Top 40 Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs Online for 2021

accelerated masters degree online

Accelerated master’s degrees online are now more popular than ever. As more millennials prefer to jump right into their careers as they continue to work, more schools are offering them the fast online master’s options.
Since speed and convenience are the calls of the day, universities are designing accelerated online master’s degrees that will help students improve their career prospects. These programs are recognized and accredited with organizations like the Higher Learning Commission, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and other renowned accreditation bodies. From leadership certifications to master’s in education, these online programs improve organizational effectiveness, create efficient strategies to advance the goals of an individual in any given field. and help them become role models for peers and employees.
The following are the most popular 40 fast online master’s degrees that offer an excellent quality of education. For this ranking, we have sorted the schools based on high to low credit hours required for completion. Schools that have the same credit hour requirements have been ranked from high to low tuition. They are comprehensive programs designed to be on par with traditional programs.

Types of degrees covered in this ranking include the following:

  • Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
  • Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
  • Master of Business Administration
  • MS in Management
  • Master of Science in Project Management
  • Online MS in Criminal Justice

Featured Programs

#40 Stevens-Henager -Independence University

Ogden, Utah

Online Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration

Website

Required credit hours: 57.5

Stevens-Henager -Independence University offers an online Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. It combines business knowledge with medical expertise in a comprehensive curriculum. The 57.5-credit program can be completed in just 15 months. It provides students the advanced business, accounting, medical, and human resources skills they need to play a vital role in health services management. Coursework includes:

  • Healthcare Economics and Policy Analysis
  • Issues in Managed Care
  • Healthcare Information Systems
  • Healthcare Marketing, and Planning Management Practices

Graduates go on to work as administrators in:

  • hospitals
  • home-health groups
  • medical offices
  • long-term care facilities
  • clinics
  • medical laboratories
  • public health organizations.


Tuition:$16,968

#39 National University

La Jolla, California

Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 54

National University offers one of the fastest online master’s degrees available today. The online MS in Organizational Leadership helps develop managerial skills to become an effective, change-oriented leader who achieves results. The 54 quarter units curriculum integrates theory with practice. It combines personal success with service to others. It also melds information and technology with creativity, empathy, and democracy. The program enables students to choose multiple approaches to exercise leadership. Graduates are prepared to:

  • harness collective talent
  • promote innovation
  • lead from the front

Students can complete the program in just 12-14 months and take courses 100% online if they wish.
Tuition:$13,049

#38 Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Online MS in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Change

Website

Required credit hours: 48

ma degree ctu

The Colorado Technical University offers an Online MS in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Change. The 48-credit program teaches students how to improve organizational performance and effectiveness. The curriculum broadens the understanding of:

  • organizational leadership theory
  • research
  • strategy
  • methodology

The program also explores individual and group reactions to change. The course curriculum includes:

  • organizational behavior
  • applied managerial finance
  • applied managerial marketing

The course is aligned with the Organizational Development Network. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Rankings: 192 in engineering programs (no doctorate)
Tuition: $13,409

#37 Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition

Website

Required credit hours: 46

Northeastern University offers an online master of science and nutrition program taught by expert and experienced faculty. The 46-credit program provides a solid foundation in:

  • nutrition
  • metabolism
  • disease prevention
  • health promotion
  • clinical behavior

The program is designed for those who have prior knowledge in health sciences. The prerequisite certifications required in the field include undergraduate degrees in health sciences, dietetics, or a related area. Some of the key areas of focus include:

  • obesity and nutritional health
  • nutrition education
  • nutrition and fitness
  • business
  • entrepreneurship in nutrition

Rankings: #40 in National Universities, #40 in best undergraduate teaching, #98 in best value schools
Tuition:$31,410

#36 Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Required credit hours: 45

Capella University offers an online MBA which is considered one of the fastest programs online. It’s flexible and comprehensive. The online MBA program adds value to students’ profiles by helping them build essential skills like communication, team collaboration, data analysis, and data-driven decision making. The 45 total quarter credits program offers 100% competency-based learning. Ideal for only those who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, the online program can be completed in just 1 year. There are opportunities for tuition savings if one has served in the military. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition:$18,112.5

#35 University of Wisconsin

Platteville, Wisconsin

Online Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 39

The University of Wisconsin offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership. It equips students with the knowledge to navigate the evolving world of business. The 39-credit program is designed to explore practical applications of organizational leadership skills. It also helps develop expertise in:

  • critical thinking
  • decision-making
  • communication
  • creative problem solving
  • conflict resolution.

