Accelerated Master’s Programs Online Combined bachelor’s and master’s degree pathways

If you’re planning a future beyond your bachelor's in the world of accounting, this degree option can help prepare you for a smooth transition into the MS in Accounting program.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in accounting degree online:

• ACC-550: Cost Accounting: This course provides a comprehensive study of the concepts, procedures and practices of accounting systems that record, classify and report cost data. These systems are designed to aid in the cost-effective operation of organizations. You'll focus on budgeting, cost data analysis and accounting tools for planning and control. Additional focus will be placed on relevant cost data analysis for strategic decision making at the executive level of an organization.
• ACC-640: Auditing: This course examines the various aspects of completing an engagement for an audit. You'll apply industry frameworks and governing standards to the audit planning process. In addition, you'll apply audit strategies considering risk assessments/internal controls and prepare standard audit reports based on substantive testing, fieldwork and evidence that meets regulatory compliance standards.
• ACC-645: Advanced Auditing: In this course, you'll advance your knowledge of auditing topics and apply Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) to specialized engagements. You'll also analyze various attestation reports for compliance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAEs) and describe the ethical and behavioral considerations applicable to auditors.
• TAX-655: Federal Income Tax of Corporations and Partnerships: This course explores taxation regulations, legislature and procedures specific to corporations and partnerships. You'll analyze the fiscal impact tax laws and incentives have on organizations and prepare income tax returns for business entities that adhere to tax laws and codes. You'll also recommend optimal tax planning strategies that improve the future tax consequences of corporations and partnerships.

If you're looking to build skills in business, and ultimately pursue your MBA, a BS in Accounting and Finance could be the right place to start. Students in good academic standing may select from three graduate-level courses in the BS in Accounting and Finance and transfer them into the 9 credits of MBA major elective space.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in accounting finance degree online:

• ACC-550: Cost Accounting: This course provides a comprehensive study of the concepts, procedures and practices of accounting systems that record, classify and report cost data. These systems are designed to aid in the cost-effective operation of organizations. You'll focus on budgeting, cost data analysis and accounting tools for planning and control. Additional focus will be placed on relevant cost data analysis for strategic decision making at the executive level of an organization.
• FIN-550: Corporate Financial Management: This course can replace an undergraduate finance elective in your BS program. You'll study finance from a corporate perspective including investments, capital structure and restructuring, budgeting, financial markets, policy and portfolio management.
• FIN-640: Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management: Switch out an undergraduate finance elective for this master's-level course. Here you'll learn the techniques used to assess the value of securities and the methods used in the management of investment portfolios.
• INT-620: Global Corporate Finance: This internationally focused course can also be used toward your undergraduate finance degree as an elective. You'll discuss corporations’ exposures to financial risks in global markets and how they address these risks and global funding strategies.

The MBA program offers 9 credits of free elective space. At 3 credits per course, you can take up to 3 of the following 4 courses: ACC 550, FIN 550, FIN 640 or INT 620.

A master's in communication (MA COM) degree can help you develop high-demand skills that apply to a variety of industries, including business administration, radio and television, digital media, marketing, public relations, advertising and government and public affairs. With such a wide range of job options after graduation, choosing a master's in communication sets you on a path toward your ideal career.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in communication degree online:

Prerequisites

• COM-500: Communication, Media & Society: This course can be taken as one of your communication electives. You'll have the opportunity to fully examine the early foundations of the communication discipline by focusing intently on the ways in which media and modern-day technology have impacted the study of culture, relationships and messages.
• COM-510: The Vantage Point: Knowledge & New Media: This course is another option in your communication electives that can help you move forward faster in your master's program. It focuses on strategies for independent online research – including processes for identifying, vetting and citing appropriate sources of information – as well as best practices for writing in the online environment.

