A four-year bachelor's degree confers both transferable and major-specific skills. Most 120-credit programs feature three components. First, learners take general education courses in English, the humanities, and the sciences. Second, they complete major-related coursework. Finally, degree-seekers take electives in different subjects or complete a second major or minor.
Fast Bachelor's Degrees Explained
Learning outcomes for on-campus and online bachelor's degrees include a solid foundation of knowledge and skills alumni can further hone in a graduate program or use in the workplace. Bachelor's degree-holders benefit from higher lifetime earnings than workers who possess only a high school diploma. The Social Security Administration calculates that college graduates earn $900,000 more over a lifetime than individuals with only a high school education.
Application requirements for a fast online degree vary by school but often include graduating high school or passing the GED exam. Some schools request recommendation letters, a resume, or standardized test scores.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's Degree?
An online bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for entry-level positions related to their academic major. These positions often pay the least but allow workers to advance within their organization. On the job, professionals use and hone their subject-specific expertise. They also build on the communication, writing, and research skills they learned as undergraduates. Bachelor's programs emphasize these skills in general education courses.
In addition to helping workers find entry-level jobs, a bachelor's degree also plays a role in professional certification. Agencies and organizations that award certifications use education and experience requirements to recognize experts in their field. Like work experience, a certification can lead to a promotion, salary raise, or both. Professionals with a certification also possess an advantage in the job market.
For many students, a bachelor's degree is often a step toward a master's or doctoral program. The following section covers the benefits of a master's degree.
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Do I Need a Master's Degree?
The answer depends on your goals and your employer's requirements. Some employers restrict management positions to workers who possess a master's, significant work experience, a certification, or all three. Other employers encourage lower-ranking employees to pursue a master's by offering a tuition reimbursement program. Through a tuition reimbursement program, the employer pays for the degree if the employee agrees to work for the organization for a specific number of years after graduation. Employees who break the agreement pay back the degree's cost.
Professionals who choose not to earn a master's might still achieve career advancement through certifications or joining professional organizations. Many professional organizations host member-exclusive job boards and provide career tips.
Accreditation for an Online Bachelor's Degree
The fastest online bachelor's degrees should provide students with an outstanding educational experience and set them up for career success. When researching on-campus and online bachelor's degrees, prospective students should only consider programs at regionally accredited schools. In the United States, the Department of Education charters six regional accreditation agencies to review schools' academic programs. Learners who graduate from a school without this essential accreditation may face difficulty attaining a job.
Prospective enrollees should also check whether their desired schools are nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC determines whether a school's online programs offer the same rigor and learning outcomes as its on-campus programs. Online learners who enroll in a DEAC-accredited school can rest assured that they will receive a quality education.
Some academic majors feature programmatic accreditation. Agencies that provide programmatic accreditation focus on a single discipline. Their experts review a major or department's academic requirements and grant accreditation to only the best programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an online bachelor's degree varies by school and whether students pay for housing, a meal plan, and other expenses. Public institutions typically charge less than private ones.
Most students can complete a bachelor's degree in just four years. Full-time learners take 3-4 courses each semester and earn approximately 120 credits.
Students can earn a fast online degree if they possess transfer credit. Other methods to earn credit before college include passing Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams while in high school.
The answer depends on the individual student. Learners with a passion for and prior knowledge of a specific subject may complete coursework faster than their peers.
What Are the Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree?
Bachelor's degree-seekers complete general education and major courses. Learners work with an advisor to select appropriate courses in both categories. Advisors play an essential role in helping accelerated students graduate as soon as possible. Degree-seekers also take electives or complete a minor to attain a well-rounded education.
Graduation requirements can include maintaining a specific GPA, developing a portfolio, or completing a capstone. Online bachelor's degree-seekers may complete additional requirements, including an extended essay or presentation to professors and peers. Prospective students should contact a school's counselors for information regarding the undergraduate academic experience.
Courses in an Online Bachelor's Program
In major, general education, and elective courses, students develop and hone essential research, analytical, and communication skills. Nearly all employers that hire recent college graduates expect applicants to possess these skills and a desire to improve them on the job. Coursework in a bachelor's program emphasizes these skills through assigned reading, essays, and projects.
Most schools require the following courses in their general education curriculum. Prospective enrollees should note that academic requirements and course content vary among schools.
Common Coursework Covered
- Writing in the Disciplines
- This course conveys writing skills that degree-seekers need for a specific career. Much of the course focuses on technical language. Learners develop a flexible writing style, as their job may require them to write for people inside and outside of their field. The course may feature one or more prerequisite English courses, such as basic composition or another introductory course.
- Research Methods
- Many of the fastest online bachelor's degrees emphasize research skills. Learners analyze research relating to their field and practice different techniques through various projects. These projects involve performing research under a professor's guidance and writing essays. Students can apply their knowledge in both a career and a graduate program. Graduate programs emphasize original research that degree-seekers complete independently.
- General Psychology
- This introductory course emphasizes the field's history, major theories and figures, and neural anatomy. Typical course activities include reading primary and secondary source documents and discussing topics with peers in a virtual chat room. Students show mastery of course material through exams and essays. Learners may need to complete one or more courses in English composition before enrolling in general psychology. Degree-seekers can apply the skills they attain in this course in more advanced courses that require extensive writing and research.
