Fastest Accelerated Online Degrees by Degree Level

With the right accelerated online degree program, not only will you be able to finish school within a much shorter time period, but you’ll also be able to customize it to fit your busy schedule. Gone are the days of having to spend hours in a stuffy classroom! Earning your degree online allows you the freedom to complete classes and assignments on your time and from the comfort of your own home. However, keep in mind that because these programs allow you to earn your degree faster than a typical college, you’ll likely have to devote more time to studying in order to be successful.

Before choosing to earn your degree online, consider how much free time you’ll have to devote to class and homework. For example, if you have a job or a family, you may find it difficult to study for hours on end. In choosing a specific program, it’s also important to consider your virtual professors’ accessibility levels, teaching styles, and homework loads.

Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the fastest online degree programs available, ranked by degree level and program duration. Taking overall cost into account, schools appear in order of shortest to longest time to complete. All data is gathered from each school’s website, as listed below.

Associates | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Doctorate

Top 5 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate’s Degree Programs

In a traditional college setting, it takes approximately two years to earn an associate’s degree. However, by participating in an accelerated online program, you can earn the same degree in as little as 12 months.

Azusa Pacific University

Degree(s): Associate’s of Arts in Health Sciences

Time to complete: 12 months

Cost: $24,000

Azusa Pacific is a leading Christian University that offers an Associate’s of Arts in Health Sciences, both online and on-campus in an accelerated format. While you will learn topics such as anatomy, chemistry, and statistics, in these programs, you are also required to take bible study courses. You can complete either of these programs in as little as 12 months. Tied with Kaplan University, Azusa Pacifica offers the fastest associates degree online.

Purdue Global University

Degree(s): Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

Time to complete: 12 months (10-week terms)

Cost: $371 per credit

URL: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/fire-science/online-associate-degree-fire-science/

Purdue Global University, once known as Kaplan U, offers an accelerated, online program that will allow you to earn your Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science in as little as one year. In this program, you’ll gain proficiency in fire codes and inspections, and will develop skills in firefighting and prevention. The degree is designed specifically for those looking to become a firefighter or pursue a profession that enables them to assist in emergency situations involving fire. Purdue Global also offers a variety of other accelerated online degrees, including a 15-month Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting certificate program.

Herzing University

Degree(s): Associate of Science in Design Studies

Time to complete: 16 months

Cost: $19,380

URL: https://www.herzing.edu/career-programs/design/design-studies

Herzing University is a place where students can become artists by earning an Associate of Science in Design Studies. In this online, accelerated program you can have your degree in as little as 16 months. Along with learning how to compose fascinating designs, you will learn skills such as critical thinking and writing. You will also learn the best ways to showcase your technical design skills.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Degree(s): Associate of Arts in General Education

Time to complete: 18 months

Cost: $21,159

If you haven’t decided which career path you’d like to take, you can earn an Associate of Arts in General Education at FSCJ. The time frame is 12-18 months, depending on which college credits you already have and how they transfer. In this accelerated online degree program, you will learn about many different subjects which include science, economics, psychology, humanities and more. This is a great start for students that want to continue their education, but don’t know which field provides them the most interest.

Florida Institute of Technology

Degree(s): Associate of Arts Degree in Accounting

Time to complete: 20 months

Cost: $32,640

URL: https://www.floridatechonline.com/accounting/aa-accounting/?utm_source=fit&utm_medium=university

The Florida Institute of Technology offers an AA program in accounting, which can be earned in as little as 20 months through an accelerated, online curriculum. Over the course of these classes, students learn how to process financial statements, manage payroll administration, and become familiar with accounting roles. Florida Institute students are able to see how accounting plays into daily business decisions, global operations, and so much more.

Top 5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

In a conventional school setting, it takes four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor’s degree. By pursuing an accelerated online degree you can cut that time down to as little as 16 months, depending on your course of study. There are few paths to success that offer as many benefits and opportunities as these rapidly-paced programs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five fastest schools in America to offer online bachelor’s degrees.

Mercy College

Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management

Time to complete: 12 months

Cost: $89,760

URL: https://www.mercy.edu/degrees-programs/bs-organizational-management

At Mercy College, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management in just one year. Throughout this course, you’ll learn to evaluate ethical business issues, as well as how to construct and present information to other employees in the best manner. You will also learn about global economic issues and how they pertain to individual companies. Additionally, you’ll learn how to be an effective team leader in businesses. Ultimately, Mercy College offers the fastest accelerated online bachelor’s out there.