(after completing COM-500 and COM-510)

• COM-565: Communication with Media Technology: This course can count toward the MA in Communication - New Media and Marketing program. You'll focus on how new media technologies have developed, how they might modify previous understandings of the relationship between technology and culture, and how they have shaped industries (particularly media industries) today. You'll investigate the practical aspect of various technologies in order to become a more savvy consumer and critic of emerging media tools and resources.
• COM-566: Pen to Platform: This course can count toward the MA in Communication - New Media and Marketing program. You'll craft and structure written work so that it may be more easily translated to different platforms. You'll apply best practices for effectively communicating across different media and actualizing varied communication in your writing.
• COM-655: Reputation Management: This course can count toward the MA in Communication - Public Relations program. Moving beyond selling a product or service, this public relations course focuses on persuading individuals and groups to accept a certain belief or opinion. You'll make the transition into the world of public relations by re-examining and building upon core principles to build a foundation for the public relations concentration.
• COM-656: Spread the Word - Social Media: This course can count toward the MA in Communication - Public Relations program. You'll engage in thorough investigations and practical applications of the specific technologies, outlets, platforms, networks, and mediums that will populate your professional tool kit. You'll gain proficiency in particular, relevant tools, as well as add to your general fluency in the language of technology.

If you're looking to develop your literary knowledge and skills, this degree pathway can help you go further, faster. Start with ENG-510 and ENG-520 as prerequisites, then choose an additional course to specialize your degree.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in creative writing and english online:

Prerequisites

• ENG-510: Studying the Craft: In this course, you'll study the craft of creative writing in close detail. Understanding and identifying the core, foundational elements of quality storytelling, regardless of genre, is crucial to the advancement of a creative writer. In preparation for the development of your own creative works and techniques, you'll study the strategic use of common storytelling elements in self-selected texts, and practice applying them in your own work.
• ENG-520: Story and Concept: In this course, you'll conceptualize a writing project of significant length. The focus will not be on the writing of actual scenes or chapters from this work, but on the drafting of plot arcs, detailed outlines, character sketches/development, world-building, and thematic development. The concepts developed in this course may indirectly or directly inform writing projects in future courses.

(after completing ENG-510 and ENG-520)

• ENG-550: Graduate Studies in English Language: This course is designed for students who want to learn about the English language as preparation for teaching, or becoming better writers, or for studying literature. You'll have the opportunity to research, write about, and present on a linguistic topic of individual interest, such as the language of advertising or propaganda.
• LIT-500: Graduate Studies in Literary Theory: This course is an introduction to the major schools of contemporary literary theory, and an examination of principal exponents of these theories. You'll become familiar with the most important features of psychoanalytic criticism, Marxism and feminism and examine the meaning of structuralism and post-structuralism. In addition, the course affords an opportunity to practice applying the theories to specific literary texts.
• ENG-523: Screenwriting Fundamentals: In this course, you'll learn the essential elements of screenwriting, including plot structure, character, scene, dialogue, and the craft of visual storytelling. Existing movie scripts and films will be examined as you create and build on scenes and dialogue in preparation for the course's final project, a short one-act screenplay.
• ENG-528: Poetry Fundamentals: This course is designed to deepen your understanding and mastery of elements of poetry (including tone of voice; traditional, formal, and "informal" structure; imagery; meter and rhythm; and use of sound and diction). In addition to producing your own poems, you'll read poetry and also prose about poetry by major poets.
• ENG-529: Fiction Fundamentals: This course is designed to deepen your understanding and mastery of elements of fiction, including voice, point-of-view, theme, characterization, structure, reflexivity, symbolism, imagery, rhythm, and tone. You'll practice a variety of fiction writing, reading, and workshop skills. You'll also study major examples of the novel, novella, short story and representative critical texts.
• ENG-530: Nonfiction Fundamentals: In this course, you'll study several genres of creative nonfiction, including reportage and memoir, personal essay and biography, travel writing and science writing, literary journalism, and biography. You'll explore and master structure and technique through critical reading of modern and contemporary sources and through writing workshops in which you'll revise your own work and comment on classmates' writing.

The bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway in Computer Science lets you begin exploring advanced topics such as operating systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and database design while completing your undergraduate program. By earning up to 12 graduate-level credits that apply to both degrees, you’ll build momentum toward your MS in Computer Science and strengthen your technical expertise.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in computer science degree online:

• CS-510: Operating Systems Principles and Applications: Explore how operating systems serve as the foundation of interaction between software and hardware. You’ll study core components such as process management, memory allocation, file systems and device management, and learn to evaluate systems for performance, security, and stability.
• CS-530: AI Principles and Applications: Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming industries. This course introduces key AI concepts including machine learning, deep learning, and conversational agents while addressing ethical, legal, and practical considerations. You’ll gain hands-on experience applying AI frameworks to real-world computing problems like natural language processing and computer vision.
• CS-550: Networking and Cybersecurity: Build your understanding of network architecture and security in modern computing environments. Through theory and practical exercises, you’ll examine protocols, threat mitigation, and compliance standards while learning to implement cybersecurity strategies and respond to incidents effectively.
• CS-590: Database Design and Development: Learn to design and develop efficient, secure database solutions. This course covers data modeling, database integration within applications, and key ethical and legal considerations in data management.

The English pathway deepens critical reading, writing, and analytical skills through graduate-level training. It also opens doors to mentorship and opportunities in teaching, publishing, law, communications and public service. This accelerated graduate pathway lets you take 9 graduate-level English credits at the UG rate.

Graduate courses that can be taken during bachelor's in english degree online:

• ENG-550: Graduate Studies in English Language: This course is designed for students who want to learn about the English language as preparation for teaching, or becoming better writers, or for studying literature. You'll have the opportunity to research, write about, and present on a linguistic topic of individual interest, such as the language of advertising or propaganda.
• ENG-555: Composition Theory and Teaching of Writing: In this course, you'll study key histories, theories, and technologies on which we ground composition pedagogies. You'll research, discuss, and write about how theoretical concepts impact the teaching of writing; they will reflect on, develop, and share their own pedagogical practices.
• LIT-500: Graduate Studies in Literary Theory: This course is an introduction to the major schools of contemporary literary theory, and an examination of principal exponents of these theories. You'll become familiar with the most important features of psychoanalytic criticism, Marxism and feminism and examine the meaning of structuralism and post-structuralism. In addition, the course affords an opportunity to practice applying the theories to specific literary texts.

One of the benefits of taking graduate-level coursework during your finance bachelor's program is that you can highlight it when applying for a job or promotion. Plus, if you're interested in the bachelor's-to-master's pathway in finance, taking these 4 classes as electives could help you save thousands in tuition throughout your degrees.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in finance degree online:

• FIN-550: Corporate Financial Management: This course can replace an undergraduate finance elective in your BS program. You'll study finance from a corporate perspective including investments, capital structure and restructuring, budgeting, financial markets, policy and portfolio management.
• FIN-640: Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management: Switch out an undergraduate finance elective for this master's-level course. Here you'll learn the techniques used to assess the value of securities and the methods used in the management of investment portfolios.
• FIN-685: Risk Management: Here's another graduate course that you could use toward your bachelor's degree. You'll evaluate corporate investments, diversification and portfolios using current industry tools and strategies to manage both risk and return.
• INT-620: Global Corporate Finance: This internationally focused course can also be used toward your undergraduate finance degree as an elective. You'll discuss corporations’ exposures to financial risks in global markets and how they address these risks and global funding strategies.

