Completing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in three years is an ambitious undertaking, designed for students who are highly motivated and ready to commit to a rigorous academic plan. While the traditional timeline for earning a degree is four years, this accelerated path is feasible with careful planning and dedication.
How It Works
Students can graduate in three years by meeting the following conditions:
- Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Dual Credit: Students enter Puget Sound with at least two approved units from AP, IB, or dual enrollment, reducing their total required units to 30. For students matriculating without two approved units, a trailing Summer Term after the third year can be substituted.
听 - Full Semester Course Loads: Students complete 4.25 to 4.5 units per semester (including activity credits when applicable) to achieve a total of 26 units over six semesters.
听 - Summer Coursework: Students enroll in two Summer Term courses each summer, earning up to 4 additional units across two summers. Alternatively, students can opt for one trailing summer after their third year to complete remaining units.
听 - Strategic Course Planning: Students begin major coursework immediately upon matriculation and use summer sessions to complete Divisional or Core requirements, such as Connections, KNOW, language, or other graduation requirements.
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Sample Three-Year Timeline
| TERM | UNITS | MAJOR UNITS | POTENTIAL COURSES/NOTES |
| AP/IB UNITS | 0-2 | 0 | Needed without trailing summer |
| 听 | 听 | 听 | 听 |
| Fall 1 | 4.25 | 2 | CONN 1XX, additional core, major courses |
| Spring 1 | 4.25 | 2 | CCS, additional core, major courses |
| Summer 1 | 2 | 0 | Division or core courses (Language, Connections, KNOW) |
| 听 | 听 | 听 | 听 |
| Fall 2 | 4.5 | 3 | Major courses and EXLN course |
| Spring 2 | 4.5 | 3 | Major courses and additional core or division |
| Summer 2 | 2 | 0 | Division or core courses (Language, Connections, KNOW) |
| 听 | 听 | 听 | 听 |
| Fall 3 | 4.25 | 3 | Major courses (possibly capstone), additional core or division |
| Spring 3 | 4.25 | 3 | Major courses (possibly capstone), additional core or division |
| Summer 3 (trailing) | 0-2 | 0 | This summer could substitute for AP/IB credit. |
| TOTAL | 32 | 15 | Requires 2 units from AP/IB, Summer 2, and/or Summer 4 |
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Considerations
- Students must begin planning early, ideally during their first advising session. Selecting a major promptly and planning courses strategically is critical.
- Certain majors with structured course sequences may not allow for this timeline, or may present additional scheduling challenges; speak with a faculty advisor in the major department to anticipate these.
- Summer Term courses are essential for meeting Core and Divisional requirements, and students should consult their advisor to ensure offerings align with their needs.
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The Experiential Learning (EXLN) Core requirement can be fulfilled through internships, research, or qualifying courses during the academic year.
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Is This Path Right for You?
Graduating in three years requires careful planning, a full course load each semester, and summer coursework. This pathway is best suited for students who are:
- Prepared to manage a rigorous schedule
- Focused on their academic and career goals
- Entering with prior credits (AP, IB, or dual enrollment)
For more information and to explore whether this option aligns with your goals, contact the Office of Academic Advising.