See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.
One-year MBA programs are accelerated degrees offered through school of business graduate programs. While not every college of business offers this option, many of the best online MBA programs include accelerated online MBA options. those that do often use online MBA programs to deliver this specialized business administration program.
In most cases, accelerated online programs will incorporate similar core courses, curriculum, and credit requirements as traditional two year MBA programs. However, students enrolled in one year online MBA programs will often be required to take on more work in less time to earn their degree.
The one year business administration degree will typically use longer lecture periods, more class meetings per semester, and an intensified pace of both reading and project completion. Moreover, the online accelerated MBA program will generally demand more independent and self-paced learning.
By adding these elements to the graduate program structure, the accelerated MBA makes it possible to complete the relevant graduate education in as little as 12 months.
Online business administration programs have improved the ability of graduate schools to offer accelerated MBA programs. Online accelerated programs are those that combine distance learning with a heightened pace of course completion.
As with traditional MBA programs, getting into a one year masters program online will generally require you to earn an accredited four-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree first.
Bottom Line: Many top-ranked colleges and universities are now offering accelerated MBA degree programs that can be completed in one year. These programs are often delivered in a fully online format.
Or find out more with a look at our complete List of University Rankings. Otherwise, read on.
Back to TopThe unique opportunities that online programs provide for asynchronous learning make it possible for business students to get more done on their own time.
Many one year programs are designed around self-paced courses, self-directed graduate projects, and off-peak class meeting times. This lets online graduate students complete many of their degree responsibilities while still balancing the demands of work and home.
Pursuing the one year masters program online may make it possible to power through your course demands at an accelerated pace. For this reason, many mid-career professionals will find accelerated programs far more conducive to their needs than traditional programs.
A number of top business schools make one year program completion possible through a flexible array of online courses, on campus courses, and hybrid programs combining elements of both online programs and on campus programs.
Prospective graduate students considering getting their MBA online may wish to consider the benefits of accelerated MBA programs including the savings in time and money.
Bottom Line: The online accelerated MBA is a great option for busy graduate students who need to balance work life, family life, and school.
One year online MBA programs use a few different strategies to reduce the length of time to completion. The accelerated program will usually consist of:
Online students taking a one year MBA program can also anticipate higher expectations for independent work completion including:
Generally speaking, you should expect accelerated programs to be more rigorous and challenging than traditional programs. And you should anticipate more independent completion of course requirements.
In fact, depending on where you choose to receive your business education, you may be required to demonstrate an elite level of academic excellence in order to qualify for participation in accelerated online graduate degrees. Before exploring one year MBA programs online, be sure you’re up to the challenge.
Back to TopMany accelerated MBA programs will require you to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores. The GMAT is issued by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and your scores can impact your chances of admission into a one year program.
Because accelerated programs may be more rigorous, many will have a minimum required GMAT score. Alternatively, some one year MBA programs may accept Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
MBA applicants can improve their chances of admission to the best MBA programs by ensuring that their standardized test scores match those of current enrollees.
The vast majority of accredited one year MBA programs will require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year program. This undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You don’t necessarily have to major in business to pursue an MBA.
In fact, many business schools take an interest in students with unique undergraduate backgrounds in areas like psychology, sociology, and legal studies.
The typical graduate level business administration program will include a requirement for a minimum GPA–usually 3.0. However, because accelerated MBA programs tend to be more rigorous, students applying to one year programs may be expected to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better.
Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.
Bottom Line: High test scores on the GRE or GMAT and a GPA of 3.5 or better will boost your chances of securing admission into an accelerated MBA program.
One year online MBA programs will usually incorporate the same core courses as a traditional MBA program. The primary difference may be the length of lecture periods, the number of weekly class meetings, and the speed at which course material is reviewed.
Core classes typically include:
Key Point: The one year MBA curriculum will typically cover topics such as organizational behavior, corporate finance, and business ethics.
Students who plan to pursue an accelerated online MBA degree need to consider a number of important factors first. The one year advanced business degree must be completed at an accelerated pace. This means the program may be more rigorous and challenging than the two year online master of business administration.
Therefore, it is important to consider factors like credibility, cost, and format before choosing the right accelerated online MBA program:
Online MBA degrees are generally available in a full complement of subdisciplines including human resource management, strategic management, business analytics, healthcare management, and much more.
However, not every school of business will offer an accelerated degree in your chosen concentration. This will be an important consideration for prospective MBA students with an interest in completing their graduate degree in half the time.
Therefore, as you consider your prospective graduate school, be sure your intended concentration is available online and at the desired pace. This will give you the full complement of subdiscipline options.
