Many prospective students worry that a master’s means putting life on hold for 2 years, but that doesn’t have to always be the case. With an accelerated online master’s programs, you can earn your degree quickly and start reaping the benefits sooner. Discover top fast-track programs in this guide.
Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise:
Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Gwen Resulta
Expertise:
EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning- Degree Benefits
What the benefits of this type of degree are, how it’ll help me succeed, and why I should enroll…
Read more - Top Programs
A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Right for You?
Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…
Read more - Top Fields
Which fields are the best for graduating quickly and for online learning…
Read more
Top 3 Benefits of Accelerated Online Master’s Programs
Fast-track online master’s degrees combine speed with accessibility, helping you graduate in less time without cutting corners.
Many accelerated programs condense coursework so you can finish in 12–18 months instead of the typical 2 years.
Online delivery adds another layer of flexibility, allowing working professionals and career changers to learn from anywhere.
Here are some of the top benefits of these programs:
1. Faster Completion and Career Progression
Earning your master’s faster means you enjoy the benefits sooner. With an accelerated timeline, you may finish in 12-15 months and move ahead of peers still in traditional programs.
That early graduation can:
- Put you in the running for promotions or new roles requiring a master’s
- Allow you to start your job search sooner
- Help you stand out in the market by demonstrating initiative and focus
2. Flexibility for Working Professionals
Accelerated online programs are built with busy adults in mind. Courses are often asynchronous with 24/7 access, so you can log in when your schedule allows.
Many accelerated programs offer:
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- No mandatory class meeting times
- The ability to plan coursework around work and family
This flexibility makes it easier to pursue graduate study while balancing career and personal commitments.
3. Cost Savings and Efficiency
Completing a degree in less time can also save money. An accelerated format reduces:
- Tuition and fees, since you’re enrolled for fewer semesters
- Out-of-pocket costs and student debt, thanks to the shorter timeline
Graduating early also means you can return to (or continue) full-time work faster and potentially begin earning an advanced-degree salary sooner, offsetting the cost of your education.
The Best Accelerated Online Master’s Programs
When you’re ready to choose a program, it helps to know which schools excel in offering quality degrees at high speed. Below, we’ve created a ranking of today’s top accelerated online master’s programs by looking at factors like affordability, availability of online options, accreditation status, and student support services.
The result is a selection of graduate programs that deliver robust academics in 18 months or less:
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Science in Management and Leadership
12-18 months
- Educational Leadership – M.S.
- English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.
- M.A. - Mathematics Education (Secondary)
- M.A. - Science Education (Middle Grades)
- M.A. - Science Education (Secondary Physics)
- M.A. - Teaching, Elementary Education
- M.A. - Teaching, English Education (Secondary)
- M.A. - Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
- M.A. - Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)
- M.A. - Teaching, Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
- M.A. - Teaching, Science Education (Secondary)
- M.A.- Mathematics Education (K-6)
- M.Ed. - Instructional Design
- M.S. - Curriculum & Instruction
- M.S. – Human Resources Management
- M.S. – Information Technology Management
- M.S. – Marketing
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Master of Health Leadership
- Master's in Accounting
- Master's in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
- Master's in Data Analytics
- Master's in Information Technology Management
- Master's in Management and Leadership
- Master's in Nursing - Education (BSN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Education (RN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN)
- Master's in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN)
- MBA Healthcare Management
- MBA Information Technology Management
- Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.
- Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
- Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12-15 months
- Accounting (MS)
- Applied Economics (MS)
- Communication (MA)
- Criminal Justice (MS)
- Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)
- Cyber Security (MS)
- Data Analytics (MS)
- English (MA)
- English & Creative Writing (MA)
- Finance (MS)
- Health Information Management (MS)
- Healthcare Administration (MS)
- Higher Education Administration (MS)
- History (MA)
- Human Resource Management (MS)
- Information Technology (MS)
- Management (MS)
- Marketing (MS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Nurse Executive Leadership (MSN)
- Nursing Education (MSN)
- Organizational Leadership (MS)
- Population Health (MSN)
- Project Management & Operations (MS)
- Psychology (MS)
- Sport Management (MS)
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
10 months
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — Elementary Math and Science Education
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — English
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — Mathematics Education
- M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
- Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Master’s in Global Trade Management
- Master’s in Higher Education Administration
- Master’s in Human Resource Management
- Master’s in Special Education
12 months
- MEd, Educational Technology
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MBA in Accounting
- MBA, Business Analytics
- MBA, Entrepreneurship
- MBA, Financial Planning
- MBA, Healthcare Administration
- MBA, Human Resource Management
- MBA, Marketing
- Master of Business Analytics
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
- Master of Health Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Master of Health Sciences, Health Professions Education and Technology
- Master of Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration
- Master of Health Sciences, Healthcare Informatics
- Master of Health Sciences, Nutrition
- Master of Kinesiology
- Master of Public Affairs
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Education (MEd)
13 months
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Care Coordination
- MSN, Care Coordination (RN-to-MSN)
- MSN, Nursing Education
- MSN, Nursing Education (RN-to-MSN)
- MSN, Nursing Informatics
- MSN, Nursing Informatics(RN-to-MSN)
- MSN, Nursing Leadership and Administration
- MSN, Nursing Leadership and Administration (RN-to-MSN)
14 months
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Health Care Management
- MBA, Human Resource Management
- MBA, Project Management
- MBA, Self-Designed
- Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Learning
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology
- MS in General Human Resource Management
- MS in General Psychology
- MS in Human Resource Management in Health Care
- MS in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development
- MS in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- MS in Psychology: Sport Psychology
18 months
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication
- Master of Science (MS) in Education–Early Childhood
- Master's in Accounting (MAcc)
12-16 months
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MS in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Education (MEd)
12-18 months
- MA in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master’s in Healthcare Simulation Leadership
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- MS in Education Specialization in Early Childhood Studies
- MS in Education Specialization in Educational Leadership
- MS in Education Specialization in Special Education
- MS in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
- MS in Education with a Specialization in Transitional Kindergarten
- MS in Information Technology Management
- MS in Kinesiology
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting
- MBA in Management
- MS in Accounting
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- M.Ed. Elementary Education
- M.Ed. Reading
- M.Ed. Secondary Education
- M.Ed. Special Education
- M.F.A. Creative Writing
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Development Practice
- Master of Nonprofit Management
- Master's in Criminology
- Master's in Data Science
- Master's in Health Informatics
- Master's in Health Services Administration
- Master's in Human Resource Management
- Master's in Information and Cybersecurity
- Master's in Information Systems
- Master's in Information Technology Management
- Master's in Marketing
- Master's in Nursing - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Master's in Organization Leadership
- Master's in Project Leadership and Management
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
- MS in Criminal Justice
- MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
- MS in Developmental Psychology
- MS in Early Childhood Studies
- MS in Forensic Psychology
- MS in Health Education and Promotion
- MS in Human Services
- MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- MS in Leadership
- MS in Management
- MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- MS in Psychology
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master’s in Taxation Law
12-20 months
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
16 months
- Master of Science in Insurance Management
16-18 months
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
16-24 months
- Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics
- Master of Science in Health Informatics
- Master of Science in Software Development
18 months
- Master of Music in Music Education
18-24 months
- Master of Arts in Art Education
- Master of Education in Curriculum & Teaching
- Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management
- Master of Science in Financial Management
- Master of Science in Global Marketing Management
- Master of Science in Health Communication
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Accelerated MBA
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
