Peter OgbemudiaAcquiring a degree and working full-time is not an easy one. But with the advent of accelerated online degree programs for working adults, it can now be done more than ever. These fast-track programs are more adaptable, which contributes to the balancing of career, family, and education of the adults without experiencing adequate burnout.
By the year 2025, flexible learning is in great demand. Accelerated online degree programs that are right for working adults are available in a variety of fields, whether you’re changing your career, seeking promotion, or completing what you started many years ago.
This is a guide to the best seven programs in the U.S., perfected to fit working adults. The programs are all fully online, accredited, and fully web-based—and, most importantly, less time-consuming than the traditional degrees, without any quality compromise.
So what are the most promising options that will enable you to proceed with speed and affordability?
7 Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults
1. Western Governors University (WGU) Bachelor of Business Administration
The Bachelor of Business Administration at WGU is one of the best courses, especially when related to a leadership position or setting up your own business. It is competency-based, and as such, you progress at your own pace. A lot of students complete within less than two years.
It is an ideal program for individuals already with experience in the real world, the working adults. You will not repeat yourself. Rather, you will be able to prove yourself to be assessed and go on.
Why it’s great for working adults:
- The courses are on a self-paced basis.
- Tuition is charged per semester, not per credit.
- The teachers are experienced professionals with a good business foundation.
Cost: $3,625 per 6-month term (average total cost: $7,250–$10,875)
Duration: 18–24 months
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
2. RN to BSN – Purdue Global University
Nurses who aspire to jumpstart their careers can make the decision to pursue the accelerated online RN to BSN at Purdue Global. Created with the licensed RNs in mind, this program is based on your current work experience and education.
It is possible for you to transfer up to 75% of the required credits and finish the rest at your own pace. The concentration is on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practices.
Why it’s great for working nurses:
- Flexible schedule and 100 percent online-based learning
- ExcelTrack™ competency-based option
- Networking opportunities and good clinical support
Cost: $280 per credit (average total cost: $11,000)
Duration: 15–18 months
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
[Enroll here at Purdue Global]
3. Bachelor of Computer Science – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
The program offered by SNHU is a good option with an accelerated computer science degree because it appeals to tech experts or individuals who are changing careers. It is project oriented and imparts some practical techniques such as Java, Python, mobile application development, and cloud computing.
The 8-week course structure of SNHU ensures you complete your degree within one and a half years when taking two classes per semester. It is convenient and designed to suit working adults who have tight schedules.
Why it’s great for working tech professionals:
- No designated log-in times (asynchronous)
- Professional career guidance and employment placement
- Approved and nationally recognized
Cost: $330 per credit (average total cost: $19,800)
Duration: 18–24 months
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Read also | Find The Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in America Today
4. MBA – University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNC Pembroke)
The online MBA (Master of Business Administration) that UNC Pembroke provides is fast and affordable and can be attained in 12 months. It perfectly suits mid-career individuals seeking a leadership position in business or government.
The program involves such courses as marketing, finance, world strategy, and operations. It is AACSB-certified, which implies that it is regarded as quality all over the world.
Why it’s great for working adults:
- The accelerated courses last 7 weeks.
- Good ROI and low tuition
- No GMAT is required.
Cost: $3,772 per semester (average total cost: $11,316)
Duration: 12 months
Degree Offered: Master of Business Administration
5. Bachelor of Criminal Justice – Liberty University
Liberty offers an accelerated online criminal justice degree, which is one of the best choices for adults who work in law enforcement, safety, or government administration. The course is provided in 8-week terms and lets you transfer as much as 75 percent of your degree.
Some of the courses taught are criminal law, forensics, ethics, and homeland security. Most graduates end up being hired by the federal agencies or promoted to local departments.
Why it’s great for public service professionals:
- 8-week remote classes
- Prior training credit (such as police academy)
- Military-friendly
Cost: $390 per credit (average total cost: $12,000)
Duration: 18–24 months
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
[Enroll here at Liberty University]
6. Bachelor of Education – Arizona State University (ASU Online)
ASU Online has a quick teaching degree that is tailored to paraprofessionals or anyone who has experience in the classroom, including substitute teachers. A teaching license can be obtained as you do the coursework online.
The classes are conducted during a 7.5-week term. There will also be a student teaching placement in your locality.
Why it’s great for aspiring teachers:
- Nationally ranked education program
- Practiced with student-guided teaching in your locality
- They help in hiring and alumni networks.
Cost: $561 per credit (average total cost: $22,000)
Duration: 18–24 months
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Education
7. Bachelor of Health Sciences – Thomas Edison State University
TESU delivers what is widely acknowledged to be one of the most respected accelerated online degree programs for working adults in healthcare. Designed expressly for allied health workers, the program makes use of your existing certificates or associate degree.
Military service, completed employment, and obtained certification can all be credited. The courses emphasize management, ethics, health policy, and communication.
What makes this program so great for healthcare professionals:
- Created with healthcare professionals who are already employed in the field.
- Flexible credit transfer policy
- Everything is done online, and you may go at your own speed.
Cost: $399 per credit (average total cost: $12,000–$14,000)
Duration: 18–24 months
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
See also | Best Free Online Courses With Certificates You Can Include In Your Resume/LinkedIn
Why Choose Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults?
So why do so many adults opt to use the accelerated online degree programs?
This is what makes them stand out:
1. Rapidity: The majority of accelerated programs enable someone to complete a bachelor’s degree in 18-24 months or a master’s in less than one year.
2. Flexibility: Self-directed courses or short 58-week courses are available.
3. Low cost: Due to shorter time in school, tuition is cheaper, and there are opportunities to get higher-paying jobs sooner.
4. Career Relevance: The demand of such fields as business, IT, healthcare, and education is high.
Conclusion
Enrolling in any of these accelerated online degree programs for working adults may just be the wisest choice you will ever make this year. Flexible classes, low-cost tuition, and quick completion times mean there is no better time to make an investment in you.
Life is short, and your college degree should work for you, not the other way around.
Make that move now. Go to the links of the various programs provided above, apply, and begin to create some future you can be proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to work full-time and get an accelerated online degree?
Yes. Such programs are targeted at working adults. The vast majority of them provide asynchronous courses and allow you to study when it is convenient regarding your work schedule.
2. Do accelerated online degrees hold value to employers?
Absolutely. Employers do not discriminate against online degrees as long as they are accredited by the school.
3. What is the difference between self-paced and accelerated?
In accelerated programs, the terms are shorter (5-8 weeks). A self-paced curriculum allows you to go through course content as quickly as you can demonstrate proficiency.
4. Is it possible to transfer credits out of another college?
Yes. The majority of the programs are open to transfer credits. Others even give credit to working experience, military experience, or training experiences.
5. Will I have to take the SAT or the ACT for any of the online programs?
Mostly, no. Most adult-friendly programs forgo the standardized tests.
6. Are there aids and grants for any of the online degree programs for working adults?
In agreement. Federal funds are available to online learners through grants, loans, and scholarships. Make sure to file FAFSA.
7. Is it possible to obtain a degree online without attending campus?
In agreement. Each course of study previously discussed, including tests and projects, may be completed entirely online.
Peter Ogbemudia