Life in the Fast Lane: All About Accelerated Online College Degrees
Reach Your Professional Goals Faster
As the name implies, accelerated programs offer a way for students to complete a certificate or degree program in a shorter period of time than traditional programs. These truncated programs can help participants save time and money, as well as get a head start on career pursuits. These programs are designed for motivated, energetic students who want to complete their education and move into their careers quickly.
However, accelerated degrees may not be the best choice for students who need extra time with schoolwork or those who must balance personal or professional responsibilities. The work in these programs is often nonstop, and it can be difficult to catch up once a student falls behind. However, pursuing an accelerated degree may be a good choice for students who are eager to tackle their education head-on.
This guide provides background information on accelerated programs, along with popular degree tracks, pros and cons, and resources to help prospective students decide whether or not an accelerated degree program is right for them.
Why Choose an Accelerated Degree Program?
Accelerated online degree programs are designed for working professionals who want to achieve their career goals quickly, while also saving money on school. These programs require students to adhere to demanding school schedules and balance heavy course loads. Accelerated bachelor's programs do not suit every type of student -- especially those who can only take classes on a part-time basis or students who need extra time to study. To learn more about what you can expect from accelerated online degree programs, keep reading this guide.
What Are Online Accelerated Programs?
Fast-track programs are…
- A potential way to save on tuition costs by reducing the amount of time spent in school.
- Well-suited for those who are organized and able to stay on top of things.
- A means to get through college quickly.
- Useful for students who can devote most of their attention and effort to school.
Fast-track programs are not…
- Conducive for long-term recall of topics learned in class (when compared to traditional programs).
- Good for those who tend to procrastinate and are not very organized.
- For those who want to have the full "college experience."
- For students who must juggle several other obligations, such as taking care of a child or working full time.
Pros and Cons of Online Accelerated Degrees
Pros:
Cons:
How Do Accelerated Online Degree Programs Work?
To earn their degrees in a shortened time frame, students must study at a faster pace. Semesters are usually 15 weeks in length, whereas an accelerated online degree program may feature eight- or 10-week terms. This accelerated pace lets students complete a degree months or years earlier than traditional degrees. However, students enrolled in accelerated online degree programs complete the same number of credits as traditional degrees. Therefore, programs may compress classes into shorter terms, and students should expect more demanding class requirements.
Examples of Popular Online Accelerated Programs
- Nursing: RN-to-MSN
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How It's Accelerated
An RN-to-MSN accelerated program is designed for registered nurses who already have some nursing experience. These programs allow students to take courses that provide dual credit for BSN and MSN degrees, receive credit for prior degrees/experiences, and take classes year round.
Classes Taken
The exact curriculum depends on the specific program and a student's prior professional and educational background. There is also an opportunity for students to specialize in certain areas, such as nursing education. However, the following classes are usually found in the MSN component of an RN-to-MSN accelerated online program:
- Nursing Technology And Data Management
- Evidence-based Nursing Practice
- The Modern Healthcare Environment
- Nursing Research
On-campus Requirements
Even though most courses are offered completely online, due to the hands-on nature of the nursing practice students usually need to complete in-person clinical or practicum requirements. These might be completed at a student's place of work, at a local clinic or hospital, or as an on-campus intensive.
- Business Management (MBA)
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It usually takes about two years to earn an MBA, but accelerated programs can be completed in as little as one year. Classes are usually offered year round and in a compressed format, where students only take two or three classes at once. Each class lasts about 6-8 weeks. Accelerated online MBA programs may be especially well-suited for working adults. To further reduce the time of your education, you can also look intoonline MBAs with no GMAT requirement.
Classes Taken
Classes commonly found in accelerated MBA program include:
- Global Business Strategy
- Financial Strategy
- Business Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Foundational courses
In order to finish in one year, students need to take certain business prerequisites, such as financial accounting and marketing. However, some new students may have already met these requirements while completing their bachelor's degree.
- Bachelor's in Computer Science
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How It's Accelerated
Most bachelor's degrees in computer science take four years to complete. However, students who already hold an associate degree can earn an accelerated computer science degree online in just 18 more months. A key element of accelerated programming is asynchronous courses, which can let students speed up their college experience.
