Easiest Online Degrees With Minimal Reading 2026

If long textbook chapters and dense academic articles slow you down, you’re not alone. Many students learn better through videos, demonstrations, and hands-on practice rather than extensive reading assignments. For working adults especially, heavy reading loads can make it harder to stay motivated and keep up with coursework.

The good news is that some online degrees are designed to minimize reading altogether. These programs rely more on video instruction, labs, simulations, and exams to measure learning. Instead of spending hours with textbooks, you focus on completing tasks, solving problems, and demonstrating skills. Below, we’ll explore online degrees known for keeping reading requirements manageable.

Online Degrees That Require Minimal Reading

The degree options below emphasize applied learning, visual instruction, and skill-based assessments rather than textbook-heavy coursework. These programs can be a good fit if you learn best by watching, doing, and practicing.

1. Associate Degree in Information Technology

An associate degree in information technology is one of the most reading-light options available online. These programs focus on technical skills such as troubleshooting, networking basics, and systems support, with instruction delivered largely through videos, interactive modules, and hands-on labs. Instead of reading long chapters, you are often learning by watching demonstrations and applying what you see.

Many online IT associate programs use competency-based or lab-focused formats, meaning you complete a course by passing an exam or finishing a technical task. Reading is usually limited to short instructions or reference materials rather than full textbooks. This structure makes the degree especially appealing if you prefer visual learning and practical problem-solving over traditional academic reading.

Program duration: 12 to 24 months

Universities that offer an online associate degree in information technology:

• Western Governors University: Online associate degree in information technology
• University of Phoenix: Online associate degree in information technology
• Rasmussen University: Online associate degree in information technology
• Herzing University: Online associate degree in information technology
• Penn State World Campus: Online associate degree in information technology

2. Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

An associate degree in criminal justice can be a good fit if you want structured, career-focused learning without heavy reading requirements. These programs emphasize procedures, decision-making, and real-world scenarios related to law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. Instruction is often delivered through videos, simulations, and interactive modules rather than long textbook assignments.

Many online criminal justice associate programs rely on competency-based or scenario-driven assessments. Instead of reading lengthy case studies, you may work through virtual simulations, mapping exercises, or short media-based lessons followed by quizzes. Reading is usually limited to brief explanations or reference material, which can make the program feel more approachable if you prefer visual learning.

Program duration: 10 to 24 months

Universities that offer an online associate degree in criminal justice:

• Western Governors University: Online associate degree in criminal justice
• American Military University: Online associate degree in criminal justice
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in criminal justice
• Penn Foster: Online associate degree in criminal justice
• Monroe University: Online associate degree in criminal justice

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences

A bachelor’s degree in health sciences can be a strong choice if you want a healthcare-related degree without a heavy reading load. These programs tend to focus on applied health concepts, data interpretation, and systems-based learning rather than dense academic texts. Instruction is often delivered through video lectures, interactive labs, and guided demonstrations that replace traditional textbook reading.

Many online health sciences programs rely on competency-based or media-rich formats. Instead of assigned chapters, you may work through virtual labs, watch instructional videos, or complete practical projects tied to real healthcare scenarios. Reading is usually limited to short explanations or reference materials, which can make the program feel more manageable if you prefer visual and hands-on learning.

Program duration: 18 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in health sciences:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences
• Northern Arizona University: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences
• University of West Florida: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences
• Colorado State University Global: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences

4. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

A bachelor’s degree in information technology is one of the strongest options if you want to limit reading and focus on hands-on skill development. These programs emphasize technical practice, system configuration, networking, and cybersecurity rather than theory-heavy coursework. Instruction is often delivered through video lessons, guided demos, and interactive platforms that show you how systems work instead of asking you to read about them.

Many online IT bachelor’s programs rely heavily on virtual labs, simulations, and practice exams. Instead of assigned chapters, you may build networks in sandbox environments, write functional code, or complete technical exercises tied to real tools and platforms. Reading is usually limited to short instructions or reference material, making this degree especially appealing if you learn best by watching and doing.

Program duration: 18 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in information technology:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• Rasmussen University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• University of Phoenix: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• William Paterson University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can work well if you prefer visual learning and applied training over textbook-heavy coursework. These programs focus on procedures, investigations, public safety, and decision-making rather than abstract theory. Instruction is often delivered through videos, interactive scenarios, and digital simulations that show how the justice system works in practice.

