How Fast Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree Online?

An online bachelor's degree typically takes between two to four years to complete depending on if you have already completed some college courses at a regionally accredited institution.

It is also possible to finish your bachelor's degree program online in one year or less depending on your desired program, learning format, and personal situation.

If you are interested in completing your degree fast, consider programs that require the minimum amount of credit hours for a bachelor's degree. Also consider programs that:

• Accepts your transfer credits
• Accelerate your path to a bachelor's or master's degree
• Are competency-based educational programs

Steps to Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree Fast

Four steps to earning your online bachelor's degree fast include determining your schedule, choosing your program, transferring college credits, and applying good academic behaviors.

Learn more about each step below.

1. Determine Your Schedule

Understanding how much time you can commit to your degree program is the first step to earning your degree in less than four years.

If you can complete twelve to eighteen or more credit hours of required courses in a semester, you are on the right track to quickly earning your bachelor's degree.

It may be difficult to earn your online bachelor's degree in less than three years if you do not have transfer credits, have a full-time job, or do not enroll in an accelerated or CBE program.

2. Choose Your Program

Find an accelerated or competency-based educational program to complete your online bachelor's degree. Many accredited colleges and universities offer accelerated and CBE programs.

Examples of accredited institutions that offer accelerated or CBE programs include the University of Phoenix, Walden University, and Western Governors University.

You can earn your bachelor's in business administration, business management, or healthcare management in an online format that allows you to take an assessment to show you understand the topic.

Other degree programs that are self-paced may include finance, criminal justice, early childhood studies, graphic design, and more.

3. Transfer Approved College Credits

Transferring credits from previously earned college credits at a regionally accredited university or professional experience can save you time toward earning your degree.

You may be able to skip over much of the general education course requirements of your bachelor's degree program with approved transfer credits.

4. Apply Good Academic Behaviors

If you want to earn your degree fast, you must focus and apply yourself fully to the program. Maintain good study habits and create personal time to rest, release, and re-energize.

Ask questions, demonstrate effective communication skills, and use support resources to stay on the schedule you set to meet your educational goals.

What Is an Accelerated Degree Program?

An accelerated degree program is often an associate to bachelor's degree program or a bachelor's to master's degree program that you can complete faster than the traditional time it takes.

For example, you may be able to earn your bachelor's degree in two to three years in an online accelerated bachelor's to master's degree program.

What Is a Competency-Based Educational Program?

A competency-based educational program is a degree program that you can complete at your own pace by completing assessments that demonstrate you understand a given topic.

CBE programs allow you to move through coursework quickly and graduate faster. You can also transfer credits from a regionally accredited university in most CBE programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree Fast

See answers to commonly asked questions about earning an online bachelor's degree below.

Can You Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree in Two Years or Less?

Yes, you can earn an online bachelor's degree in two years or less if you enroll full-time in an accelerated program, have transfer credits, or are in a competency-based educational program.

How Fast Can I Complete an Online Bachelor's Degree Part-Time?

If you need to enroll in your online bachelor's degree part-time, it can take six or more years to complete your degree depending on how many credit hours you can take in a semester.

It can also take less than six years to complete your bachelor's degree part-time. Transferring credits may reduce the time it takes to complete your part-time degree.

What Is the Fastest Online Bachelor's Degree Program?

The fastest online bachelor's degree programs are flexible programs that allow you to accelerate your degree or complete courses at a pace convenient to you.

All bachelor's degrees consist of 120 or more credit hours of required courses which typically take four years to complete.

Should I Try To Earn a Bachelor's Degree Fast?

You should pursue your online bachelor's degree at a pace that works well with your personal and professional schedule.

If you have the time to complete your degree at a faster pace, consider applying to an accelerated program or a CBE program.

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in a Year

Choose one of the fastest online degree programs listed on this page to pursue your bachelor's degree in one year at an accredited institution that accepts transfer credits to save time and money.