Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Missouri 2026

Pursuing an accelerated online bachelor's degree program can help you quickly get the credentials you need for your chosen career path. Perhaps you're wondering about schools that offer accelerated bachelor's degrees online; specifically, you'd like to know if any colleges in your home state of Missouri offer these programs.

Keep reading as we explore some top options for accelerated online bachelor's degrees in Missouri. We'll also consider a few good out-of-state options and answer various questions you may be wondering about.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree in Missouri?

Generally speaking, it takes about four years for full-time college students to earn a bachelor's degree. Part-time learners may take six years or longer.

That said, there are ways to accelerate the process. The fastest way to get a bachelor's degree typically involves using transfer credits, taking heavy courseloads, and studying year-round. Students in accelerated programs typically earn a bachelor's degree in three years or less; some programs can be completed in as little as one year.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Missouri

Online programs often make it easy to study at an accelerated rate due to their flexibility. With that in mind, let's look at some accredited online bachelor's degrees featuring flexible coursework and accelerated online learning opportunities in Missouri.

1. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a prestigious private school located in St. Louis. Students can pursue online bachelor's degrees in several disciplines, including:

• cybersecurity
• emergency management
• leadership and organizational behavior

These programs are designed specifically for busy working adults, with flexible course sessions that students can enroll in year-round. Combining transfer credits and accelerated course options, students can finish their degrees in as little as a year.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Missouri St. Louis

The University of Missouri St. Louis is a public school affiliated with the University of Missouri System. It offers several accelerated online bachelor's degrees, including:

• computer science
• philosophy
• chemistry

Online students with no transfer credits can earn one of these ''degree in three'' options within three years. Those with transfer credits can accelerate their studies even further.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: HLC

3. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University is a public school in Maryville. It offers many flexible online bachelor's degrees, such as:

• business management
• management information systems
• political science

The school allows students to transfer up to 78 credit hours from another institution and complete courses in an accelerated timeframe if desired. Multiple yearly start dates are also available, allowing students to study year-round.

Time to completion: as little as two years

Accreditation: HLC

4. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private school headquartered in Columbia. It offers many flexible undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs, online.

Students have 24/7 access to their study materials, allowing them to complete assignments whenever it's convenient for them. Eight-week course sessions, six annual start dates, and a generous transfer policy make it easy to earn a degree quickly through this school.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: HLC

5. Webster University

Webster University is a private school located in Webster Groves. It is known for providing various online degree programs for nontraditional students. Some of the bachelor's degrees available include scriptwriting, education studies, and criminology and criminal justice.

This school is a leader in online education with over 25 years of experience. The online degree programs feature flexible coursework that can be completed on your own schedule, and a generous transfer policy helps students with previous college credits graduate sooner.

Time to completion: as little as two years

Accreditation: HLC

6. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private college in St. Charles. Some of its degree programs are available in a convenient and flexible online format. Undergraduate programs include:

• information technology
• human resource management
• sport management

Online programs accept transfer credits and provide multiple start dates each year, enabling students to study year-round. Various support services are in place to help online learners succeed, and coursework is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of schedules.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

7. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University is a private school in St. Louis. It provides fast and flexible online degrees designed for nontraditional students.

Programs offer flexible curriculum that students can complete on a schedule that works for them. The school offers a generous transfer policy, including a prior learning assessment that provides college credits for qualifying work experiences, helping students ultimately graduate more quickly.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

Other Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.

Students completing quick online degrees can study at schools located anywhere in the country from the comfort of their own homes. Let's talk about some academic programs at out-of-state schools offering accelerated online courses.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public, fully online university offering various degree programs to students throughout the country. Flexible bachelor's degrees include:

• management information systems and business analytics
• healthcare administration and management
• human services

Students can start and continue their studies anytime with monthly start dates. Courses are offered in convenient eight-week sessions, and up to 90 transfer credits are accepted.

