The Quickest Online Master's Degrees [2025 Guide]
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
Online master's degrees are a fast and flexible way to advance your career. Many accredited online programs can be completed in as little as 6 to 18 months, offering a quick path for working professionals in fields like business, education, and healthcare. Some notable examples include the 6-month M.S. in Health Informatics from Northern Kentucky University and the 10-month online MBA from Louisiana State University-Shreveport.
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 also frequently required for entry-level professions due to the current trend in professional careers. For example, many accounting firms will not consider candidates unless they are CPA-ready (150 credits, so basically an undergraduate + graduate degree).
Many graduating students and the currently employed are considering whether a master's degree will help them advance their careers. Because the marketplace can be increasingly fast and competitive, we have put together a list of some of the easiest master's degrees online that can be finished in as little as one year.
6-24 Month Online Master Degree Programs
If earning your master's degree online in six months sounds crazy, that's because it is. Master's degrees tend to require at least one year of study. However, there are ways to "game the system" through a combination of specific course enrollments and prior learning credits.
Master's degree programs are at the very least 30 credit programs. Whether the 30 credits are obtained through semester blocks, eight-week programs, or self-paced learning is up to the student and the institution.
We should note here that if you are determined to find a six-month program, a Google search for six-month master's degree programs will bring up lists of international schools that offer highly accelerated programs. It's good to warn you that not all these programs are accredited by the same academic bodies that govern schools in North America. If you choose to consider one of these international programs, be sure to note the accreditation and whether North American organizations recognize degrees from these foreign schools.
On the website of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, you may use the search bar to look up the accreditation status of any school. Continue looking for another online education alternative if the institution is not accredited since employers won't accept its degrees as legitimate.
Above all, don't cheat your education for a "piece of paper." Earning your master's degree through a graduate program is about learning new skills that will help you in your career. If you accelerate too quickly, you may not retain the knowledge 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 delivered 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 range, résumé, essay, and one recommendation; GRE waived. NKU is regionally accredited (SACSCOC), and the MSHI holds CAHIIM accreditation.
Note: If you specifically need 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 include either a 3.0 GPA (no experience) or a 2.5 overall / 2.75 last-60 GPA plus 3+ years professional experience. Rolling admissions, affordable tuition, and a capstone component make this a high-intent option for accelerated online MBA searches.
Gardner-Webb University – 10-Month MBA
The 10-Month MBA features 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 professionals seeking 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 popular fast analytics credential: the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics can be completed in ~9 months (two semesters) with online/hybrid delivery. Admissions generally require a 2.75 GPA bachelor’s. The Opus College of Business is AACSB-accredited. Great for readers exploring 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 extensive 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 readers seeking 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 delivers several accelerated online master’s programs (e.g., Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Leadership, Information Systems, Taxation). 12–16 months is realistic for accelerated/FT 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—high-intent 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 on a full-time path. 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 move as they master material, with most finishing in ~18 months (range 12–24 months). Programs in Business, IT, Nursing, Education are fully online and NWCCU-accredited—popular among readers seeking 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 fastest online master’s degree?
The fastest accredited online master’s programs can be completed in as little as 12 months through accelerated formats. These are typically offered in business, education, healthcare, and technology fields. You can explore one-year programs at EDsmart’s Quickest Online Master’s guide and compare accredited schools through the U.S. Department of Education’s 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. Popular examples include Liberty University and Southern New Hampshire University. Compare accredited online master’s programs at EDsmart and confirm accreditation through 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, review EDsmart’s list of fastest master’s programs or search 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. Costs vary by institution, but public universities often have lower tuition rates than private schools. Some programs provide flat-rate tuition regardless of residency, and financial aid or scholarships can further reduce costs. Compare low-cost options at EDsmart’s Cheap Online Colleges and confirm tuition data on the NCES College Navigator.
How do companies view fast-track master's qualifications?
Employers value the skills and knowledge earned in accelerated programs, as they reflect focus and time management. The school’s accreditation and reputation carry more weight than program length. Graduates should be prepared to connect their degree to job performance. Verify institutional quality through 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 degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher), professional résumé, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some may request GRE or GMAT scores, though many programs offer waivers based on experience. You can confirm requirements for accredited institutions using the NCES College Navigator.
Which speedy online master's don't need GRE scores?
Many accelerated master’s programs waive GRE requirements, especially in business, education, and healthcare. Universities may substitute professional experience or prior academic performance. Verify each program’s policy on its .edu site or through the NCES database.
Are there quick online master's for pre-med students?
Yes, several one-year programs can strengthen medical school applications, including the Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, Master’s in Medical Sciences, and Master’s in Public Health. These programs often include courses in anatomy, physiology, and research. Review accredited options at NCES College Navigator and confirm prerequisites for medical school compatibility.
What are the choices for rapid online master's degrees in Europe?
European universities offer many one-year online master's programs in business, international relations, computer science, and education. Check accreditation and degree equivalency through the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) or verify 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
