25 Fastest Degrees to Get Online: Get Your Bachelor Degree Fast

Ready to start your journey?

You may be wondering what is the fastest online degree to get as you consider returning to school to finish previous degrees or completely changing your career path to a field that has a greater opportunity for growth and employment.

Fastest Degree to Get

Having a passion for your field of study is essential for long-term satisfaction with your career, but it’s also important to consider the time commitment necessary to obtain a degree.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

For example, are 6-month bachelors degrees available or even a 1-year bachelors degree, or will you always have to commit multiple years before embarking on a new career? The time commitment is an important question to ask when you’re deciding on a college degree program. Depending on your personal situation and career goals, you may need a degree path you can complete quicker than the average 4-year bachelors degree program.

Whether you are a full-time traditional college student or taking college classes online, there are various online degrees that can pave the way toward lucrative careers that will continue to expand in the rapidly changing economy.

Fastest Bachelor Degrees to Get Online

college student taking her bachelors degree online

Most college students spend about four years earning a bachelor’s degree, but you might have your sights set on graduating with a college degree sooner. If you’re willing to invest time and effort, you might be able to complete a bachelors degree in 12 months, particularly if you select the right college major, and some even offer 2-year bachelors degrees.
Select the college program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

Exploring your degree options may help you determine which academic path is right for you.

Check here about how fast you can get a teaching degree online.

Online Accounting Degree

Accountant working from home

There’s no doubt that the world of business is constantly evolving, both in the United States and across the world. With advancements in technology and big business continuing to expand, professionals in accounting and finance are in great demand in the modern workforce and have fast bachelor degrees to get.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Accounting students in these programs will learn how to analyze and apply financial rules, generate financial reports, and how to maintain financial accounts. With an accounting degree, you can choose a career as a personal accountant helping individuals and families with their finances or a business accountant working to streamline and handle a business’ finances or accounts.

Online Business Administration Degree

Business Administrator working with the executives

Business administration is a useful college degree for so many different career paths within the world of business. Whether you’d like to work for a small business or a large company, getting a business degree could provide the foundation that you’ll need for your career.

During a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, you’ll learn about accounting and finance. Other common topics include human resources, marketing, sales, and information technology. Most bachelor programs include courses on leadership and business law as well.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Graduating with a BBA could prime you for a career in various business departments, including marketing or accounting. Having a college degree might qualify you for management roles in your new career.

Online Communications Degree

social media managers working in an advertising agency

So much of what happens in the world, especially in business, depends on clear communication. In a communications degree program, you’d learn to hone your skills in written messages, spoken words, and visual media.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

The coursework in these degree programs might include studies in online writing, public presentations, social media, and brand strategizing. You might be able to select a concentration for your degree. Some colleges offer concentrations in public relations or copywriting. Getting your degree in communications could prepare you for a career in advertising or social media management. Public relations is another popular line of work for this degree.

Online Computer Science Bachelor Degree

software developer working remotely on a new project

Studies in computer science could put you on the cutting edge of today’s workforce. Organizations depend on technology and need professionals who can guide their tech developments.

The field of computer science focuses on the math and science of how computing works. Computer science degree programs usually focus on computer programming, operating systems, cybersecurity, algorithms, and program development. Data analytics might be another important topic covered in these courses.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Computer skills are in demand, so this college degree could lead to a variety of career opportunities. Examples of computer science careers include being a software developer, a web developer, or a computer systems analyst.

Online Criminal Justice Degree

Bailiff serving a court order to a woman

Criminal justice studies contribute to making the world a safer place for everyone. When you obtain a criminal justice degree, you’ll learn about law, corrections, courts, and policing.

The classes in a criminal justice bachelor’s degree program might include History of Policing and American Court Systems. There might be opportunities to explore topics like juvenile corrections or victim advocacy. Some colleges include classes in communications and technology for criminal justice professionals.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Graduates with a criminal justice degree often move into policing careers. Other career options might include being a security guard, a corrections officer, a parole officer, a bailiff, or an addiction counselor.

