15 Best Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults [2024 Ultimate Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on September 18, 2024
Where do you find the best accelerated online degrees for working adults?
Whether you are returning to school or have no college education, there are degrees online designed for working adults like you, and we’re here to show you how to find the best one for you.
We’ll discuss how you can earn your college degree quickly through flexible programs and how to know that you are spending your money wisely on a degree that will improve your marketability in the workplace.
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There are numerous degree programs in almost any field you can think of that are designed for working adults, but some majors are more prevalent than others. These are some of the most popular majors sought out by working adults.
Click on the major that matches your goals and interests to learn more about it:
You can earn a degree in any of these subjects online. There are also plenty of other areas of study to choose from.
Accounting may be perfect if you love numbers, analysis, and statistics and want to help others make strong financial decisions. It incorporates the study of finances, particularly in business decisions, and involves planning and analysis.
In your studies, you’ll learn how to measure, process, analyze, and communicate financial information to stakeholders to facilitate improvements.
An accounting degree can help land you a job as a data analyst, business administrator, manager, management consultant, banker, financial adviser, or economist.
Earning a business administration degree can equip you with critical decision-making skills, a systematic understanding of management-related problems, and conceptual tools for solving management issues.
This course of study is excellent preparation for careers in business and management.
With this degree, you can pursue work as a business consultant, market research analyst, human resource specialist, event planner, training and development specialist, loan officer, or marketing executive.
Would you rather work with hardware or software? You can take your pick after earning a degree in computer science. You’ll learn the basics of both sides in your studies, and this well-rounded education will help you work cohesively with other businesses and departments in your field.
With this degree, you could become a hardware engineer, professional app programmer, web developer, video game designer, or electronic music composer. You could work for a large company designing computer systems, networks, and business software or a smaller company making the next popular app or video game.
Of course, you could also work as a freelance mobile app or website creator or consultant for a small company. With technology being such a necessity in today’s world, there is no shortage of opportunities for CS graduates.
Earning a degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a job in the police force, criminal courts, prison services, community safety, fiscal services, special agencies, or restorative justice.
The scope of this degree continues to expand as threats to public safety, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and more complex criminal issues, continue to evolve. More than ever, this field needs more trained professionals.
In your studies, you’ll explore key criminal justice issues, such as the sentencing of offenders and the reputation and responsibilities of police forces. You’ll also learn about the different agencies involved in law enforcement, government, and the court system.
If you have a passion for teaching, an education degree is a stepping stone toward these goals.
Your courses will cover education theories and practices, research, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and history. This field requires a genuine interest in teaching and commitment, as well as communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Most graduates work in education, social work, public administration, administrative services, support services, or as skilled trades trainers. All of these fields need skilled educators.
When you study finance, you’re opening yourself up for the opportunity to manage and create wealth. If you enjoy managing money and keeping up with financial markets and have a mind for business math, this could be the degree for you. You’ll study accounting, investments, and risk management.
After graduating, you might advise companies or individuals on the best courses of action to take with their money, including where to invest it for the best returns. Or, it might be your job to study world trends in finance to ensure that there are no unforeseen risks and that people are prepared for market changes.
You could become a financial analyst, financial advisor, investment banker, or fund manager.
Many students don’t have a clear idea of what they want to major in or which career path to choose when starting college. If this sounds like you, a general studies program could be the answer. A general studies program will allow you to explore your interests while preparing for the workforce.
The skills you’ll learn in this degree program are valuable to numerous careers. Because of how well-rounded the program is, you’ll have many career possibilities, including jobs in management, human resources, media, marketing, entertainment, and sports.
A healthcare administration degree program will focus on building your knowledge of healthcare and business-related topics. You’ll study anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, business management, strategic planning, computer skills, and organizational leadership.
There is great demand in the healthcare sector. You could work in a hospital, doctor’s office, nursing home, home care service, government agency, or non-profit agency.
Healthcare administrators carry out a diverse range of tasks and have opportunities to make meaningful contributions in their workplace and community.
If you are interested in computing and technology, you might consider an information technology degree. This degree is focused on software, databases, networking, and the theoretical and mathematical foundations of computing.
