How to Get an Online Master’s Degree in One Year

Many professionals look for flexible and accelerated degree programs to change fields or to advance in their careers. It can be hard to find the best institutes that offer online programs with flexible schedules that could pair well with a full-time job.

For students, online master’s degrees mean higher salaries and better job opportunities. Looking to get a top-notch master’s in one year? Explore our guide to learn about the best one year online master’s programs.

Featured Programs

5 Best One Year Online Master’s Programs You Can Study

Some master’s programs are increasingly popular and easier to take online than others, especially degrees that don’t need hands-on experience.

Fields like administration and accounting – where a master’s degree is crucial to advance professionally – often provide popular online programs to meet the increasing demand.

Below are the five best one year online master’s programs, with insights into job opportunities, potential income, and more.

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

An online MBA is a popular master’s program among students of management sciences, and it’s evident why. With one year flexible master’s programs, you can get an online MBA and start a lucrative career. Based on the major you take in your online MBA program, some career paths include:

• Financial Manager
• Operations or General Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Human Resource Manager

According to Statista, the median annual wage for management jobs in America is $107,360. If you’re considering an online MBA, look for programs that align with your career goals. Many high-ranking business schools provide MBA majors in marketing, entrepreneurship, and other popular, in-demand fields.

Master’s in Accounting

With a bachelor’s degree, you can get a one year master’s in accounting with an online accelerated program and open doors to mid to senior-level career options. You can select courses for specialization, like:

• Insurance or Finance
• Government Accounting
• Tax Preparation
• Accounting/Bookkeeping

This one year program offers a deeper understanding of accounting compared to an MBA with an Accounting major. Additionally, it equips you to pass the CPA Exam and begin a career as an accounting expert in the industry of your choice.

Master’s in Education

A master’s degree is a must for advancing in an education career. Some US states even provide funds for teachers to take courses and training on effective teaching practices. While teaching is a common career choice of people with an M.Ed., other popular roles include:

• Education administrator
• Leadership in schools
• Curriculum development expert
• Educational nonprofit management expert

The National Council on Teacher Quality notes that school districts often raise the pay of teachers with advanced degrees. Moreover, teachers pursue master’s degrees to access ancillary and administrative positions in educational institutes.

Master’s in Computer Science

Tech jobs are in high demand. With a one year online master’s in computer science, you can qualify for high-paying roles. You can choose from specializations like data science, software development, or game development.

If you’re eyeing management roles, opt for a program with management classes or an MBA in technology management. Based on your skills, a master’s in computer science can help you earn $80,000-$500,000 annually. The average starting salary is $99,000 a year.

Master’s in Health Sciences

A one year master’s in Health Sciences can be a great option if you want a role in hospital management and healthcare organizations or work in the public health infrastructure and consulting. An online program for health science is a stepping stone towards a leadership role with great earning prospects. Some common specializations include:

• Operations and Leadership
• Health Policy
• Health Information Technology
• Business Administration
• Public Health Administration

Many universities provide accelerated one year online master’s degree programs in healthcare administration. It’s a quick route to advancing your career in this field.

Ranking Best One Year Online Master’s Programs: Top Schools You Should Attend

For professionals who find it challenging to pursue a master’s degree due to time and financial constraints, there’s good news. More and more colleges and universities make their master’s degrees more accessible. This includes quicker modules, flexible timelines, and cost-effective fee structures.

But which college or university is best for a one year online master’s program? I’ve researched hundreds and thousands of colleges/universities using data from institutions and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Here is a list of the schools that are offering the best one year online master’s programs:

What Factors to Consider for a One Year Online Master’s Degree?

A one year master’s is the quickest way to advance your education. However, before diving in, assessing the return on investment (ROI) is crucial. An affordable online program with an accelerated pace can enhance your ROI. With many options available, it’s wise to consider some guideposts when selecting a program that aligns with your career goals.

Cost

An online accelerated master’s program can be more economical than a traditional program. However, comparing various program costs thoroughly is essential, as many institutions charge per credit. So, don’t assume that a one year program is always cheaper than a two year one, and always check and compare before jumping to the admission application. There are also schools where you can earn a master’s degree online for free, such as the University of Washington or University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Program Format

Explore the program learning format during research. One year programs may employ asynchronous or synchronous delivery methods.

Asynchronous classes, which don’t have fixed schedules, offer flexibility. Additionally, you can search for part-time and full-time options, although many accelerated programs typically require a full-time commitment.

Accreditation

Accreditation is important. Opt for programs from accredited institutions that meet high standards for academic excellence. On the contrary, programmatic accreditation can impact job opportunities in various fields, so prioritize accredited programs.

Student Support

Check for robust student support services in online programs, including academic advising, career services, and online tutoring. Mentorship opportunities, graduate internship programs, and a good alumni network can significantly influence your educational and career prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Other One Year Master’s Programs and Schools Are There?

In addition to what we mentioned, there are various online one year master’s programs. You can take a one year master’s in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Communication, Public health, and Social Work.

How Much Do One Year Online Master’s Programs Cost?

While public college grad tuition average $12,394, private schools’ average tuition cost is $26,621. Nevertheless, many factors, such as school type and additional charges, can impact online degree costs.

Is a One Year Master’s Worth It?

A one year online master’s degree can be valuable based on your career and financial goals. It saves money, lets you finish faster, and gets you back into the job market quicker with better career options.

Conclusion

If you want to grow in your career and boost your income potential, getting an accelerated online master’s degree is a good option. From education and MBA to health science and accounting, there are plenty of options a student can choose from for a one year online master’s degree. Follow this guide to find a master’s program that best suits your preferences.