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Having a master’s degree can help individuals unlock new job opportunities, increase earning potential, and prepare them for doctoral study.

Traditional master’s degrees require two to three years of full-time study to complete, but for those looking to earn their graduate degree faster, an accelerated online master’s degree may be an ideal option. These programs function in various ways, but all aim to help students earn their master’s degree as quickly as possible.

Intelligent.com compiled this list of the best accelerated online master’s degree programs to help prospective graduate students find the program that best suits their needs. We also interviewed Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine, for her insights into what students can expect from an accelerated online master’s degree and how to select the right program.

What Is an Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Program?

Accelerated online master’s degree programs come in a variety of formats. Some combine bachelor’s and master’s coursework, allowing students to earn both degrees in as little as five years. These are typically known as “4+1” programs and are available in a variety of areas, such as nursing and social work.

Other programs accelerate learning by compressing the coursework from a traditional master’s program into a shortened time frame. For traditional master’s programs, 12 credits is typically considered a full-time courseload, but an accelerated program may require students to take up to 18 credits per term. These types of programs may also operate on a year-round schedule rather than giving students the traditional summer break between spring and fall semesters.

At the master’s level, students may also be eligible for accelerated programs that waive course requirements based on their prior professional experience. Students interested in these types of programs should inquire about the eligibility requirements and what they must do to demonstrate their proficiency in core curriculum areas.

Yet another type of accelerated master’s program are self-paced programs that allow students to move through their coursework as quickly as they like. These are typically considered competency-based programs, in which students can progress through their classes by demonstrating that they’ve mastered concepts and skills according to their own schedule.

The 41 Top Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs

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#1
Manchester, NH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Southern New Hampshire University

Intelligent Score: 98.96
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,600

Out-of-state: $9,600

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $18,810

Out-of-state: $18,810

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
94%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
37%
Students enrolled
134,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$43k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$637

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

New England Commission of Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 603-645-9688

#2
Riverside, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

California Baptist University

Intelligent Score: 98.91
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $33,930

Out-of-state: $33,930

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $13,410

Out-of-state: $13,410

Test scores

SAT: 960-1150

ACT: 18-25

Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
17%
Graduation Rate
62%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$580 - $815

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-68

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-228-3615

#3
| 4 years | Online + Campus |

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Intelligent Score: 97.81
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: NA

ACT: NA

Retention Rate
N/A
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
100%
Graduation Rate
%
Students enrolled
0
Student to faculty ratio
Average Salary
Average Student Debt

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$444 - $472

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 833-887-4842

#4
Denton, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of North Texas

Intelligent Score: 97.76
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,295

Out-of-state: $18,111

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,350

Out-of-state: $6,350

Test scores

SAT: 1050-1240

ACT: 20-27

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
28%
Graduation Rate
57%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
26:01:00
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $353

Non-Resident: $813

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 940-565-2681

#5
Muncie, IN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Ball State University

Intelligent Score: 97.69
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,482

Out-of-state: $26,470

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $9,328

Out-of-state: $9,328

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
67%
Students enrolled
22,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$35k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $464

Out-of-State: $696

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-39

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 765-285-1301

#6
Boston, MA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Northeastern University

Intelligent Score: 94.91
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $54,360

Out-of-state: $54,360

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $25,264

Out-of-state: $25,264

Test scores

SAT: 1410-1540

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
20%
On-campus students
52%
Graduation Rate
90%
Students enrolled
23,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$58k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$850 - $960

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

New England Commission of Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-42

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-668-7727

#7
| 4 years | Online + Campus |

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Intelligent Score: 92.79
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: NA

ACT: NA

Retention Rate
N/A
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
100%
Graduation Rate
%
Students enrolled
0
Student to faculty ratio
Average Salary
Average Student Debt

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$391

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-701-7515

#9
Salt Lake City, UT | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Western Governors University

Intelligent Score: 91.46
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,380

Out-of-state: $6,380

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,500

Out-of-state: $7,500

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
100%
Graduation Rate
47%
Students enrolled
148,000
Student to faculty ratio
42:01:00
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$12k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$528

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

34

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 801-274-3280

#10
Tuscaloosa, AL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Alabama

Intelligent Score: 89.99
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $30,250

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $10,780

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1330

ACT: 23-31

Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
38,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$440

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-33

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 205-348-5921

#11
Lisle, IL | 4 years | Online | Private

Benedictine University

Intelligent Score: 89.29
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $30,830

Out-of-state: $30,830

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $18,574

Out-of-state: $18,574

Test scores

SAT: 980-1160

ACT: 19-26

Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
61%
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
46%
Students enrolled
4,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$800

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-829-6000

#12
Fort Collins, CO | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Colorado State University

