Accelerated College Degree Online: Program Overview

To earn an accelerated college degree online, potential students normally submit either prior education or job history information in lieu of course prerequisites. Accredited programs allow such life experience to account for a portion of the degree requirements, and require the remaining hours to be completed from courses offered through the specific college or university.

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Where Are Accelerated College Degree Programs Available Online?

Accelerated college degree programs are generally suited for individuals who have some prior work experience or college credits before enrolling. It is unusual to complete an accelerated college degree program immediately out of high school. While great flexibility is offered for adult learners who work full time and have other commitments, it is generally advised to devote at least 3 hours per credit hour for class work each week.

University of Arkansas in Fayetteville

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (UAF) offers an online accelerated Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in human resource development. In the program, students are grouped together to help facilitate learning. Students interested in the accelerated college degree online offered at UAF may receive credit for job experience or professional certifications. The accelerated bachelor's degree program begins each fall semester and adults with 43 hours of general education requirements and five years of work history are encouraged to apply.

Ohio Christian University

The Adult Onsite and Online Degree Program's (AIM) accelerated degrees at Ohio Christian University (OCU) are designed for working adults who have completed at least 50 credit hours from an accredited college. The AIM program at OCU offers associate and bachelor's degree programs, many of which are offered either fully online or in a blended or weekend format.

All accelerated and online programs at OCU are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accelerated degrees offered include associate's degrees in Christian ministry and business management. Bachelor's degrees are offered in business management, healthcare management, logistics management, leadership and ministry, practical leadership, psychology and substance abuse counseling.

Grand Rapids Community College

Two accelerated degree programs are offered at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), one that is offered completely online and one that is offered on the weekends. The curriculum for these two associate's degrees may be completed in about 18 months. An Associate of Arts and Associate of Arts with a major in Business are offered and are open to students older than 24 years of age and who have completed less than 12 credit hours.

University of Bridgeport

The Innovative Degree Excellence in Accelerated Learning (IDEAL) program at the University of Bridgeport offers online undergraduate courses and degree programs to those who have completed some previous college coursework and are 23 or older. The first accelerated program offered in Connecticut, IDEAL was founded in 1988 and is accredited by the New England Association for Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Pace University

Pace University, established in 1906, offers accelerated online bachelor's degree programs to adults who have earned a minimum of 64 credit hours and work experience, as well as an associate's degree or its equivalent. Students who follow the curriculum order and scheduling may complete the programs in as little as two years. The accelerated college degrees offered online at Pace University includes a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications, internet technologies for e-commerce and telecommunications.

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