Looking to advance your career without taking a break from work? Accelerated online degree programs answer busy professionals seeking a fast-track route to a degree. With flexible schedules, shorter terms, and a wide variety of fields to choose from, these programs allow you to earn your degree faster while balancing work and life.
Key Highlights:
- Quick Graduation: Finish your degree in a fraction of the time compared to traditional programs.
- In-Demand Fields: Study areas like business, healthcare, computer science, and criminal justice.
- Flexible Learning: Online and hybrid formats let you study independently.
- Financial Aid Available: Many programs offer financial assistance to eligible students.
- Competitive Salaries: Graduates can expect higher salaries and career advancement opportunities.
Accelerated degree programs for working adults
For working adults, earning a degree can feel like a huge challenge. However, accelerated online degree programs have made it easier than ever to earn a degree while continuing your professional career. These programs are designed with the working professional in mind offering flexible online courses, fast-paced learning, and generous credit transfers to help you finish faster.

With new data revealing that more adults pursue higher education later in life, this guide explores the top 15 accelerated degree programs for working professionals in 2025. Whether you want to switch careers or advance in your current field, you can find a program that fits your goals.
Table Overview of Accelerated Online Degree Programs:
Degree Program | Estimated Completion Time | Average Salary After Graduation | Key Skills Taught | Top Schools Offering the Program |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration | 12-20 months | $70,000 – $90,000 | Management, Marketing, Accounting, Economics | Franklin University, City University of Seattle |
Healthcare Administration | 18-24 months | $80,000 – $110,000 | Healthcare Systems, Policy, Ethics, Management | Purdue Global, ODU Global |
Computer Science | 16-24 months | $80,000 – $100,000 | Programming, AI, Data Science, Software Engineering | Regis University, Auburn University |
Criminal Justice | 18-24 months | $50,000 – $70,000 | Criminal Law, Investigation, Security | Ball State University, University of Maryland Global |
Psychology | 12-36 months | $50,000 – $70,000 | Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods, Mental Health | UMass Lowell, Drexel University |
Accounting | 18-24 months | $60,000 – $80,000 | Auditing, Financial Management, Tax Accounting | Florida International University, Liberty University |
Supply Chain Management | 16-24 months | $70,000 – $90,000 | Logistics, Inventory Management, Procurement | Southern New Hampshire University, Colorado Tech Univ |
Marketing | 12-18 months | $60,000 – $85,000 | Digital Marketing, Advertising, Consumer Behavior | Purdue Global, Western Governors University |
Legal Studies | 12-24 months | $55,000 – $75,000 | Legal Research, Law Practice, Court Procedures | University of Maryland Global, Eastern Kentucky University |
Education | 18-24 months | $50,000 – $65,000 | Curriculum Development, Classroom Management | Purdue Global, ASU Online |
Human Resources | 12-18 months | $60,000 – $85,000 | Organizational Behavior, Employee Relations, HR Laws | University of Phoenix, Franklin University |
Information Technology | 12-24 months | $70,000 – $95,000 | Networking, Cybersecurity, IT Management | University of Maryland Global, Western Governors University |
Nursing | 18-36 months | $70,000 – $90,000 | Patient Care, Healthcare Ethics, Medical Terminology | Purdue Global, Walden University |
Finance | 12-24 months | $75,000 – $105,000 | Financial Analysis, Investments, Risk Management | Colorado Technical University, Southern New Hampshire University |
Art & Design | 12-18 months | $50,000 – $70,000 | Graphic Design, Web Development, Digital Media | Academy of Art University, Full Sail University |
Top 15 Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults (2025)
1. Business Administration
An accelerated business administration degree can be a game-changer for working professionals aiming for higher leadership roles. This program focuses on management, marketing, human resources, and accounting, giving you the tools to succeed in various business sectors.
Graduating in 12 to 20 months, you can gain the skills necessary to thrive in top companies. Franklin University and City University of Seattle offer tailored programs for professionals looking to fast-track their degrees.
2. Healthcare Administration
With the healthcare industry growing exponentially, professionals with degrees in healthcare administration are in high demand. Learn about healthcare systems, ethics, and management principles while completing your degree in just 18 to 24 months. Schools like Purdue Global and ODU Global offer online programs that cater to working professionals.
3. Computer Science
The technology sector is booming, and a degree in computer science opens the door to numerous high-paying careers in software development, cybersecurity, and data science. You can earn a computer science degree in just 16 to 24 months, with schools like Regis University and Auburn University offering programs that work around your professional schedule.
