Fastest Accelerated Online Degree Programs by Degree Level 2023





An accelerated degree program is an excellent way to finish your degree fast, but it does require you to be more focused and driven. You can’t expect the same amount of time for studying as a regular course since it’s run on a shorter timeline.

Accelerated online degrees are becoming all the rage these days as students seek to complete their college education in record time. Technology has made great progress, allowing individuals to obtain degrees without sacrificing too much time and energy. The process is swift and straightforward now. In fact, students can now acquire their degrees in mere months, unlike the archaic four-year traditional programs.

These accelerated online degrees are tailor-made to fit the individual schedules of each student, providing the freedom and flexibility to work at their own speed. The program consists of short, highly concentrated courses that span an extended period. Each course typically lasts between one to two months, culminating in the same amount of credit hours as the traditional four-year college program.

Accelerated online degrees offer ultimate convenience, allowing students to take classes anytime and from anywhere in the world, even while working full-time. For students who want to progress with their studies without compromising on their career prospects, this flexible option is highly advantageous. It enables them to complete their education quicker without any compromise.

A report by Eduventures found that accelerated programs were the fastest-growing segment of the online education market in 2020, with a 10% increase in enrollments.

An exploratory research published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing discussed that those nurses who accomplished an accelerated online RN-to-BSN course had higher job gratification and faith than the ones who went with a normal program.

A survey conducted by BestColleges.com found that 76% of online students reported being satisfied with their online program in 2021, up from 74% in 2019.

According to a survey by the Online Learning Consortium, 70% of colleges and universities reported that online enrollments increased or stayed the same during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before deciding to pursue an online degree, ensure you have the adequate free time to commit to classes and homework. If you already hold a job or have familial obligations, it may prove difficult for you to devote extended hours of studying. When choosing a specific program, it’s essential 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. Edsmart considers overall cost, tuition, and fees. Schools appear in order of shortest to longest time to complete. All data is gathered from each school’s website, as listed below.

Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Fast Online Degree Programs

by degree-level

20 Fastest Accelerated Online Degree Programs 2023

Fastest Online Associate Degrees

  • Ivy Tech Community College
  • Herzing University
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville
  • Florida Institute of Technology
  • Purdue Global University

Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Mercy College
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Northeastern University
  • California Baptist University
  • Gwynedd Mercy University

Fastest Online Master’s Degrees

  • Trine University
  • University of North Texas
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • University of Miami
  • Ball State University

Fastest Online MBA Degrees

  • Longwood University
  • Emporia State University
  • University of Houston-Clear Lake
  • University of North Texas
  • University of Arizona

Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

  • Breyer State University
  • University of Florida
  • University of Arkansas
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of Southern California

*Fast Online Degrees

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Associates | Bachelor’s | Master’s – MBA | Doctorate

5 Fastest Accelerated Associate’s Degrees Online

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.

Online Associates That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Ivy Tech Community College

While we haven’t been able to find a 6-month associate degree online, Ivy Tech Community College is a leading institution that offers an Associate of General Studies program in an online, accelerated format that can be completed in 11 months.

This 4-semester course of study can help one gain understanding about various topics, such as communication skills, public speaking, mathematics, sciences (including biology and chemistry), art and psychology. With 60 credits to be earned, it really covers a lot! Ivy Tech is also renowned for its virtual accessibility and flexible transfer policies. Although the coursework is relatively rigorous, the outcome is infinitely rewarding. This is the fastest degree to get online.

Herzing University

Herzing University is a place where you’ll have the opportunity to develop real-world skills in a safe, convenient learning format. The Associate of Healthcare Administration degree is designed to prepare ambitious individuals, like you, for entry-level positions within the healthcare field.

This healthcare administration program offers a fast-tracked, easily-accessible path to real-world career success, and takes only 16 months to complete. If you are interested in healthcare education and seeking a comprehensive degree program with exceptional quality, your search has come to an end by choosing Herzing University

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an Associate in Arts program to help you decide which career path to pursue. It’s quick and easy, depending on the college credits you already have and how they transfer, you can complete it within 18 months.

In FSCJ’s accelerated online degree program, curricula covers many varying fields, including science, economics, psychology, humanities, and more. If you’re aiming to continue your education without a clear goal in mind, Florida State College at Jacksonville is a great starting point.

Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology offers an online Associate Degree 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.

Purdue Global University

Purdue Global University, once known as Kaplan U, offers a fast degree online that will allow you to earn your Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science in as little as two years.

