The Quickest Online Master's Degrees 2024

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 or a better position, earning a master's can provide a way.

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.

Online Master's That Might Interest You

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

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

Northern Kentucky University

NKU offers a 6-month online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program. This accelerated master's degree is offered fully online through NKU's online learning platform. There are no campus requirements. By taking 2 courses per 8-week term, students can complete this master's program in just 6 months. The program has year-round enrollment.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in health science or IT, 3.0 GPA, resume, essay, and recommendation letter. GRE/GMAT is waived. NKU has regional accreditation. The MSHI is accredited by CAHIIM. Coursework covers health informatics, systems analysis, data management, analytics, security, and more specialized topics.

Online students get access to advising, library resources, career counseling, technical support, etc. Courses are taught by professors and professionals in the health informatics field.

10 Month Master's Degree Online

Louisiana State- Shreveport

The LSU Shreveport MBA program is 100% online and can be completed in as few as 10 months. The program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in business. Students in the program take 10 courses, which are offered on a rolling basis. The program also includes a capstone project.

To be eligible for the LSU Shreveport MBA program, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also have work experience in a business setting.

The LSU Shreveport MBA program is a good option for working professionals who want to earn a master's degree in business in a short amount of time. The program is affordable and flexible, and it is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Here are some other details about the LSU Shreveport MBA program:

Program length: 10 months
Accreditation: AACSB
Online format: 100% online
Admissions requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0, work experience in a business setting

St. Thomas University

To be eligible for the St. Thomas University Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75. They must also have work experience in a business setting.

The St. Thomas University Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program is a good option for working professionals who want to earn a specialized masters degree in business analytics in a short amount of time. The program is affordable and flexible, and it is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Here are the other masters programs offered by St. Thomas University and their typical completion times:

Master of Accounting: 12-15 months
MBA in Accounting: 18-24 months
MBA in Cyber Security Management: 18-24 months
MBA in Data Analytics: 18-24 months
MBA in Human Resource Management: 18-24 months
MBA in Finance: 18-24 months
MBA (General): 18-24 months
MBA in Marketing: 18-24 months

Gardener Webb University

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is a 12-credit program that can be completed in as few as 9-10 months. The program is designed for working professionals who want to gain skills in data analytics and business intelligence. Students in the program take 4 courses, which are offered on a rolling basis. The program also includes a capstone project.

The Gardner-Webb University 10-Month MBA program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in business. Students in the program take 2 courses per eight-week term, for a total of 15 courses. The program also includes a capstone project.

To be eligible for the Gardner-Webb University 10-Month MBA program, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75. They must also have work experience in a business setting.

The Gardner-Webb University 10-Month MBA program is a good option for working professionals who want to earn a master's degree in business in a short amount of time. The program is affordable and flexible, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Here are some other details about the Gardner-Webb University 10-Month MBA program:

Program length: 9-10 months
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online format: 100% online
Admissions requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75, work experience in a business setting

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.

12-16 Mo Master's Degree Online

Western New England University

WNE offers accelerated online master's degrees in Accounting, Business Administration (MBA), Engineering Management, and Sport Leadership & Coaching. The online master's programs are offered fully online through WNE's online learning platform. There are no campus requirements.

These accelerated online programs can be completed in as little as 12-16 months by taking 2 courses per 8 week term year-round. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, 2.5 GPA, resume, essay, and professional recommendation letter. GMAT/GRE scores are waived.

WNE is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. The business programs have AACSB accreditation. Online students get access to academic advising, career development, library services, technical support, and other resources. Courses are taught by both full-time faculty and industry expert adjuncts.

Bryan College

Bryant offers quick online master's programs in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Healthcare Leadership, Information Systems, and Taxation. The online master's are delivered entirely through Bryant's online campus with no on-campus requirements. Courses use asynchronous methods.

These accelerated online master's can be completed part-time in as little as 12-16 months by taking two courses per 7-week term. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, 3.0 GPA, resume, two recommendations, and professional experience. GMAT/GRE waived.

Bryant University is regionally accredited by NECHE. The business programs hold additional AACSB accreditation. Online students get access to academic advising, technical support, library services, career development resources and tutoring. Courses are taught by Bryant professors combined with industry-expert adjuncts.

Arkansas State University

ASU offers accelerated online master's programs in Business Administration (MBA), Education, Engineering Management, and Public Administration. These are 100% online programs offered through A-State Online with asynchronous courses and no campus requirements.

The accelerated online MBA and Masters in Engineering Management can be completed in only 12 months through full-time study and summer courses. Other master's can be done in 18-24 months. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, 2.5 GPA, GRE scores are waived for the MBA but required for other programs.

A-State has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The MBA and engineering programs have additional specialized accreditation. Online students have access to advising, library services, technical support, tutoring, and other resources. Courses are taught by qualified A-State faculty members from each department.

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.

12-24 Month Online Master Degree Programs

Western Governors University- 18 mo

WGU offers online master's degrees in business, information technology, teacher education, nursing, and healthcare management. The teachers college provides multiple master's pathways. All programs follow an online competency-based education model with asynchronous courses. There are no campus residency requirements.

Master's students can move through courses and assessments at their own pace. Average time to graduate ranges from 1-2 years. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, 2.5 GPA, resume, admission interview. No standardized test scores required.

WGU holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. WGU uses a mix of full-time faculty and qualified industry practitioners to teach and develop curriculum.

Regis University- 12-24 mo

Regis offers over 35 online master's degrees spanning programs in business, computer science, counseling, education, healthcare, and information technology. Online programs are offered through Regis Online featuring asynchronous online courses with no campus requirements.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school, 2.5 GPA, resume, essay, and professional recommendation. Regis University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Several programs have specialized accreditations as well. Online resources include academic advising, library services, technical support, tutoring, career counseling, and alumni network. Courses are taught by full-time faculty and qualified industry practitioners as adjuncts.

Wilmington University-12-18 mo

ere are some of the most popular 18-month online masters programs offered by Wilmington University:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS)
Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS)
To be eligible for an 18-month online masters program at Wilmington University, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The programs are designed to be completed in 6 terms, with each term lasting 8 weeks. Students in the 18-month online masters programs can take courses at their own pace and on their own time. Wilmington University also offers a variety of support services to help students succeed, including online tutoring, mentors, and academic coaches.

California Baptist University- 12-18 mo

Here are some of the most popular online masters programs offered by CBU:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Master of Science in Worship Arts
CBU's online masters programs are designed for working professionals who want to earn an advanced degree in a flexible and affordable way. Students in CBU's online masters programs can take courses at their own pace and on their own time. CBU also offers a variety of support services to help students succeed, including online tutoring, mentors, and academic coaches.

The typical time to complete an online masters program at CBU is 12-18 months. However, some students may be able to complete their programs in less time, depending on their prior experience and how quickly they can master the material.

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

Resources:

• Best Online Graduate Programs
• Most Affordable Online Master's Programs
• Quickest Master's Degree Programs Online

FAQ

How long does it take to get a masters degree?

EDsmart has found that a master's degree can be earned in 6-24 months online.

Online Master's Programs That Might Interest You

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