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The demand for accelerated online master’s degree programs, particularly programs with 6-month to 9-month time-to-degree, has been on the rise.
These rigorous, fast-paced, and intensive programs offer ambitious professionals the opportunity to earn their master’s degrees in a shorter period and, thus, take advantage of career advancement opportunities faster, better, and sooner.
However, not everybody is cut out for success in these accelerated programs either.
This article outlines the top 10-month online master’s degree programs. It also discusses the pros and cons that come with these online programs.
Reasons For and Considerations When Earning an Online Accelerated Master’s Degree
Earning an accelerated master’s degree online has its rewards and challenges that must be carefully considered before enrolling in your chosen program.
Time efficiency
You can earn your master’s degree in 6-9 months – or the case of our list, in 10 months – instead of the usual 2-3 years for a traditional master’s degree. Your time can be spent on pursuing other personal and professional interests, particularly on building your career.
Cost savings
Since you’re not spending money on transportation, thanks to online classes, you can save money, too. Most online programs also have more affordable tuition and fees, as well as offer financial aid for online students.
Intensive learning
The fast-paced, rigorous, and intensive coursework prepares students for the challenging demands of the real world, too. You will develop more effective time management, stress management, and organization skills because the accelerated coursework demands them. You can apply these skills to your work and life, too.
With a shorter time-to-degree, you have an edge over your competitors for leadership positions, too. Think of it as getting on the career advancement track faster.
However, you have to be aware of the challenges of being in an accelerated master’s degree online program. The condensed curriculum and accelerated pace aren’t for the faint of heart and intellect, and these can result in increased stress and compromised health. Your work-life balance will also be negatively affected.
The good news: These accelerated online master’s degree programs are still popular, meaning thousands of students have survived them and earned their graduate degrees – and you can, too.
The Best Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs
The accelerated online master’s degree programs have an estimated time-to-completion of 10 months, the fastest we can find. Keep in mind, nonetheless, that you can coordinate with the admissions officers and program coordinators of the online programs you’re interested in for a shorter duration, say, nine months.
But be mindful of the increased demands on your time, energy, and determination associated with fast-paced, intensive coursework in an uber-accelerated program.
| Graduate School | Graduate Program | Cost |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Blended Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management | $1,200 overall cost |
| Western Governors University | Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design | $4,125/six-month term |
| Louisiana State University | Master of Business Administration | $14,370 total tuition |
| Northern Kentucky University | Master of Accountancy Professional Track | $15,630 total tuition |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction Specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education | $458.33/credit |
| Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration | $458.33/credit | |
| Master of Education in Educational Leadership | $458.33/credit | |
| Gardner Webb University | Master of Business Administration | $665 |
| Master of Public Administration | $19,000 total tuition |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Blended Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Mode of Delivery: Blended
- Estimated Program Length: 5 months
- Overall Cost: $1,200
The Blended Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a micromasters program offered at the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC), a research and educational institute with a longstanding affiliation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Zaragoza (UZ) in Spain.
Students earn the MITx MicroMasters credential by completing five online courses and passing a proctored comprehensive exam, all of which are related to supply chain management. If you pass, you can apply for the full master’s degree at ZLC. You will also spend three weeks at MIT.
Applicants with or without an engineering degree can apply but must demonstrate exceptional analytical thinking skills. Admissions officers give significant weight to relevant work experience.
Western Governors University
Millcreek, Utah
Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design
- Mode of Delivery: Fully online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Courses: 12
- Tuition per Six-month Term: $4,125
WGU uses a competency model in its Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design program. You will work with your program mentor in creating your personalized degree plan, complete each course one at a time, and progress at your own pace. As soon as you have mastered the content in each course, you can take the assessment and move to the next course if you passed the previous course.
Courses include
- Foundations of Learning Design
- Learning Experience Design Foundations
- Assessment and Learning Analytics
- Learning Technology
The challenging curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills, design thinking, and universal accessibility.
Students choose from two tracks – Adult Learner and K-12 – but can also complete both tracks.
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Master of Business Administration
- Mode of Delivery: Online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 36
- Cost per Credit: $14,370 total tuition
The AACSB-accredited MBA program at LSU features multiple start dates every year. Students can choose from these start dates based on their convenience but must apply themselves to the challenging coursework to earn the degree in less than a year.
Applicants don’t have to present their GMAT/GRE scores, but their admission will depend on selective criteria, such as work experience and leadership potential.
Aside from being ideal for working professionals, thanks to flexible schedules and convenient online access, it’s an affordable program, too. Students in LSU’s online MBA programs pay about 50% less tuition than in other online degree programs.
Specializations offered include
- Healthcare Management
- Emerging Technology
- Data Analytics
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Master of Accountancy Professional Track
- Mode of Delivery: Online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 30
- Total Tuition: $15,630
NKU’s accelerated online master’s degree programs are characterized by their affordability, quality, and accessibility.
Offered by the AACSB-accredited Haile College of Business, this program prepares students for success in the CPA exam. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in accounting or at least an accounting background to be considered for admission.
