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

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.
By
Updated on March 11, 2025
Edited by
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Learn more about our editorial process
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?

  • check-circle

    Flexibility

    Though fast-paced, many one-year master’s programs offer the flexibility and convenience of remote learning.

  • check-circle

    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.

  • check-circle

    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.

  • check-circle

    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.

  • check-circle

    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.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

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
SchoolProgram Type# of CreditsCost
University of North Carolina WilmingtonMBA36 credits$19,287 total
PennState World CampusEngineering30 credits$13,860 per semester
Purdue GlobalNursing60 quarter credits$3,200 per term
Touro University WorldwidePsychology36$500 per semester credit
Arizona State UniversityElementary Education30 credits$12,157 per year
University of North TexasData Analytics30 credits$14,300 total
Western Governer’s UniversityBusiness33 credits$4,755 per term
University of Alabama at BirminghamManagement Information Systems30 credits$1,088 per credit
Cornell TechComputer Science30 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.

Explore More College Resources

What Is the Cost of a Master’s Degree?

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.

Lyss Welding

by Lyss Welding

Updated December 13, 2024

Top Fastest Online Degrees and Accredited Programs

Top Fastest Online Degrees and Accredited Programs

An accelerated format can help you earn a degree and enter the job market faster than a traditional program.

Bennett Leckrone

by Bennett Leckrone

Updated February 27, 2025

Is an Accelerated Degree Program Right for Me?

Is an Accelerated Degree Program Right for Me?

An accelerated degree program is a flexible option that enables motivated students to graduate in less time and enter the workforce more quickly.

Juliann Scholl, Ph.D.

by Juliann Scholl, Ph.D.

Updated July 11, 2024