What Is the Fastest Degree to Get Online?

Want to get a degree fast? You’re not alone. With rising costs, tight schedules, and the need to switch careers quickly, more people are looking for the fastest way to earn a recognized degree online. The good news? It’s possible-and faster than you think.

How Fast Can You Really Get a Degree Online?

The fastest online degrees can be completed in as little as 6 to 12 months. These aren’t shortcuts or diploma mills. They’re accredited, structured programs designed for adults who need to move fast without sacrificing credibility.

Most traditional bachelor’s degrees take four years. But accelerated online programs cut that down by stacking courses, offering year-round terms, and letting you transfer credits from prior learning. Some schools even let you test out of intro courses using CLEP or DSST exams. That’s how you shave off months before you even start.

Top 5 Fastest Online Degrees (Under 12 Months)

Here are the most common and respected fast-track degrees you can finish in under a year:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration - Often offered by community colleges and online universities like Southern New Hampshire University. 6-9 months. Focuses on real-world skills: accounting, management, marketing.
• Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technology - Perfect for breaking into tech without a four-year degree. Programs from institutions like Grand Canyon University cover networking, cybersecurity basics, and help desk support. Can be done in 8-10 months.
• Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies - A flexible option if you’re unsure of your path. Credits transfer easily to bachelor’s programs later. Many schools, like Liberty University, offer this in 6-8 months with full-time enrollment.
• Online Certificate to Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration - Some schools bundle a certificate with an associate. For example, the University of the People offers a 10-month program that includes medical billing, patient records, and office management.
• Associate in Early Childhood Education - Ideal for daycare workers or nannies looking to get certified faster. Programs from Western Governors University let you progress as you master skills, not by semesters. Some finish in 6 months.

These aren’t just certificates. They’re full associate degrees from regionally accredited schools. That means they’re accepted by employers, qualify you for federal aid, and can stack into bachelor’s degrees later.

What Makes a Degree "Fast"?

Not all online programs are built the same. Here’s what actually speeds things up:

• Asynchronous learning - No live classes. You watch lectures and submit work on your schedule. Great if you work nights or have kids.
• Competency-based education - You move forward when you prove you know the material, not when the semester ends. Schools like WGU and Capella use this model.
• Multiple start dates - Instead of waiting for fall or spring, you can start in January, March, May, July, September, or November.
• Transfer credit acceptance - If you’ve taken college classes before, even in high school (like AP or dual enrollment), you can get them counted. Some schools accept up to 90 credits for a bachelor’s.
• Experiential learning credit - Work experience in a field can count toward your degree. For example, if you’ve been managing teams for five years, you might get credit for a business management course.

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re proven models used by top online universities approved by the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by employers nationwide.

Who Should Skip a Fast Degree?

Fast doesn’t mean right for everyone. If you’re looking for:

• A deep academic experience with research, internships, or campus life - go traditional.
• A license to practice as a nurse, teacher, or engineer - those require longer, state-regulated programs.
• A degree from an Ivy League school - most elite universities don’t offer accelerated bachelor’s degrees online.

Fast degrees are for people who need to get hired, promoted, or switch fields quickly. They’re not for those chasing prestige. They’re for those chasing results.

How to Pick the Right Program

Not all "fast" degrees are equal. Here’s how to avoid scams and pick one that actually works:

1. Check accreditation - Only choose schools with regional accreditation (like SACSCOC, NECHE, MSCHE). Avoid national accreditation unless you’re certain about credit transfers.
2. Look for employer recognition - Google the school’s name with "employers" or "hiring." Do companies like Amazon, Walmart, or local hospitals hire their grads?
3. Ask about credit transfer - If you plan to continue to a bachelor’s later, make sure the credits will move. Call the admissions office and ask: "Will my credits transfer to a state university?"
4. Read graduate outcomes - Look for job placement rates, average salary boosts, and alumni testimonials. Don’t just trust the homepage.
5. Watch for hidden costs - Some schools charge extra for tech fees, proctored exams, or graduation. Ask for the full cost before enrolling.

For example, Western Governors University (WGU) is one of the most transparent. Their tuition is flat-rate per six-month term, regardless of how many courses you take. If you finish 8 courses in 4 months, you still pay the same as someone who takes 4.

Real People, Real Results

Here’s what actual students have done:

• A single mom in Texas finished her AAS in Business in 7 months. She got promoted from retail clerk to office manager at her local pharmacy.
• A former warehouse worker in Ohio earned his IT associate degree in 8 months. He now works remote tech support for a Fortune 500 company.
• A nurse’s aide in Florida completed her Healthcare Administration associate in 9 months. She moved from patient care to scheduling coordinator-$12k more per year.

These aren’t outliers. They’re everyday people using fast-track degrees to change their lives without quitting their jobs or taking on massive debt.

What Comes After a Fast Degree?

Most people don’t stop at an associate. They use it as a launchpad:

• Transfer to a bachelor’s program in 1-2 years (often with junior standing).
• Get a professional certification (like CompTIA ITF+, SHRM-CP, or Google Career Certificates) to boost your resume.
• Apply for government or corporate jobs that require a degree but don’t specify the type.

Many employers don’t care if your degree took 6 months or 4 years. They care if you have it-and if you can do the job.

Final Thoughts

The fastest online degree isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about cutting waste. Waste of time. Waste of money. Waste of potential.

If you’re ready to move forward, start by identifying your goal: What job do you want? What’s the minimum credential you need to get there? Then find a school that matches your pace, not your past.

There’s no shame in going fast. In fact, in today’s economy, speed is a skill.

Next Steps

Start today:

1. Decide what job you want in 12 months.
2. Look up the job posting. What’s the minimum education required?
3. Search for accredited schools offering that degree online with a fast track.
4. Call their admissions office. Ask: "Can I finish this in under a year?" and "What’s the total cost?"
5. Apply for FAFSA if you need help paying.

Don’t wait for the "perfect time." The best time to start a fast degree is now. The job market won’t wait. Your future won’t wait. Neither should you.