Many online criminal justice bachelor’s programs rely on competency labs, virtual investigations, and scenario-based assessments. Instead of reading lengthy case law or policy texts, you may analyze situations in simulated environments, watch instructional videos, or complete structured activities tied to real-world outcomes. Reading is usually limited to short explanations or reference material, which can make the learning experience feel more engaging and manageable.

Program duration: 18 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• UMass Global: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Florida International University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Colorado State University Global: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership

A bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership is a strong option if you want to build management and leadership skills without heavy reading demands. These programs focus on decision-making, team dynamics, strategy, and workplace problem-solving rather than theory-driven academic study. Instruction is often delivered through video lessons, simulations, and case-based activities that replace traditional textbooks.

Many online organizational leadership programs rely on competency-based assessments, leadership simulations, and practical projects. Instead of assigned chapters, you may work through video scenarios, complete structured leadership exercises, or demonstrate skills you already use on the job. Reading is typically limited to short prompts or reference material, making the program a great fit for visual and experiential learners.

Program duration: 12 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• UMass Global: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Texas Tech University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• University of Louisville: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership

Why Some Online Degrees Require Less Reading

Not all degree programs rely on textbooks and long reading assignments to teach core concepts. Many online degrees are designed around visual instruction, demonstrations, and applied learning, which naturally reduces the need for extensive reading. This approach is especially common in technical, healthcare, and leadership-focused fields where skills can be shown rather than described.

Programs built for adult learners often prioritize efficiency and flexibility. Instead of assigning chapters to read, instructors may use videos, guided walkthroughs, simulations, or interactive modules to explain concepts. This allows you to spend more time practicing skills and less time working through dense academic material.

Learning Formats That Replace Heavy Reading

Understanding how a program delivers instruction can help you estimate how much reading you will actually do. Degrees with minimal reading tend to rely on a few common learning formats.

Video-Based and Media-Rich Instruction

Many low-reading programs use short video lectures, demonstrations, or curated media libraries instead of textbooks. These lessons are often paired with quizzes or practical tasks so you can immediately apply what you watch.

Simulations and Interactive Labs

Rather than reading about scenarios, you may work through them in virtual environments. Simulations allow you to practice decision-making, troubleshoot problems, or test systems in real time, reducing the need for background reading.

Competency-Based and Self-Paced Models

Competency-based programs let you move forward by passing assessments instead of completing assigned readings. If you already understand the material, you can test out quickly without reviewing long text-based lessons.

How to Tell If an Online Program Is Truly Low-Reading

Degree titles alone do not always reveal how much reading is involved. Before enrolling, it helps to look closely at how courses are structured and how learning is measured.

Look for program descriptions that mention video instruction, simulations, labs, or competency-based assessment. Reviewing sample courses, asking for a syllabus, or speaking directly with an admissions advisor can also clarify whether textbooks are required. Asking upfront about learning media can help you choose a program that fits how you learn best.

FAQs About Low-Reading Online Degrees

If you are trying to avoid textbook-heavy coursework, it helps to understand how “minimal reading” actually works in online programs. The questions below break down what you can realistically expect and how to choose the right fit.

Do Minimal-Reading Degrees Eliminate Reading Completely?

Most online degrees with minimal reading do not remove reading entirely, but they greatly reduce long textbook assignments. Instead of chapters and academic articles, you may read short instructions, prompts, or reference material connected to videos, labs, or simulations.

The bulk of learning usually comes from watching demonstrations, completing tasks, or passing assessments. If you are comfortable reading brief directions but want to avoid heavy study loads, these programs are often a good match.

Are Low-Reading Online Degrees Still Academically Rigorous?

Yes, low-reading degrees still require effort and mastery of the subject matter. The difference is how that knowledge is taught and assessed, not the expectations for learning. Exams, simulations, and applied projects can be just as challenging as traditional coursework.

These programs are designed to test understanding through performance rather than written analysis. If you learn better by doing, this structure can feel more efficient without lowering academic standards.

Who Benefits Most From Online Degrees With Minimal Reading?

Students who learn visually or through hands-on practice often benefit the most from low-reading programs. This includes working adults, career changers, and students who struggle with long study sessions or dense material.

These degrees can also be a good fit if you want to move quickly through content you already understand. Knowing how you learn best can help you choose a program that keeps you engaged and on track.

Explore Online Degrees With Minimal Reading

If heavy reading has been slowing your progress, the right online degree can help you stay focused and move forward with confidence. Visit Learn.org to explore accredited programs and compare online degrees designed around video, applied learning, and skill-based assessment.