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Top 30 Fast Online Degrees [2026 Programs Guide]

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Earning a degree doesn’t have to take years. Fast online degrees, designed for efficiency and flexibility, let you complete your education in less time without compromising quality. These programs adapt to your schedule, helping you balance work, family, and study.

A faster degree isn’t a shortcut; it’s a streamlined approach to higher education. Whether you’re starting fresh or finishing what you began, these programs offer accredited, accelerated options to help you achieve your goals. Save time, stay focused, and start advancing today.

Fast Online Degrees & Quick Programs

Accelerated courses can be found in many different majors. The following are some of the most popular majors in which online, accelerated classes can be taken.

To explore these programs and see which ones best match your interests and goals, just click on the links provided.

Accounting Degrees Online

Every business needs an accounting team or at least a go-to accountant who can sort out the numbers and pay vendors on time. If you want to work with money and help companies spot opportunities and problems, have great managerial abilities, and can work independently, an accounting degree could be for you.

You’ll study taxation, auditing, ethics, data analysis, profit and loss, economics, regulatory laws, and other financial fundamentals.

Companies are always looking for individuals who can analyze data and solve financial challenges. Earning this degree can set you up to pass the CPA exam and become a certified accountant or auditor. You could also move into a graduate business degree program, eventually pursuing a career as a CFO in the future.

Business Degrees Online

Entrepreneurs, marketing majors, and soon-to-be business executives often get their start with a business administration degree. This major can challenge you to become an analytical decision-maker who can turn problems around with creative solutions.

Earning a bachelor’s in business can allow you to become a business leader, whether you decide to get into business, marketing, manufacturing, hospitality, finance, or technology. It’s a versatile degree that can be used in multiple fields.

Computer Science Degrees Online

If you want to quickly get into a technology field, a computer science online degree program could be the best way to go.

In this fast, digital landscape, you can pursue work in a variety of fields with a tech degree. You could go into web development, software engineering, information technology, or cybersecurity. Technology jobs are in high demand, meaning that you will likely be able to find a job quickly.

Typical online computer science degree programs can be tailored to the programming language you want to learn or the skill that you’ll need to succeed in a particular field of technology.

Criminal Justice Degrees Online

Studying criminal justice can open up a world of opportunities in legal fields, law enforcement, psychology, and cybersecurity. Online degree programs in criminal justice are so diverse that many will allow you to specialize in studies that can quickly prepare you for an in-demand career.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field that needs more people who understand technology, software, data analysis, and coding.

If you have a love for computer science or information technology, specializing in cybersecurity can take you extremely far in law enforcement, including positions at the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.

Education Online Degrees

If you want to become a teacher, an education degree is a great place to start. As a teacher you can become a mentor, role model, and coach for the next generation.

If you love to motivate and teach others, this could be the right field for you.

You can find online education programs that will allow you to specialize in elementary education, a specific subject, such as English or math, pedagogy, or curriculum and instruction. Programs that prepare you for teaching will provide courses to help you pass the certification exam to get your license.

You’ll study instruction planning, new technologies for the classroom, and theories on different learning styles.

Emergency Management Online Degrees

Emergency management is often listed under a public administration degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree in emergency management can be a good choice if you plan to work in government, community, or medical-related fields.

In this field, you’ll study project leadership, communication skills, social skills, civil rights, ethical leadership, hazard planning and preparedness, and human resources.

English Online Degrees

Earning an English degree can allow you to explore literature, learn creative writing, study philosophy, and even learn about films and screenwriting.

There are many ways to use an English degree professionally. It can even be a fast track into law school because English degrees require a great deal of writing.

With this degree, you can pursue work in content creation, journalism, social media management, teaching, creative writing, or digital marketing.

An English degree can also be a good starting point for a master’s degree or law degree. Many English majors go on to earn degrees in education, law, or literature.

Environmental Policy Online Degrees

Environmental policy degrees focus on the relationship between private and public agencies that are involved in protecting society and the environment.

While earning this degree, you’ll take courses related to sustainability and solving environmental challenges.

A degree program in environmental policy can prepare you for research or leadership positions, where you’ll be required to know methods and tools related to analyzing information and data. You’ll also learn theories, principles, and concepts related to environmental leadership, policy, and global disasters.

With this degree, you can pursue positions in environmental protection or other scientific fields or move into a master’s degree program in environmental science or law.

