10 Fastest Accredited Online Degrees for Busy Adults

For individuals with a busy work life looking to obtain a degree in a short period of time, there are numerous available online degree programs that offer a fast-track/ accelerated option. These programs not only save time but also tuition expenses while providing the flexibility of schedule.

Busy adults who are seeking to advance in their career, get better paying jobs or positions, or to simply follow their passion can benefit immensely from taking up online accelerated degree programs.

What is an accelerated degree?

An accelerated degree is a degree option that helps individuals to complete their education at a faster pace than a traditional degree. Individuals can do this either by taking more classes each semester or by taking classes during the summer or winter breaks.

In an accelerated degree program individuals take just three years or less to get a bachelor’s degree instead of four years. This allows students to save money and time while helping them to pursue their career at an earlier pace.

Difference between Accelerated Degrees vs. Traditional Degrees

Accelerated Degree	Traditional Degree
Individuals can complete their degrees at a faster pace. Individuals can complete the degree at a faster rate allowing them to save time and money. Individuals can enjoy the flexibility of a program schedule.	Individuals will typically take 4 years to complete their bachelor’s degree. Individuals need to invest at least more than three years to complete and pay regular tuition rates. A traditional degree typically has a stiff program schedule.

What is the fastest degree to get online?

There are several accelerated online degrees that individuals can pursue as working adults based on their schedules. US Degrees lists some of the available degrees below, have a look.

Degree	Credits (may vary)	Duration (may vary)	General Admission Requirements (may vary)
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree	120 credits	1.5 to 3 years	Official High School Transcripts/Minimum GPA of 2.75
Accelerated Master’s Degree	30 credits	12-18 months	Official Bachelor’s Degree transcript with a minimum GPA of 2.5

6 Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Program: BS – Accounting (Accelerated BS-to-MS Pathway Option)

Tuition: $320/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is accredited by the NECHE.

Ranking: The university is ranked #125 in Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America.

Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated BS-to-MS pathway program helps students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting at an accelerated pace, providing a fast track to a successful career in accounting.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Program: BS – Finance (Accelerated BS-to-MS Pathway)

Tuition: $320/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is accredited by the NECHE.

Ranking: The university is ranked #125 in Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America.

Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated program in Finance helps students to save time and money while preparing them with the fundamental knowledge and skills in finance, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner and potentially earn higher salaries.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Program: BS – Sport Management (Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Pathway Option)

Tuition: $320/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is accredited by the NECHE.

Financial aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated pathway option offers a unique opportunity for students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sport management at a faster pace, preparing them for advanced career opportunities in the dynamic sports industry.

4. Bellevue University

Program: BS – Project Management

Tuition: $440/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the GAC. The university is accredited by the HLC.

Financial Aid: Available, with 61% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated program option allows students to complete the program in a shorter time span while learning skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage projects, including planning, budgeting, and risk management, to name a few.

Related to this – 25 Cheapest Degrees in Project Management from $76 per credit.

5. California State University

Program: BS – Business Administration (accelerated)

Tuition: $550/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACBSP. The university is accredited by the WSCUC.

Ranking: The university is ranked #36 in Colleges with the Best Professors in California.

Financial Aid: Available, with 82% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated BSBA program allows students to complete the coursework at a faster pace while acquiring knowledge in accounting, business principles, marketing, finance, operations and management needed to excel in business careers.

6. Baylor University

Program: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Tuition: $68,100 (for the entire program)

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CCNE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.

Ranking: The university is ranked #91 in Best Colleges for Nursing in America.

Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.

Students taking up the accelerated Nursing program are able to develop a variety of skills including clinical skills, problem solving, research skills and more required to excel in the nursing field.

Related to this – 15 Cheapest RN to BSN Nursing Degrees from $105 per credit.

Online Accelerated Master’s Degrees

1. South Dakota State University

Program: Mass Communication (M.M.C.)

Tuition: $470.45/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the ACEJMC. The university is accredited by the HLC.

Ranking: The university is ranked #141 in Top Public Universities in America.

Financial aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated MMC program helps to prepare students for a career in advertising, media, public relations, and other communication related fields.

2. Campbellsville University

Program: Master of Social Work (Accelerated)

Tuition: $603/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CSWE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.

Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid.

The CSWE-accredited accelerated online program allows student to learn and acquire advanced social work skills in a short amount of time with the option to specialize in clinical, substance use disorder or faith-based areas.

3. Central Michigan University

Program: Accelerated Master of Public Health

Tuition: $726/credit hour

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CEPH. The university is accredited by the HLC.

Ranking: The university is ranked #7 in Top Public Universities in Michigan.

Financial aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.

The accelerated online MPH degree prepares students for career as public health professionals by helping them build strong fundamental skills and knowledge in various topics including health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics and more.

4. Bentley University

Program: Accelerated Online MBA

Tuition: $5590/course

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is accredited by the NECHE.

Ranking: The university is ranked #48 in Best Colleges for Business in America.

Financial aid: Available, with 81% of students receiving financial aid.

Students taking up the accelerated online MBA program will not only complete the program sooner but also get to learn and acquire a variety of skills in business fundamentals such as accounting, finance, marketing, management and leadership development.

Related to this – 26 accredited MBA programs with no GMAT/GRE

Are accelerated degrees worth it?

Accelerated online degrees are well worth it for students and busy adults that want to earn a degree is the fastest possible time frame. Not only do accelerated online programs offer flexibility and convenience of schedule but also allow students to save up on time, money and without leaving their jobs.

Accelerated online programs may also offer lower tuition rates than traditional degree programs making it an affordable option for students.