Fastest Online Master’s Degrees

Completion Time

Some colleges offer an accelerated online master's in cybersecurity only in a cohort format. This means students must study full-time for a full year while keeping pace with other students in the cohort. In a non-cohort format, students can complete the program in just 12 months.

Example Courses

• Computer Forensics: An overview of analyzing computers for evidence that relates to a crime.
• Human Aspects of Cybersecurity: A look into how the human element affects cybersecurity, digital safety, and hacking.
• Ethical Hacking and Response: Learn to defend against hackers and to conduct ethical hacks to protect information.

Program Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university is required with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Students should demonstrate work experience in an IT-related field, with military experience also counting. Work requirements range from 3-5 years depending on the role.

Completion Time

This degree builds off your existing IT knowledge and experience while also letting you specialize your education. Your previous experience and your specialty determine how long this program takes. In general, you can complete an accelerated online master's in IT in 12-15 months.

Example Courses

• Security Analysis: Students learn to analyze computer systems for any threats or potential threats to security.
• Software Development for IT: Students learn to create their own software for IT systems and networks, and to integrate existing software.
• Information Modeling: This course teaches learners how to collect, analyze, and model information to find ways to improve the current system.

Program Requirements

Any applicants should hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or IT from an accredited university. Prospective students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and GMAT or GRE test scores. Some schools wave test scores for work experience.

Completion Time

The length of an accelerated online master's in management depends on your chosen school and focus. If the degree requires only 30 credits, and if the school offers courses in accelerated eight-week formats, then you could finish the program in as little as 10 months. However, 12 months is still the standard.

Example Courses

• Financial Reporting and Analysis: Topics in this course include financial report valuations and evaluations, strategic analysis, and credit analysis.
• Global Economics: Learn modern economic theories, economic tools for international trade, and global economic policies.
• Project Management: This course covers team leadership, negotiating, scheduling, budgeting, and risk analysis of projects.

Program Requirements

Learners should hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher before applying to a master's degree in management. Most online schools do not require work experience, although previous experience helps with future job placement. Students typically must complete a capstone project to graduate.

Completion Time

Current RNs already hold the credentials to work as a nurse, so earning an MSN takes less time. An accelerated RN-to-MSN program typically requires 12-15 months. Nurses with a BSN can further reduce completion time.

Example Courses

• Nursing Leadership: MSN grads often take leadership roles in hospitals and healthcare centers.
• Health Systems Innovation: Students learn about current and upcoming health systems and how to integrate them with current systems.
• Nursing Scholarship: This course teaches nurses to analyze nursing theories, research, and professional papers.

Program Requirements

Applicants must be registered nurses with at least an associate degree. Most programs also maintain course prerequisites that students can satisfy with an associate or bachelor's degree. For most MSN programs, students must complete prerequisite courses with a 3.0 or higher.

Completion Time

Most accelerated online master's in public health programs use the fast-track model, meaning students study at or beyond a full load of courses. Designed to astl just one year, this program usually starts in the summer, so recent bachelor's degree grads can jump in immediately.

Example Courses

• Budgeting and Financial Management: Public health graduates become leaders in their field, so they must learn to create and maintain budgets.
• Food Systems and Public Health: This course covers food safety and security in different global environments.
• Health Communication Programs: This course explores the creation and implementation of a communication program. Students learn to evaluate these programs.

Program Requirements

Students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with at least a 3.0 GPA. Most schools prefer students with a professional background in public health. The master's in public health usually offers different concentrations. Prerequisites vary depending on the specific program of study.

Completion Time

Most accelerated online master's in healthcare administration programs only require 30 credits, which can even speed up traditional programs. Some universities offer accelerated courses that last eight weeks. By stacking courses, students can complete this degree in less than 12 months.

Example Courses

• U.S. Healthcare System: This course covers the ins and outs of the domestic healthcare system, including analysis of the Affordable Care Act.
• Health Law and Ethics: Students learn how to remain compliant and ensure their facility is up-to-date with changes in the law.
• Healthcare Finance: You may likely manage an entire department, which includes creating budgets and meeting goals.

Program Requirements

Most schools require a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, recommendation letters, and a professional resume. Expect to take a practicum to finish your accelerated degree

Completion Time

Because most master of science in finance programs only require 30-36 credits, students can complete this degree in under 15 months at most online schools. Students must study continuously to do so, but may continue working part-time while earning their degree.

Example Courses

• Corporate Finance: This course takes an analytical approach to the complex finances of the corporate world, including cash flow, asset pricing, and efficiency.
• Investments Management: Students learn about securities, asset valuation, and other investment tools required to manage assets professionally.
• Risk Management: This course covers risk analysis and how to mitigate risk while maximizing potential returns.

Program Requirements

Students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Most schools prefer a business degree and require GMAT or GRE scores, a professional resume, and recommendation letters. An interview (in-person or over the phone) is also a common program requirement.

Completion Time

While most accelerated online master's in computer science programs are only available through a five-year bachelor's to master's degree, some standalone master's programs also exist. A standalone accelerated degree takes 12-15 months to complete if learners study full-time all year.

Example Courses

• Programming Language Concepts: Students learn programming terms for broad and general computer science topics.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: This course covers data structures, the different types of algorithms for structures, and how to design new algorithms.
• Computer Architecture: This course explores the complex architecture of systems, including arrays, vectors, data caches, and interconnections.

Program Requirements

Many online programs maintain strict bachelor's degree GPA requirements of 3.3-3.5. Students only earning a master's degree should have already earned their bachelor's in computer science or a similar field. Specific core classes are required prior to entry, as are GRE/GMAT test scores.

Completion Time

An online master's in biomedical engineering program typically requires 30 credits, so an accelerated program may take only 12 months to complete. Students usually take two courses per term, putting them on pace to complete the master's degree in 15 months. This timeline assumes students study full-time and year-round.

Example Courses

• Artificial Implants: Students learn about implants used to replace tissues like skin, bone, and tendons.
• Biocontrol, Modeling, and Computation: This course blends biomechanical engineering with computer science, teaching you to use computer code.
• Engineering Ethics: Students engage in discussion with other online students regarding the ethics of biomedical engineering and medicine.

Program Requirements

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree in a science field. Most universities require a 3.3 GPA or higher along with multiple recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a professional resume. Students must take prerequisite courses if their undergraduate degree does not satisfy these requirements.