Online Education Degree

Elementary teacher guiding her student

If you have a passion for equipping others with knowledge, then you might want to get a degree in education. Teacher education programs include courses on instructional methods, curriculum design, special needs, and classroom management.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Education degrees are usually specific to a certain age range or school subject, such as elementary education or music education. Special education is another option. Education degrees that lead to licensure require a semester of practice teaching in a classroom. After getting this education degree, you might qualify for teaching licensure in your state. Once licensed, you could lead a classroom in an elementary, middle, or secondary school.

Online Emergency Management Degree

Emergency Management Directors in a meeting

When disaster strikes, trained professionals can help mitigate the consequences with an emergency management degree. Studying emergency management at the college level could prepare you to step into that career opportunity.

Emergency management bachelor’s degree programs might teach students about common disasters and the various emergency agencies that respond to crises. You’ll talk about organizational preparedness, interagency communication, security procedures, and risk assessments in your courses.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

People with this bachelor degree may work in municipal emergency management agencies — for example, as emergency management directors. They can also become security officers or safety directors. The federal Department of Homeland Security may hire graduates as well.

Online English Degree

professionals working in a publication company

Do you love words and language? If so, you could consider an English major for your fast degree program. In an English program, you might learn about grammar and the history of language.

You’d be sure to do a great deal of reading and writing as you complete this fastest degree. The courses might stretch your ability to compose different types of written materials. You’d probably read various works and write literary analyses of them as well. English degrees can help you find work in multiple fields.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Writing and editing are common examples, but you could also consider jobs in public relations, marketing, or journalism with your English degree.

Online Finance Degree

Financial advisor discussing with his clients

When considering the quickest online college degrees, it’s helpful to know that a finance degree is a bit more concentrated than an accounting degree as it takes into account in-depth financial subjects like investing.

Students will learn the necessary skills to analyze various finances and make financial decisions based on those reports and analytics as they complete this bachelor program. You’ll study subjects like data analytics, investment strategy, banking, and risk management.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

After graduating with your degree, you could choose to pursue a career as an investment advisor, financial advisor, financial planner, or banker. A finance degree opens the door to various investment and trading careers as well.

Online Fire Science Degree

Fire inspectors at work

Protecting people and property from fires is a big job. A bachelor’s degree in fire science could provide the expertise that will help you rise to the top of the firefighting field.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

As you complete this degree you’ll study how fire behaves and how to prevent combustion. You’ll also explore the science of extinguishing flames. Another focus of this degree will be on departmental leadership and interagency cooperation. Getting this degree could help you begin a firefighting career or help you advance to a leadership role in your current department. You might also qualify to work as a fire inspector.

Online Forensics / Crime Scene Investigation Degree

Crime scene technician collecting evidence

If you want to be involved in bringing criminals to justice, then you could study how to examine crime scenes and analyze evidence. This quick degree program will focus on many types of crime scenes, including break-ins and assaults.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

You can learn to collect evidence and keep proper records in these courses. Other courses might teach you how to present yourself in court or write official reports. A degree in forensics could lead to working as a crime scene technician who works in the field or in a lab. Your bachelor’s might also be useful for a job in law enforcement or corrections.

Online Graphic Design Degree

Graphic Designer working on his new project

If you’ve got an eye for making things look great, why not put it to work for you in a graphic design program? You might start this bachelor program by learning about design principles, color theory, and various typefaces.

Most graphic design is done digitally these days, so you’re sure to study software and technology that can help you create eye-appealing layouts. The degree courses might also cover brand management and web design. Graphic designers, of course, would benefit from this degree.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

There’s also the potential for jobs in marketing or web development. The experience and degree could lead to a position as an art director.

Online Health Science Bachelor Degree

Healthcare educator in a symposium with hospital staff

By studying health sciences, you can help other people live healthy lives. This degree program will equip you with tools to guide patients or lead healthcare organizations.

Your health science degree might include courses in healthcare delivery systems, health law, and evidence-based practices. You’ll learn to communicate with people and demonstrate professional leadership. Additionally, you might explore specific healthcare topics, such as gerontology or violence prevention.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Some health sciences graduates work as medical services managers. Others go into careers such as public health and work as healthcare educators or community health workers. The degree could also be useful in some social service agencies.

