Let's cut to the chase. When you search for the easiest degree to earn online, you're not looking for a shortcut to a worthless piece of paper. You're a busy adult—maybe working full-time, raising a family, or both—and you need a legitimate degree path that respects your time, plays to your strengths, and actually moves your career forward. The "easiest" degree is the one that fits seamlessly into your chaotic life while delivering real value.
Based on curriculum structure, assessment methods, and flexibility, some online degrees are objectively more accessible than others. I've worked in online education for over a decade, and I've seen the patterns. The programs that students consistently complete with the least friction share common traits: straightforward course formats, clear rubrics, minimal group work dependencies, and generous credit transfer policies.
Your Quick Guide to Finding the Right Fit
What "Easiest" Really Means (And Doesn't Mean)
We need to define our terms. "Easiest" here isn't about intellectual rigor. It's about logistical and structural accessibility.
An easy online degree typically has:
- Asynchronous Courses: No mandatory live lectures. You log in and do the work on your schedule, whether that's at 5 AM or 11 PM.
- Objective or Clearly-Defined Assessments: Think multiple-choice quizzes, papers with explicit rubrics, and structured discussion posts. You know exactly what's required to get an A.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Open enrollment or lenient admission requirements, often found at large public university online divisions.
- Straightforward Content Delivery: Material is presented in clear modules—read this, watch this video, take this quiz. Less reliance on complex simulations or niche software only available in a lab.
- Maximized Transfer Credits: They accept a high number of credits from community college, prior university attempts, or professional certifications, shortening your time to graduation.
A note from experience: The biggest trap is assuming "easy" equals "no work." The workload in an accelerated online program is real. You might have a paper due every week in an 8-week term. The ease comes from the predictability and flexibility of that work, not its absence.
The Top 5 Easiest Online Degrees to Earn
This list isn't about prestige; it's about proven, accessible paths to a bachelor's degree for non-traditional students. I'm ranking these based on the criteria above, plus the breadth of available programs.
1. Bachelor of Arts in Communication or English
Why it's accessible: The core skills—reading, writing, critical analysis—are ones you use daily. Assessments are almost entirely writing-based (papers, essays, analyses) with clear guidelines. There's rarely complex math or science. The material is often engaging and directly applicable to improving your professional communication.
You'll find concentrations like Public Relations, Digital Media, or Technical Writing. A school like Arizona State University Online offers a robust BA in Communication that's highly structured. Expect to analyze advertisements, write press releases, and study media theory. It's perfect if you're a decent writer looking to formalize your skills.
2. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Don't let the "business" part intimidate you. The BSBA is a management degree, not a theoretical economics PhD. The curriculum is standardized across most schools: accounting basics, marketing principles, management 101, business law. This standardization makes it predictable.
The assessments are a mix of case studies (which are just structured stories with questions), financial ratio calculations (formulaic), and strategy papers. Schools like Western Governors University have built their entire model on competency-based BSBA programs where you progress by passing tests, not accumulating seat time.
3. Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Psychology is popular online for a reason. Humans are naturally curious about behavior, making the material inherently interesting. The coursework is heavy on reading research studies, understanding theories (Freud, Skinner, etc.), and writing about human development.
The path is clear: follow the modules, memorize key theories and terms, apply them to case studies. There's little advanced math, usually just basic statistics. It's a great foundation for fields like human resources, counseling (with further study), or marketing. University of Florida Online and Southern New Hampshire University have large, well-supported online psychology programs.
4. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Information Systems (CIS)
Hear me out. If you're technically minded, an IT degree can be easier than a humanities degree for you. The problems have definitive answers. You're often learning hands-on skills in networking, database management, or cybersecurity through virtual labs.
The key is to avoid pure Computer Science (heavy on theory and advanced programming) and focus on applied IT or CIS. These degrees are built around certifications (like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+) that often count for course credit. You study, you pass the cert exam, you get credit. It's a very tangible, milestone-driven path. Check out programs at Penn State World Campus or UMGC.
5. Bachelor of Science in Health Administration or Public Health
This is for the organized, detail-oriented person. The coursework covers healthcare policy, ethics, law, and management—it's largely administrative and regulatory. You're learning systems and procedures.
