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Thinking about grad school? Here's what to know about timelines, credit hours, and adapting programs to suit your preferred pace.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Last updated: July 2, 2025
The time it takes to complete a master's degree depends on the type of program and your schedule. A traditional master's degree program usually takes two years to complete, but various factors can influence its length. Explore this guide to learn how many credits a typical master's degree requires and how much time you should expect to devote to your studies.
| Degree type | Credits | Semesters | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerated | 18-30 | 2 | 1 |
| Full-time | 30-60 | 3-4 | 2 |
| Part-time | 30-60 | 5-6 | 3 |
| Dual degree | 60+ | 6-8 | 3-4 |
Factors that affect how long a master's degree takes
A master's degree program may take more or less time to complete depending on its format, credit load, and scheduling. Explore the most common factors that impact the length of a master's degree.
Program curriculum
Some master's degree programs require students to complete 30 credits, while others may require as many as 60 credits. Programs that require additional components, like a thesis, practicum, or internship, usually have higher credit loads.
If you're enrolled full-time in a 30-credit program, you might only need one year to complete your studies. 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 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 degree programs 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. 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 how long your master's degree program takes.
Program format
Choosing the right format for you is one of the biggest factors in how long grad school lasts. Online master's degree programs offer more flexibility than in-person programs, especially if they're asynchronous, meaning they don't have set 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 include a blend of in-person and online classes.
Enrollment status
Some master's programs let students choose between full-time and 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 program 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 earn your master's degree. However, some schools give students up to five or six years to earn 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 toward 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, depending on how many hours the combined master's program requires.
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 schedule when choosing a program.
- Accelerated: Accelerated programs reduce the time it takes to earn a degree. These programs can work well for master's students with relevant professional or educational experience may count toward academic credit. Transfer credits can help reduce tuition costs.
- Full-time: If you have room in your schedule to focus on your studies full time, you can complete your master's degree faster than learners who study part time 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.