One-Year Masters Programs
The One-Year Masters Program is an innovative academic offering designed to cater to the needs of today’s fast-paced world. This program allows students to earn a master’s degree in a shorter duration without compromising the quality of education. It provides a mix of online and on-campus learning modes, allowing flexibility that accommodates various lifestyles and commitments. This guide provides an overview of the top 20 higher learning institutions’ one year master’s programs and some also offer both bachelor’s plus masters programs.
20 Best One Year Masters Programs
1. Portland State University – Bachelors plus Masters Program
Degree options: Anthropology
Program details: You can earn both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Anthropology at Portland State University. Tailored for driven students looking to get ahead of the curve, this program provides an accelerated path to success in the field of anthropology.
Admissions criteria: You must be a declared Anthropology major who has completed or is enrolled in the three 300-level major core requirements: ANTH 304 or 305, ANTH 350, and ANTH 370 or ANTH 372. You must also have a 3.5 GPA in Anthropology courses and at PSU institutionally and possess Junior or Senior standing.
Unique value proposition: The program offers the flexibility to customize the curriculum by selecting interesting topics, allowing for an engaging learning environment. Plus, you can connect and network with other professionals in your field during your studies.
2. Stanford MsX – One Year Master’s Program
Degree options: Business
Program details: Focused on enabling mid-career professionals to elevate their potential, the Stanford MsX one year masters program is ideal for individuals who want to gain a comprehensive education in business but are short on time. This program enables you to participate in an immersive learning experience where you can live with your classmates and learn from industry experts.
Admission requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and submit GRE, GMAT, or Executive Assessment scores. They must also demonstrate at least five years of professional experience, provide two reference letters, and write essays reflecting their professional goals and motivations.
Unique value proposition: You can quickly gain the qualifications and experience you need to advance in your career while taking advantage of an incredible collaborative environment and prestigious Stanford education. Plus, with the ability to customize the curriculum according to professional needs and interests, this program is tailored specifically for each individual’s success.
3. University of Washington – Bothell Master of Education
Degree options: Education
Program details: The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the field. It offers various concentrations such as Teaching and Learning, Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning, Elementary Teaching, Special Education Leadership, and Educational Leadership.
Admission requirements: You must hold a baccalaureate degree., have a 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits of graded upper-division coursework, and demonstrate English language proficiency.
Unique value proposition: With multiple concentrations, students can customize their studies to fit their goals and interests best, and they will gain valuable experience from working with experts in the industry. Plus, the flexibility of online learning options allows them to advance their career while balancing their other commitments.
4. Bryant University – Master of Science in Business Administration
Degree options: Business
Program details: This one-year master’s program features a curriculum designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today’s global economy. It covers marketing, finance, operations management, and strategic management.
Admission requirements: Students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits or two years of work experience.
Unique value proposition: Using a flexible learning schedule, online course options, and the support of experienced faculty members, you can efficiently move through the program while mastering the skills required for business success. The curriculum also exposes you to real-world scenarios that will prepare you for your career.
5. Furman University – Community-Engaged Medicine
Degree options: Medicine
Program details: This program is designed to develop future healthcare professionals who understand how to address the needs of underserved populations. It focuses on building clinical and communication skills and knowledge of public health principles that can be applied to community practice.
Admission requirements: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, successful completion of introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, three professional recommendations, and an official transcript are required.
Unique value proposition: Furman’s rigorous curriculum is designed to provide you with an impactful education that will help prepare you for the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. Additionally, you will have access to experienced faculty members who are dedicated to your success.
6. Penn State College of Engineering – Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Degree options: Engineering
Program details: This non-thesis master’s degree program provides a strong foundation in biomedical engineering, enabling you to apply your skills across a broad range of disciplines in both academia and industry. The program introduces students to various research interests and provides training in medical device design, biomechanics, and biomedical health systems.