This pathway can help build advanced historical research and writing skills while offering specialized study in American, military and public history. You'll gain transferable skills that can help prepare you for careers in education, law, journalism, policy and government.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in history degree online:

• HIS-501: Historiography: This course provides a deep-level exploration into the study of history and historical writing, focusing on the craft and profession of history and its relationship to society. You'll be asked to position and evaluate your own thinking in relation to various historical analyses, defending a preferred approach to a relevant area of interest.
• HIS-502: Historical Methods: This course offers an opportunity to investigate various methodological approaches and the relationships between method, theory, and interpretation in historical research. You'll design an initial research proposal and articulate how a chosen methodology positions them appropriately to address the central issues and problems of their research.
• HIS-510: Comparative History and Research: This course introduces best practices, issues and challenges of comparative history approaches. You'll identify appropriate sources, articulate the context and focus of a research project and making an informed and supported argument. This course will use the topic of democratic revolutions to model comparative research.
• HIS-520: Historical Lenses and Scholarship: The central focus of this course is to provide you with an exploration into various lenses of historical research and analysis and how these lenses can structure the types of questions a historian asks. Students will integrate best practices for the production and writing of historical scholarship using a chosen lens (or lenses) of analysis.
• HIS-600: Early American Encounters: This is a required course for the MA in History with a concentration in American History program. You'll investigate how historians understand the different facets of the creation of the New World, including armed conflict, cultural cooperation, gender roles, free and coerced labor, environmental issues, and the role of religion in conquest.
• HIS-620: History of Military Thought: This is a required course for the MA in History with a concentration in Military History program. You'll examine the development of military theory and practice throughout history, exploring prominent military figures and major campaigns. This subject matter is global in scope, including topics from both the Eastern and Western worlds.
• HIS-660: Introduction to Public History: This is a required course for the MA in History with a concentration in Public History program. You'll assess the landscape of public history, including the major thinkers, controversies, emerging trends and ethical demands. Finally, you'll learn how to articulate a distinct identity for public history and situate themselves within that context.

Note: HIS-501 and HIS-502 are required prerequisite classes for HIS-510, HIS-520, HIS-600, HIS-620 and HIS-660.

The accelerated pathway in marketing lets you take up to two graduate-level marketing courses (6 credits) during your bachelor's in marketing degree online at the undergraduate tuition rate:

• MKT-500: Marketing Strategies: You can take this course during your bachelor's program and apply it toward you MS in marketing. In this course, you'll learn about selecting a target market, conducting marketing research, and designing product, price, promotional and distribution strategies through the development of a marketing plan.
• INT-640: Multinational Market Strategies: This is the second course you can take as part of the accelerated option. In this course, you'll develop practical managerial skills in multinational market research, branding, consumer behavior, sales, and product development in a global market.

Earning a master’s degree can set you apart in this competitive field and prepare you for a variety of jobs in the sports industry. Our accelerated BS-to-MS pathway lets you apply your graduate credits to your master's in sports management to complete your program in as fast as one year.

Graduate courses that can be taken during your bachelor's in sport management degree online:

• SPT 565: Internationalization of Sport Business: This course was selected as it is a good challenge for students wanting to experience the graduate curriculum and graduate-level writing. It also introduces some good research foundations.
• SPT-501: Research Methods in Sport Management: Take this course in place of one of your sport management electives. You'll examine research methods and techniques used in sport management and the sport industry. You'll cover the basic aspects of reading, evaluating, and writing research, and explore concepts developed in relevant literature as they apply to sport management.
• SPT-600: Management of Sport Organizations: This graduate-level course focuses on the application of management concepts and theories to sports organizations and the sports industry. It includes issues of organizational design, public policy, labor relations, collective bargaining, ethical issues in sport and the globalization of the sports industry.

True to its name, an accelerated master's degree is one that can help you reach your educational goals faster.

At SNHU, accelerated master's degree programs provide affordable pathways to earn a graduate degree in less time. Our combined bachelor's to master's program pathways allow you to incorporate graduate-level courses into your undergraduate studies for the price of an undergraduate course, saving you almost $1,000 in tuition per course.

Each accelerated course you take with this program can save you up to 10 weeks of time in earning your master's degree. The overall time savings will vary slightly depending on the number of graduate-level courses you take. Policy allows eligible students to take up to 12 graduate credits during their undergraduate program.

For business majors, an accelerated pathway can reduce your graduate degree by almost a year. For nursing majors, an accelerated pathway can reduce your MSN by almost six months.

