We’ve ranked the 50 Best One Year Masters Programs Online for 2023. Compare schools offering 1 Year Master’s Programs and accelerated courses online.
With one year masters programs online, you can finish your entire master’s degree – from zero credit hours to 36 credit hours – in just one year or less!
So, if you’re looking for a fast track to success – a promotion, a higher salary, or even a complete career change – you don’t have to invest years of time or put your life on hold to get ahead.
It is possible (and actually not too strenuous) to earn your master’s degree in just one year!
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Best One Year Masters Programs Rankings
Here’s a list of the best 1 Year Masters Programs:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- Information Technology
- Management
- Marketing
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Public Health
In many professions, a master’s degree is necessary to secure a job and advance in the field. Traditionally, the process to earn this advanced degree is arduous, and only the top students complete the programs to earn their degrees. But now, there are alternatives! Here are some fields in which you can earn your master’s degree quickly.
By enrolling in accelerated masters programs online without a thesis requirement, you can earn your master’s degree in just one year. These programs are fast-paced and rigorous, so you will still need to work hard, but you can earn the same prestigious master’s degree in much less time in these 1 year masters programs online.
Master’s in Accounting
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, an accelerated online program can help you earn a one year masters program online in the field of accounting, helping you move into mid- to senior-level career opportunities quickly.
You may be able to choose from concentrations such as:
- Finance or Insurance
- Government Accounting
- Tax Preparation
- Accounting or Bookkeeping
A 1 Year Master’s in Accounting will help provide a deeper understanding of accounting than if you chose an MBA with a concentration in Accounting.
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An accounting masters will also help prepare you to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam and move into a specialized accounting career.
MBA Program (Master of Business Administration)
One year masters programs online in Business Administration (MBA) will provide in-depth knowledge of all facets of business, and allow you to dig deeper into an area of specialization.
Some popular MBA concentrations include:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management Information Systems
- Entrepreneurship
Look for an accelerated one year program that will allow you to complete a capstone project or internship experience in lieu of a thesis.
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You will get hands-on experience and earn your MBA in just 1 year!
Master’s in Computer Science
A one year masters degree in Computer Science degree provides advanced knowledge of design, programming, and application of computing systems. Because technology is prevalent in nearly every industry, this degree is extremely versatile and can land you a very lucrative and successful career.
You may be able to choose from a general degree or specializations such as:
- Data Science
- Game Development
- Computer Security
- Computer Networking
- Software Engineering
- Multimedia
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By taking accelerated online courses, you can earn your Master of Computer Science degree one year sooner and then be eligible to apply for higher-level jobs or pursue a Ph.D.
Master’s in Criminal Justice
A masters degree in Criminal Justice will help prepare you to apply research and leadership strategies in order to make decisions in the justice system.
Whether you want to advance your career with the local police department, work for the federal government, or pursue further education in the field, this degree can open many doors.
There are many areas of concentration to help focus your education, such as:
- Forensic Psychology
- Justice Administration
- Criminal Behavior
- Homeland Security
- Public Safety
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Look for 1 year master’s degree programs or design your own by choosing accelerated online courses in criminal justice.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
For teachers and administrators who have their bachelor’s degrees and certifications, earning a Master of Education is often the next step to help enhance teaching skills and move into a new area of specialization. This degree is also an option for those who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields, who wish to get into teaching.
Different schools and programs offer their own selection of concentrations.
Here are some common choices:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Higher Education
- Secondary Education
- Educational Leadership / Administration
- Educational Technology
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By earning your 1 year masters degree online in Education through an accelerated program, you can continue to teach and maintain other obligations while earning your advanced degree in just one year.
Masters in Finance
No matter what the economic climate is, there is always a demand for experts in finance. With a degree in Finance, you may qualify for higher-level positions with significantly higher salaries and more advancement opportunities than employees who hold only bachelor’s degrees.
One year degree programs may offer specializations such as:
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- International Business
- Real Estate
- Statistics
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If you need to juggle your current job, childcare and other commitments, an accelerated online program can help you earn your Master’s in Finance online in just one year.
Master’s in Healthcare Administration
One year masters programs in Healthcare Administration (MHA) may be a good choice if you’re interested in managing hospitals or other health organizations, or if you want to get into public health infrastructure or consulting. This degree program will help move you into a leadership role with excellent earning potential.
Some common areas of concentration include:
- Operations and Leadership
- Health Policy
- Health Information Technology
- Business Administration
- Public Health Administration
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A number of universities offer accelerated one year masters degree online programs in healthcare administration!
