- Best one-year M.S. in Operations Research: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Best one-year M.S. in health informatics: Charter Oak State College
- Best one-year Master of Computer Science: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Best one-year Master of Theology: Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
- Best one-year M.A. in psychology: Touro University Worldwide
- Best one-year M.A. in nonprofit management: Johns Hopkins University
- Best one-year M.B.A.: Clarks Summit University
- Best one-year master’s in athletic coaching: Florida State University
- Best one-year Master of Integrated Innovation for Products and Services: Carnegie Mellon University
- Best one-year M.S. in project management: University of Southern California
Updated: Apr 5, 2024, 1:51pm
If you want to finish grad school and enter the workforce as quickly as possible, a one-year master’s degree might be the right fit for you. While these intensive degrees can be more rigorous than traditional programs due to their accelerated timelines, you may see a faster return on your investment by studying for a year and immediately finding a job in your field.
However, not all one-year master’s programs are created equal, as the quick pace can occasionally affect their quality. As such, it’s important to research carefully and choose the right program for you.
To that end, we’ve ranked the top one-year online master’s programs in high-impact fields. Read on to learn more.
Our Methodology
Best Online One-Year Master’s Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online One-Year Master’s Program?
Online college seems to grow more popular every day. Nevertheless, distance learning works best for a specific kind of student. Before committing to online grad school, ask yourself a few questions:
- What’s your budget? Compared with their on-campus peers, distance learners generally save on costs associated with housing and transportation. Some public universities also allow online students to pay discounted or in-state tuition rates.
- How will your degree fit into your schedule? Flexibility is often the main selling point of distance learning. If you plan to work full time or raise kids while enrolled, consider an asynchronous online master’s program, which eliminates scheduled class sessions. This delivery method can help you juggle multiple commitments in your busy life.
- What’s your learning style? Online learning requires a great deal of self-discipline, organization and time management skills. If you need additional structure or crave the support of a regular group of peers, on-campus learning might offer a better fit.
Accreditation for One-Year Master’s Programs Online
Look out for two types of college accreditation: programmatic and institutional.
Of the two, institutional accreditation is more crucial. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and U.S. Department of Education oversee independent agencies that handle the institutional accreditation process. These agencies evaluate schools for the quality of their faculty, finances, programs and student services, among other areas. If they pass the evaluation, they receive accreditation.
You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you can’t receive federal financial aid, and employers may not recognize your degree. To check a school’s accreditation status, visit its website or check CHEA’s directory.
Programmatic accreditation provides similar quality assurance in specific fields. However, this distinction only matters in certain fields, like healthcare or psychology. Some employers require programmatic accreditation when hiring, and some state boards only award licensure to graduates of accredited programs.
How To Find the Right Online One-Year Master’s Degree for You
Consider Your Future Goals
A one-year online master’s degree can quickly and efficiently help you enter the workforce and start seeing a return on your investment in your education. However, each program is different, so choose the degree that best fits your individual goals and circumstances.
Since one-year online master’s degrees minimize completion times, they may eliminate in-person elements like internships and practicum experiences. However, it may be worth seeking out these opportunities, which help you gain experience and get your foot in the door with potential employers. In some fields, state licensing boards may require practical experience.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the programs in our guide ranged from $317 to $2,354; most programs require 24 to 33 credits. In total, earning a degree at one of our ranked schools costs between $9,510 and $57,436.
In comparison, grad school tuition at a nonprofit, private college cost an average of $20,408 in 2022–23, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Public colleges cost an average of $11,554 per year.
Make sure to fill out the FAFSA® as your first recourse for financial aid opportunities like grants, scholarships and loans. You can also pursue similar opportunities through schools and nonprofit organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online One-Year Master’s Programs
Can you do a one-year master’s?
Yes, you can. All of the programs ranked in our guide take one year to finish.
Is a one-year master’s enough?
Yes, it is. As long as you work through all required coursework and graduate, a one-year degree provides an adequate education that can help advance your career.
Is a one-year master’s degree valid in the U.S.?
Yes, it is. Diplomas generally do not list completion times, so a one-year master’s is as valid as any other master’s degree.
How fast can I get a master’s degree?
One year of full-time study is generally the fastest that you can complete a master’s degree. Keep in mind that completion times vary by school and by program.