There are plenty of factors that can help you earn a degree faster – and taking classes online could possibly be one of them.

Here are a few ways you can get a degree faster online:

• Save time by skipping the commute and logging in from wherever you are. By doing classwork on your schedule, you set yourself up to cross the finish line each term – and do it successfully.
• Shorter terms can mean you rack up the credits faster. And many online colleges have more terms per year than their traditional counterparts. Southern New Hampshire University, for example, has 6 online undergraduate and 5 online graduate terms each year. It just feels good to see progress, doesn't it?
• And by having so many terms with an online college, you can start school when you want. You're not stuck waiting months to get going when you want to begin now. That can help you graduate that many months faster.
• Online colleges are often more affordable, meaning that finances are less likely to stand in your way. SNHU is one of the most affordable online schools in the country, and it aims to help remove the blockers that may be in your way.
• And online colleges can also accept transfer credits. (Oftentimes, they'll even accept more than in-person colleges.) At SNHU, whether you're taking classes online or on campus, up to 90 of your previously earned credits can be put toward your bachelor's degree – 75% of your degree!

Want to learn just how quickly you could finish an online degree at SNHU? Fill out our 5-minute application today.

The speed at which you can earn a master's degree online is dependent upon which program you're enrolled in and how many transferrable credits you've previously earned.

SNHU offers accelerated options in many fields, so you can be on your way to earning your master's degree in a growing industry faster – and for less money.

With the online accelerated option, you can take up to 4 graduate-level courses at the undergraduate tuition rate during your bachelor's degree program. Once you've completed your bachelor's degree, those graduate-level courses can be applied toward your master's degree at SNHU.

Yes, many find accelerated master's programs are worth it – if you'd like to improve your career options at a faster rate and lower cost.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs that require a master’s degree at an entry level are projected to grow at nearly 10% by 2034.¹

In an effort to cut your higher education costs, SNHU allows you to take up to 4 graduate-level courses at the undergraduate rate. Even better? Once you've completed your bachelor's degree, those graduate-level courses may be applied toward your master's degree at SNHU to speed up the overall process.

The degree that will be most convenient for you may be the one you can obtain the fastest. While accelerated degree programs are fast, there are other options.

Some undergraduate students find it easier to start with an associate degree and build their way up to a bachelor's degree. An associate degree, normally completed in two years, can stack into a bachelor's degree, which can be completed in four. It's important to note that, at SNHU, you can transfer in up to 90 credits, and we do not require an application fee.

We offer associate to bachelor's degree paths including the online associate degree in marketing, online associate degree in business and our online associate degree in IT program.

Accelerated degrees are great for getting a fully accredited degree program in a shorter amount of time.

If you're able to take extra classes or enroll in your degree program full time, an accelerated program allows you to earn two degrees in the time it may take some students to complete one.

Earning a master's degree is an excellent way to increase your credibility and improve your career options. There are fields where a master's degree is needed for career advancement, and earning your degree at a faster rate and lower cost can make pursuing your master's degree even more worthwhile.

It's certainly possible. One key factor may be transfer credits. If you already have an associate degree, for example, and the university you apply to accepts transfer credits, you'll already be halfway to your bachelor's degree.

SNHU offers generous transfer credit policies where you can transfer up to 45 credits toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. For nursing students, your unencumbered nursing license is worth 45 credits and you can achieve up to 45 more credits through prior course work.

For an associate degree, you must complete your final 15 credits at SNHU, with three of those classes (nine credits) within your major. For a bachelor's degree, you must complete 30 credits at SNHU with four of those classes (12 credits) within your major.

At SNHU, you can pursue degrees part-time or full-time for the same price. That way you can earn your degree at a pace that works for you without affecting the cost. And with 6 term starts a year, you won't have to wait till spring or fall to begin your academic journey.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, Career Outlook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2025/data-on-display/education-pays.htm (viewed Jan. 8, 2026)
• https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-summary.htm (viewed Jan. 8, 2026)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm (viewed Jan. 8, 2026)