Online Healthcare Administration Degree

Health services manager in a meeting with hospital staffs

The demand for healthcare services is growing, and that means there’s an increased need for healthcare business professionals too. Studying healthcare administration could prepare you for a management role in a health organization.

First, you might study healthcare basics, such as the structure of the US healthcare system and federal health policies. Your degree program will also include business-related courses, such as classes in marketing, finance, and human resources. The lessons might relate specifically to using those business management skills in healthcare settings.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

People with this degree often work as medical or health services managers in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes.

Online Human Services Bachelor Degree

Counselor working in addiction treatment center

Are you committed to a career that’s invested in others’ well-being? If so, you might want to think about getting your 2-year bachelors degree in human services.

You’ll study human psychology and behavior and learn about social issues that affect families and communities. The degree will teach you to advocate for people, maintain integrity, support clients, and navigate the public aid system. You might also acquire some business, management and leadership skills that can help you run a department or an organization.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

People with this degree often start careers in human services agencies, correctional facilities, group homes, or addiction treatment centers.

Online Information Technology Degree

Database administrators working in the server control room

From business to scientific research, skilled information technology professionals are needed to keep computer systems up and running at optimal performance.

There are several growing careers within information technology that have a positive outlook for those interested in careers within this field, including computer support specialists, computer network architects, computer and information research scientists, database administrators, and computer system analysts.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Many of the top colleges in the country offer a selection of IT degrees that can be earned online. By utilizing advanced educational platforms, students who pursue an online IT degree can learn a variety of necessary skills that can be specialized to their specific field of interest.

Paralegal preparing documents for the lawyer

Although becoming a lawyer takes a long time, there are other jobs in the legal field that don’t require as much schooling. A degree in legal studies could provide the foundation that you’ll need to start your legal career.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

In the classes, you will study topics related to law and justice. As you complete your courses, you might cover different categories of law, such as criminal law, family law, and property law. You’ll learn how to conduct legal research, type up legal documents, use office technology, and work with clients. This degree might qualify you to take the industry exam for becoming a certified paralegal.

Online Liberal Arts Degree

Woman with Liberal Arts Degree doing clerical tasks

For a flexible degree program with broad applications, think about majoring in liberal arts. You’ll develop your soft skills and increase your overall knowledge in a variety of areas.

The topics studied in a liberal arts program might include writing, art appreciation, history, and social science. You might also take natural science, public speaking, and math classes. Some programs let students choose multiple electives for your accreditation.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Earning this degree could show that you are organized, dedicated, and ready to work with others. This degree might look good on your resume when applying for jobs related to customer service, clerical tasks, or problem-solving.

Online Management Degree

Manager and staffs looking at the new plan

Skilled managers are a necessary aspect of any successful business, and there are several different online business and management degree programs available.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

There are multiple industries that require management personnel, including healthcare, information technology, human resources, government, and international business. Many top accredited colleges across the nation now offer online management degree programs as well as accelerated bachelors degree online programs for flexible options. If you have already completed your bachelor’s, you can also find online MBA programs to further your business and management education.

Online Marketing Degree

Marketing team strategizing for ads campaign

The field of marketing deals with learning what consumers are interested in and helping connect them to those products or services.

When you choose a degree in marketing, you will take classes in consumer decision-making and purchasing trends. Other classes will prepare you to do market research. For a portion of the program, you might focus on marketing through digital channels, such as social media.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

A bachelor’s degree in marketing could get you ready to enter this field as a marketing specialist or a market research analyst. With experience after you complete your degree, you might move into a marketing or promotions management role.

Online Nursing Degree

Students taking Nursing degree

The healthcare industry continues to expand across the country, and the aging population contributes to a rising number of employment opportunities for those that enjoy working directly with patients.

A registered nursing (RN) license is typically the starting point for students interested in nursing, and these students often continue on to earn their BSN and graduate-level nursing degrees through an RN to BSN online degree program.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Some of the classes for the advanced degree programs may be able to be taken online through colleges with reputable accreditation, giving working adult students great flexibility in their education.

