Best 1 Year Masters Programs in 2020

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

Top 5 1-Year Masters Programs

A Look at One-Year Master’s Programs

Many people think that traditional master’s programs are out of reach or untenable because of their two-year minimum time commitment. However, there are other, faster options that will appeal to numerous students looking for continuing education. There are actually a variety of accelerated one-year master’s degree programs available to most US students.

Students usually seek to complete master’s degrees because their chosen field dictates they have a master’s or because of the increased earning potential these degrees offer. This type of degree offers a more in-depth understanding of and expertise in a field of study. It also helps students become more marketable on the road to their career development.

Master’s degrees can be highly specialized, or they can be more general to successfully apply to a wide range of professions. For example, the MBA program is a common master’s degree program that has an extensive variety of applications and degree implications. Students who earn MBAs learn career-ready skills such as enhanced communication, industry networking, and time management.

Additionally, there are a number of exciting new fields that offer innovative and evolving master’s programs. Data science, for example, is a developing arena that holds a lot of practical and creative possibilities for graduate students. Many of today’s most exciting programs are available in accelerated learning platforms to help propel you toward your career goals.

Getting started with a one-year master’s program

The decision to begin an accelerated master’s program is a significant one. It deserves a good deal of consideration to make sure you find the best fit for your needs. If it’s right for you, an accelerated program can quickly help you move along your career path.

How to determine whether you need a master’s degree

Some students know going into their undergraduate career that their chosen discipline requires a master’s degree. Others discover at some point while earning their bachelor’s degree, or after starting their career, that further education would be beneficial. Still others seek out a master’s degree after reaching a stable point in their careers where they desire to expand their knowledge for their own personal fulfillment.

Some careers, such as those in the medical or specialized academic fields, automatically require an advanced degree. Others may not require a master’s degree but may offer higher pay for those who get one. Some people may get an undergraduate degree, start working in their field, and realize they will have more career opportunities if they get their master’s.

If you are unsure of whether obtaining a master’s degree is a good step for you, be sure to talk to an advisor, an admissions officer, or a career professional. If you are employed, you may also wish to discuss the specific benefits of getting a master’s degree with your boss or HR representative. If you have a mentor or a trusted friend who has earned their master’s, ask them to help you research and make your decision.

When to start a one-year master’s program

The basic requirements for beginning your master’s are that you have your undergraduate degree and have taken any required entrance tests (such as the GRE). After that, you will be eligible to apply for your master’s degree. You may also be able to work in your chosen field at the same time you are going to school to get your master’s.

A good place to start researching your master’s program is with the institution where you earned your undergraduate degree. You should have access to a career center or counselor who can give you advice. There could even be discounts associated with continuing your study at your original university.

From there, you can do research on your own. You can look up institutions online or find recommendations on professional forums. Contact friends, family, or coworkers who have completed their master’s degrees, and see what their recommendations are.

It is, of course, important to begin a master’s program (especially an accelerated course of learning) when you know you will have time for it. While you can’t always plan for life, it probably isn’t a good idea to start your master’s degree if you have overwhelming time commitments elsewhere. Be realistic about the time you have to devote to your studies and what is going on in other aspects of your life.

Earning a master’s degree in one year

Most traditional master’s degrees can be achieved in one year if you are willing to be flexible. Degrees range from MBA programs to specialties in the medical field, the arts, and the sciences. If you are interested in a specialized field, your future employer will probably require you to have a master’s degree.

The following fields all have specialties that may require advanced degrees:

• Art and design
• Business and management
• Counseling and psychology
• Criminal justice
• Education
• Engineering disciplines
• Health care and nursing
• Humanities
• IT and technology/computer science
• Legal fields
• Science
• Social work

Advantages and disadvantages of one-year master’s programs

As with all other decisions regarding your education and career, there are pros and cons to accelerated programs. Ultimately, it is up to you and your decisions regarding your needs as a student, but the benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks. Here are just a few of them to consider.

Some advantages of one-year master’s programs

Getting your master’s degree in one year will help speed you on your way to your chosen career. It presents a shorter period of inconvenience to students who will be working or parenting while earning their master’s degrees. There may also be some cost savings associated with achieving your master’s in one year.

For students who aren’t pursuing a specialized field of study but are looking to boost their pay rate, a one-year master’s is a great option. They can enjoy the benefits that come with higher pay and additional career opportunities with an online master’s within one year. These degree programs offer a wide range of prospects for your future (and they look great on a résumé).

Additionally, completing a master’s degree in one year should also help you add some soft skills to your experience. You will become proficient in managing time, meeting tight deadlines, and planning projects. You’ll be able to say that you successfully completed a rigorous course of study in half the time it takes many other students.

Disadvantages of one-year master’s programs

There may, of course, be challenges associated with those tight timelines and getting the required work completed in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, it may be harder for working adults to effectively juggle both school and work schedules. Furthermore, the accelerated pace of a one-year program may present logistical challenges with students who have children and families to care for on top of other responsibilities.

