A Detailed Guide to Fast-Track Degrees: What You Need to Know

Are you eager to complete your studies and frame your certificate as soon as possible? Or maybe you’re aiming to land a job within the next year? If so, a fast-track degree could be the perfect solution for you.

What is a Fast-Track Degree?

So, what exactly does it mean to fast-track a degree in the first place? Sometimes known as an accelerated degree, it refers to any degree or certified qualification undertaken at a faster pace or within a period of time. Many fast-tracked programs are online-based, but hybrid and in-person learning modes are also available. 

In the U.S., a student typically needs to complete 120 credit points (which equates to around 40 classes) to earn an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. Students attending college/university and studying full-time usually finish this coursework in the recommended four to five-year timespan – though according to recent studies by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average student actually takes around six years. Of course, various factors, like deciding to change majors or taking fewer classes each semester (reduced course load), can alter one’s study duration. 

A fast-tracked or accelerated degree allows you to earn your degree earlier than the traditional timeframe allotted for the course; you are literally fast-tracking your studies. For example, if you enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s degree course, you can complete it in three years instead of four. However, this still depends on the type of program you choose – with some courses, the qualification can be earned in just two years on an accelerated program. 

Types of Accelerated Degrees

While we have touched on fast-tracking for bachelor degrees, let’s get into more detail about some of the most common types of accelerated degrees:

Single Degree Program

Degree-seekers can earn a single undergraduate (as mentioned before) or graduate degree qualification in an accelerated format under a single degree program. The courseload is heavier than the standard program, along with occasional summer sessions. Some programs offer credit for prior learning or any advanced placement exams (AP) which reduces the duration of the degree and credit requirements even further.

Dual Degree Program

This should not be confused with a double major, as many people do mix them up. A double major is earning a single degree in two subjects, while a dual degree program is when students aim to earn two qualifications – such as a bachelor’s and a master’s degree – faster than it would take to do them separately. 

For example, a student might choose to do a Bachelor of Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. More commonly, however, the majority of students choose a double bachelor’s or a double master’s as part of their fast-tracked dual degree program.

Taking more courses does mean higher tuition overall, but most dual-degree programs have overlapping classes, which can help students cut costs.

Accelerated Law Degree (or, 3+3 J.D.)

A 3+3 J.D. program combines your final undergraduate year with your first year in law school. This means that students can earn both a Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor (J.D.) in six years instead of the traditional seven years or more (four years undergraduate and three years law school). 

Students complete three years of undergraduate coursework before applying to an affiliated law school. If accepted, their first year of law school counts as the final year of their bachelor’s degree. They then complete the remaining three years of law school, following the standard JD curriculum. This program helps students save time and transition seamlessly into legal studies.

Obviously, exact arrangements vary between each law school and the program offered, so you should be in close contact with your academic advisors to ensure all degree requirements are being met. 

Another important thing to take note of is that some 3+3 J.D. programs offer internship opportunities to students in their undergraduate years, which can provide some foundational hands-on experience in law firms and the legal field in general. 

Accelerated Nursing Programs & Medical School Degrees

These are specialized programs designed to assist students in becoming registered nurses under a shorter study period. They are ideal for those with a nursing bachelor’s degree who want a quick transition into nursing. It is also suitable for those who wish to enter the nursing and healthcare field from another industry while equipping themselves with the necessary education and skills. 

Like all other accelerated or fast-tracked programs, academic standards are rigorous. Students will need to spend a significant amount of time on placements to fulfill their clinical hours in a short period. This is to gain clinical knowledge in a healthcare setting and accumulate experience in working with patients under the supervision of licensed mentors. 

Accelerated Medical School Degrees

Accelerated medical school degrees condense the typical four-year-long curriculum to approximately three years. 

Like accelerated nursing programs, fast-tracked medical programs require students to spend additional time in clinical practice, though this typically occurs during the final year and depends on the field of specialization you want to take. For example, the time it takes for a person to graduate from an accelerated medical school program specializing in neurosurgery will differ significantly from that of a person focusing on internal medicine.

Accelerated PhD (Doctorate) Programs

Some institutions also offer fast-tracked doctorate programs. Usually, a doctorate program takes around five to seven years to complete, while doing it at an accelerated pace would only take around three to four years. Students can do their specific areas of research through intensive academic experiences while being able to finish their research at an earlier time. As always, these are subject to which area of study you want to undertake or are undertaking. 