Online Organizational Leadership Degree

Business manager leading the company meeting

An organization’s effectiveness depends largely on the people who lead it. A degree in organizational leadership and management could teach you to be a strong, capable leader with the skills to handle all sorts of situations.

Organizational leadership studies are often housed within business departments, so you might take core business classes you complete your degree. In addition, you could study decision-making and change management. Some of your courses might include interactive exercises in which you’d try out your leadership skills.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

With this degree, you might work as a business manager. You could oversee a department like sales, employee training, or administrative services.

Online Psychology Degree

Psychologist counseling a teen

Many students are interested in how the human mind works and how thoughts influence behavior. For such students, a psychology degree could be a good fit.

If you choose to major in psychology, your college curriculum might include Human Development, Social Psychology, and Personality Theory. You will study how people think and learn as you get your psychology degree. The classes might cover research in psychology too. A bachelor’s degree could be the foundation for graduate studies in counseling or therapy.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

If you want to use your psychology degree right away, you could go into marketing, human resources, social services, or public relations.

Online Public Administration Degree

Program administrators discussing in their office

Public administrators keep government departments running and put public policies into practice. This line of work is similar to business administration, but it requires a set of skills that are tailored toward the needs of public agencies. Getting a degree in public administration might involve classes in budgeting, program management, and human resources.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

As you study to complete your degree, you’ll also learn to navigate the political system, think critically about public policy, and connect with the community you serve. This degree is often useful for careers in municipal leadership, program administration, and nonprofit management.

Online Web Development Degree

web developer working in her office

Websites are great sources of entertainment and information. Organizations with well-run websites may gain new customers or supporters. To help create those sites, you could get a degree in web development.

The coursework will teach you how to code websites and test them for functionality. As a part of your education you will also explore design principles and learn to create appealing layouts that are easy to use. You may graduate with a portfolio that showcases your work.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Graduates may work as web developers, web designers, or webmasters. The studies could also be relevant for jobs in additional fields, such as graphic design.

Fast Associate Degree Programs

Medical Assisting, as one of the fast online degrees

When considering which associate degree program is ideal for your career goals, time to obtain the degree is usually a big factor.

Among business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, and health sciences, here are a few other degree programs where you can research quick degrees online to suit your goals:

  • Health Information Technology: With this degree, you will study medical billing and coding, disease classification, and other subjects that will give you the skills required for a health information technology job.
  • Medical Assisting: Medical assisting involves working with patients, doctors, and nurses. Students will study vital signs, medical records, and common practices, like phlebotomy.
  • Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant: Occupational and physical therapist assistants work to help patients regain muscle strength, and range of motion, or how to cope with everyday activities. These programs will equip you with the skills required for entry-level positions.
  • Paralegal Studies: Paralegals work to research, gather information, collect various data points, and prepare documents to help lawyers. Students will likely study law office management, legal research, and legal writing.
  • MRI Technology: This degree path teaches the skills you will need to become an MRI technologist, and ready you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification.

The above degree programs take 2 years or less to complete and can be completed online to fit your busy schedule.

How to Quickly Get a Bachelors Degree

Students getting a Bachelors Degree

What is the fastest way to get a bachelor’s degree? If you’re committed to the idea of speedy schooling for your bachelor’s, look into programs that can help you accomplish that goal, including accelerated bachelors degree programs.

  • Completion Programs: Degree-completion bachelor’s programs are designed for students with associate degrees. You won’t need to take many general education courses and can focus on your major-specific classes.
  • Credit Transfer: Any college coursework that you’ve previously completed may count toward your new degree program. Transferring credits will be easiest if you select a university that has an articulation agreement with your previous school.
  • Knowledge Exams: If you learned some subject material in high school or through other coursework, you might be able to place out of classes with College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests or similar programs.
  • Professional Experience: Some colleges allow you to demonstrate that you already know certain subject matter because of your job, military service or other life experiences. You might then receive college credit for that knowledge.
  • Summer and Winter Terms: Instead of taking classes only during the fall and spring semesters, you might be able to earn additional credits during short summer or winter terms. Alternatively, you could select a school with year-round classes that last about eight weeks each.