Students have the option to choose electives, depending on your choice of a profession like:

  • healthcare
  • human resources
  • project management
  • safety risk control.

Rankings: 95 in regional universities Midwest, 108 in top performers on social mobility, 24 in top public schools.

Tuition:$16,771

#34 North Park University

Chicago, Illinois

Master of Organizational Leadership Online

Website

Required credit hours: 36

North Park University’s Online MS in Organizational Leadership is one of the fastest master’s degrees available. The 36-credit program prepares individuals to become ethical leaders in a rapidly diversifying and global economy. The curriculum teaches students important leadership competencies, including decision-making skills. From implementing ideas to motivate people around them, this program encompasses everything a professional needs in a corporate setting. The course curriculum includes:

  • Change Leadership
  • Team Leadership
  • Multi-Sector Convergence
  • Social Responsibility
  • Strategic Planning and Group Facilitation
  • Nonprofit Management Theory and Application.

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Rankings: 61 in regional universities Midwest, 23 in best undergraduate teaching, 45 in top performers on social mobility.
Tuition:$13,932

Featured Programs

33 Warner Pacific University

Portland, Oregon

Online MS in Management-Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

warner-pacific-university

Warner Pacific University offers an online M.S. in management with an emphasis on organizational leadership. The Christ-centric program is one of the fastest online degrees to be found. It comprises 12 courses, allowing students to earn a degree in just two years. The 36-credit program includes:

  • Leading Diverse, High-Performance Teams
  • Technical Trends in Business Culture
  • Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business
  • Problem-Solving and Decision Making
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring

The program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Rankings: Ranked Washington Monthly’s 71st best bang for the buck.
Tuition:$18,000

#32 Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

Online Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

thomas-edison-state-university

Thomas Edison State University’s Master of Science in Management Online focuses on Organizational Leadership. It’s designed for seasoned managers who wish to grow and advance in their careers. The program applies management theory and practice to a wide range of organizations. The 36-credit program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The curriculum includes

  • leadership and management in the 21st century
  • human resource management
  • economic issues in organizations

Students are prepared to excel in positions in complex organizations in a global marketplace. The program has a strong focus on organizational Leadership and provides flexibility for working professionals.
Tuition:$12,024

#31 Brandman University

Irvine, California

Online MA in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

Brandman University’s online MA in Organizational Leadership offers a fast and flexible option for graduate students. The 36-credit program can be tailored to the needs of the students and their career aspirations. The program is designed for professionals who want to explore leadership styles and focus on individual growth that leads to company success. Coursework includes:

  • business administration
  • computer science and information systems
  • education
  • health system administration
  • human resources

Graduates go on to work as:

  • social and community service managers
  • medical and health service managers
  • financial managers
  • public relations and fundraising managers
  • management analysts

The university is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.
Tuition:$11,700

#30 Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Online Master of Science in Administration-Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

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Central Michigan University’s online MS in Administration is an accelerated online degree program. It prepares students for the real world of business. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is an executive program for the leaders of tomorrow who wish to hold prominent positions in different organizations. In this 36-credit program, students learn about:

  • group dynamics
  • organizational change
  • conflict management
  • negotiations
  • cultural diversity

The curriculum include:

  • administration
  • organizational dynamics and human behavior
  • financial analysis
  • planning
  • control.

