Advancing your career doesn’t have to take years of study. Discover some of the Quickest Master’s Degree Online Programs crafted for professionals aiming to earn their degree in less time while advancing their expertise. Read on to explore flexible options designed for quick graduation.
Pursuing a master’s degree is a vital step toward career advancement, and online programs have transformed how quickly this goal can be achieved. While many assume earning an online master’s degree demands a lengthy commitment, many programs are designed for accelerated completion. We have highlighted over 40 fastest online masters degree programs from accredited institutions, focusing on efficiency in time and cost. Discover opportunities to complete your degree quickly and take your career to the next level.
Fast paced masters, fastest online masters degree programs
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Masters Programs
What are the Quickest Master’s Degree Online Programs?
Here is a list of universities that offer the fastest online masters degree programs:
National University
Boston University
Southern New Hampshire University
University of North Texas
Stanford University
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business)
University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business)
Arkansas State University
University of Wisconsin
Johns Hopkins University
Concordia University-Saint Paul
University of Houston- Cullen College of Engineering
Northeastern University
University of Massachusetts
The University of Alabama
Central Michigan University
Syracuse University
Indiana University
University of Virginia
Florida State University
Walden University
Washington State University
University of Kansas
Cornell University
Penn State College of Engineering
Purdue Global
Touro University
University of South Carolina
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri
University of Oklahoma
University of Charleston
University Of Maryland
Indiana Wesleyan University
Columbia University
Cleveland State University
Duke University
Capella University
University of Notre Dame
Emory University
Types of Quickest Master’s Degree Online Programs
The fastest online masters degree programs are designed for efficiency and flexibility, offering options to complete degrees in accelerated timelines. Full-time enrollment allows an intensive schedule, enabling completion in as little as one year. This approach provides an immersive learning experience, focusing on concentrated coursework. Part-time options cater to those balancing studies with work or personal obligations, extending the timeline to two or three years while maintaining flexibility. These programs cover diverse fields, such as business, education, and healthcare, with shorter durations often achieved through condensed semesters, year-round courses, or transfer credit acceptance, ensuring tailored pathways to academic and career goals.
Here are some types of the fast paced masters across various disciplines:
12-Month Programs
Twelve-month master’s programs deliver a comprehensive educational experience within a year. These intensive programs provide in-depth exploration of subjects, covering a wide range of topics. They are ideal for those seeking a faster, focused route to advanced qualifications. Here are a few Universities that offer 12- Month master’s programs:
University of Saint Mary- Online MBA
California Baptist University- Online MS in Education
South New Hampshire- Online MBA
14-Month Programs
Very few universities in the U.S. offer 14-month accelerated master’s programs designed for those seeking a fast-paced academic journey. These programs provide intensive coursework and condensed schedules, allowing students to gain advanced expertise across diverse fields while balancing efficiency with a comprehensive, career-focused educational experience. Here are a few Universities that offer 14- Month master’s programs:
Arkansas State University- Online MS in Education
Southwestern College- Online MS in Leadership
15-Month Programs
15-month programs strike a balance between shorter, intensive options and longer traditional formats. These programs deliver a comprehensive educational experience, covering advanced topics efficiently within a condensed timeframe. Ideal for career-driven individuals, they offer in-depth knowledge and practical skills without extending beyond a year and a half. Here are a few examples of 15- Month master’s programs:
South New Hampshire- Online MS in Data Analytics
South New Hampshire- Online MS in Finance
16-Month Programs
16-month programs offer a structured yet accelerated academic path, combining depth and efficiency for advanced learning. These programs are tailored to balance comprehensive coverage of topics with a manageable schedule, enabling students to complete degrees in just over a year. Suitable for diverse fields, they attract individuals seeking faster career progression or specialized expertise without committing to longer durations. Here are a few examples of 16- Month master’s programs:
Boston University- Online Master’s in Data Science
Boston University- Online Master of Public Health
University of Florida- Master’s in Social Media
18- Month Programs
18-month master’s programs compress traditional two-year degrees into a shorter timeline through intensive course loads. Students accelerate progress with rigorous schedules, completing comprehensive curricula efficiently while balancing advanced learning and career goals. These programs suit motivated, fast-paced learners. Here are a few examples of 18- Month master’s programs:
Western Governors University (WGU)- Online MS in Marketing
Western Governors University (WGU)- Online Master’s in Mathematics Education
20-21 Month Programs
Master’s programs lasting 20-21 months are typically designed for specialized fields, such as business, engineering, or healthcare, where additional courses or practical experiences, like internships or research projects, are required. These programs offer a balanced, intensive curriculum with variations depending on the institution and field of study. Here are a few examples of 20-21 Month master’s programs:
Western Governors University (WGU)- Online Master of Public Health
University of Miami- Online MS in Education in Sport Administration
Western Governors University (WGU)- Online Master’s In English Education
40 Schools That Offer the Quickest Master’s Degree Online Programs
Amidst a wide array of master’s degrees, recognizing programs that offer the fastest completion timelines is crucial. While many universities provide online master’s degrees, this guide emphasizes programs designed for accelerated learning. Explore institutions offering these efficient pathways to academic advancement.
Here are the details of 40 universities that offer fastest online masters degree programs:
National University, founded in 1971, is a private institution based in San Diego, California, catering to adult learners with flexible academic programs. It offers degrees at multiple campuses across California, a Nevada location, and through online platforms. Courses are structured for accessibility, with four-week concentrated classes and options for evening or Saturday sessions. Utilizing asynchronous and real-time virtual learning environments, it supports diverse student needs. With tuition fees at $15,912, it remains an affordable option.
Here is an example of a fast paced masters offered by the University:
Master of Arts in Psychology
Univ | Address |
National University |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
FAQs about the Quickest Master’s Degree Online Programs
How fast can you get a master’s degree?
A master’s degree can be earned in as little as 12 to 18 months through accelerated online programs. Completion time depends on program structure, transfer credits, and prior professional experience. Fields like business, education, and healthcare often offer these fast-track options for intensive learning and quick career advancement.