Accelerated Degree Programs

Accelerated degree programs are a great way to fast-track your education, graduate college early, and enter the workforce sooner, helping you save time and reduce tuition costs.

Attending an accelerated degree program can allow you to:

• Earn credits more quickly and finish college faster
• Take a full-time course load without over-extending yourself
• Complete your degree 100% online
• Save money on tuition

Earning a college degree requires time, dedication, and sacrifice, but you don’t have to spend 4 years in a classroom.

If you want to shave years off the time it takes to earn your degree, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will put you in the driver’s seat of your degree program. We’ve compiled information about proven methods that can allow you to quickly earn college credits, some without even stepping into the classroom!

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Accelerated Degree Programs by College Major

There are many accelerated bachelor’s programs offered online by reputable universities. By taking fast-track courses online, you can finish your degree in less time than in traditional on-campus programs.

Many majors can be studied through accelerated programs, but these are some of the most popular:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Communications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Counseling
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Emergency Management
• English
• Finance
• Fire Science
• General Studies
• Healthcare Administration
• Health Science
• History
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resources
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Liberal Arts
• Marketing
• Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
• Political Science
• Project Management
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Sports Management

You can find accelerated 8-week courses in all of these majors online. To learn more about a major that interests you, click the link.

If you don’t see your major of interest, don’t worry. There are numerous programs available in many fields. With some research, you can find the best one that fits your interests and needs.

All salary and job growth information provided in the major descriptions is from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Accounting

Employment opportunities for accountants are projected to grow by 4% over the next 10 years, which is as fast as the national average. Most organizations need accountants, which means jobs can be found in manufacturing, government, insurance, marketing, healthcare, and more.

The average yearly income for accountants is $79,880. The top 10% of accountants make over $137,280, making accounting a potentially lucrative option.

While earning your accounting degree, you’ll take courses in financial management, managerial accounting, taxation, risk management, and accounting information systems.

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Business Administration

The average yearly salary for business degree holders is $69,000. Salaries for those in managerial and executive-level positions can be substantially higher.

For a degree in business administration, you’ll study business law, strategic management, global business, finance, and project management.

After graduation, you can pursue a career in management, financial advising, consultancy, marketing, or media. Business degrees are very versatile, and many employers look favorably upon them.

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Communications

Earning a communications bachelor’s degree can prepare you for many careers because of its focus on persuasive speaking and writing, research, public relations, marketing, and teamwork

With this degree, you could work in broadcasting, advertising, film, journalism, sports reporting, visual communications, or web design.

The average annual wage for communications degree holders is $57,000, while media and communications occupations have an average salary of $66,320. Both of these are higher than the national average.

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Computer Programming

Computer programming can be a rewarding and lucrative career. With 90% of computer programmers earning salaries above $58,950, the majority of computer programmers earn well over the national salary average.

The average yearly salary for computer programmers is $99,700.

While earning your bachelor’s in computer programming, you’ll study program and app design, programming languages, like Java and C++, and SQL fundamentals.

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Computer Science

Computer science is one of the top-earning career fields. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations is $104,420.

Job growth in the field is estimated to be much faster than national averages over the next 10 years, with over 377,000 openings projected, on average, each year.

For a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you’ll study programming, system architecture, data structures, operating systems, and cloud computing.

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Counseling

If you are interested in helping others, counseling can be a rewarding career with plenty of job opportunities. At 18%, substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors have the highest projected job growth over the next 10 years, but most counseling careers have faster-than-average growth rates projected

Although you can’t become a licensed counselor with just a bachelor’s in counseling, it is the first step when pursuing a career in counseling.

Some possible careers you can pursue with a bachelor’s include case management, crisis intervention specialist, life coach, and group home facilitator.

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Criminal Justice

If you are interested in helping and protecting others and maintaining justice, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be a great choice.

Careers in this field include police officers, detectives, homeland security, and federal agents.

The job outlook for police and detectives looks good, with a projected growth of 3% over the next 10 years. Their average yearly salary is $74,910, but top earners can make over $117,100.

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Education

Salaries in the education field depend largely on what you are teaching.

For example, the median salary for high school teachers is $65,220, while elementary teachers have a median salary of $63,670.