In this accelerated program, you’ll gain proficiency in fire codes and inspections and will develop skills in firefighting and prevention. The online associate degree is designed specifically for those looking to become firefighters or pursue professions that enable them to assist in emergency situations involving fire.

5 Fast Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Online

In a conventional school setting, it takes four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor’s degree. By pursuing an accelerated bachelor’s degree online you can cut that time down to as little as 12 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. After thorough research, we have found and compiled five institutions in the U.S. that provide some of the quickest online bachelor’s degrees. Here are the top 5 universities that you should look into!

Online Bachelor’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Mercy College

You can earn your Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management at Mercy College in just one year. Throughout this course, students learn to evaluate ethical business issues, as well as how to construct and present information to other employees in the best manner.

Curricula center on global economic issues and how they pertain to individual companies while also providing comprehensive team leadership training. Mercy College can be a great option to accelerate your journey to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. They offer various online programs that can be completed at accelerated speed, ensuring you get your desired qualifications in a shorter time frame than usual. With their accelerated program, you can now earn your Bachelor’s in just twelve months! So don’t wait any longer and enroll in this amazing program today.

Indiana Wesleyan University

IWU’s online programs are a good choice for working students because of their flexible enrollment options and multiple start dates. IWU offers students the opportunity to take courses at a variety of places: online, on campus, or in one of the school’s learning centers up and down the East Coast. One of their accelerated online programs is their Bachelor of Psychology in Human Relations.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology of Human Relations enables you to go deeper into the study of personality, motivation, behavior, and change so you can better help yourself and others thrive in the workplace. The IWU library has a lot of books, journals, and other information resources, as well as trained librarians that help students with research.

Northeastern University

  • Degree(s): Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Time to complete: 16 Months (transfer students with a minimum of 62 college credits are eligible}
  • Cost: $1,263/ Credit Hour
  • URL: https://www.northeastern.edu/bachelors-completion/online/
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Northeastern University is another school that offers several majors through its accelerated, online system. The duration of a program depends largely on its subject matter. Therefore, it may take a shorter or longer period to complete one depending on the area covered. For instance, it takes approximately 16 months to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University is an approved way for people from other fields to get ready to work as nurses quickly and easily. Nursing programs are designed to develop students into dynamic leaders in the health care field. They offer a comprehensive range of skills that help equip their students with the necessary qualifications. These are some of the skills necessary for any competent healthcare professional to possess: communication, critical thinking, ethics, health promotion, infection control, leadership and patient care. Other areas full potential may be explored as well.

California Baptist University

  • Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Online Degrees
  • Time to complete: Varies by degree
  • Cost: Varies by degree
  • URL: https://www.cbuonline.edu/
  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

CBU offers accelerated online BA 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 accelerated bachelor’s programs 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 quick degree programs take about 16 months to complete.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University is a prestigious institution, as it’s large student body and respectable student satisfaction rates attest. This esteemed university offers two accelerated online courses for those who wish to obtain a Bachelor’s degree quickly and conveniently. GMU’s courses are created to help you accelerate the process of earning a degree, thus allowing you to attain your diploma in a shorter timeframe.

With the right dedication and commitment, you can now finish a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with Organizational Management as its focus within 22 months or even get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing qualification within just 16 months!
Both programs will equip you with the skills necessary to advance both academically and professionally.

5 Fast Accelerated Master’s Degrees Online

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 finish your graduate program in as little as one year.

Online Master’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Trine University

Trine offers an accelerated online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice that takes just under one year to complete. The program is comprised of courses in criminology, forensic psychology, and law concentrations.

As a graduate student in the criminal justice field, you will learn how to make sense of crime scenes, identify potential suspects and become a reliable witness when called upon. When you finish your degree, you will be well-equipped to pursue a career in social work, corrections, law enforcement or any other related profession. By far, Trine offers the fastest online master’s degree program out there.

University of North Texas

  • Degree(s): Master of Science in Advanced Data Analytics
  • Time to complete: 30 credit hours
  • Cost: $14,300
  • URL: https://online.unt.edu/programs
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

UNT offers the chance to earn your Master of Business Administration through its accelerated, online platform. The university provides seven different business specialties to choose from, including marketing, marketing analytics, organizational behavior & resource management, strategic management, supply chain analytics, and supply chain management.

Through any of these programs, you’ll acquire business growth skills and industry etiquette. It focuses on the management strategies which are essential for this prestigious position. So if you aspire to reach the top one day, this program is definitely worth considering. So get ready to join this pathway and make your dreams come true. In conclusion, the University of North Texas provides one of the speediest MBA programs that you can take online. This can help you to attain your objectives with maximum productivity and intent.

