Pursuing a degree is not only a major investment of your money, but also your time. So what if you could complete a degree faster than average and enter the workforce sooner? That’s possible when you choose an accelerated degree program. Designed to be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months, these programs offer the same level of education as a four year degree, only much faster. You can learn more about the areas of study offered in accelerated programs by searching online.
Accelerated degree programs are a flexible option for people wanting to pivot careers. Whether you want to learn business, healthcare or anything in between, you can search online to find out which institutions offer this type of degree.
Here are some of the top accelerated degree programs online.
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science at Purdue Global University
Time to complete: 12 months (10-week terms)
Purdue Global University offers an online program dedicated to the foundations of fire safety. Students will learn all about building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics. The curriculum also dives into technical and legal topics such as arson, technology and firefighting, and the psychological effects of fire dynamics.
The average salary for professionals with a fire science degree is $72,326.
Possible career paths:
- Firefighter
- Fire alarm technician
- Fire protection engineer
- Forensic science technician
- Investigation
Associate of Healthcare Administration at Herzing University
Time to complete: 16 months
You can become qualified for an entry-level job in the healthcare industry within two years at Herzing University. This online accelerated program provides students with foundational knowledge of the healthcare environment. You will learn basic medical terminology, health policies, health procedures, and patient privacy rules to prepare you for a career in healthcare administration.
The average salary for professionals with an associate’s in healthcare administration education ranges from $30,000 to $50,000.
Possible career paths:
- Medical administrative assistant
- Clinical assistant
- Medical transcriptionist
- Patient coordinator
- Medical biller
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management at Mercy College
Time to complete: 12 months
Get your degree in organizational management in as little as one year at Mercy College. This accelerated bachelor’s program provides you with transferable skills that can be applied to a number of job fields. You will learn how to apply management concepts in an integrated manager, examine global economic forces in business environments, and lots more. There is also a semester-long assignment that will have you work as a team to complete a programming or software engineering project.
The average salary for professionals with a degree in organizational management is $64,680.
Possible career paths:
- Human resource manager
- Management analyst
- Corporate labor relations manager
- Employment and recruiting manager
- Director of employee benefits and services
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at California Baptist University
Time to complete: 16 months
Those wanting to pursue an education in early childhood studies can complete their degree in as little as 16 months at California Baptist University. The program teaches you all about young children’s growth, which includes cognitive, social, emotional, and perceptual-motor development. It will also teach practical lessons about assessments and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.
The average salary for professionals with a degree in early childhood studies is $48,416.
Possible career paths:
- Childhood advocacy
- Child care facility operator or director
- Preschool teacher
- Home-based daycare provider
- Family support worker
Associate in Arts at Florida State College at Jacksonville
Time to Complete: 18 months
Obtaining an associate degree is a great option for people who need to meet requirements in order to apply to a bachelor’s program. At Florida State College, you can pursue this associate degree in as little as 18 months. It’s a good foundation that can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities. You will learn how to think critically and creatively, communicate, analyze problems scientifically, and understand the world from different perspectives.
The average salary for people with an associate degree in arts is $50,000.
Possible career paths:
- Marketing assistant
- Retail manager
- Customer service representative
- Administrative assistant
- Bank teller
Discover More Accelerated Degrees Online
There are tons of benefits to learning online. You can work entirely from the comfort of your home, make your own schedule, and programs can sometimes be more affordable. You can also feel at ease knowing the education you receive is just as credible as it would be if you attended a traditional institution.
Accelerated programs can have you graduated and ready to hit the workforce in as little as one year. To get started, start an online search. Explore the different degrees and career options available to help you decide on the path you want to pursue.