Accelerated college programs can be a major convenience if you are looking to get a degree in less time for less money. This is because an accelerated degree essentially translates to less time spent in on-campus courses, traveling, and even studying, which means less money out of your pocket for tuition and other fees. A bachelor’s degree also usually translates to a higher annual salary, so there is easily a lot of incentive for pursuing a two-year accelerated Bachelor’s degree.

If you are interested in the prospect of an accelerated degree, note that most two-year programs are usually only for “transfer students,” students who already have accumulated some college credit that can be applied to the BA. For example, students that dropped out mid-college and wish to return or, otherwise, students that have completed some online course material, but not enough to achieve a full, accredited degree can apply any existing credits to an accelerated Bachelors. Those with an Associate’s degree may also be able to apply some credits to a bachelor’s degree. So, if you attended college in the past, and are looking to increase your salary prospects, a two-year accelerated bachelor’s might be a good option for you. There are also some accelerated bachelor’s programs that do not require students to contribute credits to be accepted, so interested parties should be sure to research admission requirements before footing application fees.

What are the benefits of a two-year accelerated Bachelor’s?

For starters, an accelerated program is more convenient for people who are already balancing a job or a family. This is because students on the accelerated track are usually enrolled in short, online courses as opposed to traditional classroom-style courses. This means that students can complete coursework in accordance with their unique, individual schedules. Online courses mean that students are not necessarily locked into an hour or even three-hour course in a classroom. Instead, students can take online courses at home or in a coffee shop and furthermore, can take courses at their own pace. However, note that some programs may require students to use specific “check-in” times. At these times, students must be logged in to their course site and be actively working in their scheduled courses.

Online courses also cut down on travel time and living costs. Traditionally, students that attend college courses must either pay to live close to campus or pay for transportation to campus, expending both time and money. Online courses, however, eliminate both travel time and costs.

Of course, if you are using an accelerated bachelor’s program to of unused college credits, then you maximize the value of previous efforts. Not to mention, a bachelor’s degree will likely increase the likelihood of employment as well as increase annual salary prospects.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Accelerated Bachelors Programs in the U.S.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State offers both accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In bachelor’s programs alone, ASU offers over 160 different accelerated tracks to students across several schools including Liberal Arts, Engineering, Integrative Sciences and Arts, Design, and Health. The most popular tracks at Arizona State include Business, Marketing, and Engineering.

2. Colorado State University

One reputable and accelerated track at Colorado State University is the Second-Degree BSN (nursing), lasting only 14 months. Students who wish to pursue accelerated education at CSU must have prior credits to contribute to their degree. Not only can students pursue an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s at Colorado State, but they can also pursue a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree, ultimately saving a great amount of time in the long run. Students who choose to combine must be in either an electrical or computer engineering track and maintain a high GPA to be considered eligible.

3. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers something called PlusOne bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. These allow students to complete degrees faster by applying graduate credits toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Northeastern offers programs in Behavioral Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, and Physics.

4. Drexel University

Drexel University offers a wide variety of accelerated programs, but different programs are available to you depending on your student status. That is to say, first-year Drexel students have different programs available to them than do current students at Drexel. First-year students can apply for admission to programs like Business, Hospitality Management, Information Systems, Culinary Arts and Sciences, Sports Management, Communications, Public Policy, Biomedical Engineering, and more. Drexel also offers accelerated master’s programs to eligible students. Students interested in either accelerated track must submit an admissions essay about why they are interested in their program of choice.

5. Utica College

Utica College offers an accelerated nursing program. Applicants must hold at least a 2.8 GPA to be considered eligible for admission. The program attempts to help students with some credits in Science apply their credits to a nursing degree and complete their degree on time. Utica believes in the benefits of hands-on learning; therefore this program requires students to take courses both online and on-campus. While relocating can be stressful, Utica does everything they can to make the transition a smooth one and offer top-notch “relocation support services.” The university also offers three different starting dates in January, May, and August which also helps make the transition a little easier for prospective students.

6. Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University

Through their School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Jefferson (Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University) offers an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Completion program. The program allows for the transfer of up to 72 credits from previous programs. The programs also offer more flexibility than most programs. Students are able to change the structure of their schedule every two months, rather than using the traditional 14-week period. Students can take advantage of another convenience: location. There are four different locations for students to take courses, which means that students are able to choose the place that appeals the most to them. Students can choose from twelve different programs, from Technology to Construction Studies.

Accelerated programs can help students achieve the credentials that will make them stand out in their field. They offer convenience and help students make the most of previously earned credits. A bachelor’s degree ultimately means more employment prospects and a higher salary. All in all, accelerated programs are often worth investigating.

 

We hope that this article on the best-accelerated bachelor’s degrees was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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