For a bachelor’s in education, you’ll study classroom management, learning theory, child psychology, and instructional planning. If you are in a teaching prep program, you’ll also prepare for your teacher’s licensure and participate in teaching practicums.

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Emergency Management

While earning your bachelor’s in emergency management, you’ll study emergency preparedness, disaster response, anti-terrorism, airport security, and risk mitigation.

The average annual salary for emergency management directors is $83,960. The top 10% of employees in the field earn above $151,560. Employment growth is projected to stay steady at 3% over the next 10 years.

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English

English degrees focus on reading, writing, and analyzing literature and other forms of writing,

Common topics of study in a bachelor’s in English program include American literature, comparative literature, technical writing, creative writing, and literary journalism.

The median annual salary for those with English degrees is $56,000.

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Finance

Finance is a burgeoning field with above-average employment opportunities. The projected job growth for financial analysts is 8% over the next 10 years, and their average annual salary is $99,890.

From analysts to managers to advisors, there is a niche for you if you are ambitious and love numbers and computing figures.

In your bachelor’s in finance program, you’ll study financial accounting, investments, strategic management, financial markets, and managerial accounting.

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Fire Science

Earning a bachelor’s in fire science can prepare you for a career field that has become increasingly professional. It’s not just about fighting fires anymore.

Your degree program can teach you administration, facilitation, team organization, and leadership skills.

Jobs in emergency management are becoming more necessary as situations become more complex.

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General Studies

A bachelor’s in general studies is a versatile degree that can lead to entry-level careers, entrepreneurial opportunities, or graduate school.

You can make your general studies degree more valuable by including courses that teach in-demand skills. Courses in marketing, sales, business, social media, graphic design, data analysis, computer programming, IT, communications, management, research, and operations can boost your resume.

You can use a general studies degree to enter a wide range of careers that require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement.

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Healthcare Administration

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing occupational fields, and healthcare administration employment is projected to have significant growth over the next 10 years.

Medical and health services managers have an annual median salary of $110,680 and an incredible projected job outlook of 28%.

Although you can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, master’s degree requirements are becoming increasingly common.

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Health Science

Healthcare, in general, is a large and booming field. Over the next 10 years, 1.8 million job openings are projected to be available.

While earning your bachelor’s in health science, you can focus your studies in health administration, public and community health, or fitness management. While a graduate degree is necessary to become a health practitioner, many entry-level, medical support careers can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree.

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History

Our reality is shaped by the historical events of yesterday. Colonialism, disease epidemics, immigration, wars, industrialization, culture shifts, and environmental phenomena have shaped our society.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in history can allow you to learn from these moments and apply them to today’s events. You could become a political scientist, teacher, economist, researcher, archivist, or writer.

You’ll study many aspects of history, including American, public, political, military, Asian, and Middle Eastern.

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Hospitality Management

You can work in administrative careers in tourism, event planning, food services, or lodging with a bachelor’s in hospitality management.

Your classes will help you develop the best hospitality skills and practical knowledge necessary to serve your customers well and cater to their needs and comfort.

Average annual salaries in this field range from $56,920 to $65,360, depending on the field of hospitality management you go into.

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Human Resources

Every industry, company, and organization with more than 25 employees typically has a human resources department. These companies include law firms, hospitals, universities, restaurant chains, and financial services.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the median annual wage for human resources specialists is $61,920. The top 10% of earners made more than $105,930. It’s also estimated that the job market for human resources will grow by 7% in the next ten years.

Common topics studied in a bachelor’s in human resources are human resource management, effective team-building, organizational management, and employee development.

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Human Services

A bachelor’s in human services could start you on the path to a career in social work, child care, gerontology, rehabilitation, or counseling.

Your studies will prepare you to deal with complex ethical, cultural, and economic situations to help people improve their lives and well-being.

You’ll study social science research methods, family and community systems, law and ethics in human services, child growth, and cognitive development.

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Information Technology

Computer occupations have a projected growth rate of 14%, which is much higher than the national average.

The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations is $104,420, which is more than double the average for all occupations.

While earning a bachelor’s in information technology, you’ll study computer programming, network administration, database administration, web architecture, and game development.