Cost is usually a concern with any degree program, but there are many options for affordable programs all over the United States. As with undergraduate degrees, institutions may be able to offer financial assistance or payment plans. If your schedule allows, you may also wish to work for a period of time before or during your studies if possible to offset the educational costs.

A one-year graduate program offers a timeline that can be intense, so students may need to carve out more time to devote to their studies. A student may also begin a one-year program and then realize midyear that the timeline will need to change. Regardless, the benefits of achieving a master’s degree in one year outweigh the disadvantages.

In-person one-year master’s programs

Most students can be successful with any subject in a one-year master’s program either online or in person. It depends on your unique situation whether you are best suited for one or the other. There are also some hybrid programs that offer the best of both worlds.

Subjects for one-year in-person master’s programs

Professional studies that require a good deal of hands-on learning may be best suited either for in-person instruction or for a blend of the two. For example, areas of study that focus on the sciences and involve physical research projects may require a student to be present for at least part of his or her learning experience. Any program that requires travel, of course, will also require at least a part-time investment in in-person learning.

To this end, many one-year programs may offer a limited residency option, in which the majority of classwork is done online. In these types of programs, the student is present in person only for truly required instruction. This is a great option if you choose an in-person program that is not located near where you live.

To achieve a degree in one year, a student will also need to look for a graduate program that either waives the thesis requirement or has a modified program. Traditionally, a thesis or dissertation can take a year (or more) to complete. Thus, it is important to be familiar with all thesis requirements, or lack thereof, for any master’s program you are interested in.

The value of in-person programs

In-person programs have the advantages of traditional classroom learning: a teacher who can answer questions and give immediate feedback, classmates who enhance learning with questions and discussions, and a structured learning environment. Students who find it challenging to set their own schedules with online learning may feel more comfortable in a traditional in-person classroom.

Also, it is often easier for teachers to develop relationships with students in person, which allows for more robust advising and mentoring. This is particularly valuable if a student will need professional references or guidance in the future. Some students can find it challenging to get to know their professor outside a traditional classroom environment.

This can be a very important consideration in specialized fields. The opportunity to build a working relationship with a professor who is an expert in your field can be hugely important. Make sure to consider whether it would give your career a boost to be able to make these types of connections.

Another beneficial aspect of in-person programs is the interpersonal networking that is available. Even if you do end up attending school online, look for opportunities for in-person gatherings, study groups, information sessions, or job fairs. It never hurts to begin building (or expanding) your professional network.

In-person students may also benefit from one-on-one instruction or tutoring for subjects with which they are struggling. On-site resources like writing or math labs can be hugely beneficial if you are the type of learner who needs someone to walk you through something in depth. Keep in mind, though, that if you need additional help, you can usually find an in-person private tutor even if you’re enrolled in an online or hybrid program.

Best options for one-year in-person master’s programs

If you’re planning to attend an in-person school, you will need to choose a school that is within a reasonable physical distance of where you live. Alternately, you may choose find a school with a limited residency option. Finally, there also are a number of affordable schools that offer these programs with both in-person and hybrid options.

Online one-year master’s programs

Because of the tight timeline of a one-year graduate program, online offerings often make the most sense for students. They are generally quite convenient and are well aligned with the needs of the accelerated student. You can also be assured that there will be minimal disruption to learning based on circumstances that you cannot control.

Online learning in today’s universities

Remote or distance learning has become more popular in recent years. Especially with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, students appreciate the flexibility of online learning. There are a number of resources to help students prepare for online learning if they are new to this type of instruction.

There should be options for online versions of every aspect of the university experience. Professors easily hold classes, keep “office” hours, and post materials online. Advisors are usually able to communicate virtually as well.

Even if you are coming from a traditional in-person undergraduate experience, the transition to online learning should be an easy one. The bottom line is that all you really need is internet access, the ability to manage your time, and the appropriate software and class materials.

If you have misgivings about completing an online-only graduate program, there are a number of resources to help prepare you for this type of learning. You can find tips online to help you set up a study area or help you plan out your time. Also, be sure to ask your advisor or admissions professional to see if your institution can help you in these areas to set you up for success.

Best choices for online one-year master’s degree programs

The best fit for each individual student is, of course, the one that best meets his or her specific career goals and learning needs. However, students should make sure that any online master’s degree program is fully accredited.

There are numerous well-known schools around the country offering a variety of master’s degree programs, including MBA programs. Some of these include Arizona State University, North Carolina State University, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Alabama. Purdue’s Global University also offers a wide range of customized options for graduate school.

There are smaller schools available that may have even more affordable options. Especially if you are obtaining a general graduate degree to achieve a higher pay rate at your job, you may have more flexibility to choose a lesser known and less expensive option. Doing some quick online research should yield many results to finish graduate school in one year or less.

The broad appeal and value of online programs

Online one-year master’s programs are valuable mainly because of the flexibility they offer. For many students who are working and parenting at the same time, an online option is the only viable means to getting a master’s degree. Furthermore, online classes tend to be more self-paced, allowing students flexibility as they complete classes rather than being committed to in-person instruction at specific times.

