Easiest Online Degrees With Minimal Writing 2026

If long essays and research papers are what make college feel overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many students prefer learning through hands-on work, exams, or practical projects rather than extensive writing assignments. The good news is that some online degrees are built specifically around those preferences.

Today’s online programs often use alternative assessment methods such as exams, labs, simulations, and competency-based evaluations. That means you can focus on mastering skills and completing tasks instead of spending hours drafting papers. Below, we’ll look at online degrees known for keeping writing requirements manageable while still offering real academic and career value.

Online Degrees That Require Minimal Writing

The degree options below tend to emphasize exams, projects, or technical assessments rather than essays and research-heavy coursework. These programs can be a good fit if you learn best by doing instead of writing.

1. Associate Degree in Information Technology

An associate degree in information technology is one of the best choices if you want minimal writing and maximum hands-on learning. These programs focus on technical skills such as troubleshooting, networking, cybersecurity basics, and systems support. Instead of writing papers, you’ll often complete exams, labs, simulations, or certification-aligned tasks that demonstrate what you can actually do.

Many online IT associate programs use competency-based or exam-driven models, which means you move forward by proving mastery rather than submitting weekly essays. Writing is usually limited to short responses or basic documentation, making the workload feel more straightforward and practical. This structure works especially well if you want to build job-ready skills quickly without spending time on academic-style writing.

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
• Strayer University: Online associate degree in information technology
• Penn Foster: Online associate degree in information technology

2. Associate Degree in Business Administration

An associate degree in business administration can be a good fit if you want to build practical workplace skills without spending a lot of time writing papers. These programs typically focus on core business topics such as management, marketing, operations, and basic finance. Assessments are often structured around exams, applied projects, spreadsheets, or scenario-based exercises rather than long essays.

In many online programs, writing is limited to short responses or practical communication tasks tied to real business situations. You may complete quizzes, presentations, or skill-based assignments using tools like Excel instead of traditional research papers. This approach can make the degree feel more approachable if you prefer structured tasks and measurable outcomes over writing-intensive coursework.

Program duration: 10 to 24 months

Universities that offer an online associate degree in business administration:

• Western Governors University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Penn Foster: Online associate degree in business administration
• Rasmussen University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Strayer University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in business administration

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences

A bachelor’s degree in health sciences is a strong option if you want to work in healthcare but prefer minimal writing. These programs focus on understanding health systems, data, patient outcomes, and administrative processes rather than academic theory. Coursework often centers on exams, applied projects, virtual labs, and simulations instead of long research papers.

Many online health sciences programs use competency-based or exam-heavy assessment models, which allow you to demonstrate what you know through tests or practical tasks. Writing is usually limited to short explanations, care plans, or basic reports tied to real healthcare scenarios. This structure can feel more manageable if you prefer problem-solving and applied learning over essay-driven coursework.

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
• UMass Global: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences
• Capella University: Online bachelor’s degree in health sciences
• Southern New Hampshire University: 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 most writing-light options at the bachelor’s level. These programs emphasize technical problem-solving, systems management, networking, and cybersecurity rather than essays or research papers. Most assessments are exam-based, lab-driven, or tied to practical projects that show you can apply technical skills in real scenarios.

Many online IT programs use competency-based or lab-heavy formats, allowing you to complete courses by passing a final exam, finishing a simulation, or earning an industry certification. Writing is typically limited to brief documentation or explanations tied to technical work, making this degree especially appealing if you want to avoid discussion posts and long-form writing.

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
• Capella University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• Colorado State University Global: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• University of Maryland Global Campus: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be a good option if you want a career-focused program with limited writing demands. These degrees concentrate on law enforcement, courts, corrections, public safety, and emergency management rather than theory-heavy academic study. Coursework often emphasizes procedures, decision-making, and applied skills over long research papers.

Many online criminal justice programs use competency-based, scenario-based, or assessment-driven formats. Instead of weekly essays, you may complete exams, skills labs, case scenarios, or short structured reports tied to real-world situations. Writing tends to be practical and concise, which can make the program feel more manageable if you prefer clear tasks and applied learning.