Ranking: 240 in national universities, 176 in top performers on social mobility, 117 in top public schools.
Tuition:$11,466

#29 Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Online M.S. in Accounting

Website

Required credit hours: 36

southern-new-hampshire-university

Southern New Hampshire University offers Master of Science in Accounting. The program is designed for corporate accountants, auditors, financial analysts, fraud examiners, and others in the field. The 36-credit program can help the candidates move into senior positions in:

  • banking
  • taxation
  • insurance
  • any company with a financial division

Some of the key courses include:

  • international accounting
  • advanced topics in financial reporting,
  • situational ethics in accounting

The program is accredited by both NECHE and ACBSP. The program aligns with the Content and Skill Specifications Online set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Rankings: 92 in regional universities North, # 1 in Most innovative schools, #168 in Top Performers in Social Mobility.
Tuition:$11,286

#28 Baker University

Baldwin City, Kansas

Online MA in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

Baker University’s Online MA in Organizational Leadership provides students with the skills necessary to assume a leadership position in varied organizations. It combines:

  • critical thinking within ethical business practices
  • social responsibility
  • organizational diversity
  • group problem solving,

It also includes innovative approaches to conflict solution and negotiation. The 36-credit curriculum includes:

  • leadership fundamentals
  • leadership and organizational behavior
  • corporate social responsibility and accountability
  • maximizing technology in organizations
  • methods of inquiry for business decisions

Ranking: 254 in national universities, 138 in top performers on social mobility.
Tuition per year:$10,188

#27 University of Miami

Miami-Dade County, Florida

Online Master of Science in Finance

Website

Required credit hours: 36

Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree in Miami, FL

The University of Miami offers an online Master of Science in Finance that helps students to springboard their career in finance with an accelerated education. The 32-credit program requires just 16 months to complete and helps increase one’s professional value. The AACSB accredited program also helps students build advanced portfolios and the option to earn one of two certificates. There are multiple options for degree completion. Students get to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Coursework includes:

  • fundamentals of finance
  • accounting and economics
  • marketing management
  • essentials of economic theory

Rankings: 57 in national universities, 30 in best colleges for veterans, 77 in best value schools.
Tuition:$33,600

#26 Belhaven University

Jackson, Mississippi

Online Master of Science in Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

business management degree

Belhaven University offers an online MS in Leadership. It’s designed for students who wish to hold leadership positions in business, education, church, and other related fields. The 36-credit program develops an individual’s social, legal, political, and economic skills as they affect the decision-making process. All courses are taught in the context of Christian principles. The curriculum includes:

  • ethical problems
  • organizational behavior
  • financial analysis
  • human resources
  • organizational change
  • strategic Leadership

Rankings: 47 in regional universities south, 30 in best colleges for veterans, 24 in best undergraduate teaching.
Tuition:$10,170

#25 Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana

Online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Website

Required credit hours: 36

Purdue University Global offers an online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. It helps develop instructional skills to meet the needs of new generations of students. Students focus on the development, design, and evaluation of instructional materials that they can use to create modern curricula. They learn about emerging technologies and how to use them in the delivery of educational services. The 50-credit program is delivered in 6-week terms. Students have the option to customize their instructional design degree with several concentrations. Rankings: Ranked among the top 10 best public universities in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education.
Tuition:$10,500

Featured Programs

#24 University of North Texas

Denton, Texas

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Required credit hours: 36

university-of-north-texas

University of North Texas’s online MBA is considered one of the fastest and best programs if one is preparing to enter the business world. It’s a 36-credit program. Fully online, the program is accredited by many organizations, including:

  • the American Society for Quality
  • Association of University Programs in Health Administration
  • HR Certification Institute
  • Institute for Supply Management
  • the Society for Human Resource Management

The curriculum includes subjects like:

  • health services management
  • organizational behavior and human resource management
  • strategic management

It helps students maximize their career potential offering an excellent educational foundation for business. Rankings: #281 in National Universities, #96 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, #140 in Top Public Schools.
Tuition:$10,000

#23 University of Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia

Online MS in Strategic Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 36

University of Charleston’s online MS in Strategic Leadership has been designed with the dynamic and evolving business environment in mind. The cohort-based program is for working professionals who are prepared to meet the leadership challenges of a global business environment. Students are trained to hold challenging positions with a knowledge base to advance to senior-level leadership roles. The 36-credit curriculum includes:

