Completing a bachelor’s 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:

  1. 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.
     
  2. 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.
     
  3. 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.
     
  4. 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.

 

Sample Three-Year Timeline

TERM UNITS MAJOR UNITS POTENTIAL COURSES/NOTES
AP/IB UNITS 0-2 0 Needed without trailing summer
       
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)
       
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)
       
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

 

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.

  • The Experiential Learning (EXLN) Core requirement can be fulfilled through internships, research, or qualifying courses during the academic year.

     

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.