Best 1-Year MBA Programs 2024
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Want to earn an MBA without spending 18-24 months in school? If so, an accelerated one-year MBA could be your ticket to a higher salary and increased career opportunities. If you already hold an undergraduate degree in finance, business, or a related field, you may qualify for one of these fast-tracked master’s programs.
You likely have questions before enrolling in a one-year MBA program. Keep reading to know what you can expect and which specializations exist.
Featured Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited 1-Year MBA Programs
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$19,063
- In-State$4,719
- Out-of-state$19,104
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled17,843
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$15,850
- Out-of-state$34,676
- In-State$14,956
- Out-of-state$27,030
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled17,335
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$970
- Out-of-state$7,050
- In-State$3,510
- Out-of-state$3,510
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled6,554
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$38,780
- Out-of-state$38,780
- In-State$10,890
- Out-of-state$11,835
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled4,133
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$13,376
- Out-of-state$20,400
- In-State$808
- Out-of-state$808
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled14,594
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Can I Expect From a 1-Year MBA Program?
In a one-year MBA program, you will cover all the main aspects of a traditional business degree. Core curricula include classes in finance, marketing, data analytics, accounting, strategy, leadership, and general management.
Common MBA specializations include:
- Accounting
- Data analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare management
- Human resource management
- International business
- Marketing
- Organizational leadership
- Project management
- Sustainability
If you want to pursue a specific area of business, you can choose from a range of specialties. These are usually available in both two-year and one-year MBA programs.
Featured Online MBA Programs
1. Online MBA in Accounting
If you enjoy working with numbers and helping companies or individuals better manage their finances, an online accounting MBA could be a great choice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors earn a median annual salary of $79,880 in 2023. Common coursework includes accounting for financial decision-making and economic performance evaluations.
2. Online MBA in Data Analytics
Designed to meet 21st-century business needs, an online MBA in data analytics (or data science) provides training in areas such as financial analytics, data visualization for business, and quantitative methods in business.
Data scientists earn a median salary of $108,020 (BLS, May 2023).
3. Online MBA in Entrepreneurship
If you want to start and run your own business, an online MBA in entrepreneurship can provide the tools you need to build a company from the ground up. Coursework includes studies in entrepreneurial finance, new venture strategy, and alternative entrepreneurial paths.
CEOs take home a median wage of $103,840 (BLS, May 2023).
4. Online MBA in Finance
Financial managers bring home a median salary of $156,100, with many of these professionals holding finance MBAs (BLS, May 2023).
Earning an online MBA in finance can help qualify you for managerial positions in finance, such as corporate finance, portfolio management, and financial management.
5. Online MBA in Healthcare Management
Earning an online MBA in healthcare management can help you qualify for high-level positions in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings. Common coursework includes studies in business leadership and human values, health systems management, and economics for decision-making.
Medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $110,680 (BLS, May 2023).
6. Online MBA in Human Resource Management
Human resources departments play pivotal roles in businesses of all sizes, and earning an online MBA in HR management can help put you on the path to a fulfilling HR career.
Expect to take classes in organizational ethics, personnel staffing and evaluation, and managing organizational change. HR managers earn a median salary of $136,350 (BLS, May 2023).
7. Online MBA in International Business
As the business landscape continues to expand globally, earning an MBA in international business can help qualify you for jobs based in the U.S. and abroad. Common classes include international financial policy, environment of international business, and global supply chain logistics.
Graduates can work in logistics, management, or market research careers. Logistician professionals earn a median pay of $79,400 (BLS, May 2023).
8. Online MBA in Marketing
Every business requires marketing professionals to succeed, making an online MBA in marketing a popular option for business students. Common coursework includes digital marketing, marketing research, and corporate branding.
Marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $131,870 (BLS May 2023).
9. Online MBA in Organizational Leadership
Stepping into a senior leadership role requires a combination of experience, demonstrated results, and an understanding of how to effectively lead companies.
Earning an online MBA in organizational leadership can help put you on the path toward a top executive role. These professionals earn a median salary of $103,840 (BLS, May 2023).
10. Online MBA in Project Management
If you enjoy taking ideas and bringing them to fruition, an online MBA in project management may align with your professional and career goals.
These programs cover topics such as risk assessment, project tools and strategies, and strategic project management. Project management specialists earn a median salary of $98,580 (BLS, May 2023).
11. Online MBA in Sustainability
As more companies look for ways to improve their environmental sustainability efforts and use renewable sources, the need for MBA in sustainability graduates is on the rise. These innovative programs prepare you for green jobs.
