses at their own pace. Plus, the master of education in applied learning sciences and the master of education in sport administration are both 20-month programs. And the master of science in finance, and master of professional accounting programs can both be completed in as few as 16 months. The business degrees are AACSB accredited, and the university itself is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $39,834
#27. University of Texas-Arlington
Fastest Master’s Degree Program: 16 Months
One of our best national universities, the University of Texas at Arlington offers four fast online master’s options for graduate students with a desire to study remotely. For example, there is a master of education in educational leadership and policy, and another in curriculum and instruction, both of which can be completed between 16 and 18 months. In addition, the master of education in curriculum and instruction program has concentrations in mathematics, science, and literacy studies. For graduate nursing students, there is an excellent master of science in nursing administration that can be completed in 18 months. Finally, there is an MBA, with concentrations in finance, health care, and management, all of which can be completed in 16 months.
Graduate Tuition: $9,015
18 Months: More Accelerated Online Masters Programs
#28. Ball State University
Fastest Master’s Degree Program: 18 Months
Ball State University offers 25 master’s degrees via distance education, three of which are offered at an accelerated pace. Impressively, the master’s degree program in education, Master of Arts in educational psychology, and master’s in foundational mathematics teaching in the community college (MA) can all be completed in just 18 months. In terms of programmatic reputation, U.S. News rates Ball State’s online graduate education programs 38th in the nation, which is relevant because all three accelerated degrees featured from Ball State are education degrees. Additional accredited programs for graduate students interested in distance learning include:
- Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
- Online MS in Data Science
- Online MA in Journalism
- Online MBA
Graduate Tuition: $9,482
#29. Indiana Wesleyan University
Fastest Program: 18 Months
Distance learners at the graduate level may be interested to know that at Indiana Wesleyan, there are two fast master’s degrees to complete online. These graduate school programs focus on educating students in as few as 18 months via accelerated, remote education. As a quality indicator, the master of science in management and the master of business administration online degree programs are both accredited by the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs). Moreover, the MBA offers concentrations in healthcare administration, personal financial planning, project management, and school administration.
Graduate Tuition: $9,715
#30. Texas A&M University-College Station
Fastest Program: 18 Months
There is just a singular online accelerated master’s at Texas A&M, but it is pretty unique among the programs featured in our ranking. This online graduate program is a master of geoscience degree for students pursuing careers in the industry. It’s offered online, and 36 credits in total are required to earn the degree. This master’s degree program focuses on the areas of geographic information science and technology, petroleum data management, and ocean data analysis. All courses required for the curriculum are offered in an 8-week online format with a 16-week capstone course as a culminating element.
Graduate Tuition: $6,885
FAQs
What is the secret to making accelerated online master’s degree programs so flexible?
As you might imagine, accelerated online graduate degrees are incredibly flexible by nature. The same traits that allow the degree to be completed quickly are the traits that allow you to shape the schedule of the degree to fit your life. These programs generally feature short, five- to ten-week terms, instead of the traditional sixteen-week semester. During each term, you can take up to two courses, meaning if you work in a job where some seasons are busier than others (like the holidays for retail, tax season for accountants, or the end of the school semester for teachers) you can take fewer, or even no classes during that period of time. True, you won’t be able to complete the degree program as quickly, but it still allows you to complete the degree faster than a semester-based system would, because you aren’t forced into completing the program part-time due to the busyness of a few months.
Are the quickest masters degree programs online really cheaper than the typical master’s degree program?
This type of degree program can actually be cheaper, especially if you look at the cost in broader terms than just tuition. For instance, some universities offer unique pricing structures for online graduate students, like Western Governors University, where the faster you complete the degree, the less it costs. In addition, state universities often offer out-of-state students discounted tuition, sometimes even going as far as to offer them the same tuition as in-state students. However, the overall affordability of the degree program you choose will depend on the precise university you select, not the degree type. Take the universities in our ranking as an example; you have schools where you can earn an entire degree for under $10,000 while others will cost you $50,000-$75,000, depending on your financial aid.
The real distinguishing element of these degrees that make them more affordable is the time that you save while earning your credential. An accelerated program can save you time in your career, save you from expensive moves, and save you the time of commuting to and from classes. At the end of the day, all of these time-saving benefits add up to very real monetary savings for your graduate program.
Are accelerated master’s programs online really the same quality as traditional programs?
Most universities, especially the non-profit universities, live and die by their hard-earned reputations. The only way to protect their reputation is to make sure their degrees turn out quality graduate students, whether classes are delivered online or via on campus programs. This is one reason why so many schools have taken their time developing the necessary curriculum to offer a wide range of graduate degrees online. Each degree presents a unique set of problems that need to be solved when transitioning to a remote delivery method. Some degrees, especially those that use labs heavily for learning and research, may never be offered online. You may notice that you don’t see a lot of graduate programs in chemistry or physics offered online, for instance.
Conversely, other programs involving the social sciences, liberal arts, business, computer science, technology, engineering, mathematics, education, and a host of other subjects, however, are quite amenable to the online delivery method. With these programs, the quality of the programs can be preserved, even with all the convenience offered by an online accelerated delivery method. That’s why these are often some of the fastest online master’s programs that exist in higher education.
How do I pay for my one year masters program online?
If you’re interested in these accelerated graduate programs but aren’t sure how to pay for them, you’ll be happy to learn that the usual methods of paying for a graduate program are all on the table. This includes a combination of scholarships, federal student loans, and federal grants for graduate students. As an initial step, you can visit the FAFSA website to get a good summary of your options. Be advised to max out your federal aid options before resorting to private student loans.
There are many quality programs available from affordable universities, so if one of the more expensive programs is out of reach, consider an affordable state university. You’ll likely find that there are quite a few high-quality state universities with great prices on their online graduate programs. Check with your company or organization about tuition assistance programs. Some will pay for your entire degree program, while others will cover at least part of it. If you make enough money and federal loans, grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs don’t get you there, consider financing the remainder out of pocket rather than resorting to higher-interest private loans or credit cards.
Will current/future employers respect accelerated master’s degrees earned online?
If you survey 21st century employers, you’ll find that many of the fastest online master’s degree programs are also very well-respected. In order to evaluate the perspective of your current company, you could inquire directly about the overall attitude toward accelerated online degrees. These perspectives vary from workplace to workplace, but distance learning degrees are certainly much more common and accepted now than they were even five to ten years ago. The current trend seems to be toward online graduate programs in many fields. Your current company would obviously know if you earn a degree online, if it’s from a school far away. However, future employers wouldn’t know unless you told them specifically because your diploma and transcripts won’t specify the degree was earned online. Schools don’t distinguish between online and traditional degrees on transcripts or diplomas because they are confident that there is no difference in quality.
Quickest Masters Degree Online Methodology
The methodology for ranking fast online master’s degrees was simple: Organize the universities by the fastest online master’s degree they offer, then break the ties with how many degrees are offered by the schools. Ties were also broken by who had the lowest tuition.
CVO staff
Sources
- Cheapest Online Master’s
- Online Graduate Degrees
- Accelerated Master’s Education Online
- Top Online MBAs With No GMAT Required
- What Kind of Courses Can I Expect to Take For An MBA?
- Top Master’s in Economics Jobs
- Master’s in Statistics Jobs
- Accelerated Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Top Online Master’s in Nutrition
This concludes our ranking of the fastest online masters degree programs.