MDG Header Logo

Accelerated Classes: The Best 4-Week to 8-Week Online College Courses [2025 Guide]

mydegreeguide-best-colleges-ranking
Accelerated Classes

Accelerated classes, ranging from 4 to 8 weeks, offer a fast and flexible way to earn college credits. These online courses help you achieve academic goals quickly while maintaining quality learning.

Time is valuable—your time, your goals, your future. With shorter schedules and focused coursework, these programs save time without sacrificing depth. Perfect for busy students, accelerated classes let you balance education, work, and life. If speed and efficiency are what you need, these courses are the key to staying on track and achieving success.

List of Colleges with Accelerated Online Courses

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited, offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format, and have accelerated classes that are 8 weeks long or less.

American Intercontinental University

American Intercontinental University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Brenau University

Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Cameron University

Cameron University is unconditionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

Central Texas College

Central Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

College of DuPage

College of DuPage is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

College of Southern Nevada

College of Southern Nevada has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1975.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia College

Columbia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1918.

Davenport University

Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Ellis College of NYIT

Ellis College of NYIT is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Excelsior College

Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Fisher College

Fisher College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Indiana Institute 0f Technology

Indiana Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Keiser University

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Liberty University

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lynn University

Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Mount Olive College

Mount Olive College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

National University

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

North Carolina Wesleyan College

North Carolina Wesleyan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Park University

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Peirce College

Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Post University

Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Purdue University

Purdue University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.

Regent University

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Regis University

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Troy University

Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Houston – Downtown

The University of Houston – Downtown is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Maine – Augusta

The University of Maine – Augusta is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Maryland – University College

The University of Maryland – University College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Massachusetts – Global

The University of Massachusetts – Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Degrees with Accelerated Classes

Why spend 16 weeks in class when you can get the same college credits in 8 weeks or less? Accelerated classes let you finish your courses in half the time. Yes, you read that correctly. You can learn the same information and earn the same credits in half the time.

Many online programs offer accelerated classes, and as you look for programs, you’ll find many majors represented. These are some of the most popular majors in which online accelerated classes can be found:

A wide range of majors is available from accredited online colleges offering 4-week, 5-week, 6-week, and 8-week college courses. So, if you have been thinking, I need a degree fast, this is a great place to start!

Just click on the link above to jump to the major that interests you. If you don’t see your major on this list, don’t fret. These are just some of the many that are available. With a little research, you can find the perfect program for you.

Accounting

If you have a good grasp of numbers and finances, then a career in accounting may be for you.

Accountants take care of bookkeeping and financial management for organizations and individuals. In preparation for that responsibility, your coursework will cover data analysis, auditing, taxation, and mathematics.

You’ll study various types of accounting as well, such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, and cost accounting. You also study various business topics, such as management, ethics, and corporate law.

After graduation, you may use your knowledge to become a certified public accountant (CPA).

Business Administration

While some business-minded students choose to earn degrees in finance, management, or accounting, others want a course of study that’s more well-rounded.

If that describes you, consider pursuing a degree in business administration. You’ll take classes on marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and management. Your studies will prepare you for work in a variety of business fields, including sales, banking, human resources, and financial analysis.

Although the broad scope of a business degree is what draws many students to this program, others want to choose an area of specialization. Concentration options in business administration include supply chain management and hospitality management.

Computer Science

To study the inner workings of computers and their many components, consider going to school to earn a degree in computer science.

Computer scientists are professionals who build computers, improve their designs, work with software, and perform other technology-related tasks.

While earning a degree in computer science, you’ll take classes in databases, networks, algorithms, and mathematics. Your coursework will cover programming languages and operating systems.

After graduation, you could choose to work in the technology department of a large company, help a startup get off the ground, or go into business for yourself as an app designer.

Criminal Justice

Earning a degree in criminal justice can give you an advantage when applying for jobs in law enforcement or the court system.

Employers appreciate that degree-holders come into the workforce with training in psychology, criminology, violence, criminal law, and diversity. You’ll also have the opportunity to study topics of special interest to you, such as the relationship between crime and gender or the way that the juvenile court system works.

After completing school, many graduates find employment with police departments. Others go on to work as bailiffs, game wardens, victims’ advocates, or dispatchers.

Education

Sharing knowledge with the next generation can be a deeply satisfying career.

You can prepare for this position by earning a college degree in education and becoming licensed in your state. You’ll study curriculum building, methods of teaching, classroom management, and child development. You’ll also learn more about the subjects that you’re going to teach, such as math, reading, and science.

