What You Should Know About This Degree
Accelerated bachelor’s degrees usually award either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. However, you may also find programs that award a Bachelor of Business or a Bachelor of Nursing. The main difference is in the core classes required.
Look for regional and national accreditations, and pay attention to any specific accreditations if you’re going into a certain field such as healthcare or computers. In some industries, certain accreditations are considered better than others for employment.
The job outlook for those with a bachelor’s degree is strong and expected to grow. Getting your bachelor’s degree also sets the stage for a master’s degree in the future. In general, the higher your education level, the better your job outlook.
Make sure to see if you will need any specific certifications or licenses for your chosen career path. For example, if you are majoring in accounting, you will need to pass the test to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in many cases.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online schools with accelerated bachelor’s degrees:
- Am I eligible for this program? While you generally need a high school diploma to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree program, accelerated programs often ask for SAT and ACT scores, a certain GPA, or demonstrated work history to show that you have the skills necessary to be successful in an expedited program.
- How long does it take to complete this degree? A traditional bachelor’s degree takes about four years to finish if you attend full-time. Accelerated programs vary in their requirements, but some can be finished in as little as 18 months.
As you are getting ready to apply to an accelerated bachelor’s program, make sure to keep track of all deadlines and information you need to provide. These programs often have very specific start dates, and if you miss a deadline or haven’t provided a transcript or test result, you may have to wait until the next round begins.
If you will need help paying for your degree, you’ll also want to talk to the financial aid office about any scholarship, grant, and loan opportunities.