10 Easiest Degrees You Can Earn Online in 2027

Updated on: November 11, 2026

If you're working full-time, maybe with some college credit already behind you, you need a degree that fits around the rest of your life. In this guide, "easier" doesn't mean less valuable. It means programs with fewer structural hurdles, such as lab sequences, clinical hours, advanced math, or fixed class times you have to log in for.

Some of the easiest degrees in the world are built on reading, writing, and discussion, which work well in a flexible online format. Below, you'll find 10 majors that fit that description, followed by ways to narrow your search by degree level, field, flexibility needs, and school.

What Makes an Online Degree "Easier" To Earn?

The format of a program matters just as much as the subject. A major without labs, clinicals, or heavy math moves much faster in an asynchronous or accelerated program, since you can complete coursework on your own schedule instead of showing up at a set time or place. Writing-based and discussion-based classes translate especially well to online learning, because papers and discussion posts work the same way on a screen as they do in a classroom.

Several time savers can shorten your path even further. Many online schools run 7- or 8-week terms, so you finish courses faster and can stay continuously enrolled throughout the year. Transfer credit from past college coursework can knock out a large share of your requirements, and credit-by-exam options like CLEP and DSST let you test out of general education courses you already know well.

Keep in mind that "easy" is personal. A strong writer may breeze through a major full of essays but struggle in a program with required statistics, while someone who likes numbers might feel the opposite. Comparing the easiest and hardest college majors can help you see where your own strengths fit best. Beyond the major itself, the right program format can make an even bigger difference for working adults.

Easiest Online Degree Programs

The right pick depends on your career goals, not just how easy a major looks on paper. Each of the majors below avoids the biggest structural hurdles, but they lead to different kinds of work, so it's worth thinking about where you want to end up before you enroll.

1. General Studies

A general studies degree combines broad general education coursework with a large block of flexible electives. You'll take classes across the humanities, social sciences, math, and natural sciences, then choose electives that match your interests or career direction.

This major works well online because it's built for flexibility. General studies programs often accept more transfer credit than any other major, which makes them a natural fit if you've earned credits at several schools over the years. Graduates often move into administrative, customer service, sales, and supervisory roles. Since the degree is broad by design, pair it with work experience or an industry certificate so employers can see a clear area of strength.

2. Liberal Arts

A liberal arts degree covers interdisciplinary coursework in literature, history, philosophy, and the social sciences. Rather than training you for one specific job, it builds critical thinking, writing, and research skills you can apply almost anywhere.

Most liberal arts courses rely on readings, essays, and discussion posts, which fit easily into an asynchronous schedule. You won't need labs, and math requirements usually stop at a general education course or two. Common career paths include publishing, nonprofit work, and communications roles, and many graduates go on to graduate study in law, education, or the humanities. A minor in business or communication can give your liberal arts degree a sharper professional focus.

3. Communication

A communication degree focuses on writing, presentations, interpersonal communication, and media analysis. You'll study how messages are created and received, whether that's in a corporate setting, the news media, or a public campaign.

Online communication programs swap in-person speeches for recorded video presentations, and most of the remaining coursework is writing-based. That makes it easy to keep up from home on your own schedule. Graduates often work in public relations, marketing, social media management, and corporate communications. Adding a business minor is a common choice, since it pairs strong communication skills with a working knowledge of marketing and management.

4. English

An English degree centers on reading, analyzing, and writing about literature, along with courses in composition, rhetoric, and sometimes creative writing. If you already enjoy reading and writing, much of the coursework will feel familiar.

The online format works well here because discussion boards take the place of in-person seminars, giving you time to think through your responses before posting. There are no labs, and math requirements are minimal. Career paths include editing, content writing, technical writing, and grant writing. Building a portfolio of your strongest writing samples while you're still in school can make your job search much easier after graduation.

5. History

A history degree teaches you to research the past, analyze primary and secondary sources, and present your findings in long-form writing. Courses usually span different regions and eras, so you can explore the periods that interest you most.

Most history coursework is reading- and writing-based, and digital archives make it easy to research from anywhere. History credits also tend to transfer well between schools, which helps if you're bringing in past coursework. Graduates often work in archives, museums, public policy, and education. If you're interested in museum or archival work, look for programs that offer a public history concentration or internship options.

6. Sociology

A sociology degree examines social structures, group behavior, and how institutions like families, schools, and governments shape people's lives. You'll study topics such as inequality, culture, and social change.

