What are the disadvantages of a one-year master's?

One-year master's programs are intensive, meaning they cover a lot of material in a short amount of time. You'll be managing a heavy workload in a condensed time frame. Since these programs are full-time and last only one year, you'll have less time to build relationships with your classmates and professors. You'll also have less time to adjust to your new educational environment and explore electives. If you're employed, you may have trouble balancing your work with your studies, especially if you're a full-time worker.

Can I get a master's degree in six months?

You're unlikely to find a six-month master's degree. Traditionally, master's degrees take 2-3 years to complete. However, there are plenty of quality one-year options to choose from.

1-Year Master’s Programs Online: How Do They Work?

Updated on March 11, 2025

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Want to earn a master’s degree in one year? Learn how you can quickly earn a graduate degree in your field of interest.

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).

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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.

Popular Accelerated 1-Year Master’s Programs
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.