With this degree, you can pursue a career as a software developer, programmer, web developer, research scientist, computer systems analyst, network administrator, or IT consultant.
Do you enjoy studying the laws of the nation and your state? Do criminal justice and court systems intrigue you? If so, you might want to choose legal studies as your major.
Your studies will provide a wide overview of how laws are created (legislative system) and enforced (judiciary system). After graduating, you may attend law school or work as a lobbyist, paralegal, or court clerk.
A liberal arts program will allow you to explore the arts and humanities and build crucial skills in analysis and communication. You’ll study language, literature, philosophy, music, fine arts, history, geography, sociology, religion, and political science.
You can gain perspective on personal ethics, cross-culture context, historical context, and environmentalism.
Because of the versatility of this degree and the many topics you can study, you’ll have many career options to pursue. You might become an editor, journalist, writer, legislative assistant, or librarian, to name a few options.
In a management program, you’ll study practices for utilizing company resources—people, finances, tools, and technology—to meet specific goals efficiently. You’ll take courses in accounting, finance, organizational leadership, team building, communication, and marketing.
Good managers can think creatively, lead, and take on responsibilities, and they are needed in any organization that requires the management of resources, people, and services.
If you have strong communication skills, persuasive abilities, and an interest in advertising and innovation, a career in marketing could be a great choice.
A marketing degree can help you develop practical skills important to this field, including general numerical skills, the ability to analyze mathematical and statistical data, strategic planning, and advertising.
You’ll also learn how to examine business details and analyze customer experiences. These skills are essential for successful marketing and attracting new customers to products and services.
Why do people think the way that they do? What makes them behave in certain ways? How can they change their thought processes and behavior? If these questions pique your interest, you might be well-suited for a career in psychology.
As a psychology major, you’ll study human development, cognitive and behavioral disorders, research methods, and counseling practices. You’ll gain insight into why people make certain decisions, how to influence them ethically, and how to communicate effectively.
An understanding of the human mind is applicable in nearly every industry.
You may use this degree to go on to a master’s program and become a licensed psychologist or take what you learn into the business world. Many trained psychologists work as consultants for marketing departments.
A supply chain management program can allow you to develop a wider perspective and deeper understanding of global supply chains and the strategic and analytical tools to manage them.
Your courses will cover the latest technologies and innovations within the supply chain and global logistics industry.
You’ll learn about blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and automation. You’ll also study risk mitigation, sustainability, and ethics.
You’re an adult. You may work full-time, have a family, and have a busy life—but you still want to get your degree.
This guide explores how college credits can be earned for life experiences and current knowledge.
Using these methods and taking advantage of fast-track online degree programs designed for working adults can help you finish your degree faster.
Did you know your work experience, skills, and current knowledge might make you the perfect candidate for an online degree? Do you have drive, focus, determination, and the ability to follow through?
Many universities have accelerated online programs designed for driven adults like you and policies that will allow you to earn credit for your experiences.
If you want to finish your bachelor’s degree in 2 years or less than 4 years, then accelerated online classes can be the answer.
Instead of sitting in each class for 16 weeks (traditional semester), you can enroll in 8-week online classes. Some colleges even offer 5-week online courses.
By choosing accelerated online courses, you can finish your degree faster and complete your classes at home in your pajamas after work.
Accelerated classes are typically 8 weeks long, and you can usually take two (sometimes three) at a time. They operate just like traditional online classes. You register and submit assignments the same way. The only difference is that you can finish each class in half the time (or less).
One example of an accredited college offering accelerated online classes is Liberty University (8 weeks). If you really want to earn your degree quickly, Liberty University allows students to apply for an academic overload—up to 12 credit hours (three classes) each 8-week session.
Here’s an example of how this workload can help you earn credits quickly:
| Sample Schedule | |
| Semester | Credit Hours |
| Fall 1 | 3 classes x 3 credit hours = 9 credit hours |
| Fall 2 | 3 classes x 3 credit hours = 9 credit hours |
| Spring 1 | 3 classes x 3 credit hours = 9 credit hours |
| Spring 2 | 3 classes x 3 credit hours = 9 credit hours |
| Summer | 6 classes x 3 credit hours = 18 credit hours |
| Total | 54 Credit Hours Per Year |
Just like that, you could earn 54 credits in just one year!