Finance Degrees Online

Every business needs those who are skilled in finance, including accountants, planners, analysts, and managers.

In this field, you’ll study accounting, investments, financial planning, corporate finance, business analysis, and related accounting tools.

Careers in this field are often quite lucrative. With this degree, you could go on to earn an MBA and work your way up to an executive or CFO position.

When choosing an online degree in finance, you should pick a university that has ties to a great business college so that you can access award-winning professors and coursework.

Fire Science Degrees Online

Earning a bachelor’s in fire science can allow you to learn about emergency management, hazard detection, and coordinated response. Firefighters often earn this degree to move into higher positions and obtain larger salaries.

If you enroll in a fire science program, you’ll also learn about new technology related to fire prevention and suppression. Firefighters work closely with law enforcement, so you’ll have courses in legal studies and investigation as well.

The main coursework for this degree pertains to emergency service response. After graduating, you can pursue work in fire inspection and firefighting.

If you are interested in working in the public sector and want to help law enforcement, firefighting and investigation are great ways to go. There are also specializations in forest fire management and for emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

Forensics / CSI Degrees Online

Have you ever wanted to work a crime scene? Do you like working on puzzles? Do you have an analytical personality? Working in forensics and crime scene investigation may be the right path for you. A bachelor of science in forensics can also take you into cybersecurity or network defense.

Along with your coursework in crime science investigation, forensics, ballistics, chemistry, and criminal justice, your courses may also take you through cyber-criminal cases, psychology, and legal studies.

If you want to use your forensics degree to go into CSI or law enforcement, you’ll need to maintain a high GPA and get certified upon graduation. This may require additional coursework and a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Many jobs related to cybersecurity and hacking are also in demand.

Health Science Degrees Online

A health science degree is a great place to start if you want a healthcare career.

While you can use your bachelor’s degree to get ahead in both clinical and non-clinical settings, most bachelor’s degree earners go on earn master’s degrees. You can specialize in occupational therapy, chiropractor studies, healthcare informatics, athletics, nursing, and other healthcare roles.

Jobs have increased quickly in this field as more therapists and administrators are needed to meet growing demand.

Healthcare Administration Degrees Online

The medical field has always needed skilled doctors and nurses to take care of patients, but there are a many jobs available for administrators and managers in healthcare as well. With new technology, the field has expanded greatly, requiring new specialists and skills for the latest medical advancements.

Earning a healthcare administration degree can allow you to pursue work in the medical field on the business side. You may work in hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, nursing homes, or other medical locations.

You’ll study accounting, leadership positions, finance, economics, and ethics. You may also take courses related to laws and liability handling for hospitals.

Human Services Degrees Online

Human service degrees mainly center around social work and community services, such as administrative roles and criminal justice positions. If you want to make the world a better place, earning a human service degree can prepare you for a rewarding career in the field, like as a social worker.

The curriculum focuses on ethics, research, and theory. You could specialize in social and community advocacy, global health services, public health needs, criminal justice, intervention, or family guidance.

This degree can be used to go into many other fields of study at the graduate level, including healthcare, psychology, political leadership, education, or law.

Information Technology Degrees Online

The IT field is quickly expanding. It includes network administrators, computer engineers, web developers, and web designers.

The field of information technology is quite broad, so it’s important to pick a specialization that fits your interests. For example, if you’re interested in programming, you could select software development or a programming specialization.

You can also go into a STEM field with an information technology degree. The most popular jobs include network and computer systems administrators, computer network specialists, data analysts, database administrators, and cybersecurity specialists.

A legal studies degree can help you pursue a career in many legal fields, depending on your specialization. For example, you could tailor your studies toward a paralegal or criminal justice career.

The core curriculum in this field covers different government studies, policies, cases, ethics, torts, and business laws. If you have your eye on law school, excellent marks in a legal studies undergraduate degree program can help you get there.

Liberal Arts Degrees Online

If you wish to go into political science, teaching, psychology, and other scientific studies, a liberal arts degree can be a good option. Students with varied interests can excel in an online liberal arts program. Earning this degree can allow you to study art, philosophy, theory, history, literature, and more.

Many liberal arts curriculums revolve around writing, studying different cultures, sociology, anthropology, sciences, philosophy, and arts-based courses.

Management Degrees Online

Want to get ahead fast in your current position? Business management degrees focus on building leadership, communication, project management, and human resources skills.