Some graduate schools of business may offer only generalized accelerated MBAs. Other programs may include specialized accelerated concentrations in areas such as project management, healthcare administration, or business intelligence.
Bottom Line: You have a variety of career options with a one-year online MBA, but you will need to identify a program that matches both your career development goals and your desired time to completion.
Our ranking the best online MBA programs that can be completed in one year does not technically exclude traditional accelerated MBA programs. However, a growing number of business schools are making their one year online MBA programs available to online students.
This mode of delivery allows business professionals the flexibility to complete components of the MBA degree program at their own pace without disrupting personal and occupational responsibilities.
As a result of this growing trend toward accelerated online MBA programs, the schools represented in our rankings are largely included for their unique accelerated online offerings. Contact the admissions offices for corresponding graduate schools to learn more about accelerated brick and mortar schools.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of Business Operations Specialists for each percentile in the U.S.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
SVG Attribution: Wikipedia
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
84%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1350/28
University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Minnesota was founded in 1851, which actually makes it seven years older than the state of Minnesota itself. Starting life as a preparatory academy, it would gradually evolve into the flagship school in the public state university system. With campuses roughly three miles apart in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the University is among the nation’s leading research institutions.
With a student body of well over 52,000, University of Minnesota isn’t just the biggest school in its state, but is in fact the ninth largest school by enrollment in the nation.
The university’s Carlson School of Management currently enrolls roughly 1600 students in its MBA programs, including its specialized accelerated graduate degree track.
Are still choosing a discipline. The university offers countless specialized degree programs across 19 academic schools.
Don’t enjoy a large school environment.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
29%
Graduation
88%
Student body
45K
Median SAT/ACT
1340/29
University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883 which makes it both the oldest institution in the state of Texas and the flagship school in the state university system. Today, the public research university is highly regarded for its elite level of research activity. For this reason, University of Texas at Austin is often referred to as one of the “Public Ivies.”
The University of Texas at Austin is also the single largest school in a state that is notable for its large campus populations. Today, UT Austin serves more than 52,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The McCombs School of Business serves about 1700 MBA candidates each year, and provides access to an accelerated graduate degree program.
Are looking for a college in a vibrant city. Austin is noted for its live music, nightlife, and cultural offerings.
Are seeking a more intimate educational setting.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
81%
Student body
41K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/27
Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Indiana University Bloomington was founded as State Seminary in 1820 and evolved into Indiana College within the decade. The Bloomington campus is the flagship institution in the state public university system.
Indiana University Bloomington is noted for its high level of research activity, and has been referred to as a “Public Ivy.” With top-ranked programs in areas like environmental policy, public finance, and nonprofit management, Bloomington serves more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students today.
Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business serves roughly 2000 MBA candidates today, and is noted both for its excellence at its accelerated advanced degree options.
Like to get involved in campus life. With more than 700 groups and clubs, Bloomington offers an incredible variety of social and recreational opportunities.
Prefer a small campus atmosphere.
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
85%
Student body
55K
Median SAT/ACT
1330/30
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university that was founded in 1867. The Urbana-Champaign campus is the flagship campus in the University of Illinois system.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also happens to own and maintain the fastest supercomputer based on a university campus.
The university’s Gies College of Business was formed in 1915 and is noted both for its excellence and the availability of topflight accelerated MBA degree programs.
Enjoy access to great literature and research. The library system at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is second only to Harvard’s in size and scale.
Aren’t interested in “Greek” life. Fraternities play a big part in shaping campus culture, which students describe as very party-friendly.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
20%
Graduation
90%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/30
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is considered a “Public Ivy,” a school with state funding that offers the prestige and educational experience akin to those at a private Ivy League school.
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is the flagship campus for the broader University of North Carolina system and began enrolling students in 1795. This makes UNC the only public school in the U.S. to both teach and graduate students in the 18th Century!
UNC’s prestigious Kenan-Flagler business school offers an array of specialized graduate degrees including options for students seeking one year MBA programs.
Desire a well-rounded education. All students are required to complete a liberal arts education on the way to their chosen major. Popular majors include biology, business administration, and psychology.
Prefer a more conservative environment. Many students at UNC note that the campus culture tends to lean to the liberal side of the political spectrum.
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
15%
Graduation
96%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1475/33
University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Notre Dame is located just outside of South Bend, Indiana and began its history in 1848. The private Catholic research university was formed by the Congregation of Holy Cross and is today recognized equally for the excellence of its academic and athletic traditions.
