1-Year Master’s Programs Online: How Do They Work?
Online, accelerated master’s programs can prepare you to pursue leadership roles, let you pivot into a new career, or advance in your current field.
If this sounds good to you, prepare for an intense educational experience. These online programs compress multiple years of studying into one year.
For many students the benefits outweigh this challenge. One-year master’s programs let you reach your goals quickly, offering the advantage of learning from anywhere with an internet connection.
We’ll explore the ins and outs of one-year master’s programs, including their benefits, challenges, and potential drawbacks, to help you determine if this option is right for you.
What Is a 1-Year Master’s Program?
A one-year master’s program is an accelerated graduate degree that condenses 2-3 years of study into 12 months. These programs are designed for graduate students who can dedicate their time towards one year of full-time study.
You’ll learn in a rigorous, full-time curriculum, gaining specialized knowledge in your field of interest.
These programs are ideal if you’re a recent bachelor’s graduate who wants to improve your employability, a career changer who wants to pivot quickly, or a working professional who wants to upskill.
Why Get an Accelerated Master’s Degree?
Flexibility
Though fast-paced, many one-year master’s programs offer the flexibility and convenience of remote learning.
Finish school quickly
Despite the challenges of one-year master’s programs, the degree attracts many students who don’t want to spend a lot of time in school.
Save money
You may pay less for a one-year master’s program than you would for a traditional program due to the shorter program length.
Start a new career in one year
After you earn your master’s degree, you’ll have improved job prospects, with the opportunity to earn more money.
Earn more money
With a master’s degree, you can earn over $200 more per week than you would with just a bachelor’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Start Your Master’s Degree Journey Today
Note: The following programs may or may not offer accelerated options for degree-seeking students.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Accelerated Master’s?
Typical # of Credits
30-70 Credits
Typical Program Length
1-1.5 Years
How long does it take to earn a master’s degree? The answer depends on the program’s designs and operations. Most master’s programs take 2-3 years to complete, including required internship hours.
However, if you choose an accelerated master’s program, you can expect to spend 1-1.5 years in school. You’ll be expected to earn somewhere between 30-70 credits to graduate.
You can speed up your program by transferring college credits, taking college placement exams, and enrolling in summer classes.
List of Accelerated 1-Year Master’s Programs
Below, you’ll find our table of accredited master’s programs in various fields like business, psychology, and education.
You’ll also find the number of credits each program requires as well as the cost of tuition and fees. We’ve only chosen accredited nonprofit schools.
School | Program Type | # of Credits | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
University of North Carolina Wilmington | MBA | 36 credits | $19,287 total |
PennState World Campus | Engineering | 30 credits | $13,860 per semester |
Purdue Global | Nursing | 60 quarter credits | $3,200 per term |
Touro University Worldwide | Psychology | 36 | $500 per semester credit |
Arizona State University | Elementary Education | 30 credits | $12,157 per year |
University of North Texas | Data Analytics | 30 credits | $14,300 total |
Western Governer’s University | Business | 33 credits | $4,755 per term |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | Management Information Systems | 30 credits | $1,088 per credit |
Cornell Tech | Computer Science | 30 credits | $2,280 per credit |
Is an Accelerated 1-Year Master’s Degree Worth It?
An online accelerated one-year master’s degree can be worth it if you want to advance in your career quickly. An obvious benefit is the faster completion time. You may also benefit from potential savings on tuition, fees, and other educational costs.
You will, however, face an intense workload and compressed schedule. These programs tend to require students to enroll full time.
Limited time in an online environment can mean limited work, internship, and networking opportunities. So, while you’ll find yourself on a fast path toward graduation, you’ll also face a rigorous curriculum pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
Online master’s degrees are just as legitimate as degrees earned on campus. In many cases, an employer may not even know you’ve attended an online program. Your master’s degree will have value as long as you earn your degree from an accredited institution.
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What Is the Cost of a Master’s Degree?
The average master’s degree program costs roughly $37,000 per year, but prices vary widely. Explore typical master’s degree costs in our guide.

by Lyss Welding
Updated December 13, 2024