Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

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Program Requirements

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, international studies, 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. Additional information and applications are available on the Web at www.sou.edu/3yeardegree.

Program Requirements

1. First-year students are required to attend an orientation at the beginning of their first term and three midquarter meetings through their first year. Midquarter meetings are optional for second- and third-year students.
   
2. First-year students are required to respond to weekly questions throughout their first year. Student responses are distributed anonymously to the Accelerated Baccalaureate Program Committee and are used for evaluating the program and student progress.
   
3. Third-year students are required to participate in an exit interview during their last quarter at SOU.
   
4. All students are required to take 135 to 151 credits. Specific course requirements are determined after extensive reviews of application portfolios.
   
5. All students meet regularly with their advisors to develop and maintain a yearly contract that ensures normal progress toward the degree. Students who do not maintain normal progress are required to switch to a 180-credit, four-year degree program.