University of Notre Dame serves nearly 13,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Among its top programs are its liberal arts, business, and engineering degrees.
University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business is noted for its academic excellence and the availability of specialized accelerated MBA programs.
Are interested in research opportunities. Notre Dame is a research-intensive university where students have an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects.
Have financial constraints. As a private research university, Notre Dame may be a comparatively costly option for some students.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
91%
Student body
48K
Median SAT/ACT
1375/31
University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Florida is a public university with strong appeal for students with an interest in research. The University of Florida is classified among R1 Doctoral Universities, those institutions noted for a very high level or research activity.
The University of Florida also holds the distinction of being the only Florida college with members in the Association of American Universities.
UF’s Warrington College of Business is noted for the excellence of its MBA programs and for the availability of accelerated options for top MBA students.
Enjoy an excellent athletics program. The UF Gators varsity sports teams have claimed 45 national championships for the school.
Prefer a more intimate experience. With more than 57,800 students enrolled during the 2020-21 academic year, the University of Florida is the fifth largest school in the United States.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
88%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1375/32
University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Maryland is the flagship school in the state university system. Recognized as a “Public Ivy,” UMD is classified as an R1 Doctoral University for the excellence of its research tradition.
In fact, because of its proximity to the nation’s capital, the University of Maryland enjoys several major research partnerships with the federal government. This provides students with pathways to research, internship and employment through major agencies like NASA, the FDA, and the NIH.
The Robert H. Smith School of Business at UM was founded in 1921, and is noted today for its excellence and the availability of specialized accelerated degree options.
Enjoy an excellent athletics tradition. The UMD Terps compete in the NCAA’s vaunted Big Ten Conference.
Prefer a small campus. With more than 41,000 students, UMD is the largest school in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
74%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/25
University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Iowa is a public university that is noteworthy for the depth and excellence of its research activities. The oldest and largest school in the state rests on the banks of the Iowa River and serves more than 30,000 students.
The University of Iowa is home to a particularly large contingent of graduate students, with more than 6000 students pursuing their advanced degrees in the Fall of 2022.
Established in 1921, The Tippie College of Business provides Iowa graduate students with access to a wide range of specialized MBA programs including accelerated degree options.
Are interested in campus activities. The school is home to roughly 500 student-run groups, 22 athletic teams, and an enormous alumni network.
Prefer a small-campus experience.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
66%
Student body
73K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/24
Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Arizona State University was founded in 1885 but is recognized today for its incredible strides in making online degree programs available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The public research university offers more than 350 undergraduate degree programs across 17 colleges.
Arizona State University currently enrolls an estimated 150,000 students online and across its four Arizona campuses. This makes it one of the very largest schools by enrollment in the nation.
The graduate business school at ASU—the P. Carey School of Business—was established in 1961 and, today, serves more than 1500 postgraduate students, including those enrolled in accelerated MBA programs.
Are seeking focused graduate degrees. With more than 400 advanced degree programs, ASU grad students can choose highly specialized programs.
Prefer smaller class and campus sizes. The Tempe, Arizona campus alone is home to nearly 55,000 students.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
72%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Alabama was founded in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1820. Emerging in the immediate aftermath of Alabama’s statehood, Bama is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama.
And today, a student body of more than 38,000 undergraduates and postgraduates makes this public research university the largest school in the state of Alabama.
University of Alabama’s Manderson Graduate School of Business offers 11 unique master’s degree programs, including a top-ranked accelerated MBA.
Enjoy college athletics. The University of Alabama maintains a healthy rivalry with Auburn University’s Tigers.
Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
73%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
University of Cincinnati’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819, which makes it the largest institution of higher learning in the major Ohio city. Today, this public research university is part of the University System of Ohio.
University of Cincinnati serves more than 44,000 students at both the graduate and postgraduate level.
Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business was established in 1906 and is recognized today for its academic excellence as well as the availability of accelerated MBA options.
Are pursuing their master’s degree. More than 11,000 students are currently enrolled in the university’s array of post-graduate programs.
Are seeking a smaller campus experience. The University of Cincinnati is the second largest school in the state of Ohio.
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
79%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/29
American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. American University was actually formed by an act of Congress in 1893.
Today, American University is home to more than 8000 undergraduates and more than 6000 graduate students.
The graduate school of business at American University, Kogod School of Business was established in 1955 and offers students an array of top-ranked traditional and accelerated MBA programs.
Have an interest in public service, political affairs, and government work. Its location in the nation’s capital makes American University a feeder school for many government opportunities.