13 months
- Master of Arts in Teaching
15 months
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Technology Management
16 months
- Master of Education
- Master of Human Resource Management
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Science in Health Psychology
- Master of Science in Information Technology
18 months
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in Educational Psychology
- Master of Science in Sport Psychology
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Professional Studies
- Master of Science in Legal Studies
18 months
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Health Care Administration
- Master of Health Informatics
- Master of Health Information Management
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Science in Health Education
- Master of Science in Higher Education
- Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Master of Science in Human Services
- Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12-18 months
- MBA in Organizational Behavior & HR Management
- MBA in Sport Entertainment Management
- MBA in Strategic Management
- MBA in Supply Chain Analytics
14 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Advanced Data Analytics
- Master of Science in Digital Communications Analytics
- Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Learning Technologies
- Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Science in Marketing Analytics
15 months
- Master of Science in Educational Psychology
- Master of Science in Special Education
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master's in Criminal Justice
- Master's in Criminology
12-18 months
- Master's in Commerce and Economic Development
- Master's in Corporate & Organizational Communication
12-24 months
- Master’s in Higher Education Administration
16 -24 months
- Master's in Energy Systems
16 months
- Master’s in Finance
16-24 months
- Master's in Engineering Management
18 months
- Master of Science in Global Studies & International Relations
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master's in E-Learning & Instructional Design
18-24 months
- Master of Professional Studies in Applied Machine Intelligence
- Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
- Master of Science in Respiratory Care Leadership
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- MBA – Accounting
- MBA – Finance
- MBA – Human Resource Management
- MBA – International Business
- MBA – Management
- MBA – Managerial Analytics
- MBA – Marketing
15 months
- Master's in Nursing Administration
- Master's in Nursing Education
18 months
- Master's in Cybersecurity
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Arts in Education in Reading and Literacy Education
- Master of Education in Reading and Literacy Education
- Master of Entrepreneurship
- Master of International Business
- Master's Degree in Sports Management
- Master's in Management
- Masters of Science in Architectural Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Design
16 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master's in Mass Communications
18 months
- Master in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
- Master of Science in Biostatistics
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice Policy & Leadership
- Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
- Master of Science in Nursing – Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
- Master of Social Work
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Master of Science in Information Studies
- Master of Science in Leadership
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
12-15 months
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
10 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master's in Instructional Design and Technology
12 months
- Master's in Educational Leadership
- MBA – Accounting
- MBA – Cyber Security Management
- MBA – General
- MBA – Human Resource Management
- MBA – Marketing
- MBA – Sports Administration
18 months
- Master’s in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Arts in New Media Journalism
- Master of Arts in Public Relations
- Master of Fine Arts in Media Design
- Master of Science in Business Intelligence
- Master of Science in Digital Marketing
- Master of Science in Entertainment Business
- Master of Science in Entertainment Business: Sports Management
- Master of Science in Game Design
- Master of Science in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
18 months
- Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
- Management Master's - Human Resources Management
- Management Master's - Organizational Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Master's in Healthcare Administration
- Nursing Education (MSN)
- Systems Engineering Master's – Mechatronics
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12-18 months
- M.S. in Administration of Justice
- M.S. in Cybersecurity
- M.S. in Information Systems Technologies
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Applied Family Science
- Master of Science in Human Services
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Management and Leadership
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
- MBA
18 months
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
15 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Fine Arts in Writing
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Human Services
- Master of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
15 months
- Master of Business Administration
18 months
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Online Learning
- Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Master of Public Service Leadership
- Master of Science in Homeland Security
- Master of Science in Information Technology
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
18-24 months
- Master of Arts in Theatre and Dance
- Master of Education
- Master of Library and Information Science
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Information Management
- Master of Studies in Law
- Sports Administration Master of Arts (M.A.)