Admission requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent, have completed at least one programming course and one differential equations course, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Unique value proposition: This program is tailored for each individual’s success with specialized degree tracks, including bioimaging, drug delivery, tissue engineering, biomanufacturing, and biomaterials. Successful graduates of this program are positioned to become industry leaders or may choose to use the experience as a segue to apply to biomedical engineering doctoral programs.
7. University of Portland – Master of Science in Finance
Degree options: Finance
Program details: Designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of financial markets and strategies, this program provides an in-depth curriculum that includes courses on economics, risk management, modeling, corporate finance, investments, and trading.
Admission requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and at least three to four years of professional is necessary.
Unique value proposition: The curriculum is tailored for everyone’s success with courses that are specifically designed to give students the competitive edge they need to succeed. With experienced faculty members to provide guidance and support, you can quickly move through the program while mastering vital financial concepts.
8. Hult International Business School – Master in Finance
Degree options: Finance
Program details: Financial markets are constantly changing, and the Hult International Business School’s Master of Finance program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for success in this rapidly evolving sector. This program provides practical, real-world experience through corporate finance, investments, financial analytics, and portfolio management courses.
Admission requirements: You must have a bachelor’s degree. Knowledge of the Common Body (CB) requirements, such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, economics, and business statistics, are also recommended.
Unique value proposition: With comprehensive courses, curricula tailored for everyone’s success, and experienced faculty members providing guidance and support, you can quickly move through this program while mastering critical financial concepts.
9. University of Missouri–St. Louis – Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology
Degree options: Technology
Program details: This one-year master’s program provides a comprehensive study of information technology principles, as well as an understanding of data-driven decision-making, project management, system analysis, and design principles.
Admission requirements: An accredited bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA or higher is a must. Applicants should also have prior professional experience in the IT field and knowledge of software engineering.
Unique value proposition: With experienced faculty members providing guidance and support, you can quickly move through this program while mastering fundamental technical, communication, and analytical skills. With these skills, you will be well prepared to enter the technology job market.
10. Valparaiso University – Master of Business Administration
Degree options: Business
Program details: The world of business is constantly changing, and the Valparaiso University MBA program provides students with the knowledge and skills to keep up. This degree program offers a comprehensive study of business principles and practices, preparing them for organizational leadership roles.
Admission requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. It is also strongly recommended that applicants have at least three to four years of professional experience.
Unique value proposition: Through academics and hands-on experience, the Valparaiso University MBA program provides students with comprehensive business knowledge. With experienced faculty members to provide guidance and support, you can quickly move through the program while mastering key business concepts.
11. Northern Arizona University – Master of Psychological Sciences
Degree options: Psychology
Program details: A career in the psychology field involves understanding human behavior, development, and mental functions. The Northern Arizona University Master of Psychological Sciences program provides students with an in-depth study of psychological topics such as memory, cognition, psychoanalysis, developmental psychology, and research methods.
Admission requirements: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
Unique value proposition: With courses on research methods, personality, and abnormal psychology, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the psychological sciences industry. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through field projects and internships.
12. American University Washington, DC – Master in Marketing
Degree options: Business
Program details: Discover the power of marketing and understand the fundamentals of consumer behavior in this comprehensive program. The Master in Marketing from American University Washington DC offers courses on digital marketing, branding, customer segmentation, and product positioning.
Admission requirements: To be admitted to this program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.18 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Unique value proposition: The American University Washington DC Master in Marketing program provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in this field. This unique combination of skills will set you up for success in your future marketing career.
13. University of Minnesota – Master of Science in Patent Law
Degree options: Law
Program details: Courses on topics such as patent procurement and enforcement, technology law and policy, intellectual property theory, and international intellectual property protection will provide you with a comprehensive education.
Admission requirements: You must have a JD degree from an accredited law school and a minimum cumulative JD GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit a personal statement, resume, recommendation letters, transcripts, all Standardized Test Scores, and one complete Patent Bar Eligibility Assessment Form.
Unique value proposition: This one year master’s program provides courses on topics such as patent procurement and enforcement, technology law and policy, intellectual property theory, and international protection of intellectual property. This program also prepares you for the Patent Bar Eligibility Assessment Form, giving you a competitive edge in the legal field.
