6 Week Online College Courses [2024 Guide]

By Joy Cromwelle
Updated on March 15, 2024
Ready to start your journey?
The accelerated schedule of 6 week online college courses can help you quickly earn a college degree from the comfort of your own home.

The accelerated schedule of 6 week online college courses can help you quickly earn a college degree from the comfort of your own home.

You have a jam-packed schedule, and it seems that life never slows down. Even still, you dream of furthering your education. Don’t give up on that dream! That’s where accelerated classes come into play!

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There are a number of degrees you can earn online, all designed to accommodate the schedule and goals of working adults.

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List of Universities Offering 6 Week College Courses Online

Methodology

Our selection methodology for universities and colleges hinges on two essential criteria: accreditation and flexibility. We only feature institutions that are accredited, ensuring they meet high academic standards, and that offer 6-week online courses, catering to students seeking quality education with flexible learning options.

Our list is presented in alphabetical order; no ranking or quality comparison is implied.

1. Bucks County Community College

Since 1964, Bucks County Community College has been helping students earn certificates, occupational associate’s degrees, and transfer associate’s degrees. This Pennsylvania school offers classes in health sciences, language, behavioral science, arts, business, and additional disciplines. More than 20 associate’s degrees can be earned fully online.

Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

2. Butler Community College

Approximately 13,000 students enroll in classes at Butler Community College each year. This school has been operating in Kansas since 1927 and has grown to offer nearly 100 different programs. Butler is a member of the Online Learning Consortium. The college offers nine online degrees and hundreds of digital classes.

Butler Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Dawson Community College

At Dawson Community College, excellence is highly valued. This includes excellence in academics, student engagement, and financial responsibility. The school began in Montana in 1940. Today, in addition to on-campus classes, there is an online program through which students can take a few classes only or earn an associate’s degree.

Dawson Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

4. Finger Lakes Community College

Nearly 6,000 students take classes from Finger Lakes Community College each year. The school, which has been operating since 1965, has four New York campuses and an online program. While working toward a certificate or an associate’s degree, learners can engage frequently with their teachers, thanks to a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

Finger Lakes Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

5. Granite State College

Adult learners can begin a college education or complete their degrees at Granite State College, a school that’s committed to the success of nontraditional students. The college’s flexible courses are held online or on the school’s New Hampshire campus. Degrees are available at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.

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

6. Hawkeye Community College

Each year, about 1,500 students earn certificates or degrees from Hawkeye Community College in Iowa. In fact, since the school was founded in 1966, more than 50,000 people have completed a degree program there. The college values making education accessible to everyone so that they can live successful, productive lives.

Hawkeye Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Indiana University

Students of all ages are welcome at Indiana University; some graduates are still teenagers, and others are senior citizens. This school, which has been around since 1820, enrolls more than 90,000 students each year, the majority of whom study at the undergraduate level. There are nine campus locations as well as online programs.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Lone Star College

Among all community colleges in the United States, Lone Star College ranks among the top five for the number of degrees that it awards each year. This Texas school enrolls nearly 90,000 students each semester. Students can earn certificates and associate’s degrees in areas like public safety, business, engineering, communications, and health sciences.

Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Normandale Community College

About 15,000 students take classes from Normandale Community College in Minnesota each year. The school keeps class sizes small; on average, each contains 24 students. In addition to on-campus classes, NCC also offers the opportunity to earn an online associate’s degree or certificate in business or liberal education.

Normandale Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Northern Virginia Community College

With more than 74,000 students each year, Northern Virginia Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the United States. The school offers about 160 programs at the associate’s degree and certificate levels. Classes are held at multiple campuses, and online courses are available as well.

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Oakton Community College

Each semester, students can choose from more than 2,500 classes and 80 programs at Oakton Community College in Illinois. The courses are offered at two campuses, in various community locations, and online. Oakton opened in 1969 with a mission to provide access to high-quality education.

Oakton Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

12. Pace University

When Pace University opened in 1906, it had only one classroom. Today, the school has campuses in two New York cities and also offers online courses. More than 13,000 learners study with this university each year. Students benefit from the Pace Path, an educational approach that involves classroom learning, engaging experiences, and guidance from caring mentors.

Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

13. Purdue University Global

Adult learners can gain a Purdue education through Purdue University Global, the school’s online campus. The digital classes are offered fully online, and there are over 175 programs from which to pick. Through ExcelTrack, learners can earn credit for their previous knowledge and professional experience.

Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

14. Rider University

New Jersey’s Rider University has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, and nearly all faculty members hold terminal degrees. The school began in 1865 and now has more than 60,000 alumni living all around the world. Students can attend class on one of two campuses or enroll in online courses.