  • business management
  • healthcare management
  • crisis leadership
  • strategy as practice

The fast online degree program can be completed in just 16 months. Ranking: 293-381 in National Universities, 377 in top performers on social mobility.
Tuition:$7,650

#22 Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Online Master of Science in Management and Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 34

western-governors-university

Western Governors University’s Online Master of Science in Management and Leadership offers students the flexibility to finish the program in as few as six months. It requires 34 credits and completion time ranges from 9 to 24 months in most cases. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. After completing the general courses, students can take up major courses like:

  • managing operations and leading people
  • becoming an effective leader
  • data-driven decision making
  • ethical Leadership
  • managing human capital

In addition to WGU’s regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs .
Tuition:$8,360

#21 Los Angeles Pacific University

San Dimas, California

Online MA in Leadership and Organizational Studies

Website

Required credit hours: 33

Los Angeles Pacific University’s Online MA in Leadership and Organizational Studies is an accelerated online degree program. Rooted in business practices and organizational principles, this 33-credit program involves core courses like:

  • Group and Team Dynamics
  • Leadership and Managerial ethics
  • Managerial Marketing
  • Conflict Negotiation in Organizations.

Graduates are prepared to hold leadership positions at various organizations. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Tuition:$19,800

#20 Lindenwood University

St. Charles, Missouri

Master of Arts in Leadership Online

Website

Required credit hours: 33

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University offers a Master of Arts in Leadership Online. The 33-credit program is designed for people who want to hold leadership positions in a company, organization, or the U.S. armed forces. The program teaches essential skills, including:

  • organizational communications
  • financial policy
  • personnel law
  • business operations
  • organizational change and development.

The program is designed for people who have been working for some time and would like to gain an advanced degree in leadership. Rankings: 293 to 381 in National Universities, 224 in top performers in social mobility.
Tuition:$16,900

#19 Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, New York

Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 33

Mercy College’s online MS in Organizational Leadership offers students the chance to re-discover their own potential as leaders. The 33-credit curriculum ensures that students can:

  • identify current challenges and organizational leadership in historical context
  • master the techniques of collaborative team communication
  • establish and facilitate successful team projects
  • harness human ingenuity and technology

The curriculum helps students become transformational leaders practicing ethical leadership. The degree program can be completed in as few as 12 months. Ranking: 129-170 in regional universities north, 19 in top performers in social mobility.

Tuition:$15,696

#18 Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee

Online Organizational Leadership (M.O.L.)

Website

Required credit hours: 33

Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree in Nashville, TN

Trevecca Nazarene University offers Online Organizational Leadership that requires just 33 credits to complete. The interdisciplinary program draws from communication, religion, and business. These elements help to provide a balanced perspective on leadership in an organization. The three levels of leadership that form the main focus of the program include:

  • personal leadership development
  • interpersonal or group leadership
  • organizational impact

The program is designed to connect businesses and organizations with the people who represent them. The course curriculum includes:

  • personal leadership
  • concepts of organizational leadership
  • strategic thinking
  • human resources
  • ethics
  • laws

Rankings: 293-381 in National Universities, 147 in Top performers on social mobility.
Tuition:$13,860

#17 Wheeling Jesuit University

Wheeling, West Virginia

Online Master of Arts in Education: Education Leadership (MEL)

Website

Required credit hours: 33

Wheeling Jesuit University’s online MA in Education requires just 33 credits for completion. The program has multiple start dates for maximum flexibility to students. The program focuses on Education Leadership and features two tracks:

  • school and system Leadership
  • instructional Leadership

Educators and administrators who already have a master’s degree, as well as principal certification, may enter the MEL program to earn additional licensure as a superintendent or supervisor of instruction. The program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Ranking: 47 in regional universities south, 53 in best value schools, 51 in top performers in social mobility.
Tuition:$7,425

#16 Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Online Master of Music in Music Education

