The Quickest Online Master’s Degrees 2023

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

A master’s degree is a qualification that frequently leads to a wage increase and greater employment opportunities. If you wish to pursue a new line of work from your current one, earning your master’s can offer a simple method to do so. 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 here at EDsmart have put together a list of some of the easiest master’s degrees online that can be finished in as little as one year.

Online Master’s That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

6-18 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 Master’s Degree Online

Capella University

Capella University is a pioneer in online degree programs and self-paced learning. This learn-at-your-own-pace school of thought allows online students to set their own deadlines and move through the material faster than traditional online courses, making this an ideal choice for students looking to finish their master’s degrees faster. Capella is the only school on our list that offers a self-paced master’s degree.

Typically, Capella’s online master’s program can take approximately 18 months to finish or less. However, through Capella’s Prior Learning Assessment process, graduate students can earn credit for previous academic or professional experience.

If you enroll in the maximum number of classes and earn the maximum credit for previous experience, you can complete an online graduate program at Capella University in as little as six months. There are a variety of MBA specialization degrees available at Capella University, as well as an MS in Psychology degree that can be completed quickly.

10-Month Master’s Degree Online

University of Miami

A private university in the Miami region, the University of Miami, provides accelerated degrees in disciplines like finance and accounting in addition to being a nationally well-known and liked university.

This “quick track” consists of extremely focused curriculum that only emphasizes courses that the institution believes are the most useful and appropriate to help learners thrive in the industry. However, in order to participate in the accelerated program for several of the degrees (like accounting), learner must already be undergraduates.

Gardner-Webb University

The impressive Gardner-Webb University, a Christian university that was once a high school, is located near Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Since GWU’s beginnings, it has developed into a school that makes it a goal to reach out to the public and create stronger communities.

The Gardner-Webb MBA 10-month MBA is created specifically to meet the needs of a busy, active professional. Being a fully online program means it can be completed in less than a year and helps pupils develop better managerial skills that have real-world applications.

Louisiana State University – Shreveport

Louisiana State University – Shreveport is a branch school of the Louisiana State University system. Located in the northwestern part of the state, this school has grown a lot since its humble beginnings in 1967.

Currently, LSU offers an approximate of 25 undergraduate degree programs, 13 graduate degree programs, and a 30-credit online MBA that may be completed in as few as 10 months. Classes in areas including foreign experience, labor and employment law, hospitality and casino management, managerial use of accounting data, economic analysis for managers, and more are offered in this competitive program.

Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is a growing school of around 7000 students that features more than two dozen accelerated master’s degree programs. With a 17:1 student to faculty ratio, both online and traditional students are able to get the attention they need to succeed in their coursework.

University of Cumberland’s master’s degree programs includes a variety of subjects like business, education, information technology, psychology, criminal justice, project management, teaching, digital forensics, Christian studies, and more. These courses are built around eight-week blocks which allows students to earn their degrees in as little as ten months.

University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley

Currently poised to be the second-largest Hispanic-serving school in the nation, The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley emphasizes cultural education so that graduates are able to understand different perspectives, languages, and values of people of different backgrounds.

UTRGV features a large number of accelerated degrees for students that are looking to speed up their education. Some of the stand-out programs from this school are the online Master of Education degrees that can be finished in 10 months. Courses in these programs are built around seven-week blocks for maximum efficiency.

1-Year Master’s Programs Online

The majority of fast-paced master’s degree programs are around the one-year mark. A lot of the pace is dependent on the classes a student has previously taken, and whether or not the school translates employment experience into academic credits.

One-year master’s programs are fairly common to most schools, and most schools these days feature a one-year online MBA program. Here are some standouts in our searches.

Auburn University

Home to more than 30,000 students, Auburn University is a prominent part of Alabama society. As a well-known school in the south Auburn is a leader in education with its blend of arts and applied science that ensures that students get the skills they need to succeed when they graduate.

One of the fastest master’s degree programs is the online Master of Accountancy program. As a 30 credit program, students can complete the degree in one year and become CPA eligible at the completion of the program. Though students pay the same tuition regardless of their online or traditional status, all online students must complete a three-day on-campus orientation.

Benedictine University Online

Benedictine University is a Catholic university founded in 1887. As is such, the school holds itself to high academic and religious ideals, guiding traditional and online students to live moral and ethical lives. One of the accelerated degrees the school offers is the Master of Business Administration.

Benedictine University’s online MBA program is designed to help business professionals move up into high-level leadership roles and lead organizations through the challenges of the 21st century. With flexible coursework schedule, students can quickly finish their education and rest assured that they are prepared for their careers.

Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University is a co-ed Catholic University located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Home to more than 3000 students, the school believes strongly in its online programs. This is due to the level of support students receive even while enrolled in a distance learning program.

Fontbonne University offers an online master’s degree in supply change management that can be completed in one year. Classes are taken in accelerated eight-week blocks so that students can quickly earn their education. This program was specially designed through collaboration with experts in the St. Louis area and prepares students for the Council of Supply Chain Management SCPro Level One certification.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University was founded in the 50′ with a goal to help students reach their full potential. This is a Christian university so students are required to have some emphasis and courses related to Christianity.

As a graduate student at California Baptist University, there is a multitude of online master programs that can be completed within 12 months. A few of these programs include MS in accounting, MS in education, MS in information technology management, MA in interdisciplinary studies, MS in kinesiology, Master of Healthcare Administration, and so many more exceptional programs for individuals to choose. With such a wide range of degrees to choose from your guaranteed to find your path and succeed in what you’re passionate about.

Texas A&M

The first public institution in Texas, Texas A&M, began operations in College Station in 1876. By its vast research, Texas A&M institution has developed into one of the most prestigious in the state and is committed to expanding the frontiers of human thought.

Several online master’s degree programs are available from Texas A&M that can be finished in a year. The university’s top tier MBA program is one of them. In this curriculum, learners may work in groups to evaluate corporate data, address ethical dilemmas in a socially acceptable way, and cooperate on problem-solving scenarios. To finish your courses in one year, students must have previously been enrolled as a Bachelor of Business Administration.

University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, the University of Southern Mississippi is often known as Southern Miss. More than 14,500 students call this school home. Today, the school is a comprehensive school that offers degrees from the bachelor to doctoral levels including a number of master’s degrees that can be completed in a year.

One of the shortest master’s degrees online offered by USM is the online master of science in logistics, trade, and transportation. This 30 credit online program can be completed in one year by taking 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters and six credits in the summer. Pupils in this program can elect to take an internship in the nearby Gulf Coast region or at a number of approved locations around the country.

Ball State University

Ball State University is an engaging higher-educational institute that was founded in 1918 in Muncie, Indiana. For 16 years Ball State University has been called one of the best universities in the midwest by The Princeton Review.

This top-tier university offers one online master’s program that can be completed within 12-months, a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Psychology. Educational psychology is the specialization of understanding human learning and individual differences within learning. This program offers many concentrations that can bring you into a multitude of different careers. These concentrations include gifted/talented, human development, neuropsychology, applied behavior analysis, and a customizable specialization. As a student in this degree program, you’ll be taking 18 credits of core classes and 12 credits within your concentration. Each path chosen is taught with relevant research-based information by professionals in the field of educational psychology.

Boise State University

Boise State University is found in one of the quickest-growing cities in the nation but maintains the small-town feel. This university is surrounded by rivers, mountains, lakes, and great skiing locations making this school a top choice for individuals who love being outdoors. The school offers over 200 different majors, a few of which include history, accountancy, and materials science and engineering. In addition to its renowned graduate programs, BSU grants opportunities for online degrees and even certificates in entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and business anthropology.

Boise State has three different master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 12 months all from the ease of your home. These three programs are an online Master of Business Administration, MA in accountancy, and a Master in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning.

The Master of Science in Accountancy program has been ranked highly multiple times including more recently being ranked #42 in the nation for Best Online Masters in Business Programs from the 2021 U.S News and World Report rankings.

All of these programs have high satisfaction rates from graduates, with graduates going on to be tax managers, financial analysts, business owners, executives, medical directors, risk directors, and hospital administrators.

14-Month Master’s Degree Online

Trine University

For over 135 years Trine University has been providing quality education that prepares students to lead and serve in future careers. In 2022, 99% of individuals were employed or accepted into graduate school at the time of graduation. Trine University has two master’s programs that can be completed online, in as little as 14 months, an online MS in criminal justice and an online MS in engineering management.

TrineOnline offers classes every 8-weeks and allows students to work at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. Both of these programs are highly recommended for being intriguing and taught by engaging professors. A few of the different courses you can look forward to taking include, criminology, victimology, crisis intervention for law enforcement, project management, business ethics, finance engineers, and executive communication. Completing one of these two degrees from Trine University will assist you in growing more advanced skills and becoming more confident in your leadership skills.

