One Year Masters in USA for Indian Students in 2025

International students opt for one-year master's programs in the USA to earn a degree in a short period. Astonishingly, many universities in the USA offer accelerated master's programs in engineering, finance, computer science, business analytics, cybersecurity, project management and data science. The duration is 11 - 12 months, and it is available online, on-campus and in hybrid mode. Each course is a fast-paced, in-depth curriculum and leverages lucrative job opportunities. 

To explore the best one-year master’s programs in the USA and their features, benefits, application deadlines, scholarships and career prospects, read on to this post till the end.

Why Opt for One Year Master’s in the USA?

Students pursue a one-year master’s degree in the USA for several reasons, with studying at top universities being one of them. The course curriculum is designed to emphasise core subjects and provide more practical knowledge. Networking with professionals, alumni and experts is another reason. These one-year MS programs in the US are affordable, with low tuition fees. It significantly reduces accommodation, and other living expenses, cutting them by almost 50% compared to traditional two-year master’s programs. After successful completion of 1-year Masters, students can get a 24-month OPT extension. Above all, pursuing a 1-year master’s program ensures faster entry into the global job market with a high-salaried job.

Top 50 One Year Masters Programs in USA in 2025

Explore the top 50 1-year master’s programs in the USA for Indian students across various specialisations in the table below.

S No	Course Offered	Universities	Course Duration	Tuition fees in INR	Application Deadline
1	M.Sc in International Affairs	The New School	1 Year	₹45,00,000	Spring Admission: November 1, 2025
2	M.A in Economics		1 Year	₹34,50,000	Summer Admission: March 1, 2025 (final deadline)
3	M.A in Policy Studies	University of Washington Bothell	1 Year	₹28,80,000	Autumn: February 1, 2025
4	Master of Arts in Communication	Bryant University	1 Year	₹35,11,000	Fall: July 1, 2025
5	M.Ed in Learning and Instructional Design	Wichita State University	1 Year	₹33,67,000	Fall (secondary date): April 30, 2025
6	M.A in Psychological Sciences	Northern Arizona University	1 Year	₹38,70,000	April 1, 2025 (priority)
7	M.Sc in Health Informatics	University of San Francisco	1 Year	₹42,00,000	Spring: October 15, 2025
8	M.Sc in Criminal Studies	Roger Williams University	1 Year	₹35,00,000	Fall: July 1, 2025
9	M.Sc in Marketing	American University Washington DC	1 Year	₹45,00,000	May 1, 2025 (final deadline)
10	M.Sc in Patent Law	University of Minnesota	1 Year	₹49,15,000	January 1 (regular deadline)
11	M.E in Information Technology	University of Southern California	1 Year	₹75,00,000	Spring: September 1, 2025
12	Master of Business Administration	Saint Joseph’s University	1 Year	₹80,00,000	Fall Semester: June 15, 2025
13	Master in Dickinson Law	Pennsylvania State University	1 Year	₹50,082,320	March 1, 2025 (final deadline)
14	Masters in Professional Skills for STEM	Kansas State University	1 Year	₹60,52,000	Spring: August 1, 2025
15	Masters in Animal Sciences and Industry		1 Year	₹20,803,390	Fall: January 8, 2025
16	Masters in Horticulture and Natural Resources		1 Year	₹20,471,400	Summer: December 1, 2025
17	Masters in Food Science		1 Year	₹10,175,485	Fall: January 8, 2025
18	Master in Kinesiology		1 Year	₹20,877,000	Spring: August 1, 2025
19	Masters in Logistics Engineering	Florida International University (FIU)	1 Year	₹20,907,700	Summer: March 1, 2025
20	Master in Artificial Intelligence (AI)	Illinois Institute of Technology	1 Year	₹20,798,400	Spring: November 15, 2025
21	Master in Film Production	Full Sail University	1 Year	₹30,078,809	No traditional application deadlines. Students can apply anytime.
22	Master in Game Design (Online)		1 Year	₹30,450,123
23	Master’s in Entertainment Business - Sports Management		1 Year	₹30,034,000
24	Master’s in Public Relations (Online)		1 Year	₹30,330,230
25	Master’s in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Engineering	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	1 Year	₹20,988,122	Summer Term A: April 1, 2025 Summer Term B: June 1, 2025
26	Master in Human Resource Management	The University of Texas at Arlington	1 Year	₹20,094,340	Fall: March 15, 2025
27	Master’s in Music Theory			₹20,304,800	Spring: August 15, 2025
28	Accelerated Master’s in French	The University of Arizona	1 Year	₹20,900,000	Fall: January 15, 2025 (international applicants)
29	Master’s in Science and Environmental Journalism		1 Year	₹20,300,340	Spring: August 1, 2025 (international applicants)
30	Master’s in Architecture - Heritage Conservation		1 Year	₹20,235,700	At least 2 semesters prior to completion of Baccalaureate degree completion.
31	Master of Arts in Musicology		1 Year	₹30,400,000	Fall: April 1, 2025
32	Accelerated Master’s in Microbiology		1 Year	₹20,987,000	Fall: January 1, 2025
33	Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering	Mississippi State University	1 Year	₹20,450,000	Spring: October 1, 2025
34	Master’s in Divinity - Biblical Studies	Liberty University	1 Year	₹20,740,000	Spring Semester: October 31, 2025
35	Masters in Supply Chain Management	University of Maryland	1 Year	₹50,847,272	Fall: March 14, 2025
36	Master’s in Physical Education and Physical Activity Pedagogy	University of Idaho	1 Year	₹20,730,225	Fall Semester: July 30, 2025 (domestic students) May 1, 2025 (international students)
37	Master of English Literature		1 Year	₹20,780,100	Spring Semester: October 1, 2025
38	Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies		1 Year	₹20,670,200	Summer Session: March 1, 2025
39	Master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology	University of New Haven	1 Year	₹30,500,302	Fall: March 1, 2025 (domestic students)
40	Master’s in Fire and Explosion Investigation		1 Year	₹40,00,000	Fall: May 1, 2025 (international students)
41	Master in Bioengineering	Colorado State University	1 Year	₹20,910,235	Fall: August start Spring: January start
42	Master’s in Online Cybersecurity	Pace University	1 Year	₹30,407,437	June 1, 2025
43	Master in Business Analytics	Cox School of Business	1 Year	₹40,398,090	October 1
44	Master’s in Project Management	Northeastern University	1 Year	₹30,750,400	Fall (second half): August 18, 2025
45	Master’s in Health Physics	University of Nevada, Las Vegas	1 Year	₹20,544,300	Summer: July 1, 2025
46	Master’s in School Administration and Supervision	University of Memphis	1 Year	₹10,708,000	Fall: May 1, 2025
47	Master of Science in General Psychology		1 Year	₹10,854,000	Spring: December 1, 2025
48	Master’s in Geography and Environmental Systems	University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)	1 Year	₹20,550,421	Fall: December 31, 2025
49	Master or Arts in Higher Education	University of Nevada	1 Year	₹20,431,000	Fall: March 31 Spring: November 15
50	Master of Business Administration Executive	Kent State University	1 Year	₹20,354,000	1st or 15th of the month.