You may choose to focus your degree on a particular area of teaching, such as early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, special education, or a specific subject.

Emergency Management

It can be hard to predict when a disaster will strike, so it’s important to have systems and support in place before an emergency begins.

Earning a degree in emergency management can equip you with the skills to help during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other stressful situations. Your coursework will cover risk assessment, disaster prevention, recovery efforts, administration, and infrastructure.

After graduation, you could work for a government organization, like FEMA or the Department of Homeland Security. Other options include serving as a first responder or finding employment with a private company as a security officer or an emergency management coordinator.

English

If you love words and the power that they hold, then you might be well-suited to majoring in English.

An English degree is a versatile degree that can prepare for you a career in journalism, education, editing, or public relations. You could also become a professional author or a freelance writer.

Your courses will cover literature from a variety of historical periods. Many programs focus largely on British and American authors, but studying works from other cultures can be an option as well. You can also study grammar, creative writing, persuasive writing, and poetry.

Environmental Policy

You can turn your passion for the earth into a career when you study environmental policy.

Because government regulations play a large role in environmental practices, many degree programs focus heavily on law, politics, and public policy. You’ll also study management, sustainability, conservation technology, ethics, and budgeting.

After graduation, you might find employment with a government agency or work alongside various public organizations. Alternatively, you could educate others on environmental issues, try out your powers of persuasion as a lobbyist, or serve as a land-use consultant.

With further education, you could become an environmental scientist or an environmental lawyer.

Finance

As a finance major, you’ll have the opportunity to study the various ins and outs of money. In particular, you can explore ways to make the most of financial resources.

For example, you’ll learn about economics, accounting, budgeting, capital markets, venture capital, equity, and risk management. This can allow you to develop the necessary skills to help companies and organizations make sound investment and money-spending decisions.

You could pursue a career in banking, real estate, insurance, or financial consulting. You could also become a stockbroker, a loan officer, a fund manager, or a venture capitalist.

Fire Science

If you have dreams of becoming a firefighter, holding a degree in fire science can give you a competitive advantage.

In this discipline, you’ll study combustion, hydraulics, fire suppression, safety codes, and fire prevention. Through classes on management and human resources, you can also acquire skills that will help you lead firefighting teams.

In addition to preparing you for work as a municipal firefighter or forest firefighter, this degree could also help you become a prevention specialist or a building code inspector. Some schools offer a concentration in fire inspection.

Forensics & Crime Scene Investigation

What exactly happened at the scene of a crime? Forensic investigators have the skills to help uncover the truth in criminal cases.

While earning a degree in crime scene investigation, you’ll learn about evidence collection, fingerprinting, photography, firearms, and ballistics. Your studies can help you develop a strong grasp of mathematics, chemistry, psychology, and sociology. You’ll also learn how to present your findings.

Many graduates work in law enforcement or as private detectives. After earning this degree, you can pursue CSI licensure in your state.

Health Science

Earning a degree in health sciences can be an entry point into many different healthcare jobs. If you want to keep your options open or don’t yet have a final career plan in mind, this can be a flexible educational path to pursue.

Alternatively, with the right specialization, such as pre-pharmacy, an undergraduate degree in health sciences can get you ready for a particular grad program. Other concentration options include nutrition, global health, and healthcare administration.

After graduation, you could pursue work as a paramedic, a medical technician, a pharmaceutical salesperson, or a health services manager.

Healthcare Administration

In addition to doctors and nurses, the healthcare industry also relies heavily on the work of administrative personnel.

By earning a degree in healthcare administration, you can prepare for a career leading departments that provide health and wellness services. You could work in a hospital system, a nursing home, or a doctor’s office. Other options include getting a job with a government agency, a rehab facility, or a drug manufacturer.

To prepare you for these positions, your coursework will cover health topics, like epidemiology, insurance, and hospital accessibility. You’ll also study business principles, like marketing, human resources, and budgeting.

Human Services

To spend your career helping others, especially those in difficult circumstances, consider earning a degree in human services.

Your coursework will cover sociology, diversity, ethics, and public health. Although you may use your human services degree to work directly with the public, most professionals in this field work behind the scenes in administrative capacities.

You could serve as a coordinator or director in a corrections facility, foster care agency, long-term care facility, food stamp program, or rehab facility. Possible concentrations for your degree include long-term care, informatics, public relations, leadership, and addiction.

