Top 12 Self-Paced Online Degree Programs

Self-paced online degree programs are not exactly uncharted territory. As far back as the 1800s, correspondence learning had become the earliest form of self-paced distance learning. Students received their educational materials through parcels.

Their completion of the modules and other requirements was wholly dependent on their pace. They sent the parcels back to their instructors as soon as they were able to. 

THE LOWDOWN

Self-paced online courses allow adult students with busy schedules to earn higher education at their own pace. If you are just starting your college career, there are many online programs to consider that offer an asynchronous learning format.

If you are a working professional and need to add accolades to your resume or change careers, self-paced online courses are perfect for you, too! Online education programs often offer financial aid as well!

Fast forward to the present…

Universities, colleges, and online MOOCs today deliver online programs through one of two forms or both. The lessons are taught or delivered synchronously, where online students enrolled in the same course go online simultaneously with their instructor and attend class together.

It is similar to the traditional way a class is held, except that the lecture hall is now an online platform, or commonly a web conferencing app.

Asynchronous online learning programs, on the other hand, are similar to video-on-demand subscriptions. The lectures, modules, and exams are uploaded on the school’s website or the learning management platform. Students are free to access these materials whenever, wherever.

Pace and attendance are non-issues here, with only demonstrating subject knowledge and mastery in quizzes, exams, research, or practical work submissions required to complete a course.

Hence the term “competency-based learning” or “competency-based education” or CBE. Self-paced online courses fall under this category. Working at your own pace takes the stress and anxiety away!

Top 12 Self-Paced Online Degree Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

One of the more popular self-paced online courses is a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

The courses cover a wide range of topics including: 

• Economics
• Statistics
• Accounting
• Finance
• Human resource management
• Marketing
• Operations management 
• Organizational behavior
• Leadership
• Sales
• Supply chain management

Courses on in-demand topics, such as project management and strategic management, are also offered. Concentrations may also be available depending on the program including: 

• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Operations Management
• International Business

The University of Wisconsin offers a CBE program in Business Administration through its UW Flexible Option. The tuition fee is on a subscription basis at $2,250. Students can take as many courses at their own pace as they can for 12 weeks. 

The bachelor’s degree in business administration is the most popular degree (NCES, 2021-2022). This isn’t surprising because it’s a versatile degree with applications in a wide range of industries. 

Business and financial occupations are also well-paying jobs with a median annual wage of  $79,050 (BLS, May 2023). Job titles include management analysts, market research analysts, and human resource managers. 

Master of Business Administration

Did you know that an MBA degree is among the most expensive business-related master’s degrees? The MBA degree costs $63,000 for a two-year program, on average. But the actual costs vary widely – Harvard’s MBA degree costs $$74,910 per year (tuition only) while it’s about $9,800 per year (tuition only, in-state) at the Appalachian State University. 

Despite its costs, however, it’s the most conferred and most profitable of all master’s degrees.  This is because of its flexibility and versatility across diverse industries, from government to business.  Again, business and financial occupations are high-paying jobs with high growth potential. 

Most MBA students are working professionals. The self-paced format and flexible schedules of competency-based MBA programs enable them to maintain work-life balance. 

The versatility of an MBA can be seen through its curriculum, too. Concentrations are available in traditional areas like: 

• Finance
• Accountancy
• Economics
• Marketing
• International Relations
• Operations Management 
• Healthcare Administration 
• Human Relations Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Relations
• Public Administration

MBA programs may also offer concentrations in modern, IT-driven areas like: 

• Data Science and Analytics
• Business intelligence
• Project management
• Strategy
• IT Management

Southern New Hampshire University offers a self-paced, ACBSP-accredited MBA degree program. The 30-credit program consists of 10 courses with 10-week terms. Furthermore, candidates can choose from 17 concentrations including: 

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Engineering Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Information Technology Management

Tuition is $637 per credit; financial aid is available.  

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Aspiring managers can opt for a self-paced master’s program in Organizational Leadership as an alternative to the costly MBA. An MOL degree costs between $15,000 and $40,000 while an MBA costs range from $30,000 to $10,000-plus. 

There are also significant differences in the focus and approach between the MOL and MBA degrees. On one hand, the MOL degree focuses on organizational culture, people management, and leadership development. There’s a strong emphasis on leadership. 

On the other hand, the MBA degree offers a broader focus on business management. While leadership has premium value, there’s more focus on strategy, operations, and finance, among others. 

