{"id":5807,"date":"2026-09-02T11:57:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T11:57:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/?p=5807---1cb87322-6634-4e94-b9da-9143bb5e44ca"},"modified":"2026-09-30T21:27:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T21:27:55","slug":"online-colleges-accelerate-bachelors-degree-program","status":"publish","type":"query","link":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/queries\/online-colleges-accelerate-bachelors-degree-program\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do Online Colleges Accelerate a Bachelor\u2019s Degree Program?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you can\u2019t wait to finish earning your degree, you may be particularly interested in some of the fastest online bachelor\u2019s degree programs<\/a> in the nation. One question you should ask when considering any degree program that claims to have a fast completion time is how the school or program accelerates an undergraduate education. Different programs use different methods of making a four-year degree available in less than four years. You want to make sure you choose a program that works well with your needs, goals, and the qualities and experience you bring to the school.<\/p>\n

Allowing Students to Complete More Classes in Less Time<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>A typical bachelor\u2019s degree program requires students to complete 120 credits of college-level undergraduate study. Accelerated programs have the same requirements. However, they may allow students to complete more credits in a shorter span of time, so students can graduate earlier \u2013 sometimes years earlier.<\/p>\n

At some schools, accelerated classes are condensed into seven or eight weeks of intensive study. By including numerous terms throughout the year, these schools allow students to quickly work their way through their required courses, even if they take just one or two classes at a time.<\/p>\n

Other schools have terms as long as six months, but allow students to complete as many courses as they want during that time. These institutions often charge a flat fee for the term, so students are saving a good deal of money as well as time.<\/p>\n

Still other accelerated degree programs reduce the time it takes to graduate by offering a full load of courses throughout the year, not just in the spring and fall. By taking summer and intersession classes rather than taking time off from your education, you can decrease the time it takes you to earn a degree by as much as a year.<\/p>\n

Awarding Prior Learning Credit<\/h3>\n

Another way the fastest bachelor\u2019s degree programs reduce the time it takes to graduate is by offering students opportunities to earn credits besides the traditional way of attending a course. Many schools with fast undergraduate programs accomplish this through prior learning credit policies. Under these policies, students may be able to receive credit toward their degree for the things they already know.<\/p>\n

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Bachelor’s Degree Online Options<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Many programs, including degree completion programs, allow students to transfer a large number of credits \u2013 often, as many as three-quarters of the total credits needed to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree. Some programs allow students to test out of courses if they already know the material, often by taking CLEP examinations and similar tests. If you have undergone job training courses or attained some kind of professional certification, you may be eligible for credits toward your bachelor\u2019s degree. Even if you haven\u2019t had formal training, you can still get credits for your work or life experience at a school that offers a portfolio credit option. This entails creating a portfolio of your professional work to showcase your skills.<\/p>\n

Choosing an Accelerated Bachelor\u2019s Degree Program<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to choose an accelerated bachelor\u2019s degree program that shortens your education in a way that complements your experience. A student who has already completed a couple years of college at another school would benefit from enrolling in a degree completion program. A student with a lot of professional training and work experience but no past college education should look for a program that will award credit for their professional achievements. The best way to earn your degree fast is to understand from the start which program makes the most sense for your unique situation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you can\u2019t wait to finish earning your degree, you may be particularly interested in some of the fastest online bachelor\u2019s degree programs in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"mobius_hide_qdf":false,"mobius_hide_el":false,"mobius_limit":"","mobius_degree":"","mobius_category":"","mobius_subject":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[338,326,118,130],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5807","query","type-query","status-publish","hentry","category-bachelors","category-degrees","category-online-degrees","category-undergraduate-2"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow Do Online Colleges Accelerate a Bachelor\u2019s Degree Program? - DegreeQuery.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/queries\/online-colleges-accelerate-bachelors-degree-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do Online Colleges Accelerate a Bachelor\u2019s Degree Program? 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