Easiest Degree to Get Online: What You Need to Know

Picking a degree isn’t just about chasing your passion or following trends. Sometimes, you just want to know which degree is the easiest to get online—especially if you’re balancing work, life, and, in my case, the never-ending attention demands of a cat named Luna.

So, what actually makes a degree 'easy'? It's not magic. Usually, these programs ask for less advanced math, have short assignments, or don’t require group projects all the time. You might also find fewer technical hurdles—or less face-to-face pressure, which can be a lifesaver if you cringe at presentations.

Online learning makes this even more approachable. You get to skip the commute, work at your own pace, and often have professors who upload clear checklists of what to do and when. But don’t get fooled: easy doesn’t mean zero work. It just tends to be more flexible and less intense compared to heavy-duty options like engineering or nursing.

• What Makes a Degree 'Easy' Anyway?
• Degrees That Are Often Considered Easiest Online
• How Online Learning Changes the Game
• Spotting the Easiest Online Programs
• Shortcuts, Pitfalls, and Smart Tips
• Can an Easy Degree Open Doors?

What Makes a Degree 'Easy' Anyway?

When people talk about an "easy" degree, they're not saying you won’t have to lift a finger. Usually, they mean the workload is lighter, the subjects are a bit less complex, or there’s more flexibility in how you learn. Let’s get into what actually sets these degrees apart from the more intense ones.

Here’s what makes a degree less demanding:

• Easiest degree programs usually skip advanced math and heavy science labs. You’re less likely to find nightmare finals or weekly all-nighters here.
• Assignments usually focus on writing, basic research, or discussions—nothing that needs hours of technical work.
• Online versions let you tackle classes anytime, pause videos, and even rewatch lectures. No frantic note-taking.
• Tests are often open-book or done at home. Less timed pressure, more time to answer calmly.
• Subjects connect directly to regular life—like communication, business basics, or general studies—so you’re not swimming in jargon.

Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a quick look at course workload in popular online majors based on recent survey data:

Notice how the so-called easy majors require fewer hours and simpler projects compared to something like engineering. That makes a big difference, especially if you’re busy or just want something straightforward.

One last thing: "easy" depends on your strengths. If you dread public speaking, even a simple communications class can be tough. Finding the right fit matters just as much as the label.

Degrees That Are Often Considered Easiest Online

Let’s get real—some degrees simply have a reputation for being less stressful and more forgiving than others, especially when you look at what’s offered online. People searching for the easiest degree will usually come across the same handful of programs again and again, and it’s not random. These degrees tend to focus more on general skills, fewer technical know-how, and less cutthroat grading.

• Liberal Arts: This is the classic go-to for a reason. Online liberal arts programs usually cover subjects like history, philosophy, and literature. Assignments are more about reading and writing than memorizing formulas or solving problems. You don’t have to pass tough science labs or worry about strict prerequisites. Plus, group work is pretty rare.
• Communications: Lots of schools online push communications as a simple, flexible degree. It’s mostly about understanding how messages work, writing clearly, and maybe making basic media projects. Exams tend to be multiple choice or open-book. If you like sharing ideas but hate timed math tests, this is a good fit.
• Business Administration: Now, this isn’t always ‘easy’, but many online business degrees are designed to be fast-tracked and practical. Much of the work is in case studies or presentations (which you might record from home) instead of old-school finals. Just watch out—some business schools sneak in accounting, which can be a pain for non-numbers people.
• Education (General Studies): If you're not aiming to become a licensed teacher, general education degrees are often pretty straightforward online. The studies focus on theory, personal learning, and writing up reflections, not student teaching or in-person exams.
• General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies: These are catch-alls that let you choose classes from several subjects. They exist to be finished quickly, and you can pick what sounds easiest as you go. If there’s a topic you dread, just avoid it. This flexibility helps you avoid getting stuck on a tough course.

Just remember: 'easy' doesn’t mean ‘lazy’—schools still expect you to show up (digitally), turn things in on time, and engage when asked. Still, if your goal is to finish with as few headaches as possible, these degrees are where lots of people start looking.

How Online Learning Changes the Game

The jump to online learning has shaken up how people see getting a degree—especially if you’re after the easiest degree. Online setups let you create your own routine. You’re not tied to the campus schedule or a classroom’s four walls. With just a laptop and Wi-Fi, you can join a lecture from your couch, a coffee shop, or, if you’re like me, wherever your cat lets you sit.

Flexibility is the biggest draw. A lot of online degrees offer recorded lectures, easy-to-access readings, and digital assignments that fit around a job, family, or even an annoying commute. This is a lifesaver if you’re working full-time or need to fit studying into weird hours.

Another bonus? Online programs usually cut down extra requirements—the stuff like in-person labs or on-site tests. Plenty of these courses offer proctored online exams and ditch attendance rules. And since you’re reading and submitting work online, it’s easier to keep everything organized. Discussion boards replace awkward, forced classroom talks, so you can chime in when you’ve actually got something to say.