For this reason, common courses in MOL programs include: 

• Globalization
• Change Management
• Theory and Behavior
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Operations
• Strategy Conflict Resolutions

Candidates must complete a capstone project. Graduates have the knowledge and skills for leadership positions in a wide range of sectors. These include health, public relations, finance, and the corporate sector.

The University of Massachusetts Global School offers a self-paced MA in Organizational Leadership. Candidates can start at any time of the year. The program offers three tracks: 

• Standard
• Military 
• Project Management 

The 36-credit program charges $3,800 for a six-month access. You can enroll in and complete as many courses as you can within the period.

Master of Health Services Administration

The healthcare industry in the US is constantly evolving. Nowadays, healthcare goes beyond the service itself and bridges to the institutions that provide it. Health maintenance insurance, health information systems and technology, and public health administration have turned healthcare into a multi-faceted industry that needs highly effective administrators and managers.

Medical and health services managers are in high demand and earth excellent salaries, too. Their projected employment growth is at 29% (2023-2033) or about 61,400 openings per year, on average. The high demand comes from a combination of an aging and growing population, as well as the widespread use of electronic health records. 

These managers earn $110,680 in median annual salaries (BLS, May 2023). The highest earners can rake in $216,750 or more per year. 

How can you become a medical and health services manager? Earn a Master of Health Services Administration or similar degree, for starters. Better yet, look for a self-paced online program that will enable a good work-life balance. 

Master of Health Services Administration programs are suitable for clinical practitioners like: 

• Nurses
• Medical technologists
• Physicians

Other allied health professionals are also welcome. Earning the master’s degree means being competitive for leadership opportunities in the healthcare industry. 

Walden University offers a Master of Healthcare Administration program through its Tempo Learning format. The program features a 53-quarter credit curriculum with courses in: 

• Foundations of Healthcare Administration
• Healthcare Finance
• Healthcare Operations
• Law and Ethics in Healthcare
• Healthcare Quality Management

Transfer credits are accepted. There are no essay and application fee requirements. Tuition is at $525 per quarter hour plus a $175 program fee per quarter. Financial aid is available. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN completion program)

If you’re a registered nurse who meets either of these two educational requirements, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing through competency-based education:

• Completed an associate’s degree in nursing; or 
• Completed 24 to 30 units 

Courses include: 

• Pathophysiology
• Research
• Management
• Leadership
• Adult Care
• Geriatric Care
• Community Health

RN-to-BSN programs usually have an accelerated format that allows candidates to earn the BSN degree in 1-2 years. Graduates enjoy career advancement opportunities and become eligible for graduate programs. 

Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina offers a self-paced RN-to-BSN completion degree. Candidates can earn the BSN degree in three or five semesters depending on their pace. Undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-2025 is $264.44 (residents) and $708.46 (non-residents) 

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (A Completion Program)

The demand for dental hygienists, especially those with a bachelor’s degree, continues to rise at a steady pace (9%, BLS, 2023-2033).  Dental hygienists earn $87,530 per year in median annual wages (BLS, May 2023). 

Of course, you can become a registered dental hygienist (RDH) with just an associate’s degree. But a bachelor’s degree offers more career options for RDHs beyond private clinical practice.

Other industries with bright prospects for RDHs include: 

• Corporate setting
• Community public health
• Research
• Dental education
• Public administration
• Entrepreneurship

Dental hygienists who become entrepreneurs  engage in: 

• Management consultancy
• Dental technology
• Marketing
• Authorship

RDHs looking to expand their career options without leaving their current clinical work should consider self-paced online bachelor’s degree completion programs. Candidates can earn a bachelor’s degree in 1-2 years depending on their transfer credits and number of credits completed per term. 

Minnesota State University offers an asynchronous CBE BSDH program that can be pursued full-time or part-time. It includes 11 courses in the following subject areas: 

• Dental Technology
• Care Planning Concepts
• Periodontology, Research
• Oral Medicine
• Advanced Practices
• Issues In Dental Hygiene
• Oral Health Promotion
• Treatment Planning

The tuition and fees are $381.70 per course credit. 

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Computer Science

Without a doubt, this is one program that can be completed purely online and asynchronously. Even the course completion requirements can be submitted virtually.

A bachelor’s program in Information Technology or Computer Science is a sought-after expertise with a lucrative career option. It is also a must-have for both computer geeks and newbies because of industry digitalization and automation.

Computer and information technology occupations are also among the most in-demand and well-paying jobs today. Projected overall employment growth is much faster than average (BLS, 2023-2033) with about 356,700 openings per year, on average. Workers in these occupations earn $104,420 in median annual wage (BLS, May 2023). 