Sociology works well online because most courses involve reading, writing, and discussion. You'll likely take an introductory statistics or research methods course, but the math stays fairly light compared to STEM or business majors. Career paths include human services, social work support roles, community outreach, and market research. A certificate in human services or data analysis can make you a stronger candidate for entry-level roles.

7. Psychology

A psychology degree covers human behavior, development, cognition, and mental health, along with a research methods course that introduces you to basic statistics. At the bachelor's level, there's no clinical practicum, so you can complete the entire program online.

The coursework is largely reading- and writing-based, and many online programs offer concentrations in areas like industrial-organizational psychology or child development. Graduates often work in human resources, case management, and behavioral health support roles. Many also continue on to graduate study, which is required for counseling or clinical work. If you plan to pursue a counseling career later, check that your bachelor's program covers common graduate school prerequisites.

8. Criminal Justice

A criminal justice degree covers the courts, corrections, and policing, along with criminology and criminal law. Much of the coursework uses case studies and policy analysis rather than exams heavy in math or science.

This major is a popular online choice because it involves very little math and no labs. It's also a good fit if you already work in law enforcement, corrections, or security and want to move up. Graduates often work in probation, victim advocacy, corrections, and private security. Some programs offer concentrations in homeland security or forensic science, which can help you focus on a specific part of the field.

9. Organizational Leadership

An organizational leadership degree focuses on management, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and workplace communication. Instead of technical business skills like accounting, it centers on how to lead people and guide teams through change.

This major is a strong fit for working adults who already hold or are moving into supervisory roles, since you can apply lessons on the job right away. Most courses rely on case studies, reflection papers, and discussion, and math requirements are light. Graduates often work as team leads, operations supervisors, training coordinators, and project managers. Pairing this degree with a project management certification can strengthen your resume for management roles.

10. Business Administration

A business administration degree gives you a generalist overview of management, marketing, operations, human resources, and basic finance. It's one of the most widely available online majors, so you'll have plenty of programs to choose from.

Business administration does include some accounting and finance coursework, but the math rarely goes beyond basic statistics. Look for programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), since these signal quality to employers. Graduates work in management, sales, marketing, and business operations. This degree is also a common foundation for an MBA if you plan to continue your education later.

How We Selected These Degrees

To build this list, we reviewed data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with curriculum details from university program pages. Each major was screened for lab sequences, clinical hours, and heavy math requirements.

The following criteria shaped the final list:

Limited advanced math: Majors with no more than introductory statistics or general education math were prioritized.
No labs or clinicals: Programs requiring in-person lab work or clinical hours were left off the list.
Online availability: Each major is widely offered in fully online formats at accredited schools.
Elective flexibility: Room for electives lets you tailor the degree and apply more transfer credit.
Career versatility: Every major on the list leads to work in several different industries.

Easiest Online Degrees by Degree Level

What makes a degree easier depends on the level you're pursuing. At the undergraduate level, it usually comes down to coursework and how quickly you can finish. At the graduate level, admissions requirements often matter more, since getting in can be the biggest hurdle.

Associate Degrees

An associate degree typically requires about 60 credits, which takes roughly two years of full-time study. Many online associate programs are designed to transfer directly into a bachelor's degree, so you can build a foundation now and keep going later without losing credits. Some schools offer accelerated terms that help you finish even sooner. The easiest associate degrees tend to focus on general studies, business, and liberal arts, all of which avoid labs and advanced math.

Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's degree usually requires about 120 credits, or roughly four years of full-time study. That said, few working adults follow the traditional four-year timeline. Transfer credit, credit by exam, and accelerated 7- or 8-week terms can shorten your path considerably, and degree-completion programs are built specifically for students who already have some college credit. The easiest bachelor's degrees are generally in fields like communication, psychology, and organizational leadership, where coursework centers on reading, writing, and discussion rather than labs or complex math.

Master's Degrees

Most master's degrees require between 30 and 60 credits, depending on the field and program. Many online programs have dropped the GRE or GMAT requirement, which removes one of the biggest obstacles for working professionals. The easiest master's degrees often come in fields like education, leadership, and communication. If admissions worry you more than coursework, look at the easiest grad schools to get into, which often have open policies and flexible GPA requirements.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral programs vary widely in format. A research PhD usually involves years of original research and a lengthy dissertation, while professional doctorates like the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) tend to be more practice-based. Some professional doctorates even replace the traditional dissertation with an applied project or capstone. The easiest PhD programs usually offer flexible online formats, practical research topics, and structured timelines.

