The fastest masters degree online is a quick and flexible way for individuals to earn a degree and advance their career and salary potential. Many professionals seek the fastest online master’s degree to get a leg up in the workforce. Or maybe to change careers, or even to become an expert in a given field. If this is you, keep reading, friend.
So, you know you’re ready for that next step, but you also know that you don’t have 2 or even 3 years to give to the endeavor. Well, you are in luck! You can earn a fast online Master’s degree in as little as 10 months. Many more options open up if you can commit 12 months of your life to the pursuit.
How Do You Know if a Fast Online Master’s is Right for You?
What is your current job like? Can you handle anything else added to your plate?
Can you afford to spend thousands more dollars on your education? Does your field require a graduate degree? Do you need a higher degree for the job promotion or career path? If it doesn’t, it might be wise to rethink investing that kind of money and time into a higher degree.
What does your family life look like right now? Can you thrive if you add grad school to your plate? What extra stress could that add to your life? Or is now the perfect time for you to go back to school?
5 Strategic Ways to Get the Fastest Online Master’s Degree
If getting a fast master’s degree is important, let’s get strategic about it. It’ll take a little digging and creativity, but it’s doable. There’s no need to waste any of your valuable experiences. Let’s do this! Below are a few tips for your research.
Find programs that don’t require a thesis.
One way fast online Master’s degree programs reduce the time it takes to earn the degree is by nixing the thesis requirement. You might have a culminating project or exam. Or even better, nothing at all!
Find programs that take in account your prior work experience.
You’ve been working in the field for a while, and your knowledge is valuable, friends. Try looking for schools, like Capella University, that take in account all the hours you’ve already put in.
Find programs that take in account your prior certifications or life experiences.
Likewise, what you’ve already achieved in your life, or professional certifications could be valuable tools to help reduce the amount of time it takes to earn your fast online Master’s.
Find programs that offer accelerated degrees, accelerated courses, or self-paced curricula.
Typically programs that offer accelerated pacing enable you to finish your degree faster. But, this varies from school to school and depends on the program’s requirements. And a self paced master’s degree program allows students to work at their own pace. So, individuals must be motivated to complete these fastest online masters degree programs.
What are Accelerated Programs?
If you don’t already have your Master’s degree but know you want to get one, there is another option for you to consider. Many schools offer 4 + 1 combined degrees that allow students to pursue both their Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in just 5 years.
In these programs, students might have the opportunity to take graduate-level courses during their undergraduate studies. To accelerate the pace, some classes will count toward both degrees. After you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree (and possibly some graduate credits), students can pursue an accelerated 1-years Master’s degree online to round out the program. If this sounds intriguing, do some research and find a few 5-year combined undergraduates and graduate degrees that match your interests.
7 Schools with Some of the Fastest Online Master’s Degrees
There are many options for a fast Master’s degree online, but in this section, we’re sharing a few quick online programs that stood out in our research. Some offer 1-year online Master’s degree programs. But others are only 10 months in length! So, browse through the options and see if any of these programs with the fastest online master’s degrees match what you are looking for. Good luck!
1. Gardner Webb University
The 10-month MBA program at Gardner Webb University was created with YOU. You can complete this online Master’s degree fast and for under $20k. The program utilizes a hands-on approach and will feature course projects, simulations, and collaboration with business leaders in the field.
GWU also offers a 10-Month Master in Public Administration (MPA).
School site: Click here for more on this accelerated online master’s program!
2. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas is one of the largest online education providers in Texas. These accelerated programs hold classes in 8-week terms and also have multiple start dates throughout the year.
- Master of Science in Advanced Data Analytics with four optional concentrations
- Online Master of Science in Learning Technologies
- Early Childhood Education Online Master of Science
- 12 month Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
School site: Click here for more on these accelerated online programs!
3. Capella University
At Capella University, you’ll have many fast online Master’s degree options to choose from! So, take a look at their Flex-Path program, which allows you to work at your own pace. You’ll even get credit for prior work and life experiences.
Master’s degree options include degrees in Sport Psychology, Nursing Informatics, Healthcare Management, and also many more accelerated master’s degree programs.
School site: Click here for more year masters programs online!
4. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Students seeking to earn a fast master’s degree should undoubtedly check out the online learning options at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Options include quick online Master’s degrees in Business, Public Affairs, Education, Health Sciences, and also Social Work. Many 10-month online programs are available.
- Online Master of Business Administration MBA with 9 specializations in Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Planning, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, International Trade, or Marketing
- Online Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Accountancy (MACC) Accelerated Online program
School site: Click here for more on accelerated learning programs for graduate students!
5. The University of the Cumberlands
Looking for a variety of online Master’s degrees you can earn fast? Then check out the fast online graduate options at the University of the Cumberlands. Their accelerated bi-terms allow students to complete their online Master’s degree fast, even as quickly as 10 months.
Options could include short online graduate degrees in fields like Project Management, Mental Health Counseling, Christian Studies, and Global Business.
School site: Click here for more on online master’s programs!
6. LSU Shreveport
If you’re looking for a quick MBA program, check out Louisiana State University Shreveport’s online MBA program. The good news? You can earn a graduate business degree in as little as 10 months. With a low tuition rate and AACSB accreditation, this accelerated degree program is full of benefits.
Additionally, the school also offers a popular online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). This graduate program takes 12 months for most students to complete. Bellow are a few more of LSU’s fastest online master’s programs.
- Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration online
- Online Master of Arts in Educational Technology
School site: Click here for more on an accelerated online master degrees!