Many specializations are available, so you’ll want to research the specialization that best suits your career goals. For example, you could use this degree to become a department manager, operations analyst, or sales manager.

No matter your specialization, you can expect to take courses on business law, marketing, project leadership, employment law, and international business.

Marketing Degrees Online

Marketing programs uniquely combine studies in creative writing, sociology, theory, public relations, social media strategy, communications, and business. New technology is also helping marketers use digital tools to create incredible advertising opportunities.

Marketing curriculums focus on developing creativity, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Being an effective speaker is important when pursuing marketing or public relations positions.

Many marketing programs offer specializations in community building, philosophy, business strategy, digital marketing technology, marketing development, economics, and business law.

With this degree, you can pursue a career as a digital marketing manager, marketing executive, digital strategist, marketing analyst, advertising specialist, or copywriter.

Nursing Degrees Online

Earning a nursing degree can allow you to move into a rewarding career helping others. If you already have your RN credentials and want to advance in your career, an RN-to-BSN program can be a good choice. Your coursework will include chemistry, anatomy, biology, and other sciences.

Specializing in different nursing technologies could increase your job and salary potential. Healthcare delivery and data analysis technologies are crucial in medical offices and hospitals.

Nutrition Degrees Online

Your studies for a nutrition degree will focus on different diets and human health problems related to what they eat.

You’ll take courses in food science, human anatomy, and human diseases. You’ll study nutrition science, human biology, physiology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

There are many careers in this field, but most graduates become dietitians. Earning this degree can also allow you to move on to a master’s in nutrition science or a medical degree.

Psychology Degrees Online

In a psychology degree program, you can study sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, and psychology theories. You’ll complete coursework in different neuropsychology theories, developmental psychology, and behavioral sciences.

These degree programs are typically designed to prepare students for psychology graduate studies or medical school. Other options include going into criminal justice fields, social work, or counseling.

Public Administration Degrees Online

A public administration degree can be a great choice if you want to go into policymaking, political leadership, city management, or human resources.

For this degree, you’ll complete coursework in policy, community development, ethics of public service, administrative law, finance, and project leadership.

Earning this degree can allow you to pursue managerial and other leadership positions. Your studies in policy analysis, ethical leadership, ethics, and law can also help you pursue local, state, and federal government positions. They can prepare you for nonprofit, business, and human resources careers as well.

Are Fast Online Degrees Accredited?

Yes, accredited colleges and universities offer fast online degree programs in many fields.

Regional accreditation is the gold standard of accreditation. These programs provide this accreditation:

Attending a regionally accredited school is necessary for federal financial aid eligibility, and many schools only accept transfer credits from regionally accredited schools.

Are There Any 6-month Bachelor’s Degrees Online?

No, there are no 6-month bachelor’s degree online programs, but you can earn your bachelor’s degree faster if you pick the right college and do some prep work.

  1. Over 2,000 universities will allow you to test out of some of your degree requirements.
  2. Some colleges will help you finish your online degree faster by giving you college credit for your experience.
  3. Dozens of online schools now offer fast online courses so you can finish your degree quickly.

These three strategies can help you finish your bachelor’s degree faster.

Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in 12 Months Online?

There aren’t any accredited colleges promising that you can quickly get your bachelor’s degree in 12 months, but that doesn’t mean you have to take 4 years to finish your online degree either.

If you have existing college credits, you can transfer them to a university that offers fast online classes (generally 8 weeks or less).

You can also apply to get college credit for your work, military, or life experiences that meet your university’s standards. Not all online schools offer this faster degree option, but a growing number do through Credit for Prior Learning assessments.

Finally, you can get much closer to the 12-month bachelor’s degree you were hoping for if you take CLEP exams, accepted by over 2,000 universities nationwide. These are low-cost, multiple-choice exams that award college credit.

This can help you get college credit for a course without actually having to take it.

Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in 18 Months Online?

You may be able to get a bachelor’s degree in 18 months if you select an accredited college offering accelerated classes and Credit by Exam, Credit for Prior Learning, and transfer credit opportunities.

If you have any of the following, you may be able to significantly shorten the amount of time it takes to complete your degree:

  • Significant, relevant work experience
  • Related licenses or certifications
  • Documented job training
  • Military experience
  • Existing college credits
  • Ability to maintain a full-time online course load

We all have unique backgrounds and experiences, so whether or not you can complete your online bachelor’s degree in 18 months will depend largely on your background and the university you select. But, the fastest online programs can give you the flexibility to earn more credit hours quickly.