Intelligent Score: 89.05
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,426

Out-of-state: $28,147

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,520

Out-of-state: $10,520

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1280

ACT: 23-29

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
70%
Students enrolled
32,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$448

DELIVERY FORMAT

Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

90

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 970-491-6909

#13
Angola, IN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Trine University

Intelligent Score: 88.54
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $32,990

Out-of-state: $32,990

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $41,457

Out-of-state: $41,457

Test scores

SAT: 1010-1210

ACT: 20-27

Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
79%
On-campus students
74%
Graduation Rate
61%
Students enrolled
4,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$575

DELIVERY FORMAT

Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-701-3343

#14
Denver, CO | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Regis University

Intelligent Score: 88.47
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $38,208

Out-of-state: $38,208

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $14,322

Out-of-state: $14,322

Test scores

SAT: 1000-1220

ACT: 21-28

Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
34%
Graduation Rate
67%
Students enrolled
6,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$54k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$599 - $1,051

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

33-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-388-2366

#15
Jonesboro, AR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Arkansas State University

Intelligent Score: 87.13
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,232

Out-of-state: $10,800

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,986

Out-of-state: $4,986

Test scores

SAT: 1000-1220

ACT: 20-26

Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
67%
On-campus students
25%
Graduation Rate
53%
Students enrolled
13,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$31k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$340 - $514

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-39

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-621-8096

#16
Anderson, SC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Anderson University

Intelligent Score: 86.95
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $26,820

Out-of-state: $26,820

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,140

Out-of-state: $10,140

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
59%
On-campus students
40%
Graduation Rate
57%
Students enrolled
4,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$31k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$415 - $580

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36-45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 864-231-2020

#17
Baldwin City, KS | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Baker University

Intelligent Score: 86.24
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $30,170

Out-of-state: $30,170

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,124

Out-of-state: $11,124

Test scores

SAT: 950-1130

ACT: 19-24

Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
93%
On-campus students
52%
Graduation Rate
62%
Students enrolled
2,000
Student to faculty ratio
10:01
Average Salary
$49k
Average Student Debt
$26k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$366

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 785-594-6451

#18
Beaumont, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Lamar University

Intelligent Score: 85.98
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,129

Out-of-state: $15,945

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,397

Out-of-state: $6,397

Test scores

SAT: 943-1140

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
83%
On-campus students
21%
Graduation Rate
37%
Students enrolled
17,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$342 - $438

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-42

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 409-880-8888

#19
Dobbs Ferry, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Mercy University

Intelligent Score: 84.14
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $40,712

Out-of-state: $40,712

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $47,865

Out-of-state: $47,865

Test scores

SAT: 1020-1230

ACT: 23-27

Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
86%
On-campus students
84%
Graduation Rate
50%
Students enrolled
4,815
Student to faculty ratio
13-to-1
Average Salary
44,600
Average Student Debt
29,578

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,040

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 914-674-7600

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How we rank programs

This list features some of the best accelerated online master’s programs in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best accelerated online master’s programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

What You Should Know About Accelerated Online Master’s Degrees

For students prioritizing the quick completion of their degree, an accelerated bachelor’s degree may seem like the ideal solution. However, there are key points to keep in mind about how these degree programs work and how to find a quality program.

Pacing and workload

The number of credits for a master’s degree varies by program, although the majority require between 30-60 credits. Traditional master’s degree programs are typically designed to be completed in two to three years of full-time study, with full-time students completing 18 credits per academic year.

Accelerated programs are a fast-track to earning a master’s, Villagomez says. They compress all the required credits into a shortened time frame through various methods. These can include accepting a higher number of previously earned credits, faster-paced classes, more classes per term, and fewer breaks in the academic calendar.

However, Villagomez offers some words of caution for students considering an accelerated degree.

“There are no shortcuts with this route,” she says. “Students are expected to complete the same amount of work as they would in a traditional program in a shorter time frame. They require a higher investment of time and energy every week. Therefore, I usually only recommend them to individuals with strong time management skills, dedication, and discipline.”

Degree completion programs

Many programs that advertise themselves as accelerated are actually degree completion programs, which are designed for students who have already earned some college credits. By accepting up to half of the required credits for a degree, these types of programs allow students to finish their master’s in as little as a year or less.

Each school sets its own policies for degree completion programs. Students should consult with an admissions or transfer counselor to help them determine if they are eligible for one.

Class schedules

Because of their fast-paced nature, accelerated programs typically rely on asynchronous classes. With this delivery format, there are no scheduled class meetings. Instead, students can access pre-recorded lectures, videos, and reading assignments anytime, allowing them to complete their schoolwork on the schedule that’s most convenient for them.

