30 Top Fastest Masters Degree Programs in the United States

AOC top fastest accredited online graduate colleges AOC

Getting a master’s degree is hard work. But you don’t have to spend years and years in school to get your degree. Enrolling in a quick master’s degree program allows you to advance your education and graduate ahead of schedule.

You can earn some of the fastest online graduate degrees in a year or less. That’s it! This is done in various ways.

For example, some schools offer accelerated degree programs that shorten the typical master’s degree schedule. By taking classes that are shortened and intense, you might take a semester or two less to get your degree.

Featured Programs

Other schools allow you to pursue a master’s degree as you complete a bachelor’s degree. Again, this can save you months of time getting your degree.

Whatever your academic interests, you’re bound to find a fitting program among the 30 top fastest accredited online graduate colleges listed below.

A Master’s Degree Gives You Tools to Solve Bigger Problems

One of the fastest masters degree programs is a wise investment. You build knowledge and skills, but you also improve your career potential with a graduate degree. More and more jobs use new technologies that demand highly trained workers. Improving your skills might help you get one of those coveted positions.

Careers from education to health care, agriculture to resource management, can benefit from a master’s degree. You can build upon your previous education and work experience to prepare you for bigger challenges. Learn to lead in your field. Develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

Even if these degrees are fast, you’ll still get an inspirational education provided by faculty with experience and expertise.

Online Graduate School Can Be Quick and Accessible

If you search, “fastest masters degree program online,” you’ll find that some master’s degree programs take as little as a year to finish. Others require two years or more.

A dual online master’s degree allows you to fast track a second master’s degree with just another semester or two of school.

But, why get two master’s degrees? You can double your return on your educational investment! With related degrees that support each other, you can make more valuable contributions in your career and community.

What Are the Fastest Accredited Online Graduate Colleges?

In about a year or two of schooling, you can graduate from an accredited graduate program. This breaks down to about 15-20 hours of classwork per week.

Online colleges offer flexible online learning that fits into your schedule. And, with accelerated learning options, you may be closer to the career and personal advancement that an accredited master’s degree can deliver.

How are the Fastest Online Graduate Programs Ranked?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

Each master’s degree online has an individual score. That score is compared to all other universities that offer the same online master’s degree. This allows us to determine the final score, which you can see by each ranking.

Accredited Online College considers various factors to determine the rankings. This includes:

affordability
student-to-faculty ratio
the number of programs offered on-campus and online

To learn more about how we rank these online master’s degree programs, visit our methodology page.

Now, let’s get to our rankings of the fastest masters degree programs!

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is a Christian institution of higher education. It focuses on leading with its principles while delivering fundamental academic concepts.

As an online student at Liberty, you’ll get support from advisors. You can access technical help at any time, from starting your application to earning your diploma.

There are more than 275 master’s degrees available from Liberty. Most degree paths are taught 100% online. That means you can get through your master’s degree program conveniently and quickly!

There’s an adaptable schedule of eight-week courses. There are also eight start dates throughout the year. These features make this the fastest masters degree program on our list.

There is no GRE requirement for applying to master’s degrees at Liberty. You can get started right away! All you need is your unofficial college transcripts to start the admission process.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Liberty University here.

2. National University

National University provides a broad range of classes and degree programs. The university has more than 20 campus centers. Or, you might pursue your educational goals from wherever you might be with National University online classes.

Choose from one of 57 master’s degrees to help you advance in your current field. These degrees prepare you for a new career, too. Degree possibilities include:

Master of Accountancy
Master of Health Care Administration
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Master of Forensic Sciences

NU provides support to guide you through your journey toward a master’s degree. For example, academic advisors help you create the fastest path toward your degree. Online technical help is also available 24/7 for students pursuing master’s degrees.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at National University here.

3. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati boasts 200 years of educational excellence. It’s a leading institution of research and higher education.

Now, with UC Online, the education comes to you on a flexible schedule to fit your busy life. Plus, it’s one of the best sources of online programs in the country.

You can take courses in many subjects, including:

Criminal justice
Public health
Business administration
Early childhood education
Healthcare administration
Information systems

UC Online offers an education that delivers a solid return on investment. The time and resources you put into your educational pursuits will come back as increased knowledge and skills.