Time to completion: as little as one year

Accreditation: HLC

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public school in Virginia offering flexible online learning opportunities. Some of the bachelor's degrees available include:

• nursing
• leadership
• training specialist (occupational and technical studies)

All courses are available in accelerated eight-week sessions, allowing more opportunities to progress through degree programs quickly. Students can also transfer an unlimited number of credits as long as they complete the final 30 of their degrees through Old Dominion.

Time to completion: as little as two years

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Ottawa University

Ottawa University is a private school headquartered in Kansas. It offers various accelerated degrees that can be completed online or in person through the school's main campus. Bachelor's programs include:

• accounting
• business administration
• education

Eight-week courses allow students to accelerate their degree path if desired, and all courses are flexible enough to provide students control over their study schedules. A generous transfer policy is also in place.

Time to completion: as little as one to two years

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose the best online education opportunities when creating our school rank lists. The following criteria were used to choose the undergraduate degrees and schools featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body like the Higher Learning Commission.
• Program length: Each of the higher education programs can be completed in under four years.
• Program reputation and quality: Each school is known for providing high-quality online degree programs.
• Tuition cost: Average tuition costs vary widely, as both public and private colleges are featured. Average costs range from $8,400 to more than $53,000 per year.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Accelerate Your Bachelor’s Degree in Missouri

Joining an accelerated bachelor’s program is one way to accelerate your degree in Missouri. These programs typically feature flexible set-ups, with an online or hybrid format. This can be extremely beneficial, especially for adult or working students.

Apart from enrolling in an accelerated bachelor’s program, there are other ways for you to quickly earn a degree. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

• Take online courses: Taking your courses through online course providers (such as Study.com) can help you complete more requirements faster. Because online classes are flexible and accessible, you can enroll in three or more at once. Furthermore, because they are not confined to regular class hours, you can complete course requirements quickly.
• Get an associate degree: Having an associate degree can significantly reduce the amount of time you need to finish a bachelor’s degree. It allows you to skip the general education requirements and get started on major-specific coursework. In addition, some universities require a prior associate degree before you can join certain accelerated programs. 
• Enroll in AP classes in high school: Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school is beneficial for two reasons. One, it introduces you to college-level coursework that will prepare you for university. And, two, consistently passing AP exams can help you earn college credit while you are still in high school.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Missouri

If you still have questions about accelerated online bachelor's degree programs, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to frequently asked questions you may be asking.

Are There Any One-Year Online Bachelor's Degrees in Missouri?

Yes, a number of public and private schools in Missouri make it possible to earn a one-year bachelor's degree online. These schools accept up to 90 transfer credits and offer frequent start dates and flexible coursework that make it easy to study year-round.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Missouri?

Several schools in Missouri offer affordable tuition rates of $285 per credit hour; however, they all charge per-credit-hour fees which make the total hourly costs slightly different. Southeast Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and the University of Central Missouri are some of the most affordable schools in Missouri that offer online bachelor's degrees, with total per-credit-hour costs ranging from $330 to $340.

How Many Classes Do You Take at Once in an Accelerated Program?

Students enrolled in accelerated bachelor’s programs typically take one to two classes at once. Depending on your school and program, these classes might span five to eight weeks. In comparison, a traditional program’s semester spans 16 weeks. 

However, unlike traditional programs, accelerated programs are usually continuous all year round. This means that you’ll be taking one to two classes in five- to eight-week sessions consecutively, with minimal or no breaks.

How Fast Can You Complete an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?

If you are enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s degree program, you can expect to complete it in the duration specified by your school. In Missouri, some accelerated programs allow students to graduate after just one year.

If you are not enrolled in an accelerated program, the speed at which you complete your degree may depend on your transfer credits. If you are able to transfer 90 credits towards your degree, you’ll be able to graduate in a year.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

If you're ready to pursue accelerated online undergraduate programs, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges today to find out more about their programs and to choose the best option for you.