Fastest Online Degrees With the Least Credit Hours 2026

Some online degrees are faster simply because they require fewer total credits to complete. Instead of accelerating through a full course load, these programs are designed to minimize required coursework from the start, making them a smart option if efficiency is your top priority.

Degrees with lower credit requirements often focus on broad learning outcomes, flexible electives, and generous transfer policies. When paired with prior college credit or competency-based options, they can significantly reduce the number of classes you need to take before graduating.

Fastest Online Degree Options With Lower Credit Requirements

The degree types below are commonly considered the fastest because they require fewer total credits, allow more flexibility in how credits are earned, or minimize major-specific coursework. For students focused on finishing efficiently, these structures can make a meaningful difference.

1. Associate Degree in General Studies or Liberal Arts

An associate degree in general studies or liberal arts is one of the most efficient degree options available because it typically requires only 60 total credits. Instead of a tightly structured major, coursework is spread across general education subjects such as communication, humanities, social sciences, and basic math. This flexibility makes it easier to apply transfer credits and avoid extra classes.

Many online general studies programs allow a large percentage of credits to come from prior coursework, exams, or competency-based assessments. In some cases, students may only need to complete a handful of required courses through the school itself. For those looking to earn a credential with the least amount of new coursework, this degree often offers the fastest path.

Program duration: 3 to 24 months (depending on transfer credit)

Universities that offer online associate degrees in general studies or liberal arts with low credit requirements:

• Excelsior University: Online associate degree in liberal arts
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in liberal arts
• LSU Eunice Online: Online associate degree in general studies
• University of Wisconsin Flexible Option: Online associate of arts and science
• Colorado Technical University: Online associate degree in general studies

2. Associate Degree in Business or Office Administration

An associate degree in business or office administration is another option that often requires relatively few total credits while still offering a practical credential. Most programs are structured around a sixty-credit framework, with coursework focused on core business topics such as management, accounting basics, communication, and office operations. Because the major requirements are usually straightforward, there is less risk of accumulating excess credits.

Many online business associate programs allow a large share of credits to transfer in from prior college coursework, exams, or competency-based assessments. In some cases, students may only need to complete a small number of required courses directly through the institution. For those who want a degree with clear professional relevance and minimal required coursework, this option can be both efficient and approachable.

Program duration: 6 to 18 months (depending on transfer credit)

Universities that offer online associate degrees in business or office administration with low credit requirements:

• Excelsior University: Online associate degree in business
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Liberty University: Online associate degree in business
• University of Maine at Presque Isle: Online associate degree with a business focus
• Salt Lake Community College: Online associate degree in business

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies

A bachelor’s degree in liberal studies or interdisciplinary studies is often one of the most credit-efficient ways to earn a four-year degree. These programs are intentionally broad, allowing courses from multiple subject areas to count toward graduation instead of requiring a tightly defined major. As a result, they tend to have fewer unique course requirements and less overlap that can lead to extra credits.

Many online liberal or interdisciplinary studies programs also have low residency requirements, meaning you only need to complete a small number of credits directly through the institution. When combined with transfer credits from prior coursework, exams, or alternative credit options, this structure can dramatically reduce how many classes you actually need to take. For students focused on minimizing required credit hours, this degree type is often one of the most efficient choices available.

Program duration: 6 to 24 months (depending on transfer credit)

Universities that offer online bachelor’s degrees in liberal or interdisciplinary studies with low residency requirements:

• Excelsior University: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts
• Widener University: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• Pace University: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• University of Iowa: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• Texas Tech University: Online bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies

4. Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership or Professional Studies

A bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership or professional studies is often more credit-efficient than traditional business degrees. These programs usually emphasize leadership, communication, and organizational behavior rather than highly specialized coursework. Because of this streamlined focus, they tend to avoid excess electives and overlapping requirements that can add unnecessary credit hours.

Many online organizational leadership and professional studies programs also have modest residency requirements. This means you may only need to complete a limited number of courses directly through the institution, with the remainder coming from transfer credits or prior learning. For students who want a bachelor’s degree that balances practical relevance with minimal required coursework, this option can be an efficient path to graduation.

Program duration: 1 to 2 years (depending on transfer credit)

Universities that offer online bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership or professional studies with low residency requirements:

• University of Louisville: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and learning
• Bellevue University: Online bachelor’s degree in professional studies
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Texas Tech University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Fort Hays State University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration

A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is often more credit-efficient than other health-related degrees because it focuses on management and operations rather than clinical training. Coursework typically covers health care systems, leadership, finance, policy, and ethics, without labs, practicums, or hands-on requirements that can add extra credits. This streamlined structure helps keep total credit requirements lower.

Many online healthcare administration programs also have defined residency limits, meaning only a set number of credits must be completed directly through the school. When combined with transfer credits or competency-based options, this can significantly reduce the number of classes you need to take. For students who want a health-focused degree with minimal required coursework, this option can offer a practical balance of efficiency and relevance.