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Required credit hours: 32

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music the online master of music in music education at Boston University is an excellent program. It also one of the fastest master’s degrees available. The faculty for the 32-credit hour program are leaders in:

  • early childhood music education
  • community music facilitation
  • music technology
  • lifespan engagement

The curriculum provides practical experience in the field. It also studies the philosophical, sociological, and psychological ideas in the field of music education. The electives ensure that students have the right opportunities to hone their scholarly writing and research skills. Rankings: #40 in national universities, #18 in best colleges of veterans, #76 in best undergraduate teaching.
Tuition:$13,680

#15 Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Required credit hours: 32

Nationally ranked, the online program at Benedictine University is considered to be among the most extensive M.B.A. programs in Chicago. It’s designed to attune students to understand:

  • market turbulence
  • organizational change
  • global competition

The program prepares students for leadership roles. It can be completed in as few as one and a half years. The 32-credit program includes:

  • leadership and ethics in a global environment
  • managerial accounting
  • managerial economics
  • operations management
  • financial management
  • entrepreneurship

Rankings: 293-381 in national universities, 66 in top performers in social mobility
Tuition:$10,000

#14 Concordia University, Portland

Portland, Oregon

Online MEd in Administration

Website

Required credit hours: 31

Concordia University offers a hybrid Master’s Program of Education. It’s designed to provide first-hand experience of a teacher and student set up. The accredited program prepares students for certifications to teach in the PreK-8 public schools in their network. The program teaches students the fundamentals of education that can change lives for the better. The 31-credit program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. University Rankings: 34 in Regional Universities West, 19 in Best Colleges for Veterans, 27 in Best Value Schools.
Tuition:$8,920

#13 California Baptist University

Riverside, California

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Website

Required credit hours: 30

California Baptist University offers an online Master of Science in Accounting. It prepares students for successful careers in finance and accounting. It requires just 30 credits for completion and provides undergraduate students with the additional knowledge they need to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of California. Coursework includes:

  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Business Law
  • Financial Accounting and Business Ethics
  • Taxation
  • Responsibilities of CPAs.

The program is designed for students who wish to gain an advanced degree as they continue to work in the field and prepare to make profitable and ethical contributions to their workplaces. Students are prepared for higher-level work as well as for the teaching profession. Rankings: #43 in regional universities west, #25 in best colleges for veterans, #15 in best undergraduate teaching.
Tuition:$19,860

#12 Northcentral University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Required credit hours: 30

Northcentral University offers an accelerated online Master of Business Administration degree program designed for working professionals. Students gain the skills and experience needed to pursue executive leadership roles. Students also get a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate behind the scenes. The 30-credit program can be completed in just 16 months. Graduates go on to work in:

  • the business sector
  • government agencies
  • private firms
  • nonprofits

The curriculum offers 17 specializations, including:

  • Management
  • Project Management
  • Health Care Administration
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Management.

Students learn to evaluate the health of an organization, global trends, and related business challenges to become insightful leaders. Ranking: 53 in regional colleges Midwest, 19 in top performers on social mobility.
Tuition:$15,255

#11 Medaille College

Buffalo, New York

Online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 30

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Medaille College’s online MA in Organizational Leadership is designed for working professionals who wish to advance their knowledge while they continue to work. The accelerated program requires only 30 credits for completion, which allows these professionals to grow in their fields faster. Fully online, students can attend classes and balance life and work at the same time. The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. At the end of the program, students are prepared to work as:

  • chief executive officers
  • human resource managers
  • talent training directors
  • community service managers
  • health service managers.

