Easiest Bachelor's Degree Online: What You Should Know First

So you're after the easiest bachelor’s degree you can earn online. Maybe you’ve got a busy schedule, a full-time job, or just want something straightforward that’ll get you a diploma without years of stress. You’re definitely not the only one searching for a less complicated path through college.

First thing to remember—“easy” is a little different for everyone. What feels simple to one person can be tough for someone else. Usually, though, people say a degree is easy when the courses don’t require tons of math, complicated science, or hours of writing papers every week. Degrees heavy on practical skills, broad topics, or general education classes tend to pop up in discussions about the easiest online options.

But don’t fall for lists that just throw out “easy” majors like they’re all the same. What actually matters is how those degrees fit into your life, how the classes are set up, and whether you can move at your own pace. Some online programs even let you zip through courses as fast as you can pass them, which can turn a four-year slog into something you finish in closer to two.

I’ll break down which majors show up again and again when people talk about easy online degrees, what makes them that way, and what you still need to watch out for. Stick around for real talk, no sugar-coating, just straightforward advice to help you pick a degree path that won’t make you lose sleep—or your mind.

• What Makes an Online Degree 'Easy'?
• Popular Easiest Online Bachelor's Majors
• Real World: What Graduates Say
• How Fast Can You Finish?
• Tips for Picking the Right Major
• Getting the Most Value Out of Your Degree

What Makes an Online Degree 'Easy'?

When people talk about "easy" online degrees, they're usually thinking about what makes the coursework less overwhelming. A lot of it comes down to content that's simple to understand, classes you can fit into your day, and not getting buried under labs, technical assignments, or tough exams.

Here’s what usually tips the scale:

• Easiest bachelor's degree online programs avoid heavy science or advanced math. Subjects like business administration, liberal studies, or communications rarely require you to sweat over calculus or organic chemistry.
• These degrees often stick to broad ideas and general education—think writing essays or reading, rather than tricky problem sets or lab reports.
• Assignments are more likely to be weekly discussion posts or shorter projects instead of huge research papers or technical presentations every few weeks.
• Many easy degrees use pre-recorded lectures and flexible class deadlines, so you don’t have to show up on Zoom at the crack of dawn or race to log in after work.
• Online colleges like Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University let you move through some programs as fast as you can pass the tests or submit assignments. No waiting around for a set semester schedule.

It’s not just about the workload, though. It’s also about how clear and organized the classes are. Some online majors hand out rubrics that spell out exactly what gets you an A, so you spend less time guessing and more time actually learning the material (and checking boxes).

But here’s a tip: Even "easy" degrees can get tricky if you don’t like the subject, or if online learning isn’t your style. Picking a major you enjoy and a program that matches your schedule is still the best way to make things feel easy.

Popular Easiest Online Bachelor's Majors

How do you spot the easiest degrees online? It really boils down to the subject, course load, and how much flexibility the program gives you. A lot of folks look for majors where the requirements are pretty standard, the material connects to real life, and there’s not too much technical stuff (like calculus or lab work).

Here are some of the most talked-about options when it comes to easy online bachelor’s degrees:

• Easiest bachelor's degree online choices often include Business Administration. Most business programs cover basics like management, marketing, and ethics, with fewer intense math or science requirements. Business also has the advantage of being super flexible for careers.
• Communications is another standout. This major is heavy on group projects and discussions, not so much on technical exams or long research papers. It's always in demand for jobs in media, public relations, and marketing.
• General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies lets you plan your own course mix. It’s great if you want a degree without getting bogged down in one subject. You basically build your own degree around topics that interest you.
• Psychology pops up a lot. While there’s reading and writing, you typically don’t face complex labs or advanced math. Many entry-level jobs only need the bachelor’s, and it works well as a stepping stone if you want grad school later.
• Education (especially Early Childhood Education) is another choice. If you’re aiming to become a teacher or work with kids, a lot of these programs are simple and user-friendly, with much of the focus on real-world skills instead of theory.

Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the top easy online majors from U.S. News and the National Center for Education Statistics (2023):

Here’s the thing: while these degrees are known for being less demanding, you still need real effort to finish. Always double-check a program’s course list. Some schools make basic majors much harder than others. Course structure, school support, and your personal strengths can turn something "easy" into an uphill battle if you’re not careful.

Real World: What Graduates Say

Don’t just take my word for it—former students talk a lot about their experiences with so-called "easy" online degrees. Most of them say a lot depends on two things: the subject you pick, and how you handle your time. A bunch of recent online grads from major universities, like Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University, have shared some useful truths about their programs.

One thing you’ll notice is that majors like General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Business Administration get the "easiest" label more than others. Not because they’re a walk in the park, but because the coursework doesn’t usually pile on heavy research or super complex problems. A survey by U.S. News & World Report found that students in these degrees were more likely to say they could balance school, work, and family, compared to those in science or engineering programs.

“I was able to finish my Liberal Studies degree in less than three years while working full time and raising two kids. The flexibility saved me. Some classes were a breeze, others took more effort, but none of it felt impossible.” — Amanda T., Western Governors University graduate

Of course, no degree is totally effortless. Graduates like Amanda often say that self-motivation is key. One study published in the Online Learning Consortium journal in 2023 also noted that students who reported less stress often chose majors with more general courses and fewer labs or group projects.

