When you ask yourself, “What is the fastest degree to get online?” the answer isn’t a single program - it’s a set of options that blend credit load, learning model, and your own background. In the next few minutes you’ll see which degrees can be completed in under two years, what makes them so quick, and how to pick the right one for your career goals.
- Fastest online degrees usually finish in 12‑24 months.
- Key drivers: competency‑based learning, prior‑learning assessment, and high‑intensity full‑time schedules.
- Common quick paths: associate’s in business, accelerated bachelor’s in IT, RN‑to‑BSN, and accelerated MBA.
- Cost‑per‑credit varies, but many fast programs cost less than traditional three‑year routes.
- Success hinges on time management, self‑discipline, and choosing accredited providers.
Understanding What Makes a Degree "Fast"
Speed isn’t just about squeezing more classes into a semester. It’s a combination of three attributes:
- Credit load: Programs that require 60‑90 credits for an associate or bachelor can be compressed if you take 15‑18 credits per term.
- Learning model: Competency‑based education (CBE) lets you prove mastery of a skill and move on, often cutting weeks off a traditional schedule.
- Prior learning assessment (PLA): Credit for work experience, certifications, or previously earned coursework reduces the total credits you need to complete.
When these three line up, you get a fastest online degree that can be earned in as little as ten months.
Top Fastest Online Degrees in 2025
Below are the programs that consistently finish within the shortest time frames, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics and major online providers such as Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Arizona State University.
- Associate's Degree in Business Administration (typically 60 credits, 12‑18 months): Ideal for entry‑level roles in sales, marketing, or office management. Many providers let you test out of introductory courses.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s in Information Technology (90‑120 credits, 18‑24 months): Focuses on networking, cybersecurity, and cloud services. CBE formats can shave off up to six months.
- Competency‑Based Bachelor’s in Education (typically 120 credits, 10‑14 months): Perfect for teachers looking to upgrade qualifications while leveraging existing classroom experience.
- RN‑to‑BSN (120 credits, 12‑18 months): Builds on your nursing license, offering leadership and public health courses.
- Accelerated MBA (30‑48 credits, 12‑18 months): Most programs require a bachelor’s degree; many accept work experience as credit.
- Master of Computer Science (CBE) (30‑36 credits, 12‑20 months): Allows you to demonstrate mastery of programming, data structures, and AI through project‑based assessments.
Comparison Table
| Degree | Typical Credits | Minimum Time | Average Cost (USD) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate's in Business Administration | 60 | 12‑18 months | $9,500 | Career changers, entry‑level managers |
| Accelerated Bachelor’s in IT | 90‑120 | 18‑24 months | $18,000 | Aspiring tech support, network admins |
| Competency‑Based Bachelor’s in Education | 120 | 10‑14 months | $14,800 | Current teachers, education assistants |
| RN‑to‑BSN | 120 | 12‑18 months | $22,300 | Registered nurses seeking leadership roles |
| Accelerated MBA | 30‑48 | 12‑18 months | $26,500 | Mid‑career professionals, entrepreneurs |
| Master of Computer Science (CBE) | 30‑36 | 12‑20 months | $24,900 | Software engineers, data analysts |
How to Finish Your Degree in Record Time
Speed isn’t magic; it’s the result of strategic choices. Follow these steps to keep your timeline tight:
- Assess Prior Learning: Gather certificates, military training, or workplace training records. Schools that accept PLA can grant up to 30% of required credits.
- Choose a Competency‑Based Program: If you already know the material, CBE lets you pass a test and move on, sometimes within days.
- Enroll Full‑Time: Most fast tracks require 15‑18 credit hours per term. If you can’t commit, look for “self‑paced” options that let you stack courses.
- Plan a Calendar: Use a digital planner to block study blocks, assignment deadlines, and exam windows. Treat each week like a mini‑semester.
- Leverage Transfer Credits: If you have an associate’s or earlier coursework, ask the new school to evaluate them early - it could cut 6‑12 months.
- Stay Accredited: Verify that the institution holds regional accreditation (e.g., Middle States, WASC) to ensure credit acceptance and employer trust.
Potential Drawbacks of a Fast Track
Rushing isn’t for everyone. Be aware of these trade‑offs:
- Intense workload: Full‑time loads require 20‑30 hours of study per week, often while you’re working.
- Limited networking: Short programs have fewer cohort interactions, which may affect mentorship opportunities.
- Depth vs. breadth: Some fast programs compress electives, meaning you miss out on broader learning.
- Financial aid timing: Certain scholarships release funds per term; a condensed schedule might affect eligibility.
Decision Checklist - Is a Fast Online Degree Right for You?
Before you click ‘Enroll’, run through this quick checklist:
- Do you have a clear career goal that aligns with one of the fast degrees listed?
- Can you dedicate 20+ hours per week to coursework?
- Do you have prior experience or certifications that can be turned into credit?
- Is the institution regionally accredited and recognized by your industry?
- Have you budgeted for tuition, tech fees, and any possible lost income?
If the answer is yes to most, you’re positioned to earn a degree in record time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortest time to earn a bachelor's degree online?
With competency‑based programs and full‑time enrollment, some schools allow you to finish a 120‑credit bachelor’s in as little as ten to fourteen months, provided you pass assessments quickly and have prior‑learning credits.
Can I use work experience to shorten an online degree?
Yes. Many accredited providers accept prior‑learning assessment (PLA) for up to 30% of required credits. Submit documentation of certifications, job‑related training, or military instruction to have them evaluated.
Is a fast online MBA worth it compared to a traditional two‑year program?
If you need the credential quickly to move up or start a venture, an accelerated MBA can deliver the same core curriculum in 12‑18 months. However, you may miss out on extended networking events and longer internships that traditional programs often provide.
How much does a fast online degree usually cost?
Costs vary widely. An associate’s can be under $10,000, while an accelerated MBA often ranges $24,000‑$30,000. Competency‑based programs charge per term or per completed competency, which can lower total tuition if you move fast.
Do fast online degrees have the same accreditation as regular programs?
Reputable fast programs are regionally accredited, just like traditional campuses. Always verify the school's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education’s database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
