Accelerated Baccalaureate Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. How is it possible to earn my degree in less than four years?
- A faculty committee evaluates your experience and strengths based on your teacher evaluations, essay(s), your resume, and samples of your work. Your application materials determine your general education requirements and electives reductions. The Committee may reduce up to 24 credits of general education requirements and 21 credits of electives.
- 2. What is the average course load for an Accelerated Baccalaureate student?
- Accelerated Baccalaureate students average 16 credits per quarter, depending upon the amount of general education credit reduction allowed. Students may take summer school courses that will also help reduce the average course load. Students admitted to the program will plan a course with their academic advisor (the ABP faculty member from their participating department).
- 3. Will I have the same educational opportunities as regular students?
- Accelerated Baccalaureate students are encouraged to participate in the many extra-curricular and academic opportunities available to all SOU students. Current AB students participate in student government, athletics, clubs, National Student Exchange Program and International Programs. Advisors and the committee will work with students participating in exchange programs to ensure the classes they take will work with their three-year program.
- 4. What happens if I want to take a term off?
- Students are encouraged to stay in close contact with their advisor. If the student and advisor determine the student needs to take a term off, every effort will be made to redesign the individual student program to ensure completion in three years. Such redesign may take the form of an increased average course load each term and taking classes during the summer terms. Students who for any reason, such as illness, change of major, or academic problems, do not make normal progress in the program may be required to complete the regular 180-hour four year degree program.
- 5. I already have some college, am I still eligible for the program?
- Generally, students with more than 18 credits of college work may not qualify for the program. The Accelerated Baccalaureate is based on a reduction of general education and elective credits. Students with college credit may already be in a position to finish their degree at SOU within three years, following the normal transfer student model. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for assistance in determining the number of transfer credits they may have.
- 6. What do "AB" and "3YB" mean?
- You may hear or see a number of acronyms during the application process. Here are some of the more common ones: ABC - Accelerated Baccalaureate Committee, 3YB - Three Year Baccalaureate, AB - Accelerated Baccalaureate, Acc. Bacc.
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