Rider University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

15. SUNY Ulster

Also known as Ulster County Community College, SUNY Ulster is a community college that’s part of the State University of New York system. The school opened in 1963. Today, there’s a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, and over 3,500 students take classes each year.

SUNY Ulster is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

16. University of lowa

Over 23,000 undergraduate students and more than 8,000 graduate students enroll at the University of Iowa each year. The university, which is well-known for its affiliated hospital, has been educating students since 1847. Today, the school has grown to offer more than 200 academic programs and over 5,000 classes.

University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. University of West Georgia

There are nearly 90 degree and certificate programs available from the University of West Georgia, and over 13,000 students take UWG classes each year. The school began in 1906, and it began offering four-year degree programs in 1957. In recent years, The Princeton Review has recognized UWG as a Best Regional College.

University of West Georgia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Degree Programs with 6 Week Classes

Here is a list of degree programs with 6 week online courses:

Each of these areas of study fit people with different skills and career goals. Click on those that interest you to learn more.

Accounting

tax accounting

If you have strong math skills, you may enjoy working as an accountant.

Professionals in this field keep accurate records of financial transactions, and they help individuals and companies work within their budgets. During your studies, you’ll cover topics like taxation, business law, accounting software, statistics, marketing, and ethics.

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Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting may help you obtain many of the hours required for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA).

Business Administration

business people having a meeting

A degree in business administration will prepare you to hold any number of positions in the world of business.

For example, you could enter the field of sales, human relations, advertising, banking or public relations. Classes for this degree will cover many aspects of business, such as law, economics, ethics, marketing, and globalization.

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You may have the opportunity to select a concentration, such as Finance, Project Management, Entrepreneurship or Healthcare Administration.

Computer Science

computer keyboard

With an online degree in computer science, you’ll be poised to help organizations make the most of their technology and develop new computer-based approaches to various problems.

Your coursework will cover programming languages, software, and operating systems. Other classes may focus on web design, networking, and statistics. After graduation, you could become a web developer, an app designer, a network manager, or a member of a cybersecurity team.

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Additional fields to consider are quality assurance, product management, and engineering.

Criminal Justice

police cars

Whether you’re interested in working in the court system or a correctional facility, a degree in criminal justice can help you get started.

The classes for this program may talk about police work, the legal system, juvenile corrections, and problem-solving skills. Some schools offer concentration options in Homeland Security, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminology, and Youth Offenders.

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After completing your program, you may choose to work with victims, criminals, first responders or the public.

Education

adult education class lecture

If you have a desire to teach, then a bachelor’s in education may be a great fit for you.

Education students often gear their college classes toward a particular group of students; common choices are early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. Others choose to go into special education, or they learn how to teach a specialty, such as music or art.

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Your courses may cover curriculum, instructional methods, learning theories, and classroom management.

Finance

using laptop to study finance

To spend your career working with money, consider being a finance major in school.

You’ll learn about management, economics, business law, investing, and capital markets. Earning this degree may help you find a job in banking, market analysis, financial planning, or real estate.

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You could also become a corporate employee who manages company budgets, works in the finance department, or ensures compliance with the law.

Healthcare Administration

healthcare administrator using CT scan for patient

Medical facilities such as hospitals and doctor’s offices rely on the behind-the-scenes work of their administrative teams.

A course of study in healthcare administration will prepare you to help health organizations run smoothly. Your classes will cover health policy, finance, insurance, epidemiology, and management.

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Graduates often work for hospital systems, doctor’s offices, drug manufacturers, nursing homes, and government agencies.

Information Technology

fiber optic plugs

The field of information technology is primarily dedicated to using computers for data storage and organization.

Despite that, IT graduates work in a wide variety of tech-related roles, including web development, network management, software programming, and database building. As a student in this field, you’ll study networks, programming languages, databases, cloud systems, computer security, and user experience.

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You may have the option to select a specialty like Project Management or Data Analytics.

Management

professionals discussing management strategies

If you’re interested in holding a leadership position in the business world, a degree in management can help you gain a relevant education.

This degree program can be useful in the world of sales, accounting, and marketing. The classes that you take may cover human resources, finance, and business ethics.

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Specializations may include Entrepreneurship and Human Resources.

Marketing

laptops used for digital marketing

The field of marketing is more than just advertising.

A degree in this area can also help prepare you for careers in sales, public relations, manufacturing, brand development, retail, and web design. Your studies may cover economics, consumer behavior, market research, public speaking, and retail principles.

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Your communication skills will improve as you learn more about human thought and behavior.

