How to Get a Bachelor's Degree Fast
For some, spending four years at a university can feel like an eternity; for others, it might mean a significant investment, and it can be especially challenging for those who need to find a job quickly. However, there are alternatives that can help you earn your degree faster and save on costs.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to build a strategic plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in less time and without breaking the bank.
1. Get an Associate’s Degree
An Associate of Applied Arts and Science (AAS) degree is a fast-track alternative usually offered at technical or community colleges. It’s designed to provide you with essential technical and academic knowledge, as well as develop the skills needed to find a job quickly.
An AAS degree can be a sufficient qualification to improve employment prospects and secure entry-level roles after two years of studying. However, if you're looking to advance in your career, earn a higher salary and land managerial and supervisory roles, you can use your associate degree credits to complete a bachelor's degree faster, which brings us to the next step.
2. Apply for a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS)
Once you earn your AAS degree, you can apply for BAAS degree by transferring your credits. A BAAS program builds on the technical skills acquired during your AAS degree, often requiring fewer general education credits. This can streamline the process and is considered one of the quickest ways to get a bachelor’s degree.
If you opt for an online BAAS program, you can take asynchronous courses, which means you can access course materials, lectures and assignments at any time, allowing you to study at your own pace.
As we said, by completing an AAS first, you can enter the workforce sooner, start gaining practical experience and earn money while you continue your education. If you work a 9-to-5 job, with online learning, you can study in the evenings or on weekends, fitting your education around your work schedule and being able to complete your bachelor’s to advance your career.
When you obtain your degree, you can potentially increase your earnings, as the BAAS salary is usually higher than that of an AAS job.
3. Take Summer Courses
Maximizing the use of summer terms can be a strategic approach to accelerate your path to a bachelor's degree. By enrolling in summer courses, you can earn extra credits outside the traditional fall and spring semesters and reduce the overall time needed to complete your degree.
This method is particularly beneficial when you're transferring credits from an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, as it allows you to build on your existing coursework and progress through your bachelor's program more quickly.
Incorporating summer classes into your academic plan helps expedite your graduation and enables you to enter the workforce or advance your career sooner.
As you can see, earning a bachelor’s degree fast while working is entirely achievable. On our program page, you can discover more about the concentration areas for the online BAAS at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and explore the course overview that can help you earn your degree as quickly as possible.