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU affords you the ability to earn a Master of Science in Psychology through its accelerated online program. This program provides several intervention-type courses that apply cognitive neuropsychology principles. You’ll also develop the skills needed to understand psychological theory and practice. As a graduate student working through the online platform, you’ll have the option to choose from three different concentrations within the psychology field. These include child & adolescent development psychology, forensic psychology, and industrial-organizational technology. Completing the program takes only 15 months, but the return on investment is endless. You’ll gain a lifetime of educational and professional advantages.

University of Miami

The University of Miami’s accelerated online MS in Finance program allows students to obtain their degree in a quick 16 months. Not only that, but it also provides relevant and practical solutions to prepare them for a successful future career. Additionally, students have the option of continuing their online education and/or earning a supplemental certificate in financial decision-making or corporate finance, which both increase graduate marketability.

These opportunities, along with every added benefit of online learning, make the University of Miami a definite standout among the most credible and fastest online master’s degree programs.

Ball State University

The Master of Arts in Educational Psychology at Ball State Online takes roughly 18 months. This program is the most affordable on our list, and implements one of the most research-based curricula, as well.

As an institution, Ball State takes a modern stance on higher education, assisting its students in mastering key elements of success. These include dealing with academic anxiety and high-stakes professional situations. The school takes pride in providing an education that’s comparable to a traditional classroom environment, especially within its accelerated online platforms. Ball State’s MA in Educational Psychology comes with high commendation and praise.

5 Fastest Accelerated MBA Programs Online

If you are considering going back to school for your MBA, then consider an online program that is delivered through accelerated courses. This will ensure you get the qualification in a fraction of the time it would take by attending lectures offline. All of the accelerated online MBA programs on our list take less than two years to complete. In some cases, they’re compressed into one year. We have made a comprehensive list of the fastest MBA programs available, if you’re looking for an accelerated degree and a path to starting your career sooner.

Online Master’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Longwood University

  • Degree(s): Master of Business Administration (multiple tracks)
  • Time to complete: 10 Months
  • Cost: $13,361
  • URL: https://online.longwood.edu/programs/
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Longwood University’s accelerated online MBA can be completed in just 10 months, making it one of the fastest programs on our list. Four different options are available for earning your MBA at Longwood: the more general MBA, MBA in Data Analytics, MBA in Economics, MBA in Marketing, or the MBA in real estate. Both of these require 31 credits and can be completed in as little as 10 months.

These two programs cover topics in information technology, strategic management, business policy, managerial accounting, financial management, and strategic marketing. These programs are accredited by AACSB. Longwood is among the 16 best universities in Regional Universities South ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

Emporia State University

Emporia State University’s accelerated online MBA program is accredited by the AACSB and offers rigorous business studies in order to meet the needs of working professionals. By taking part in accredited seven-week courses, students could finish their online MBA in as little as under a year. Applicant eligibility to the program requires a minimum GPA of 2.65 from an accredited institution, in addition to transcripts and test scores as mandatory documents. Fulfilling all three criteria is indispensable for admission.

The Emporia MBA will prepare students to be dynamic leaders in their area of interest, such as finance, marketing, or another field of study. Emporia State has many specialized MBA concentrations, some of which are Accounting, Information Systems, or Marketing. All of their accelerated MBA programs online can be completed in as little as 12 months making an MBA convenient to fit into your busy schedule.

University of Houston-Clear Lake

One of the top-ranking schools with an accelerated MBA online, the University of Houston, is fully accredited and affordable.

The sixteen-week course has been replaced with an eight-week format, providing accelerated pacing for students who want to finish their MBA quickly. Students can also take two courses per eight-week session, allowing them 14 months. An MBA from UHCL will provide you with the skills to become a good business leader. Quantitative analysis training and interpersonal skills development will equip you with the experience to meet any challenge.

UHCL understands that you have many priorities and goals in life. That’s why they’ve given students the power to pursue their degrees in the way that best fits their unique needs. Whether it’s an MBA to help career development or further education for personal enrichment, UHCL has a program that is right for you.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas offers an accelerated MBA program online that can be completed within 14 months. The fast-track online M.B.A. program features 8-week classes administered in a flexible, easy-to-manage schedule in the Fall and Spring seasons and a 5-week schedule during the Summer months.

You can complete an M.B.A. from UNT in a wide array of studies including marketing, marketing analytics, strategic management, sports entertainment management, organizational behavior, human resource management, supply chain analytics, or supply chain management in as few as 14 months.

You can choose from five start dates and flexible class schedules. The online MBA program is AACSB-accredited and ranked by U.S. News.

