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Earn your graduate degree sooner with accelerated master’s programs

June 16, 2026 · 3 min read · By ASU Online

ASU Online's accelerated master's programs allow you to earn your graduate degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree.

Our students are our top priority at Arizona State University. To support them, we provide innovative resources and unique pathway opportunities, including our accelerated master’s programs. This opportunity accelerates your path, saving you both time and money, by earning your graduate degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree.

What is an accelerated master's program?

Accelerated master’s programs allow you to earn your bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in less time, so you can achieve your goals sooner. By completing graduate coursework in your senior year for dual credit, you’ll streamline your educational journey and easily transition from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree.

“The accelerated master’s pathway is a very cost-effective option for ASU students," noted ASU Online professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society Mary Jane Parmentier. "It also offers an excellent intellectual opportunity for qualified students to move into graduate-level work during their senior year.”

What are the benefits of enrolling in an accelerated master’s program?

By enrolling in one of these programs, you shorten the combined time it takes to complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to saving time, you’ll also save money, resulting in less student debt. Enrolling in an accelerated master’s program is a great way to receive a quality education, earn a master’s degree and advance your career earlier than you’d be able to otherwise.

ASU Online professor at College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Robert Kirsch said, “The benefits to (accelerated master's programs) are substantial. Students may be able to leverage scholarship money more effectively, find an efficient use of their undergraduate credits, or just get started early enough to complete a two-year master’s program in one year.”

How do I enroll in an accelerated master’s program?

You will enroll in an eligible accelerated master's program during your junior year. If you're considering this pathway, there are a few important factors to keep in mind before beginning your undergraduate degree program.

Not all undergraduate programs have an accelerated master’s option. You can use our list below to find out which online undergraduate programs map to an online accelerated master’s option.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you are meeting the accelerated master’s program admission requirements.

While you won't need to submit a graduate application, you must still meet the program's admission requirements, which may include:

3.00 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of your undergraduate studies
Letter(s) of recommendation from faculty or other professional contacts
Letter of intent describing your learning objectives and career goals

Once you’re enrolled in your online undergraduate program, you’ll want to start having conversations with your assigned advisor early. They will also be able to connect you with an advisor for your accelerated master’s program, who can answer questions about requirements and more.

Here’s a walkthrough of the process to enrolling in an accelerated master’s program:

Understand your accelerated master’s options while you’re selecting an undergraduate degree. This is especially important as an online student, because you’ll want to make sure your accelerated master’s is also available online.
When you enter your sophomore year, start talking with your academic advisor about the accelerated master’s program you plan to pursue. Your advisor will be able to help you prepare by identifying any requirements and more.
In your junior year, you’ll want to ensure you meet the GPA requirements of your accelerated master’s program and start getting any other requirements ready, such as letters of recommendation. Your academic advisor should also be able to connect you with the advisor of your accelerated master’s program who can help answer questions.
Once you’re accepted, you’ll begin completing the coursework that overlaps between your undergraduate program and accelerated master’s program in your senior year. During this time, you’ll earn credit for both degrees. Once you finish all your undergraduate requirements for graduation, you can apply to graduate.
After your undergraduate graduation, you’ll then begin taking any remaining graduate courses until you complete your accelerated master’s program.

What online degrees are part of this program?

More than 80 ASU Online bachelor's degrees are part of this program. Below is a list of those degrees and the master's degrees they can lead to as part of the accelerated master’s program.