Are you a go-getter? If so, self-paced degree programs may be a good fit for you. These are also known as competency-based degrees.
Here’s how competency-based degrees work: You pay a flat fee for a period of time. During that time, you submit assessments or portfolios for courses you have mastered. If you learn fast, you finish fast. It’s that simple.
You are the one who controls the pace, be it fast or slow.
Many schools offer different self-paced programs. For example, Capella University offers two self-paced paths: a Guided Path and a FlexPath.
Guided Path:
The Guided Path is set up with your academic advisor. You choose the courses and follow an assigned schedule with deadlines.
You pay for each course and have regular check-ins with your advisor.
FlexPath:
When you register for a FlexPath, you are the one who sets the pace. You pay a flat rate for a 12-week cycle and can complete as many courses as you can handle.
You can receive one-on-one help with a tutor and coaching support to complete your personalized plan.
| GuidedPath | FlexPath | |
| Time to Completion | Just over 2 years | Up to you! |
| Who Determines Speed | School’s class schedule | You! |
Self-based programs are becoming increasingly popular as more busy students desire to earn quick degrees that pay well without disrupting their lives.
Do you ever wish that your years of work experience could count toward a degree?
They can!
Credit for life experience is your secret to earning credits for things you have already done and learned.
These are some achievements that are commonly awarded college credit:
| Credit for Life Experience | |
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As you can see, credit can be earned for a variety of certifications and training—and this list is only a sampling!
Almost all schools follow the guidelines specified by the American Council on Education (ACE) when awarding credit for life experience. You can go to their website for a comprehensive list of their guidelines.
Or, if you already have a university in mind, you can visit the school’s website and search “credit for prior learning” to learn more about your prospective school’s credit-granting policies.
If you have significant life or work experience and want to receive college credit, you can see if your school will allow you to submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio.
While colleges will have different specifics, most that accept these portfolios will have similar processes.
First, you pay a portfolio evaluation fee and take an online credit-for-work-experience course. At the end of the course, your portfolio is assessed. If accepted, you’ll be awarded credit for your life experience.
The most common limit on credits for prior learning is 30 credit hours (the equivalent of 1 year of college), but some schools allow more. Some even allow up to 75% of your degree to be earned this way!
This option feels like it’s a secret. College advisors rarely talk about it, yet nearly 3,000 colleges will allow students to test out of college classes!
There are quite a few nationally accredited credit-by-exam choices:
With these exams, you can skip sitting in class and earn credits fast by completing a short test. For example, the CLEP tests are multiple-choice tests that are completed in 90 minutes. For 90-minutes, plus study time, you could earn 3 credit hours, which would usually take weeks of being in class to earn!
You don’t need to be an expert. You’re smart! You’re an adult, and you can learn quickly because you already have a lot of information stored up.
One of our staff members bought the study guide for the CLEP Natural Sciences exam worth 6 credit hours. They studied like mad for about a week, sat down, and took the 90-minute, multiple-choice exam.
They walked out with 6 credits, just like that.
You don’t even have to ace the exam. Most colleges will give you credit if you pass with 50%. Perfection isn’t necessary, just passing.
It takes a lot of work to finish quickly, but once you’ve done it, we think you’ll agree it is worth it.
As a working adult, you know how expensive life is. Earning a degree will be another expense in your budget.
Good news! There are financial aid opportunities available for adult online learners.
A grant is money given to you based on your qualifications. Grants are often given to people earning lower incomes, but not always.
A grant is a gift and does not need to be repaid.
Some grants are only given to those intending to work in certain locations or fields. An example is the Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides grants for students who intend to teach in elementary or secondary schools with students from low-income families.
To see if you qualify for federal grants, fill out your Federal Application for Student Aid. Don’t skip this step, even if you think you aren’t eligible. You may get some free cash for your college degree.
Student loans are an option for anyone enrolled in college courses at least part-time. Loans are borrowed money and must be paid back with interest.