Easiest Online Degrees by Field

Each guide below covers a family of related degrees, so you can compare options within the field that interests you most. Several of them also include majors from the top 10 list above.

Explore the easiest degrees in popular fields:

Easiest nursing schools to get into: nursing programs with more accessible admissions requirements
Easiest business degrees: includes business administration and organizational leadership
Easiest education degrees: teaching, early childhood education, and special education
Easiest tech degrees: information technology, cybersecurity, and data analytics
Easiest STEM degrees: engineering, biology, and environmental science
Easiest healthcare degrees: public health and healthcare administration
Easiest social sciences degrees: includes communication, English, history, sociology, psychology, and liberal arts
Easiest art and design degrees: graphic design, photography, and creative writing
Easiest law degrees: includes criminal justice

Flexible Online Degrees for Working Adults

Flexibility comes in three main forms. Some programs have lighter coursework, some make admissions and scheduling easier, and others are built around the realities of a busy life. Depending on your situation, you may want a program that offers all three.

Degrees With Lighter Coursework

Certain programs cut back on the assignments many students find most draining. Explore online degrees with fewer academic hurdles:

Easier Admissions and Scheduling

Entrance exams, campus visits, and rigid deadlines can all slow you down. Explore programs with fewer admissions and scheduling barriers:

Degrees That Fit Your Life

Your work schedule, family, and other commitments shape what's realistic. Find programs designed around your schedule and responsibilities:

Easiest Degrees at Popular Online Colleges

Large online schools offer dozens of programs, so the easiest option often depends on how a school structures its courses. Some use short, fixed-length terms with frequent start dates, while others use competency-based models that let you move ahead as soon as you master the material.

Learn more about the easiest degrees at popular online colleges:

Easiest degree at Liberty University: Liberty, a private Christian university in Virginia, offers most of its online courses in an 8-week format with multiple start dates throughout the year.
Easiest degree at WGU: Western Governors University uses a competency-based model with six-month terms and flat-rate tuition, so you can complete as many courses per term as you're able to master.
Easiest degree at ASU: ASU Online runs most courses in 7.5-week sessions during the fall and spring, with up to six start dates each year.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree Online?

A bachelor's degree requires about 120 credits, which typically takes four years of full-time study. Many online students finish much sooner, though, especially when they take advantage of accelerated 7- or 8-week terms that allow year-round enrollment.

Transfer credit can make the biggest difference of all, especially if you choose one of the easiest online undergraduate degrees to transfer into. If you already hold an associate degree, you may be able to finish a bachelor's in about two years. Credit-by-exam options like CLEP and DSST can shave off additional time by letting you test out of general education courses.

Your pace also matters. Part-time students usually take longer than four years, while students in competency-based or self-paced programs can sometimes move faster than a traditional schedule allows. Before you enroll, ask an admissions advisor for an unofficial transcript evaluation so you know exactly how many credits you still need.

Are Online Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

Online degrees generally aren't easier than on-campus programs in terms of content. Accredited online programs usually follow the same curriculum, are taught by the same faculty, and lead to the same credential as their on-campus versions. In most cases, your diploma won't even mention that you earned it online.

Whether online learning feels easier depends on your self-discipline and learning style. The tradeoff is simple: you get more flexibility, but you also take on more responsibility for managing your own time. Without set class meetings, it's up to you to stay on top of readings, assignments, and deadlines each week. Students who are organized and self-motivated often thrive online, while those who prefer structure and face-to-face interaction may find a campus or hybrid program a better fit.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online bachelor's degree in these fields generally ranges from about $10,000 to $60,000, though some private schools charge more. Where you land in that range depends heavily on the school and how it prices its programs.

Several factors affect your final cost:

Transfer credit: Every course you transfer in is one you don't have to pay for, which can cut thousands from your total.
Pricing model: Some schools charge per credit, while others charge a flat rate per term. Flat-rate pricing can save you money if you're able to take on a heavier course load.
Residency: Many public universities offer in-state tuition rates for online students, and some extend reduced rates to all online learners regardless of where they live.

Be sure to factor in technology fees, textbooks, and exam fees when you compare programs. These extra costs vary widely from school to school and can add up over the course of a degree.

Financial Aid for Online Degrees

Online students qualify for many of the same types of financial aid as campus students, as long as they attend an accredited school. Start by filing the FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for federal grants like the Pell Grant as well as federal student loans. Most online colleges that accept FAFSA also use it to award their own need-based aid.

