Looking for a streamlined path to your undergraduate degree? Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is reimagining higher education with streamlined, 90-credit bachelor's degree options. Whether you're interested in an online teaching degree or an applied analytics pathway, we have several options to choose from with convenient online learning formats.
If you're not sure which 90-credit program may fit you best, check out our helpful comparison guide below.
Out of the six Fast Forward programs IWU has to offer, three are in education and three are in applied AI analytics. While IWU is not exclusively an online college, each of these programs is available in an online-only format that suits the needs of today's busy learners.
As you decide which type of degree may better suit you, one of the best things you can do is to consider what your career goals look like now and how they might evolve in the future.
Our applied AI analytics degrees (including our human resources degree, supply chain degree, and marketing analytics degree) are all designed to prepare students for careers in business, technology, and data analysis. Some common job titles in these areas include:
Meanwhile, our education degree programs in areas like English language arts, middle school science, and secondary mathematics are thoughtfully designed with curricula that prepare students for such classroom/education roles as:
These degrees may also serve as a stepping stone into graduate certificate and master's degree programs in education, providing a more streamlined entry into graduate school.
Choosing between a degree in education and a degree in AI analytics may also be easier when you take a closer look at the potential career pathways for each. Keep in mind that specific roles and career paths may vary depending on whether you pursue a supply chain analytics degree, marketing degree, or human resources degree in applied AI. However, some potential opportunities to consider include those in:
In a marketing job, for example, professionals may leverage knowledge and skills from an applied AI program to personalize campaigns, automate certain marketing tasks, and even generate different versions of content to appeal to diverse audience segments.
For those considering a career in education, an accelerated teaching degree can be a great way to explore opportunities in science, English language arts, and mathematics. While earning a degree alone doesn't guarantee a specific job in the field, some common areas where education degree graduates end up include:
Feeling torn between an accelerated education degree and an AI analytics degree? Careers in both fields can be extremely rewarding and are also in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth in many areas of education and data science/analytics.
At the same time, the path that's right for you may not be the path that's right for somebody else. This is why it's so important to compare degree programs by fit before deciding on one.
What are some of your key strengths in each area? If you have a great deal of empathy for others, are a skilled communicator, and have creative-thinking skills, then you could be well suited for a career in education.
On the other hand, if your skills are more technical in nature and you have a more statistical or analytical mindset, then you might do well in an applied AI analytics career path.
Of course, this isn't to say that some skills can't overlap between the two fields. Many professionals working in applied AI analytics, for example, need to be creative thinkers and often need to be able to communicate/collaborate with other interdisciplinary professionals.
Another important thing to keep in mind as you compare education careers with careers in AI analytics is the unique audience that each serves. As an educator, you'll be focused on your students and preparing them with the knowledge they need to navigate life. A career in AI analytics, on the other hand, may mean more of a focus on serving businesses and organizations rather than individual people.
In deciding between an education/teaching degree and an AI or HR analytics degree, you'll also need to consider the potential for long-term growth and advancement. As an educator, you might be happy teaching for many decades — or you may decide to return to school for a master's degree to advance into leadership/administrative roles.
In AI analytics, opportunities for career advancement may simply come with experience, though continuing education and ongoing professional development could help you differentiate yourself in a competitive workforce.
Whether you're leaning toward a career in education or AI analytics, earning your bachelor’s degree doesn't have to mean spending four-plus years in school. In fact, with 90-credit degree models (like IWU's "Fast Forward" programs) becoming increasingly commonplace, it could be possible to earn your online degree in a consolidated timeframe of just three years.
An accelerated degree program offers the possibility of faster completion within just three years instead of the four (or more) needed to complete a traditional 120-credit program. And by earning your degree sooner, you could also enter the workforce earlier and gain faster career momentum.
Because 90-credit degree programs forego some general education credits, students can also enjoy a more focused curriculum that centers around the coursework, knowledge, and skills they'll need in their future careers. Rather than spending time on general education classes that may not be directly applicable to your future work, you can spend your time (and effort) on career-ready coursework that prepares you for the realities of your chosen field.
At IWU, all of our Fast Forward degree options are also offered in a 100% online format — offering unrivaled flexibility and accessibility for busy students who may be juggling other responsibilities. With asynchronous coursework that you can complete at your own pace, these programs are ideal for goal-oriented and self-motivated students who are balancing other commitments while pursuing a degree.
Although education and applied AI analytics are two distinct fields, there is some overlap between the two — so choosing the path that best suits your personal interests and career goals may take some careful consideration and soul-searching.
No matter which path you decide on, IWU's Fast Forward degree programs offer the potential to earn your degree and enter the workforce in just three years. Currently, we have six online programs to choose from, including:
All of these programs combine quality, flexibility, and purpose while offering rigorous curricula that align with the modern demands of the workforce.
Ready to learn more? Get in touch to request information about any of our Fast Forward AI analytics or education degree options. You can also explore our other programs to find your ideal fit or get the ball rolling on your application for admission here.
With several Fast Forward degree options to choose from, deciding on the program that's right for you might feel daunting. Check out our FAQ section below for some additional guidance on selecting the 90-credit degree that fits you best.
These are two very different pathways, so we recommend that you start by thinking about your preferred work environment. If the idea of working with data systems, making business decisions, and leveraging new technology appeals to you, then the Applied AI Analytics track could be a better fit. On the other hand, if you want to work directly with students and teach a subject, then an education pathway could be the better match.
If you're trying to decide between Applied AI Analytics tracks, the option that's right for you will depend on the business problems that interest you most. The supply chain track focuses more on operations and logistics, whereas the HR track is centered around people and workforce decisions. Meanwhile, the marketing track focuses on customers, developing campaigns, and building brand engagement.
If you enjoy working with teens, you might want to consider secondary pathways in English language arts and mathematics as these are designed around older students and subject-specific teaching. The middle school science pathway may also appeal to students who want to work with younger adolescents and introduce STEM concepts.
No. Although a shorter time-to-completion is one benefit of a 90-credit degree, the stronger value is a more focused curriculum. A 90-credit degree may empower students to pursue a more direct academic path connected to specific career outcomes.
Absolutely, assuming the curriculum has been intentionally designed around relevant skills, applied learning, and clear outcomes. In considering a 90-degree program, students should assess what they will learn, which projects or field experiences they will complete, and how the degree aligns with their long-term goals.
If you're interested in both fields, take the time to consider which setting motivates you more. If you like the idea of teaching students directly and making a difference in learners' lives, an education pathway could be right for you. If you're passionate about using data to improve business systems, the applied AI analytics pathway may be the better choice. Keep in mind that regardless which path you choose, you always have the option to look for electives, projects, or future graduate options that bridge both interests.
