Advanced degrees open opportunities for many lucrative career paths. Getting an undergraduate degree is the industry standard for almost every field of study. However, obtaining a bachelor’s degree can be time-consuming and financially constraining. A great alternative to traditional undergraduate programs is accelerated bachelor’s degrees.
If you are interested in getting a bachelor’s degree fast, look no further. This article outlines the best accelerated bachelor’s degrees, study options, and recommended schools. No matter your level of proficiency, you can get a degree in applied sciences, political science, healthcare administration, or any other topic.
What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
An accelerated bachelor’s degree is a fast-paced undergraduate degree pathway that allows students to complete their schooling in under four years. This fast-tracked degree timeline offers the same college credits as a traditional bachelor’s degree, but in a more condensed and intensive course format.
A motivated student looking to meet professional goals and accelerate their career trajectory can also enroll in a combined bachelor’s and master’s accelerated program. You can get this degree with a wide range of in-person and online degree programs, covering information technology, business management, cyber security, and data science subject areas.
How Fast Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree?
With accelerated programs, undergraduate students can fulfill the degree requirements and get a bachelor’s degree in as little as two years. Your degree timeline will vary depending on your academic schedule, curriculum, and delivery method. You can get in touch with a university’s academic advisors to create an outline for your program timeline.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
- Information Security Analyst. If you are interested in information systems security and cyber space, an accelerated bachelor’s in the subject will help you get a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job outlook for information security analysts is 33 percent between 2020 and 2030.
- Software Engineer. A software engineer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of a computer’s software. An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science qualifies you for entry-level software engineering positions.
- Data Analyst. The field of data science has established a stronghold in several lucrative industries, making data-based jobs highly desirable. You can enroll in online degree programs or in-person accelerated programs in data science, artificial intelligence, or business analytics to become a data analyst.
- Cyber Security Analyst. Want to have high job security and earn a competitive compensation package? According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for cyber security analysts is $99,815. Along with a high pay rate, this job also comes with immense job growth opportunities.
- Software Developer. If your career goals include advancing in a software career, then an accelerated software development degree will help you get started. Software developers can work in the video game, information technology, business, mobile application, or cyber security industries.
How We Ranked the Best Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
We ranked the best accelerated bachelor’s degrees by considering program length, school status, school rankings, tuition rates, academic advising options, college credit transfer, and schedule flexibility. Choosing the best accelerated program for you will require you to assess your financial background, professional standing, education qualifications, and career goals.
Below are the top 10 online and in-person accelerated bachelor’s degrees. Be sure to get in touch with an admissions advisor for information on admission requirements, academic advising, and a smoother degree planning process. All information below has been sourced from official school websites.
The Best Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees in 2022
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Software Engineering | Arizona State University | 10 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Boston University Metropolitan College | 6 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics | Colorado State University Global | 10 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Indiana Wesleyan University | 5+ semesters |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security | Rasmussen University | 4-5 semesters |
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science | Rochester Institute of Technology | 12 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Thomas Jefferson University | 4 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University of LaVerne | 4-5 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Engineering – Analytics and Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics | The University of Oklahoma | 10 semesters |
| Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Data Management | Western Governors University | 8+ semesters |
The Best Fast-Track Bachelor’s Degrees in 2022, Explained
Your school search can be difficult to start, so we’ve included a comprehensive list of the best accelerated bachelor’s degrees in 2022. These in-person and online courses can help adult students get a four-year degree faster. As well, you can access graduate-level courses and programs. Read below to start your academic experience.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Software Engineering | Arizona State University
- Location: Tempe Campus
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $1,000 in-state, $1,435 out-of-state
- Required Time: 10 semesters
Arizona State University is a reputable academic institution that ranks number one on the 2022 innovation list from US News and World Report. It offers both online and in-person degree programs. This accelerated software engineering program covers data structures, programming, digital design, information assurance, engineering statistics, and operating systems.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Boston University Metropolitan College
- Location: Boston
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $505
- Required Time: 6 semesters
If you want to become a mobile app developer, network engineer, or software engineer, this computer science degree is for you. Boston University Metropolitan College offers accelerated programs in computer science and management studies. The degree covers Java, web app development, IT project management, computer networks, and database management.
Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics | Colorado State University Global
- Location: Online Only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $350
- Required Time: 10 semesters
Colorado State University Global is a reputable, accredited educational pathway for online learners. This training in business analytics and management information systems will help you qualify for lucrative careers in business intelligence, data analytics, and technical consulting. You will learn software management, accounting, data analytics, and business administration.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Indiana Wesleyan University
- Location: Online Only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $449
- Required Time: 5+ semesters
This cyber security bachelor’s program is an online degree catered to full-time professionals and adult learners. The program covers risk management, access security, countermeasures, and network infrastructures. The university also offers a tuition guarantee that locks in your initial tuition rate for your entire degree program.
Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security | Rasmussen University
- Location: Online Only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $310 part-time, $260 full-time
- Required Time: 4-5 semesters
An accelerated undergraduate education in cyber and network security can open up tons of high-paying careers in the tech world. Rasmussen University’s online programs offer reputable bachelor’s, master’s, and certification programs This cyber security degree covers ethical hacking, relational databases, information technology, and access security.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science in Computer Science | Rochester Institute of Technology
- Location: New York
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $510
- Required Time: 12 semesters
A computer science degree opens up tons of job opportunities across the software, data, security, and hardware world. This combination bachelor’s and master’s program covers both introductory and advanced information technology subjects. This program offers accelerated courses that meet educational requirements and qualify you for senior technology job positions.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Thomas Jefferson University
- Location: East Falls Campus, Hybrid, and Online
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $114 in-district, $171 in-state, $228 out-of-state
- Required Time: 4 semesters
Thomas Jefferson University’s accelerated information technology degree is a great option for associate degree holders looking to get a bachelor’s degree. This program has a generous college credit acceptance policy and flexible scheduling options. It covers operating systems, software development, database management, cyber security, and IT processes.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University of LaVerne
- Location: California or Online
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $685
- Required Time: 4-5 semesters
This accelerated computer science degree is suited for both in-person and online learners. Accelerated students study calculus, C++, computer networking, artificial intelligence, cyber security, systems analysis, business statistics, and database management. You can further accelerate your degree program by transferring credit hours from your associate degree.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Engineering – Analytics and Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics | The University of Oklahoma
- Location: Oklahoma
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $150
- Required Time: 10 semesters
The University of Oklahoma is one of the best engineering schools in the United States. It offers an in-depth accelerated bachelor’s and master’s program that is great for industrial engineering students looking to specialize in data analytics and information technology. Get in touch with admissions counselors to plan your degree and find out your candidacy requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Data Management | Western Governors University
- Location: Online
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $3,920 per six-month term
- Required Time: 8+ semesters
An investment in a data science profession will translate into a secure and high-paying career. This data analytics and data management degree covers R, machine learning, data governance, Python, data visualization, and programming. The university offers a six-month tuition plan and reports that 70 percent of program graduates finish within 35 months.
Should You Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
If you want to get a degree and meet your professional goals in less than four years, you should get an accelerated bachelor’s degree. The impact and intensity of this degree program will vary depending on the students’ qualifications, previous study, preferences, and career ambitions.
An accelerated version of a professional program is also a great idea for a second bachelor’s degree. Online students or any other undergraduate student can benefit from full-time study in these programs. They open up career options in everything from natural sciences to psychological sciences. As long as you pass admission tests at the time of application, you’ll get into one of these programs.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees FAQ
An accelerated bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that offers a fast-paced curriculum to help students complete a program in under four years. You can accelerate your bachelor’s degree by transferring college credits earned with an associate degree.
You can get an accelerated bachelor’s degree in a range of subjects, including criminal justice, social science, data analysis, business administration, computer science, cyber security, elementary education, and finance.
The admissions criteria for an accelerated bachelor’s degree program will differ according to the university. Incoming students will need to meet admission requirements such as the required cumulative grade, academic standing, and credit hours to get accepted.
Arizona State University, The University of Oklahoma, Rasmussen University, and Boston University Metropolitan College are universities that offer some of the best accelerated bachelor’s degrees.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