You may be able to use a combination of these methods to get your degree as fast as possible, but everyone’s situation is different. Admissions counselors can help you determine the best approach to completing your degree in a short amount of time.

Accreditation

University offering Online Degrees

When searching for fast college degrees, it’s wise to be careful about the schools you consider. You don’t want to sacrifice quality for speed. This is why accreditation is key.

 

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

To ensure that you’re selecting a respected school where you’ll gain a reputable education, choose a college that holds regional accreditation. If your school is accredited, the coursework will transfer to other colleges more easily. Also, your degree might be useful for landing a good job or getting into a grad school program.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Online Degrees Financial Aid

You might be concerned about the financial burden of finishing a college degree in just one to two years, but financial aid programs can help you make the payments necessary to complete your degree.

The government, both state and federal, might lend you money or give you grants. To find out about your eligibility, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Also, you can look into scholarship programs from various organizations. Community groups and professional associations often distribute valuable scholarship funds to applicants who meet their guidelines.

What is an Accelerated Degree Program?

student taking an Accelerated Degree Program

An accelerated degree program is an approach to college studies that helps students graduate quickly. Classes are often set up in five- to 10-week blocks. They may be scheduled throughout the year. Schools that offer accelerated programs help students obtain their bachelor’s degrees in a timely manner.

Students finish one course and immediately begin the next. Accelerated degree programs don’t compromise on content. Students learn the same material as they would in a regular-length program. The time frame to get the degree is just more condensed. Accelerated degree programs can also be called fast-track programs.

Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in 2 Years?

students taking Bachelor's Degree

Yes, accelerated degree programs make it possible to get a bachelor degree in 2 years. Online programs are often designed for quick completion. You’ll want to search for a school that advertises a fast-track approach to classes and getting bachelor’s degrees.

Other factors can help schooling go quickly as well. Transferring an associate degree or any other college credit will put you closer to completion. So will receiving credit for advanced high school classes, industry certifications, professional experience, or military service.

Are Online Degrees Respected?

Man taking his Bachelors Degree online

Yes, both online and on-campus colleges are eligible for accreditation by one of the nation’s seven regional accrediting agencies. If you choose a regionally accredited online college, you can count on earning a thorough, respectable education and a degree that you can be produd of.

It’s worth noting that college diplomas don’t typically include the word “online.” Once you complete your schooling, it’s possible that potential employers will be none the wiser about the fact that you received your degree online. That’s particularly true if you choose a school that also has on-campus bachelor’s degrees.

What is the Easiest Degree to Get Online?

student taking her degree online

Programs that require no on-campus experiences and a limited number of math and science courses are often considered some of the easiest and fastest degrees to earn online.

  • Business: This program surveys many different aspects of the business world.
  • English: College English programs often emphasize reading literature and writing analysis papers.
  • Psychology: The online classes in a psych program may focus on behavior, thinking patterns and lifespan development.

Keep in mind that what’s “easy” depends on your strengths and interests. Some bachelor’s degrees will be easy for some students and harder for other students.

What are Quick Online Degrees That Pay Well?

Man taking a quick online degree

Having a degree may increase your salary, especially if you choose a field that pays well.

  • Business: Getting your degree in business administration could lead to a variety of high-paying management opportunities that could significantly boost your salary.
  • Communications: After entering the field with a communications degree, you might eventually become a marketing or public relations manager.
  • Web Development: Many organizations will pay a premium salary for well-functioning, secure, and attractive websites.

The sooner you complete your degree, the sooner you can enter your new career field and potentially increase your salary.

Is an Online Accelerated Degree Worth it?

Woman pursuing a degree online

Yes, an online accelerated degree is worth it for many students. If you have your sights set on a college education, then the sooner you can accomplish that dream, the better.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Once you earn your degree, you’ll be poised for career advancement, potential salary increases, and greater job stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unemployment rates go down as educational attainment goes up. Fast-track studies take discipline and dedication, but the effort can pay off in the end.

