How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree?
It usually takes about four years to complete a bachelor's degree online, but this can depend on several factors. There are ways to graduate much more quickly, such as enrolling in accelerated programs or bringing in transfer credits.
If you're planning to get your bachelor's degree online, you may be wondering how long it's going to take you. Are online degrees faster than on-campus degrees? How long do they take to complete?
Keep reading as we take an in-depth look at this question and answer other related questions you may have.
Traditional Vs. Online Bachelor's Degrees
Traditional bachelor's degrees are completed on a college campus. Students attend classes at set periods and in set locations. Most students in traditional degree programs study full-time.
Online bachelor's degrees can theoretically be completed from any location where you can connect to the internet. You may attend some live classes via videoconferencing, though many programs allow you to study on your schedule. Online bachelor's degree programs may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Aside from these differences, online and traditional degree programs have a lot of similarities. They consist of:
- Similar coursework
- Require the same number of college credits for graduation
- Are commonly offered by accredited colleges and universities
Because they require the same number of credits to graduate, online and traditional programs usually take about the same amount of time to complete: four years or so. That said, online programs are typically more flexible than traditional programs, and there are ways to complete them more quickly.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
How Can I Earn a Bachelor's Degree the Fastest?
Online education may take longer than an in-person degree program, or it may be completed more quickly. Here are some of the ways you can finish your degree sooner.
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs are designed for full-time students or those who can commit a lot of time and effort to finish their degree more quickly. Online courses may be offered in accelerated timeframes, or students may be able to take a higher course load than normal. Accelerated bachelor's degrees are typically finished within two to three years.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credits are credits earned from previous college experiences or dual-credit courses taken in high school. They may also be obtained by completing certain tests, such as:
- CLEP
- AP
- IB
If your school accepts transfer credits, you may be able to apply them toward your current degree program, which will allow you to take fewer classes and finish more quickly.
Life Experience Credits
Higher education isn't the only way to get credits applied toward your degree. Some schools also accept life experience credits, which are just what they sound like college credits you're awarded based on life experiences, such as:
- Military service
- Professional certifications
- Career experience
Life experience credits are most common with online degree programs.
Earning Your Associate Degree
If you already have an associate degree, you'll be able to finish your bachelor's degree much more quickly than average. An associate degree consists of at least 60 credits, and many programs are specifically designed to transfer into a bachelor's degree program upon graduation. Those holding an associate degree may be able to complete an online bachelor's degree in just one to two years.
What Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Get a Bachelor's Degree Online?
In addition to the number of transfer credits you have and the type of program you complete, other factors can affect how long it takes to get a bachelor's degree. For example, the amount of courses you take plays a big role in how quickly you graduate. Most full-time students take anywhere from 12 to 18 credits each semester. If you take a heavier courseload, you will accumulate the required credits for graduation sooner. On the other hand, a lighter courseload will lead to a later graduation date.
Many students who choose an online learning format are also juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities. They may not be able to take as many courses at once, so it may take them longer to get their degree. On the other hand, online college students may be highly motivated individuals who find a way to progress through their classes quickly despite other responsibilities. Online undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees give them this flexibility.
Finally, changing your major can also affect how long it takes you to get your bachelor's degree because you may have to take additional courses to meet the requirements of your new major.
What Are the Benefits of an Online Bachelor's Degree Program?
We've already touched on many of the benefits of getting your degree online. To summarize:
- Online bachelor's and master's degrees are highly flexible
- You can often complete your studies wherever and whenever you want
- Completing an online degree can increase your earning potential by making you a more desirable job candidate
- The length of time it takes you to graduate can be easily accelerated, helping you get your degree more quickly
- Online students have access to a convenient education, as online classes help them finish on their terms
Typical Online Bachelor's Degree Course Load
Your expected course load as an online student will depend on the number of courses you decide to take and the program you're enrolled in. Some schools allow students to move through classes at their own pace, letting them graduate in less time than traditional college degrees. On the other hand, part-time students can also take advantage of online schools and their programs by taking a lighter course load.
In short, there's no such thing as a typical course load for online bachelor's degrees. Every student is different, and online degrees cater to those differences.
What Bachelor's Degrees Can You Earn Online?
There are a wide variety of online degrees that can be completed online. These include both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, as well as associate programs and graduate degrees.
Common online majors include:
- Business administration
- English
- Computer science
FAQs about Earning Your Bachelor's Degree Online
Still have questions about getting an online bachelor's degree? Keep reading for answers.
What Are the Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's Degree Program?
Different schools have different admission requirements. That said, some common requirements you can expect when applying to a school include:
- High school diploma or transcripts
- SAT/ACT scores
- GPA
Can I Complete an Online Bachelor's Degree in Less Than Four Years?
Yes, it is possible to complete a bachelor's degree in under four years. The amount of time it takes you to graduate will depend on:
- Your transfer credits
- Rate of study
- Type of program you're enrolled in
How Fast Can I Get a Bachelors Degree Online?
If you have transfer or work experience credits or an associate degree, and if you're willing to work hard to graduate quickly, some online bachelor's degrees may have a completion time of as little as one to three years.
What Is the Quickest Degree To Get?
Generally speaking, some of the quickest degrees you can get are those offered by self-paced online colleges such as Western Governors University and Capella University. These both have generous transfer policies and allow students to take as many courses as they want concurrently.
Is Getting a Bachelor's Degree Online Hard?
It depends on your learning style. For some students, getting an online bachelor's degree is easier than completing a traditional program because it is flexible. Other students need the structure and social atmosphere of traditional college, so online programs are harder for them.
How Many Credit Hours Are Required for an Online Bachelor's Degree?
Most online bachelor's degrees require at least 120 credit hours to graduate. Some programs may require more than that. Schools that operate on a quarter system instead of a semester system typically require at least 180 quarter credits to graduate.