Western Governors University, a fully online university known for its excellent competency-based learning model, offers a  BS in Computer Science degree program. Students tackle a rigorous curriculum with 37 courses in: 

• Web Development
• Network Infrastructure
• Coding
• Software Development
• Project Management
• It Management
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analysis
• Management
• Technical Writing

Students must complete a teamwork project. Tuition per six-month term is $4,085; financial aid is available. Students earn the degree at their own pace. 

Master of Education

Educators aspiring to move up in higher education roles should consider earning an advanced degree in the field of education. Leadership roles include: 

• School administration
• Consultancy, assessment
• Policy-making at the local, regional, or federal level 

Candidates learn advanced pedagogical skills, research and evaluation skills, and educational leadership skills, among others. Many programs offer concentrations including: 

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Technology
• Higher Education
• Special Education

Core courses cover diverse topics including:  

• Educational Research Methods
• Assessment and Evaluation in Education
• Learning Theory and Cognitive Development
• Educational Leadership and Policy

The time-to-completion varies between one and two years. Credits range between 30 and 45 credits. 

Purdue University – Fort Wayne offers a self-paced M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership program. Candidates tackle a rigorous 30-credit curriculum with courses like: 

• Introduction to Educational Leadership 
• School-Community Relations 
• Educational Leadership: Teacher Development And Evaluation 
• Legal Perspectives On Education 
• Educational Leadership: The Principalship K-12 

Tuition is at  $391.75 per credit hour (resident) or  $886.75 per credit hour (nonresidents). Financial aid is available. 

Master of Science in Psychology

Those aspiring to become clinical psychologists will need to pursue advanced degrees. The best starting point is a master’s degree in Psychology followed by a doctoral degree. Both are requirements for state licensure; check with your state authorities for specific licensure requirements. 

Earning an MS in Psychology degree online makes sense, too. Students will appreciate the self-paced learning format, asynchronous courses, and 24/7 access to learning materials. Plus, most of the academic requirements can be completed online, except for the in-person clinical requirements. 

There’s also the monetary incentives that come with being a licensed psychologist. Median annual wages for psychologists are $92,740 (BLS, May 2023). The highest earners earned $151,880 per year. 

California Coast University offers a 100% online MS in Psychology program with self-paced courses. Core courses include: 

• Developmental Psychology 
• Psychopathology 
• Theories of Marriage and Family 
• Alcohol and Chemical Substance Abuse
• Counseling Systems and Techniques

Candidates must also pass a final comprehensive exam. The 39-unit program charges $250 per unit. 

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

A career in criminal justice is not just confined to the police or investigative work. You can also pursue rewarding and challenging careers in the court system. Examples include clerk, administrator, bailiff, or even a correctional officer.

Yes, it’s true that many law enforcement jobs do not require a four-year degree in criminal science or justice. But a bachelor’s degree can give the push law enforcement professionals need for a promotion. Earning a bachelor’s degree means developing hard and soft skills for improved performance. 

Every BA in Criminal Justice program has a broad focus that covers: 

• Criminology 
• Criminal law 
• Judicial system 
• Law enforcements 
• Corrections 

As such, students tackle an interdisciplinary approach that combines political science, sociology, and psychology, among others.  Students develop soft skills including communication and critical thinking. 

Penn Foster College, a fully accredited online college, offers a self-paced online bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice. The 121-credit curriculum includes courses in: 

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Courts
• Ethics in Criminal Justice
• Police Studies
• Police Management

The program charges $1,399 for the first semester. Students can earn the degree in eight semesters. 

Bachelor of Arts in Social Science

A bachelor’s degree in Social Science affords a well-rounded liberal arts education that allows its graduates to carve careers in various sectors like: 

• Business or corporate
• Government or policy-making
• Politics and strategy
• Education
• Social services
• Academe and research
• Non-profit or for-profit organizations
• Think tanks
• Consultancy 

Students develop a broad understanding of the social sciences including human behavior and social structures. Soft skills developed include critical thinking, research, ethical decision-making, and communication skills. 

Most programs require completion of at least 120 credits. Concentrations may be offered in areas like Psychology, Political Science, and Economics. Time-to-degree ranges between three and five years. 

Upper Iowa University offers a self-paced online bachelor’s degree in Social Science with concentrations in: 

• General Social Science
• History
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

The Sociology concentration covers topics in: 

• Human services
• Gender studies
• Political sociology
• Human behavior
• Social welfare policies and programs
• Globalization and sociology
• Psychology
• Research methods

Students also complete a capstone project.

