Which Degree Is the Easiest? A Practical Guide for Online Learners

Ever wondered which university qualification you can breeze through without burning out? The question isn’t about “cheating” the system - it’s about matching your strengths, schedule, and career goals with a program that won’t feel like a constant uphill battle. Below is a no‑fluff look at the degrees that consistently rank as the most manageable, the criteria that make them easy, and how to decide if an easy path really fits you.

Key Takeaways

• Degrees that focus on broad, non‑technical subjects (e.g., Liberal Arts, General Studies) usually have the lowest average GPA requirements.
• Online formats add flexibility, reducing the pressure of rigid timetables.
• An "easy" degree can still lead to solid career prospects when paired with the right skills and certifications.
• Consider course load, assessment style, and personal interest before choosing the path that feels easiest.
• Use the comparison table to spot the right balance between difficulty, cost, and job outlook.

What Does "Easiest" Actually Mean?

Before we name any programs, it’s worth pinning down the factors that most people use to judge ease:

1. Course Load: Fewer credit hours per semester or a generous credit‑hour limit for online study.
2. Assessment Style: Heavy reliance on essays, projects, or multiple‑choice quizzes rather than timed exams or lab work.
3. Prerequisite Knowledge: Programs that don’t demand advanced math, science, or technical backgrounds.
4. Flexibility: Ability to study at your own pace, pause semesters, or transfer credits easily.
5. Student Support: Strong tutoring, clear grading rubrics, and responsive academic advisors.

When a degree checks most of these boxes, students tend to report higher Graduation Rate the percentage of enrolled students who finish within the standard time frame and lower average stress levels.

Degrees Frequently Cited as the Easiest

Below are the programs that consistently appear at the top of “low‑difficulty” lists, especially for online learners. Each entry includes a brief definition with microdata so search engines can recognize the entity.

• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts a broad, interdisciplinary degree covering humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences without a strict major focus. Typical coursework involves reading, essays, and discussion‑based assignments.
• Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies a two‑year credential that covers foundational subjects and prepares students for transfer or entry‑level jobs. Courses are usually short, with clear grading rubrics.
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) a technical degree focused on networking, system administration, and basic programming, often structured around hands‑on labs that can be completed virtually. While technical, the curriculum leans heavily on practical, repeatable tasks.
• Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration covers core business concepts like accounting, marketing, and management, using case studies and project work rather than intensive formulas.
• Certificate in Project Management a short, competency‑based program that teaches planning and execution skills, often completed in under a year. While not a full degree, many treat it as an easy academic stepping stone.

Why These Degrees Tend to Be Easier

Each of the programs above shares at least three of the ease criteria listed earlier. Let’s break down the common threads:

• Broad Curriculum: Liberal Arts and General Studies avoid deep specialization, so you won’t need to master complex equations or lab techniques.
• Project‑Based Assessment: Business Administration and IT often replace high‑stakes exams with group projects or real‑world simulations that let you learn by doing.
• Modular Structure: Online formats split content into bite‑size modules, letting you pace yourself and revisit tough topics.
• Lower Prerequisite Barriers: Most programs accept students without prior subject‑specific coursework, reducing the need for remedial classes.

Pros and Cons of Choosing an Easy Degree

It’s tempting to pick the path of least resistance, but there are trade‑offs to weigh.

How to Pick the Right Degree for You

Even if a program is labeled “easy,” it only works if it aligns with your goals. Follow these steps:

1. Identify your career target. If you want a role in Project Management overseeing timelines, budgets, and teams, a Project Management Certificate could be a quick gateway.
2. Match your strengths. If you enjoy reading, writing, and discussing ideas, a Liberal Arts BA will feel natural. If you like tinkering with computers, the IT BSc might be the smoother technical route.
3. Check accreditation. Look for programs accredited by recognized bodies (e.g., Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) a U.S. agency that evaluates business education quality).
4. Calculate the total cost, including tuition, software, and any required textbooks. Easy degrees often have lower ancillary fees.
5. Read student reviews for Student Satisfaction a measure of how learners rate their overall experience. High satisfaction usually signals good support services.

Real‑World Example: Sarah’s Path from Associate to Manager

Sarah, a 28‑year‑old retail supervisor in Manchester, wanted a promotion but lacked a formal qualification. She enrolled in an Associate of Arts in General Studies offered fully online. The program’s modular layout let her study evenings, and the assessment style-short quizzes and reflective essays-fit her busy schedule. After two years, she added a Certificate in Project Management and secured a team‑lead role, earning a 12% salary bump. Sarah’s story shows that an “easy” degree, when paired with strategic upskilling, can boost career prospects without overwhelming you.

Final Thoughts

There’s no universal answer to “what degree is easiest?” because ease is personal. However, programs like Liberal Arts, General Studies, Business Administration, and certain IT tracks regularly appear as low‑stress options, especially when delivered online. Use the criteria and comparison table above to gauge which fit feels right for your schedule, learning style, and career ambitions. Remember, the goal isn’t just to finish quickly-it’s to finish with skills that open doors.