Best Online Master’s Degrees in 1 Year or Less

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $544
Out-of-State | $1,420

Credits to Graduate: 36

Appalachian's online MBA program lets you start your education journey in the spring, summer, or fall semester. The program features eight concentration options, including business analytics, international business, and sustainable business. 

Most students can complete the degree in one year, but Appalachian also offers a two-year curriculum for part-time degree-seekers.

Admission typically requires GMAT or GRE scores, but Appalachian will grant waivers to students with a master's or doctoral degree. Other application materials include a personal statement and an academic writing sample. 

Out-of-state degree-seekers maintaining a minimum 3.4 graduate GPA may receive an out-of-state tuition waiver. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $935
Out-of-State | $935

Credits to Graduate: 36-42

Choose the one-year online MBA at Fairfield University if you want to specialize in analytics, economics, finance, or marketing. Fairfield also lets you create a custom core curriculum aligned with your concentration and career goals. The part-time track requires an extra year to complete. 

Fairfield has a 3.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff for admission. Other application requirements include two recommendation letters and GMAT scores. Fairfield does not charge out-of-state tuition, and you may qualify for federal financial aid programs by submitting the FAFSA. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $655
Out-of-State | $655

Credits to Graduate: 42

You can graduate in just one year with UMass Lowell's online MBA. Students can choose a generalist route or customize their education through electives. Optional electives include accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and marketing. 

You can study part-time or full-time, graduating quicker than a traditional degree thanks to UMass Lowell's accelerated eight-week courses. 

The Manning School of Business has a rolling admissions policy and admits applicants with a bachelor's degree and completed mathematics prerequisites. 

Cost of Program:
In-State | $29,400
Out-of-State | $29,400

Credits to Graduate: 30

The online master's in accounting program at Florida International University offers concentrations in taxation and assurance. Core classes include accounting information systems technology, advanced managerial accounting, and governmental accounting. 

The program's cohort learning model helps you build personal and professional relationships with like-minded degree-seekers. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor's in accounting and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with at least a 3.25 GPA need not submit GMAT scores. An excellent undergraduate GPA may also qualify you for the $3,000 FIU School of Accounting MACC High Achiever Student Scholarship.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,525
Out-of-State | $1,525

Credits to Graduate: 33-36

Johns Hopkins' online MS in education policy can prepare you for a career as a lobbyist, policy advisor, or nonprofit director. Core classes include statistics, education finance, and diversity. You also have to complete a one-week seminar at the university's Washington, D.C. campus. 

Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an essay, and three recommendation letters. Johns Hopkins does not require standardized test scores.

Students may qualify for institutional aid if they enroll at least part-time and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $851
Out-of-State | $851

Credits to Graduate: 30

The online master's in accountancy at Mercer University is a synchronous program that brings the on-campus experience to you. Core classes include accounting theory, accounting and tax research, and advanced auditing. 

Mercer MBA graduates go on to work for major corporations such as Deloitte, Grant Thorton, and Porsche. 

You do not need a bachelor's in accountancy to apply. Mercer uses a test-optional admissions policy. Applicants not submitting test scores write a statement of purpose. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $541
Out-of-State | $541

Credits to Graduate: 30

Truman's online master's in accounting degree features convenient synchronous coursework and optional lessons on the Kirksville, Missouri campus.

The 30-credit program gives you the option to choose from two tracks. The first track focuses on accounting for non-business entities, business analytics, and auditing. The second track includes courses on corporate taxation, tax research and taxation of pass-through entities.

Applicants must submit official transcripts, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. You do not need GMAT scores to get admitted. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $535-$955
Out-of-State | $535-$955

Credits to Graduate:  32

The online master's in criminal justice program at Boston University lets you specialize in crime analysis, cybercrime investigation, or strategic management. All learners complete core coursework in criminology, research and evaluation methods, and applied analytical methods. 

Application materials include official transcripts, and the master's in criminal justice does not require recommendation letters. Some of the careers graduates pursue include intelligence analyst and criminal investigator. 

A private university, BU does not charge out-of-state tuition. The university awards 10 institutional graduate scholarships and provides links to the latest private financial aid opportunities. 

Cost of Program:
In-State | $22,110
Out-of-State | $22,110

Credits to Graduate: 30

Aspiring social workers should consider the University of Kentucky's online MSW program. Foundation classes include professional behavior and ethics, practice with groups, and research methods. 

Three practical experience requirements will help you qualify for licensure in your home state. You customize your education in this program with optional certificates in eight areas, such as rural population wellbeing. 

The 12-month advanced standing program requires a bachelor's in social work and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Other admission requirements include a writing sample and recommendation letters.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $720
Out-of-State | $720

Credits to Graduate: 36

Saint Peter's master's in health science degree, emphasizing service learning and community service, features a flexible curriculum that only takes 12-15 months to complete.

This 36-credit program offers the chance to study subjects aligned with your career interests. Possible concentrations include health leadership, health education, and general studies. 

Saint Peters does not require GRE scores to apply, but you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be admitted.