Master’s in Information Technology
If you enjoy technology and business, you may want to pursue an advanced degree in IT. You’ll not only learn about the latest advancements and best practices for IT departments but also how to manage others.
You could choose to focus your studies on any of the following:
- Database Management
- Project Management
- Hardware Engineering
- Software Development
- Programming
- Information System Architecture
- IT Security
- Web Design
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You could complete your one year master’s degree program and re-enter the workforce at a higher knowledge and salary level.
Master’s in Management
Management is a broad field that encompasses utilizing personnel, facilities, and other resources to the best of your ability.
You could tailor your classes around any of these specializations:
- Human Resources
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Non-Profit Management
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Any of these fields provide plenty of opportunities for one year master’s degree program graduates.
Master’s in Marketing
If you have a knack for understanding how people think, you might want to pursue a one year master’s degree in marketing program. You’ll learn how to better understand and influence buying decisions to help make your company as successful as possible.
Here are a few of the areas you could specialize in:
- Market Research
- Digital Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Public Relations
- Product Marketing
- Direct Marketing
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No matter which concentration you choose, or if you’d rather go the general route, there are 1 year master programs available.
Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing)
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced degree for a registered nurse, but an entry-level degree for nurse educators and managers. With it, you may pursue a position as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader, or you could go on to pursue a doctorate degree.
To compete for the most competitive jobs, choose an area of specialization such as:
- Gerontology
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Midwifery
- Orthopedics
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Accelerated MSN programs are available online, providing flexibility and moving you through the degree program quickly.
Master’s in Psychology
A one year master’s degree in Psychology comes in two forms: a Master of Arts, with more of a liberal arts focus; and a Master of Science, with more of a focus on research and the sciences. Both will focus on understanding the nature and behaviors of humans.
You may opt for a general program or consider specialties such as:
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Child Psychology
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To earn your Master’s in Psychology in just one year, look for accelerated online programs without thesis requirements.
MPH (Master of Public Health)
With a one year Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, you may work for a non-profit or government organization, a hospital group, or in another capacity, helping to improve health for the general population.
MPH degree programs may offer concentrations in:
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy and Administration
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Accelerated online courses may help you move through the MPH program more quickly and land a job sooner. You can also get your MPH online, no GRE required.
One Year Masters Programs for Medical School
It is increasingly difficult to get into medical school, so you will need an impressive application. If you currently have a bachelor’s degree and need to either improve your GPA or earn the necessary pre-requisites to gain admission to medical school, there are two options for you to consider.
- Post Baccalaureate Programs (Postbac): This is a continuation of your undergraduate education rather than a degree track. It influences your existing college GPA, so it’s a good option if you had a less-than-stellar GPA previously.
- Special Masters Programs (SMP): There are one year graduate degree programs specially designed for pre-med students. They result in a separate GPA on your application.
Both options can prepare you to apply to medical school in about one year. Which program is best for you will depend on your existing GPA and the pre-requisite courses you already have under your belt.
One Year Masters Programs – Blueprint for Finishing Your Master’s Degree Fast
One of the most common questions we see is: How can I finish my master’s program in 1 year at a reputable college?
Here’s how:
Traditionally, master’s degree programs require two or more years of full-time study. A few universities now offer one year master’s degree programs, but for those that don’t, you can design your own! By taking accelerated online courses, you can breeze through the courses at a much faster pace and finish in just one year.
Here’s an example of how you can finish a normal (non-accelerated) 36-credit master’s program at a college that offers 8-week online classes:
- Fall Semester 1: Take two 8-week online courses (credits earned: 6 credit hours)
- Fall Semester 2: Take two 8-week online courses (cumulative credits earned: 12 credit hours)
- Spring Semester 1: Take two 8-week online courses (cumulative credits earned: 18 credit hours)
- Spring Semester 2: Take two 8-week online courses (cumulative credits earned: 24 credit hours)
- Summer Semester 1: Take two 8-week online courses (cumulative credits earned: 30 credit hours)
- Summer Semester 2: Take two 8-week online courses (cumulative credits earned: 36 credit hours)
This could also be adjusted to fit 6-week online classes, moving you through at an even faster pace.
As you can see, by taking just 2 classes at a time, you can complete 12 classes, which is 36 hours, earning your master’s degree in just one year.
To save even more time, select a one year master’s degree program that does not require a thesis. Non-thesis degree programs are becoming more and more popular among online master’s programs. These degree programs generally offer a capstone class in lieu of the conventional thesis, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience that can be completed in a fraction of the time.
Accelerated, non-thesis online masters degree programs are still very demanding. You will need to devote a lot of time to your studies, from start to finish. But it will be well worth your efforts. One year master’s degree programs can open many new doors for you professionally.
