What Are The Types of Accelerated Degree Programs?
Are you interested in earning your Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree? If the duration of traditional degree programs does not impress you, you may want to consider enrolling in an accelerated program that can be completed in a much shorter span of time. An accelerated degree program, which is also referred to as a fast-track program, is simply defined as post-secondary program that offers intense courses that take less time to complete. If you are interested in learning about the advantages of taking an accelerated program and what this type of fast-track program will entail, read this straightforward guide and decide if fast-track is the right track.
Types of Accelerated Degree Programs
Many people assume that the length of time required to complete a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, or an MBA will all be the same across the board no matter what school the student applies to. While this is a common assumption, length or time it takes will depend entirely upon the subject you choose, the institution, and your enrollment status. There are several different types of accelerated degree programs offers by private and public, non-profit and for-profit institutions.
If you want to earn a certificate, an undergraduate degree, or even a Master's, there will be options to condense the courses and shorten your time commitment if you select a fast-track program. Typically, accelerated programs are based a specific degree path. When selecting a degree and enrolling in the fast-track option, you will complete condensed general educational requirements and elective coursework so that you can finish school faster without missing out on the core coursework. Teachers will cover modules in a shorter period of time, but the same modules are typically covered.
What Are the Advantages of Taking a Fast-Track Program?
You may be wondering why you would want to condense 4 years worth of coursework into a 3 year span of time, or 2 years of graduate study into a single year, and you may not be considering the major advantages. Aside from getting an opportunity to join the workforce sooner, there are other financial benefits to taking a fast-track program. There is no denying the fact that the cost of tuition for any type of post-secondary institution is on the rise. By taking a program that is condensed, you can earn a degree for three-quarters of the cost by eliminating tuition fees for an entire semester.
Earning a degree while the need for degree holders is high in demand is also important. While practical experience is important, most hiring managers want to see that applicants are committed and possess a minimum of an undergraduate degree. By taking a fast-track program, you can fulfill this requirement while the demand for candidates with a degree is still high.
One thing that all students need to understand is that an accelerated route to earning a college degree is not for everyone. If you are not sure which path you want to take, or you plan on switching specializations, you may want to wait until you are committed to a field. You will also need to have the drive to follow condensed modules that cover topics quickly and move on. If this sounds like you, you should start comparing programs and enroll in one that has a reputable accreditation.