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How Long Does it Take to Complete an Online Degree?
Typically, those pursing online degrees have a great deal of other things on their palate. The convenience factor plays a large part in the decision to attend an online school versus attending a traditional "brick and mortar" campus program. The option to perform school work at non-traditional hours is often a bonus for those who have careers and families, which often take paramount to term papers and pop quizzes! But, even though your daily life may trump the "small stuff" like minor assignments and quizzes — obtaining a degree is a pressing goal. After all, you are earning a degree so that you can more forward in your life and your career, not because you long to be in school forever! But, how long can you actually expect to be in school? How long does it take to complete online degree programs?
The answer to this question lies in the type of program you enroll in. Because most online degree programs are geared toward the adult learner, you can expect to find a variety of accelerated degree programs. Whereas most traditional Bachelor's degree programs can be expected to be completed in about four years, or eight semesters of coursework — accelerated online education programs can be expected to be completed in about half of that time — or two years, on average. The reason for this is that the Higher Learning Commission found that adult learners benefited greatly from the shorter class length and more flexible schedule that accompany online learning.
Typically, online programs propose the same amount of classes and class work, but do not run in traditional "semesters." Whereas a traditional college school year calendar will require that a full time student enroll in a certain amount of course hours over a time frame of a number of months, with month long (or longer) break periods between semesters — online schools tend to run continuously throughout the year. Instead of enrolling in five 3 credit courses over the course of four months and completing them all at the same time — an online student will often perform the coursework from one class over the course of one month, and complete that class before moving on to the next. Online classes occur year round, through the time periods in which a campus based college program would contain vacations. In this way, a student works continuously for two solid years before obtaining an accelerated degree. The same amount of coursework is completed as would be with a traditional four year degree, but in half the time.
Of course, there are always exceptions. If an online learner chooses to take classes at the same rate as a traditional campus based approach, there are online schools that encourage that, as well as online programs through traditional colleges (which will often run in conjunction with the traditional semesters). Though the average online Bachelor's degree takes approximately two years to complete, if you choose to move more slowly, many schools will allow it!
Graduate with an Online Degree from One of These Top Online Schools
Capella offers numerous degree programs in over 50 ares of study. This accredited online university over 38,000 students enrolled from 52 countries and all 50 states. Learn more...
Kaplan University offers online Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in some of today's most in-demand fields, including: arts, business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, information systems, legal or paralegal, and nursing. Learn more...
Everest online education offers online college degrees in accounting, business, computer information science, criminal investigations, criminal justice, homeland security, medical insurance billing and coding, and paralegal. Learn more...
The AIU Online degree programs allow students the freedom to study online anytime to achieve their Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degrees in a wide range of degree programs. Learn more...
At South University, you can pursue an Associate's or Bachelor's degree at the undergraduate level, or a Master's degree. Established in 1899, South University offers online programs and campus locations throughout the southeastern United States. Learn more...