What’s more, the same outstanding educators who teach on campus lead your online courses. You can rest assured that you get a top-tier education at the University of Cincinnati.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at University of Cincinnati here.

4. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers degree opportunities for new and returning college students. If you live outside of the region, don’t worry! EKU Online has over 15 master’s degree options available.

You can advance your critical thinking skills and develop career potential at EKU. Explore fields like:

education
psychology
public administration

These and other courses are available in a flexible online schedule.

With a convenient eight-week class structure, you can complete courses rapidly. You can also progress toward your master’s degree with confidence.

EKU’s advanced learning management system includes a website for every class. You can interact remotely with your instructions and classmates. You can also take part in course activities on the web.

What’s more, advisors help you create a schedule that maintains career and family duties while you’re getting a degree.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Eastern Kentucky University here.

5. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas has educational specialists to help bridge your past education experience and your current degree goals.

Each applicant to the University of North Texas has an advisor to help develop a custom degree plan. This plan focuses on helping you fill in the “missing pieces” to complete your degree.

There are over 30 accredited online master’s degrees available from UNT Online. You can pursue your educational goals on a flexible schedule. All you need is an internet connection and the drive to succeed!

At the University of North Texas, you can choose from:

Master of Arts
Master of Science
Master of Education

There’s also an online MBA program with seven specialty areas.

There is an accredited masters degree at UNT Online for virtually every career or academic track. This makes UNT a great place for the fastest online masters degree options.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at University of North Texas here.

6. Ball State University

A master’s degree from Ball State University Online can enhance your knowledge base. An advanced degree can also boost your career potential!

Many courses are available for master’s degrees, including:

Business law
Creative writing
Marketing management
Early childhood education
Human resource management
Criminal justice
Healthcare administration

Ball State Online delivers the same rich educational opportunities as its traditional counterparts.

Ball State Online offers a host of master’s degrees. But, if you’re on the fence about distance learning, you can take one of Ball State’s online Information Sessions. These sessions help you understand the potential of online education. They can also change how you think about earning a master’s degree.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Ball State University here.

7. Central Michigan University

Accelerated master’s degree programs at CMU Global give new meaning to the phrase multi-tasking. Their programs let you streamline your education to fit your goals.

The accelerated master’s degree programs at CMU Global allow you to start your master’s degree at the same time you’re finishing a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan.

In an accelerated program, you take courses for credit toward a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. This saves time and money.

Accelerated degree programs include several master’s degrees. You can get a Master of Science in Administration. Another option is a Master of Entrepreneurial Ventures.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Central Michigan University here.

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota has a rich tradition of distance learning. Today, more than 6,700 students around the world pursue degrees at UND Online.

UND has quick online masters degree programs. Earn a masters degree fast, on your schedule, with one of two course formats at UND Online.

You can take a Self-Paced Enroll Anytime course. This lets you complete your class in three to nine months. The second option is a semester-based course that follows the full time academic calendar. Your transcripts don’t show style of courses you take.

What’s more, at UND Online, you can combine an undergraduate major with a master’s degree.

For example, you can get a bachelor’s in civil engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering. You can combine it with a Master’s Degree in Engineering. This multiplies your value to employers in a fraction of the time. It’s one of the quickest masters degree online programs out there!

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at University of North Dakota here.

9. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a research university. It has more than 11,000 students.

Here, you’ll learn from leaders in their fields. UA Little Rock professors provide engaging and challenging courses for your degree.

Best of all, at UA Little Rock, you get an affordable and efficient graduate education online.

Courses you might take include:

Information systems
Human resource management
Healthcare administration
Financial management
Business law
Health sciences
Creative writing
Educational psychology

You can pursue a Master of Science in Information Science. This is a 33-credit-hour program that’s online via webcast and recorded lectures.

Alternatively, you can enroll in the M.Ed. in Rural and Urban School Leadership. This UA accelerated masters program is a 30-credit degree that takes 12 months to finish if you attend school full time.

If neither of those degrees suits your career goals, UA Little Rock offers many other programs that might match your specific needs.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock here.