Ranking: 129-170 in regional universities north, 145 in top performers on social mobility.
Tuition:$13,425

#10 Southwestern College

Wichita, Kansas

Online Master of Science in Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 30

Southwestern College offers an online MS in Leadership that’s considered one of the fastest master’s degrees available. The 30-credit program paves the way for a wide range of careers as it prepares individuals for jobs in:

  • healthcare
  • education
  • business
  • other industries

Students have the option of taking classes whenever and wherever they are. Southwestern College was recently ranked as one of the Best colleges for Online Learning. The program is facilitated by expert faculty and provides access to a variety of expert resources. Students will learn to evaluate leadership contexts by integrating the knowledge of effective leadership practices and competencies for leading organizations. Ranking: 117-153 in regional universities Midwest, 88 in top performers on social mobility.
Tuition:$11,196

#9 Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 30

The online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program at Western Kentucky University prepares students for a wide variety of leadership positions. The 30-credit program is designed to meet the needs of diverse students for professional training in such areas as

  • business
  • economics
  • communication
  • organizational functioning
  • leadership principles
  • political science
  • psychology
  • research.

Elective courses include:

  • Perspectives in Aging
  • Elements of Public Administration
  • Quality Management
  • Adult Development and Learning
  • Healthcare Organization and Management

The program is accredited by the Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Rankings: 293-381 in National Universities, 303 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, 97 in Engineering Programs.
Tuition:$10,605

#8 University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

M.S. Adult, Organizational Learning and Leadership Online

Website

Required credit hours: 30

organizational leadership degree online

The University of Idaho offers an M.S. Adult, Organizational Learning and Leadership Online. The 30-credit program trains professionals in a wide range of fields, including:

  • higher education
  • business
  • government agencies
  • non-profit organizations

It also offers a professional certificate in Human Resource Development. Students are taught to understand, analyze, and apply organization development theory and methods. They are also taught to understand and apply transformative learning processes and strategic thinking. The University of Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Rankings: 179 in National Universities, 133 in Best Colleges for Veterans, 79 in best value schools.
Tuition:$9,876

#7 University of New England

Portland, Maine

Online Master of Science in Education

Website

Required credit hours: 30

The University of New England offers an online Master of Science in Education. It’s designed for education professionals who wish to make a positive impact. The accelerated master’s degree program requires just 30 credits for completion and is a top choice for many educators. Students are trained for such positions as:

  • assistant principals
  • instructional designers
  • training specialists
  • school principals
  • deans
  • learning specialists
  • instructional coaches

Curriculum focus areas include:

  • Educational Leadership
  • Literacy (K-12)
  • Inclusion Education

Educational Leadership, Literacy (K-12), and Inclusion Education. Ranked by Forbes – America’s Top Colleges; by Money – Best Colleges; by US News – Best Regional University North 2020 – The Princeton Review – 385 best colleges.
Tuition:$8700

#6 Trine University

Angola, Indiana

Online Master of Science in Engineering Management

Website

Required credit hours: 30

trine university online college courses

Trine University offers the 100% online MS in Engineering Management program. It requires 30 credits for completion. As an engineer ready to move into a management role, students gain knowledge in:

  • corporate culture
  • leadership
  • finance
  • operations strategy
  • marketing

The curriculum also includes:

  • ethics
  • public speaking
  • decision-making

Ranking: 46 in Regional Universities West, 30 in best value schools, 111 in top performers in social mobility.
Tuition:a$8475

#5 Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln, Illinois

Online MA in Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 30

Lincoln Christian University offers an online MA in Organizational Leadership with a dynamic focus and an accelerated option. The 30-credit program is designed to develop leaders who can serve as:

  • role models and motivators
  • guides and equippers
  • champions and coaches.

Students are encouraged to participate actively in evolving business issues and resolve problems. This coursework ranges from business to education to the ministry of criminal justice. Graduates go on to work as:

  • executives
  • managers
  • directors
  • supervisors in non-profit organizations

The curriculum includes:

  • visions, values, and voices in organizational leadership
  • authentic leadership in organizational contexts
  • foundations for organizational leadership, and more.

