How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree?

A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.

If you're considering taking your education to the next level and pursuing a master's degree, you may wonder how long it would take to complete a master’s program. Depending on the degree in a traditional graduate program, you may spend two years of full-time study.¹ If you decide to attend graduate school part-time, then you might have to extend your graduation date. However, earning a master’s degree faster is possible.

Earn Your Master’s Degree From AIU

Students have many pacing options when it comes to graduate studies. In fact, many master's programs can be completed in 12 months or less. This is especially true for executive, professional, and online MBA programs. In addition, a 12-month master's degree program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals with options such as flexible schedules, online access, and short session lengths.

Besides the MBA, additional master's degrees you can complete in 12 months or less include the Master of Healthcare Management, Master of Education and Master of Information Technology.

Master’s Degrees and Specializations at AIU

Master of Business Administration

• Specialization in Accounting
• Specialization in Finance
• Specialization in Healthcare Management
• Specialization in Human Resource Management
• Specialization in Management
• Specialization in Marketing
• Specialization in Operations Management
• Specialization in Project Management
• Specialization in Technology Management

Master of Education

• Concentration in Adult Education and Training
• Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction for Educators
• Concentration in Elementary Education
• Concentration in Instructional Design and Technology
• Concentration in Leadership of Educational Organizations
• Concentration in Secondary Education

Master of Healthcare Management

• Specialization in Healthcare Management

Master of Science in Information Technology

• Concentration in Information Assurance and Security
• Concentration in IT Project Management

Is Earning a Master’s Degree Online in One Year Worth it?

Earning your master's degree in 12 months or less is possible; however, the work may be more intense and fast-paced. Several graduate programs are offered entirely online and can save you time commuting and having to rearrange your schedule to fit in class time.

Online courses allow you to study, view lectures, and take part in class discussions when it works best for you, thus making the most of the extra minutes you have early in the morning, late at night, at lunch, or even during your commute. This flexibility can play a key role in your ability to advance your education and pursue your career goals.

Learn About One-Year Master’s Degrees at American Intercontinental University

Advancing your education may help you prepare to pursue the next steps in your career, work to develop new skills, or help you prepare to pursue a career change.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations that typically require a master’s degree for entry are projected to grow the fastest, 18.4%, from 2012-2022.² Given the benefits, you may want to spend less time asking “how long does it take to get a master's degree?” and more time asking “where should I get my master’s degree?”

1. “Should I get a master’s degree?” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm (Visited 09/10/18).
2. Occupational Employment Projections to 2022” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2013/article/pdf/occupational-employment-projections-to-2022.pdf (Visited 09/10/18).

AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. For important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended these programs, go to www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures.
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