Program duration: 1 to 2 years (depending on transfer credit)

Universities that offer online bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration with low residency requirements:

• Adelphi University: Online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration
• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: Online bachelor’s degree in healthcare management
• Mercy College of Ohio: Online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration
• University of Massachusetts Global: Online bachelor’s degree in health administration

6. Competency-Based Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Competency-based bachelor’s degree programs are designed to reduce required coursework by focusing on mastery rather than time spent in class. Instead of earning credits by completing a set number of weeks per course, you progress by demonstrating what you already know. This model can significantly reduce the number of credits you need to complete, especially if you bring prior knowledge or professional experience.

Many competency-based programs also have limited residency requirements, meaning only a portion of the degree must be completed directly through the institution. Flat-rate tuition periods and flexible pacing allow motivated students to complete multiple requirements within a single term. For those focused on minimizing both credit hours and time spent in coursework, competency-based programs often offer the most efficient path to a bachelor’s degree.

Program duration: 6 to 24 months (depending on experience and pacing)

Universities that offer competency-based online bachelor’s degrees with low credit requirements:

• University of Maine at Presque Isle: YourPace competency-based bachelor’s degree
• Capella University: FlexPath competency-based bachelor’s degree
• Western Governors University: Competency-based bachelor’s degree programs
• LSU Eunice and East Texas A&M University: Subscription-based competency programs
• University of Massachusetts Global: MyPath competency-based bachelor’s degree

Why Fewer Credit Hours Can Mean a Faster Degree

When it comes to finishing a degree quickly, total credit requirements matter just as much as pacing. Programs with fewer required credits reduce the number of courses you must complete, which can shorten your timeline even if you move at a steady, manageable pace. In many cases, credit efficiency has a bigger impact on speed than taking shorter terms or heavier course loads.

Degrees designed with flexible requirements often avoid unnecessary overlap between general education and major coursework. This streamlined structure helps prevent students from taking extra classes that do not directly contribute to graduation, saving both time and tuition.

Minimum Credit Requirements by Degree Level

Most associate degrees require around 60 total credits, while bachelor’s degrees typically require about 120. However, some programs effectively lower these numbers by allowing a large portion of credits to transfer in or be earned through alternative methods.

Residency requirements also play a key role. If a school only requires you to complete a small number of credits directly through the institution, you may be able to finish with far fewer new courses than expected.

How Transfer and Residency Policies Reduce Required Coursework

Understanding how credits are applied is essential when looking for the fastest degree with the least credit hours. Two programs with the same degree title can have very different completion timelines depending on their policies.

Transfer Credit Limits and Credit Acceptance

Schools with high transfer limits allow you to apply more prior coursework toward graduation. Some institutions accept up to 75 percent or more of a degree from transfer credits, exams, or alternative providers.

This flexibility can dramatically reduce the number of classes you need to take. For students with prior college experience, transfer-friendly programs are often the most efficient option.

Residency Requirements and Must-Take Credits

Residency requirements define how many credits must be completed directly through the school granting the degree. Programs with low residency requirements may only require a handful of courses to be taken in-house.

When combined with transfer credits or competency-based assessments, low residency requirements can significantly shorten the path to graduation. This is one of the most important factors to review when comparing programs focused on efficiency.

FAQs About Online Degrees With the Least Credit Hours

Degrees with fewer required credit hours appeal to students who want to finish efficiently without taking unnecessary classes. These common questions focus on how credit minimums really work and what to watch for when comparing programs.

What Is the Minimum Number of Credits Required for an Online Degree?

Most associate degrees require about 60 credits, while bachelor’s degrees typically require around 120 credits. However, programs with high transfer limits or alternative credit options can significantly reduce the number of credits you need to complete through the school itself.

The key distinction is between total degree credits and must-take credits. Some programs require far fewer new courses if you already have prior college credit or relevant experience.

Do Fewer Credit Hours Mean a Lower-Quality Degree?

Fewer required credits do not automatically mean lower quality, especially when a program is accredited. Many streamlined degrees are intentionally designed to eliminate redundancy while still meeting learning outcomes.

Accredited institutions must still meet academic standards, regardless of how credits are structured. The difference lies in efficiency, not educational value.

Can Transfer Credits Reduce Credit Requirements Even Further?

Transfer credits can often reduce how many courses you need to take, sometimes dramatically. Schools with generous transfer or credit-for-prior-learning policies may allow you to apply past coursework, exams, or professional training toward graduation.

This can shorten your timeline and lower costs. Reviewing transfer policies early is one of the most effective ways to find an efficient degree path.

Are Competency-Based Programs Considered Lower Credit Degrees?

Competency-based programs still award degrees that meet standard credit requirements, but they allow you to earn credits faster by demonstrating mastery. Instead of progressing by weeks in class, you move forward once you show proficiency.

This structure can reduce the number of courses you actually need to complete. For experienced learners, it is often one of the most efficient options available.

Find an Efficient Degree Path

Choosing a degree with fewer required credit hours can help you reach graduation sooner without overloading your schedule. To compare accredited online programs with streamlined credit requirements, explore degree options and guidance available through Learn.org.