Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs: Do you dream of propelling yourself towards a new and exciting career path, but feel held back by the traditional two-year timeframe of an associate degree program? The world of education is constantly changing and new systems have been put in place; accelerated online associate degrees have become a game-changer for busy individuals seeking a faster route to career advancement.
Imagine the possibilities: earning your associate degree in a condensed format, often within just 12 to 18 months. This streamlined approach allows you to upskill or transition careers efficiently, all while managing your current work schedule and personal commitments. Accelerated online programs offer unparalleled flexibility, making them an ideal option for those who crave a career change but lack the time for a lengthy traditional program.
This article will provide a deep insight into the essential aspects of accelerated online associate degree programs. We have also curated a list of Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs for you to choose from.
Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs
Online accelerated degrees are specifically designed programs offered by institutions that allow you to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional programs. Here’s a breakdown of their key characteristics:
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Delivery Method: Conducted entirely online, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend on-campus classes due to work schedules, geographical constraints, or other commitments.
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Faster Completion: Accelerated programs condense the curriculum and course load, enabling students to complete their degrees in 12-18 months for associate degrees and 18-24 months for bachelor’s degrees, compared to the typical 2 years and 4 years respectively in traditional programs.
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Focus: These programs prioritize efficiency, often requiring a more rigorous study schedule and potentially involving intensive online sessions or shorter semesters.
Why Choose Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs?
- Quicker entry into the workforce: Graduates can enter their chosen field sooner, potentially leading to faster career advancement.
- Reduced cost: Shorter programs can translate to lower overall tuition fees.
- Flexibility: The online format caters to individuals seeking to balance their education with other responsibilities.
Important Considerations
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable agency to guarantee it meets quality educational standards.
- Program Structure: Evaluate the course format, including online learning platforms, workload, and potential for credit transfer from previous coursework.
- Time Management: The condensed nature of accelerated programs demands strong time management skills and dedication from students.
A Quick Glimpse At The Most Popular Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs
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Nursing (ADN): Prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam to provide direct patient care as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse (18-24 months). Registered nurses earn an average of $77,400, while licensed practical nurses earn $48,210 on average.
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Accounting: This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to manage financial data. Courses cover accounting principles, financial analysis, tax regulations, and software applications. You can launch your career as a bookkeeper, responsible for maintaining financial records and processing transactions (average salary: $45,860). Advancement opportunities exist for becoming an accountant, analyzing financial data, and providing tax advice (salary varies based on specialization and experience).
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Business Administration: This versatile degree provides a strong foundation in various business functions. You’ll delve into marketing principles, management strategies, and economic concepts. Career options include marketing associate, assisting with campaigns and market research (average salary: $41,940), or business management associate, overseeing daily operations and staff (average salary: $54,440). Entrepreneurial individuals can leverage their knowledge to launch and manage their own businesses (income varies significantly).
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Computer Science: Embark on a journey into the world of technology. This program equips you with expertise in programming languages like Python and Java, web development fundamentals, and software engineering principles. Career paths include computer support specialist, troubleshooting technical issues and providing user support (average salary: $59,660). Web developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications (average salary: $77,220). Highly skilled individuals can pursue careers as software engineers, creating and maintaining complex software applications (average salary: $110,560).
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Criminal Justice: This program delves into the intricacies of the legal system. You’ll gain a strong understanding of criminal law, procedures, criminology, and forensic science. Career opportunities include correctional officer, ensuring the safety and security of incarcerated individuals (average salary: $49,610). Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, writing, and case preparation (average salary: $59,200). Police officers enforce laws, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety (average salary: $67,290).
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Education: This path prepares you for a rewarding career shaping young minds. Courses cover child development, educational psychology, curriculum development, and teaching methods. Consider becoming a childcare worker, providing care and supervision for children in daycare centers or preschools (average salary: $28,520). Teachers educate students in elementary, middle, or high schools (salary varies depending on experience and level). Tutors can provide individualized instruction in specific subjects (salary varies depending on experience and qualifications).
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Healthcare Administration: This program equips you with the skills to navigate the complexities of healthcare finances and administration. You’ll gain knowledge of medical coding, healthcare law, and human resource management in healthcare settings. Career paths include medical billing and coding specialist, assigning medical codes for billing purposes (average salary: $46,240). Financial authorization associates verify insurance coverage and obtain pre-authorization for medical procedures (average salary: $48,290). Highly skilled individuals can pursue careers as health information managers, overseeing healthcare data and ensuring compliance with regulations (average salary: $99,730).