4. Criminal Justice
Criminal justice degrees are perfect for those interested in law enforcement, cybersecurity, or criminology. Learn about the justice system, criminal law, and criminal behaviour while completing your degree in 18 to 24 months. Schools like Ball State University and University of Maryland Global offer accelerated programs tailored for working adults.
5. Psychology
Psychology degrees are great for those looking to enter social work, education, or healthcare. Depending on your schedule and previous credits, you can complete your degree in 12-36 months. UMass Lowell and Drexel University offer flexible programs that can fast-track your education.
6. Accounting
An accelerated accounting degree provides the foundational knowledge needed to enter one of the most stable and rewarding fields. Learn everything from auditing to tax accounting in as little as 18-24 months. Florida International University and Liberty University offer great programs for professionals looking to earn their degrees faster.
7. Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is a critical function in today’s global economy, and this degree program prepares you for careers in logistics, procurement, and operations. Complete your degree in just 16-24 months while learning the fundamentals of managing the flow of goods and services. Southern New Hampshire University and Colorado Technical University offer top-notch programs in this field.
8. Marketing
If you’re interested in advertising, digital marketing, or brand management, an accelerated marketing degree could be the right fit. Learn skills like digital marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, and social media marketing while completing your degree in just 12-18 months. Purdue Global and Western Governors University offer strong marketing programs online.
9. Legal Studies
A legal studies degree can help you launch a career as a paralegal, legal assistant, or court reporter. Learn about legal research, court procedures, and civil law in an accelerated program lasting 12 to 24 months. University of Maryland Global and Eastern Kentucky University offer programs that cater to busy professionals.
10. Education
Accelerated education degrees prepare you to teach students at all levels. Whether you’re interested in primary, secondary, or adult education, this degree can get you on the path to a rewarding teaching career in just 18-24 months. Purdue Global and ASU Online offer programs with flexible schedules for working adults.
11. Human Resources
If you want to pursue a career in HR, an accelerated HR degree can help you fast-track your career. Learn how to manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational behaviour in 12-18 months. The University of Phoenix and Franklin University offer specialized programs for HR professionals.
12. Information Technology
With IT jobs growing fast, an accelerated degree in information technology can open doors to high-paying roles in network management, cybersecurity, and tech support. Complete your degree in 12-24 months with programs offered by the University of Maryland Global and Western Governors University.
13. Nursing
Earn your degree and advance your career with an accelerated nursing program. While it may take 18-36 months, many programs offer credit for prior healthcare experience, helping you finish faster. Purdue Global and Walden University offer online nursing degrees for professionals seeking flexibility.
14. Finance
An accelerated finance degree equips you with the skills to work in investment banking, financial analysis, and corporate finance. With programs lasting 12-24 months, graduates can expect high salaries and job stability. Colorado Technical University and Southern New Hampshire University provide great options.
15. Art & Design
An accelerated art and design degree offers flexibility to working professionals interested in pursuing careers in graphic design, digital media, or web development. Complete your degree in 12-18 months with online programs from Academy of Art University or Full Sail University.
How to Earn Your Accelerated Degree Online as a Working Adult
As a working adult, earning a degree might feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, modern education systems are designed to make your journey as smooth as possible:
1. Online Courses
Many schools offer 100% online programs that let you complete coursework on your own time, making it easy to study around your work schedule. Courses are typically offered in either asynchronous or synchronous formats.
2. Self-Paced Learning
If you’re looking to graduate faster, self-paced programs may be the best fit. These programs allow you to progress through coursework as quickly as you are able, with the added benefit of lower tuition costs if you finish earlier.
3. Credit for Prior Learning
Some schools award credit for work experience, independent study, or professional certifications, which can help you complete your degree faster. You can inquire about Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) to determine if your previous work experience counts toward your degree.
4. Testing Out of Classes
You can also bypass some general education courses by passing College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, which can significantly speed up your degree program.
General FAQs:
What is the fastest degree I can earn online?
Accelerated programs like business administration and marketing can be completed in as little as 12 months.
How do I know if an accelerated program is right for me?
Accelerated programs are great if you’re looking to finish faster and have the time to dedicate to intensive learning.
Can I work full-time while completing an accelerated online degree?
Yes, many programs offer flexible schedules and asynchronous learning, allowing you to study around your work hours.
What are the benefits of an accelerated degree?
The main benefit is the ability to complete your degree quickly, allowing you to advance your career and increase earning potential faster.
How do I apply for an accelerated online degree?
Start by researching accredited universities and their online programs, then check the application requirements on their websites.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is meant for general informational purposes. Program details, including duration, cost, and content, may vary by school. Always verify details directly with the institution before making decisions.
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