NKU, in partnership with Becker Professional Education, developed the program’s rigorous curriculum based on the CPA exam’s financial and regulation sections. Students build their knowledge and skills in
- accounting analytics,
- taxation,
- financial accounting and auditing,
- and ethics, among other competencies.
The coursework also covers tax research, including its methodology, sources, and analysis.
Master of Legal Studies in Digital Law and Technology
- Mode of Delivery: Online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 30
- Total Tuition: $20,670
Offered at the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, the Master of Legal Studies in Digital Law and Technology program, explores the intersection of law and technology in modern society. The diverse student body consists of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees from law firms, computer security companies, and government agencies, among other organizations.
Their competent and credentialed professors teach the on-campus courses, too, meaning the online courses are just as challenging.
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of
- blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies
- digital crimes
- digital commerce
- challenges and rewards associated with their use and presence in modern society.
With such extensive coursework, graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles like legal consultants, cybersecurity executives, and compliance officers.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
UTRGV offers three online accelerated master’s degree programs in the field of education.
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction Specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education
- Mode of Delivery: Fully online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 30
- Cost per Credit: $458.33
Applicants with and without relevant teaching experience can apply to the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction Specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education program. Students prepare for effective leadership in elementary classroom settings, particularly in the education of elementary school students.
Popular careers after graduation:
- Instructional coordinators
- Curriculum specialists
- Educational consultants
The intensive curriculum aligns with the standards set by the Texas Regional Collaborative in Science and Math, UTRGV’s collaborative partner in educator development initiatives. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies in elementary math and science education pedagogy and research through 7-week courses.
Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
- Mode of Delivery: Online courses and field-based learning
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 30
- Cost per Credit: $458.33
Offered by the Department of Organization and School Leadership, the MA in Higher Education Administration prepares students for challenging leadership roles in colleges and universities. These include large research universities, community colleges, and technical-vocational colleges, as well as minority-serving institutions.
Graduates are qualified for leadership positions and administrative jobs like
- admissions officers
- academic coordinators
- administrative services managers
Students prepare for successful careers through intensive didactic courses and hands-on, field-based learning experiences. The program emphasizes social justice in its courses.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Mode of Delivery: Fully online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 30
- Cost per Credit: $458.33
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program enables students to earn both a master’s degree and a principal certification, which will boost their career advancement prospects.
Students develop their cultural sensitivity and awareness that, in turn, strengthen their leadership competencies in diverse teaching and learning environments. Note that the program emphasizes teaching English as a second language learners.
Students also develop their management competencies with practical applications in diverse education and non-education settings. Graduates possess competitive competencies essential for leadership positions in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and training facilities.
Courses include Data Management for School Improvement, Curriculum Leadership for School Improvement, and Instructional Leadership and Supervision.
Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Master of Business Administration
- Mode of Delivery: Fully online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 30
- Cost per Credit: $665
Gardner–Webb, a nationally-ranked private Christian liberal arts university, offers two accelerated online master’s degree programs notable for their quality, affordability, and flexibility.
The MBA program requires its students to complete two courses every eight weeks, which, in turn, allows for an accelerated time-to-completion. Professors can provide personalized attention to their students, thanks to small class sizes, and students can rely on student support services for their efficiency in responding to their concerns.
The extensive curriculum covers the knowledge, skills and competencies that aspiring business leaders should acquire during their MBA studies. The courses include
- managerial accounting
- economics and finance
- organizational behavior
- entrepreneurial management
- business law and ethics
Students are provided with opportunities to apply their didactic learning in real-world applications, too. Such is their excellent business education that graduates have become corporate executive officers, successful entrepreneurs, and healthcare administrators, among other leadership positions.
Master of Public Administration
- Mode of Delivery: Fully online
- Estimated Program Length: 10 months
- Number of Credits: 36
- Cost: $19,000
The Master of Public Administration program is an outstanding training ground for aspiring and current public administrators at the federal, state and local levels, as well as in nonprofit organizations. Students benefit from the small class sizes – the maximum class size is 20 students – including personalized attention from their professors and effective access to student support services.
The comprehensive curriculum covers topics in
- leadership, law and management in public administration
- public budgeting and fiscal administration
- public policy analysis and evaluation
Students also develop their competencies in grant research and writing, as well as finding funding sources. The program culminates in a capstone preparation course and a capstone course in thesis proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are accelerated Master’s degree online programs?
These are graduate degree programs with a condensed curriculum completed in an accelerated format that, in turn, allows students to earn their master’s degrees in a shorter time frame.
Can you apply to an accelerated Master’s online program if your Bachelor’s degree is in a different field?
Yes, but you may be required to complete prerequisite courses.
Are there Support Services available to students in online accelerated Master’s programs?
Yes, and these include admissions and academic counseling, access to library resources, and IT assistance.
Can you transfer credits to an accelerated online Master’s degree program?
Yes, you can, but it will depend on the program. Transfer credits can be in the form of graduate-level credits from previous coursework, relevant professional work experience, military service and training, and professional credentials.
Are there opportunities for internships, research, or practical experience in accelerated Master’s degree online programs?
Yes, but these are uncommon because of the accelerated pace.
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