I’m really starting to consider going back to school to get my bachelor’s degree, but honestly, I’m working full-time and have a family. The only way I can realistically see myself doing this is through an online program.
But I’m completely overwhelmed by the time commitment. I’ve seen everything from 18 months to 6 years, and I’m not sure what to believe. I’m interested in a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, if that makes a difference.
So, what are realistic timeframes for completing an online bachelor’s degree? Does it depend on the school? My prior college credits (I have about 30 hours from years ago)? Or something else entirely? I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have gone through this! Knowing what to expect will help me make a decision.
Answer
The time it takes to complete an online degree varies significantly depending on several factors, including the degree level, program structure, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and the institution offering the program. Here’s a breakdown of the typical durations for various online degree programs:
Associate Degrees:
- Traditional On-Campus Programs: Typically take two years to complete when enrolled full-time.
- Online Programs: Can also be completed in approximately two years when studying full-time. However, some accelerated online programs allow students to finish in as little as 18 months. Part-time enrollment can extend the completion time to three years or longer. The number of required credit hours is generally around 60.
Bachelor’s Degrees:
- Traditional On-Campus Programs: Usually require four years of full-time study.
- Online Programs: Generally follow a similar timeline of four years for full-time students. Accelerated online programs might enable completion in as few as three years. Part-time students may take five to six years, or even longer, to graduate. Bachelor’s degrees generally require around 120 credit hours. Students with existing college credits earned through AP courses, dual enrollment, or previous college coursework may be able to transfer those credits, shortening the overall time to completion.
Master’s Degrees:
- Traditional On-Campus Programs: Typically take one to two years of full-time study to complete.
- Online Programs: Completion time is usually one to three years. Accelerated online master’s programs may be completed in as little as one year. Part-time students may take three to five years to finish their degree. Master’s degrees usually require 30 to 60 credit hours, depending on the program and specialization.
Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.):
- Traditional On-Campus Programs: Can take four to eight years to complete after a bachelor’s degree, depending on the field and the research requirements.
- Online Programs: Online doctoral programs typically take three to seven years to complete. The time frame can fluctuate widely based on the dissertation or research component, the student’s pace, and the specific program requirements. Some programs may require intensive residencies or on-campus components, which can influence the overall timeline. Credit hour requirements vary widely, often between 60 and 120 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.
Factors Affecting Completion Time:
- Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment: Full-time students generally complete their degrees in a shorter time frame than part-time students, as they take more courses per semester or term.
- Accelerated Programs: Some online programs are designed to be completed at a faster pace, with shorter semesters or more intensive coursework. These programs allow students to graduate sooner, but require a significant time commitment and the ability to manage a heavier workload.
- Transfer Credits: Students who have earned college credits previously (e.g., through AP courses, dual enrollment programs, or prior college attendance) may be able to transfer those credits toward their online degree, reducing the number of courses they need to take and shortening the overall completion time.
- Program Structure: The specific curriculum and course sequencing of a program can impact the completion time. Some programs have more flexible structures that allow students to progress at their own pace, while others have more rigid requirements.
- Individual Pace and Commitment: A student’s motivation, study habits, and available time can all influence how quickly they complete their online degree. Students who are highly motivated and disciplined are more likely to stay on track and graduate within the estimated timeframe.
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Some institutions offer PLA, allowing students to earn credit for prior learning experiences, professional certifications, or work experience. Earning credit through PLA can reduce the number of required courses.
- Leave of Absence/Breaks: Taking time off from studies for personal or professional reasons will naturally extend the time it takes to complete a degree.
- Course Availability: While most online programs are designed with consistent course availability, unforeseen circumstances (e.g., instructor unavailability, low enrollment in a specific course) can sometimes cause delays.
In summary, while there are typical timeframes for completing online degrees, individual circumstances and program-specific factors play a significant role in determining the actual duration. Prospective students should carefully research programs, consider their own learning styles and time commitments, and inquire about factors such as transfer credit policies and accelerated options to estimate the time to completion accurately.