Program duration: 12 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
• University of Maine at Presque Isle: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• East Texas A&M University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• UMass 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 writing requirements. These programs focus on decision-making, team leadership, operations, and workplace strategy rather than academic theory. Coursework is often designed around practical scenarios you might face on the job, making the learning feel more applied and relevant.

Many online organizational leadership programs rely on exams, simulations, quizzes, and project-based deliverables instead of long research papers. You may complete presentations, templates, or structured analyses rather than multi-page essays. This approach can be especially appealing if you prefer clear expectations, workplace-focused tasks, and assessments tied directly to real leadership challenges.

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
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• University of Louisville: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership

Why Some Online Degrees Require Less Writing

Not all degrees rely on essays and research papers to measure learning. Many online programs are built around assessment models that focus on what you can do rather than how much you can write. This is especially common in technical, business, and applied fields where skills can be demonstrated through exams, projects, or simulations.

Programs designed for adult learners often prioritize efficiency and job relevance. Instead of discussion boards and long-form papers, you may be asked to pass an exam, complete a task, or solve a real-world problem. That structure can significantly reduce writing while still meeting academic standards.

Common Assessment Styles in Low-Writing Programs

Understanding how a program evaluates students can help you predict how much writing you will actually do. Online degrees with minimal writing often rely on a few common assessment types rather than essays.

Exam-Based and Objective Assessments

These programs measure learning through proctored exams, quizzes, or final tests. If you can demonstrate mastery through a single assessment, you move on without completing weekly writing assignments.

Competency-Based and Self-Paced Models

Competency-based education allows you to progress by proving skills rather than completing set assignments. Writing is usually limited to short explanations or documentation, and you can move quickly through material you already know.

Project-Based and Applied Learning

Instead of essays, you may complete charts, presentations, templates, simulations, or technical projects. These deliverables are often structured and practical, which reduces the need for long written responses.

How to Identify a Low-Writing Online Degree Before Enrolling

Degree titles alone do not always tell you how much writing a program requires. Taking time to review how courses are structured can help you avoid surprises later.

Look for language like “exam-based,” “competency-based,” or “project-focused” in program descriptions. Course syllabi, sample assignments, or conversations with admissions advisors can also reveal whether writing-heavy work is common. Asking direct questions about assessment methods can save you time and frustration once classes begin.

FAQs About Low-Writing Online Degrees

Choosing a degree with minimal writing can feel tricky, especially when online programs vary so widely in how they assess learning. The questions below address common concerns to help you understand what to expect before enrolling.

Do Low-Writing Degrees Completely Eliminate Writing?

Most low-writing online degrees do not eliminate writing entirely, but they significantly reduce long essays and research papers. Instead of multi-page assignments, you may complete short responses, documentation, or structured templates tied to practical tasks or exams.

Writing requirements also tend to decrease as you move into upper-level coursework in applied programs. Reviewing sample assignments or syllabi can help you confirm how much writing is realistically involved.

Are Low-Writing Online Degrees Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Low-writing does not necessarily mean easy. These programs still require effort, discipline, and subject mastery, but they measure learning differently. Exams, labs, simulations, and projects can be just as challenging as writing-intensive coursework.

The difference is in how you demonstrate knowledge. If you perform better on tests or hands-on tasks than essays, a low-writing program may feel more manageable and better aligned with your strengths.

Which Students Benefit Most From Minimal-Writing Programs?

Students who learn best through doing, testing, or solving problems often thrive in low-writing programs. This includes working adults, career changers, and those returning to school after time away from academic writing.

These programs can also be a good fit if you prefer clear expectations and objective assessments. Knowing how you learn best can help you choose a degree that supports your success.

Explore Online Degrees With Minimal Writing

If writing-heavy coursework has been holding you back, the right online degree can help you move forward without unnecessary stress. Visit Learn.org to explore accredited programs, compare assessment styles, and find options that fit how you learn best.