California Baptist University

Degree(s): B.S. in Public Health, B.S. in Computer Information Technology, B.S. in Criminal Justice, 20+ additional ccelerated programs (information below)

Time to complete: varies by degree

Cost: varies by degree

URL: https://www.cbuonline.edu/

CBU offers accelerated online bachelor’s degrees in about twenty different fields, a few of which include accounting, public health, criminal justice, and computer information technology–just to name a few. The time to complete these degrees varies by subject. For example, you can earn your accounting degree in as little as 36 months. However, it will only take roughly 16 months to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health. For computer information technology and criminal justice, the degree programs also take about 16 months to complete.

Northeastern University

Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Programs

Time to complete: 18 months

Cost: $60,480

URL: https://www.northeastern.edu/bachelors-completion/online/

Northeastern University is another school that offers several majors through its accelerated, online system. Of course, the time it takes to complete one of the programs depends largely on the subject itself. For example, it takes about 18 months to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Management. In this course, you will learn how to handle legal issues, financial procedures, and much more pertaining to a career in health services management.

Rasmussen College

Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Programs

Time to complete: 18 months

Cost: $29,235

URL: http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/health-wellness/

Rasmussen College is another college that offers many different majors to those students looking to receive a bachelor’s degree. Different majors also take different amounts of time. Ultimately, though, the majority of these accelerated online programs only take about 18 months to complete. In one such program, you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Wellness. This degree will help you further your career working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, health insurance, or any health-related profession.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Time to complete: 22 months, 24 Months

Cost: $29,235

URL: https://www.gmercyu.edu/admissions-aid/online-accelerated

Gwynedd Mercy University is a prestigious institution, as attested to by its large number of graduates. This school offers two online, accelerated courses for those looking to earn a bachelor’s degree. In only about 22 months, you can complete the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, with a concentration in organizational management, while it takes about 24 months to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both programs will teach you the skills necessary to advance academically and professionally.

Top 5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs

In a traditional school setting, it will take about two years to earn a master’s degree, assuming you’ve already completed your bachelor’s. However, by choosing to take an accelerated online program, you can earn your degree in as little as one year.

Trine University

Degree(s): Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Time to complete: 12 months

Cost: $14,000

URL: https://www.trine.edu/online/degrees/justice-psychology/online-mscj-master-criminal-justice.aspx

Trine offers an accelerated online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice, which takes about one year to complete. The program is comprised of courses in criminology, forensic psychology, and law concentrations, to name a few. You will learn how to study crime scenes, create a list of suspects, and how to act as a reliable witness. As a graduate, you’ll gain the skills necessary to find a career in social work, corrections, law enforcement, or any number of other criminal justice positions. By far, Trine offers the fastest online master’s degree program out there.

Southern New Hampshire University

Degree(s): Master of Science in Psychology

Time to complete: 15 months

Cost: $34,260

URL: http://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/masters/ms-in-psychology

SNHU affords you the ability to earn a Master of Science in Psychology in its online, accelerated program. This program provides several intervention-type courses that apply cognitive neuropsychology principles. You’ll also develop the skills needed to understand psychological theory. In all, the program takes about 15 months to complete.

University of North Texas

Degree(s): Master’s in Business Administration

Time to complete: 16 months

Cost: $34,560

URL: https://online.unt.edu/programs

UNT offers you the chance to earn your Master’s of Business Administration through their accelerated, online programs. With seven different business specialties available through the online format, you’ll learn techniques that will teach you how to grow a business and become proficient in business etiquette. You’ll also learn strategies to manage an organization, so if you aspire to be the head of a business, these courses will help you to achieve that in as little as 16 months. All in all, the University of North Texas definitely offers one of the fastest online MBAs out there.

University of Miami

Degree(s): Master of Science in Finance

Time to complete: 16 months

Cost: $68,000

URL: https://uonline.miami.edu/programs/master-finance/index.html

The University of Miami offers an accelerated, online Master’s of Science in Finance, which can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program is designed to equip students with real-world solutions, ensuring they’re prepared for a career as soon as they graduate. Additionally, students have the option of continuing their education and earning a supplemental certificate in financial decision making or corporate finance, which both heighten a graduate’s marketability.

Ball State University

Degree(s): Master’s of Arts in Educational Psychology

Time to complete: 18 months

Cost: $19,470

URL: https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/online/academic-programs/masters/mainedpsych

At Ball State Online, you can earn a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology in roughly 18 months. This program is the most affordable on our list, and Ball State’s research-based curriculum has a modern take on higher education. Ball State students master key elements such as how to deal with academic anxiety and deal with high stakes situations. The school prides itself on offering the type of education you would expect to receive in a face-to-face classroom, especially within its accelerated online programs.

