Quickest Masters Degree Programs Online [2026 Guide]
We research and rank education options so you can compare programs with confidence. Our methodology.
Quickest Masters Degree Programs Online (2026)
The quickest masters degree online—and the fastest online masters degree options in general—can be completed in as little as 6 to 18 months, primarily through competency-based programs (like Western Governors University or Capella University) or accelerated 1-year tracks in business (MBA), education (M.Ed.), or healthcare (MHA). These programs often use 7-week courses or self-paced learning to maximize efficiency. Many accredited schools offer 1-year master's programs online in those formats. Examples include the 6-month Health Informatics Graduate Certificate from Northern Kentucky University, the 10-month online MBA from Louisiana State University–Shreveport and Gardner-Webb University, and 12-month master’s in health informatics, business, or education from NKU, Arkansas State, and others. Western Governors University and similar schools offer competency-based master’s degrees that many students finish in about 12–24 months. This guide compares the shortest masters degree and fastest masters degree options so you can choose an accredited program that fits your timeline.
EDsmart focuses on clear, factual comparisons. We don’t accept payment for placement. See our methodology for how we evaluate programs.
Find Your Master's in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
A master's degree is often required for career advancement or entry into certain professions—for example, many accounting firms expect candidates to be CPA-ready (150 credits, typically a bachelor’s plus graduate work). If you’re weighing whether a master’s will help you advance, we have put together some of the easiest master's degrees online that can be finished in as little as one year, including the quickest masters degree and accelerated master's program online options below.
Quickest Online Master's Degrees at a Glance
| School | Program | Completion time | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kentucky University | Health Informatics Grad. Cert. | ~6 months | 18 |
| Louisiana State Univ.–Shreveport | Online MBA | 10 months | 30 |
| Gardner-Webb University | 10-Month MBA | 10 months | 30 |
| Northern Kentucky University | M.S. Health Informatics (MSHI) | 12 months | 33 |
| Arkansas State University | Online MBA | ~12 months | 33 |
| Western Governors University | Competency-based master’s (multiple) | 12–24 months | Varies |
| Regis University | Online master’s (Business, IT, Ed, Healthcare) | 12–24 months | Varies |
6–24 Month Online Master Degree Programs
If earning your master's degree online in six months sounds intense, that’s because it is. Master's degrees usually require at least one year of study. Some pathways are shorter—for example, a graduate certificate (like NKU’s Health Informatics certificate) or an accelerated 10-month MBA. Master's degree programs are typically at least 30 credits, whether delivered in semester blocks, eight-week terms, or self-paced learning.
If you search for “six-month master’s degree programs,” you’ll see international schools offering highly accelerated options. Not all are accredited by bodies that govern U.S. schools. If you consider an international program, check its accreditation and whether North American employers recognize the degree. On the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) website, you can search for a school’s accreditation status. If the institution isn’t accredited, employers may not accept the degree—so look for another option.
Above all, don’t sacrifice learning for a “piece of paper.” A master’s degree should build skills that help your career. Accelerating too quickly can mean you don’t retain what you learn.
6-Month Online Master’s Degree (and Fast Certificate Options)
Northern Kentucky University – M.S. in Health Informatics (MSHI)
NKU’s fully online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) is designed for professionals seeking a fast online master’s in health informatics. The degree is 33 credits in 7-week terms, with multiple start dates, and can be finished in as few as 12 months. Admissions typically include a bachelor’s (health/IT preferred), GPA 2.5–3.0, résumé, essay, and one recommendation; GRE waived. NKU is regionally accredited (SACSCOC), and the MSHI holds CAHIIM accreditation.
Note: For a ~6-month option, NKU’s Health Informatics Graduate Certificate (18 credits) is the short, accelerated pathway; the MSHI itself is ≈12 months.
10-Month Online Master’s Degrees
Louisiana State University Shreveport – Online MBA
One of the fastest AACSB-accredited online MBAs, the LSUS MBA is 30 credits, 100% online, and can be completed in as few as 10 months with continuous enrollment. Typical pathways: 3.0 GPA (no experience) or 2.5 overall / 2.75 last-60 GPA plus 3+ years professional experience. Rolling admissions and affordable tuition make this a strong option for accelerated online MBA searches.
Gardner-Webb University – 10-Month MBA
The 10-Month MBA is 30 credits in 8-week terms, 100% online. Admissions generally require a bachelor’s with minimum 2.75 GPA; experience preferred. University accreditation is SACSCOC; the Godbold College of Business holds ACBSP accreditation. Ideal for a fast, accredited online MBA with small cohorts and mentorship.
University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) – Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Not a master’s but a fast analytics credential: the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics can be completed in ~9 months (two semesters) online/hybrid. Admissions generally require a 2.75 GPA bachelor’s. The Opus College of Business is AACSB-accredited. Good for short online business analytics programs or stackable graduate options.
1-Year (≈12-Month) Online Master’s Degrees
Northern Kentucky University – M.S. in Health Informatics
Among the fastest online master’s in health informatics, NKU’s MSHI can be completed in as few as 12 months with 7-week courses, asynchronous flexibility, and strong online student support.
Arkansas State University – MBA
A-State’s online MBA (and M.S. in Engineering Management) are 33 credits, 100% online, and completable in ~12 months full-time. The College of Business is AACSB-accredited; university accreditation is HLC. A fit for an affordable online MBA under one year.
12–16 Month Online Master’s Degrees
Western New England University – Accelerated Online Master’s
WNE offers accelerated, fully online master’s degrees in Accounting, MBA, Engineering Management, Sport Leadership. By taking two courses per 8-week term, students commonly finish in ~12–16 months. WNE is NECHE-accredited; business programs are AACSB-accredited. Strong support (advising, library, career) for distance learners.
