Best One-Year Online Master’s Degree Programs of 2024 - Intelligent (2024)

If you are hoping to jumpstart your career or even get a promotion, a one-year online master’s program is a fast, efficient way to gain the necessary educational experience.

These programs are usually designed to be flexible, with courses that students can complete according to their schedules. Before enrolling in a one-year online master’s program, students should confirm the pace. Some one-year programs are accelerated, meaning they condense two years’ worth of coursework into a single academic year, requiring more time and energy than a traditionally paced program.

One-year online master’s degree programs are popular in areas like business, information technology, criminal justice, education, marketing, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individuals with master’s degrees earn an average of $1,574 per week, with an unemployment rate of only 2.6%.

The cost of an online master’s degree is predominantly determined by the type of school a student chooses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of annual graduate tuition is $12,394 at public universities and $26,621 at private institutions.

How to Choose a One-Year Online Master’s Program

Choose your area of study

Knowing that you want a master’s degree that can be completed in one year of study is a great starting point for your search.

Next, students should determine their area of study so they can seek out programs in that field that take one year to complete. Some things to consider when deciding on an area of study include:

• Professional short-term and long-term goals and the type of educational experience needed to achieve them
• Educational background, including undergraduate field of study
• Professional experience and credentials

It’s important to keep in mind that because of their fast-paced nature, many one-year master’s programs require students to have certain foundational knowledge of the subject, which can be acquired through undergraduate study or professional experience.

Students should also use this time to reflect on their personal needs in terms of course delivery method. Are students looking for a synchronous program with virtual class meetings at designated times, or do they need the flexibility of an asynchronous program with coursework that can be completed on their own schedule?

Research schools and programs

Regardless of the type of program you’re seeking, make sure that the school is accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency. This will confirm that the institution and its programs meet the highest standards for quality in education. Students must be enrolled at an accredited school to be considered for federal financial aid, and many employers seek job applicants with degrees from accredited institutions. Many programs also have programmatic accreditation through professional organizations.

There are many ways to gather information about schools and programs. Visiting a college’s website is always a good place to start, as they usually provide information on curriculum, faculty, experiential learning opportunities, admissions requirements, and more. For remote students, many schools offer virtual open houses or information sessions. Prospective applicants can also follow schools and programs on social media to learn more about the culture and accomplishments of the department.

Gather as much information as possible, including answers to these questions:

• How many credits are students expected to take each term?
• Are there any experiential learning components, such as an internship or field study?
• Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
• What networking opportunities are available with peers, faculty, and other professionals?
• Is it a synchronous or asynchronous online program?
• Will a one-year online master’s program provide the knowledge depth needed for particular advanced positions?
• Can the program be accomplished completely online or as a hybrid, requiring on-campus interaction?
• What support services, such as counseling, academic and career advising, tutoring, and technical support, do online students have access to?

Prepare for tests and applications

The application procedures and requirements will vary by school and program. Confirm these requirements with an admissions representative before beginning your application.

At a minimum, students must have a bachelor’s degree to be considered eligible for a master’s program. Some master’s programs want students to have a bachelor’s in a particular related field of study. Others may require a minimum undergraduate GPA, prerequisite coursework, or professional experience in the field.

A standard application for an online master’s degree consists of the following:

• Completed application form and required fees
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation from current or former professors, employers, colleagues, academic advisors, or community leaders
• Resume or CV highlighting relevant professional and educational experience
• An essay or statement of intent detailing interest and suitability for the program
• GRE or GMAT test scores

Select your program

There are varying approaches to choosing which programs to apply to. Some students submit multiple applications to boost their odds of acceptance, while others target a single program based on their interests and needs. Whatever path you choose, most schools charge an application fee. That money can add up if you’re applying to several programs. Contact the school to ask about a fee waiver if you need financial assistance with these fees.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

When researching programs, students should contact the school’s financial aid office for more details about program costs and available financial aid options.

Most students will want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is what schools use to determine a student’s eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study, as well as need-based institutional aid like scholarships and assistantships. Many schools also offer merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and grants to high-achieving students.

Students can also inquire if their school offers payment plans or tuition discounts for veterans or military service members.

Those who plan on working while completing their online master’s degree should check to see if their employer provides tuition assistance benefits.