10. University of Texas Rio Grande

Make rapid progress toward your higher learning goals with accelerated programs from UT Rio Grande. There’s valuable degree areas ranging from business to education, and health sciences to nursing.

Pursue your master’s degree online at the University of Texas Rio Grande while you continue to work. Your degree will help you solve bigger challenges as you get more training to be a leader in your field.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers fully online degrees. There’s a Master of Science in Nursing Education. There’s also a Master of Science in Nursing Administration.

A Master of Education degree is also available. It has five specialty areas. Each one takes just 30 credit hours to complete. You can complete the M.Ed. in roughly 12 months.

In addition, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a Master of Public Affairs. This is an accelerated online program that prepares you to lead in your community or civic organization.

This 12-month master’s degree online program gives you the leadership skills you need to thrive.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley here.

11. Colorado State University

Colorado State University began educating students remotely decades ago. Even in 1985, before the internet, CSU delivered courses on VHS tapes by mail.

Today, you can pursue one of the fastest accredited online graduate degrees through CSU Online.

With online master’s degrees in dozens of subject areas, you can find your educational path at Colorado State University.

For instance, you can choose from one of seven engineering master’s degrees. There are also three health and human sciences master’s degrees. Choose a master’s program in agricultural sciences, arts and music, or computer science and technology, too. Additionally, there are more than half a dozen specialty areas in an M.Ed. degree. This means educational possibilities are abundant at CSU Online!

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Colorado State University here.

12. East Coast Polytechnic Institute

East Coast Polytechnic Institute, or ECPI University, began online higher education over 15 years ago. The ECPI University Online Campus offers convenience of online learning. But there’s no compromise in the quality of education as compared to campus-based education.

The fastest graduate degree programs available fully online are in fields of strong growth. Earn a technology master’s degree from the comfort of your home. This degree is a fast track of 13 months. There’s also a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering. You can focus on Mechatronics or Software Engineering.

You can also build a solid base for career advancement in business with a management master’s degree. Choose an emphasis that fits your career goals, including:

organizational leadership
human resources management
homeland security management

ECPI University Online also offers a traditional business administration degree (MBA). New terms for the degree begin throughout the year. This is a unique feature among business schools.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at East Coast Polytechnic Institute here.

13. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida reaches evert corner of the world. It provides funding for USF faculty research. USF also posts research online from USF students studying abroad.

USF offers various courses of study, including:

Business administration
Public relations
Human services
Social sciences
Healthcare administration
Special education
Criminal justice
Health informatics

You can find dozens of accredited online master’s degrees. USF gives remote learners access to higher learning resources. You can find support services and tech help online 24/7.

At USF, you can develop career skills to solve some of the world’s top concerns. Prepare to join the field of experts in:

epidemiology
infection control
global disaster management and humanitarian relief

Put your advanced knowledge and training to work to solve the most pressing issues of modern times.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at University of South Florida here.

14. Stony Brook University

If you join one of the online graduate programs at Stony Brook University, you’ll attend a detailed orientation webinar. This helps you hit the ground running Stony Brook’s learning management system.

The school of Professional Development at Stony Brook offers three online accredited master’s programs. Choose from:

Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Master of Science in Human Resources Management

Schedule 10-15 hours a week for completing assignments. This is a good estimate whether you study Human Resources management or one of the other areas listed above.

Your graduate courses may require extra effort for projects or group activities online with peers in the program.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Stony Brook University here.

15. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online institution of higher learning. It provides courses and programs with the needs of working professionals in mind.

Most of WGU’s students fit their school schedules into busy careers and community responsibilities. So, the online courses are flexible and convenient.

The Atlantic pointed out that Western Governors University is “upending the traditional college experience.” It notes that the innovations of the University have the potential to change people’s thinking about education.

Best of all, WGU offers options to earn your online degree quickly. You can choose from programs in:

education
business and management
information technology
health

So, fulfill your career and personal goals through an accredited online graduate degree program at Western Governors University.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Western Governors University here.

16. Lamar Institute of Technology

Lamar University online offers access to advanced degrees. You can get an education on a schedule that fits into a busy career.

In as little as 16 months, you can fast track a degree. You can improve your career potential and enrich your life with knowledge.

