The traditional college experience is often seen as a four-year journey of self-discovery and academic exploration. But for some, there is an opportunity and a drive to obtain the degree in just three years.
At the University of Puget Sound, the Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree is letting students redefine their college experience. The accelerated path is not merely about early graduation—it’s a strategic approach to maximizing education, securing a competitive advantage in the job market, and confidently transitioning into the future. And you don’t have to sacrifice the full college experience to do it.
“There are a lot of benefits to graduating early,” said Dean of Operations Gareth Barkin. “First, you have an early entry into the job market, and a head start on getting employment and building job experience. You can also reduce your overall tuition and housing costs, lowering the expense of college and reducing reliance on loans.”
Students on the three-year track have found unique ways to tailor their education to their goals—whether accelerating their career, pursuing multiple degrees, or making the most of their time at Puget Sound.
Harvey Cooper-Karl ’24, who graduated with a degree in science, technology, health, and society, took the three-year path and is now pursuing a Master of Public Health at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. He highlighted how important faculty mentorship was for their success.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my advisors and professors,” he said. “It’s not something you can do on your own.”
Beyond academics, Cooper-Karl actively participated in campus life, serving as vice president of the Resident Student Association and president of their major’s club. Cooper-Karl stresses the importance of a well-rounded college experience, even while on an accelerated track.
“Don’t assume that because you’re running fast that you can’t have somebody to run fast with you,” he said. “If you just speed-run college, I feel like you’re gonna miss out on a lot.”
Now one of the youngest students in their master’s program, Cooper-Karl believes this early start gives them an edge against peers his own age.
Carly Ching ’24, a business and leadership program major, exemplifies the program’s success. Driven by a desire to jumpstart her career, she chose to graduate early and was rewarded by landing a role as a finance specialist with a government agency in Idaho.
“By accelerating my education, I was able to start my career sooner while still making time for the experiences that matter most to me," she said. "The most rewarding part of finishing early was proving to myself that I could take on a rigorous course load while staying focused on my long-term goals.”
Ching notes that her path was not always easy. The Three-Year track isn’t just about entering the workforce sooner. It’s also about personal growth and intellectual exploration.
Connor Flannery ’25 initially planned to graduate a semester early. However, through careful planning, he discovered he could pursue two degrees—one in International Political Economy & Economics and Politics & Development Management—in just three and a half years, all while remaining in the Honors Program.
“I knew I could graduate early with my [high school] AP credits, but I wanted to make the time I did have as rewarding as possible,” he said. “Even in a three-year program, I still found plenty of opportunities to try new experiences and reflect on my next steps.”
He emphasizes the importance of balancing his academics with a genuine appreciation for the educational journey.
“I have tried to maintain the mindset that career readiness would be my second priority to truly valuing the education and knowledge I am given,” he said.
The accelerated path demands dedication and strong time management skills. Flannery acknowledges the challenges, noting that some semesters required careful scheduling and a focus on more difficult upper-level courses.
“Time management is essential,” he said. “You have to know at what pace you accomplish the most work, what time of day you are able to think the clearest, when you might have lingering obligations that could distract you, and so on. Once you know what works for you and you establish a routine, then things become much more manageable.”
Despite the intensity of such a strong course load, both Ching and Flannery agree they were still able to have a normal college experience.
“One of my main concerns when deciding whether I really wanted to graduate early was that I would be limiting myself from the ‘liberal arts experience’ of taking a bunch of different courses from every department under the sun,” Flannery said. “However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that almost all of my classes provided a rich blend of different subjects and perspectives. Even the most mundane-sounding methodologies courses had real-world applications that both made the class material more engaging and made the experience more fulfilling.”
For students considering the three-year path, Barkin recommends utilizing Summer Term courses to stay ahead.
“Students have the option of taking courses with our regular faculty on an accelerated timeline, and to focus in on just one or two classes at a time,” Barkin said. “It’s also the most beautiful season to be on our campus."
Students who are exceptionally driven and prepared for an intensive academic experience may find this accelerated pathway to be beneficial. Contact the Office of Academic Advising to learn more.
