Easiest Degree to Get Online: What You Need to Know Before Choosing

Funny thing—when my son Rishabh first asked if there's such a thing as an "easy" college degree, my gut said no way. But after a deep dive, it's not as black and white as you'd think. Some degrees do have a reputation for simpler coursework, fewer math headaches, and more flexibility. The trick is knowing which ones and why.

If you're working, have kids, or just can't wrap your head around another stats exam, you want something manageable. Especially with online classes—nobody needs more Zoom stress. That's why a lot of people turn to fields like liberal arts, business administration, and general studies. The classes usually lean heavily on essays, group projects, and quizzes instead of mind-bending calculations or lab time.

But before you grab the first "easy" option out there, it's smart to check what you'll really be learning (and if you'll actually enjoy doing it). I'll walk you through what people actually mean by "easy," which degrees pop up again and again, and a few shortcuts for speeding things up without falling behind. Ready to see if this is the right path—or just another shortcut that may not lead anywhere?

• What Makes a Degree 'Easy' Online?
• Popular Easy Online Degrees
• How Long Does an Easy Online Degree Take?
• The Truth Behind 'Easy': Do These Degrees Pay Off?
• Tips for Passing with Less Stress
• Red Flags to Watch Out For

What Makes a Degree 'Easy' Online?

Ever wonder why some degrees have a reputation for being a breeze, especially in an online setting? It usually boils down to how the coursework is structured, the kinds of assignments you'll see, and how much technical knowledge you actually need. When people talk about the easiest online degree, they're really thinking about programs that skip the heavy math, intense science labs, and endless technical jargon.

Let’s lay it out. A so-called easy degree online often means:

• Fewer math or science classes required.
• Flexible deadlines, especially in self-paced programs.
• Assignments that lean on writing, critical thinking, or group discussion instead of tough problem-solving.
• Minimal or no in-person requirements—no showing up to campus or weird schedules.

If we look at real data, a survey by Learning House found that 78% of online students picked majors they thought would fit their schedules and strengths. That’s not just about being lazy—it’s about being smart with your time if you’re juggling family or work.

Don’t forget accreditation. The easiest degree to get online doesn’t mean the degree is worth nothing. Always double-check that the college is legit. A degree from a sketchy school isn’t doing anyone any favors, no matter how easy it was to pass.

Popular Easy Online Degrees

The hunt for the easiest online degree usually leads you right to a few big names. Not all online majors are created equal—some are built with lots of reading, discussion posts, and straightforward assignments, instead of tough math or science labs. So if you're trying to get in and out as fast as possible, here's where most people end up:

• Business Administration: This one’s everywhere. Most programs focus on basic management, marketing, and human resources, so you’ll spend more time on case studies than crunching complex numbers. Plus, it’s got plenty of entry-level job options after graduation.
• Communications: If you’re good at writing and presenting, this is a comfortable fit. Courses lean on essays, group projects, and digital media—not heavy research or long exams. Bonus: a lot of schools don’t require any in-person work.
• Liberal Arts or General Studies: These degrees give you the most room to pick electives that fit your strengths. There’s a huge focus on reading, writing, and critical thinking. Some people finish even faster by transferring old credits.
• Psychology: Online psych degrees focus on theory over hands-on lab work. You’ll analyze studies, reflect, and write papers—perfect if you enjoy people-watching or pop science podcasts.
• Education (Early Childhood or General Ed): You usually don’t need a teaching license to start one of these. The assignments cover basic education concepts, lesson planning, and classroom theory, with few tough tests.
• Health Administration: Think behind-the-scenes of healthcare: scheduling, hospital basics, and healthcare law. You avoid direct patient care and focus on running the show instead.

Wondering what students usually pick? Here’s a quick look at some actual enrollment numbers for U.S. online colleges in 2024:

Now, not every school calls these programs the same thing. For example, some call it "Interdisciplinary Studies" or "Organizational Leadership." Always read the course list before signing up so you’re not hit with surprise classes. The sweet spot? Pick something you’re actually interested in—easy doesn’t mean boring if the topic clicks for you.

How Long Does an Easy Online Degree Take?

If you’re searching for the easiest online degree, chances are you also want a fast route to graduation. Most online bachelor’s degrees in “easy” majors (like liberal arts, general studies, or business administration) take about 3 to 4 years—even if you study 100% online. But that’s just the standard pace.

Want to move quicker? Many online schools offer accelerated programs or give credit for stuff you already know, like previous college classes or work experience. Get enough of those credits and you might finish in just 2 years, not 4.

Here’s what really speeds things up:

• Transfer Credits: Transferring credits from community college or another university can chop off a year or more.
• Credit for Experience: Some online colleges hand out credits for relevant work or military backgrounds (not every school does this, so check first).
• Year-round Classes: Many online programs don’t follow the regular school calendar, so you can take classes in the summer or double up on courses.
• Accelerated Coursework: If you pick programs that offer shorter class terms (like 8-week courses), you can rack up credits faster.

Don’t underestimate the workload, though. Even the easiest online degrees ask for steady effort—especially if you load up on classes. Expect a minimum time commitment per week, often 10-20 hours, depending on how many courses you take at once.