Are There Any Accelerated Online Colleges With 1-year Degree Programs?

There aren’t accredited colleges promising 1-year bachelor’s degree programs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t finish your degree in one year.

To finish your bachelor’s degree in one year, you’ll need to attend a college that offers fast online courses (8 weeks or less), Credit for Prior Learning, Credit by Exam, and generous transfer credit policies.

The following factors can greatly impact how fast you can complete your bachelor’s degree:

  • Fast classes: If you want to finish quickly, select a college offering 8-week (or shorter) accelerated classes online.
  • CLEP and other credit-by-exam opportunities: Look for a school that allows you to earn 30 college credits or more from qualifying exams.
  • Credit for Prior Learning: Select a school that will consider your work and life experience for possible college credits.
  • Degree plan: A major with many open electives and no labs can be faster to complete. Also, deciding to earn a minor can slow your time to completion.
  • Transfer credits: If you have existing college credits, look for a school that will accept them so you don’t have to repeat classes.

Completing a bachelor’s degree in a year is possible, but it requires a lot of drive and preparation. You can start by researching what you can test out of with exams and which experiences and prior credits will count toward your degree.

What is the Average Cost of the Fastest Online Degrees?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of tuition for an online bachelor’s degree ranges from $40,926 to $62,756. Since most bachelor’s degrees are 120 credit hours, this is $341 to $523 per credit hour.

To help offset the cost of tuition, you can look into financial aid options, scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. You can also take advantage of transfer credit policies, flexible degree completion programs, exams, accelerated courses, and Credit for Prior Learning.

Are There Any Cheap and Fast Online Degrees That Are Accredited?

If you select a regionally accredited school, you can be assured that your bachelor’s degree meets quality standards.

The cost of your online degree will vary depending on the type of university you attend and your physical location. Some universities offer the same tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, but that is not always the case.

How Fast is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Online Degree?

Your background, experience, and study habits and needs will determine how fast you can get a bachelor’s degree. While a bachelor’s degree is traditionally earned in 4 years, you can potentially earn a degree in just 1 year or take more than 4 years if you aren’t in a hurry.

The fastest accelerated bachelor’s degree programs will allow you to take fast-track classes, test out of courses with exams, transfer credits, and submit Credit for Prior Learning portfolios for assessment.

What is the Easiest Online Degree to Get Quickly?

The easiest degree to get online for you may not be the same for someone else. How easy a degree is for you will depend on your interests, background, prior experience, and learning styles.

The idea of an “easy major” is quite subjective, but there are majors people tend to find easier than others. If you’d like to review the majors that many find easier, you can do so here: Easy College Majors.

Colleges Offering Fast Degree Courses

Methodology: The following accredited online colleges are listed in alphabetical order and offer fast online degree programs with courses ranging from 5 to 8 weeks long. By using a combination of fast online courses, Credit for Prior Learning, and Credit by Exam, you can earn your degree faster and spend less time sitting in class.

1. American Intercontinental University

American Intercontinental University offers flexible online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees that can be accelerated through 5-week courses, frequent start dates, and AIU Accelerate prior learning credits that accept up to 75% of qualifying experience and transfer credits. This combination enables many students to finish significantly faster than traditional timelines.

American Intercontinental University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

2. Brenau University

Brenau University provides fully online bachelor’s and master’s programs that can be completed quickly with 8-week courses, six start dates per year, generous transfer credits, and Credit for Prior Learning options. The flexible format is tailored for working adults seeking rapid degree progression.

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

3. Cameron University

Cameron University offers accelerated online degrees through short courses and Credit for Prior Learning, allowing students to maximize transfer credits and prior experience for faster completion. Multiple start dates and flexible pacing support busy professionals aiming to graduate sooner.

Cameron University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s online programs feature accelerated courses and generous Credit for Prior Learning policies, enabling students to shorten their time to degree through transfer credits, exams, and efficient 7-8 week terms.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University delivers fully online degrees with 5.5-week courses, monthly starts, and strong Credit for Prior Learning options that help students apply work experience and prior credits to finish faster.

Colorado Tech University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Columbia College

Columbia College offers online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees that can be accelerated with 8-week courses, year-round starts, and extensive Credit for Prior Learning including military and work experience.

