Fastest Online Degrees: How to Earn a Credential in Record Time

Key Takeaways

• Associate degrees can be completed in as little as 12months when you use credit‑by‑exam and prior‑learning assessment.
• Competency‑based programs let you finish as soon as you demonstrate mastery, often in 6‑9months.
• Accelerated bachelor's tracks shave 12‑18months off the traditional 3‑year online timeline.
• Choosing a reputable, accredited provider is critical for credit transfer and employer recognition.
• Plan your course load, map existing credits, and schedule exams early to stay on track.

When you hear the phrase online degree is a formal qualification earned through a university or college that delivers all coursework via the internet. It can range from a one‑year associate credential to a multi‑year bachelor’s or master’s program, depending on the structure and pacing you choose.

Finding the quickest online degree isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about selecting programs that let you convert existing knowledge into credits, study at your own speed, and avoid unnecessary semesters. Below we break down the fastest routes, how they work, and what to watch out for.

What Makes a Degree "Quickest"?

Speed isn’t measured only in calendar months. Three factors usually decide how fast you can finish:

1. Program design - Does the school offer accelerated semesters, competency‑based pacing, or stackable credentials?
2. Credit acquisition - Can you earn credits through exams, prior‑learning assessment (PLA), or credit transfer?
3. Student commitment - How many hours per week can you realistically devote to studying?

When all three line up, you can shrink a typical 2‑year associate degree to under a year, or a 3‑year bachelor’s to 18‑24 months.

Fastest Credential Types

Here’s a quick rundown of the degree formats that consistently rank as the fastest online options.

Associate Degree is a two‑year post‑secondary credential that often serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor's. Many institutions offer accelerated pathways that let you finish in 12‑18months.

Bachelor's Degree traditionally requires three to four years full‑time, but accelerated online tracks compress coursework into 8‑month semesters and leverage credit‑by‑exam options to shave 12‑18months off.

Master's Degree can be completed in as little as 12months if you choose a competency‑based or intensive cohort model that packs the same credit load into a tighter schedule.

Competency‑Based Degree measures progress by demonstrated skill rather than time. Students who already know the material can finish modules in days, often completing a full degree in 6‑9months.

Credit‑by‑Exam programs let you test out of entire courses. Popular exams include CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests).

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) evaluates work experience, certifications, or military training for academic credit, cutting out courses you’ve already mastered.

Accreditation Body is an organization that verifies a school's quality and ensures credits will transfer. In the U.K., the Office for Students (OfS) is the main regulator; in the U.S., regional accreditors and the DEAC play that role.

MOOC Platform such as Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn often partners with universities to offer credit‑eligible courses that can count toward a degree.

Comparison of the Fastest Online Degrees

How to Accelerate Your Online Degree

Speed comes from turning what you already know into credits. Here are the most common levers.

1. Credit‑by‑Exam: Register for CLEP or DSST exams that map to required course outcomes. A single exam can replace a 3‑credit class, shaving a full semester.
2. Prior Learning Assessment: Submit a detailed portfolio-work samples, certifications, or military training-for each competency the school evaluates. Many schools grant up to 30credits via PLA.
3. Stackable Micro‑Credentials: Earn industry‑recognized certificates (e.g., Google IT Support, CompTIA) that partner with universities for direct credit conversion.
4. Competency‑Based Scheduling: Choose programs that let you advance once you pass a mastery test, rather than waiting for a semester to end.
5. Transfer Existing Credits: If you already have an associate degree, many institutions accept up to 90credits, effectively eliminating the first year of a bachelor's.

Make a credit‑mapping spreadsheet early on. List every exam you can take, every certification you hold, and any previous coursework. Then match each item to the target program’s required courses. The more overlaps you find, the quicker you graduate.

Pros and Cons of the Fast‑Track Approach

Advantages

• Reduced tuition because you take fewer credit‑hours.
• Enter the job market sooner, increasing potential earnings.
• Maintains momentum-studying full‑time keeps concepts fresh.
• Often includes built‑in career services geared toward fast‑moving professionals.

Potential Drawbacks

• Heavy workload can cause burnout if you don’t plan breaks.
• Some employers still value traditional timelines; be ready to explain your accelerated path.
• Limited electives - you may miss out on broader liberal‑arts exposure.
• Not all programs accept credit‑by‑exam for core courses, so research is essential.

Checklist: Picking the Right Fast Online Degree

1. Confirm the school’s accreditation (regional or national) and that credits will transfer.
2. Identify which credit‑by‑exam or PLA options the program accepts.
3. Calculate total cost after factoring out exams, credit grants, and tuition per credit.
4. Verify the program’s student support - tutoring, career counseling, technical help.
5. Check the time‑to‑completion guarantee (some schools promise a finish date as long as you stay enrolled full‑time).
6. Read alumni reviews about workload and real‑world outcomes.

Real‑World Example: From High School to Associate in 12Months

Jane, a 22‑year‑old retail manager in Birmingham, wanted a credential to move into logistics. She enrolled in an online associate program that accepts CLEP exams. Jane already held a CompTIA IT Fundamentals certificate.

• Step1: She took CLEP exams for English Composition and Introductory Psychology, earning 12 credits.
• Step2: Her CompTIA certificate translated into a 3‑credit IT Fundamentals course.
• Step3: She completed the remaining 45 credits over four intensive 8‑week blocks, studying 20hours per week.

Result? Jane earned her associate degree in 12months, paid just $9,200 in tuition, and landed a logistics coordinator role within two months of graduation.

Next Steps for You

1. List your existing qualifications, certifications, and work experience.
2. Choose a target credential (associate, bachelor’s, etc.) based on career goals.
3. Search accredited online schools that advertise accelerated or competency‑based pathways.
4. Contact admissions to confirm which credit‑by‑exam and PLA options they support.
5. Build a timeline that matches your available study hours with the program’s enrollment periods.