Best Online Accelerated Master’s Degrees

Want to finish grad school in less than two years? Then check out accelerated master's programs. You can graduate with a master's in anything from business to healthcare to tech in as little as one year.

This means you can start seeing the payoff of a graduate degree sooner.

Plus, you can fit your accelerated master's degree into your schedule with an online program. An accredited online program offers the flexibility and quality you'll want — and need — in grad school.

Popular Accelerated Graduate Programs

If you're researching accelerated master's programs, you've come to the right place. Check out our list of popular fields, and keep reading to learn more about job opportunities with a master's degree.

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Communication
• Computer Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Counseling
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Engineering Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Management
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Social Work

Want to become a certified public accountant (CPA)? Earning an accelerated master's in accounting can prepare you for the CPA exam in as little as one year. You can also specialize as a forensic accountant, financial manager, or accounting manager during grad school.

How much can you earn as an accountant? Accountants and auditors reported a median annual salary of $77,250 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

2. Business Administration

Gain leadership and management skills with an accelerated master's degree in business administration (MBA). You can even earn an online MBA in as little as one year. After graduation, you can qualify for management jobs, a field with a median salary of $102,450 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Did you know that managers make more than any other occupational group? An MBA can be your fast track to careers that pay above the national median salary.

3. Communication

Journalists, public relations specialists, and writers can benefit from earning an accelerated master's degree in communication. You'll learn to hone your analytical, research, and storytelling skills while specializing your knowledge in graduate classes. And many graduates go on to work as a public relations manager, advertising manager, or technical writer.

During your research into different programs, make sure to seek accelerated master's programs with coursework or concentrations related to your career goals.

4. Computer Information Technology

Tech is a growing field. With a master's in computer information technology, you'll gain technical and information management skills. And with an accelerated master's program, you can enter the workforce as a software developer, data scientist, or product manager faster.

Can't decide between computer science and information technology? Look for programs that blend the two fields, like computer information technology or information systems.

5. Computer Science

Accelerated master's programs in computer science (CS) can help get you into the workforce quickly. You'll study advanced theory, data structures, and software development. With the degree, you can consider becoming a computer scientist, software developer, or information security analyst. Computer scientists earn median salaries of over $131,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

Pro Tip: You can earn a master's in computer science without a bachelor's in CS. So do some research into programs designed for non-CS majors.

6. Counseling

You need a master's in counseling to work as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or school counselor. So why not earn your degree in less time by enrolling in an accelerated counseling program online?

Many online counseling grad programs require you to complete in-person practicum requirements locally.

7. Criminal Justice

Gain leadership and research skills with an accelerated master's program in criminal justice. You'll study criminal justice administration, data analysis, and criminology while preparing for roles like detective or police supervisor. The degree also prepares you to work as a federal law enforcement agent.

Plus, you can find jobs with above-average pay in this field. For example, police supervisors earn a median annual salary of $99,330 (BLS, May 2021), which far exceeds the national median of $45,760.

8. Education

Accelerated master's programs help educators increase their earning potential and move into administrative roles. With your master's in education, you can become a school principal, instructional coordinator, or head teacher.

And online programs are a great option for teachers who want to earn a master's degree but need the flexibility to keep teaching.

9. Engineering Management

Want to level up your engineering career? Consider an accelerated master's program in engineering management. In as little as one year, you can qualify for high-paying roles like engineering manager, which reports a median salary of $152,350 per year (BLS, May 2021).

You'll study engineering operations, quality control, and project management during an engineering master's program.

10. Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs launch business ventures and grow established businesses. With a master's in entrepreneurship, you'll gain advanced planning, financial, and operational skills. You can choose to work in venture capital or start your own business after graduation.

You can apply to accelerated graduate programs in entrepreneurship or earn an MBA in entrepreneurship.

11. Finance

How can you break into management-level finance careers? Start by graduating from a finance accelerated master's program online to qualify for these in-demand jobs. High-paying finance careers, such as financial manager, pay median salaries of over $131,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).

