Take your career to the next level or change careers by completing one of the top 1 year masters programs. Working professionals that want to increase their education and earn higher credentials no longer have to decide between going to work or going back to school to complete a master’s program.
Reasons to Complete a One-Year Master’s Degree Program
There is no longer a need to feel exhausted after working all day and then attending classes at night for two or three years just to earn a master’s degree. There are many reasons to earn a master’s degree today, including:
- Short time to complete program with opportunities such as online program delivery
- Improve chances for promotion and to accelerate your career
- Improve opportunities to start a new career
- Gain new knowledge related to your current profession
- Learn new skills to stand out above co-workers or for personal interest
- Provides potential opportunity to change careers
There is another crucial reason to complete a master’s degree. The United States Census Bureau reports that the number of people that hold a master’s degree has doubled in the past 20 years. Earning a master’s degree likely helps to keep an individual competitive in the workplace.
Individuals that cannot commit to the daytime classes held on campus or that cannot commit to the lengthy time that it often takes to complete a master’s program now have the advantage of learning online. Many schools offer online programs, including one-year online master’s degree programs.
The reasons that a person wants to earn a master’s degree are personal and different from one master’s degree candidate to another person that wants to earn a master’s degree. Whatever the reason that you make the choice, there are one-year master’s programs available that allows students to continue working or taking care of other responsibilities.
The tuition for these programs is based on the cost of resident tuition and the rate per credit hour. Remember that schools typically charge fees in addition to tuition. Some schools charge the same rate for all students, including students that reside in another state, while other schools charge a different rate for non-residents.
1. University of North Texas
Complete an accelerated master’s program through the University of North Texas and gain a competitive edge in your current career or when applying for a new job. Consider the Master of Science in Learning Technologies, a 14-month program, the Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, a 30-credit program or the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also a 30-credit program. The school offers several other master’s programs that can be completed in just over a year.
- Tuition: $277.79 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), AACSB, ABET, American Psychological Association, additional program accreditations
2. Lamar University
Lamar University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice in an online format that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Graduates have the opportunity to expand on their current knowledge and skills, and advance their career opportunities.
The school offers other master’s degree programs that can be completed in just 12 months, including the Master of Business Administration program, which features several concentration options.
- Tuition: $300 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB, NCATE
3. University of the Cumberlands
Complete a master’s program in as little as 10 months at the University of the Cumberlands, a school that offers many master’s degree and doctoral degree programs. Some students continue their education, and can complete some doctoral degrees in a short period of time.
Choose from programs such as the Master of Science in Information Security Systems, offered in an online format, or an online Master’s in Education degree with several concentration options. The school also offers graduate degrees in business, criminal justice, healthcare, nursing and other professions.
- Tuition: $315 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CCNE
4. Faulkner University
Students that take courses in a consecutive order in the Faulker University Executive Master of Business Administration online program can complete the program in just one year. Students learn how to make a difference at the executive level, and to gain a solid foundation in key areas of business.
Choose to enroll in the Master of Justice Administration online program and take just one course at a time, yet still earn the degree in just 14 months.
Members of the military may qualify for a tuition discount.
- Tuition: $325 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP, IACBE
5. University of Texas Permian Basin
Earn a Master of Arts in Education in as little as 12 months when you choose the online program at the University of Texas Permian Basin. The program features six start dates each year which means that students do not have to wait for months just to start working towards earning their master’s degree.
Students complete the accelerated eight-week courses in a pay-as-you-go format, which saves on the immediate cost, compared to programs that possibly requires upfront full tuition payment. Students choose their preferred option including the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in Special Education, Master of Arts in Special Education – Autism, or the Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL.
- Tuition: $369.94 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, CAEP
6. University of Louisiana Shreveport
The University of Louisiana Shreveport offers several online master’s degree programs that can be completed in as little as 10 to 12 months. Consider the Master of Business Administration 10-month program with several concentration options. Choose the Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics, the Master of Business Administration in Accounting, the Master of Business Administration in Hospitality and Casino Management or several other options, which the school offers in a 10-month online program.
Other options include several education programs, and the Master of Science in Non-profit Administration in an online format. Each of these programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.
