Earning a master’s degree is a major step toward achieving your career goals, expanding your expertise and opening new professional doors. But one of the first questions many prospective graduate students ask is: how long does it take to get a master’s degree?
The answer varies based on the type of program, your enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and your own personal and professional commitments. If you’re considering graduate school, understanding what affects your time to completion is essential, especially if you’re a working professional or managing other responsibilities.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical timeline to complete a master’s degree in the United States, how many years a master’s degree usually takes and how institutions like ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ (ACE) offer accelerated pathways that can help you earn your degree faster without compromising quality.
What Is a ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s Degree?
A master’s degree is a graduate-level academic credential that builds on a bachelor’s degree. It’s designed to deepen your expertise in a specific field or prepare you for advanced roles in your industry. Many professionals pursue a master’s degree to qualify for leadership positions, switch careers or enhance their earning potential. There are many types of master’s degrees, each with its own focus, requirements and timeline to completion. They include:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
How Many Years Is a ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s Degree on Average?
If you’re enrolled full time, most master’s degree programs take one to two years to complete. These typically require 30–36 credit hours, depending on your field of study and whether the degree includes components like a thesis, internship or practicum.
Traditional master’s degrees often follow a two-year timeline, while accelerated one-year programs are also available. Part-time or online programs tend to extend to two to three years, depending on your workload and format.
A few key variables can influence your time to completion:
- Field of study: Programs in STEM or healthcare often require more credits and additional components such as labs or clinicals.
- Thesis vs. non-thesis: Thesis or research-intensive programs usually take longer than course-based alternatives.
- Program structure: Modular formats (like ACE’s 5- or 10-week courses) often allow faster progression than traditional 16-week semesters.
Understanding these differences upfront can help you choose the right program for your goals and set realistic expectations for your graduate journey.
Part-time vs Full-time: Impact on Completion Time
One of the biggest factors that affects how long a master’s degree takes is whether you study full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take 9–12 credit hours per term and can finish in about one and half to two years. However, this pace may not be feasible for everyone, especially those who are balancing work, family or other responsibilities.
Part-time students often take just one or two courses per term, stretching their timeline to two and half to five years or more. While part-time study offers flexibility, it’s important to plan accordingly and stay on track. ACE offers flexible pacing options that make it easier for working professionals to move through a program efficiently. Learn more about our academic experience.
Program Type and Field: Why Some Take Longer
Not all master’s degree programs are created equal when it comes to length. Some take longer due to their structure, content or certification requirements. Before choosing a program, consider the following variables that can extend the time needed to complete your master’s degree:
- STEM and healthcare degrees (like MSN or MS in Engineering) often include more credit hours and lab or clinical components.
- MBA programs might have internship or capstone projects that extend the duration.
- Thesis-based programs generally take longer than course-based options.
- Internships and practicums, common in counseling, education and social work, can add extra months.
Online vs. On-Campus: Which Is Faster?
One of the biggest advantages of enrolling in an online master’s program is the flexibility, which can translate to a faster timeline. Traditional on-campus programs often follow semester or quarter systems, while online programs like ACE offer modular structures such as 5- or 10-week courses that allow you to progress more quickly.
Here are a few ways online programs can speed up your degree:
- Asynchronous scheduling lets you study when it’s convenient for you.
- Shorter terms mean more opportunities to take courses throughout the year.
- No commute or relocation frees up more time to focus on your studies.
At ACE, our master’s degrees are fully online and can be completed in 12 to 18 months.*
Transfer Credits and Prior Learning: Can You Finish Faster?
Yes, you can, and many students do. Some graduate programs allow students to transfer up to 12 credits from other accredited institutions. Others offer credit for prior learning, such as professional certifications or work experience. This can reduce your time to completion by a full term or more, especially in programs that are already accelerated. Be sure to ask about:
- Transfer credit policies.
- Prior learning assessment options.
- How these credits count toward core versus elective requirements.
²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s Degrees at ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ
If speed, flexibility and affordability matter to you, ACE offers a clear advantage. Our master’s degree programs are designed for efficiency and flexibility, helping you reach your goals faster without compromising academic quality.
- 12–18 month completion: Many master’s degrees at ACE can be completed in as little as one year.*
- Fully online format: Study from anywhere, on your schedule.
- Modular course structure: Classes are 5 or 10 weeks long, allowing continuous progress.
- Affordable tuition: View our detailed tuition page to see just how cost-effective ACE really is.
We know that life doesn’t stop when you go back to school. It’s why ACE programs are built with your pace in mind and without sacrificing the support you need to succeed.
ACE vs. National Average: Head-to-Head Comparison Table
If you’re trying to decide where to earn your master’s, comparing program timelines can help. Here’s a quick look at how ACE stacks up against the national averages:
| Institution | Average Completion Time | Program Type |
|---|---|---|
| ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ | 12–18 months | Online/Accelerated |
| U.S. Average | 1–2 years full-time | Traditional |
| Part-Time National Average | 3–6 years | Flexible |
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master’s in Popular Fields?
Let’s look at some common master’s degree fields and their typical timelines. As we dive into the list, remember that your personal course load, transfer credits and program format all impact the actual time it takes to graduate.
- M.Ed.: 12–18 months (ACE: as little as 12 months)
- MBA: 18–24 months (ACE: as little as 12 months)
- MSN: 2–3 years, including clinicals
Tips to Graduate Faster with a ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s Degree
No matter where you study, there are practical steps you can take to shorten the time it takes to earn your graduate degree. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and graduate sooner:
- Choose an accelerated or online format. Look for programs built for working professionals with 5- or 10-week courses.
- Take heavier course loads. If manageable, enrolling in back-to-back terms can help you move faster.
- Leverage transfer credits and prior learning. Save time (and tuition) by bringing your previous experience with you.
- Plan your capstone or thesis early. Don’t wait until your final term to think about your culminating project.
ACE’s structure and support system help you apply all these strategies so you can finish your degree and start your next chapter with confidence.
FAQs About Master’s Degrees
Most programs take one and a half to two years if you study full-time.
A part-time master’s degree usually takes three to five years, depending on course load.
Yes, especially with accelerated online programs like those at ACE.
Yes, and most are designed for completion in under 18 months.
Ready to Start Your ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s Journey?
Whether you’re looking to optimize your current career or ready to pivot into something entirely new, time is an important factor, and ACE is committed to helping you make the most of it. With affordable tuition, fully online programs and a structure designed for working professionals, you don’t have to choose between your education and everything else in your life.
Explore master’s degree programs at ACE and discover a faster, more flexible path to your goals.
*This is an estimated time to completion. Actual completion time may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied, availability of courses, a satisfactory pace, successful course completion, and meeting program milestones as required.