Each online course has a monthly start, specifically on the first of each month. Students can choose between the: 

• Web-based format 
• Correspondence or paper format (by mail)

There’s also the option to take two courses at a time at an accelerated pace. Tuition is $330 per credit (self-paced) or $505 per credit (online). 

Master of Science in Health Informatics

The field of health informatics is a booming area career-wise. When you earn an MSHI degree, you’re more competitive for leadership jobs like: 

• Healthcare IT project manager
• Informatics director
• Health information manager
• Clinical informatics analyst
• Chief medical information officer

Candidates tackle a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to develop advanced skills in: 

• Data management and analysis 
• Healthcare technology 
• Policy and compliance 

Candidates earn the degree in 12-18 months at an accelerated pace. 

Arizona State University offers a self-paced online Master of Advanced Study in Health Informatics program. Candidates complete 10 courses, focusing on database modeling and health systems engineering (e.g., workflow analysis and redesign). The tuition and fees are $17,143 for the fall and spring terms at nine credits per term (2024-2025).

The University of San Diego also offers a flexible MS in Health Informatics degree with two concentrations: 

• Health Care Informatics
•  Healthcare Data Analytics 

Candidates complete 10 courses (30 units) with a 20-month time-to-completion. Online students must take classes year-round; each class lasts for seven weeks and must be completed one at a time. 

Common Features of Self-Paced Online Programs

No schedule constraints.

Aside from the asynchronous schedule, self-paced online college courses allow students to progress through their curricula at their own pace.

The materials are available for access once the course has commenced, and there are no deadlines for submissions or even the course completion itself.

Courses frequently begin within the year.

Start dates for the degree program courses are frequent within the academic calendar, normally following a monthly or weekly schedule. Students can start the course almost anytime and would not need to wait a semester or worse, a year for the course to become available.

Courses can be completed anytime.

Just as the courses can be started anytime, the courses can also be completed at your own pace. Students enrolled in self-paced programs progress through competency. Tests and other graded activities can be taken once the student feels confident in their knowledge or mastery.

There’s no need to wait until the term’s end for the final exams to complete the course. Working at your own pace is great for students with busy schedules.

The tuition fee is scheduled differently.

Some schools like Northern Arizona University charge a fixed fee of $3,000 for six months of unlimited access to all of the school’s online courses included in its self-paced online catalog.

On the other hand, other schools like the University of Arkansas charge per course basis, with each self-paced course amounting to three course credits. Most traditional courses and even instructor-paced online courses charge tuition fees on a per-credit hour basis.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Paced Learning

Pros:

• Self-paced programs have no definite timeline in terms of course completion, but the average timeline most schools prescribe is 2 to 5 years. If the student can complete their program requirements through CBE in a shorter timeframe, that would be even more advantageous. 
  
• If the student resides in a place with limited or no internet connectivity, self-paced learning through correspondence learning can be opted for instead.
  
• CBE allows students to be independent and autonomous. The curriculum is highly personalized as they can choose the courses to take and the course for which they already have mastery and take the necessary exams for completion.
  
• The courses are personalized or customized according to the student’s competency and schedule. As you work at your own pace, this set-up enables them to meet other commitments like family life and or a career while still having the time to rest because of the absence of deadlines and due dates, and pressure.
  
• Self-paced programs instill the value of discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and motivation.
  
• Most self-paced programs are billed on a subscription basis instead of a per-credit-hour basis. Tuition fees usually start at $2,500 and up and cover anywhere from 3 to 6 months of study. Students can maximize this fee structure by taking and completing all the courses within the time frame. 

Cons:

Strictly speaking, self-paced learning has no major downsides. However, certain aspects of this learning format may not suit specific student types. There are no inherent disadvantages to this type of education, except:

• If the student is a procrastinator (someone who pushes off responsibilities until the last minute and races to complete tasks), they will find this mode of learning challenging and will likely struggle to complete it.
  
• Students who struggle to manage their responsibilities may also end up wasting money if they enroll in a CBE program with a subscription-based tuition fee schedule, such as that of North Arizona University or Capella University’s Flexpath program. 

The disadvantages to self-paced online courses/programs only become apparent when procrastination is a trait of the student and they can’t complete a course. CBEs require, above anything else, diligence and discipline.

This is true for students enrolled in programs requiring a fixed tuition fee for a specific time, say, a semester or a term. It is structured like a “course buffet,” take all the classes you need to complete your program and then some if you still can.

