An undergraduate degree is the most valuable way to extend your education beyond high school. Pursuing a college education exposes you to more advanced and highly specialized coursework, which is critical to preparing you for a professional career. Not only will you continue learning new information and problem-solving skills in college, but you will also gain confidence and become a more polished speaker and writer thanks to the training you go through to earn your undergraduate degree.
Possibly one of the most important aspects of college is that it gives you more real-life experience, which will make you a more competitive job candidate. You can also use your time as a student to build professional relationships and do some networking so that you have a head start in the job market upon graduation. Needless to say, an undergraduate degree is your ticket to an interesting, challenging and profitable career.
The amount of time you need to set aside to earn an undergraduate degree is dependant on what type of program you join. The general rule is that a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, while you can complete an associate’s degree program in just two years. However, these estimates are based upon full-time enrollment. You may find that being a part-time student is more suitable to your lifestyle, allowing you to work during the day and attend classes in the evenings and on weekends. Pursuing your degree online as opposed to on campus allows more flexibility. Continue reading for details on how long it takes to complete an undergraduate degree and what programs might work best for you.
Bachelor’s Degrees (Undergraduate): A full-time student will complete a bachelor’s degree in approximately four years if he or she sticks with a single major. Changing majors part way through the program or taking on a second major can lengthen the duration of the total coursework. Part-time students should expect to spend 6-8 years obtaining their undergraduate degree, depending on how many units they are able to handle each semester. If this timeline sounds too lengthy for you, try applying to a school that offers an accelerated undergraduate degree program.
Accelerated programs are ideal for working professionals who are focused on career goals. If you already have an associate’s degree, you can fast-track your progress towards completing a bachelor’s degree by taking the remaining courses online. Northeastern University has accelerated programs for eligible students with associate’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Similarly, Kent State University gives students the opportunity to pursue accelerated degrees in business and nursing.
Associate’s Undergraduate Degrees: The only way to accelerate your associate’s degree is with a hybrid coursework program or increased online course load. Working adults may find that this is the best option for moving up the corporate ladder without accumulating student loan debt.
Full-time students at the Colorado Technical University Online can get their online associate’s degree in one of 26 different professional fields including: Criminal Justice, Health Administrative Services and Surgical Technology. Students are required to work together to complete interactive projects and assignments online as a part of this undergraduate degree. Alternatively, the University of Phoenix has as accelerated option for part-time students where a majority of the required courses for an Associate of Arts degree are held online. The university has particularly strong programs in Communications, Accounting, and Elementary Education.
If you are already working but would like to pursue an undergraduate degree, online college classes are the best way to earn a valuable education quickly. Identify which type of undergraduate degree is needed to advance in your career field and find a school with an accelerated program. There are plenty of options available so that attending classes does not have to interrupt your current routine.
