Whether you're a new student or an adult learner returning to finish your degree, you have a lot of options for the type of degree program you choose.
Many colleges and universities now offer accelerated programs that allow you to finish your degree in less time.
Below, we'll break down the differences between traditional and accelerated undergraduate degree programs and explain a little more about the different types of accelerated options.
What Does a Traditional Degree Program Look Like?
Traditional degree programs may vary slightly between institutions and programs, but they usually look pretty similar.
Most schools use a semester-based program, where terms are 15 to 17 weeks long with terms in fall and spring. Sometimes there are shortened summer sessions available.
Some schools may use a quarter-based system where terms are about 10 weeks long. Usually the terms are in the fall, winter, and spring. They may also offer a summer session.
Every course you take in college is worth a certain amount of credits, usually three or four but sometimes less. You'll need to complete a minimum number of credits before you can graduate.
Associate Degree Programs
Associate degree programs require around 60 semester credits. Students spend the first year or year and a half completing general courses and then move on to major courses.
Not all students at the associate level choose a major. Some earn general associate degrees to ensure they've completed all their general requirements, then transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor's degree programs usually require at least 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits. It usually takes students four years to complete all the credits they need.
Typically, in bachelor's programs, students spend the first half of their program completing their general core classes.
These general education requirements are set by the school and usually include some sort of composition course, as well as courses in math, science, and humanities, among others.
Students then spend the final half of their program focused on the courses in their major program.
Master's Degree Programs
Graduate-level programs can vary greatly in the number of credits they require and the amount of time they take to complete.
Master's degree programs usually take two years, but they can range from a year to four years. Doctorate programs can take several years to complete.
What Does an Accelerated Degree Program Look Like?
Accelerated degree programs are programs that are meant to help you earn your degree in a faster time frame than traditional programs.
There are many different ways a college or university may accelerate the learning process, and often colleges use two or more to help you earn your degree faster.
Accelerated degree programs are often, but not always, offered online to provide more flexibility to students.
We've listed some of the more common ways colleges accelerate their degree programs below.
Accelerated Terms
One way colleges and universities allow students to get through their programs faster is by offering shorter course terms instead of semester or quarter-long terms.
For example, National University, a university based in California that offers a variety of online programs, offers four- and eight-week terms.
This format has several benefits for students. First, they often allow students to start at the beginning of any term, so students aren't waiting months to begin their program.
An accelerated schedule allows students to get through courses faster, and adjust their course load around their work and home life.
However, it's important to note that these accelerated classes are often more condensed. You aren't learning less, you're just learning faster.
As a result, while you may take four courses a semester in a traditional college plan, you wouldn't want to take four courses per four-week term.
You'll still finish at a faster pace, but it's important not to take on too much and burn yourself out.
Accepting Transfer Credits
Many schools help students complete their degree programs by accepting high amounts of transfer credits.
For example, Southern New Hampshire University, a private university with a large online campus, will accept up to 90 undergraduate transfer credits.
This doesn't necessarily mean your entire degree takes less time, but it does mean you won't have to repeat courses.
This is great for students who started a degree program but then had to leave for one reason for another and now want to finish their degree quickly.
Competency-Based Plans
Competency-based plans are another way colleges can help students earn their degrees. In these programs, students are able to test out of classes they know the material for.
This is great if you have experience in a certain area or are just really interested in a particular subject.
These programs aren't very common and are usually mixed with other methods of degree acceleration, like credit for experience or self-paced classes.
Credit for Experience
Some colleges and universities give you credit for life or work experience, especially if you have a license, certification, or other type of credential.
These credentials can prove you already know the material being taught, allowing you to skip some classes.
Some programs may have you take a competency exam to determine how much you know, as explained above.
Self-Paced Classes
Self-paced classes are about as far from the traditional degree model as you can get. These programs allow you to go through classes as quickly or slowly as you need.
They may be partnered with competency-based plans. For example, Purdue Global, the online branch of Indiana's public Purdue Global, offers ExcelTrack programs.
These programs have you start by testing your knowledge. You then finish whatever parts of the course you don't already know.
You finish these courses at your own pace and can take as many courses as you want per term for one flat fee.
Mixing Methods
Many colleges mix these methods to help students achieve their goals faster.
One common example of this is registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
Many colleges offer these programs. These are for students who have completed their associate degrees in nursing and obtained their RN license.
Students first receive credit for their associate program, then a certain amount of credits for holding their RN license.
As a result, some RN to BSN programs take as little as one year to complete.
Find the Right Degree Program for You
There are benefits to both a traditional and accelerated degree program. Using the information above, you can find the right type of degree program to fit your needs.
