The Best One-Year Accelerated Online Master’s Programs

Author: Angela Myers , BA

Angela Myers, BA

Author

Angela Myers is a higher education writer with bylines on Forbes, AARP, Well+Good, and NextAvenue. Angela has authored dozens of feature articles focusing on master's degree programs in business, social work, education, and more. She holds a bachelor's degree in professional writing and rhetoric from Elon University.

Expertise: Graduate Ed.BusinessSocial Work

Editor: Gwen Resulta

Gwen Resulta

Editor

Gwen has a BA in English Creative Writing and a minor in Film Studies, and she has loved being an educator for the past 8 years working with international students about effective writing styles. As an associate managing editor for OMD, she spends her free time critically analyzing films, cuddling her cat, and spreading love for her Filipino roots.

Expertise: EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning

Reviewer: Kentucky Morrow , MS

Kentucky Morrow, MS

Reviewer

When choosing a one-year master’s degree program, speaking with former students can provide valuable insights. Kentucky Morrow, who majored in economics at Emory University, pursued a one-year online master’s in healthcare management from Johns Hopkins University. He shared how the degree equipped him with the skills to become a VP of Finance and later co-founded Ralli Alcohol Health. Kentucky holds an M.S. in Healthcare Management from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Political Science from Emory University. He is currently a Principal at Dental Innovation Alliance, working in investment sourcing and portfolio support, and has experience as a Vice President of Investment Banking at England & Company. He also serves on the boards of several companies, including Ralli, and is an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurial Finance at Yeshiva University.

Expertise: Accelerated Ed.Graduate Ed.Online Learning

Updated: 05/23/2025

The Benefits of 1-Year Online Master’s Programs

In a 1-year online master’s program, you can reap unique advantages that traditional longer programs can’t match. Below, we highlight the top benefits of these accelerated degrees – from finishing faster to enjoying greater flexibility. Here’s how a one-year online master’s can enhance your grad school experience.

Accelerated Graduation and Time Savings

One-year programs let you earn a master’s faster, so you can put new credentials to work sooner. For example, the University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online MPA that takes as few as 12 months to complete, letting students graduate and reap career benefits without delay.

Flexible Learning for Busy Schedules

Online one-year programs are designed for busy adults. Several schools offer asynchronous classes, meaning you can attend on your own schedule instead of set class times. You might log in after work or on weekends, and this flexibility lets you keep your job or manage family responsibilities while earning a degree.

Quick Return on Investment (ROI) and Career Advancement

Completing your master’s in one year means you can apply new knowledge at work right away and qualify for promotions or raises sooner. Many graduates see a fast payback—for example, Brandeis University reports its online master’s students average a 25% salary increase by graduation.

FAQs About 1-Year Online Master’s Programs

Are 1-year online master’s degrees respected by employers?

Yes. As long as the program is accredited, employers generally view a one-year online master’s like any other graduate degree. For example, one survey found 87% of employers have hired graduates with online degrees and pay them the same as those with in-person degrees. A one-year format doesn’t diminish the degree’s value; it simply means you completed the coursework on an accelerated timeline.

Can I work full-time while enrolled in a 1-year online master’s program?

Yes, you can – many students do continue working, but it requires excellent time management. Accelerated programs are intense, often with heavy course loads and back-to-back terms. Expect to spend at least 15 hours per week on coursework and be prepared to adjust your work schedule and sacrifice some free time to keep up with the pace.

How can a full master’s degree be completed in just one year?

Schools use accelerated scheduling, so programs often run year-round (including summer) with shorter course terms and minimal breaks. You might take classes in 5-10 week modules instead of 16-week semesters. For example, some programs offer six start dates a year with 8-week courses back-to-back. This way, you still complete the standard number of credits, just at a faster pace within one calendar year.

How much do 1-year online master’s programs cost?