Degrees at Lamar University cover subjects like:

political science
criminal justice
business
education
nursing
health sciences

Graduate programs cover a range of other career fields, too. This shows continued growth potential in the coming years.

With the help of Lamar University, you can work in your field as you pursue higher learning. You’ll gain a greater depth of knowledge and career leadership that comes with an advanced degree.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Lamar University here.

17. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian school. It focuses on delivering a liberal arts education with accredited online learning opportunities for adult learners.

IWU’s online program encourages you to work with classmates and support each other.

Instructors at Indiana Wesleyan University also interact with the class. They’ll challenge you to grapple with questions and find answers.

Class sizes are small. The learning environment is more intimate, even though you’re not physically in class.

The education you get with an online IWU master’s degree is the same you would get on campus. And it all comes with the convenience of learning wherever you are.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Indiana Wesleyan University here.

18. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University is known as one of the country’s outstanding institutions of higher education. The flagship campus in Baton Rouge is a leading research and education university.

With LSU Online, you can get college degrees remotely.

You can explore courses in topics like:

Social work
Criminal justice
Business management
Financial management
Human resource management
Business analytics
Public health

LSU is famous for its rigorous educational standards and renowned faculty. Louisiana State University Online delivers the same classes online as you can get on campus.

You can pursue career pathways in disciplines that are in high demand, like:

technology
data analytics
engineering
construction

LSU Online carries a stellar reputation for academic excellence that extends to your vocation and beyond.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Louisiana State University here.

19. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays Online is a leader in remote learning. It offers innovative programs that challenge you to develop and progress.

Fort Hays Online classes start in the fall and spring. They also follow a schedule of traditional 16-week semesters.

With that said, some courses come in an eight-week flexible format. This allows you to quickly and efficiently satisfy course requirements for your master’s degree.

This flexible format leads to one of the best shortest masters degree options on this list. It’s a great way to pursue higher learning!

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Fort Hays State University here.

20. Auburn University

Auburn University is one of the country’s leading universities. Its academic excellence and sports achievements have garnered much attention.

A liberal arts master’s degree from Auburn is a respected achievement that helps you stand out in a competitive career field.

Auburn Online offers many graduate programs. They include master’s degree programs from the colleges of:

agriculture
business
education
engineering
forestry
wildlife sciences

Among the fastest graduate options offered by Auburn Online is the dual-degree program. With a dual-degree program, you can add variety to your career potential. A fast track second master’s degree might take as little as one more semester of coursework.

Auburn Online’s dual-degree programs are offered in finance, information systems, and industrial and systems engineering.

Financial aid is available to eligible students to help defray the cost of these programs.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Auburn University here.

21. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University began in 1968. Within a year, more than 1,000 students enrolled. The campus then moved to its current home in Highland Heights, KY.

The school has since expanded to NKU Online. It provides graduate degree programs available to students anywhere in Kentucky and beyond.

You can study many different topics, which might include:

Criminal justice
Social work
Homeland security
Public health
Marketing management
Sport management

NKU Online accelerated graduate programs provide ways to reach your personal and educational goals. It has some of the fastest accredited master’s degrees. It as little as 12 months for the online MBA. Expect 18 months or more to finish other available master’s degrees. NKU can boost your career potential quickly and efficiently!

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Northern Kentucky University here.

22. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR, is known as a college of distinction. ATU helps educate and enrich the world community. University alumni represent 35 countries.

A strong reputation for competence goes along with every master’s degree awarded at ATU. In fact, each of its online graduate programs focuses on improving your ability to analyze information and make informed decisions.

Get a Master’s of Business Administration online from ATU to help prepare you to lead in your career. The MBA is available in three study areas:

General
Business Data Analytics
Digital Marketing

Each option hones your skills for the job you want. All MBA courses at ATU are offered online, so you can take care of business and finish your education efficiently.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Arkansas Tech University here.

23. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is training tomorrow’s leaders of industry. The school has more than 145 undergraduate majors, 100 minors, and over 75 graduate programs.

The school also leads the way in staying current with changing needs. There are dozens of accredited online master’s degrees available through Southeast Online.

