If you’re a working adult trying to add school to a busy schedule of work and life commitments, Boise State University’s online degree programs can help. But how long does an online degree take?
The flexibility of the 100% online format ensures you can earn a degree at your own pace, regardless of the accelerated online degree options you want to pursue. That said, several factors may play into your completion timeline.
Part-time vs. full-time
The biggest factor in determining how long it will take to earn an online degree is how many courses you take at a time. A full-time load means 12 or more credits per semester. By choosing a full-time course load, you can reach graduation faster. In some cases, you can earn a degree in as few as 12 months.
A part-time online degree timeline may work better for you if you plan on balancing work, family and other responsibilities while attending school. You can take as few as one course per semester, but it will add to your time to completion.
Boise State’s Student Success Team will support you in creating a customized plan to achieve your goals. Whether you decide to attend full- or part-time, all of our programs run year-round, so you can take classes each semester and keep yourself on track to finish your degree while working full-time.
Transfer credits
Our Student Success Team works with you to help you determine how your credits will transfer into Boise State Online and what you may still need to finish your undergraduate or graduate degree.
If you’ve already completed coursework at an accredited college or university, it will affect your credit for prior learning timeline and take significantly less time than if you are starting school for the first time.
If you’re starting a degree program from the beginning, Boise State has great options to help accelerate your path to graduation.
With the support of coaches and advisors, you’ll design a degree plan to reach your goals more quickly and efficiently.
Program choice
Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs differ in the rigidity of course scheduling — from options where you build your own pathway to those offered on a rotating schedule to a locked-in path from your first class to graduation.
Many of Boise State’s programs run on accelerated schedules, with classes offered in five- or seven-week formats so you can complete more classes during each traditional 15-week term. The type of degree you choose will play a role in your time to completion as well.
What to expect
Online classes are more flexible, but they require the same time commitment as in-person classes.
You’ll choose the time of day that works best for your schedule to complete learning activities, but you’re still required to meet deadlines and class expectations each week. Online classes have regular due dates for you to follow, just like in-person classes.
Because time management is important to online students, Boise State Online strives to establish clear time expectations for courses and assignments.
Faculty, advisors and support staff are available to answer questions and help keep you on track to graduate.
Learn more about Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses to help you make your educational dreams a reality — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.