Information Technology

With a background in information technology, you can help companies manage their computer systems. You can also help businesses maximize their effectiveness by putting technology to work in efficient ways.

Your classes will address programming, operating systems, networks, and databases. To work in a particular field, you can select a specialty to study, such as cybersecurity, web design, or database administration.

After graduation, you could build computer networks, prevent cybercrime, develop software, provide consulting services, or join a company’s IT team.

To get started in the field of law and courts, consider a degree in legal studies. Earning this degree can allow you to develop a foundational understanding of the court system, legal proceedings, and the laws on which judicial decisions are based.

You could enter the workforce immediately after earning this degree. Graduates often work as paralegals, court clerks, human resources professionals, or court reporters. Depending on your state, other opportunities, such as serving as a magistrate judge, may be available to you as well.

Another option is to continue your education so you can become a lawyer.

Liberal Arts

For a broad college education that will prepare you for working in any number of fields, you could choose to earn a degree in liberal arts.

In a liberal arts program, you can study many different disciplines, including language, history, art, and philosophy. Your college classes will also provide opportunities to hone your soft skills, such as creative thinking, interpersonal communication, and teamwork.

There is no shortage of career opportunities available to liberal arts graduates, but some of the top options include customer service, communications, and public relations.

Management

If you have your sights set on working in a supervisory capacity, consider a major in management.

Typically thought of as a business degree, a bachelor’s in management can prepare you to lead teams, stores, or entire companies. You will study a mix of business concepts and leadership skills. Your business classes will cover topics like budgeting and marketing.

Regarding leadership, you’ll also learn about managing projects, coordinating human resources, and navigating organizational change. Concentrations available in this field include supply chain management, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Marketing

To get started in the advertising field, you could study marketing in college, but advertising isn’t the only field where you can put a marketing degree to good use. Other applicable industries include market research, retail, product development, public relations, sales, and brand recognition.

Your coursework will include studies in management, finance, human behavior, economics, and product management.

Skills that can help you in the marketing field include creative thinking, clear communication, and an analytical mind. It’s also helpful to be a team player and the type of person who is known for being persuasive and influential.

Nursing

Multiple educational paths can lead you into the nursing field. Earning a bachelor’s in nursing is an approach that can qualify you to become a registered nurse (RN).

With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll probably be given more responsibility than nurses with less schooling, and you may be eligible for a higher salary. For that reason, many people who earn their RN status with associate degrees decide to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree.

In your nursing program, you’ll study health assessment, nutrition, human development, and mental health. Clinicals will give you hands-on nursing experience.

Nutrition

If you are interested in helping others live healthier lives by teaching them how to choose nutrient-rich food, a degree in nutrition may be for you.

With this degree, you can work in food science, culinary arts, community health, dietetics, or marketing. Your coursework will cover a wide range of disciplines, including behavioral health, human anatomy, lifespan development, technology, and diet.

Some programs can help you prepare for certification as a registered dietitian. If you are interested in that career path, choose a school that’s approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Psychology

Studying psychology can help you understand the workings of the human mind and the ways that thought influences behavior.

Your classes will cover cognition, human development, and statistics. Undergraduate studies in this field can prepare you for work as a case manager, a parole officer, or a sales professional. Other fields you might enjoy include childcare, mental health, addiction rehabilitation, and career counseling.

Keep in mind that practicing as a licensed clinical psychologist will require you to earn a doctorate, but a bachelor’s degree can be a good stepping stone toward that goal.

Public Administration

If you’re interested in a managerial or organizational job in a non-business setting, then a degree in public administration could be an ideal fit.

People with this degree often hold positions with nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Depending on your interests, you might work with budgets, programming, public relations, or philanthropy.

Your classes will cover economics, government, management, and statistics. An internship experience can allow you to put your classroom knowledge into practice. If you’d like to pursue a concentration, your options include local government, public policy, nonprofit administration, and healthcare.

Advantages of Accelerated Classes

The primary advantage of accelerated courses is that you can take a full-time course load while only having to juggle two courses online at a time.

With accelerated online classes you can:

  • Earn 30+ college credits per year while only taking 2 classes at a time
  • Log in to your classes online, any time of the day or night
  • Complete more courses in a shorter period
  • Earn your degree faster than students enrolled in 16-week courses online

Accelerated courses can be a great option if you are highly motivated and can learn independently.

Disadvantages of Accelerated Classes

The primary disadvantage of accelerated courses is that you have to cover the same amount of course content in a shorter period.

