How to Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Online

Looking to finish your bachelor’s degree faster? Consider an accelerated degree program. These programs require students to manage a heavier course load at a faster pace, but they can help learners graduate in half the amount of time.

Online accelerated bachelor’s degree programs provide the same education as their on-campus counterparts, but they often offer benefits like flexible scheduling, lower tuition, and asynchronous studying.

You can choose from a wide selection of majors when pursuing an online accelerated bachelor’s degree, so you can find a program that fits your academic and career goals. We’ll walk you through some of the best programs and lay out everything you need to know about accelerated bachelor’s degrees.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs can help you graduate faster by condensing a four-year curriculum into 2-3 years. These programs require students to complete higher course loads at a faster pace in order to finish their studies more quickly.

Accelerated programs can appeal to working professionals and busy students who want to progress faster through the courses. However, these programs also require a larger time commitment per week during those 2-3 years.

Transfer students who already have an associate degree or equivalent credits may be able to graduate from an accelerated bachelor’s degree program even faster, in 1-2 years.

There are many online accelerated bachelor’s degree programs, ranging in fields from healthcare and business to liberal arts, communication, and computer science. Here are some of the most popular programs.

A bachelor’s in accounting can prepare you for roles such as accountant, auditor, financial analyst, tax manager, and actuary. In this program, you can expect to take courses in accounting ethics, auditing, taxation, and business law.

Accelerated online bachelor’s in accounting programs typically take fewer than three years to complete.

A business degree can help you build skills for a variety of career fields, including accounting, marketing, human resources, and management. Many schools also offer concentrations in topics such as business administration, business management, and business law.

Most accelerated online bachelor’s degrees in business take 2-3 years to complete. Although the required 120-credit standard is usually maintained, class sessions are condensed.

A bachelor’s in communication program can give you the broad foundation for a career in journalism, public relations, writing, editing, and more. Common courses include foundations of communications, technical writing, and public speaking.

An accelerated online bachelor’s in communication can often be completed in 2-3 years. It can also serve as a degree-completion program for students who hold an associate degree or other transfer credits.

Bachelor’s in criminal justice programs include classes focused on the U.S. correctional system and law enforcement, criminology, cybercrime, ethics in criminal justice, and forensic science.

Accelerated programs take 2-3 years compared to the traditional four years. Some programs will let you apply credits from previous college coursework or law enforcement experience to your criminal justice degree.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will put you at the forefront of a fast-growing field that is rapidly hiring. Some schools offer concentrations that can help you build specialized skills in areas including computer forensics, software security, and ethical hacking.

Full-time online bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs take four years to complete, but many accelerated programs can be done in around two years.

A bachelor’s degree in education can help you pursue a career in teaching or administration. Many programs include a general education curriculum and a specific concentration, such as a specific age group or subject area.

An accelerated bachelor’s degree in education usually takes at least two years to earn. However, if you have previous credits or work experience, you may be able to advance at an even faster pace.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration prepares you for non-clinical jobs in the healthcare industry. These programs prepare students with the necessary skills to organize and oversee healthcare services in hospitals, physician practices, or long-term care facilities.

If you already have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in another discipline, you can expect to complete an accelerated bachelor’s in healthcare administration in 1-2 years.

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics programs explore both pure and applied math and can include courses in statistics, mathematical computing, and math education. Some programs offer specializations in subjects like data science and math computing.

An accelerated bachelor’s degree in mathematics can cut a year off of your studies, allowing you to graduate within three years by condensing your course load. Some fast-tracked programs can be completed in two years.

A bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) is one of the most popular degrees for new nurses. Online BSN programs can take 1-4 years to complete, depending on your prior education and experience.

Accelerated BSN programs can be completed in 2-3 years. RN-to-BSN programs allow licensed registered nurses (RNs) to obtain their bachelor’s degree in approximately two years. However, transfer credits can shorten that timeline to just a year.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology can prepare you for a variety of careers after college or to pursue advanced degrees. Common classes include clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and cognitive development.

Certain students in an accelerated bachelor’s degree in psychology program may be able to complete their degree in less than two years by taking a condensed course load.