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Information Technology (IT): This program builds your technical foundation in computer hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and database management. You can launch an IT career as a computer support specialist, troubleshooting technical issues and providing user support (average salary: $59,660). Network administrators manage and maintain computer networks, while information security analysts safeguard computer systems from cyber threats (salary varies depending on specialization and experience).
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Medical Assisting: This program provides the training to work alongside healthcare professionals in both administrative and clinical settings. You’ll develop skills in patient care, administrative tasks, and assisting with medical procedures. Medical assistants earn an average annual salary of $38,270.
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Medical Coding: This program focuses on medical terminology and coding practices. You’ll learn to assign medical codes to procedures and diagnoses, crucial for accurate medical billing. Medical billing specialists can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
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Paralegal Studies: This program prepares you for a legal support career as a paralegal. You’ll gain expertise in legal research, writing, and office management skills, assisting lawyers with various legal tasks. Paralegals earn an average salary of $59,200.
Colleges That Offer The Best Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs
1. Cleveland Community College
CCC provides an accelerated online Associate Degree program with a concentration in business, where students progress through courses as part of a cohort. This intensive AAS program operates on a year-round schedule, allowing students to complete their degree in just 16 months.
The hybrid business program at CCC offers start options in both the fall and summer. The curriculum incorporates a service-learning component through cooperative education and independent study projects. Additionally, the AAS program includes a business and management technical certificate.
The average cost per credit is $171 for in-state students and $705 for out-of-state students.
2. Saint Louis Community College
STLCC provides an accelerated online General Transfer Studies program, offering a streamlined path toward earning an AA degree. Students have the flexibility to select from various majors and subjects, engaging in three eight-week classes per semester within their chosen interest area.
Completing the accelerated online program at STLCC can lead to graduation in just 18 months, positioning students for entry-level employment or facilitating a smooth transfer to a four-year university. Learners benefit from dedicated online advisors, online orientation, and virtual tutoring options.
The average cost per credit is $171 for in-state students and $233 for out-of-state students.
3. Western Piedmont Community College
WPCC’s Acceleration Academy provides pathway programs that lead to an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. Students have the option to complete two classes simultaneously during each eight-week term, allowing for graduation in a span of 21 months. WPCC offers both in-person and online classes covering introductory college subjects such as computers, government, and literature.
Classes at WPCC are available throughout the year, with semesters in the fall, spring, and summer. Students benefit from comprehensive support services, including personal counseling, disability assistance, and career services.
The average cost per credit is $76 for in-state students and $268 for out-of-state students.
4. Milwaukee Area Technical College
MATC provides various accelerated associate degree programs, including a general AA degree, as well as majors in IT Network Specialist, Marketing, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. These accelerated programs offer online, in-person, and hybrid enrollment options, allowing full-time students to complete their degree requirements in just one year.
For the IT Network Specialist and Marketing programs at MATC, internship requirements are incorporated. The online pathway programs feature courses lasting seven or eight weeks. Successful completion of an accelerated AA at MATC qualifies graduates for transfer to a partnering four-year university.
The average cost per credit varies by course load for both in-state and out-of-state students.
5. SUNY Corning Community College
SUNY Corning Community College provides accelerated online associate degrees in business administration, human services, and criminal justice. Students are required to attend one in-person class per week in addition to online courses to fulfill the degree requirements, allowing them to graduate in just 16 months.
SUNY is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and has established articulation agreements with several four-year institutions, including Upstate Medical University, Binghamton University, and Bellevue University.
The average cost per credit is $211 for in-state students and $346 for out-of-state students.
6. Ogeechee Technical College
OTC provides accelerated Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in logistics, criminal justice, and hotel/restaurant/tourism management. Students have the flexibility to select from online, hybrid, and in-person enrollment options, enabling them to complete their degree requirements in four semesters or less.
OTC does not impose additional tuition charges for courses exceeding 15 credits in a semester. Students may have the opportunity to earn placement credits based on prior work or college experience. OTC offers extensive support services, including counseling, tutoring, and career services.
The average cost per credit is $100 for in-state students and $200 for out-of-state students.
7. Moberly Area Community College
MACC provides an accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing, utilizing a combination of online classes and in-person clinical practicum requirements. Successful graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, and the entire accelerated program spans 12 months.
The annual application deadline for this program is September 1st. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 and meet general education and nursing prerequisites. Upon completing the accelerated ADN and passing the licensing exam, graduates may have the opportunity to enroll in a BSN program at a partnering four-year institution.
The average cost per credit is $93 for in-state students and $233 for out-of-state students. The program is accredited by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.