It can be completed in just 21 months.
Tuition:$7,920

#4 Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

Online Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology

Website

Required credit hours: 30

Ball State University’s M.A. in Educational Psychology is one of the fastest online master’s degrees available to students. It is of the same caliber and quality as their ground program. The program is designed for education professionals and those in the field of learning and human development. The 30-credit coursework can be completed in about 12 months if the student is ready to take a full load each term, including summers. Specializations include:

  • Gifted and Talented Specialization
  • Human Development Specialization
  • Neuropsychology Specialization
  • Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
  • Customizable Specialization

The program is part of the nationally recognized Teachers College. University Ranking: 192 in National Universities in the U.S., 76 in best undergraduate teaching, 53 in top performers in social mobility.
Tuition:7506

#3 Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

Online MA Organizational Leadership

Website

Required credit hours: 30

Indiana Wesleyan University’s online MA in Organizational Leadership is one of the fastest and most comprehensive programs in the field. The 30-credit program provides graduates with the fundamental knowledge of leadership theory and skills to practice leadership in organizations. The program prepares students to work in a variety of organizations, including:

  • non-profit organizations
  • businesses
  • government
  • military
  • ministries

At the end of the program, students are expected to synthesize historical and contemporary leadership theories for effective organizational leadership. They blend the foundational concepts of authenticity, wisdom, and followership in their work. Rankings: 25 in regional universities Midwest, 14 in best undergraduate teaching, 78 in top performers in social mobility.
Tuition:$7350

#2 University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Online MA in Communication Studies

Website

Required credit hours: 30

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The University of Alabama’s online organizational leadership program has been placed under the umbrella of communication studies to offer a different approach altogether. The faculty believe that a deep understanding of the theory and strategy behind impactful and decisive communication will help one become an effective leader. The 30-credit program includes:

  • conflict and negotiations
  • group leadership
  • relational communication
  • technology, culture, and human communication

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges, it is considered to be one of the most comprehensive programs available online. Rankings: 153 in national universities, 109 in best colleges for veterans, 129 in best value schools.
Tuition:$6300

#1 Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Online Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership

Website

fort-hays-state-university

Required credit hours: 30

Fort Hays State University’s online Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership program is among the most popular accelerated online degrees. The 30-credit program includes:

  • organizational intervention strategies
  • leadership in teams and collaborative environments
  • advanced research methods
  • organizational systems, change, and leadership

Students are required to take a 3-credit internship or capstone for degree completion. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Rankings: 117-153 in regional universities Midwest, 119 in top performers in social mobility.
Tuition:$4316.25

Why opt for a fast online master’s degree?

Accelerated online master’s degrees are a great way to advance one’s knowledge, add to credentials and become certified for practice in professions that need that extra degree. It’s also good for those looking to earn a master’s degree without leaving their existing jobs. An accredited degree from a reputable institution adds weight to their profiles and allows them to grow in their careers. Most of these programs offer accelerated online degrees that are the same as the traditional programs and equally recognized. Fast online master’s degrees pave the way for an advanced credential and career growth faster than the usual ground programs.

How to check if a program is accredited?

There are thousands of online programs that promise accelerated formats and great results. It can be confusing to choose the right one. Students need to verify what the university promises. It is important to select legitimate programs offering marketable credentials. The key indicator of legitimacy is accreditation. Whether the program is online or traditional, accreditation is one of the defining steps for choosing a graduate program. Accreditation validates that a program meets specific standards of quality and is recognized by state and federal bodies.

Steps you can take to validate your degree choice:

Start with the website

The school’s website is a great place to start the research. You can not only get information about its accreditation but can find its overall ranking in the state. For further validation, you can also refer to sites like US News and World Report. Another way to be sure of a school’s stature is to visit the Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education websites. You can check to see if they have the name of the educational institute enlisted in them.

Regional versus National Accreditations
It is also essential to verify if the institution has regional or national accreditation, particularly if that is relevant for a student’s scope of employment. Some employers prefer regional rankings since they are considered to be more rigorous. Education experts believe that it’s easier to transfer credits to and from regionally accredited institutions.

Specialized or Programmatic Accreditation
Depending on the field of study, it’s important to determine if the degree you is pursuing needs a specialized or programmatic accreditation. For instance, if you are looking for a nursing program, it must be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Experts say that programmatic accreditation is typically limited to career-specific fields, especially those requiring licensure. If the programmatic accreditation is not listed in the council of education site, you should either search individually with the program name and the institution on the website or call the university to learn more.

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