A loan from the federal government will typically have a lower interest rate and more flexibility in repayment options, but private student loans from a bank are an option too.
You usually don’t have to start paying on your student loans until a certain period after graduating.
Some colleges offer interest-free payment plans, much like when buying a car. Here’s how it works at many universities:
Instead of paying a large lump sum at the beginning of the term, you can select monthly payments. You set up a plan for your payments to be automatically charged to your bank account or credit/debit card.
This option helps by spreading the tuition amount over months instead of having to pay a large lump sum. And, with no interest, you pay the same amount in the end!
Scholarships are given based on merits. There are thousands of scholarships available from all kinds of organizations.
Scholarships are as varied as the groups that offer them. They can be given for academic grades, playing basketball, attending a certain church, working for a certain company, your hometown, what field you are pursuing, or being a member of a bird-watching club.
Colleges also offer scholarship opportunities.
Others you can find by Googling “scholarship” + “your state/hometown/clubs/church/employer”
There are many scholarship opportunities out there, so do your research. It will be worth the effort when you can pay for your college education!
When a college is legit, it isn’t afraid to list its credentials. Regional accreditation is the gold standard for colleges. Always check that your school is recognized by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
These are the regional accrediting bodies:
When you go to all the work of completing your degree and graduating college early, you want to know it will count.
Not everyone can afford to quit their job to pursue their degree. That’s why accelerated online degree programs are so beneficial for working adults.
Accelerated programs make it possible and convenient to pursue the degree you’ve always wanted.
One of the best advantages of accelerated online degree programs is that you can keep your job, but there are other amazing benefits too.
Most accelerated online degree programs cater to students who already have jobs and plan to keep working while pursuing their college degree. It’s not just a matter of making it work with whatever degree program you choose and sacrificing a lot while pursuing your education.
Since these programs understand your specific situation and the demands at work, they make it easier for you to maintain a full-time job while going after your degree.
That’s not to say it will be easy or stress-free to complete your degree, but your experience probably won’t be as stressful as if you had chosen a degree program not geared toward working students.
Finishing your degree faster means a potential promotion or job change. With that promotion or job change usually comes an increased salary and responsibilities. You may even qualify for a leadership position with your new degree.
Getting ahead of your peers who chose non-accelerated routes could be the difference between a new and exciting position and simply staying within your current job. Also, accelerating your degree could save you money because you won’t be in school for as long.
Commuting to school can be difficult when working full- or even part-time.
Online programs allow you to study for your degree at home when you’re not at work. You can complete your coursework in the evenings, on the weekends, or for a few minutes here and there in between obligations rather than having to devote a certain number of hours per week getting to and from campus.
Plus, since you won’t be tied to attending on-campus, you can choose from a wider selection of programs and get the most out of your college experience.
There are many accredited online degree programs for all levels of education, so you can rest assured your degree will be valued.
Earning a college degree from a non-accredited institution could affect your ability to obtain state licensure (to become a teacher, counselor, or accountant, for example), apply for a job, or apply to graduate programs.
When you earn your degree from an accredited institution, you can be assured your education will meet quality standards. Because many accredited and top-ranked programs now offer online and accelerated formats, you could earn your degree from a well-known and respected school.
The best part is that you don’t have to indicate on your resume that your college degree was accelerated or online. Your degree will have the same value as someone who took longer to complete their degree on campus at the same school.
One advantage of accelerated online degree programs that may be less obvious is the opportunity to network with other working adults worldwide.
This can increase your chances of hearing about job opportunities since most are shared via word of mouth.
You may also feel more at ease knowing that your classmates are in similar circumstances. This can make it easier to collaborate, communicate, and organize group work with them and make you feel less alone in your program.
An accelerated college degree program designed for working adults could be your golden ticket to the degree of your dreams. You don’t need to put your life and career on hold while in school.
You can continue to work while speeding through your degree. You get to set your pace. You can take classes around your schedule.
Your life experience and prior learning may even earn you credit. Plus, you’ll likely pay less than if you earned your college degree the traditional way.
You can realize your academic dreams without totally disrupting your life!
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