8 Best 2-Year Online Degree Programs in 2025
There are a few different options for two year online degree programs. Prospective students could pursue an associate's degree, or possibly an accelerated bachelor's degree program. Learn more about two year online degree programs.
There are many options for online degree programs that can be completed in two years. The most common type is associate's degrees, which typically take two years or less.
However, an online bachelor's degree could also be completed in two years through an online accelerated bachelor's degree program.
Many colleges offer online accelerated college degrees, which allow students to finish their degree faster, potentially in two years instead of the standard four.
Here we will explore some of the different options for two-year online degree programs.
Best Online Associate's Degrees
Online associate's degrees are 'two-year degrees,' but sometimes they can even be completed in 12 to 18 months.
Check out some popular associate's degrees below.
Early Childhood Education
An online associate's degree in early childhood education can lead to a variety of career options working with young children.
Many associate's degree programs also include to option to earn teaching certification simultaneously.
This degree can lead to jobs like a kindergarten teacher, special education, and teacher's aide, as well as positions outside of education like school counseling or childcare.
Nursing
Nursing is one of the most popular fields of study at all degree levels. Online associate's degrees in nursing are highly sought after.
These programs prepare graduates for a variety of entry-level positions in nursing.
Additionally, these programs are excellent for moving on to studying for a bachelor's degree in the future.
Web Design
Another highly in-demand and versatile online associate's degree is web design. These degrees can lead to many different career paths like:
- Webmaster
- Programmer
- Web Developer
- Multimedia Specialist
Accounting
An online associate's degree in accounting can lead to either an entry-level position in the field or continued study at the bachelor's degree level.
Possible careers include various accounting and bookkeeping roles.
Many accounting programs, like Southern New Hampshire University's online associate degree in accounting, can easily transfer into a bachelor's program.
Online Accelerated Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor's degrees typically take four years or more to complete.
However, with an online accelerated program, it's possible to earn a bachelor's degree much faster, possibly in two years.
Check out some options below!
Business Administration
Business administration is another top field of study for many students, and many colleges offer accelerated programs.
The program is extremely flexible and self-paced, allowing multiple courses for a flat tuition rate.
This is a perfect example of a business administration degree for students who would like to move quickly and complete their degree as fast as possible.
Communication
Communications degrees are also very versatile, focusing on honing a set of skills that can be applied to various careers rather than becoming proficient in a single subject.
Students pursuing an accelerated bachelor's degree in communications can expect to study things like leadership, organization, collaboration, written and oral communication, and more.
Computer Information Systems
Graduates of computer information systems (CIS) are some of the sought-after candidates for a variety of positions in multiple industries.
This makes it an excellent choice to study in an accelerated bachelor's degree program.
Some accelerated programs, like Western Governors University's, allow students to earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and various certificates all at once.
However, the projected completion time is four years.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is a complex and rewarding field of study with many career opportunities, as well as opportunities for continuing education.
How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Two Years
Here are a couple of tips for making a bachelor's degree take two years.
Accelerated Programs
As described above, accelerated programs are one of the best ways to shorten the time needed to earn a bachelor's degree. Many colleges offer these, particularly online.
Transfer Credits
For many bachelor's degrees, students can transfer previously earned credits. This will allow them to skip taking certain courses, lessening the time necessary to complete their degree.
Some institutions will give students credit for general education courses by taking an assessment. This can also be extremely useful.
Take Extra Classes
This can be a dangerous strategy and should only be used by students with a proven track record of handling huge workloads.
If you can manage it, taking additional classes each semester can lead to a faster graduation.
However, the goal of college is to learn, and if students try to take on more than they can handle, they aren't going to be learning much. A quality education and personal well-being must always come first!
What is the Easiest Degree to Get in Two Years?
What is easy for one person could be very challenging for another, so it is difficult to quantify which degree would be easiest.
However, certain degrees require less technical subjects and complex coursework, which may make them somewhat 'easier.'
This could include things like certain business degrees or certain liberal arts degrees.
Another thing to keep in mind is what time-saving techniques you can utilize in the degree. For example, look for accelerated degrees that allow credit transfers, or even course credit for life experience.
Read More: How To Get A Bachelor's Degree in 2 Years
What is the Fastest Degree to Get Online?
The fastest degree to get online would be something that allows students to work at their own pace in an accelerated program, or that allows credit transfers, etc.
This is something else that may vary depending on the individual.
Personal strengths experience, education history, and more will factor into determining how quickly a degree can be completed.
What Degree is Best for Remote Work?
One of the most common fields for work-from-home positions is information technology, making a degree in that area a great choice for those looking for remote work.
A degree in information technology includes things like:
- Computer Science
- Web Design
- Information Systems
- Cybersecurity
Start an Online Two Year Degree Program Today
Now that you know more about different degrees, start a two-year online degree program today.