Bryant University – Online Master’s
Bryant offers several accelerated online master’s programs (e.g. Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Leadership, Information Systems, Taxation). 12–16 months is realistic for accelerated full-time pacing (programs vary). Accreditation: NECHE, with the College of Business holding AACSB.
Arkansas State University – Education (M.S.)
A-State’s online Master of Science in Education pathways are designed for ~12-month completion through accelerated, fully online formats; institutional accreditation is HLC.
~18-Month Online Master’s Degrees
Boston University – M.S. in Computer Information Systems & Data Science
BU’s online MS in Computer Information Systems and MS in Data Science generally run ~18–24 months depending on load. BU is NECHE-accredited. Programs blend asynchronous lectures, hands-on projects, and faculty mentorship—strong options for best online master’s in data/IT.
Northeastern University – Online MBA & M.S. in Information Systems
Northeastern’s accelerated online master’s programs can be completed in about 18 months full-time (program-dependent). The business school is AACSB-accredited; the university is NECHE-accredited. Emphasis on experiential learning and career outcomes.
University of Florida – Applied Physiology, Biostatistics & Educational Leadership
UF’s top-ranked online master’s (e.g. Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, Biostatistics, Educational Leadership) can be completed in roughly ~18 months full-time. UF is SACSCOC-accredited and ranks among the Top 30 National Universities (U.S. News).
12–24 Month Flexible & Competency-Based Online Master’s Degrees
Western Governors University – Competency-Based Master’s
WGU’s competency-based model lets students advance as they master material; most finish in ~18 months (range 12–24 months). Programs in Business, IT, Nursing, Education are fully online and NWCCU-accredited—popular for affordable online master’s degrees with flexible pacing.
Regis University – Online Master’s (Business, IT, Education, Healthcare)
Regis offers 35+ online master’s typically finished in 12–24 months with 8-week terms and asynchronous delivery. University accreditation is HLC; many programs carry specialized accreditations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest masters degree online?
The quickest masters degree online options are accredited programs you can finish in about 10–12 months, such as the 10-month online MBA from Louisiana State University–Shreveport or Gardner-Webb, or the 12-month M.S. in Health Informatics from Northern Kentucky University. Competency-based programs (e.g. Western Governors University) let some students complete a master’s in 12–24 months. Compare options at EDsmart’s Quickest Online Master’s guide and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator.
What is the fastest masters degree program?
The fastest masters degree programs are typically 10–12 months: 10-month MBAs (LSUS, Gardner-Webb), 12-month health informatics (NKU), and 12-month MBAs or M.S. in Education (Arkansas State, others). Competency-based schools like WGU allow faster completion for self-directed learners. For the shortest masters degree in a specific field, check each school’s published timeline and accreditation at NCES College Navigator.
What is the fastest online master’s degree?
The fastest accredited online master’s degrees can be completed in 12 months or less through accelerated formats in business, education, healthcare, and technology. See EDsmart’s Quickest Online Master’s guide and compare schools via the College Navigator.
Can I do a master’s degree in 1 year?
Yes. Many universities offer one-year master’s degrees through accelerated or year-round online schedules. Examples include Liberty University and Southern New Hampshire University. Compare accredited programs at EDsmart and confirm accreditation via the Department of Education database.
Which master’s degree is 1-year?
One-year programs are common in business (MBA), education (M.Ed.), and healthcare administration (MHA). Some schools also offer one-year M.S. degrees in data analytics, marketing, or cybersecurity. For accredited examples, see EDsmart’s list of fastest master’s programs or the NCES College Navigator.
Are there budget-friendly options for accelerated online master's degrees?
Yes. Many schools offer affordable one-year online master's programs. Public universities often have lower tuition; some programs offer flat-rate tuition regardless of residency. Financial aid or scholarships can reduce costs. Compare options at EDsmart’s Cheap Online Colleges and confirm tuition on the NCES College Navigator.
How do companies view fast-track master's qualifications?
Employers value the skills and knowledge from accelerated programs; accreditation and reputation matter more than program length. Verify institutional quality via the Department of Education’s accreditation database.
What are the entry criteria for quick online graduate programs?
Most one-year master’s programs require a bachelor’s from an accredited institution, minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher), résumé, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Many waive GRE or GMAT based on experience. Confirm requirements on each program’s site or the NCES College Navigator.
Which speedy online master's don't need GRE scores?
Many accelerated master’s programs in business, education, and healthcare waive the GRE; schools may use professional experience or prior academic performance instead. Check each program’s policy on its .edu site or the NCES database.
Are there quick online master's for pre-med students?
Yes. One-year options such as Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Sciences, or Public Health can strengthen medical school applications. Verify accredited options at NCES College Navigator and confirm prerequisites for medical school.
What are the choices for rapid online master's degrees in Europe?
European universities offer many one-year online master's in business, international relations, computer science, and education. Check accreditation and degree equivalency (e.g. via EQAR) and how credits transfer to U.S. or global job markets before enrolling.
Sources
Northern Kentucky University • Louisiana State University Shreveport • Gardner-Webb University • University of St. Thomas (MN) • Western New England University • Bryant University • Arkansas State University • Boston University • Northeastern University (MBA) • Northeastern University (MSIS) • University of Florida • Western Governors University • Regis University
Resources
- Best Online Graduate Programs
- Most Affordable Online Master's Programs
- Quickest Master's Degree Programs Online