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Liberal Arts

Liberal arts degrees focus on developing well-rounded students. They seek to develop problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, cultural awareness, and analytical thinking. All of these skills are in demand and valued by employers.

You can study many things in a liberal arts degree, but you’ll have the opportunity to take classes focusing on the niche area(s) you hope to work in after graduating.

You can take classes in marketing, sales, business, social media, graphic design, data analysis, computer programming, IT, communications, management, research, operations, and more.

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Marketing

Marketing involves creativity and doing things differently to stand out from the crowd.

The average annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is $156,580. These salaries are typically for advanced careers, but even entry-level careers can be lucrative, with the upper 90% earning over $63,580.

As you earn your bachelor’s in marketing, you’ll study consumer behavior, e-commerce, internet law, digital marketing, customer retention, and conversion optimization.

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Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

More nurses than ever are seeking out nursing degree programs to advance in their careers.

The annual median salary for registered nurses is $86,070, but the top 10% earn over $132,680. One degree to note is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which allows a nurse already practicing as an RN to earn a BSN. Earning a BSN can help you pursue these advanced careers.

There are many accelerated RN-to-BSN programs available. These are ideal because nurses’ shifts often do not accommodate traditional classroom study. An accelerated BSN program allows a working RN to take online classes around night shifts and 12-hour days.

In a BSN program, you’ll go beyond the topics covered in an associate’s program and learn about social and physical sciences, nursing management, public health, and humanities.

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Political Science

Political science examines how places are governed and how different government institutions function.

While earning a bachelor’s in political science, you’ll study historical and cultural influences on government. You’ll explore how political processes started and how politics, the economy, and society are connected.

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Project Management

Project management examines how to lead teams and ensure projects are finished successfully.

An estimated 936,000 jobs for project management specialists are expected to be available by 2032.

While earning a bachelor’s in project management, you’ll study organizational leadership, global projects leadership, marketing, supply chain management, and business information technology.

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Psychology

Although a bachelor’s in psychology will not make you a doctor or a psychologist, it is the first step to becoming a psychologist.

Psychology is an in-demand field. The projected employment growth rate for substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors is 18% over the next 10 years. There are many counseling careers you can pursue with just a bachelor’s degree.

Studies show that nearly 50% of psychology majors go on to complete graduate studies, but there are many other fields in which a bachelor’s in psychology is beneficial. You could work in marketing, sales, advertising, rehabilitation, real estate, social work, or child care, to name a few.

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Sociology

Sociology degree programs are known for producing students with an appreciation of diversity, a love of learning, writing and research skills, and a foundational understanding of human behavior, social organization, culture, and social change.

Earning a sociology degree does not mean you have to become a sociologist. You can use your degree in many different careers, including teaching, marketing, journalism, law, politics, and consulting.

Common topics of study in a bachelor’s in sociology are contemporary race-ethnic relations, forensic anthropology, gender and society, environmental justice, global environmental issues, and social problems.

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Sports Management

Earning a bachelor’s in sports management can prepare you to become an active and integral participant in the behind-the-scenes actions of the vibrant sports industry.

You can be part of this exciting industry and work behind the scenes as an event coordinator, athletics administrator, sports marketer, or guest relations manager.

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Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Online

The two main types of bachelor’s degrees are a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Often, there’s little distinction between the two.

For example, depending on the school, you could earn a bachelor’s in business management as a BA or a BS. On the other hand, if you are interested in a bachelor’s in biology, it will most likely be offered as a Bachelor of Science program.

You typically need 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Traditionally, these are completed over 4 years, but if you choose an accelerated bachelor’s degree online, you could be done in 2.5 years.

Here’s how:

1. Use Credit by Examination (CBE) to test out of 15 to 30 credit hours. Before taking any tests, check your school’s maximum CBE credit allowance. If you can test out of 30 credit hours, that will cut 2 semesters from your schooling.
2. Add Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) credit. Most schools will allow up to 15 credits for this. That can knock off another semester.
3. Take two accelerated online classes every 8 weeks, giving you 6 credit hours per 8-week session. In 6 sessions (1 year), you can have 36 credits. In 2 years and 24 weeks, you can earn 90 credits.

The fast pace of an accelerated bachelor’s degree can help prepare you for a fast-paced career in any field! It will take a lot of effort, but it is possible with dedication and a strong work ethic.

Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

As a working adult, the dream of completing a degree program can sometimes seem hopeless. You are already working hard. You don’t have extra time and can’t quit your job to go to school.

An accelerated program for working adults could be just what you need. There is no commute, less time spent in class, and flexible scheduling. You can log in anytime and anywhere and choose from many popular majors and top schools.

Many schools also have payment plans available, so you don’t have to go into debt. Also, be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer a tuition reimbursement program.

Whether you already have college credits or are starting at zero, you can begin today and finish in far less time than you think, without putting your busy life on hold.

Accelerated Online Degree Completion Programs

An accelerated online degree completion program can help you finish your degree if you started it previously but couldn’t complete it.

If you have earned at least 60 transferable credits, you can apply to finish your degree in a degree completion program, often known as a 2+2 degree.

A degree completion program can allow you to finish without quitting your job or going back to your old university.

Competency-Based Degrees

A competency-based degree program allows you to work at your own pace and submit an assessment or portfolio once you have mastered the material for each course. There are no grades assigned. Only a pass or fail is given.

Classes are scheduled in 3- to 6-month terms and offered online. In these programs, you are your own teacher! You will set your schedule and work independently and can quickly move through the classes you have already mastered.

Competency-based programs focus on developing real-world skills. Skills you will actually use in employment after you graduate with your degree—no sitting through pointless classes.

Typically, you will pay tuition for one 3- to 6-month term and can complete as many units as possible during that time. That’s right. You are not limited by what is offered in a certain semester. As a motivated learner, you can quickly complete units and get through many courses each term.

Accelerated Schools

If you are trying to find an accelerated school, please don’t Google “accelerated schools.” They don’t really exist! An accelerated school is just a school that happens to offer online classes you can take at an accelerated pace. They likely offer traditional 16-week online and on-campus classes as well.

Online classes are typically offered in 8-week terms. You can take two courses at a time (sometimes even three) in an 8-week term, which will speed you through faster than a traditional program.

You can choose how fast you go through the program by taking advantage of the accelerated classes and max out your course load by taking two online classes at a time.

Are Fast Online Degrees Legitimate?

Earning a degree is a huge commitment. It takes a lot of effort and money. You want to be sure the degree you earn will be respected.

Many well-known, reputable universities offer accelerated online classes. More people are choosing online degree programs than ever, but you also want to be sure your online program is legitimate.

Regional accreditation is the gold standard for degree programs. You can check your program’s accreditation status through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degrees and credits from regionally accredited schools are more likely to be accepted by other schools and recognized by employers.

A degree granted from a reputable university is a degree. Your transcripts will show the classes you completed and the marks you received, not that you earned your degree online. Few employers will question which of your classes were online or in class.

Accelerated Courses vs. Traditional Courses: The Pros and Cons

It can be hard to decide whether to go the traditional route of taking classes on campus or accelerated courses online. Both options have pros and cons to consider.

Accelerated online courses offer more flexibility. You can complete your classwork on your schedule. You can work anywhere, anytime—from your office, on your lunch break, or during your summer vacation at the beach.

Accelerated courses are faster to complete, typically 8 weeks long.

Location doesn’t matter. Maybe you live in a rural location with no colleges nearby, or the program you want isn’t offered at your local college. Accelerated online courses allow you to take a class from any college anywhere. You could be living in Alaska taking a course from the University of Texas.

Your choice of colleges will not be limited to where you live, and you won’t have to uproot your family to complete your degree.

Accelerated courses typically cost less in tuition and associated class expenses as well.

The downsides of completing courses online really come down to you and what you are willing to do.

You will need to be an independent learner. You will not be interacting with a teacher face to face. You will need to be self-disciplined and remain focused when it gets tough.

How to Earn Your College Degree Faster

Many colleges around the country offer options for completing a degree faster than traditional programs allow. These include:

• Accelerated classes
• Credit by examination
• Credit for prior learning and life experience credit
• Credit for military training (if applicable)
• Advanced placement and dual enrollment options

Utilizing these options can allow you to shave months and even years off the time it takes to complete your degree.

Time to Completion—How to Earn Your College Degree in Under Four Years

You might think accelerating your degree sounds like a great idea but be wondering how all these proven strategies actually work.