Top 5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctoral Degree Programs

A doctorate degree generally takes about 8 years to obtain. However, in finding a college that will put you on an accelerated track, you can earn that doctorate in as little as 18 months. The schools listed below offer some of the fastest, most reputable, and most affordable online doctorate degrees out there.

Breyer State University

Degree(s): Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling

Time to complete: 12 months

Cost: $3,500

URL: https://breyerstate.com/ethereal-accelerated-doctor-of-psychology-in-grief-counseling/

Breyer State allows you to earn a Doctoral Degree in Grief Counseling in just one year. This program provides students with the necessary qualifications to help individuals cope with loss, traumatic events, grief, and much more. As a theological institution, the curriculum leans toward religious concepts and ideologies, as well. All in all, Breyer State offers one of the fastest and most affordable online PhD programs out there.

University of Florida

Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Doctoral Degree Programs

Time to complete: 18 months

Cost: $15,624

URL: https://distance.ufl.edu/prospective-students/doctorate/

The University of Florida offers a wide range of accelerated online doctoral degree programs that afford varying completion times. For example, the audiology program can be completed in as little as 18 months and is the quickest program offered, while the PhD in Latin and Roman studies requires additional summer courses and independent study. Keep in mind that while these courses are distributed largely online, you may be required to appear in person at the campus at times.

University of Arkansas

Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Doctoral Degree Programs

Time to complete: 18 months

Cost: $39,654

URL: https://online.uark.edu/programs/index.php#filter=.phd

The University of Arkansas offers several online, accelerated doctoral programs in education leadership, adult lifelong learning, and many other specialties. If you choose to go into education leadership, you can plan on spending roughly three years to complete the program. However, if you choose the adult lifelong learning degree, you’ll spend about two and a half years to achieve your degree. While all classes for both degrees are offered online, you may be asked to attend some meetings in person.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Doctoral Degree Programs

Time to complete: 21 months

Cost: $22,800

URL: https://www.unc.edu/academics/online-education/

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the most prestigious online schools in the nation. Its accelerated online doctoral programs include physical therapy, which can be completed in under two years, Nursing DNP, which can be completed in 24-36 months for only $13,300, Kinesiology, and a variety of other nursing degrees. The health leadership doctorate takes three to five years to complete, throughout which students are occasionally required to visit campus. Keep in mind that UNC’s curriculum generally involves heavy workloads and its doctorate programs often require students to submit dissertations.

University of Southern California

Degree(s): Global Executive Doctor of Education

Time to complete: 25 months

Cost: $135,000

URL: https://online.usc.edu/programs/global-ed-d/

USC online offers an accelerated Doctor of Education, formally entitled the Global Executive Doctor of Education EdD. Students pursuing this diploma gain familiarization with changes needed in modern education systems around the world. Working through the courses, students master several important skills, such as problem-solving and effective academic performance measurement. While the curriculum is offered primarily online, there is some travel required.

Whether you take 16 months or 16 years to complete your degree, the end result is the same, a college degree. The difference is in how you choose to earn that degree. While you may have the time and patience to pursue the traditional in-school programs, many people today want to earn their degree as fast as possible. Finding the best online school that offers an accelerated program will help you reach your goal as soon as possible.

FAQ

How Quickly Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree?

A traditional bachelor’s degree will take four years to complete. Some bachelor degree programs, like the ones on our list, take less than a year to complete, depending on the chosen field of study and how aggressive a student pursues the degree.

Sources:
http://www.apu.edu/university-college/associates/health-sciences/
http://www.fscj.edu/academics/accelerated-college/accelerated-curriculums
http://www.fit.edu/programs/3550/aa-accounting
https://www.mercy.edu/admissions/adult/accelerated-bachelor-degree
http://www.northeastern.edu/online/degrees/bachelors-health-management/
http://www.trine.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/graduate/criminal-justice/
http://accelerateyourmba.unt.edu/
http://www.miami.edu/online/online-degrees/masters-finance/
http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/teachers/departments/edpsychology/grad-programs-ed-psych/ma-ed-psych
http://audiology.ufl.edu/programs/distance-learning/distance-learning-au-d/
https://online.uark.edu/programs/doctor-education-educational-leadership.php
http://programs.northcarolina.edu/search?q=&level=doctorate&field=
https://online.usc.edu/programs/global-ed-d/

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