Summary
Highlights
Ryan introduces the possibility of earning a full bachelor's degree in less than a year, even without prior college experience. He shares his expertise in helping people achieve degrees faster and highlights that this video will cover the top three fastest college majors available. These degrees can potentially be completed in 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, and he will discuss the pros and cons of each to help viewers choose the best option for their career goals.
The first fast major discussed is Liberal Arts or Liberal Studies. The main pro is its flexibility, allowing students to study a wide variety of subjects they are interested in. The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers a 'Your Pace' program for Liberal Studies, which is self-paced and allows students to choose minors like Management to tailor their degree. However, a significant con is highlighted: the median annual wage for liberal arts graduates is around $60,000, which is often achievable without a degree, and a third of these earners have advanced degrees. This major is generally not as highly paid due to its broad nature, making it less specialized for specific high-paying jobs, but it can be suitable for those needing a degree for a promotion in an existing role.
The second fast major is Communications, which is considered easier as it doesn't heavily involve complex math or science. Western Governors University (WGU) is recommended for its self-paced Bachelor of Science in Communications, with 60% of graduates finishing within 19 months. Statistically, communications majors fare slightly better than liberal arts, with a median annual wage of $65,000 and more job opportunities. While some jobs in arts, design, and media can be lower paying, communications degrees are excellent for specific fields, especially if pursuing management or business roles. However, if one aims for business or management, a direct business degree might be more specializing and beneficial.
The third and favored fast major is Business. Business degrees are often perceived as easier to study because they relate to everyday experiences. WGU is again recommended, offering various business specializations like accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and IT management. The Business Management program at WGU sees 61% of graduates finishing within 19 months. Business degrees boast a large job market (nearly 14 million jobs) and a median annual wage of $75,000. Unlike liberal arts or communications, business graduates are more likely to work in business-related fields. To earn more than the average $75,000, it's advised to pursue management occupations, which are generally six-figure roles and can span various industries like sports, healthcare, and beauty.
Ryan emphasizes that simply enrolling in these programs won't guarantee a fast graduation. Universities are businesses and don't inherently encourage rapid degree completion. To graduate quickly, students need to 'degree hack' by self-studying the required material and testing out of classes. He offers resources, including a video explaining degree hacking and his 'Degree Hacking Academy' program, to help students achieve degrees rapidly.