Benefits of Doing A Fast-Track Degree

Fast career entry (or progression)

One of the biggest advantages of doing a fast-track degree is the opportunity to begin your career earlier. By completing your degree in less time, you logically can enter the workforce and gain professional experience sooner than your classmates who are still studying at school. This gives you a big competitive edge in the job market, especially if you are ambitious about career progression. 

By getting work experience years ahead of peers it also means you can earn money and enjoy a graduate salary sooner than others. 

Cost savings on tuition and living expenses

Spending less time in school also means spending less money. Accelerated programs are a more affordable way to earn your degree, which is why many students also opt for programs with online learning modes—they help cut costs by eliminating fees tied to in-person or hybrid learning.

If you trim your undergraduate degree by approximately six months (a semester’s worth of credits), you could save yourself more than $7500. In addition, as long as the institution you are studying is accredited, you can always apply for Federal Financial Aid to offset more short-term costs. 

Flexible learning opportunities

If you are a non-traditional learner, which means you might have a full-time job or family caretaking duties, then accelerated programs might just be the perfect option for you. Many professional students choose the online mode of learning for their fast-tracked degree as it allows more space to manage studies and other responsibilities such as work and family. 

Another benefit of fast-tracked degrees is the option of doing self-paced learning. This allows students to progress through courses at their own pace. It is great for those who want to move faster through the material they already understand while allocating more time to focus on the difficult and unknown areas. 

Preparation for licensing exams and registration

Fast-tracking through an academic program might be particularly beneficial when preparing for relevant licensing exams and registration in fields that require them. Along with reducing the time to complete the course, institutions may provide targeted support to ensure you are prepared and meet the requirements for these licensing/examination processes. 

For example, if you have already completed a bachelor’s degree (regardless of field) and want to become a registered nurse, then you may choose to consider Elmhurst University’s online ABSN programs as a viable fast-track option. The typical two to three-year curriculum is shortened to 16 months, and you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a flexible program that combines online coursework with in-person clinical training. You will complete two on-campus residencies and clinical placements to acquire real-world experience in a clinical setting. After graduation, you will be ready to take the RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) to begin your nursing journey. 

Who Should Consider an Accelerated Degree

An accelerated degree is perfect for motivated students who are eager to finish school faster. It’s a great choice for those who want to save on tuition, start their careers sooner, or switch professions quickly. If you’re good at managing a heavy workload and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be a great fit. However, if you prefer a more flexible schedule or need extra time to balance school with other commitments, a traditional program might work better.

Before you enroll, it is essential to evaluate whether a fast-tracked degree really aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and capacity for a more academically intense academic experience. To help guide this decision, here are some questions you may ask yourself:

• Am I motivated, self-disciplined, and goal-oriented? 
• Am I looking to enter the workforce quickly?
• Am I wanting to change careers or advance quickly in my current career? 
• Do I have the existing qualifications and am looking to upskill? 
• Do I have a clear focus and pathway?
• Do I have the time and flexibility to commit to my studies?

How To Choose the Right Fast-Track Degree

So you think you tick all the boxes – but how do you choose the right degree? 

Consider the accreditation and reputation of institutions

Considering the accreditation and reputation of the institution is crucial. They can play a decisive factor in determining the value of your degree, career prospects, and opportunities. 

Some education institutions are accredited by an independent body, which is assigned to evaluate the quality of that institution and the program provided against established standards. It ensures programs are meeting industry standards and are up-to-date. Not all employers view accelerated or fast-track degrees equally, so checking if the institution is reputable is vital. 

Course flexibility and delivery format

Which learning mode do you prefer and best fits your schedule? You need to know if you can balance your academic workload with other personal or professional responsibilities when taking the course and also whether the program itself fits your individual learning style. 

Industry recognition and career prospects

Confirming whether the qualification is recognized in the industry you plan to work in is important. For example, in the U.S each state has different licensing requirements for nurses; e.g., California is not part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) and requires students for licensure by endorsement or examination, while Texas is part of the NLC, which means nurses can practice in other compact states without additional licenses. 

A degree recognized and respected by industry leaders will inevitably be more valuable and increase your chances of securing a job/advancing your career. For career prospects, programs that offer strong job placement opportunities should be on your radar. It indicates that they have strong industry connections and can equip (or refine) the necessary skills and knowledge students need to thrive in the workforce.

Financial aid and scholarship options

Finally, while accelerated programs are cheaper than standard ones, they can still be expensive depending on the financial situation you might be in. Finding financial aid such as Federal Grants, Federal Loans, and Federal Work-Study programs can be a good way to have some guidance on managing your tuition costs. 

Moreover, always look out for scholarships to reduce the overall costs of your studies, as unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid and are always a highly desirable form of financial assistance.