Advantages of 1 Year Masters Programs
In order to earn your master’s degree online in one year, you will have a busy and challenging year! But the hard work will be worth it.
Here are some of the benefits of earning your master’s degree online in one year:
- Flexibility – Online learning will allow you to fit your education around family, work, and other existing commitments.
- Faster than campus masters programs – Most traditional master’s programs will take two or more years to complete, but with accelerated online classes, you can finish in just one year.
- Cheaper – It depends on the program you choose, but online programs are often less expensive than on-campus programs.
- Professional advantages – You can apply for jobs that require applicants to have master’s degrees, or you can get promoted into higher-ranking positions within your current company.
- Increased earning potential – The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that full-time working adults with master’s degrees earn $228 per week more than workers who hold a bachelor’s degree!
Disadvantages of 1 Year Masters Programs
In some instances, a one year master’s degree program may not be the right fit for you. There are a few disadvantages you should keep in mind.
- May not provide the depth of knowledge required for certain advanced positions
- May be too demanding to maintain full-time employment
- May offer fewer networking opportunities
Weigh these disadvantages against the advantages to determine whether a one year master’s program is the best choice for you.
What One Year Masters Programs Are There?
You can find one year master’s programs in Business, Education, Accounting, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Finance, Computer Science, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Healthcare Administration, and more!
If your master’s program isn’t already offered in a one year format, look for accelerated online courses that will allow you to complete the program quickly. You may be able to design your own one year master’s degree program.
What Are the 1 Year Masters Programs Benefits
The first benefit is that you’ll finish faster. These types of programs are also more flexible, so they’re a good fit for working students. They’re also less expensive while providing you the opportunity to increase your earning potential.
What Is the Easiest Masters Degree Program?
Easy is a relative term; which master’s degree program is the easiest depends on your aptitude, experience, and interests.
For many people, online master’s programs that don’t require GRE or programs that do not require a thesis are the easiest because they don’t require such intense research and writing. More and more online master’s degree programs are doing away with thesis requirements, opting instead for hands-on capstone or internship experiences.
How Much Time Is Required for Masters Program Completion?
The amount of time required to complete a master’s degree is typically two years. However, if you follow the one year degree plan outlined in this article, you can easily earn your master’s degree in just one year.
What Are Special Masters Programs?
Special Master’s Programs (SMPs) are graduate degree programs designed for pre-med students. They typically take 1-2 years to complete and can significantly strengthen your medical school application.
What Are the Fastest Online Masters Programs?
The fastest online master’s program is one that does not require a thesis.
Some of the fastest online master’s programs include:
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Education
- Accounting
- Public Health (MPH)
- Psychology
- Finance
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
By taking accelerated online courses and not having to complete a thesis, you can complete the master’s program in as little as one year.
Can You Get a Masters Degree in 1 Year?
Yes, you can earn your master’s degree in one year by choosing an accelerated online program with no thesis requirement.
As an example, many online programs operate in 8-week terms. By taking two classes at a time during each term, you will earn 36 credit hours in one full year – enough to earn your master’s degree in many programs!
50 One Year Masters Programs Rankings (Finish in 1 Year or Less)
Rankings Methodology: Each of these universities is fully accredited and offer one year masters programs.