Classes Taken
Typical courses students can expect to encounter in an accelerated computer science program include:
- Project Management
- Network Administration
- Cloud Computing
- Database Systems
Prerequisites
To be accepted into an 18-month accelerated program, students must have either an associate degree (preferably in a field related to computer science) or college credits/experiences equivalent to an associate degree. They may also be expected to have professional experience. Some programs also offer one-year accelerated computer science bachelor's programs to students who have earned a bachelor's degree in another major.
Learn more about
accelerated computer science programs - Master's in Accounting
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How It's Accelerated
Traditionally, a master's degree in accounting takes a total of six years to earn: four years to earn a bachelor's degree and two years for a master's degree. However, a joint bachelor's/master's degree can be obtained in just five years. These programs include courses that meet both bachelor's and master's requirements.
Classes Taken
CPA requirements mandate a certain accounting curriculum, and accounting students can expect to take classes such as:
- Advanced Accounting
- Auditing Procedures
- Business Law
- Global Accounting
Both degrees from one school
Students interested in a joint bachelor's/master's degree in accounting usually need to earn both degrees from the same school. In order to gain admittance into the master's program, students may need to have already completed a certain number of lower-level credits.
Learn more about
accelerated accounting programs - Master of Social Work (MSW)
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How It's Accelerated
Full-time students usually take about two years to earn a master of social work degree (after already earning a bachelor's degree). However, an accelerated master of social work program takes about 16 months to complete. Some colleges also offer joint bachelor's/master's programs that allow students to graduate with both degrees in about five years.
Classes Taken
Classes vary depending on the school. However, students in master of social work programs can expect to take classes like:
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Social Work Practice
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Field Practicum
Program requirements
Applicants typically need to hold a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field from an accredited college. For advanced standing, students need a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. To apply for accelerated online degree programs, candidates usually submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Most programs do not require GRE scores, but applicants may need to show proof of experience in the field of social work through internships or volunteer work.
Learn more about
accelerated social work programs
Accelerated Degrees by Level and Life Experience
Why So Fast? Accelerated Degree vs. Traditional Degree
Accelerated programs can work well for those who are focused on the finish line. These programs usually require intense concentration and study -- what might normally take 4-6 years to complete is compressed into a much shorter period of time. Most accelerated programs follow a similar timeline, as outlined below.
Earning an 18-Month Accelerated Bachelor's Degree: A Timeline
Earning a Standard Four-Year Bachelor's Degree: A Timeline
Things to Consider When Choosing an Accelerated Online Degree Program
Not all accelerated online programs are the same. Each school has its own set of requirements and method of accelerating the learning process, and not all methods work for everyone. Prospective students must carefully research programs before enrolling to find a school that meets their needs. This section provides some helpful questions to consider when looking at different programs.
- What are the credit requirements?
Determine how many prior college credits are needed for enrollment and how many credits make up the desired degree track. A school might advertise that a bachelor's degree can be obtained in one or two years; however, to adhere to this timeline, incoming students will need to bring in transfer credits.
- How is the program accelerated?
Does the school compress traditional 16-week courses into half that time or does it offer classes year round? Depending on your schedule, you may be unable to commit the time required to one method or the other. For example, if you need to have your summers free, you will need to take compressed classes. However, if you don't have the time to handle the intensity of a compressed course load, taking classes year round may be a better fit. Additionally, maybe you want to start a family, get married, or work full time while attending school. Depending on your time commitments, it may make more sense to attend school part time.
- How much will it really cost?
All things being equal, an accelerated degree is usually less expensive than a traditional one. However, the exact cost for tuition, the availability of financial aid, and/or the ability to work during school can mean a program with a higher base tuition might actually end up costing less.
- What about in-person requirements?
Certain online degrees -- such as those in nursing -- require in-person clinicals or practica. Even though your degree is technically entirely online, you will need to make sure you can meet these in-person requirements.
Other Ways to Accelerate Your Online Program
Enrolling in an accelerated degree program is not the only way to finish a degree faster. By taking certain steps, students can graduate early, even when attending a traditional school. Here's how:
Take AP classes in high school. Not all schools grant college credit for Advanced Placement courses, and the ones that do usually require students to obtain a certain score on the Advanced Placement exam.
