How long does a master's degree take?
Table of Contents
By: Amy Boyington, Edited by: Rebecca Munday
Published: January 22, 2025
A traditional master's degree usually takes two years, but various factors can influence its length. Explore this guide to learn how many credits a typical master's degree requires and how long you can expect it to take.
| Degree type | Credits | Semesters | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerated | 18-30 | Two | One |
| Full-time | 30-60 | 3-4 | Two |
| Part-time | 30-60 | 5-6 | Three |
| Dual degree | 60+ | 6-8 | 3-4 |
Factors that affect how long a master's degree takes
Master's degree programs have various formats, require different credit loads, and offer flexible schedules for students, which can affect how long they take to complete. Explore the most common factors that impact the length of a master's degree.
Program curriculum
Some master's degrees require 30 credits, while others may require as many as 60 credits. Usually, programs that require additional components, like a thesis, practicum, or internship, have higher credit loads.
If you're enrolled full-time in a 30-credit program, you might only need one year to complete it. However, a 60-credit program may require two years of full-time attendance.
Field of study and programmatic accreditation standards
If your career path generally requires certification or licensure, you may need to complete additional degree requirements that align with industry accreditation standards.
For example, a master's degree in counseling might require several research credits, a counseling internship, and a thesis, in addition to about 40 credits of core coursework. A master's degree in teaching with a licensure pathway for first-time teachers might require 40 or more credits to incorporate a student teaching component.
Capstone project and thesis requirements
While not all master's degrees require a thesis or capstone, many do have a culminating project, like a written exam or research project, that allows students to wrap up what they've learned throughout the program. These requirements can sometimes extend a program beyond 30 credits. Generally, a master's degree thesis grants 3-6 credits.
A thesis is sometimes optional, although you'll earn credits for completing it successfully if you choose to. Remember that pursuing an optional thesis may increase your credit load and extend the completion time for your degree.
Program format
Online master's degree programs offer more flexibility than in-person programs, especially if they're asynchronous, meaning they don't have meeting times for live instruction. This format could allow you to enroll in more classes per semester and reduce your program's length.
Meanwhile, in-person programs have scheduled, synchronous classes and less wiggle room for scheduling. Hybrid programs blend in-person and online classes.
Enrollment status
Some master's programs let students choose between full-time or part-time enrollment. Many schools consider 12 credits per semester to be full-time enrollment.
Because you'll take on more courses per semester as a full-time student, you can complete your degree within its expected time frame — about two years for a 30- to 60-credit program.
If you enroll part-time, you might need an additional semester or two to finish your master's degree. However, some schools give students up to five or six years to complete their degrees.
Accelerated programs and prior learning assessments
An accelerated master's degree can take as little as one year to complete. These programs have an accelerated component, like shortened terms or fewer-than-average courses, to fast-track the time to graduation.
Some programs also offer generous transfer credit policies that count courses that you may have already taken towards programmatic credit requirements. These policies sometimes also extend academic credit for relevant work experience or prior learning assessments.
Dual-degree programs
A dual-degree program combines two master's degrees, usually with similar or related disciplines, like a master's in business administration and a master's in health administration. You'll work on both degrees simultaneously.
While dual-degree programs reduce the length of time to finish two degrees, they often take longer to complete than one degree, sometimes up to four years.
How to choose which master's degree timeline is right for you
Each master's degree format offers a different timeline. You should consider your career goals, interests, budget, and other responsibilities when choosing a program.
- Accelerated: Accelerated programs reduce the time it takes to complete a degree. These programs can work well for master's students with relevant professional or educational experience that transfers into academic credit for their program. Transferred credits may help reduce tuition costs.
- Full-time: If you have room to focus on your studies full-time, you can complete your master's degree faster than learners with part-time schedules by taking at least 12 credits per semester.
- Part-time: Although part-time programs can take longer to complete, they can help you balance school, work, and other responsibilities. As a part-time student, you can also spread your tuition and other school-related expenses over time by enrolling in fewer classes per semester.
- Dual-degree: Dual-degree programs grant graduates two master's degrees. These programs may take longer to complete than a typical one-degree program, but they reduce the time it takes to earn both degrees.