For many working adults, military professionals, and returning students, completing a bachelor’s degree isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a strategic move that can unlock leadership roles, raise earning potential, and position you for long-term career success. Whether life interrupted your college journey or you’re ready to accelerate your professional advancement, degree completion programs are designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
The Case for Finishing Your Degree
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, adults with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, $21,400 more annually than those with only some college but no degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics further reports that bachelor’s degree holders experience lower unemployment rates and significantly higher access to promotions and management roles.
Completing your degree doesn’t just improve your earning power—it builds the foundation for leadership. Fields like human resources, accounting, and industry leadership increasingly require a bachelor’s degree for mid- to senior-level positions. If you’re aiming for leadership, a completed degree is often the gateway.
Completing a bachelor’s degree does more than provide subject matter expertise—it cultivates the critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for leadership. Through coursework, group projects, and exposure to diverse perspectives, students develop the ability to analyze complex issues, make informed decisions, and lead teams effectively. Many degree programs also include leadership-focused curriculum, such as ethics, organizational behavior, and strategic planning, which prepare graduates to step confidently into supervisory and management roles. As a result, employers often view a completed bachelor’s degree as a key indicator of leadership potential and readiness for advancement.
Flexible Options: Accelerated Degree Programs
Today’s accelerated degree programs allow motivated learners to fast-track their education through online, hybrid, or evening formats. These programs often award credit for prior learning, military experience, or previous coursework—helping students finish faster and more affordably. Some programs offer year-round enrollment, stackable certificates, or 8-week course formats to help you build momentum and maintain flexibility.
For military service members and veterans, degree completion can be especially meaningful. Many institutions recognize military training and experience with transfer credit, offer military tuition discounts, and provide academic advising tailored to veterans’ unique needs. Completing a degree after active service is more than symbolic—it equips veterans with the civilian credentials and skills to lead in public service, corporate leadership, cybersecurity, and more.
The Next Step Is Yours
Whether you’re a parent juggling responsibilities, a professional eyeing a promotion, or a veteran ready to leverage your leadership skills in a new field, there’s never been a better time to complete your degree. With degree completion and accelerated degree options available nationwide, your future leadership role is closer than you think.
Concordia University Chicago’s accelerated online bachelor’s degrees are designed to help you finish what you started and move confidently toward your future. These high-quality, fast-paced programs are ideal for individuals looking to re-enter the workforce or advance in their current careers, offering the flexibility needed to balance education with work and personal responsibilities. With the option to complete your degree in as few as 16 months, these programs are a smart, time-efficient path for working adults seeking to elevate their career potential. Accelerated degree options include a Bachelor’s in Accounting, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Management.
