| Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to | | | | The pace is faster and you will need to work faster to |
| reap benefits in the workplace. For this reason, you | | | | keep up. |
| may be interested in accelerating your progress to get | | | | You can take more classes each semester. Even |
| your degree faster. This article will explain seven ways | | | | taking one additional class each semester can take a |
| to finish your degree faster. Keep in mind that you will | | | | year off the time you will spend in school. You will |
| work harder to finish faster and must be willing to | | | | have to make time for an additional class each |
| make this commitment. | | | | semester, but you'll finish faster. When you plan your |
| Check with an admissions counselor to see if you | | | | classes, schedule a mixture of subjects you find easy |
| qualify for the Credit for Life Experience Program | | | | with more difficult courses. This way, you won't end up |
| (CLEP). Experience in the business world can translate | | | | with all the subjects you find difficult at the end of your |
| into college credits with this program. You will have to | | | | program. |
| show documentation of your work experience. The | | | | Some online universities don't require students take |
| school will verify this experience to determine how it | | | | general education classes. Your program will focus |
| fits into your degree program in terms of college credit. | | | | entirely on your field of study. Often, this structure |
| The credits you receive from this program can | | | | results in a shorter time spent earning the degree. If |
| shorten the time you spend earning your degree. This | | | | you plan to transfer your credits to another university, |
| program isn’t offered at all schools or for all | | | | check before enrolling in the program to make sure |
| degree programs. | | | | the credits are transferable. |
| The Proficiency Exam Program (PEP) is similar to | | | | Saturday Scholars Programs are offered at many |
| CLEP. This program allows students to earn college | | | | large universities. Students entering this program should |
| credit for independent study or other training received | | | | hold an Associates degree before applying to the |
| without college credit. You may have learned the | | | | program. You travel to the university on Saturdays, |
| subject matter in another forum and not need to take | | | | usually from eight in the morning until five in the evening. |
| the class. You will have to show documentation and | | | | These programs allow you to finish your degree in two |
| pass an exam to qualify for credits with PEP. | | | | years of Saturdays. |
| Many online universities offer shorter semesters. Some | | | | Self paced programs are offered through some online |
| will give you the choice between six, eight and ten | | | | colleges. These classes can be started at any time |
| week semesters. Shorter semesters allow you to | | | | and finished at your own pace. You can work through |
| take more classes throughout the year. Keep in mind | | | | the material more quickly than is possible in the typical |
| that these shorter semesters still carry the same | | | | college semester. Quite a few of these programs set |
| requirements. The work load will be more intense, but | | | | a minimum time you must take the course. Usually |
| the time period will be shorter. Be sure you have the | | | | they require a six week minimum time frame for |
| time to devote before you choose shorter semesters. | | | | completion. |