Nursing

nurse getting blood pressure reading

Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing is one of the best ways to prepare for a career in the medical field. After graduation, you’ll have the required education for becoming certified as a registered nurse (RN).

You could also continue your education with an online RN to BSN degree.

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As a nurse who holds a BSN, you may be given greater responsibilities than nurses who have only an associate’s degree. In addition, you’ll be qualified to continue your education in an MSN or DNP program so that you can become a nurse practitioner.

Psychology

psychologist talking to an elderly woman

Learning about human thought processes can help you understand why people act the way they do and how you can influence them.

In a psychology program, you’ll study cognition, personality, development, diversity, learning styles, and mental health. Fields where this degree can be useful include child welfare, law enforcement, addiction rehabilitation, coaching, human resources, and healthcare.

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With further education, you could become a psychologist.

Accreditation

female student looking up colleges on internet

While getting a college education fast is enticing, you need to slow down long enough to check the school’s accreditation. Without proper accreditation, your credits won’t transfer to another school or count toward a recognized degree.

To check if a university is accredited by an authoritative board, look them up in the U.S. Department of Education’s database.

Financial Aid

someone counting money out of their wallet

Whereas taking one or two classes isn’t too expensive, earning a whole college degree is. Find out what financial aid might be available to you. Here are a few sources to check.

  • Federal government
  • State government
  • Private organizations and corporations
  • Universities
  • Your employer

You may qualify for grants, scholarships, deferred loans, and tuition reimbursement, all of which can help you progress through your education quickly.

What’s the Easiest Degree to Get Online?

Easiest Degree to Get Online

You’ll find success in college most easily if you select a program that caters to your strengths and interests. For example, students who love math and working with details may do well in a finance program. Those who have good people skills and enjoy working with kids would probably find an education program to be a better fit.

That being said, it’s easier to maintain a high GPA in some degree programs than in others. If keeping your grades up with ease is your goal, consider pursuing one of the following degrees:

  • Communications
  • Criminal justice
  • English
  • Humanities
  • Psychology
  • Social work

Classes in these degrees tend to focus more on concepts and techniques than math, science, or data-heavy fields.

Are Online Classes Hard?

students studying in a classroom and someone studying on their own with a computer open

Online classes cover the same type of material as their on-campus counterparts. You can expect to receive a rigorous, thorough education from online college courses. The digital format certainly doesn’t mean that you’ll be getting a subpar education.

Of course, some classes are harder than others. The difficulty of the class may depend on:

  • The professor’s standards
  • The subject matter
  • Your previous knowledge of the topic
  • The teaching methods used

It’s important to keep in mind that taking online courses does require you to be motivated and organized. You’ll be responsible for checking in regularly and making sure that your assignments are submitted on time.

What Is the Quickest Degree to Get Online?

students running around university campus

There are many college degrees that you can earn quickly. By taking accelerated online courses throughout the year, you can fast-track your way to a degree in a manner that suits your busy lifestyle. Some universities even offer online college courses you can start anytime.

Programs with quick classes may include:

  • Business
  • Criminal Justice
  • Marketing
  • Psychology
  • Social work

If you feel comfortable with your general knowledge in these fields, taking accelerated classes can be a smart choice.

These days, more and more colleges are also offering accelerated online courses to help you finish your degree in less time. The most common accelerated semesters are 8 week online courses, but there are some universities that offer 5 week online college courses as well.

What Certificate Programs are in Demand?

human resource person shakes hand with interviewer during interview

Increasing your education is one of the best ways to land a well-paying job in a growing field. In many cases, you may not even need to complete a full degree program. Instead, taking just enough classes to earn a certificate can be enough to help you become a marketable professional.

Legal Assistant

  • Legal secretary program: The average salary for a legal assistant is $52,920 per year. Job growth is at a rate of about 12%.

Pharmacy Technicians

  • Pharmacy technician professional program: Pharmacy technicians make an average of $35,100 per year. The field is expected to grow at a rate of 4% for the next decade.

Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

  • Physical therapy certificate: Physical therapist assistants and aides may earn around $49,970 each year. The field is experiencing a growth rate of 32%.

Web Developers

  • Web designer certificate: Web developers make about $77,200 annually, and jobs are increasing at a rate of about 13%.

Enrolling in a certificate program is a quick way to become an in-demand candidate for many job openings.

Ready, Set, Go!

someone getting ready to run a race

Are you ready to earn college credits quickly? Fast-track college classes that take just six weeks each can help you achieve your educational goals in a hurry. Before you know it, you’ll be finished with your accelerated program and on your way to career advancement.

Ready to start your journey?