Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Montana 2026

Students can earn an accelerated bachelor's degree online through a number of schools across Montana. Whether students have a high school diploma or college credits, and regardless of their prior GPA, there are program options for everyone.

Accelerated online bachelor's degree programs enable students to complete their degree in less time, whether they're studying liberal arts, healthcare, or another field. Continue reading to discover the top accelerated online bachelor's programs in Montana.

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

The amount of coursework required and a student's enrollment (full-time or part-time) determine how long it takes to earn an online degree. Online bachelor's degree programs can be completed in as little as a year for students with enough transfer credits or in as many as four years of full-time study. The fastest way to get a bachelor's degree involves a combination of transferring in credits as well as increasing the number of classes taken each year.

Many schools allow students to transfer in prior coursework as well as obtain credits for various assessments and relevant experience. For example, students who take tests like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) can potentially earn credits to replace some of their program's required coursework.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Montana

There are several schools across Montana that offer accelerated bachelor's degree options through both accelerated course enrollment as well as a variety of transfer credit options. The Montana University System offers multiple accelerated degree avenues, as do several other schools in the state. The top online learning options for accelerated bachelor's degree programs are discussed below.

1. Montana State University

Montana State University offers an online bachelor's degree in liberal studies that allows students to add one of two focus options: global and multicultural studies or environmental studies. The program is designed for students who have already completed an associate degree, and it can be completed in less than two years through traditional semester structures. MSU also offers credits for qualifying assessment scores (CLEP, etc.).

Time to completion: Two years

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings (MSUB) offers several fully online bachelor's programs that are delivered in shorter course terms of five or eight weeks. Students can earn a degree in fields like business administration, sociology, nursing, and criminal justice. Online learners can also apply to receive credits in exchange for prior learning assessments, military experience, and other tools.

Time to completion: 12 months to three and a half years

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Montana State University— Northern

Montana State University— Northern (MSUN), offers online bachelor's programs in multiple fields:

• criminal justice
• business administration/management
• trades management
• elementary education
• community psychology

MSUN offers a variety of minors that can be added to a program and allows students to earn credits through multiple alternative methods, including the CLEP and DSST.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. University of Providence

The University of Providence offers several online and hybrid bachelor's degree programs, as well as related online certificates. Distance-learning students can earn a degree in criminal justice, applied mathematics, legal and paralegal studies, and other fields with little to no on-campus requirements. In addition to traditional credits, the school accepts up to 30 alternative credits through CLEP and other assessments.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: NWCCU

5. University of Montana Western

The University of Montana Western, or UMW, offers several online bachelor's programs within the field of education, including several designed for existing teachers and/or degree holders. Students who do not have a degree or education experience can complete a bachelor's in early childhood education, and may still be able to transfer in credits through CLEP and other examinations.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: NWCCU

6. University of Montana

The University of Montana (UM) has a variety of online bachelor's programs as well as a generous transfer credit policy. Students can complete a bachelor's in fields such as:

• anthropology
• computer science
• media arts
• social work

UM offers transfer credits for military and other experiences as well as multiple different assessments, enabling students to bypass some required coursework.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: NWCCU

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

We understand that earning your bachelor's degree quickly is a high priority for you. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that professionals with a bachelor's degree earn hundreds more per week than those with only high school degree. Luckily, there are many schools across the U.S. that offer accelerated bachelor's degree programs, with options in seemingly every field of study. More of the top bachelor's programs that can be completed online in less time are discussed below.

Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) offers online bachelor's degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, information technology, healthcare, and psychology. Eight-week course terms enable students to complete programs in less time, without having a heavier course load at any one time. MGA awards credits for several types of assessments, including a review of a relevant portfolio.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

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

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland's Global Campus (UMGC) offers dozens of fully online bachelor's programs, including options in these fields:

• healthcare
• computer science
• business administration
• social sciences
• history

Students can utilize assessments for credits in nearly every subject, including accounting, information technology, and many more.  Eight-week courses offer flexibility and the ability to complete a program more quickly.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

National University

As a nonprofit university, National University provides supportive, career-driven online programs through shorter course terms of four- and eight-week lengths. Students can earn nearly 50 different bachelor's degrees online, including options in cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare, and marketing. Students can obtain credits toward courses in most fields through several assessment options, including those in business, engineering, and computer science.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Liberty University

Liberty University's (LU) eight-week course structures enable students to complete programs faster, and a generous transfer credit policy can drastically reduce the program requirements. LU offers a wide variety of online bachelor's programs, with options in most fields of studies, as well as an accelerated RN to BSN program. The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) enables current registered nurses (RNs) to complete a BSN in significantly less time.