While the flexibility of asynchronous classes makes learning more accessible, students must be comfortable learning autonomously and have strong self-motivation, time management, and discipline skills in order to be successful.

Accreditation

Whether you’re attending a traditionally paced or accelerated program, it’s important to verify the accreditation status of any institution you’re considering attending.

“Attending a non-accredited college can negatively impact future post-graduate opportunities such as employment and doctorate programs,” Villagomez says. “With institutional accreditation, schools are evaluated as a whole and must pass several standards to receive a regional or national accreditation. Programmatic accreditations evaluate the quality and legitimacy of the specific degree programs offered at institutions.”

One way to verify accreditation is to use the U.S. Department of Education’s online accreditation database. If you need help, meet with an academic advisor on your current campus to help you during this process. They may have helpful insight into other resources you can use to verify the legitimacy of an institution.

There are two types of accreditation for U.S. colleges and universities, regional and national. Both are designed to assess the quality of education at institutions, although regionally accredited schools are held to more rigorous standards.

You can find more information about a school’s accreditation status by visiting their website, speaking to an admissions counselor, or searching for a school in the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.

Non-profit and for-profit status

Students should also be aware of whether the schools they’re considering are non-profit or for-profit. This status can impact the quality of a school’s programs, how the institution spends its money, and your financial aid eligibility and future employment opportunities.

As the name implies, for-profit schools are designed to earn money, which may mean that providing quality education may take a backseat to boost revenue. For-profit schools can spend their revenue however they want, which can result in underinvestment in students and resources.

Meanwhile, non-profit institutions are required to reinvest their revenue into the school in the form of faculty and staff salaries, infrastructure, student services, and other resources. All public and many private two- and four-year colleges in the U.S. are non-profits.

All of the schools on our list are non-profits. If you’re considering a for-profit school, be sure to carefully research their business practices, graduation rates, and outcomes for graduates.

Eligibility and restrictions

While online learning has removed geographic barriers to earning a degree, there are some limitations on who can attend which schools and programs. In the U.S., institutions must be authorized by individual states to grant degrees to students living in those states. Without this authorization, non-resident students are ineligible to enroll in the institution. Currently, over 2300 institutions throughout 49 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), ensuring their distance education programs are authorized to operate and grant degrees in multiple states.

Other restrictions may apply to a student’s specific area of study. For example, teachers in the U.S. must be certified by the state in which they wish to teach. Depending on the state, students might be required to earn their degree in the state in which they want to get certified. Keep professional plans in mind when exploring your program options, and if you’re unsure of your eligibility for a particular school or program, speak to an admissions counselor for clarification.

Pros and Cons of Accelerated Online Master’s Programs

There are several advantages to attending an accelerated online master’s degree program. However, students should also be aware of the challenges that these types of programs present and understand that they may not be a good fit for everyone.

Pros

  • tickEarn your degree faster:

    The obvious benefit of enrolling in an accelerated online master’s program is that it allows students to finish their graduate education faster. Depending on the specific program, students may be able to graduate in as little as 12-18 months, compared to traditional master’s programs, which typically take two to three years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study.

  • tickAttend classes on your own schedule

    In order to allow students to finish faster, most accelerated master’s programs rely on asynchronous learning, in which lessons and assignments are available 24/7 through videos, pre-recorded lectures, reading assignments, and more. Students can complete their coursework whenever it is most convenient for them. This may also make it easier for students to earn a master’s degree while balancing other work and life responsibilities.

  • tickSave money

    Online degree programs eliminate certain costs associated with higher education, such as room and board and transportation. The ability to learn remotely means students can choose to live in an area with a lower cost of living than where their school is located. Additionally, if they are able to waive certain course requirements due to previous work or educational experience, this can lower the overall cost of tuition.

Cons

  • tickPace of learning may not suit all students

    In most cases, students in accelerated programs must still complete the same number of courses as students in traditional programs, just at a much more rigorous pace. This can mean an even greater commitment of time and energy in the short term, which may not work for all students.

  • tickNetworking opportunities may be lacking

    One key reason to attend a master’s degree program is to make professional connections, which can be tougher in an online environment. When researching programs, students should inquire about what types of networking opportunities are available to online students.

How to Succeed in an Accelerated Degree Program

A high GPA is often needed to get into an accelerated degree program, and you will likely need to maintain a high GPA in order to stay in the program as well. If your GPA falls below 3.0, most accelerated programs won’t allow you to take any more graduate courses until you get your grades up.