Tuition for one-year programs varies widely by institution. For example, the University of Texas Permian Basin (public) offers a 36-credit online master’s for about $14,076 total, whereas Vanderbilt University (private) charges roughly $70,470 for a 30-credit online master’s. Many programs fall in between; for instance, Southern New Hampshire University’s 36-credit online master’s degrees cost around $22,932. Below is a comparison of three schools:

Note: Tuition costs are typically calculated per credit. The above totals assume you complete the full program in one year. Additional fees and books may apply, and financial aid or scholarships can help offset costs.

What are the admissions requirements for 1-year online master’s programs?

Admissions requirements for 1-year master’s programs will be similar to any other master’s program. You need a bachelor’s degree (a related field helps, but isn’t always required) and typically must submit transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Many online programs waive standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT, though some competitive programs may still require them. Some programs prefer applicants with relevant work experience, but many accept recent graduates as well.

Is a 1-Year Master’s Program Right for You?

A one-year master’s program isn’t the right fit for everyone. It’s important to reflect on your goals, learning style, and personal situation to determine if this accelerated path aligns with your needs. Below are five key questions to ask yourself when considering a 1-year online master’s program:

1. What are my career goals and timeline?

Clarify why you want a master’s and how soon you need it. If you’re aiming for a promotion or career switch that requires a graduate degree ASAP, an accelerated one-year path can get you there quickly. But if your goals are long-term or you’re not in a rush, you might not need to cram a degree into one year.

2. How much time can I dedicate per week to a master’s program?

Be realistic about your schedule. Do you have evenings and weekends free to devote to coursework? If juggling a full-time job or family duties leaves you little free time, an accelerated master’s program could lead to burnout. Make sure you can consistently carve out the necessary study hours before committing.

3. Do I thrive in a fast-paced, intensive learning environment?

One-year programs move quickly, so consider your learning style. Do you excel under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and absorb information rapidly? If you enjoy an immersive challenge, you may do well in an accelerated format. But if you prefer to digest material more slowly or get overwhelmed when things move too fast, a one-year program might prove stressful.

4. Am I disciplined and self-motivated enough for online learning?

Success in an online program – especially an accelerated one – requires self-motivation. With no set class times or professors looking over your shoulder, you’ll need to push yourself to keep up with lectures and deadlines. Are you comfortable working independently and reaching out for help when needed? If you tend to procrastinate or need in-person structure, consider whether you can adapt to a self-directed format.

5. Do I have a support system to help me through the program?

Completing a master’s in one year is intense, but support makes it easier. Consider your family, friends, and employer – can they accommodate your study schedule? For instance, a partner who can handle childcare or an employer who offers flexible hours can be invaluable. If you have a solid support network, you’re more likely to thrive during this intensive year.

The Best Fields for Graduating Quickly with Your Master’s

Certain academic fields lend themselves to accelerated one-year master’s programs. Typically, these are disciplines that don’t require internships or theses, allowing coursework to be compacted into 12 months. Below are three popular fields offering one-year online master’s degrees, each with an example of an accredited program you could complete in about a year:

Business (MBA and Related)

Business is a common field for one-year master’s. Most accelerated MBA programs cover the standard business core (finance, marketing, leadership, etc.) on a condensed schedule. For example, the online MBA at Belmont Abbey College is a 30-credit program designed to be completed in 12 months.

Education

Education is another field offering one-year online master’s programs. These degrees are usually course-only (with no lengthy thesis) and intended for teachers or professionals seeking quick advancement. For example, the Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching at Fitchburg State University is a 36-credit online M.Ed. that can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Technology and Computer Science

Tech fields like computer science and data science often have one-year online master’s programs. These intensive degrees allow you to gain in-demand technical skills quickly. For example, Rice University’s Online Master of Computer Science is a 30-credit program that can be finished in as little as 12 months full-time.

Best 1-Year Online Master’s Programs: 2025 Edition

To find the best one-year online master’s programs, the OMD team took a data-driven approach, analyzing U.S. Department of Education data and information from over 7,700 colleges nationwide. Our ranking methodology considered factors like tuition and fees, financial aid availability, the number of online programs offered, proper accreditation, and student support services. The result is a curated list of top accelerated master’s programs that deliver both quality and speed, helping you in your search for the right program for your needs.