A bachelor's degree is generally considered a four-year endeavor, though some students may need five, six or even more years to complete their degrees. Other students are able to complete their degrees in less than four years, though it does take discipline and commitment. To complete your degree quickly and at a traditional institution, you will need to attend college as a full-time student and refrain from taking any time off from school. An accelerated degree program is another option to consider, though these programs typically require at least an associate's degree before enrollment.
Classes
Research how many classes you are able to take per semester or quarter at your college. Aim to take at least the minimum amount of classes needed to be considered a full-time student. Many schools allow you to enroll in additional classes up to a set maximum if you are a full-time student. For example, the school may charge a set tuition for full-time enrollment and allow a full-time student to take from four to seven classes during the semester or quarter. To graduate quickly, you should take advantage of this and enroll in as many courses you feel you can complete in one semester. Do not take so many classes that you perform poorly due to being overwhelmed. Make sure your class load is high but manageable.
Take only the courses that you need to fulfill your degree requirements. An effective way to ensure your classes are relevant for your degree is to map out the courses required for your bachelor's degree and major. Many universities require general education units in addition to courses relevant to your major. Ask a school adviser which classes you should take. Also, see if any of your general education courses can also count toward the major's course requirements. Such courses will kill two birds with one stone and reduce the amount of time you spend earning your degree.
Most schools offer short-term, intensive summer and winter sessions. While some students use these programs to repeat a course they performed poorly in, you can use these sessions to get ahead.
Accelerated Programs
Research accelerated bachelor's degree programs at local colleges or through an accredited online program. Accelerated programs are geared toward students who want to earn a bachelor's degree but do not have time to attend a traditional four-year university. Research the requirements for these programs to make sure you qualify. Some programs require you to already possess an associate's or bachelor's degree (in another subject) with at least a 2.0 grade-point average before you can enroll. If the program does not require a degree, it may require you to have completed a certain amount of general-education units before you can enroll. Other schools may offer course credit for any certifications or work experience you have. Verify the program is accredited before enrolling or paying tuition.
Performance
Make time for your educational pursuit. Schedule ample time to study, complete homework and attend class. By taking your courses seriously from the start, you reduce the chances of needing to repeat a course you performed poorly in. Failing a course will force you to spend more time working toward your degree since you will need to retake the class. Getting good grades the first time you take a class will help you earn your degree quickly since you will be able to move on to other classes required for your bachelor's degree.
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