Here is an example of how it works. In this example, the student has military experience, but you may have similar work experience that will count for college credit.

Pre-College
Credit Method	College Credits Earned
Military Training Credit	21

First Year of College
Start Date	End Date	Quick Degree Strategy	College Credits Earned
August	October	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
October	December	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
January	January	External Learning	3
January	February	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
February	April	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
February	April	Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio	18
		First-Year Total	45 Credit Hours

Summer Between First & Second Year of College
Start Date	End Date	Quick Degree Strategy	College Credits Earned
May	May	Credit by Exam: CLEP (Social Sciences and History)	6
May	June	Accelerated Classes (Max Course Load)	6
June	June	Credit by Exam: CLEP (College Composition)	6
June	August	Accelerated Classes (Max Course Load)	6
July	July	Credit by Exam: CLEP (Natural Sciences)	6
		Summer Total	30 Credit Hours

Second Year of College
Start Date	End Date	Quick Degree Strategy	College Credits Earned
August	October	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
October	December	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
January	February	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
February	April	Accelerated Online Classes (Max Course Load)	6
		Second-Year Total	24 Credit Hours
		Total Credit Hours	120 Credit Hours

Obviously, this is just one possibility. Instead of military training credit, you might already have 21 hours of transfer credit, or your school might offer six terms instead of five. The strategies are completely flexible to your experience, schedule, and courses.

Admissions Requirements

This is the easiest part. Applying to an accelerated program is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Find a college that offers 4- to 8-week online classes
2. Choose the college that you like and has your major
3. Go to the college website
4. Apply!

Most fast-track programs require the same materials and information as traditional degree programs. These may include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• School transcript(s)
• Minimum GPA
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Application fee
• SAT or ACT scores (not required by all colleges)

Some accelerated programs have a minimum age requirement. This age requirement is usually older than when most students begin college and is typically in the 20s range. This is because many accelerated and degree completion programs cater to adult learners.

Accelerated Bachelor’s Curriculum

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs have the same curriculum requirements as traditional on-campus programs, except you can get more flexibility and finish faster.

All universities in the United States have similar general education requirements. For example, for an associate or a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need around 6 credits each in communication arts, mathematics, science and technology, humanities, and social science.

An associate degree typically requires 3 additional liberal arts credits and 9 interdisciplinary studies credits. A bachelor’s degree usually requires 6 additional liberal arts credits and 18 interdisciplinary studies credits.

On top of that, you’ll need to complete the requirements for your major and your electives.

College Accreditation & Reputation

Accreditation is a quality assurance step conducted by federal and state government agencies and non-government organizations. It’s a way to ensure universities and colleges meet acceptable standards.

Look for regional accreditation from one of the following agencies:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Choosing a regionally accredited school ensures your degree is high quality and will be accepted by other universities and your employer.

What Are Accelerated Classes?

Think of your typical college course. Now condense it into just a few weeks. It might sound tough, but when you want to cross the finish line sooner, accelerated classes can be the ideal way. These classes are structured in 4- to 8-week formats instead of following a traditional 16-week course schedule.

Online accelerated classes are fast-paced but highly flexible, making them a good option when juggling work, school, and family obligations.

Do I Have to Take Accelerated Classes?

While most accelerated programs rely on students taking accelerated courses to quicken the pace of their degree, it’s not necessarily required in all programs. If you enroll in a program with only 8-week (or less) courses, you’ll have to take accelerated courses.

Some programs offer a blend of 16-week and shorter courses. Without accelerated courses, though, it will be harder to quicken the pace of your degree. The only way to do so would be through transfer credits, credit by exam, or credits for life experience.

What Should I Look for in an Accelerated College?

Choosing an accelerated school is one of the most important decisions you will make in your educational journey, and it pays to do your research!

The best colleges are accredited by regional accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education. If you’re unsure if your school has recognized accreditation, you can check the US Department of Education’s website.

Other ways that you can recognize top online schools include:

• College’s reputation and history
• Resources offered, such as libraries and student services
• Faculty credentials
• Alumni network

When comparing online programs, consider these important factors:

• Admission requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher ratio
• Tuition and financial aid
• Residency requirements
• Ability to transfer credits
• Student success rates

When your school is accredited, you can feel confident knowing it holds itself to high standards of quality and that your degree will have weight once you’re ready to venture into the workforce after graduation.

