Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota 2026

Students interested in earning a bachelor's degree are sometimes deterred by the traditional four-year timeframe most programs require. Fortunately, many schools understand this roadblock and offer accelerated online programs to help learners graduate and start careers in their chosen fields faster.

Are you looking for accelerated online bachelor's degree programs in Minnesota? Keep reading. Below, we'll highlight schools in the state and other parts of the country offering accelerated bachelor's degree online.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree in Minnesota?

While online bachelor's programs in Minnesota commonly take about four years to finish, this timeframe isn't set in stone. Factors like your school of choice, enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), and transfer credits can determine how quickly you complete your studies.

If you're interested in the fastest way to get a bachelor's degree, consider accelerated programs with short classes (five- to eight-week terms), rolling admissions, or self-paced learning. These flexible degrees help enrollees graduate in a fraction of the normal time.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Minnesota

An accelerated online bachelor's program can help you earn your degree in two years or less. Explore the list below to discover top options at Minnesota schools.

1. Minnesota State University Moorhead

At Minnesota State University Moorhead, students can earn a bachelor's degree with two majors in related or unrelated fields and complete their programs in four years. For example, the leadership and innovation in aging studies program can be combined with an economics, psychology, or social work major. Learners can also combine English and mass communications or pursue an engineering dual degree.

Time to completion: Four years for a bachelor's degree with two majors and five years for a bachelor's and master's degree

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University offers multiple online bachelor's programs with flexible scheduling and the same support and resources that learners attending in person enjoy. Twenty accelerated degrees are available in areas of study that include agribusiness management, early childhood education, English, nursing, social work, and special education.

Time to completion: As little as two years

Accreditation: HLC

3. St. Cloud State University

Students eager to start a new career or begin a graduate degree program can quickly earn their bachelor's degree at St. Cloud State University and prepare for the next step. Three online accelerated programs are available: the 82-credit Bachelor of Science (BS) in general business, the 18-credit Bachelor of Science (BS) in software engineering, and the 30-credit RN-BS completion option.

Time to completion: As little as 12 months

Accreditation: HLC

4. Minnesota State University, Mankato

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, students who have earned an associate degree or some college credits from an undergraduate program can earn a bachelor's degree in as little as one year with help from fully online degree completion programs. Options include a BS in dental hygiene, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and an RN-BS nursing program.

Time to completion: As little as one year

Accreditation: HLC

5. St. Mary's University of Minnesota

Online accelerated BS programs at St. Mary's University of Minnesota prepare students to start or advance their careers in business administration, human resource management, information technology, healthcare management, criminal justice leadership, and beyond. Programs are self-paced, have multiple start dates, and enable students to transfer up to 90 credits from other institutions or military service.

Time to completion: One year

Accreditation: HLC

6. Hamline University

Hamline University in Saint Paul offers online bachelor's degree completion programs for students with undergraduate college credits. Students can choose from a BBA and three Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in education, psychology, and organizational leadership. Online courses in these programs are flexible, enabling students to choose their schedules and meet deadlines on their own terms.

Time to completion: Approximately 12 to 18 months

Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Minnesota Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston offers a 100% online accelerated BS in accounting for students ready to fast-track their careers. The program, which prepares students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and roles in accounting, banking, and finance, features eight-week courses and the option to take more credits per semester to graduate faster.

Time to completion: Two years

Accreditation: HLC

Other Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.

As you can see, many schools in Minnesota offer accelerated online bachelor's degree programs. But quality online learning opportunities are also available in other parts of the country. Explore the schools below to discover fast-paced programs in additional states.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Accelerated online programs at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh feature seven-week courses with no scheduled meeting times. BA and BS programs explore communication studies, criminal justice, and human services leadership. The university also offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in leadership and organizational development and a medical imaging program available as a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) or BPS.

Time to completion: As few as 12 months

Accreditation: HLC

Old Dominion University

ODUGlobal from Old Dominion University offers three accelerated completion programs with online courses that students can complete in eight-week terms. The RN to BSN prepares registered nurses for higher-level roles in the field.

Other accelerated programs include the BS in occupational and technical studies and the BS in interdisciplinary studies with a major in leadership, both of which have generous 90-credit transfer policies.

Time to completion: As quickly as 1.5 years

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

George Fox University

George Fox University's online accelerated bachelor's degree programs are designed for the busy working adult. Programs include:

• cybersecurity management
• psychology and mental health studies
• data analytics
• education
• general studies
• management and organizational leadership
• healthcare administration
• project management

Students take one class at a time over consecutive months to graduate at a faster pace.

Time to completion: 16 to 20 months

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in this rank list to verify that each school has met the following criteria for delivering a quality educational experience:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized organization such as the HLC or NWCCU.
• Program length: Institutions in this list offer programs with accelerated degree paths that shorten the time needed for completion.
• Program reputation and quality: We confirmed that these colleges and universities offer reputable programs for on-campus and online students.
• Tuition cost: The schools above offer lower tuition rates, financial aid, or scholarships to make an online education more affordable.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Accelerate Your Bachelor’s Degree in Minnesota

There are many options for accelerating your bachelor's degree in Minnesota. Today, we'll discuss three strategies that you can easily apply.

• Apply to an accelerated bachelor's program: One of the fastest ways to earn a diploma is to join an accelerated degree program. Numerous schools in Minnesota offer accelerated programs in various majors, such as agribusiness, leadership, and business.
• Complete your prerequisites online: Earn credits faster by completing your general education requirements through online course providers, such as Study.com. Online classes are more accessible and flexible than traditional courses, making them easier to finish.
• Use your prior experience to earn credits: Utilize your professional background to earn college credits and skip certain classes. Submit your portfolio and professional certificates for evaluation through prior learning assessments (PLA).

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Minnesota

Are you ready to start an accelerated bachelor's program in Minnesota? Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about these degrees.

Are There Any One-Year Online Bachelor's Degrees in Minnesota?

Yes, it's possible to earn a one-year bachelor's degree online in Minnesota. At Minnesota State University, Mankato, students can choose from one-year completion degrees in dental hygiene, business administration, and nursing.

St. Cloud State University enrollees can pursue one-year degrees in general business, software engineering, and nursing. Hamline University offers one-year programs in business, education, psychology, and organizational leadership.

Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Harder Than a Traditional Program?

An accelerated bachelor's degree may be more difficult in some cases compared to traditional degrees. This is because an accelerated bachelor's program compresses a standard four-year degree's coursework into a shorter timeline. As a result, accelerated programs may be more intense and fast-paced than a traditional degree.

However, most accelerated degree programs are online, with typically flexible schedules. This offers some respite from the rigor of an accelerated program's course load.

Are There Part-Time Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Options?

Yes, there are part-time accelerated bachelor's degree options. These programs still compress a traditional degree's coursework into a shorter timeline. However, unlike a standard accelerated degree program, a part-time option offers a less rigorous course load.

The pace of a part-time accelerated program is still faster than that of a traditional degree. However, it is slower compared to standard accelerated degrees. Part-time options are suitable for adult students who are juggling their personal and professional lives, along with their education.

Can You Transfer Credits Into an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program?

Yes, you can transfer credits to an accelerated bachelor's program. It is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended because it helps expedite your degree.  

However, you should check your school and program's rules regarding credit transfers first. Most accelerated degree programs have a limit on the allowable number of transfer credits. They may also impose rules regarding the types of credits that you can transfer. Lastly, the credits' age may also be subject to restriction.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Take the next step toward your career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to find out how they can help you reach your academic and professional goals.