You can earn a master's in finance or an MBA in finance online — either way, both degrees can prepare you for leadership roles.

12. Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administrators keep hospitals running. And you can qualify for these nonclinical management roles in healthcare with a master's in healthcare administration. Plus, these accelerated programs mean you can start your new career in as little as one year.

If you already work in healthcare, you may appreciate the flexibility of an online healthcare administration master's program.

13. Human Resources

Learn how to lead recruiting teams, organize training programs, and administer corporate benefits with a master's in human resources. With an accelerated graduate program, you can earn your HR degree online and enter the workforce faster.

And many schools offer electives and concentrations in training and development, HR management, and organizational leadership.

14. Information Technology

You can gain technical and management skills with a master's in information technology. Plus, you'll learn how to assess tech needs and lead IT teams. After graduation, you can work as an IT manager, which reports a median annual salary of $159,010 (BLS, May 2021).

If you want to focus on your technical skills, a master's in IT may be a great option. But if you want more management classes, you can choose to earn an MBA in IT management instead.

15. Management

Management training can pay off — managers earn the highest salaries of any occupational group (BLS, May 2021). You'll gain the knowledge and skills for leadership roles during a master's in management. You can choose to work in a variety of fields, from finance to human resources and marketing.

Accelerated master's programs in management cover topics like leadership, organizational change, and strategic decision-making.

16. Marketing

Want to work in marketing? An accelerated master's program in marketing can help you break into the field or move into management roles. And marketing managers earn above-average salaries — a median wage of $135,030 per year (BLS, May 2021).

You can choose to specialize your marketing master's online program with a concentration in digital marketing, advertising, or data analytics.

17. Nursing

Nurses can boost their earning potential with an online master's in nursing (MSN) degree. Accelerated programs offer nurse educator and nurse administrator tracks. You'll gain leadership and instructional skills in an accelerated format. Some programs take as little as 12 months to finish.

Don't have an undergraduate nursing degree? No problem, just seek out direct-entry MSN programs or start with a bachelor's in nursing program.

18. Psychology

Want to work as a psychologist, counselor, or therapist? Then an accelerated psychology master's degree might be a great option. You'll gain advanced analytical, research, and experimental skills in a fast-track program.

You can become a psychologist with a master's degree. Consider starting with an industrial-organizational psychology master's program if you want to improve workplace conditions. However, if you want to work as a clinical psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree.

19. Public Administration

With an accelerated online master's in public administration degree, you'll qualify for leadership and policymaking roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. And during your program, you'll learn how to manage public finances and lead government agencies. Or you can specialize in nonprofit management.

If you're unsure about a master's in public administration, consider a master's in public policy or a master's in public health instead.

20. Social Work

Earn your master's in social work (MSW) online to become a clinical social worker or social services manager. You'll study risk prevention, social welfare policy, and social work practice. Then, you can apply for your clinical social work license or take on leadership roles in social and community services organizations.

Already hold a bachelor's in social work? Many schools offer accelerated tracks for social work majors.

What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Online Master's Program?

While a traditional master's degree takes two years, you can earn an accelerated master's program online in as little as one year.

You can mostly expect a heavy course load and a high time commitment with one-year programs. Or you can choose a 15- to 18-month master's online program to give yourself more flexibility.

Accelerated programs can be found in nearly every degree track imaginable, including:

• MA
• MS
• MBA
• MAS
• MEng
• MPA
• MPH

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Online Master's Program?

You'll need a bachelor's degree to get into accelerated graduate programs. Depending on the program, you might also need test scores, recommendation letters, and essays.

Application

The application for an accelerated master's degree program usually requests the same information as a traditional program's application. You must submit your personal information and indicate which program you wish to enter.

Keep in mind that schools may distinguish between accelerated and traditional programs for applicants, or they may offer accelerated and traditional pathways from within the same program.