Final tip: before jumping into an accelerated path, always check if your target degree is respected by employers and accredited. Fast only matters if the paper at the end actually counts.

The Truth Behind 'Easy': Do These Degrees Pay Off?

Okay, so you're eyeing the easiest online degree because you want a smooth ride. No judgment—I've been there, juggling a job, home, and a kid who can break a Bluetooth speaker in two seconds flat. But here's what you really need to know: Not every easy degree opens the door to a payday, and some might not move you far at all. Let's dig in.

First, most employers care more about your degree's field than how tough it was to earn. For example, degrees like general studies or communications are considered easy by lots of students, but you might have to work harder after graduation to land a well-paying job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for someone with a liberal arts or general studies degree is usually on the lower end compared to degrees in business, IT, or healthcare.

Here’s the thing—online courses with fluffy coursework usually mean fewer technical skills when you graduate. It’s good for getting your foot in the door, especially if your main goal is "get the diploma and move on." But don’t expect a simple diploma to be a free ticket to a high-powered, high-salary job. If you’re aiming for higher pay or more specialized work, you usually need a degree with a bit more grit, like business or technology.

Some easy degrees work out great for people moving up where they already work, especially if your boss just wants to see any bachelor’s degree. That was true for two of my friends—one used a general studies online degree to snag a promotion at a hospital, another moved into management at a retail chain. It all depends on what you want the degree for. If you’re just starting out and have no career yet, think long-term. Will this "easy" major land you jobs you’ll actually want five years from now?

Also, don’t let anyone tell you that employers hate online degrees. These days, if your degree is from a legit, accredited school, most hiring managers don’t care whether you went to class online or on campus. What matters is you finished what you started. Still, pay close attention to which college you pick. Employers will notice if it’s one of those shady, not-so-accredited places that just churn out diplomas.

Tips for Passing with Less Stress

Getting an easiest online degree doesn't mean you can just coast through, but there are ways to make it a lot more doable. Let’s get real about what actually helps when classes pile up and life gets busy.

• Set a steady study routine: You can't pull off last-minute all-nighters if you’ve got a job or kids. Pick certain hours (even just 30 minutes a day) and block them out for classes and homework. Consistency beats cramming every time.
• Lean on tech tools: Use apps like Google Calendar for deadlines or Notion for note-taking. Tons of students say that breaking tasks into tiny steps using to-do lists saves a lot of headaches.
• Check your syllabus first: Seriously, most online courses lay out every assignment in advance. Knowing what's coming lets you plan chunks of time, which matters if you're balancing work and family. I learned the hard way when I missed a big project because I didn’t check the full course roadmap.
• Connect with classmates: Almost every online platform has discussion boards or group chats. Use them. Group study helps you share notes, clear up tricky topics, and push through rough patches. One law of online degrees: everyone else is juggling life too, so they get it.
• Ask for help early: If you’re lost, message your instructor right away. Waiting too long is basically setting yourself up for more stress. Most online college teachers actually reply fast—they know folks might only be online at odd hours.
• Watch your workload: A lot of people stack courses thinking it will be faster. But burnout is real. Stick to what fits your schedule, not what sounds ambitious on paper.

Just to give you a sense of balance, here’s a table showing what survey data from an actual 2024 national online learners’ poll said was most stressful in online courses, versus what really helped students succeed:

Don’t let the phrase easy online degree fool you—staying on top of stuff is your real best friend. If you manage your time, use your resources, and don’t try to be a superhero, you can finish with your sanity (mostly) intact.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

You'd think picking the easiest online degree would be smooth sailing, but there are a few traps you can fall into if you’re not watching closely. Some online programs try to make things sound way better or easier than they really are, especially with slick ads or promises that just aren’t realistic.

• No Accreditation: Always check if the college or university is properly accredited. If you finish your online courses and find out your degree isn’t recognized, that’s a complete waste. An easy way to check is to look for accreditation details on the school’s website or on the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
• Super Fast Graduation Promises: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some so-called fast degrees advertise graduation in a few months. Real bachelor’s degrees—even online—take closer to three or four years if you go full-time.
• No Clear Course Descriptions or Syllabi: If you can’t see what you’ll actually learn, how grades are given, or what assignments look like, something’s fishy. Honest schools lay it all out up front.
• Very High or Extremely Low Tuition: Outlier pricing—either way above or suspiciously below regular university rates—can be a warning sign. Always compare degree costs with a normal state university just to be sure.
• Pushy Recruiters: If someone’s calling non-stop after you just click to learn more, or if they pressure you to sign up fast, step back. Taking time to decide is normal for a big investment.
• Lack of Support Services: Decent online programs offer tutoring, tech support, and career help. If these aren’t mentioned, you might be on your own when things get tough.

Here’s some real data that shows why checking accreditation matters. According to a 2023 report from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation:

See the difference? Basically, the brand of your degree matters—a lot—for getting a job with it later on.

Bottom line: before signing up for any online learning program, do your background checks. A few red flags now can save you from a lot of pain (and wasted money) down the road.