- Tuition: $373.44 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CAEP, AACSB
7. Central Washington University
Central Washington University offers a Master of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management program in an accelerated format that students can complete in just 12 months. Choose one of the four specialization areas, including Administrative Management, Cybersecurity Management, Information Technology, or the Structures of Data Analytics for IT Managers specialization. Complete the 28 credits of common core curriculum and then complete the 20 credits in your specialization.
The school explains that students in this program learn to bridge the gap between information technology and administrative management. Gain skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, supervision, communication, budget planning and other skills relative to your specialization.
- Tuition: est. $388.88 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), AACSB
8. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama begins its efforts to save time for students by offering a new application process. Apply to the Graduate School by using the smart, fast mobile app. Once you start looking for the ideal master’s program, consider the one-year Master of Science in Engineering program.
The College of Engineering recognizes that students want to have options in their program and offers several options, including Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Chemical Engineering, or Environmental Engineering. The other options include Electrical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Some students choose to continue their education at the school because of the desire to reach the top of their chosen career, and because the school offers PhD programs in nearly all of the Master of Engineering degree options.
- Tuition: $420 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission, ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
9. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida one-year master’s programs include the Master of Science in Medical Science program. It has four concentrations, which includes your choice of Pre-Professional Program, Health Sciences, Anatomy, or Interdisciplinary Medical Science.
The online Master’s in Cybercrime program is a newer online program, which features a combination of criminological foundation with STEM-based skills to apply to the study of high-tech criminal procedures, practices, and investigations.
There are several other master’s programs that require just 30 credit hours of study and can potentially be completed in one-year.
- Tuition: $431.43 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
10. Wilmington University
Start your master’s program that requires one-year to complete when you choose from the several options available at Wilmington University. Students enjoy the online format of programs that typically take longer to complete if a student attends classes on-campus.
Consider the Master of Science in Accounting, which consists of just 10 courses that are each three credit hours. The program prepares students to gain new skills in accounting theory and practice, analyzing complex data, and demonstrating exceptional communications and collaboration skills.
The school offers other master’s programs that require only one-year completion time. The Master of Science in Administration of Justice is normally a two-year program. The school offers the program in an accelerated format for highly motivated students that want to complete the program in less time.
- Tuition: $488 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, IACBE
11. Trine University
Trine University offers several master’s degree programs that students can complete in just one year. The Master of Science in Business Analytics helps meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in the field. The program focuses on insights and understanding of business performance based on data and other factors.
The school also offers other online master’s programs, including the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and the Master of Science in Engineering Management that students can complete in just 12 months.
- Tuition: $575 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, ACBSP
12. Southern New Hampshire University
If you want to earn a master’s degree at a school with many options, Southern New Hampshire University is a school to consider for program choice. The school offers more than 100 online and traditional on-campus master’s degree programs. Many of the programs offered by the school have statements on specific degree pages that the program can be completed in as little as 15 months. There is a possibility to reduce this time commitment even further because many programs accept up to 12 hours of transfer credits.
- Tuition: $627 per credit hour
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education, ABET, ACBSP, CCNE, CACREP, CAEP
13. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley challenges prospective students to ‘lead with confidence’ as they continue to work and study at the same time while earning a master’s degree in as little as one year. Students have their choice of several master’s degree programs across several disciplines, including business, health sciences, education, social work and public affairs.
Consider earning an online Master of Business Administration degree in an accelerated format. The school is one of the few universities in the country to offer Quality Matters certified courses. Choose from several 30-credit hour Master of Education (MEd) programs that best suits your career goals, or one of the two master’s programs in social work that require just 33 credit hours of instructions.
- Tuition: $677.13 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB, CCNE
14. Campbell University
Campbell University offers an online Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) program, with several courses available only in an online format. Students learn about a broad range of topics, including applied economics for business leaders, finance and capital management, supply chain management and digital and contemporary marketing strategies.
Eligible students that apply to the online program can submit a GRE/GMAT waiver.
Members of the military and veterans receive a 20 percent tuition discount.
- Tuition: $790 per credit hour
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACBSP
15. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, with a renowned reputation, offers several opportunities for students to earn a master’s degree in as little as one year. The Master of Science in Applied Economics consists of just 10 courses and is offered in evening classes or online. The Master of Science in Biotechnology, also consists of just 10 courses, and is offered both on-campus and online.
The Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management program requires completion of just nine online courses and one on-site seminar. Consider a 30-credit hour Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate, or the 30-credit hour Master of Science in Individualized Genomics and Health. The school also offers other potential 12-month master’s program options.
Actual tuition costs vary among the different departments and degree programs.
- Tuition: est. $1,179 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, AACSB, CEPH, CCNE, ABET, CAEP
16. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Pursue a master’s degree at the Missouri University of Science and Technology and start your career or expand your career opportunities in as little as one year. Consider the Information Science and Technology degree, Master of Science in Technical Communication program, or the Master of Engineering in Geotechnics program. The school offers other master’s degree programs that require just 30 credit hours that can be completed in two years or in less time.
Members of the U.S. Military pay a discounted tuition rate.
- Tuition: $1,200 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, AACSB, ABET, CEA
17. California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay offers a 12-month accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a class size limit of 40 students per cohort. Admission to the program begins October 1st of each year and continues until the class is full. The program is offered in the heart of Downtown Oakland, and focuses on helping students to build their career.
There is no GMAT requirement for students with more than five years of work experience.
- Tuition: est. $1,404 per credit hour
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission, AACSB
18. Northeastern University
Northeastern University offers a variety of master’s programs that requires just one-year completion time. The Master of Science in Corporate & Organizational Communication is a one-year full-time program. Some students may prefer to complete the program on a part-time basis, which takes longer to earn the degree.
Perhaps you prefer a career in taxation. Earn a Master of Science in Taxation to sharpen your knowledge and skills so that you stay current on current laws and trends. There are several other master’s programs at the school that can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
- Tuition: $1,640 per credit hour
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education, AACSB, CCNE, ABET
19. University of Michigan Ross
The University of Michigan Ross invites prospective students to decide, ‘Which one-year master’s program is right for me?’ The school offers three programs that students can complete in a year, including the Master of Management, which is a 10-month master’s degree program. Complete the intensive Master of Accounting program in as little as eight months. The Master of Supply Chain Management is a 10-month STEM program.
All three programs prepare students for leadership positions, and the knowledge and skills to advance their career.
- Tuition: $1,766 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, AACSB
20. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder explains that its master’s programs that students can complete in one year or less provides students the opportunity to jump-start their career. Choose your master’s program from options that includes the Master of Science in Accounting/Taxation, the Master of Science in Business Analytics, the Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Real Estate or the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Each of these programs can be completed in just nine or ten months of study.
- Tuition: $1,971 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher learning Commission, AACSB
21. Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology indicates that the school is ‘advancing beyond the expected,’ and that it is a school that works to shape the future. The master’s degree programs at the school include several program options in business, computing and information sciences, engineering, health sciences and other disciplines.
One example of a master’s degree program that can be completed in just one year is the Master of Science in Manufacturing Leadership, offered through the school’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering. The program can be completed in just 12 months. There are several master’s degree programs at the school that can be completed in as little as 15 to 18 months of full-time study. Tuition differs among programs.
- Tuition: est. $2,089 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ABET, CAEP, CAAHEP, other program accreditations
22. Babson College
Babson College features several opportunities for students to earn a master’s degree in one year or even less time. Students have the option to extend the time that it takes to complete a degree, yet to earn a degree in as little as 16 months if they are unable to complete the rigorous requirements to complete their chosen master’s program in less time.
Consider the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, which has a one-year completion option. Do you want to complete a master’s program and expand career opportunities in even less time? Consider the Master of Science in Management in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Master of Science in Finance, or the Master of Science in Business Analytics, which students can complete in just nine months.
- Tuition: est. $2402.50 per credit hour
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), AACSB, EQUIS
Methodology
We conducted a search of colleges and universities across the country to find schools that offer a one-year master’s degree. After a thorough review, we narrowed our list to these 22 fully accredited programs.
We further ranked our list of schools by the tuition rate for the program or school. Remember that schools periodically change their tuition rate and other costs. The tuition rate does not include the cost of any fees or supplies required for a particular program.
We list any sponsored or featured school separately and do not include those schools in our rankings. If you would like to have your school included in our rankings, please contact us. If you would like to update the information that we have for your school please contact us and let us know about any changes to the information to your school.