It’s not just about convenience, though. Here’s a quick look at why online degrees feel more doable for so many:

• Self-paced options—Go faster or slower, depending on how much time you’ve got.
• Shorter terms—Some schools break the year into mini-terms so you only tackle one subject at a time.
• Lower costs—Less money spent on travel, campus housing, or random fees.
• Wide variety—From liberal arts to business, you can find loads of 'easy' majors offered fully online.

Let’s peek at how people approach online degrees compared to traditional routes:

The bottom line: online learning knocks down a ton of barriers. If getting through your studies smoothly and with less stress matters most to you, online degrees have made it easier than ever to go for it without flipping your life upside down.

Spotting the Easiest Online Programs

Finding the easiest degree online takes a bit of digging, but it isn’t rocket science. Some programs stand out for being more straightforward or less stressful by reputation and design. Here’s how you can spot them.

First, look at what majors pop up over and over when people talk about easy online degrees. You’ll usually see:

• General Studies
• Liberal Arts
• Communications
• Business Administration (non-specialized)
• Psychology (BA, not BS)
• Education (at the undergraduate level)

These programs don’t load you up with high-level math or super technical work. Most assignments are essays, quizzes, and short projects instead of huge group work or labs. General Studies might even let you mix and match courses that play to your strengths, which can make things way easier.

Online colleges also tend to lay out their requirements in a clear checklist right on their websites. Want an example? Here’s a typical course load:

Here’s a quick checklist for spotting a less demanding program:

• The school is accredited (so your degree actually means something to employers).
• The degree requires fewer math/science credits.
• Assignments are mostly writing or open-book quizzes.
• They offer short, 8-week terms or self-paced classes so you can move fast.
• Students online say it’s doable even with work or family on your plate.

One interesting stat: According to NCES reports, almost 60% of students who finished online bachelor’s degrees in the last two years said they picked their major for "flexibility and low stress." Universities have caught on—they’re making these programs even more streamlined than ever.

Dodging programs with a lot of science labs, upper-level math, or tough group projects is key. Schools usually post sample syllabi—don’t be shy about reading them. If you hate timed exams, look for courses that focus on projects or weekly assignments instead.

Shortcuts, Pitfalls, and Smart Tips

Everyone likes the idea of shortcuts, especially when hunting for the easiest degree online. But before you race through signup forms, it’s worth knowing what works and what can come back to bite you later.

First, let's talk about shortcuts. Accelerated formats—often called “fast-track” or eight-week terms—are popular with online schools. These let you squeeze what’s usually a semester of work into half the time. Just know, classes pack a punch and require you to stay on top of things, or you’ll drown in assignments by week two. Another common shortcut: transferring credits from work experience or certifications. Schools like Western Governors University or Southern New Hampshire University are pretty open to this, so always ask if your job or past classes count.

Don’t fall for diploma mills. These shady outfits promise degrees with almost no effort—usually in exchange for a fat check. If a school isn’t accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, run the other way. A degree from a sketchy source is mostly worthless to employers and can cost you more in the long run.

When it comes to smart tips, here's what actually helps:

• Stick to a set study schedule, even if it’s only thirty minutes after dinner or before work. Otherwise, life has a sneaky way of distracting you. Trust me, my cat Luna loves to nap on my keyboard.
• Use your school’s online resources—tutoring, writing centers, discussion boards. Most people ignore these, but they're like cheat codes when you’re stuck.
• Pick general education classes early. These cover basics like communication or psychology, and they’re often more forgiving than tough upper-level courses. You can knock these out first while you get used to online routines.
• Reach out to real humans: academic advisors, professors, or even past students. They’ll warn you which classes to avoid (and which are actually doable in a busy week).

Avoid the trap of thinking 'easy' means it's okay to coast. Even in lighter programs, deadlines pile up, and online classes can feel lonely fast. Stay involved, ask questions, and never be shy to ask for extensions if something comes up—most professors are more understanding than you think.

Can an Easy Degree Open Doors?

So, you’re eyeing what’s often called the easiest degree online, but you’re wondering—will this piece of paper actually get you anywhere? There’s a lot of talk out there about fancy-sounding degrees versus more laid-back options. Here’s what actually matters in real life.

First, jobs that just need “any bachelor’s degree” don’t usually care what you studied. Lots of office roles, customer service gigs, and sales jobs just want proof you finished college. For example, a 2023 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 51% of entry-level job postings in business administration, human resources, and communications only asked for a bachelor’s, not a specific major.

Some fields—like early childhood education or general studies—are packed with people who got their degree online because it worked with their schedules. And yeah, people do land jobs with these degrees. Some even use them as stepping stones for promotions or grad school.

But, let’s be real. Some more “relaxed” online degrees aren’t as respected in fields like engineering, IT, or finance. If you aim for those, you’ll need a heavier-duty program. For jobs where you just need a credential, though, finishing fast and jumping into the workforce has a lot of value.

• Check if your target job needs a specific major or just a bachelor’s.
• Look for accredited schools. Employers can spot “degree mills” a mile away.
• Use your electives to pick up extra skills—think Excel, digital marketing, or project management.

Even the easiest degree means more pay, better job security, and more room to climb. And if you ever want to switch gears, plenty of people use their generalized online degrees to pivot into new careers with a little extra training down the line. Focus on the credential and skills you build, not just what’s written on your diploma.