Assessments involve policy analysis, creating compliance plans, and understanding healthcare finance basics. It's heavy on terminology and process, but not on complex science (you won't be taking organic chemistry online). For anyone with experience in an office or clinical setting, the concepts feel familiar. This degree has exploded in popularity, with great options at George Washington University Online and Purdue Global.
| Degree | Best For People Who... | Typical Career Paths (Post-Grad) | Sample Course Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Are strong writers, enjoy analyzing media, work well with deadlines. | Marketing Coordinator, PR Specialist, Content Manager, Social Media Manager. | Public Speaking, Intercultural Comm., Persuasion & Social Influence. |
| Business Admin | Are organized, pragmatic, interested in how organizations function. | Operations Manager, Sales Manager, Project Coordinator, Entrepreneur. | Principles of Marketing, Financial Accounting, Organizational Behavior. |
| Psychology | Are empathetic, curious about human behavior, good listeners. | HR Specialist, Case Manager, Market Researcher, (with grad school) Counselor. | Developmental Psych, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods. |
| Information Technology | Are logical problem-solvers, enjoy hands-on tech tasks, precise. | IT Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst. | Network Fundamentals, Database Management, IT Project Management, Intro to Programming. |
| Health Administration | Are detail-oriented, interested in healthcare systems, rule-followers. | Medical Office Manager, Patient Coordinator, Healthcare Consultant, Insurance Specialist. | U.S. Healthcare System, Health Policy & Law, Healthcare Finance, Ethics. |
How to Choose: It's More Than Just Easy
Picking the easiest degree without a strategy is a waste of money. Here's the framework I give my advising clients.
First, audit your existing credits. Contact an admissions counselor at a few target schools and get an unofficial transfer evaluation. You might be 50% done with a degree and not know it. This single step can change your entire timeline.
Second, match the degree to your natural aptitudes. If you break out in a cold sweat at the thought of writing a 10-page paper, Communications isn't easy for you, no matter what the list says. If you love clear-cut problems, IT might be your smooth path.
Third, research the actual delivery. Look beyond the marketing. Find the course syllabus for "Introduction to [Major]" on the university's website. What are the assignments? How many discussions per week? Is there a proctored final exam? This tells you more than any brochure.
Fourth, prioritize regional accreditation above all else. This is non-negotiable. It ensures your degree is recognized by employers and other universities. Check the U.S. Department of Education's database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
Finally, think about the bridge the degree builds. What job title do you want after graduation? Search for that title on LinkedIn and see what degrees those professionals have. Use data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to understand growth and salary projections.
Your Questions, Answered
Are the easiest online degrees also the least valuable for my career?
Not necessarily. "Easiest" often refers to flexible structure and straightforward assessment, not low value. Degrees in Business Administration or Communications develop highly transferable skills like management, writing, and critical thinking that employers actively seek. The key is to choose a program from a properly accredited institution and complement it with relevant experience or certifications. A generic degree from a diploma mill is worthless; a focused degree from a respected public university is an asset.
I work 50 hours a week. Can I realistically complete an online degree quickly?
Yes, but "quickly" needs reframing. Accelerated 8-week terms are common, but the workload is condensed. The realistic path for a full-time worker is part-time enrollment, taking one or two courses per term. Many finish a bachelor's in 3-4 years this way, which is still faster than stopping work. Look for programs with asynchronous courses (no set login times) and generous transfer credit policies for prior college or work experience. Don't burn yourself out trying to do a full-time load—consistency beats speed.
What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing an 'easy' online degree?
Choosing based solely on perceived ease, ignoring personal interest. If you hate writing, a communications degree will feel like torture, regardless of its structure. You'll lack motivation and produce poor work. The degree that feels easiest is the one aligned with your natural aptitudes and curiosities. An "easy" math degree for someone who loves patterns is a nightmare for someone who avoids numbers. Spend time on introspection before you spend money on tuition.
Do employers view online degrees from major public universities differently than for-profit colleges?
Absolutely. A degree from an established, regionally accredited public university (like Arizona State University Online or University of Florida Online) carries the same weight as its on-campus counterpart. The diploma usually doesn't even say "online." For-profit schools, while sometimes accredited, still battle stigma regarding high costs and aggressive recruitment. Your safest bet for broad respect and the best return on investment is a regionally accredited non-profit or public institution. Always verify accreditation yourself.
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