Are seeking a more affordable degree program. American University provides generous student amenities but these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
Louisiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Louisiana State University is a public research university based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 1860, LSU is both the flagship institution in the state university system and the largest school in the state of Louisiana.
With an estimated 36,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Louisiana State University offers more than 230 degree programs across 11 academic colleges.
The E.J. Ourso College of Business is distinguished for both the excellence of its MBA programs and for the availability of specialized accelerated graduate degree options.
Are seeking a diverse student body. With students from all 50 states and more than 100 nations, LSU offers the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Are seeking a small, liberal arts college experience. LSU is a large, comprehensive university with numerous educational, athletic, and recreational opportunities to choose from.
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
82%
Student body
18K
Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Baylor University was formed in 1845 by the last Congress for the Republic of Texas just before its admission to statehood. This makes Baylor the oldest continuously operating university in the state. The Waco-based private research university can also lay claim to the largest Baptist university campus in the world, with more than 1000 acres sitting on the banks of the Brazos River.
Today, Baylor University is home to more than 20,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, many pursuing degrees in top-ranked business, education, and science programs.
Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business is noted for topflight MBA degree programs, including those geared toward students on an accelerated track.
Are seeking a beautiful campus with thoughtful architecture. Students describe Baylor’s main campus as warm and welcoming.
Have financial constraints. Baylor University is a comparatively costly private institution.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
82%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/27
University of Delaware’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Delaware can trace its roots to as far back as 1743, when a Presbyterian minister named Francis Alison formed the Free School in New London, Pennsylvania. Relocating to Newark Delaware in 1765, the school wrangled for decades to achieve college status. This was granted in 1834. What began as Newark College ultimately became the largest school in the state of Delaware.
The public research university today serves more than 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students across five campuses and eight colleges.
MBA candidates in Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have access to a variety of specialized advanced degrees including an accelerated MBA program.
Are still weighing their educational options. With more than 300 degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Delaware students have plenty to choose from.
Are seeking a small campus experience. For a modestly sized state, Delaware’s oldest institution is quite large.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
Auburn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Auburn University began its history in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College. Originally conceived as a private liberal arts school in the Methodist tradition, the Auburn, Alabama-based institution would evolve into a public land-grant university in 1872.
By 1892, Auburn University had become the first coeducational four-year school in the state of Alabama. Today, a student body of more than 31,000 undergraduates and postgraduates make it the second largest institution in the state of Alabama.
Auburn University’s Graduate School of Business is noted for its excellence and for the availability of accelerated MBA degree programs.
Enjoy a strong athletics program. The Auburn Tigers enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide
Prefer a more intimate learning environment. Auburn is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
84%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1295/29
University of Massachusetts Amherst’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst was founded as an agricultural college in 1863. Today, it is the only public land-grant university located in the state of Massachusetts.
University of Massachusetts, Amherst is home to more than 32,000 students, which makes it the second largest school in the state by enrollment.
The university’s Isenberg School of Management was established in 1947 and is particularly noteworthy for its excellence as well as the availability of specialized accelerated degree options.
Enjoy a sprawling campus. At 1,463 acres, Amherst owns the largest campus in the state.
Are focused on liberal arts. Many of the state’s top programs are focused on the sciences.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
64%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/24
West Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
West Virginia University is a public research university with four campuses located across the state. The main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia is home to more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
West Virginia University is noted for its high level of research activity especially in the area of biometric technology. In fact, WVU is the FBI’s lead academic partner in this area.
WVU’s John Chambers College of Business & Economics was founded in 1951 and is recognized today for both its excellence and the availability of specialized accelerated degree options.
Are looking for options. Students can choose from between more than 350 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional levels.
Aren’t looking for a university with a “party school” reputation.
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
81%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/27
Marquette University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Marquette University is a private research university based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1881 by the Society of Jesus, Marquette retains its affiliation with the Jesuit tradition today.
Today, Marquette University serves more than 11,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Among Marquette’s most reputable programs are its business, engineering, and journalism programs.
Marquette’s School of Business Administration is particularly noteworthy both for its excellence and the availability of topflight accelerated MBA programs.
Are looking to get involved in their local community. Marquette places a strong emphasis on service-learning.
Plan to study abroad. While Marquette does offer some study abroad programs, the number of such programs is limited as compared to other private research universities of comparable size.
Find other top schools with a look at our Guide to Online Degrees.
See our Guide to Life in Graduate School for valuable tips on applying to and succeeding in your master’s or doctoral degree program.
Or get tips on studying, student life, and much more with a look at our Student Resources.