14. The University of Tampa – Master of Business Administration
Degree options: Business
Program details: The University of Tampa’s Master of Business Administration program gives students the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a business career. In this program, you will take accounting, finance, corporate strategy, and global business courses.
Admission requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, a $40 non-refundable application fee, official transcripts of all previous college work received directly from each institution, a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score report, two professional references, a professional résumé, and a personal statement.
Unique value proposition: The University of Tampa’s Master of Business Administration program provides students with a comprehensive education with courses on topics such as accounting, finance, corporate strategy, and global business.
15. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Master’s of Engineering in Bioengineering
Degree options: Engineering
Program details: Explore the future of medicine and discover your potential for a career in bioengineering with a Master’s of Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In this program, you will take courses on design and control systems, biotechnology, computing methods, biomaterials science, and medical imaging.
Admission requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) in all coursework attempted, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is needed.
Unique value proposition: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Master of Engineering in Bioengineering program provides students with the tools and knowledge to pursue a successful career in this field. Additionally, students in this program will have access to world-class faculty with extensive research experience in bioengineering.
16. New York University – Master’s in Financial Engineering
Degree options: Engineering
Program details: In this program, you will take courses on financial derivatives, risk management, corporate finance, quantitative methods, and asset pricing. This program also includes a capstone project in which you will create and present a portfolio that combines theory, practice, and current industry trends.
Admission requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.89 GPA on a 4.0 scale, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, 1-minute video, two letters of recommendation, and English Language Proficiency Testing is needed.
Unique value proposition: New York University offers numerous resources for its students, such as career guidance and personalized mentoring which can help you reach your professional goals. Access to cutting-edge technologies through its research centers is also a plus.
17. University of Michigan – Master’s of Engineering in Computer Engineering
Degree options: Engineering
Program details: The program focuses on algorithms, computer architecture, distributed systems, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, and more. Expect to gain the skills you need to tackle various industry challenges.
Admission requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.50 (or equivalent) in all coursework attempted, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
Unique value proposition: Students at the University of Michigan benefit from a unique educational experience, combining coursework in computer engineering with real-world experience through design projects and internships. Moreover, you will gain expertise in current trends such as machine learning, robotics, and autonomous systems.
18. Eastern University – Masters of Business Administration in Management
Degree options: Business
Program details: You will gain a comprehensive understanding of business in the Eastern University Masters of Business Administration program. The Management track focuses on strategic management, operations, finance, accounting, and marketing.
Admission requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and English Language Proficiency Testing is needed.
Unique value proposition: Specially designed with working professionals in mind, Eastern University’s MBA program offers a flexible and convenient way to pursue an advanced degree. With classes offered in the evening, online, or a combination of both, you can find the right balance between work, family, and studies.
19. Clarkson University – Masters In Business Administration Degree in Residential
Degree options: Business
Program details: Poised to enter the job market with the most highly sought-after skills, Clarkson University’s Masters In Business Administration Degree in Residential will give students the knowledge and experiences they need to pursue a successful career. This program covers strategic management, economics, finance, marketing, accounting, and leadership.
Admission requirements: A bachelor’s degree, a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required.
Unique value proposition: Esteemed faculty, small class sizes, and collaborative learning experiences are only some of the fantastic benefits that make Clarkson’s MBA program stand out. Moreover, students benefit from access to cutting-edge technology, real-world learning experiences, projects with local businesses, and career guidance for a successful professional journey.
20. Foster School of Business, University of Washington – Master of Science in Business Analytics
Degree options: Business Analytics
Program details: This one-year master’s program focuses on the application of analytics, machine learning, and data visualization tools to make better business decisions. Students will gain the quantitative and computing skills needed to transform businesses’ data management.
Admission requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Unique value proposition: The mission of the MSBA program is to nurture data-driven decision-makers and leaders capable of transforming organizations. Students benefit from small classes, close relationships with faculty members, and field projects that offer hands-on experience in applying business analytics tools.