7. Southern New Hampshire University
Students have numerous options for an online master’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University. This private university is in the New Hampshire town of Manchester, where students attend classes on campus. The university has accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
SNHU offers credit for prior learning, and the school does not require GRE or GMAT test scores. Below are some of SNHU’s popular fastest online master’s degrees.
- 10 month MBA Online with 15 concentrations
- 15 month Master’s in Project Management Online
- Online Master of Science in Psychology with concentrations in Industrial Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or Child and Development Psychology
- Online Masters in Organizational Leadership
School site: Click here for more on online master’s programs!
Why Earn a Master’s Degree
The fastest-growing segment of higher education is with graduate programs. Working professionals enroll in accelerated online master’s degrees to gain credentials for career advancement and to earn more.
A master’s degree provides the knowledge and skills to solve complex problems. And earning a graduate degree can increase your salary potential and qualify you for career advancement.
Is an Online Graduate Degree the Same as an On-Campus Program?
Yes, online learning evolved a lot over the past decade. For example, the best online graduate schools have classes led by the same faculty who teach students on campus. Additionally, the current learning systems deliver classes to students at any location. So, on-campus students and online students often have the same course platform.
Other good news is that professionals in the field design accelerated online graduate degree programs. And that means no fluff. You take the classes you need at an accelerated pace and earn your degree faster. Many schools even offer self-paced programs, which allow you to complete your coursework on a timeline that works for you.
How Fast is Online Graduate School?
Typical master’s degrees are 30 to 36 credits and take most students two years to complete. However, some master’s degree programs take as little as 10 months or a year to complete these fast track master’s programs.
An accelerated online graduate program has the same content as a traditional program. But an accelerated program takes less time because the classes are over a shorter period. Many use 8-week terms instead of 16 weeks. So the content is condensed into less time in the fastest online masters degree programs.
What Are the Fastest Accredited Online Graduate Degrees?
What is the fastest degree to get? Below are more online degree programs students can earn quickly. Quick masters degrees are usually accelerated programs. But they vary in length from 9 months to 18 months. The fastest degree is usually in business administration, computer science, business management, healthcare, or education.
- Master of Accountancy
- Online Master’s in Educational Leadership – one of the fastest education degree programs
- Accelerated MBA
- Master of Health Care Administration
- Creative Writing Online Master of Arts
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- Master of Forensic Sciences
- Human Resource Management Master’s
- Educational Technology Online Master of Arts
- Strategic Management
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
- Information Technology Management
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Music in Music Education
- MS in Operations Management
- Public Administration online Master
- Healthcare Administration and Information Technology
- Accelerated MSN Programs
- Master of Art in Art Education
- Engineering Management
- Online Master of Science in Special Education
- Computer Information Systems or Computer Science degree
- Business Management
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Supply Chain Management
- Global Marketing Management
- Teacher Education
- Nursing Education
- MPH degree programs
- MS in Human Resource Management
Other Fastest Accredited Online Graduate Colleges
What are the fastest accredited online graduate colleges? There are many other schools with the quickest masters degree online programs. Furthermore, many schools on this list have quick online masters degree programs. Below are some other accelerated learning programs for you to also check out.
- Trine University
- California Baptist University
- University of Miami
- Colorado State University
- Ball State University
- Boston University
- Western Governors University
- North Texas University
- University of Florida
- Saint Leo University
- Northeastern University
- Concordia University
- Washington University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- University of Charleston
- Arkansas State University
- California State University
- Frostburg State University
- Indiana Wesleyan
Are Fast Master’s Degrees Cheaper than Traditional Programs?
First, there are two components to your cost – money and time. You will often spend less money on tuition for an online program than in an on-campus program. This is because many universities now offer less expensive education for online students. And some state schools offer the same rates regardless of residence. So state and out-of-state students pay the same.
And since you don’t have to move or commute to attend classes, you save money on these living expenses. However, only some online programs are affordable, so make sure you research schools before you apply.
The time you save in an accelerated program also saves you money and allows you to earn a higher salary much faster. In addition, because an accelerated program is shorter, many students end up paying less for the total cost of the degree. This is only sometimes the case, so make sure you check.
How do You Pay for an Online Master?
Are you interested in an accelerated graduate program but need help paying for it? Well, online graduate students pay for school the same as students pay for on campus programs.
You can apply for federal grants, scholarships, and also federal student loans. However, the first step is to fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid. After you complete the application, you will get a Student Aid Report (SAR) that outlines your financial aid need. First, you should accept scholarships. Then grants and federal loans. The last money you accept should be private student loans.
Additionally, many companies have employer assistance programs for graduate school. So, ask at work if there are any tuition assistance programs.
Who Accredits Online Education?
Online schools have accreditation from the same organization as traditional schools. Accreditation for higher education is for the schools and programs you attend.
- Regional: accredit an entire institution, most reputable, credits transfer easily between schools in the same region
- National: accredit an entire institution, particularly those operating in more than 1 state
- Programmatic: accredits select programs from institutions like an MBA or nursing program
Most traditional colleges have regional accreditation from one of the below accrediting bodies.
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities
- Higher Learning Commission
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC senior college)
Your Accelerated Program Path
A typical master’s degree program takes students two years to complete. But the evolution of online education makes it possible to finish much faster. In addition, prospective graduate students can attend a nationally ranked school and choose from many different one year master’s programs.
These flexible graduate programs make it possible for students to work while they take online classes. Of course, online degrees are not for everyone. But if you are a self-starter, accelerated online learning is a great way to earn a degree!
Related:
- What Are the Easiest Online Master’s Degrees?
- Is It Easier To Get Into An Online Master’s Program?
- How Do I Get a 1-Year Online Master’s Degree?
- How Can I Get a Master’s Degree Fast?