Universities Offering Online Accelerated Bachelors Degree

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited, offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format, and have accelerated classes that are 8 weeks or less in duration.

Albright College

Albright College

Albright College offers online accelerated bachelor’s degrees in applied psychology, addiction studies, business administration, accounting, and interdisciplinary studies. Courses are usually 7.5 weeks long and are often split into weekly modules with specific assignments. Most classes are taught asynchronously, but synchronous meetings are sometimes scheduled.

Albright College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Alvernia University

Alvernia University

Alvernia University offers accelerated bachelor’s degree programs either online or through evening and weekend courses on campus. Blended options may also be available. Programs include addictions and mental health treatment, criminal justice administration, health science, and RN to BSN degree completion.

Alvernia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers accelerated bachelor’s degree programs that may be completed in 3 years. Many programs offer master’s courses starting during the undergraduate program. Master’s degree programs typically require a separate application and admission decision.

There are usually 6 start dates per year, and several programs are offered fully online. Programs may include accountancy, arts, business, natural sciences, engineering, English, foreign languages, nursing, and political science.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bellevue University

Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers bachelor’s degree programs through an online accelerated program. An associate’s degree must have been earned before entering the program.

A cohort model is typically used where 1 or 2 classes are taken at a time. Classes may be taught in-person or entirely online. Potential programs include behavioral science, business, emergency management, legal studies, marketing, and web development.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Boston University

Boston University

Boston University offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree completion program in computer science or management studies. Both self-paced and online program options are usually available. The school also offers a degree completion program leading to a Bachelor of Liberal Studies. Having earned 52 to 64 credits is typically required before entering the program, and courses may be completed in just 2 years.

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University–Chicago offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program online. Areas of study offered include health care management, human resource management, kinesiology, organizational management, and sports management.

Courses are usually taught in an asynchronous format. Up to 67 credits may be transferred from other schools, and the program is typically completed in about 16 months. U.S. News & World Report named Concordia University–Chicago among the best online universities.

Concordia University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University – Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University–Wisconsin offers accelerated bachelor’s degree programs in 23 study areas. Options typically include both courses taught online or on-campus with weekly evening meetings. Classes are usually 8 weeks long, with 1 class taken at a time. Numerous start dates for bachelor’s degrees are commonly offered throughout the year.

Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers accelerated bachelor’s degree programs online. Programs include healthcare administration, human services, and business administration. Courses are typically offered in 5 week sessions, and there are several start dates throughout the year. Programs may result in a full degree or in the completion of a previously unfinished bachelor’s program.

Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Endicott College

Endicott College

Endicott College offers an accelerated BS in Nursing program. Having earned a previous bachelor’s in any field is required for admission, and the 62 credit hours may be completed in just 16 months. Classes are usually taught entirely online, but the program offers in-person internships with a practicing nurse.

Endicott College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University offers accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs in business and in interdisciplinary studies online. The business program offers optional concentrations including Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing. Courses are usually taught using a 7 week calendar. Fitchburg was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top public school among regional universities in the North.

Fitchburg State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

George Fox University

George Fox University

George Fox University offers accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs online. Areas of study offered include psychology and mental health studies, healthcare administration, project management, and elementary education.

Generally, only 1 class is taken at a time, and programs may be completed in just 16 to 20 months. General education requirements must be completed before admission to the program. Typically, a cohort of about 16 students complete the programs as a team.

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University offers accelerated bachelor’s degree programs in business administration and in nursing. Courses are typically available both online and on campus. Classes are usually taught in 5 week accelerated terms, and commonly 1 course at a time is taken. The bachelor programs may be completed in 2 years.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lamar University

Lamar University

Lamar University offers accelerated bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, general studies, and applied arts and sciences. Experiential credit may be offered, often allowing quicker completion of the program. Most classes in the accelerated bachelor programs are offered in 8 week sessions.

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Lynn University

Lynn University

Lynn University offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program by invitation based on academic performance in first-semester classes. The program’s requirements can typically be completed in 3 years, with 6 to 7 classes taken each fall and spring semester plus 3 in the summer. Courses are usually offered online, and a 3.0 GPA must be maintained.

Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Misericordia University

Misericordia University

Misericordia University offers accelerated bachelor’s degrees in 11 areas of study, such as accounting, healthcare management, information technology, and social work. Classes are typically taught online except in the hybrid social work program. There are 6 start dates each year, and the program may be finished in as few as 30 months. Credit for work experience is sometimes offered.

Misericordia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers an online, accelerated, STEM-based bachelor’s degree in business administration. An associate degree in business or a related field is usually required for admission into the program. Classes are typically taught during 7 week terms offered twice per semester, and the program may be completed in 2 years.

New Jersey Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Purdue University

Purdue University

Purdue University offers accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs in 8 areas of study, such as business administration, criminal justice, and information technology. All programs typically offer a flat tuition fee per term regardless of how many classes are taken. Terms are commonly 10 weeks long, and there are usually monthly start dates. Most programs require 174 credits and a 6 credit capstone project.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree completion program in 10 areas of study. These include building and construction studies, business management, behavioral health services, and health sciences. Both online and hybrid options are usually available. On average, 30 to 87 credits may transfer into the program.

Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Massachusetts – Boston

University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts–Boston offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Classes are typically taught online, but live simulations and clinicals are required. The program requires the completion of 12 classes and has 3 start dates per year. The program may be completed in 12 months.

The University of Massachusetts – Boston is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Michigan – Flint

University of Michigan Flint

The University of Michigan–Flint offers accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs in business administration and in interdisciplinary studies. Both programs are taught fully online. The interdisciplinary studies program offers concentrations in Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Data Analytics, and Digital Communication. Courses are typically 7 weeks long, and 2 courses per session are commonly taken per term.

The University of Michigan – Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

University of Missouri Saint Louis

The University of Missouri–St. Louis offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program in study areas like chemistry, history, math, physics, and political science. Programs can typically be completed in 3 years. Most programs are available fully online while some are also offered in a blended format. Either full semester or 8 week course options are usually available.

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of New Mexico

University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico offers an online accelerated bachelor’s degree completion program. Study areas include business administration, Chicana and Chicano studies, psychology, and strategic communication. Courses are commonly offered in 8 week terms. Having an associate degree or at least 60 qualifying transfer credits is typically required for admission into the program.

The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Texas – Permian Basin

University of Texas Permian Basin

The University of Texas–Permian Basin offers a number of accelerated bachelor’s degree programs online in areas such as nursing, business, arts, and sciences. Courses are typically taught in an asynchronous format. Courses are commonly 7 to 8 weeks long, and there are 8 start dates per year. University programs may be completed in 8 months with adequate transfer credits.

UTPB is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh offers an accelerated BS in Nursing program. A bachelor’s degree in another field is required for admission into the program. Degree coursework may be completed online, but clinical rotations are typically completed in-person at conveniently located local facilities. Plus, a single 2 week on-campus residency is required. The program may be completed in 12 months.

UW Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

William Peace University

William Peace University

William Peace University offers accelerated online degree programs in areas such as business administration, psychology, criminal justice, education, and nursing. Programs may be offered online or in a hybrid format. There are typically 6 start dates throughout the year, and university classes are usually taught in an asynchronous format. Most courses are 7 weeks long.

William Peace University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Getting Your Accelerated Bachelors Degree Online

student taking an Accelerated Bachelors Degree online

It’s never too late to get a college degree. Even if you have a busy life, there are ways to work college coursework into your schedule.

One approach is to pursue a fast degree so that you’ll have studies on your plate for as short a time as possible. Online college programs are often designed with quick completion in mind. These university programs are crafted for busy adults who need speed and flexibility.

You can complete fast online university degrees in 1 year, or maybe a bit longer, and earn a respected, accredited degree to list proudly on your resume.

Ready to start your journey?
Elizabeth Abner
WRITTEN BY Elizabeth Abner

Elizabeth is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Foreign Policy and earned her master's degree in business administration. For her undergraduate studies, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in international business. Elizabeth's research is focused on universities offering online degree programs.