Job Outlook

Are you in search of quick degrees that pay well? Here’s a list of 10 quick degrees that might interest you.

After all that work of completing your degree, are you going to find a job? Is it going to be worth it?

Bachelor’s degree holders routinely make significantly more than those without degrees. The average weekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders is $1,493, while those with no college experience make $899, on average.

Earning a college degree can open up career opportunities as well. According to the BLS, the unemployment rate for those with a bachelor’s degree is just 2.2%.

FAQs

What Is an Accelerated Degree?

Let’s start with the basics: an accelerated degree program can allow you to earn your college degree faster than the norm. These degrees are designed for working adults or those who want or need to earn a degree in a less traditional format.

For example, instead of attending a college or university for 4 years, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your accelerated bachelor’s degree from start to finish in as little as 2 to 3 years.

What Are the Advantages of an Accelerated Degree Format?

One of the primary advantages of an accelerated college degree format is that you can finish your degree much faster than if you were to attend a traditional on-campus program. This will get you into the job market with your new degree faster.

Another advantage of this format is the cost. Many accelerated degrees cost less as well. Some even allow you to take as many classes as you can handle in a session for one fee, instead of per class.

There are also more options for earning credit for work or training you’ve done in the past.

What Are the Advantages of an Online Format?

You can take online classes from anywhere with an internet connection, so you don’t have to move and can network with other students worldwide.

If you’re hoping to take easy classes that require little to no effort, you may need to look elsewhere. Getting a college degree takes effort and commitment, whether you choose an online or on-campus format. Online classes from accredited universities are of the same quality as their on-campus counterparts.

Online programs are more flexible than on-campus programs, and since they have fewer scheduling requirements and don’t require commuting, they are easier to work around busy schedules.

I Already Have Some College Credits. Are Accelerated Degrees Still for Me?

Yes, and you can likely use those college credits to your advantage and accelerate your degree even more. You might even be able to finish your degree through a degree completion program. These programs are designed for students who started but never finished their degrees.

If you have many credits you can transfer to a degree completion program, you could be quickly on your way to completing that degree you left behind years ago.

How Do I Know Which Program to Choose?

Many colleges and universities offer accelerated college degrees, so the choices are vast. When choosing an online platform, you aren’t restricted by geography, so aim for the top schools in your field that offer accelerated degrees, regardless of their location.

Look for highly ranked, regionally accredited schools with long histories of quality education.

The best school for you is the one that fits your education needs and can help you meet your career goals. Since your choices are almost endless when choosing an online program, there’s no reason to settle like you may have to do with an on-campus program.

Can I Get Credit for Non-College Training and Experiences?

Yes, and in fact, you can probably get more credit than you think. Just because you haven’t been to college before doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable training, skills, and knowledge.

Of course, certificates of fire and rescue, EMT training, or RN licensure can earn you credit, but many non-certification options can also be used for college credit.

If you think your work or training experience has prepared you for a certain area or subject in your degree, you can take exams to prove that knowledge. DANTES, CLEP, and DSST all offer subject-based exams that are affordable, short (90 minutes is the average), and worth up to six credit hours each.

If you brush up on subject areas like English, history, and natural sciences, you could earn enough credits to have an entire year’s worth of college under your belt.

How Long Will My Degree Take?

The length of your course of study depends on the degree you pursue and the type of classes you take. Accelerated college degrees normally take about half the time as traditional on-campus degrees.

Accelerated classes can allow you to learn the same information and earn the same credits in less time—4 to 8 weeks instead of the traditional 16-week semester—and complete more credit hours each year.

A bachelor’s degree, probably the most common and sought-after degree, typically takes 4 years to complete. An accelerated format can significantly shorten this time. On average, an accelerated bachelor’s degree program can be finished in 2 to 3 years.

Accelerated Online Degrees Are the Future of Education

Now that you have learned the ins and outs of accelerated degrees, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to get a bachelor’s degree faster?

An accelerated degree program can allow you to earn your degree in half the time and start pursuing your dream career. Click “find my program” below to explore your options.