Program Requirements

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

The Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program enables students to customize their academic pursuits based on their individual strengths and goals. The following departments participate in the program: business, chemistry, communication, computer science, criminology, economics, English and writing, foreign languages and literatures, geography, health and physical education, history, mathematics, and physics.

To complete the program in three years, students average 16 credits a quarter in a focused program that reduces coursework by up to 24 general education and 21 elective credits. To ensure success in this compressed program of study, students should be self-disciplined, highly motivated, and committed to their major.

The Accelerated Baccalaureate Committee reviews application portfolios and recommends students for this program to the major department. Faculty members from each participating department serve as academic advisors for program participants. Students must begin the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program during their first quarter at the University; they typically submit applications for this program when applying for admission to SOU.

Applicants must have at least a 3.4 cumulative high school GPA, 1150 SAT I score, or 25 ACT score to be considered for the program. Applications are available from the Admissions Office.

Program Requirements

1. During the orientation program in September, entering students attend a workshop addressing a number of practical considerations. This includes an introduction to the program, the University Library, and the Computing Services Center, in addition to an overview of college success skills. Throughout the year, there are mid-quarter meetings and questions of the week to answer. Students receive 1 credit for participating in these required activities.
   
2. Each student is required to take a minimum of 135 credits. The Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program advisor and committee determine which general education credits each student must complete based on such factors as background and teacher recommendations. Students entering the program with outstanding backgrounds in science and math, for example, are asked to concentrate their general education in arts and letters and social science.
   
3. In consultation with their advisors, students develop a yearly contract to ensure normal progress toward the degree. Students who for any reason—such as illness, change of major, or academic problems—do not make normal progress are required to switch to a 180-credit four-year degree program.