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

7. Franklin University

Franklin University provides flexible online degrees designed for adults, featuring 6-week courses, multiple start dates, and robust Credit for Prior Learning that can significantly reduce time to completion.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Indiana Tech

Indiana Tech’s online programs use accelerated 7- or 8-week courses combined with Credit for Prior Learning and transfer credits to help students complete degrees faster while balancing work and life.

Indiana Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

9. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University offers online degrees with accelerated courses, frequent start dates, and generous Credit for Prior Learning policies that allow working adults to apply prior experience and exams toward faster graduation.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Keiser University

Keiser University provides fully online programs with one-course-at-a-time accelerated scheduling and Credit for Prior Learning options, enabling students to complete degrees in significantly less time.

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

11. LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University offers online degrees with short accelerated terms and strong Credit for Prior Learning, allowing professionals to leverage work experience and transfer credits for quicker degree completion.

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

12. Liberty University

Liberty University features 8-week online courses, eight start dates per year, and extensive Credit for Prior Learning including CLEP and military credits to accelerate degree completion.

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

13. Lynn University

Lynn University offers accelerated online programs with short terms and Credit for Prior Learning that help students apply previous education and experience to finish their degrees faster.

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

14. Park University

Park University provides flexible online degrees using accelerated courses and generous Credit for Prior Learning policies, making it possible for working adults to graduate on a faster timeline.

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

15. Peirce College

Peirce College specializes in accelerated online degrees for adults, with short courses and extensive Credit for Prior Learning that can dramatically shorten the path to graduation.

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

16. Post University

Post University offers fast-paced online programs with accelerated courses and strong Credit for Prior Learning options designed to help students complete degrees efficiently.

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

17. Purdue University

Purdue University’s online programs (through Purdue Global and Purdue Online) feature accelerated options, short terms, and Credit for Prior Learning to support rapid degree completion.

Purdue University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA) since 1913.

18. Regent University

Regent University provides online degrees with accelerated 7-8 week courses and Credit for Prior Learning that allow students to apply prior knowledge and experience toward faster graduation.

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

19. Regis University

Regis University offers flexible online programs with accelerated pacing and Credit for Prior Learning options that help working professionals earn their degrees more quickly.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

20. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University delivers online degrees through accelerated 8-week terms and generous Credit for Prior Learning, enabling faster completion for adult learners.

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

21. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers highly accelerated online degrees with 8-week terms, six start dates per year, and extensive Credit for Prior Learning including Credit by Exam.

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

22. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University specializes in accelerated degrees for adults, heavily relying on Credit by Exam, prior learning assessment, and transfer credits to minimize time to completion.

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

23. Troy University

Troy University provides online programs with accelerated terms and strong Credit for Prior Learning policies that help students finish degrees faster.

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

24. University of Houston – Downtown

University of Houston – Downtown offers accelerated online degrees with short courses and Credit for Prior Learning options designed for working adults.

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

25. University of Maine – Augusta

University of Maine – Augusta provides flexible online degrees with accelerated options and generous Credit for Prior Learning to support rapid completion.

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

26. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus excels in accelerated online degrees with 8-week courses, monthly starts, and extensive Credit for Prior Learning and Credit by Exam.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

27. University of Massachusetts – Global

University of Massachusetts Global offers fast online programs with accelerated pacing and robust Credit for Prior Learning policies for quicker degree attainment.

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

28. University of New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire’s online programs feature accelerated courses and Credit for Prior Learning options that help students progress rapidly.

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

29. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University provides accelerated online degrees with short terms and strong Credit for Prior Learning support for adult learners.

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

30. Walden University

Walden University offers flexible online degrees with accelerated options, short courses, and extensive Credit for Prior Learning to help students complete programs faster.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Finish Faster!

If your primary goal is to finish your degree quickly, here are a few tips to help you reach your goal:

  • Select a college that offers fast online classes (8 weeks or less).
  • Make sure your college choice offers Credit for Prior Learning assessments.
  • Choose a fast online degree plan that has more electives (if possible).
  • Test out of as many college classes as your online school allows (usually 5 to 10).
  • Don’t forget to submit any prior college courses for transfer credit.

Accelerated online degree programs from accredited colleges can help you save money on tuition and finish college faster. The faster you earn your degree, the quicker you can start your career!

Ready to get started? Click “find my program” below to research fast, accredited online bachelor’s programs.