Institutional scholarships are another major source of funding, and some online colleges give the most financial aid to transfer students and working adults. Your employer may help, too. Employer tuition reimbursement programs like Walmart's Live Better U, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, and Amazon Career Choice cover some or all of the cost of a degree for eligible employees.

If you're a service member or veteran, military benefits like the GI Bill and military Tuition Assistance can cover a large share of your tuition. Many schools also offer reduced rates for military students and their families.

How To Choose the Right Degree

The easiest degree is only a good choice if it helps you reach your goals. As you compare programs, keep these factors in mind:

Career fit: Pick a major that lines up with the jobs you want, not just the one with the lightest workload.
Transfer policy: Find out how many credits a school will accept and whether it caps transfer credit.
Program format: Decide whether you need fully asynchronous courses or can handle scheduled live sessions.
Accreditation: Choose a school with regional accreditation, which affects financial aid eligibility, credit transfer, and how employers view your degree.
Graduate school prerequisites: If you might pursue a master's degree later, make sure your program covers the prerequisite courses you'll need.

Career Outlook With an Online Degree

The majors on this list lead to a wide range of careers, and many fall into two broad occupational groups. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial occupations have a median annual wage of $82,660, and employment in the group is projected to grow faster than average through 2035. That group includes roles like human resources specialists, management analysts, and project management specialists.

Community and social service occupations have a median annual wage of $58,300, and employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2035. These roles, such as case managers and social and human service assistants, are a common fit for psychology, sociology, and criminal justice graduates.

The skills you build in these majors also carry across industries. Writing, analysis, research, and communication are valuable in nearly every field, which makes these degrees especially useful if you're planning a career change.

FAQs About the Easiest Online Degree Programs

Choosing an easier online degree raises plenty of practical questions about careers, scheduling, and future plans. The answers below cover some of the most common ones.

Does Choosing an Easier Major Limit Your Career Options?

Not much. Employers tend to care more about your experience, internships, and certifications than about how difficult your major was. A degree in a field like communication or organizational leadership still shows that you can think critically, write well, and finish what you start. Many employers simply require a bachelor's degree in any field for entry-level and management roles. Building relevant work experience and earning an industry certification alongside your degree can make you just as competitive as graduates from more technical majors.

Can You Earn a Pilot Degree Online?

Partly. You can complete much of an aviation degree online, including ground school theory, aviation regulations, meteorology, and aviation management courses. Flight training, however, has to happen in person, usually at a partner flight school or local airport where you log the required flight hours. Many of the easiest pilot degrees use this hybrid model, letting you handle academic coursework on your own schedule while completing flight training close to home.

Can You Add a Minor or Concentration to a Flexible Major?

Yes, most programs allow it. Adding a minor or concentration is one of the easiest ways to strengthen your resume, since it shows employers a specific area of focus on top of your broader degree. A psychology major might add a business minor, for example, while a general studies student could concentrate in healthcare or technology. If you want even more depth, you could also look into the easiest double major combinations, which often share overlapping coursework.

How Do You Stay on Track in a Self-Paced Online Program?

Structure is the key. Set a weekly schedule with specific blocks of time for coursework, and treat those blocks like any other appointment. Most online schools also offer progress-tracking tools in their learning platforms, so you can see exactly where you stand. Regular check-ins with your academic advisor can keep you accountable, and many schools assign success coaches or mentors who help you set goals and work through challenges before they slow you down.

Can You Switch Majors After Starting an Online Degree?

Usually, yes. Since many of the majors on this list share similar general education requirements, switching often costs you little or no time. For example, credits from a sociology program may carry over to psychology or criminal justice without much trouble. That said, the further you get into upper-level major courses, the more credits you risk losing. Talk with an academic advisor before you make the switch so you understand exactly how your credits will apply.

Are These Majors Good Preparation for Graduate School?

Yes, several of them are. Psychology, sociology, history, and liberal arts are all common paths into graduate study in fields like counseling, social work, law, and education. Before you apply, check that your bachelor's program covers the specific prerequisites your target graduate programs require, such as statistics or research methods. Your GPA matters, too, so it's worth keeping your grades strong even in courses that feel easy.

Find Online Degrees Through Learn.org

The easiest degree for you is one that fits your schedule, strengths, and career goals. Learn.org offers information and resources to help you compare majors and weigh your options. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admissions, costs, and transfer credit.