A bachelor’s degree in business management is a versatile degree that can prepare you for a long career in leadership. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations is expected to increase by 8% over the next decade, and the median annual wage for professionals in this field was $102,450 in May 2021, making this a great career choice for individuals who prioritize high pay and job security.
But the time commitment required to earn a degree can be a major deterrent for some people, leading them to search for other, more suitable options.
If you’re interested in fast-tracking your education, there are several ways you can earn a degree in less than the standard four years. From increasing your course load to earning prior learning credits, there are plenty of effective ways to earn your degree in less time.
Here’s a closer look at how you can speed up your degree program, as well as a selection of the fastest online bachelor’s degree programs in business management.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Business Management?
A bachelor’s degree in business management typically requires four years of full-time study, equal to 12 credit hours per semester. This is the standard timeframe for most bachelor’s degree programs, but this time commitment can be daunting for those interested in starting their careers as soon as possible.
However, online degree programs offer flexibility that can significantly reduce the time needed for completion. More specifically, online programs often offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their degrees faster than normal.
Accelerated programs in business management are designed to provide a condensed curriculum without compromising the quality of education. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of motivated individuals who wish to fast-track their education and enter the job market or advance their careers more quickly. By choosing an accelerated online program, students can complete their degree in a shorter period, often two to three years.
How to Speed Up Your Degree Program
Accelerated programs aren’t the only way to save time when earning your degree. Even if you enroll in a traditional program, you may be able to get your degree in less than four years by taking more credit hours every semester, earning prior learning credits, and taking classes during the shortened winter and summer semesters.
If you’re considering pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in business management and want to expedite your graduation, here are some of the strategies you can employ.
Prior learning assessment
One effective way to accelerate your degree program is through prior learning assessments (PLA). Many universities offer PLA programs that allow students to earn college credits for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting. This can include credits earned through examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, or workplace training.
By demonstrating proficiency in specific subjects, you can bypass certain courses and earn credits, reducing the number of courses you need to complete. This can potentially save you both time and money while still obtaining a valuable degree.
The amount of time that prior learning credits can save you will depend on the extent of your prior experience and the university you’re applying to. Many institutions place caps on the amount of credit you can earn from prior experience, so be sure to check with your school for more information about PLAs.
Take classes during the winter and summer
Another effective strategy is to take advantage of winter and summer sessions offered by your online institution. While traditional programs typically operate on a fall and spring semester schedule, online universities often provide additional sessions throughout the year. By enrolling in courses during these shorter sessions, you can accumulate credits more rapidly and make progress towards your degree even during the off-season.
This approach requires careful planning and dedication, as the workload can be more intensive during these condensed periods. However, the ability to complete courses at an accelerated pace can significantly reduce the overall duration of your degree program.
Increase your course load
If you have the time and energy, increasing your course load is an effective way to expedite your degree completion. Most colleges consider 12 credit hours as a full-time semester. However, if you can manage a higher workload, you may be able to take on additional classes per semester to expedite your degree program.
Before increasing your course load, it is important to consult with your academic advisor to ensure that you can handle the extra work without sacrificing the quality of your education. While some students thrive under a heavier course load, others may find it overwhelming. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while striving for academic excellence is crucial.
If you plan to go this route, you should also have a plan in place to keep up with your coursework. Try to set and stick to specific study times, and if possible, have a dedicated study room or home office that you can use to complete your work without distractions.
It’s worth noting that most institutions have a limit on the number of credits students can take per semester, typically capped at 18 credits. This cap is typically to deter students from overwhelming themselves by taking on more work than they can handle. Be mindful of these restrictions and consider your personal capabilities and responsibilities before deciding to take on a heavier course load.
Obtaining an online bachelor’s degree in business management can be a great experience that opens doors to various career opportunities. By choosing a program designed for accelerated learning and employing strategies such as prior learning assessment, taking classes during winter and summer sessions, and increasing your course load, you can expedite your degree completion without compromising the quality of your education.
Our Research
This list features some of the country’s fastest online bachelor’s programs in business management. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the fastest online bachelor’s programs in business management to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The 50 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business Management