There’s a reason so many people plug "easiest bachelor's degree online" into Google. Most aren’t looking for a shortcut—they just want something practical that fits their life. If you’re good with reading, discussion boards, and short papers, a lot of grads say these programs won’t eat up your weekends. But if you hate deadlines or need a professor in your face to stay accountable, even the simplest major can feel like a mountain.

Before picking your major, find grad reviews, ask questions in online forums, and check school websites for workload descriptions. Graduates are usually pretty honest—they’ve been there, done that, and want to save you from making the wrong call.

How Fast Can You Finish?

Speed is a big reason people look for the easiest bachelor's degree online. The good news? Some programs do let you finish way quicker than the old-school four-year schedule.

Many online colleges offer accelerated formats. This just means the semesters are shorter—think 5 to 8 weeks per course instead of 16. Schools like Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Purdue Global are pretty famous for this. You can take back-to-back terms year-round and rack up credits faster than you would on campus.

And here’s something you don’t hear about often: competency-based programs. In these, you move on as soon as you can prove you know the content. No awkward waiting for the class to catch up. Western Governors University is known for this style. Some super-motivated folks report finishing bachelor’s degrees in as little as 18 months, but two to three years is more realistic for most full-time working adults.

If you already took some college classes before, make sure to see if your new school will give you transfer credit. Most places will accept a chunk of credits—sometimes up to 90 out of 120 needed for graduation. That can literally chop years off your plan. If you have military or work training that counts, ask about "prior learning assessment" too.

Don’t get fooled by advertising that promises you’ll finish super-fast without any effort—it’s still a real degree, so there’s work involved. But if you’re disciplined and don’t need lots of breaks, the right online setup will speed things up a lot. The key is: look for accelerated courses, competency-based programs, or generous transfer policies if your goal is to finish sooner rather than later.

Tips for Picking the Right Major

Before you hit the "enroll" button, stop and think about what makes a major actually work for you. Chasing the so-called easiest bachelor's degree online only makes sense if it lines up with your goals, strengths, and real-life needs.

Start by listing your strengths and weak spots. Hate math? Stay away from majors with lots of statistics or calculus, even if internet lists call them easy. Not a fan of writing essays? Some social science programs are loaded with papers. It’s not about picking the "easy" one; it’s about picking what feels easier for you.

• Check the program’s course list. Most schools show all required classes online. Look for programs heavy on electives or those that let you "choose your own path." Broad majors like Liberal Studies or General Studies often have this flexibility.
• Factor in your long-term goals. Sure, some degrees are smooth sailing now, but will they help land you a job later? Business administration, communications, and IT management are common "easy" picks that also open up real job options.
• Don’t ignore transfer credits. If you already took some classes (even years ago), ask if those can count. Some online colleges will even review training from work or the military.
• Watch out for hidden requirements. Online doesn’t always mean no labs or fieldwork. Some older programs sneak in in-person parts that can ruin your plans if you’re not local. Double-check before you commit.
• Know your learning style. Are you good at self-studying? Can you keep up with weekly assignments on your own? Some people need more structure, and that’s fine—just pick a program with lots of support, or set alerts and reminders religiously.

Reading real-world reviews from graduates can open your eyes to what classes actually feel like. Don’t just trust the college’s marketing site. Reddit, student forums, and even LinkedIn posts sometimes spill the truth about what’s fun, boring, or just plain hard in each major.

And if you’re stuck, almost every college lets you talk to an advisor for free. Take fifteen minutes and ask honest questions about class workload, teaching styles, and job prospects. The right choice now saves you extra semesters (and money) later.

Getting the Most Value Out of Your Degree

If you’re putting time and money into an online degree—especially the easiest bachelor's degree online—you definitely want something to show for it once you graduate. It’s not just about picking the quickest or least stressful path. It’s what you do with your degree that matters for your career, your wallet, and your future goals.

First up: make sure your school is legit. An online degree from a school that’s not accredited can come back to bite you. Most employers check if your degree is from a regionally accredited school, and federal financial aid won’t help with unaccredited programs.

• Check if your degree program is regionally accredited. You can look this up on official sites like the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
• See if your major has any industry-specific accreditation—this is less common for “easier” majors, but it still helps for programs like business or healthcare management.

Another smart move is to think about how the degree actually fits into real jobs. Some majors get labeled “easy” because you can pass the classes without a hitch, but then you’re left scrambling to explain your skills at a job interview. Make your degree work for you:

• Build skills outside class. Free online certifications, workshops, or even internships (virtual ones count) boost your resume way more than just listing your degree title.
• Network, even online. LinkedIn, school alumni groups, and online student forums open up way more doors than you’d expect.

You might be surprised, but employers still care a lot about what you actually know and can do, not just your GPA. According to a 2024 survey by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), 73% of employers put problem-solving skills above GPA when hiring recent grads.

And don’t forget to look ahead at potential salaries and job growth. The easiest degree is only worth it if it actually pays your bills or leads to better stuff down the road. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with business admin or communications degrees (both super popular “easier” online majors) earn an average of $52,000–$60,000 starting out in 2025. But these numbers jump fast if you grab certifications or learn on the job.

So don’t just stop at your diploma. Stack your skills, make connections, and target programs from recognized schools—that’s how you squeeze real value out of your online bachelor’s.