These are some of the disadvantages of accelerated classes:

  • Due to the accelerated pace, you will have to absorb course material more quickly
  • Shorter courses mean you will have shorter deadlines for assignments
  • Some subjects can be more difficult to absorb at a faster pace

Although accelerated courses can help you finish your degree faster, you have to do the work of an entire semester in a shorter time.

Accelerated Classes vs. Traditional Courses

The biggest difference between an accelerated class and a regular class is the pace at which you learn the material. This pace also depends on the type of accelerated class you take. For example, a 12-week course won’t be as demanding as an 8-week course.

Accelerated classes:

  • Are more concentrated and highly focused
  • Require a more structured study regime
  • Provide less time between exams and to learn new material

One of the biggest differences between traditional and accelerated courses is the need to balance everyday life and the demands of your coursework.

The fast-paced learning environment will require you to spend more time studying and completing assignments. Don’t be surprised if it takes some time for you to find the balance between your education, career, and other daily obligations.

How do I get started?

So, you’ve decided that you want to take an accelerated class . . .

Now what?

The first step is to pick a college offering accelerated classes and enroll.

Accelerated classes operate in similar ways to traditional classes—just at a faster pace.

Whether you’re a student just out of high school or a working adult returning to college, chances are that you’ve already begun the countdown to graduation.

With the availability of accelerated course options, you can get there faster. These classes are an exciting, challenging way to fast-track your degree program.

How Do You Log In to Online Classes?

You’ll get an email that invites you to each class, so just click on the link they send to you. You can also just go to your university’s website and log in via the student portal link.

Once you are logged in, you will see an option to navigate to your online class portal. Select the course you want to enter from the list of your registered courses, and you will see a screen similar to this one:

Most schools will have some sort of online orientation to help you learn the basics about your university accounts and how to log on to classes. Be sure you don’t miss this if they do, or you may struggle to understand what’s happening in your program.

The two most common online course portals are Blackboard and Moodle.

Here’s an example of the Blackboard portal used at many universities.

Other universities prefer Moodle, another popular learning management portal.

Do I Have to Log In to Online Classes at Specific Times?

In most cases, no.

Accelerated classes can be synchronous or asynchronous.

Most online classes are asynchronous, meaning you can log in to your class whenever you feel like it. All course videos, assignments, and tests are uploaded ahead of time, and you can complete your assignments anytime, provided you meet your professor’s deadline.

Synchronous classes do have set class times. For a synchronous class, you will need to log in at a specific time for live lectures and discussion. Such courses are pretty similar to traditional university classes except your classmates are onscreen instead of in a seat next to you. These are increasingly rare.

Where Do I Find My Online Course Materials?

When you log in to your course, there will be a direct link to your assigned readings, projects, and exams. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find and there are TONS of how-to instructions if you’re new to all of this stuff.

You will also be able to view a copy of your course syllabus to help you stay on top of your weekly readings, lectures, and assignments.

How Do You Listen to Class Lectures?

Your professor will be the one who decides how to deliver lectures, but in most cases, you will learn and absorb class material on your own as you complete the assigned readings and related assignments.

In some rare cases, you may be required to watch live lectures at set times each week, but this is the exception, not the rule.

What Kind of Classroom Participation Is Required in Online Courses?

Classroom participation—the easy A when you’re attending class on campus.

With accelerated online classes, classroom participation is measured by your level of engagement with your online discussion boards.

Each instructor has their way of measuring participation. Some instructors will require you to post once per week and reply to two other students’ posts. Other instructors won’t require you to reply to other students. It just depends on your professor.

If this is an area of concern for you, you can usually view a copy of the course syllabus before registering for a class.

Here’s an example of class participation requirements for an online history course:

As you can see from the course syllabus, in addition to weekly readings and lecture presentations, you’re also responsible for replying to a discussion question with a minimum of 300 words, demonstrating course-related knowledge, and at least 1 source. Then you have to reply to 2 other classmates with a minimum of 100 words.

To give you an idea of the look and feel of your course discussion board, here’s an example from the Blackboard online learning portal:

Posting to the discussion board takes a minimal amount of time each week, but it’s a great way to interact with your classmates from around the country (or globe).

Do You Need Textbooks in Online College Classes?

Most instructors require textbooks, but you can usually pick up the most popular textbooks as e-books (purchase or rental). This is a much cheaper option.

For example, let’s say you need a textbook for your project management class. The hardcover book goes for $139 on Amazon. The same textbook may be rented as an e-book for $11.99 at a book rental site, like Chegg.