Alvernia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
American University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Anderson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- Online Master’s in Media Management
- Online Master’s in Sport Administration
Arkansas State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Auburn is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Babson is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Online Master’s Degree Programs:
- Online Master’s in Education – Curriculum & Instruction (Elementary Math and Science Education)
- Online Master’s in Education – Curriculum & Instruction (Mathematics Education)
- Online Master’s in Education – Educational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Education – Educational Technology
- Online Master’s in Education – Special Education
- Online Master’s in Health Sciences – Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Online Master’s in Health Sciences – Health Care Administration
- Online Master’s in Health Sciences – Healthcare Informatics
- Online Master’s in Health Sciences – Nutrition
- Online Master’s in Nursing Administration
- Online Master’s in Nursing Education
- Online Master’s in Public Affairs
- Online Master’s in Social Work
- Online MBA
- Online MBA – Financial Planning
- Online MBA – Health Care Administration
- Online MBA – International Trade
Benedictine is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Online Master’s Degree Programs:
- Online Master’s in Accounting
- Online Master’s in Communication
- Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology
- Online Master’s in Education – Early Childhood
- Online Master’s in Education – Leadership
- Online Master’s in Education – Teaching
- Online Master’s in Information Technology Management
- Online Master’s in Kinesiology
- Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Public Administration
- Online Master’s in Public Health
- Online Master’s in Public Relations
- Online MBA – Accounting
- Online MBA – General Management
California Baptist is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Online Master Degree Programs:
- Online Master’s in Education
- Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Health Care Administration
- Online Master’s in Recreation and Tourism
California State is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Campbellsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online Master Degree Programs:
- Online Master’s in Psychology
- Online MBA – Accounting
- Online MBA – Human Resource Management
- Online MBA – Project Management
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Castleton is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Central Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Clarkson is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Online Master’s in Engineering
- Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Colorado State – Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cumberland is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Emory is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online Master’s in Finance
- Online Master’s in Information Systems
- Online Master’s in Supply Chain Management
- Online MBA
Fontbonne is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Frostburg is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Greenville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Hult is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Cornell is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lamar is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online Master’s Degree Programs:
- Online Master’s in Athletic Administration
- Online Master’s in Parks and Recreation
- Online Master’s in Science in Sport Management
- Online Master’s in Sport Leadership
- Online Master’s in Sport Tourism & Hospitality Management
Lasell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Louisiana State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online MBA
- Online MBA – Accounting
- Online MBA – Finance
- Online MBA – Human Resource Management
- Online MBA – International Business
- Online MBA – Management
- Online MBA – Managerial Analytics
- Online MBA – Marketing
- Online MBA – Organizational Leadership
Mercy is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Our Lady of the Lake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Point Loma Nazarene is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Saint Leo is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Schiller is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Online Masters Degree Programs:
- Online MBA – Accounting
- Online MBA – Aerospace Logistics
- Online MBA – Entrepreneurship
- Online MBA – Finance
- Online MBA – General
- Online MBA – Health Care Information Systems
- Online MBA – Hospitality Management
- Online MBA – Human Resources
- Online MBA – Management
- Online MBA – Marketing
- Online MBA – Native American Leadership
- Online MBA – Safety
- Online MBA – Strategic Communication
Southeastern Oklahoma State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Online Master’s in Accounting
- Online Master’s in Accounting Finance
- Online Master’s in Creative Writing
- Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
- Online Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online Master’s in Cyber Security
- Online Master’s in Data Analytics
- Online Master’s in English
- Online Master’s in English & Creative Writing
- Online Master’s in Finance
- Online Master’s in Health Information Management
- Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
- Online Master’s in Higher Education Administration
- Online Master’s in History
- Online Master’s in Human Resource Management
- Online Master’s in Information Technology
- Online Master’s in Management
- Online Master’s in Marketing
- Online Master’s in Nurse Educator (MSN)
- Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN)
- Online Master’s in Operations & Project Management
- Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Patient Safety & Quality
- Online Master’s in Psychology
- Online Master’s in Public Health
- Online Master’s in Sports Management
Southern New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Stetson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Nursing
- Online Master’s in Technology
- Online MBA
Stevens-Henager is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
- Online MBA
- Online MBA – Accounting
- Online MBA – Finance
- Online MBA – Healthcare Administration
Texas A&M is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online Master’s in Trade & Logistics Management
- Online MBA – Accounting
- Online MBA – Cyber Security Management
- Online MBA – General
- Online MBA – Human Resource Management
- Online MBA – Marketing
- Online MBA – Sports Administration
Thomas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
- Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- Online Master’s in Information Studies
- Online Master’s in Leadership
- Online MBA
Trine is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
UCM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Findlay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
U of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
U of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online MBA
- Online MBA – Business Analytics
- Online MBA – Financial Services
- Online MBA – Supply Chain Management
UNC – Pembroke is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Online Master’s in Advanced Data Analytics
- Online Master’s in Digital Communication Analytics
- Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
- Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Health Services Administration
- Online Master’s in Learning Technologies
- Online MBA
- Online MBA – Marketing
- Online MBA – Supply Chain
UNT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
UTexas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Masters Degree Programs Online:
- Online Master’s in Bilingual / ESL
- Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Online Master’s in Public Administration
- Online Master’s in Special Education
- Online Master’s in Special Education – Autism
- Online MBA
- Online MBA – Finance
UTPB is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
UVM is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Western Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Western Governors is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Online Master’s in Information Systems
- Online Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Wright State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
How Do I Get Started in a 1 Year Masters Program?
Traditional master’s programs can be intimidating – two or more years of study and a lengthy research-laden thesis. But that’s not the only way — there are one year graduate programs available!
It’s possible to earn your master’s degree in just one year by choosing an accelerated online program with no thesis requirement. In just a year, you could be ready to enter a new career with a better salary or pursue your next advanced degree.
Ready to make it happen? Narrow down your college search with our master’s program search tool and get matched to a reputable university that will help you reach your personal and professional goals.