Get work experience. Some programs allow students to receive college credits by working or interning while attending school. Colleges may also award credit based on prior work experience.
Take dual-credit courses. Many colleges have special partnerships with local high schools that allow students to take classes that also give college credit.
Try the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students can earn college credit if they earn a certain score on a CLEP exam. Not all CLEP exams are approved for all college credits, so students should talk to advisors and school officials to see which CLEP exams will work for their goals.
Turn to outside instruction. External instruction could be from the military, government agencies, or professional organizations. To receive college credit, students should provide proof of their training and fill out an application requesting college credit.
Take extra courses. Whether taking summer classes or adding an extra course during the regular school year, taking extra classes can speed up the graduation process.
Saving Money With an Online Accelerated Program
Saving money is a huge draw for accelerated programs. Shaving six months or more off an education can lead to thousands of dollars in savings. However, earning an accelerated degree can still be expensive. This section discusses a few ways students can find savings and help pay for their accelerated degree.
Take as many courses as possible online. Depending on the school, online courses may be offered at a less expensive rate than traditional, on-campus classes.
Fill out the FAFSA. Nearly all schools require students to complete this form as part of the application process. Though it is a must for undergraduates, graduate students should fill it out, too.
Look for need-based financial aid. Need-based financial aid may be available through loans -- which must be repaid -- or grants/ scholarships, which do not need to be repaid.
Seek out merit-based financial aid. This type of financial aid can be awarded based on many different variables, such as academic merit or a student's area of study. Some aid may also be awarded for certain demographic characteristics, such as a student's race or life challenges they have overcome.
Look into employer tuition reimbursement. Some employers recognize that when their employees do well, the company also does well. These employers might have a tuition reimbursement program in place, where they will help students pay for college.
Advice From an Accelerated Program Graduate

Ashley Watkins completed an accelerated program with a concentration in nonprofit management. Here is some information about her experience.
Tell us a bit about your accelerated program.
I completed a graduate post-baccalaureate certificate program with a concentration in nonprofit management. It was housed under the school's graduate political science department. You must apply and are judged on the same criteria as the master's degree alternative. A student could graduate in a year going full time; however, I took my time and paid out-of-pocket and finished in around four years. This track was perfect for me because of the convenience and affordability it offered.
Did you enjoy the speed of the classes?
I liked the pace of my in-seat courses. I found that my graduate school instructors encouraged discussion and analysis so that most students grasped concepts easily. However, I did usually only take one course a semester. Someone going full time will have to dedicate more time to the program than I did.
What did you think of the online aspects?
Luckily, my certificate program was available entirely online, if you wanted. However, many of the classes were offered in-seat, as well. I chose a combination because I prefer in-seat courses, but the online options were great for my schedule as a full-time worker with pets at home. My online courses were also less expensive than my in-seat courses, which is a relief because there's not a lot of assistance available for graduate programs.
My online courses felt more challenging than my in-seat courses because you needed self-discipline to complete required readings and assignments by the deadlines. Also, you had to take the initiative to reach out to the professor or a fellow classmate if you didn't understand the lesson.
Any advice you might like to offer to those considering an accelerated program?
I think it's a convenient and affordable option for working adults. The fact that it's accelerated/abbreviated hasn't hindered my job opportunities. Instead, I've been considered more qualified than someone with just a bachelor's degree. On the other hand, if having a full master's degree is really important to you, consider if you'll be satisfied with an accelerated program degree/certificate.
Online Accelerated Program Resources
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing: AACN represents the interests of undergraduate and graduate educational nursing institutions. The association provides publications and information about accelerated nursing programs.
- AP Students: The Advanced Placement section of the College Board's website outlines how taking AP classes can benefit high school students.
- CLEP: Administered by the College Board, the College Level Examination Program's website explains how students can test out of certain college classes.
- DSST: An alternative to CLEP, the DSST program allows students -- including military personnel -- to receive college credit for learning acquired outside of a traditional classroom setting.