Quickest Master’s Degree Online Programs

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FBD Staff
Written By - FBD Staff

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

quickest masters degree online programs

Table Of Contents

National University

PROGRAM: Best Online Masters Programs

National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.

Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Best Online Masters Programs

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.

SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.

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

quickest masters 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.

Are accelerated programs academically rigorous?

Can I work full-time while pursuing an accelerated online master’s degree?

Are fast-track master’s programs accredited?

Can I choose a specialization in an accelerated program?

How does tuition compare to traditional programs?

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