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- MA in Special Education
- Master's in Business Administration
- Online Master’s in Bilingual / ESL
- Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Public Administration
- Online Master’s in Special Education, Autism
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration in Enterprise Resource Planning
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master's in Criminal Justice
- MS in Criminal Justice
15 months
- Master of Science in Nutrition
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Accelerated MBA
12-24 months
- MBA – Financial Planning
- MBA – Health Care Administration
- MBA – International Trade
18 months
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness
18-24 months
- Master’s in Health Sciences – Nutrition
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master's in Human Capital
- Master's in Logistics
15 months
- Master's in Public Health
- MS in Child and Family Sciences
- MS in Library Information Science
18 months
- Master's in Music Education
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12-24 months
- Master’s in Construction Management
12-36 months
- Master’s in Clinical Leadership in Healthcare Management
18 months
- Master’s in Electrical Engineering
- Master’s in Energy Systems
- Master’s in Engineering Management
18-24 months
- Master of Business Administration
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
16 months
- Master of Social Work
16-24 months
- Master of Science in Education - Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Education - Inclusion Education
- Master of Science in Education – Reading Specialist
18 months
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Public Health
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Arts in Business Education
18 months
- M.A. in Education
- M.A. in Educational Psychology
- Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision
- Master of Arts in Secondary Education
- Master's in Foundational Mathematics Teaching
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
10 months
- Master of Business Administration
12 months
- Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master's in Educational Leadership
- Master's in Health Administration
- Master's in Nonprofit Administration
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12-24 months
- Master’s in Athletic Administration
- Master’s in Parks and Recreation
- Master’s in Science in Sport Management
- Master’s in Sport Leadership
- Master’s in Sport Tourism & Hospitality Management
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master's in Applied Statistics
- Master's in Education Sciences
15 months
- Master’s in Healthcare Administration
18 months
- Master's in Computer Information Systems
9 months
- Master's in Tourism Management
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
10 months
- Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management
- Master of Science in Data Science
12 months
- Master of Arts in Theological and Cultural Anthropology
16 months
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Classical Education
18 months
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master's in Business and Analytics
- MS in Accounting
18 months
- Master's in Criminal Justice
- MS in Computer Science
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12-18 months
- Master in Management
- Master of International Policy and Practice
- Master of Studies in Law
16 months
- Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management
- Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Criminal Justice Leadership
12-14 months
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
14 months
- Master of Science in Data Analytics
18 months
- Master of Public Health
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Science in Early Childhood Teaching
- Master of Science in Elementary Teaching
18 months
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) In Special Education
- Master of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Science in Management
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
12 months
- Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Master of Social Work
18 months
- Master of Education in Educational Technology
- Master of Science in Engineering
- Master of Science in Operations Management
Accelerated Online Master's Programs
18 months
- Master of Science in Applied Nutrition & Dietetics
- Master of Science in Health Informatics
- Master of Science in Nutrition & Human Performance
- Master of Science in Sports Science & Rehabilitation
- Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning
FAQs About Accelerated Master’s Degrees
How long do accelerated online master’s programs take to complete?
Most programs take 1 to 1.5 years, compared to the standard 2 years.
Some intensive tracks may be finished in as little as 10 months, while others take up to 18 months if a thesis or capstone is required. Either way, these programs significantly shorten the path to graduation.
What is the difference between an accelerated online degree and an on-campus one?
The main differences are in format and scheduling.
Accelerated online programs cover the same material and grant the same credentials as on-campus ones. The difference is convenience: online students avoid commuting and fixed class times, while on-campus students must attend in person on a tight timetable.
How do employers view fast-tracked master’s degrees?
Employers focus on whether your degree is from a reputable, accredited institution, not how quickly you earned it.
Your diploma won’t state that it was accelerated, and as long as you can show your knowledge and skills, employers view the degree the same as any other master’s.
What are the admission requirements for accelerated programs?
Admissions are similar to standard master’s programs. You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Transcripts and typically a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Application materials such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume
Today, many online programs waive entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT.
How much do accelerated online master’s programs cost?
Costs vary by school, but the total tuition is often comparable to a traditional program — you just pay it over a shorter time frame. Most programs require 30-36 credits, billed per credit hour.