From a practical perspective, earning a degree online should only help to prepare you for the way many of today’s organizations run on a daily basis. Many companies and careers are now completely remote, and teams communicate solely online. While interpersonal communication skills will always be vital, gaining experience in working online may prepare you for the way your company will actually function.

With busy professionals going back to school, time is always a factor. Quite simply, attending school online is a better option for those with limited time or who are juggling both school and work. There is no commute, much of the work can be completed at your own pace, and you are not wasting time walking around a large campus.

Areas covered by one-year online master’s degrees

There are a number of subject areas offered in one-year online graduate options. The most common include business administration, health care, IT, finance, and education. There are even options to earn two master’s degrees in some institutions offering a dual program.

With today’s emphasis on remote learning, though, it is safe to say that almost any concentration should have an online option. Even if you consider yourself more of a traditional on-campus student, you should explore the online master’s programs available. You might be pleasantly surprised at your ability to earn a comprehensive master’s degree without ever having to leave your home.

Getting ready for graduate school

Once you have chosen a master’s program, you will need to devise a plan of action to see yourself successfully through your year of accelerated learning. It is thus important to make sure you are getting ready before you begin your course of study. This involves preparing both physically and mentally.

It may help to take a period of time and think about what your main goals of this year will be. Are you going to be able to work during this time, or will you be able to focus your time solely on your studies? How will you balance any family obligations with your commitment to your studies?

It will also help to familiarize yourself with the resources available to you before you actually need them. For example, if your institution offers a writing lab or tutoring services, make sure you are familiar with these offerings and how to request them. Doing a bit of research in advance will save you time during your studies, especially in a time crunch.

Also be sure to communicate your goals with your everyday “network,” whether it is your friends, family, or colleagues (or all of them!). If you will be working while attending school, let your colleagues or boss know so they won’t expect you to work, say, late nights while you’re in school. Make sure your family and friends know that you are undertaking a rigorous year of study to help manage their expectations of your time.

It also will not hurt to have a plan in place to manage stress. Undertaking a master’s degree in one year will require some sacrifices on your part, but make sure to take care of yourself. Make a clear plan for time management, including time for self-care and time away from studying.

Also be sure to use the “working backward” method of planning your coursework. Look at when major projects are due, and use that date to plan milestones for yourself. You can even use this method to assign yourself daily or weekly work to ensure that you are on track.

It may seem daunting to start a year of such focused and intense study, but making plans before your studies actually start is a great idea. As with anything else in life, doing some advance preparation and research will surely come in handy. Don’t wait until deadlines are looming and you are overwhelmed and immersed in work to figure out how to manage your time!

Career implications of having a master’s degree

There are both practical and personal reasons to attend graduate school and get a master’s degree. Both are valid and are worth exploring if you are on the fence about whether you should pursue a master’s degree. Many students begin their graduate studies simply to fulfill a career requirement but find that the degree pursuit offers more than they expected.

From a practical standpoint, a master’s degree offers more enhanced and experiential knowledge in your chosen field of study. You will immerse yourself in what truly interests you and will focus solely on studies related to your career. You should gain the knowledge required to give you a solid start in your chosen field, but do not discount the additional skills you will learn.

The process of getting a master’s degree will help you hone your research and communication skills. You may have experienced this to a point in your bachelor’s degree, but now you should be interacting with like-minded students in your own field. You will also be making contacts that will come in handy as you expand your professional network.

Many master’s programs offer the opportunities for professional internships or travel for research programs. Moreover, you should gain customized and up-to-date expertise in your chosen field. Additionally, earning your master’s degree will make you a more marketable candidate as you apply to jobs in the future.

So many careers encourage or require a master’s degree. Even if your current field doesn’t necessitate having one, in today’s fluid job market, you never know when you will need to change careers. Having an advanced degree will help give you an advantage over your competition.

From a personal standpoint, getting a master’s degree should give you a great sense of accomplishment. It shows that you have made a commitment to become credible and knowledgable in your field. It should also expand your worldview and offer you more nuanced perspectives of subjects in your specific area of study.

Having your master’s degree may also give you a more solid sense of career security. Because it generally greatly increases your earning potential, you should expect a higher rate of pay across your lifetime earnings. In general, those who have earned master’s degrees make an average of 35 percent more over the courses of their careers than those who only hold bachelor’s degrees.

In summary, the decision to attend graduate school is a significant one, but completing a master’s degree program in one year will impact your career for years to come. Not only will it give you advanced information for your chosen field, but it also will position you well in the market. For these reasons alone, this is most certainly a worthwhile endeavor.

There are a number of viable options for enrolling in an accelerated one-year master’s program. It may take a little research to decide on whether a traditional or online program is best for you, but both offer many advantages. For more information, please be sure to check out these online master’s programs. Good luck on your journey to your master’s degree!

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.

 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.