Test Scores

Many accelerated master's programs ask for standardized test scores. For example, you may need to submit GRE scores for many liberal arts fields and GMAT scores for business school. Make sure to check the requirements when researching programs — some grad programs waive the test score requirement.

Letters of Recommendation

Applications for traditional and accelerated online master's degrees often include letters of recommendation. These letters typically come from current or former teachers and employers. You can use recommendation letters from employers to complement your application resumes.

Resume

Many schools will require you to write resumes and cover letters, including for accelerated and traditional programs. These documents can highlight work experience, which may be required for entry into many business and clinical programs. Resumes also highlight your skills and strengths. You can use many of the same tips for writing a resume while in school.

Essays

Application essays can vary considerably depending on the school and program. When writing a grad school essay, you might want to address your research interests and your reasons for choosing that school and faculty. You should also outline why the specific accelerated master's degree program appeals to you.

Official Transcripts

Most applications ask for official transcripts. And many schools require you to have a minimum number of transfer credits to qualify for an accelerated master's degree. You can check out our transfer student guide for more information.

What Can I Do With an Accelerated Online Master's Degree?

You can work in business, education, tech, social services, and many other fields with an accelerated master's degree. Since you'll finish grad school faster, you can enter the workforce and start earning money sooner.

How Do I Choose an Accelerated Master's Program?

Choosing the right accelerated master's program for you depends on several factors, including cost, format, and location.

Cost

To properly evaluate cost, you can start by comparing the prices of online and on-campus programs, in-state and out-of-state programs, and public and private schools. And if you're interested in accelerated programs, you should calculate the true program cost since you might have more difficulty working while studying.

Program Format

You should compare full-time vs. part-time programs when evaluating learning formats. If you pursue an accelerated program, you'll typically study full time. But you may have a choice between synchronous vs. asynchronous courses. These various program formats determine when you'll study and what kind of work-study balance you will have.

Location

Regardless of your choice between online or on-campus programs, you need to think about location. On-campus learners must attend class in person, while online students may need to satisfy on-campus residency requirements. And accelerated online master's degrees may feature these same components.

Accreditation

No matter what type of degree or program you choose, you need to pay close attention to school accreditation. It's important to keep in mind that graduate programs must be institutionally accredited in order to offer full financial aid, licensure, and employment opportunities to students. Programmatic accreditation may also be required depending on the discipline.

Student Support

You should carefully consider the type of student services a school provides. Online student services can give you the appropriate support for your specific needs, including academic, postgraduate, and wellness services. In-program support might include college internships and mentorship programs.

Best Accredited Accelerated Online Master's Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online Master's Degree Programs

Is a one-year master's degree valid?

Yes. In many cases, a one-year master's degree provides the same level of education as a two-year program. An accelerated master's degree, for example, may condense a traditional two-year program into one year. Some accelerated programs accept transfer credits to shorten the program length to one year.

Are there one-year master's programs in the U.S.?

Yes. There are many one-year master's programs in the U.S. Schools regularly offer 4+1 bachelor's-to-master's pathways, one-year accelerated MBA programs, and other accelerated master's degrees.

What is the easiest master's degree to get online?

The easiest master's degree to get online depends entirely on the individual student and the program. Programs that you perceive as difficult — such as a master's program in engineering — can be easy for others who excel in that field. Generally, though, programs like education, business, and communication are easy to access online.

Are one-year master's programs worth it?

One-year master's programs offer great value for students that make them worth it for many people. Not only can you complete your training faster via an accelerated online master's degree program, but you can also save money due to the shorter study timelines.

Why are some master's degrees one year and some two years?

Master's degrees have varying lengths for many reasons. An accelerated master's degree may feature fewer courses and credits or a more condensed study schedule. And some programs allow you to use more transfer credits, while others expedite the transition between a bachelor's and master's program. Traditional master's programs generally last about two years.