If you’re a current or aspiring teacher, strengthen your credentials with one of Southeast Online’s Master of Arts degrees. Online master’s degree options include:

Elementary Education
Teacher Leadership
Exceptional Child Education
Secondary Education

Each of these master’s degree online programs supplements your skills. You can advance your career potential as well.

Best yet, learn K 12 topics on your schedule part-time as you continue in your career. Or, you can complete the program full time to prepare for a new job in different school districts.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Southeast Missouri State University here.

24. Faulkner University

Faulkner University focuses Biblical principles and Christian values. It educates leaders of tomorrow with a value-based education.

The values that support Faulkner University’s mission are the same for leaders in:

business
government
education
military

Those values are honesty, community service, and respect.

Faulkner University Online offers innovative online master’s degree programs. Busy professionals like you have a chance to fit advanced studies into a career that’s already going.

There are degrees online including:

Master of Science in Management
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Master of Science in Counseling
Master of Justice Administration

There are choices that fit in almost any career!

A graduate degree can be the key to opening new opportunities in your current career. It can also help transition you to a new industry.

Faulkner University makes higher learning accessible and appropriate to your needs and values. So, enrich your life with one of this school’s online master’s degrees.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Faulkner University here.

25. Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology began teaching technical career skills in 1958. Today, the school is regionally accredited. It’s respected for the degree and certificate programs on campus and online.

Florida Tech combines the academic skills of professors with innovative technology to deliver master’s degree programs online. The same faculty who teach on campus teach the online courses. They draw on extensive career experience in jobs with major corporations such as:

Xerox
Toyota
Northrup Grumman

With this level of expertise, Florida Tech offers strong online master’s degrees. Study in disciplines such as:

aviation management
psychology
cyber security
information technology
business

Florida Tech ranks among the nation’s best-value universities by Forbes. It also has one of the Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs according to U.S. News & World Report.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Florida Institute of Technology here.

26. Park University

Park University began transforming lives in 1875. Park believes in the deep value of fides et labor, or faith and work.

Park University helps educate students from 60 countries around the world. The university offers accredited online master’s degrees to help you prepare for career advancement or further academic pursuits.

Online degrees at Park include:
MA in National Security Studies
M.Ed – Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning
Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics

Many other programs are available.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at Park University here.

27. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a leading research institution of higher learning. It has convenient and highly adaptable online degree programs. You can apply to study at the University of Arkansas even if your work schedule or other duties keep you from being on campus for classes.

There are many classes you can take at the University of Arkansas:

Business administration
Business ethics
Criminal justice
Special education
Public health
Business management
Social work

U of A degrees supplement your career experience. Choose from:

Master of Arts in Secondary Mathematics
Master of Education in Educational Equity
Community College Leadership
Master of Science in Operations Management

U of A Online also offers the first advanced legal degree to focus on agriculture and food. The Master of Laws in Agricultural & Food Law is entirely online.

Be sure to apply for financial aid. With grants and scholarships available, you might significantly reduce the cost of your degree.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs at University of Arkansas here.

28. California Baptist University

California Baptist University teaches core life values and academic principles. It’s authorized for distance learning in 37 states.

California Baptist University is also accredited to award master’s degrees. Graduate programs are available in disciplines such as:

accounting
kinesiology
public administration
special education
business administration
marketing management

An accredited online graduate degree can open doors to career advancement and leadership. A degree can be the next step on your academic pathway to a top degree in your field, too.

Online studies allow you to learn on your own, wherever you are. T benefits of a California Baptist University online master’s degree may be closer than you imagined possible.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at California Baptist University here.

29. Regis University

Regis University has five colleges, each offering a diverse range of degrees. There are four campuses in Colorado. There’s also an online school that reaches students wherever they may be. Regis delivers a classical education in innovative and modern ways.

Regis offers a learning experience that’s challenging. You also get the opportunity to delve into the school’s key question: “How ought we to live?”

With this in mind, online students engage with classmates and instructors in discussions. You can also apply academic principles as you pursue degrees in:

criminology
nursing
information and cyber security

Many other degrees are also available.

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Regis University here.

30. Cleveland State University

Rounding out our school rankings is Cleveland State University. The university offers over 250 online courses every semester.

CSU has graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Online programs at CSU include currently in-demand degree areas. For instance, you can earn a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Data Privacy. This prepares you to handle information technology challenges to protect data and network security.

