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Typically, earning a bachelor’s degree the traditional way can take up to 4-5 years, but did you know you can actually complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as one year? An accelerated degree program means you can earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree in a much shorter time span than is typical.
What is an Accelerated Degree Program?
An accelerated degree program is a specifically designed program that enables students to earn degrees faster than the expected timeframe. For example, an accelerated bachelor’s degree program may take only 3 years to complete compared to the normal 4-5 years it takes most students. Master’s degrees usually take 2 years to earn, but an accelerated master’s degree program might only take a student 1 year.
Some accelerated degree programs are designed in a way that a student will earn their bachelor’s and master’s at the same time. The University of Vermont, for instance, has a program that allows a student to get both degrees in just 5 years versus the regular 6 years in a variety of subjects.
Another option is a MicroMasters Program. These are certificate programs designed to help students learn graduate level material in as little as 6 months. Many top schools from around the world offer MicroMasters.
What Majors Are Available for Accelerated Degree Programs?
The majors available for accelerated degree programs depend on the school. Some colleges and universities will allow students to earn a faster degree in any subject as long as they get approval through the department and advisor.
However, many schools already have accelerated degree programs in place. Common majors include:
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Marketing
- Management
- Data Analytics
- History
- Computer science
Should You Opt for an Accelerated Degree Program?
Whether or not you opt for an accelerated degree program is completely up to you. It’s important to consider your own goals, limitations, strengths, and weaknesses before diving into one, though. If you’re considering it, however, here are three things you should keep in mind:
1. They May Be Intense
The course work in accelerated degree programs, whether it’s a bachelor’s, master’s, or both, is condensed and intense. Students may have to take over 18 credits a semester, sign up for summer courses, or get a big head start on required courses while they’re still in high school in order to meet their education goals. However, electives are not as frequent (if required at all) in an accelerated degree program, so students can really focus on the core of their field of study.
Those interested in accelerated degree courses are usually older students who already have a college education or a career. But given the dedication required to complete a degree in 12-18 months (with no semester breaks), they typically do not work while earning their degree.
Every program is different, so you will want to discuss the intensity with your advisor before signing up to make sure it’s something you can handle.
2. They Can Save You Money
Besides the fact that accelerated degree programs save time, one of the biggest benefits of them is the fact that they save money. In some cases, students can save tens of thousands of dollars by shaving a year or two off of their degree path, especially if they’re living on campus during their studies.
However, keep in mind that some accelerated programs, like MicroMasters, may be less expensive and less time consuming, but you won’t actually earn a degree from them.
3. You Might Need Your School’s Approval
Many schools have accelerated degree programs already in place for their students. At these, it may be as easy to sign up for as saying, “I’m interested.” However, other areas of study, especially ones that are considered more intense than others, may require special approval. For example, if you want to take more than 18 credits in a semester, you will likely need to get your schedule signed off by your advisor.
Before trying to earn your degree faster, always talk to your advisor. Discuss your plans and goals so they can help you determine the next step forward and ensure all paperwork is complete. You don’t want to reach year 3 of your bachelor’s degree and realize you can’t graduate early like you expected!
Accelerated degree programs can be a fantastic way to earn your bachelor’s or master’s in less time. They can save students thousands of dollars and help them enter the workforce faster. However, they can be intense, especially compared to traditional degree tracks, so students should always discuss their plans with their college advisor before jumping in.
Does an accelerated degree program sound like a good fit for you? Using our College Match tool, you can get paired with schools that fit your interests, goals, and achievements. It’s completely free, too!