1 Year Masters Programs in Engineering in the USA

Engineering is the most sought-after postgraduate degree course in the US for its high academic standards, practical experience, access to cutting-edge technology, research activities and exposure to different cultures, ideas and perspectives. As the demand rises for young grads from engineering backgrounds, some top academic institutions have started offering more options for 1-year Masters in engineering in the USA.

The below table lists the best 1 Year master’s program in Engineering offered by American universities.

1 Year Masters Programs in Engineering in the USA
S No	1 Year Masters programs in Engineering in USA	University Name	GPA requirements	English language proficiency test
1	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Chemical Engineering	University of South Carolina	2.5 points	TOEFL - 80 IELTS - 6.5 PTE - 53
2	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Mechanical Engineering	Northern Arizona University	3.00 points	TOEFL - 80 IELTS - 6.5
3	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Engineering Management	Wichita State University	3.00 points	IELTS - 6.5 TOEFL - 80 PTE - 55 GRE (other test)
4	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Aerospace Engineering	Pennsylvania State University	3.00 points	IELTS - Yes TOEFL - Yes PTE - Yes
5	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Bioengineering	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	3.00 points	TOEFL - 103 IELTS - 7.5 Duolingo - 135
6	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Electrical Engineering	California Institute of Technology	3.00 points	IELTS - Yes

1 Year Master’s Programs in Finance in the USA

1-year master’s programs in finance integrate theories and applications from accounting, economics, mathematics and strategy to develop the necessary financial and leadership skills. Without compromising the main crux of the regular study curriculum, these one-year master's programs in finance tweak students’ financial decision-making skills that enhance the company’s value and financial performance. Students aspiring for postgraduation in finance and entering the job market in a shorter period can refer to these one-year master’s programs in finance in the USA below.

