How Does an Accelerated Degree Differ From Other Degrees?

If you are in college or planning to go to college soon, you might be interested in finding out about the different course options that are available to you. Most people choose the traditional schedule of taking about twelve hours of class, two times a year. However, this does not work for some people, usually those who are unable to attend classes in the daytime. For these people and for those who want to get out of college as soon as possible, colleges offer accelerated programs. They are different from traditional class schedules mainly in the fact that classes meet nearly year round.

Traditional college class structure

Traditional college structure is that of 4 to 5 classes a semester, two times a year. Traditional structure usually results in graduation within 4 to 5 years. Classes meet all day long. Usually these programs will only work for those students who either do not have a job or work at night. It is hard for someone who works full time to follow this schedule of class work.

Accelerated schedules

The accelerated schedule of course work differs from the traditional structure in that only one or two classes are in progress at a time, and they are of a shorter duration. Usually there are about 5 class sessions per year and they meet throughout the whole year. Classes are usually given in the evening or online. Many online colleges follow the accelerated programs. These classes work best for the working student. Also the accelerated schedules allow for a faster graduation time.

Differences between regular and accelerated work

A traditional class is about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours long. A traditional course student usually has 4 or 5 classes a week, and will have to split his brain between all of the classes. The accelerated classes not only put someone through the classes faster, but they also allow for a student to focus more closely on the subject material of each class attended. To be accepted in the accelerated programs, students usually must have completed certain degree requirements before starting the accelerated program. A minimum grade point average is usually required as well.

Traditional master's degrees

A traditional master's degree usually takes somewhere between two and three years to obtain. Courses are taken at a slower pace, and it is usually required that the students take a break in between their bachelor's and master's degrees. Most master's degree programs are run off of the same schedule as the bachelor's degree program schedule, which is about two sessions per year.

Accelerated master's degrees

The accelerated master's programs allow the students to go straight from their bachelor's degree work to their master's degree work. An accelerated master's degree will usually take anywhere from eighteen months to two years to complete. This is not a whole lot faster than the traditional length of time, but just like for the accelerated bachelor's degree, classes are taken individually for better absorption of information. Another advantage to being in school year-round is that your mind is always prepared to accept knowledge.