Alternatively, a graduate degree you can complete quickly is CSU’s Online Accelerated MBA. Top MBA faculty know how to challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of business principles. You’ll understand trends that apply to today’s management challenges.

Best of all, the online master’s degree can be completed in one year!

Learn more about Accredited Online Master’s Degrees at Cleveland State University here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can a Graduate Degree Do For Me?

Master’s degrees lead to more stable and better-paying jobs. Each step on the college advancement ladder can have a noticeable impact on the salary you earn. So, a graduate degree can be a powerful tool that improves your career outlook. Or, it can be a step toward an academic career in your field.

Beyond improving career outlook and income potential, an online master’s degree improves the person who puts in the effort to earn it.

Every student who applies for a master’s degree or doctorate degree already has a lot of work under their belt. If you’re among them, you’ve committed to progress through previous college degrees.

But, the specific focus and rigorous academic standards of a master’s degree challenge you in new ways. These challenges lead to personal growth beyond the getting more knowledge.

Does an Online Graduate Degree Deliver the Same Education as its Equivalent on Campus?

Yes. The learning opportunities you have in online master’s degrees are equal to traditional classes in nearly every way.

The value of any college degree online comes from the learner. You must interact with the course materials. You need to read thoroughly, think deeply, and contribute to your online classes to get the most benefit from your education.

Current learning management systems bring your classes to you wherever you are. You can work with other online students to study and discuss your classwork while getting real world experience.

Additionally, the best online graduate schools offer classes led by the same faculty who teach students on campus.

The resources and support you need to succeed in master’s degrees are at your fingertips with online learning. You can work with your student advisor to plan your classes. You can also get help from trained specialists when technology problems arise.

If you have questions about money, you can talk to financial counselors. As an online student, you also get access to vast online collections and databases as part of your school’s library.

The point is that there are many, many support systems in place for your online studies.

What Is the Fastest Online Graduate Degree?

The time it takes to earn the quickest masters degree can range from about 12 months to a few years.

There are many factors that go into the timeline of your online master’s degree program. They include:

the number of credits required for the degree
the number of concurrent or transfer credits applied to reduce the credits needed for graduation
the amount of time you have to work on school

For example, say you have 15-25 hours per week for classes, assignments, and projects. With that amount of time, you might complete an accelerated MBA in one year.

Will I Miss Out on Valuable Campus Educational Opportunities With an Online Degree?

The experience of the fastest online masters degree programs isn’t all that different from the experience of a traditional masters degree program.

Some opportunities for direct involvement in class activities may not be fully available to online students. However, online learning offers ways to give you as close an experience as possible to an on-campus program.

For example, if a class requires group work, you can “meet” group members on Zoom or another online platform. While this isn’t the same as meeting in person, it still gets the job done.

As another example, many online graduate students actively pursue a career as they get their master’s degrees. You may find that your work setting allows for the practical application of the knowledge and skills you get in your classes.

Most other resources and services available to students on campus are available to you online. This might include:

support services like tutoring
technical help
research help

With these and other support tools, online learning opens up the world of education for busy adults like you. Even if you can’t be in class on a set schedule, you can put in the time to get your degree on your own time online.

Are Online Graduate Degrees Taken Seriously by Employers and Academics?

Yes. Modern online education is a near carbon-copy of the learning experience of traditional college campus degree programs. While online education may have once been considered inferior, things have changed with technology in education. Master’s degrees online are every bit as good as on-campus degrees.

Most top-tier universities have a full range of online degree options. In fact, leading state and private institutions of higher education offer online master’s degree programs in great numbers. This fact highlights the reality that employers respect and recognize the value of an accredited online master’s degree.

The most important factor in your online master’s degree is you. The amount of effort you put into your degree directly influences the outcome.

There’s a learning curve, to be sure. But remember: the best teachers can’t educate you if you don’t participate. Likewise, you must accept the challenges of getting a good college education and work hard to reap the benefits of a master’s degree.

Are you interested in pursuing higher education? Do you want to get a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree? What about a doctorate degree? Check out the 30 Top Accredited Schools Offering Online Master’s Degrees and the Top 30 Easy Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs!

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