1 Year Masters Programs in Finance in the USA
S No	1 Year Masters programs in Finance in USA	University Name	GPA requirements	English language proficiency test
1	MBA in Financial Management	Pace University	3.3	Yes
2	Master of Science in Finance (M.Sc.)	University of Portland, Pamplin Business School	3.3	Yes
3	Masters in Finance	Hult International Business School	3.15	Yes
4	Master’s in Financial Engineering	New York University	3.15	Yes

1-Year Master’s Programs in Computer Science in the USA

After the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, numerous jobs and challenges emerged rapidly. To seize them, top US universities have introduced new accelerated master’s programs in computer science, cybersecurity, digital forensics, etc. Students pursuing such 1-year master’s in computer science have rewarded themselves with high-salaried jobs much faster than before. So, check some of the best 1-year master’s programs in computer science in the USA given below that best fits your career objectives.

1 Year Masters Programs in Computer Science in the USA
S No	1 Year Masters programs in Computer Science in USA	University Name	GPA requirements	English language proficiency test
1	Cybersecurity Program	University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL)	2.75	Yes (IELTS - 6.5)
2	Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer Science	Texas State University	3.25	Yes (IELTS - 6.5)
3	Master’s of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Computer Engineering	University of Michigan	3	Yes

1 Year MBA in the USA

One-Year MBA in the USA is comprehensive and transforms students’ career growth. Top-ranked universities in the US offer different 1-Year MBA courses (full-time) for students and working professionals to develop their business fundamentals and get back into the workforce with new skills and knowledge. Unlike a traditional MBA, which is two years, this 1-year MBA program is intense and at the same time less expensive. So explore the list of top 1-year MBA programs in the USA.

1 Year MBA in the USA
S No	1 Year MBA in the USA	University Name	GPA requirements	English language proficiency test
1	Master in Business Administration degree	Clarkson University, Reh School of Business Graduate Programs	3	Yes
2	Master of Business Administration (MBA) program	Valparaiso University	2.5	Yes
3	MBA in Business Administration - Business Analytics	Southern Utah University	2	Yes
4	MBA in Business Administration - Data Science	Eastern University	2.5	Yes

1 Year Masters in USA Online

US universities offer 1-year master’s programs online for students who can’t move to the USA or have travel constraints. As online 1-year graduate courses are cost-effective and flexible, many Indian students enroll and gain world-class learning experiences. Some of the best 1-year master's online degree courses are given below.

S No	1 Year Masters Programs in USA online	University Name	Tuition Rate
1	1 Year M.S. in Operations Research	Georgia Institute of Technology	$586/credit
2	1 Year M.S. in Health Informatics	Charter Oak State College	$529/credit
3	1 Year Master of Computer Science	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	$749/credit
4	1 Year Master of Theology	Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology	$6,000/semester
5	1 Year M.A. in Psychology	Touro University Worldwide	$500/credit
6	1 Year M.A. in Nonprofit Management	Johns Hopkins University	$4,700/course
7	1 Year MBA	Clarks Summit University	$317/credit
8	1 Year Master’s in Athletic Coaching	Florida State University	$444/credit
9	1 Year Master of Integrated Innovation for Products and Services	Carnegie Mellon University	$598/credit
10	1 Year M.S. in Project Management	University of Southern California	$2,354/credit

Source: Forbes

Universities for One Year Master’s Programs in the USA

Out of numerous educational institutions offering one year masters programs USA, we have brought to you the list of the top 15 universities providing fast-track 1-year master’s programs. 

1. CSU-Global Campus
2. University of Miami
3. California State University East Bay
4. Campbell University
5. Lamar University
6. Southern New Hampshire University
7. University of North Texas - Online.UNT
8. University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
9. Concordia University - Portland
10. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
11. California Baptist University
12. Benedictine University Online
13. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
14. Columbia University
15. University of South Carolina

International students choose their favourite universities, irrespective of online, on-campus, or hybrid, to earn a master’s degree in a short duration of time.

Eligibility Criteria for 1 Year Masters Programs in USA:

Colleges and universities in the USA have a set of eligibility criteria to choose the students for 1 Year Postgraduate (PG) programs. They are:

• Bachelor’s degree (three or four years)
• 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in UG degree
• English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo)
• Other entrance exam tests (GRE, GMAT)
• Professional work experience
• USA student visa (F1-visa)
• Internship certificate, workshops, projects, research papers (published)

Documents Required for 1 Year Masters Programs

The following documents are commonly required for pursuing 1 Year Master’s programs in the United States. 

