How Long Do Undergraduate Degrees Take to Earn?

The length of time it takes to earn an undergraduate degree depends on the level of degree you're pursuing and whether you plan to attend college part-time or full-time. However, other factors come in to play. The following article explains how long it may take to earn different undergraduate degrees.

Completion Time for Bachelor's Degrees

It generally takes full-time students four years to earn a bachelor's degree. Degree completion for part-time students depends on the number of courses taken per semester. Some colleges also offer fast-track programs that enable students to earn their degrees in an accelerated time period.

Fast-Track Bachelor's Degrees

Many accelerated programs are geared toward working professionals with degree-oriented career goals. Below are two sample fast-track bachelor's programs.

  • Northeastern University: The school offers 12-18 month programs leading to bachelor's degrees in a number of fields. The programs, open to students who have earned an associate's degree, are available online or on the Boston campus.
  • Roosevelt University: Students, 24 years of age or older, who have earned an associate's degree are eligible for this Illinois university's fast-track bachelor's degree programs in computer science and telecommunications. As few as 30 credits are needed to earn a bachelor's degree.

Completion Time for Associate's Degrees

Full-time students can earn associate's degrees in two years. As with bachelor's degrees, degree completion for part-time students depends on their course load each semester.

Fast-Track Associate's Degrees

Some schools offer accelerated programs online or through hybrid programs, with courses available online and on campus. Fast-track associate's programs are also geared toward working adults. Following are two fast-track associate's programs.

  • University of Toledo: Full-time students at the Ohio school can earn an online Associate's Degree in Business Management Technology in less than 15 months. Students work in groups on interactive online projects focusing on business ownership or management.
  • Monroe Community College: Part-time students at this Rochester, N.Y., school attend classes one night a week and a half-day on Saturday to complete an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts in less than three years. Students must attend one summer session as well.

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