A comparison of three accredited U.S. universities is included in the table below, showing how tuition and credit requirements stack up:
| University | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 36 | $637 | ~$22,932 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 36 | $472 | ~$17,000 |
| LSU Shreveport | 34 | $374 | ~$12,696 |
Is an Accelerated Master’s Program Right for You?
These programs are intense by nature, so it’s important to make sure you are prepared before committing to one.
Ask yourself the following five questions to gauge whether a fast-track program aligns with your life, learning style, and goals:
1. Can I commit sufficient time each week to a rigorous course load?
Accelerated programs compress ~2 years of material into ~1 year, so expect a heavy workload and frequent deadlines. Because you’ll have less free time for non-school activities, succeeding in an accelerated track requires strong time management skills. Make sure you’re prepared to possibly sacrifice leisure and social time in the short term to keep up with the intense pace.
2. Will my work or personal life allow me to balance an accelerated program?
It’s important to consider how an accelerated master’s will fit into your life. If taking an accelerated program means overextending yourself in an unhealthy way, you may need to adjust your plan (such as going part-time or choosing a slightly longer program). Be realistic about your daily schedule and energy levels, because work-school-life balance can be a challenge in fast-track programs.
3. Am I disciplined and self-motivated enough for intensive online learning?
Accelerated online degrees often rely on your ability to keep yourself on track without constant supervision. Ask if you’re the type of student who can stay organized, meet frequent deadlines, and study proactively. Remember, an accelerated format can actually help strengthen your time management — the intensity can “build up” skills like organization and discipline — but you need a baseline level of commitment from day one.
4. Do I need this degree now, and does it align with my career goals?
Think about why you want an accelerated program. Is there a specific job opportunity or industry demand pushing you to earn a master’s quickly? In fields like business, education, healthcare, or STEM, a master’s is increasingly seen as essential for advancement. If your goal is to switch careers or qualify for a promotion, an accelerated degree can help you achieve that sooner. However, ensure that the program’s content matches the skills or credentials you need.
5. Can I financially handle an accelerated program’s costs and schedule?
Lastly, evaluate your financial readiness. Accelerated programs can save money overall, but you’ll be paying tuition in a shorter, up-front window. Do you have savings, tuition assistance, or financial aid lined up to cover the cost? Create a budget that accounts for tuition, fees, and possibly reduced income if you’ll work less. Consider talking to a financial aid counselor about spreading payments or employer sponsorship opportunities. Being financially prepared will reduce stress and let you focus on your studies.
Most Popular Fields for Accelerated Master’s Students
Not every academic field lends itself to a rapid master’s track, but quite a few do. This section highlights 3 popular fields where accelerated online master’s programs are common.
We describe each field below and explain why a fast online master’s is feasible there, along with a real example program that you might consider.
Business
Business is one of the top fields offering accelerated master’s degrees. Whether it’s an MBA or a specialized business master’s (in management, finance, etc.), many programs can be completed quickly thanks to focused coursework and year-round classes.
- Why it’s possible: Business curricula often consist of well-defined core courses that can be scheduled back-to-back without long breaks.
- Example: Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MBA
Education
The field of education (for teachers and administrators) is well-suited to accelerated online master’s programs. Many educators pursue an online Master of Education or related degree to qualify for promotions (like becoming a principal or specialist), and they often prefer to do so efficiently.
- Why it’s possible: Education master’s programs typically require around 30-36 credits and can often be structured with shorter, accelerated semesters (e.g., 7-week or 8-week courses).
- Example: LSU Shreveport’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Healthcare
Healthcare is another field with several accelerated master’s options, particularly on the administrative and informatics side. Fields like healthcare administration, nursing, public health, or health informatics frequently offer one-year master’s tracks.
- Why it’s possible: These programs respond to the rapidly growing healthcare industry. Universities know there’s a need to quickly prepare professionals for these roles.
- Example: WGU’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)