University of Arizona

The Eller Online MBA program provides a highly ranked online degree from the Eller School of Management, with access to its exceptional faculty and courses offered 24/7.

This accelerated online MBA program offers students six starting date options per year, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 14 months or up to two and a half years.

For over a century, the Eller School of Business has been constantly ranked among the top educational institutions for higher learning. Their courses are crafted to give you the skills & knowledge required for successful job placement after graduation.

Students can pick and choose from multiple electives to add to their degree; these include entrepreneurship, finance, health care management, management & organizations, privacy & security and marketing. A few of the more specific choices include Health Economics, Integrative Leadership & Social Media Marketing.

5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctoral Degree Programs

A doctorate degree generally takes about 8 years to obtain. Fast tracking your doctorate degree is now easier than ever with the help of online colleges. Many of them offer accelerated tracks that can help you obtain your degree in as short a period as 18 months. The schools listed below offer some of the fastest, most reputable, and most affordable online doctorate degrees out there.

Online Doctorate’s That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Breyer State University

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, and grief. As a theological institution, its curriculum leans toward religious ideologies and doctrinal principles.

Through its unique one-on-one virtual instruction format, students are able to receive the highest measure of attention and assistance throughout their academic careers. All in all, Breyer State offers one of the fastest and most affordable online Ph.D. programs out there.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a wide range of accelerated online doctoral degree programs that afford varying completion times. For example, the Nursing Practice DNP can be completed in as little as eight semesters, while the cohort-based Teachers, Schools, and Society EdD can take up to four years to complete. The Ph.D. in Latin and Roman studies also requires additional summer courses and independent study. It’s essential to keep in mind that the majority of courses are conducted virtually, however, there could be times when you’d need to go to the college campus personally.

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers several online doctoral accelerated degree programs in education leadership, adult lifelong learning, and many other specialties.

If you choose to go into education leadership, you’ll spend roughly three years completing the program. However, if you choose the adult and lifelong learning EdD, you’ll spend about two and a half years obtaining your degree. While all classes for both degrees are offered online, you may be asked to attend some meetings in person.

Ultimately, however, the University of Arkansas’s virtual doctoral programs are some of the best easily accessible and fully comprehensive out there.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Degree(s): Multiple Accelerated Doctoral Degree Programs
  • Time to complete: Varies by degree program
  • Cost: Varies by degree
  • URL: https://www.unc.edu/academics/online-education/
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina is recognized by multiple ranking sites as one of the best virtual learning institutions in the US. UCH North Carolina’s online accelerated degree programs cover eight different schools of study, each from its own subsidiary school. These including the School of Public Health, School of Media and Journalism, School of Information and Library Science, Graduate School, School of Government, Eshelman School, Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Allied Health Sciences.

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

USC is a highly reputable institution located in Los Angeles, California that offers an accelerated online Global Executive Doctor of Education, formally entitled the Global Executive Doctor of Education EdD. Students pursuing this diploma become familiar with the changes needed in modern education systems around the world.

Through virtual 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. You may have the time and patience to pursue the more traditional on-campus route or, like many people today, you want to earn your degree as fast and conveniently as possible.

Fast Online Degrees FAQ

Fast Online Degrees & Programs

These degrees can be completed in 5-8 week online classes:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education & Teaching
  • Emergency Management
  • English
  • Environmental Policy
  • Finance
  • Fire Science
  • Forensics / CSI
  • Health Science
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology
  • Legal Studies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration

How Quickly Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree Online?

A traditional online bachelor’s degree program will take four years to complete. However, certain accelerated bachelor’s degree programs will take less than one year, like several listed above.

Timing depends on the chosen field of study and the individual student.

6-month Bachelor’s Degrees

International students can accelerate their education by going for a short-term bachelor’s program that lasts six months. This provides several options to choose from and gives you the necessary educational grounding you’ll need to become successful in your chosen career paths.

Courses that help you earn your degree quicker also require more studying time in to be completed. A typical college student would need 4 years of study while a 6-month bachelor’s degree will be cramming 48 months of study into 6 months.

Below is a list of some ongoing 6-month bachelor’s degrees for international students.

Sources

https://best-universities.net/most-affordable/online-accounting-degrees/
https://best-universities.net/accounting/top-aacsb-bachelors-programs/

https://best-universities.net/degrees/cheap-online-degrees-fast/
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/

Congratulations on making the list of fast online degrees!

Congratulations on making your accelerated online program so fast!

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If any of the information is incorrect according to more recent data not published online, please email [email protected] to notify us.

Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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