The following methods can help you study more effectively and improve your GPA:

  • SQ3R: This learning system involves five steps — survey (skim through course materials before you read them), question (ask yourself questions based on this survey, such as what the course material is about and whether you already know this information), read (fully read the material and look for answers to your questions), recite (summarize in your own words what you have just read), and review (re-read any portions of the material that you didn’t fully understand). SQ3R is much better for retaining information than simply reading course materials.
  • The Leitner System: Sebastian Leitner was a science journalist who wrote a bestselling book on the psychology of learning, and his system for memorizing subjects involved making flashcards and storing them in a series of five boxes. All of the cards start in Box 1. If you get a card right, move it into the next box. If you get it wrong, move it down a box. Review Box 1 every day, Box 2 every two days, Box 3 every four days, Box 4 every nine days, and Box 5 every 14 days. This method is based on the theory of spaced repetition, which has been proven to help students learn subjects faster.
  • The Pomodoro Technique: Do you find it hard to focus while studying? This time management system involves following every 25 minutes of study with a 5-minute break. Once you’ve completed four intervals, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. It’s much easier to resist distractions when you only commit to studying for 25 minutes at a time.

You should also remember that getting good grades involves more than just studying. The highest-performing students typically stick to a schedule, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. By staying organized and healthy, you’ll be able to support the mental state needed for optimal academic performance.

How to Choose the Online Accelerated Master’s Degree Program That’s Right For You

Below are the five key steps in selecting an online accelerated master’s degree. Please note that many of these steps overlap, and some are ongoing throughout your higher education journey.

Step 1: Make sure the field of study you choose is right for you

“Students should be proactive in their career exploration and stay open-minded about the different ways they can receive exposure to new knowledge,” Villagomez says. “Students are often surprised when they learn that exploration is an ongoing process that takes time and intentionality.”

Consider your reasons for wanting a master’s degree. Perhaps it’s a requirement to be eligible for certain jobs, like social worker or nurse practitioner. Maybe you already have a bachelor’s degree in one field, but want to pivot to another profession and need additional education. Or you may be interested in deepening your skills in an area in which you already have a degree or professional experience. Your reasons for getting a master’s degree will help guide you to the programs that offer the type of curriculum and skill development that’s right for you. You may also find that a different type of educational path, such as a post-secondary certificate or bootcamp is sufficient.

Step 2: Research schools and programs

“When it comes time to research programs, I recommend students develop a list of custom filters to narrow down options,” Villagomez says. “Some examples of filters include curriculum requirements, duration of program, faculty reputation and ranking, and professional development opportunities offered.”

Researching the program’s faculty and support services will help you determine its quality. “Due to the fast pace of an accelerated program, it’s important to know how your professors and the school will support your education and help you with any challenges you may face along the way,” Villagomez says. “Find out if they have reputations for being accessible, reliable, and supportive. Support systems vary across institutions, so understanding who you have access to is a proactive way to take care of your future self.”

Students should also investigate the program’s curriculum to ensure it aligns with their future career goals. For example, if your field of study requires student teaching, an internship, or clinical residency, confirm that the program’s curriculum accounts for these in-person requirements.

This information is often available on the school’s website. For more information, you can also follow schools and programs on social media, speak to admissions representatives, and attend virtual open houses.

Step 3: Prepare for tests and applications

“After conducting research on the degree programs and schools that are the best fit for them, students should have a strong sense of the admission requirements,” Villagomez says. “It’s important for students to stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines.”

Specific application requirements and processes will vary by school, but the common elements of an application for a master’s degree include:

  • Completed application and required fees
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
  • GRE or GMAT scores

Take note of application deadlines, as many accelerated programs offer multiple start dates throughout the academic year. It’s best to stay on top of deadlines to ensure you can start the program when you plan to.

Step 4: Select your program

With all this information in hand, you should be ready to select the program or programs you’ll apply to. Like most other aspects of this process, the right number of schools to apply to is based on your personal needs and preferences. Some students are only interested in one specific program, while others may apply to multiple programs to increase their chances of acceptance. Either way, taking the time to research and prepare should help you choose the online accelerated bachelor’s degree that’s right for you.

Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

This is also the point where you’ll want to start crunching some numbers. What’s the tuition at the schools you’re applying to? What kind of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid do they offer? What additional costs, like upgrading technology, should you budget for?

Speak to a financial aid counselor to get a realistic idea of what your bill will be like each term and your options for paying it. If you need loans to help pay for school, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which the U.S. Department of Education uses to determine eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study. Individual schools also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based aid, such as institutional scholarships and grants. Students can also explore opportunities for scholarships through professional development organizations, private foundations and non-profits, community and religious groups, and more.

If you’re planning on working while earning a master’s degree, find out if your employer offers any kind of tuition assistance benefits, which can help offset education costs. Individuals who are veterans or active-duty military service members can inquire about their eligibility for GI Bill benefits.


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