Time to completion: Two to three and a half years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team wants to give you the best information that will benefit your future, so we look at hundreds of online schools and programs. In order to make our top schools lists, we ensure that each school and program meet specific standards that benefit you. Key criteria that we require for consideration in our lists are discussed below.

• Accreditation: Featured schools have each been accredited by their respective accreditation boards, which indicates that they meet educational standards relating to outcomes, programs, and materials.
• Program length: The schools featured in this list offer one or more avenues for decreasing the amount of time that a bachelor's program takes, whether through credit transfers or accelerated course lengths.
• Program reputation and quality: Online programs discussed provide the same quality and learning outcomes as their on-campus versions so that online students gain parallel skills and understanding through their accelerated online programs.
• Tuition cost: Our ranked schools are primarily the most affordable options for online bachelor's programs so that pursuing an online bachelor's is a more obtainable option for every student who is interested.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Accelerate Your Bachelor’s Degree in Montana

One of the best ways to expedite your degree is to enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s program. As you’ve seen above, there are numerous schools in and out of Montana that offer quick online degrees. Leveraging any of these programs can help you earn a diploma in one to two years. 

However, if you are not keen to join an accelerated bachelor’s program, don’t worry. There are other ways for you to quickly finish your degree. We’ll explore some of them below:

• Enroll in an online college: Online colleges are more flexible than traditional schools. Enrolling in one will allow you more freedom to take many courses at once and complete assignments or exams during the evenings or weekends. With more time to finish your degree requirements, you can expedite your bachelor’s degree.
• Take your prerequisites online: Getting through your general education requirements quickly will save you a lot of time. You can do this by taking your prerequisite courses online. Online course providers—such as Study.com—offer self-paced courses that you can quickly complete. Furthermore, you can transfer the credits you earned through these classes to any of your online course provider’s partner universities.
• Apply for dual enrollment programs: You can earn college credit while in high school if you enroll in dual enrollment programs. The credits you’ll earn through these programs will not just count towards your high school graduation requirements; they will also result in college credit that you can transfer to your chosen school later on.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Montana

Before choosing an accelerated online degree program, you should consider the aspects that are most important to you. Questions about program length and cost are discussed below.

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

Students may be able to complete a one-year bachelor's degree online with the use of both academic and alternative credits. An existing associate degree can typically cut a bachelor's program in half, from four to two years.

Any alternative credits applied beyond the associate degree further decrease the program length. If a 120-credit program can be cut down to 60 credits, a standard full-time student enrolled in eight-week terms could finish the program in around one and a half years.

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

The cost of an online bachelor's degree depends primarily on how many classes a student needs to take. The more credits that can be transferred into a program, the cheaper it will be. Choosing a school with cheaper tuition is another key factor in earning a degree for less. Some of the best bachelor's degrees online are also some of the most affordable, and there are innumerable financial aid awards that could be used to lessen program costs.

Are Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, plenty of employers respect accelerated bachelor’s degrees. They are typically viewed as equal to traditional bachelor’s programs. If anything, choosing a non-traditional but quicker path to get your degree says a lot about your motivation and initiative. 

In addition, completing an accelerated bachelor’s program takes immense dedication and time management skills. And these values are respected by employers in any industry.

Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Harder Than a Traditional Program?

Accelerating your bachelor’s degree requires tremendous effort, focus, and time management. In addition, it often comes with intense and continuous coursework, with little to no breaks. For these reasons, it may be harder for some students to expedite their degree instead of taking a traditional program.

The rigor of accelerated bachelor’s programs can be offset by taking flexible or self-paced online courses. Leveraging on transfer credits can also help you earn a diploma quicker without maximizing your course load. 

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Browse our pages on Learn.org to explore more of the best online programs that offer flexibility and affordability. Reach out to the schools with programs of interest for more information or to get started.