The University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is where innovative leaders are developed. The institution has 109 bachelor’s degrees, 94 master’s degrees, and 36 doctoral programs with over 80 of these programs being offered 100% online. The University of North Texas has one online master’s program that can be completed in as little as 14 months, an Online Master of Science in Learning Technologies.

This program is 36-credits and consists of 12-courses. Within this program, individuals will choose a track from one of the following, instructional systems, instructional systems technology, instructional systems design, teaching & learning with technology, workforce leadership & development, project management in workforce performance, and artificial intelligence. This accelerated online master’s program will teach you how to manage, evaluate, and teach using the advanced technology that runs our world today. A few of the top professions you can go into after graduation include training/development specialists, postsecondary education teachers, instructional coordinators, instructional designers, and technologists.

15-Month Master’s Programs Online

Southern New Hampshire University

The university of Southern New Hampshire University found in Manchester is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Southern New Hampshire University has 17 master’s programs that can be completed in as little as 15 months or at your own pace.

A few of these fast-track master’s programs consist of, an online MS healthcare administration, masters in criminal justice, master’s in sport management, masters in cyber security, masters in creative writing, masters in higher education administration, masters in history, masters in information technology, masters in management, and an masters in organizational leadership. Many of these programs have concentrations for students to choose from and specialize their future careers even further. The master’s degrees offered at Southern New Hampshire University are top-tier programs taught by professionals. Earning any one of these prestigious degrees is guaranteed to boost your career and make you stand out.

Northcentral University

Northcentral University is an accredited private online institution located in beautiful San Diego, California. The university has developed a rich culture intended to foster learning and success. Two of Northcentral University’s online master’s programs can be completed within 15 months, Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and Master of Science in Technology Management program. Each program is 30 credits long, for students who choose the Master of Science Technology Management path you’ll have specializations to choose from.

These concentrations are asset management, information technology management, general management, cybersecurity management, data science management, and project & program management. These degrees are comprehensive and challenging but have a high satisfaction rate with graduates going into careers as senior IT managers, IT team leaders, technology consultants, education administrators for a variety of schools, and distance learning coordinators. If you’re looking to complete a program in as little as 15 months, consider attending Northcentral University.

18-Month Master’s Programs Online

Boston University

Boston University is among the prestigious and highly valued universities in the nation. The university is renowned for its historical efforts in research, this reflects in the over $500 million in research awarded to the institution in 2020. Boston University offers a multitude of 18-month master’s programs that can be completed all online.

These short master’s programs are their online MA in art education, MM in music education, MS in computer information systems, and their online MS in health communication. Each of the programs is taught by a respected professional and as a student, you’ll have the opportunity to practice skills in hands-on experiences. Earning your degree from such a respected university will put you among alumni who are scholars, Presidential Award winners, and innovative researchers.

Northeastern University

The foundation of Northeastern University is a history of community involvement. NU is regarded as a top tier university in the area of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1898. In addition to dual degree programs that can be finished in a year or year and a half, Northeastern also offers a number of accelerated programs.

Among many of their programs, Northeastern offers an online MS in commerce & economic development, MS in e-learning & instructional design, MS in global studies & international relations, and a MS in project management. Many of these programs have concentrations so students can make their degree unique to the specialization of their future professions.

University of Florida

The University of Florida is a well-known school and has even landed itself #30 on the Best National Universities according to the U.S. News and World Reports 2021 rankings. The university is dedicated to a student centered model that gives students more time one-on-one time with professors and faculty.

For students looking at 18 month online master programs, the University of Florida offers three exceptional programs, a MS in applied physiology and kinesiology, a MS in biostatistics, and a Master in Educational Leadership. Each of these programs is designed to challenge you and prepare you to excel in very competitive settings.

40 Colleges That Offer the Fastest Online Master’s Degrees

University of Alabama
Southern New Hampshire University
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
University of North Texas
University of Texas Permian Basin
California Baptist University
Arkansas State University
Ball State University
Anderson University
Baker University
Colorado State University
Frostburg State University
Auburn University
California State University, East Bay
Boston University
Indiana Wesleyan University
Northeastern University
Fontbonne University
Benedictine University
Central Washington University
Stetson University
Saint Leo University
Lincoln Christian University
University of New England
University of Findlay
Capella University
Lamar University
Castleton University
Walden University
Wheeling Jesuit University
Cumberland University
Greenville University
University of Miami
Concordia University, Portland
Trine University
Clarkson University
Campbellsville University
University of Charleston
Independence University
Southwestern College

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FAQ

How long does it take to get a masters degree?

EDsmart has found that a master’s degree can be earned in 6-18 months online.

Online Master’s Programs That Might Interest You