• Completed application forms
• Transcripts
• Mark sheets
• Photographs (passport size)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of recommendation (LOR)
• Updated CV
• Financial statements
• Valid passport

Cost of Studying One Year Master’s in USA

The average cost of studying a 1-year master’s in USA ranges between $30,000 and $120,000, which is equivalent to Rs. 24 - 96 lakhs for Indian students. This cost covers the tuition and living costs and varies based on the institution type (public/private), specialisation and location (urban/rural). 

Also Read: Cost of studying in USA

Scholarships for 1 Year Masters (MS) in USA

Some students need financial support to study a one-year MS course in the US. Scholarships help them achieve their dream and ease their financial burden. Here are some of the sought-after scholarships for one year of MS in the USA

• New York University Wagner Scholarships
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program
• The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP)
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
• Fulbright - Nehru Fellowships
• AAUW International Fellowships
• International Education Financial Aid
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
• Inlaks Scholarships

Also Read: Scholarships for Indian students in USA

Jobs & Salary Post 1 Year Master’s in USA

After successfully completing a 1 year master’s program in the USA, there are a plethora of job opportunities available. Almost all US universities tie-up with top recruiters/employers in the world. So students get a high-salaried job in campus interviews or job fairs easily. The average annual salary for a graduate degree holder after completing a 1 year master’s program is between $60,000 USD and $80,000 USD (₹4921143 INR and ₹6561524 INR).

Job Roles	Average Annual Salary (in USD)
Business Analyst	USD 1,25,000 (Rs. 998581.25) per year
Financial Analyst	USD 1,26,000 (Rs. 1006569) per year
Project Manager	USD 1,24,000 (Rs. 990592.60) per year
Mechanical Engineer	USD 86,500 (Rs. 6910182) per year
Data Scientist	USD 1,24,129 (Rs.10180508) per year

Conclusion

International students taking “1 Year Master’s programs in USA” transform the world through their leadership and decision making skills. A one-year MBA student in the US, Munjal Joshi says that “My experience has also shown me that industry experts or hiring managers look at one-year MBAs as equally valuable and impactful as a two-year MBA.” So, to study the best one year master’s courses in the USA, check the university admission requirements and start applying for. All the best!

FAQs

1. Are there any 1 year Master’s programs in the USA?

Yes. Almost all universities provide 1 year Master’s programs in the USA for international students. The prominent USA universities with one year Master’s courses are CSU-Global Campus, University of North Texas, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, University of Miami and Columbia University.

2. Is there any 1 year Master’s degree?

Yes. You can get 1 year Master’s degrees in various academic disciplines, including Accounting, Business, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Education, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, Engineering, and more!

3. Is a one year Masters worth it in the USA?

Absolutely! A one year Masters is worth in the USA. Prospective students and working professionals prefer one year Master’s programs, rather than the traditional 2 year full-time residential program. A recent survey revealed that “22% of respondents would-be students seeking a graduate management education said they would prefer the more accelerated MBA program that costs less and involves half the time away from a paycheck.”

Source: 2024 GMAC Prospective Students Survey.

4. Is 1 year masters from abroad valid in India?

As per the current guidelines, a 1 year masters from abroad is not valid in India. If you’re applying for government jobs or higher education or PhD, then 1 Year Master’s programs in the USA are not valid. 

5. What are the 1-year courses in the USA for Indian students?

The following 1-year courses in the USA are available for Indian students:

• Diploma in Biomedical Engineering
• Diploma in General Medicine
• Diploma in Media Management
• Diploma in Entrepreneurship
• Diploma in Communication Design
• Diploma in Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Media & Journalism

6. Can I get a master’s degree in one year?

Yes. You can get a master’s degree in one year in the USA. American universities offer PG degrees that are fast-paced and in-depth. It takes 1 year to complete this course.

7. What is the admission process for 1 Year Master’s programs in the USA?

Step 1 - Check the official website of the university or college that offers the 1 year Master’s program.
Step 2 - Fill the online application and pay the application cost. 
Step 3 - Login to the admission portal.
Step 4 - Gather all documents required to apply for a USA study permit.
Step 5 - Attend the interview round with the applied university.
Step 6 - Receive the acceptance letter.
Step 7 - Complete the university enrollment process and pay the tuition deposit fee.

8. What are the specialisations in one year MS programs in the USA?

The popular specialisations in one year MS programs in the USA are:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Business Administration
• Chemical Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Computer Science
• Communication
• Engineering Management
• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• Financial Management
• Finance
• Fine Arts
• Health Informatics
• International Affairs
• Learning and Instructional Design
• Psychological Sciences
• Patent Law