- General Chemistry
- Non-science majors often take this course to fulfill their school's science requirement. Course topics include chemical compounds, gas laws, equilibrium, and the properties of solutions. Some schools may require learners to take a lab as a corequisite. A lab allows degree-seekers to apply their classroom knowledge in a hands-on setting and comprehend how chemistry affects real life. Students can sometimes choose other options, such as biology or physics, to fulfill their school's science requirement.
- Looking Forward
- This course introduces new degree-seekers to their school and resources. Students explore their interests and plan for their life after graduation. A school may require this course in either the freshman or senior year. First-year students take it to help develop an academic success plan .Seniors can research job opportunities and prepare an academic portfolio they can present to prospective employers.
Certifications and Licensure for Bachelor's Degree Students
Professionals with an online bachelor's degree can increase their career and salary potential by earning one or more professional certifications or a state-issued license. Organizations offer certifications to members, signifying that professionals possess expertise in their field. Professionals in some fields, such as teaching, need a license to practice in their state. Certification and licensure candidates may need to pass an exam, attain work experience, or pay a fee.
Teaching License
Project Management Professional
Certified Brand Manager
Professional Organizations for Bachelor's Degree Students
Professional organizations allow members to network, find a mentor, and research the latest career opportunities on private job boards. These organizations may also offer discounts on professional insurance and other goods and services. Joining an organization may require a one-time or annual fee.
National Education Association
American Marketing Association
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society for Human Resource Management
Scholarships for Bachelor's Degree Students
Students pursuing an online bachelor's degree can access the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus degree-seekers, including scholarships. The five scholarships below award funding to undergraduate learners. Please use the embedded links, as application requirements, deadlines, and award amounts may have changed since this article's publication.
Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Longview, Texas, LeTourneau University features top-ranked online bachelor's programs. Learners earning their bachelor's degree online from the private institution benefit from 19 choices, ensuring they can choose a program that aligns with their goals. By saving money on transportation and housing, online students can often focus on long-term financial investments, such as a home or retirement.
Bachelor's degree-holders can leverage their education to secure raises and promotions at their current place of employment. Students with full-time employment often enroll in online programs and complete coursework on evenings and weekends.
Online students can access 34% of the school's academic offerings. Enrollees can qualify for federal financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
LeTourneau University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: Data not available
Total Bachelor's Programs: 73
Online Bachelor's Programs: 13
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $30,520
Average Financial Aid Award: Data not available
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#2 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Lewis University, students can enroll online or pursue on-campus programs at the Romeoville, Illinois, campus. Of the institution's bachelor's programs, eight are available in an online format. Distance learning often eliminates the need to commute to campus, which can save students money on transportation and parking.
A bachelor's degree often leads to increased salary potential and career options. Students who need flexibility to schedule academics around personal or professional obligations often choose online learning.
Programs delivered in an online format account for 20% of the school's degree options. The private institution maintains accreditation, which ensures that employers recognize the degrees and credentials it confers.
Lewis University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: Data not available
Total Bachelor's Programs: 79
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $33,270
Average Financial Aid Award: Data not available
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#3 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's online bachelor's programs offer a remote option for students who prefer not to relocate or commute to the main campus. Learners earning their bachelor's degree online from the institution benefit from two choices, ensuring they can choose a program that aligns with their goals. Distance learning is more accessible than on-campus classes for many students.
Compared to professionals without a college education, bachelor's degree-holders often qualify for more advanced roles with increased responsibility. Students with full-time employment often enroll in online programs and complete coursework on evenings and weekends.
Of its programs, the school delivers 2% in an online format. The public institution maintains accreditation, ensuring distance learners receive a high-quality education.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: Data not available
Total Bachelor's Programs: 245
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $37,071
Average Financial Aid Award: $15,354
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#4 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue Northwest Nazarene University's online programs without relocating to Nampa, Idaho. Among the institution's academic programs are six online bachelor's-level options. For many students, online learning makes earning a degree easier and more convenient.
Compared to professionals without a college education, bachelor's degree-holders often qualify for more advanced roles with increased responsibility. Students who need to schedule academics around other obligations, such as full-time employment, often choose online programs.
Distance learners can access 31% of the school's academic offerings. The private institution maintains accreditation, which ensures that employers recognize the degrees and credentials it confers.
Northwest Nazarene University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: Data not available
Total Bachelor's Programs: Data not available
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $30,550
Average Financial Aid Award: Data not available
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#5 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With online and on-campus options, Baker University educates bachelor's students based near its campus in Baldwin City, Kansas, or anywhere in the world. Among the institution's academic programs are two online bachelor's-level options for remote learners. Earning a degree online can be more accessible and affordable than taking classes in person.
Graduates can use their bachelor's degree to enter a new industry or to pursue advanced leadership roles in their current field. Students who need flexibility to schedule academics around personal or professional obligations often choose online learning.
Online programs in various fields comprise 25% of all academic options the school delivers. Because the private institution holds accreditation, employers recognize degrees earned online or on campus from the school.
Baker University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: Data not available
Total Bachelor's Programs: Data not available
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $29,300
Average Financial Aid Award: Data not available
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available