Some instructors may forego a textbook in favor of a reading packet available on the class’s main page as a PDF file or with links to articles, videos, etc. It depends on what kind of class you are taking and the instructor’s preferences.

Most Common Assignments in Online Classes

Every professor has their preferences, but the majority of online instructors use one or more of these assignment types:

  • Discussion boards: This is a popular way to recreate classroom discussions on a virtual platform. Usually, these are fairly informal, short assignments.
  • Quizzes: These quizzes are taken online and are generally true/false or multiple choice.
  • Midterms: These come in a variety of formats: timed or untimed, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, or essay. It depends on the professor’s preferences.
  • Essays and research papers: These could be anything from 1- to 2-page essays to full-fledged research papers.
  • Team projects: Occasionally, classes may require team projects. This is a broad category that could include art projects, business models, or writing software code.
  • Labs: Some science and technology classes require lab work. This is, obviously, less likely for an online class, but it’s not inconceivable. For example, some IT classes have computer lab requirements.
  • Case studies: Case studies are a common component in business classes, but other majors utilize them as well.

Just like in traditional classes, your assignments will be varied to allow you to show off your strengths and put into practice the information you are learning.

How Do You Turn in Assignments for Online College Courses?

Your instructor will tell you how to submit your work on the first day of class.

In most cases, assignments are submitted through your online learning portal, whether that’s Blackboard or Moodle.

In the case of quizzes and tests, you simply click on the exam link and answer all of the questions from inside the learning portal. When you finish the assignment, just click submit.

If you need to submit an essay or research paper, you generally do this by uploading the assignment inside your learning portal.

It works a lot like sending an email attachment. Just choose the file and click upload.

How Are Accelerated Online Classes Graded?

Generally, accelerated classes are graded the same way as regular classes, with either letter grades or total point accumulation systems.

Most instructors will post your grades in a Grade Center on the course software page as you go so you can see your accumulated grades on any given day.

How Do You Take Exams in an Online Class?

The most common exam formats are taken through the Blackboard or Moodle learning platforms. These can be timed or untimed, true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, a combination of these, or an essay.

In the example below, you can see how a quiz might appear in the Moodle learning portal.

In some cases, an instructor may require a proctored exam. Just contact the testing center at your local community college or university. They will set a date and time for you to take the exam.

How Do You Contact Your Professor?

Email is the most common way to reach out to your professor, but online learning portals also have chat rooms for more general questions.

Some professors may also give a phone contact for their office or their department secretary.

In most instances, instructors make a reasonable effort to get back to you within 24 to 48 hours.

How Do You Get Extra Help When You Need It?

It will depend on the university.

Your syllabus will usually tell you how to access the online library, research portals, and the university’s technical assistance department (if you’re having problems with the course software).

Some online colleges provide the same services as traditional on-campus programs, such as writing centers, tutoring, counseling, and mentors. Blackboard and Moodle also have links to resources in the “Tools” menu on the course page.

What Kind of Hardware and Internet Requirements Are There?

As an online student, you’ll be dependent on your computer and your internet connection.

Each university will set its minimum IT requirements, but let’s take a look at an example.

Hardware requirements:

  • A computer processor of 2 GHz or faster
  • 4 GB RAM or greater
  • A high-speed internet connection with a connection speed of 1.5 MB/s or better
  • Speakers or headphones and a microphone
  • Web camera capable of video web conferencing

These are considered the minimum requirements.

How Many Weeks Are Accelerated Classes?

Accelerated courses come in several formats and vary by school.

In general, an accelerated course will cover the same course material as a 16-week class, but in less time.

The most common lengths are 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks long. Although 4-week online college credit courses aren’t as common as 8-week online college courses, they are growing in popularity.

How Many Hours Per Week Will I Spend in Accelerated Classes?

Generally, first-year, freshman-level classes require a bit less work, and upper-level classes will demand more of you.

A general rule of thumb is that you should expect to spend two to three hours working outside of class for each hour you spend in it. So, if it’s a 3-hour-a-week lecture, you will probably need to spend 6 to 12 hours a week doing reading and homework.

4-Week, 5-Week, 6-Week, or 8-Week Courses?

Whether you want to enroll in 4-week or 8-weeks courses, you can shorten the time it takes to earn your degree and get one step closer to your long-term goals with accelerated classes! Are you ready to begin and get college credits fast? Our program finder can help you find an accelerated online program to meet your goals.