Courses cover topics such as environmental management, climate change law, and managing sustainable operations. Operations managers receive a median salary of $101,280 (BLS, May 2023). Environmental scientists and specialists earn a median wage of $79,980 per year (BLS, May 2023).
What Are the Admissions Requirements for a 1-Year MBA Program?
One-year MBA program admissions requirements are generally similar to traditional MBA program requirements. However, because one-year MBA programs are accelerated, they may require you to have a bachelor’s degree in business or to complete prerequisite courses.
Graduate admissions vary by program. Many MBA programs require you to submit GRE or GMAT test scores. Specific concentrations may have additional prerequisites. For example, finance concentrations may require additional courses in finance.
Application
Nearly all MBA programs will require you to submit an application form. These forms ask for basic personal information like name and address, as well as the highest degree obtained. Many MBA applications ask you for additional information such as references, test scores, a resume, or recommendations.Test Scores
MBA programs usually require test scores. MBA applicants will often be asked for either GRE scores or GMAT test scores. The average GRE score in 2023 was 151 for verbal reasoning, 158 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.4 for analytical writing.Resume
Most graduate programs for business also require a professional resume. Resumes and cover letters highlight your professional qualifications and relevant experience. These resumes and cover letters are a way for you to highlight your strengths. Since many one-year MBA applicants have been out of school for some time, the resume can hold additional weight.Letters of Recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation from a colleague, supervisor, or professor can help you stand out. When asking for a letter of recommendation, be sure to allow your recommender plenty of time to write. You should provide the letter writer with all the information they may need. It can be useful for you to share your resume to provide the letter writer with additional insight into your experience.Essays
Colleges look to graduate school application essays to gain insight into your motivations and your potential for success in a program. Programs may ask for a personal statement, statement of purpose, or a letter of intent. While all three are similar, you can tailor your essays to the college’s specific request to increase the chances of a successful application.Official Transcripts
Most graduate programs will require official transcripts. Some MBA programs accept transfer credits from other business graduate programs. One-year MBA programs may also offer credit for prerequisite coursework or work experience. However, as MBA programs are highly structured, many top one-year and two-year programs do not accept transfer credits.
What Can I Do With a 1-Year MBA Degree?
MBAs provide a versatile and transferrable set of skills required in many different business environments. Whether your interests lie in sustainability, human resources, marketing, or financial management, earning a one-year MBA can help you work towards your professional goals.
Graduates often look to an MBA for the increased earning potential after graduation. The Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2023 survey showed a median salary of $125,000 for MBA graduates. According to the BLS, some common business careers had median salaries significantly above the national median for all occupations in 2023, including:
| Career | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Human resource specialists | $67,650 |
| Budget analysts | $84,940 |
| Financial analysts | $99,890 |
| Management analysts | $99,410 |
| Personal financial advisors | $99,580 |
| Top executives | $103,840 |
| Financial managers | $156,100 |
| Computer and information systems managers | $169,510 |
How Do I Choose a 1-Year MBA Program?
Before enrolling in a one-year MBA program, you should consider several important factors. We look into each below.
Cost
Online program tuition for MBAs is usually comparable to on-campus programs. In-state tuition at public colleges may be less than out-of-state tuition. You should keep in mind that true program costs will be higher due to other costs like books and fees.Program Format
Program format is another important factor to consider. Some MBA programs are asynchronous, although most are synchronous. One-year MBAs are notoriously intense and require 40 hours or more of weekly classes and study time. In some MBA programs, you can choose between part-time or full-time formats.Location
Location can be an important factor if the program is on-campus or requires on-campus modules. Some students prefer on-campus classes, while others prefer to go to college online. Even with a one-year online MBA program, a college nearby offers greater flexibility to network or attend some classes on campus. In-state tuition is also often less at public colleges.Accreditation
Accreditation is essential for degree acceptance and credibility. Accredited programs and colleges must meet national education standards. Employers and colleges both look for applicants with an accredited degree. One-year MBA programs must still meet accreditation standards. They are often intense because you complete the same requirements of many two-year programs in one year.Student Support
You should consider a college’s student services. Student services can support your career and may help you get internships that can lead to further opportunities. They can also connect you to mentorship programs, tutoring, or an alumni network. Many colleges offer excellent student services for online students as well as on-campus students.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1-Year MBA Programs
A one-year MBA is a valid degree that requires you to meet set requirements comparable to a traditional MBA degree. You can use one-year MBAs to help accelerate career advancement. Both employers and graduate schools respect these one-year programs.
A number of top universities now offer one-year MBA programs. Northwestern, Cornell University, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Southern California all have accredited one-year MBA programs. You can ensure degree validity by selecting an accredited degree program.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 30, 2024.
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