But if one lacks the discipline to maximize such a tuition and curriculum structure to their advantage, then it will all just go to waste.

Tips to Succeed in Self-paced Education

Decide at the beginning if a CBE program is for you. Do you like working and studying autonomously? Is it an effective method of learning for you?

If you answer “yes” to both questions, then a CBE or self-paced program might be for you, but it does not stop here. Read on.

• Lay out all your other commitments and see how you can fit your classes into your schedule. It is easy to say to yourself that you can take on a self-paced program. So, lay everything on the table (or write it all down) – school schedule, work schedule, family commitments, and other regular chores and errands – and ask yourself the question if an online program, particularly a self-paced one, is for you. Even if self-paced online programs have no time-pressing deadlines per se, students are still expected to complete their degrees within certain years or terms. If you think you can manage school, work, and other commitments, then go for it. Otherwise, if you think one facet of your life will suffer, then do not start in the first place.
• Involve your family in the planning. Your family needs to know that you will be taking on a huge additional responsibility to manage your expectations. Adjustments must be made in terms of chore-sharing and time expectations. 
• Create a private space in your house to simulate a learning environment. Now that your family is on board, it is time to create a space where you can concentrate on your studies when it is time to do so. It should be free of any distractions; your laptop and internet may already hold enough distractions as it is. Providing this for yourself is very crucial to your success as a student.
• Do not multitask. Whether it is the combination of analytical and menial activities, mixing online studies while binge-watching your favorite show, or worse, two analytical activities simultaneously like studying and working, will not work. Multi-tasking is never a good idea, and the experts concur. The American Psychological Association consolidated several studies in 2006 on the topic and concluded that multitasking, even if it is within the same space and environment, is, at the very least, counterproductive.
• Stick to a schedule. With asynchronous learning, since all the materials are readily available, you may tend to overdo it or not do it all. But if you set a daily schedule of short intervals for learning with breaks here and there, you will gradually progress through your courses without being overwhelmed by all the work.
• Save offline copies of your course materials. If the school permits, download all your course materials to your device as soon as they become available online. Should you have extra time to spare to catch up on lectures, you can do so whenever and wherever, even if it is in a location with spotty connectivity or no connectivity at all. 
• Integrate your courses with your interests or your current professional work. Competency-based education courses are difficult to complete. The phrase “demonstration of mastery of the subject matter” in self-paced courses is an understatement. Reviewers, study guides, and other tips and tricks that help students get through traditional exams would not suffice in completing CBE courses. An authentic, deep, and extensive mastery of the subject is the key. One way to gain this level of competency is through real-life application of concepts, and one of the best ways is by applying what you learned to your current work or other side projects. 

What Makes A Degree Suitable For Self-Paced Learning?

In theory, all degree programs can be offered through the self-paced online route or competency-based education. The difference lies in the capstone projects or the culminating activities of the thesis requirements of each degree program.

Programs that do not require front-facing activities like information technology, finance, accountancy, communications, and other back-office professions are suitable for this learning mode.

On the other hand, self-paced online courses with service-based roots such as hospitality, healthcare, and other physical skilled trades such as carpentry, machine operations, and the like will most likely require physical presentation or demonstration of knowledge and mastery of the subject.

However, the program’s early parts, which are usually composed of theoretical courses, can be delivered online and asynchronously. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are self-paced online programs accredited by regional accrediting agencies and recognized by employers?

Yes, these are offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities. The best programs have programmatic accreditation, too, such as Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (nursing), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (business), and Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (healthcare administration). In fact, employers value graduates of these accredited programs for their exceptional education and training. 

How are self-paced online programs different from regular online programs? 

Self-paced online programs enable their students to progress through their academic curriculum based on their competency, pace, and schedule. These offer more flexibility in schedules than regular online programs with their set structure and schedule. 

Are self-paced online programs more affordable than regular online programs? 

Yes, self-paced online programs can be more affordable for many reasons. First, you can earn your degree at an accelerated pace resulting in decreased direct and indirect costs. Second, you can decrease your indirect costs, such as books and transportation, with online courses.

Summary Points

Take advantage of the many programs that offer online students with busy schedules the opportunity to earn their degree program through self-paced online courses. Be sure your school of choice has proper accreditation!

Working at your own pace means you can take your time and complete your assignments with confidence. International students can partake of these awesome opportunities, too! Check it out!

Additional Information:

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• Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges
• Signs It’s Time to Change Majors