3-Year Degree
Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees at Our Lady of the Lake University
Earn a full bachelor’s degree in just three years through SACS‑approved, 94–96 credit‑hour pathways that keep OLLU’s academic quality while lowering cost and time to graduation.
Designed for first‑time college students, these structured plans let you complete the same general education, major and minor requirements as our traditional four‑year degrees — without needing AP, IB or dual‑credit hours from high school.
How the Three‑Year Pathway Works
Students complete 94–96 total credit hours over six semesters (three academic years), typically taking 15–16 credit hours in both fall and spring terms.
The curriculum includes:
- 37–38 credit hours of general education requirements
- 39–40 credit hours in the major
- 18 credit hours in a minor
This structure preserves the same core requirements as OLLU’s traditional four‑year bachelor’s degrees. The shorter timeline is achieved by carefully removing a small number of elective‑hour courses that are not associated with specific student learning outcomes.
Majors and Minors Offered in Three Years
The three‑year option will initially be available in these majors:
- BA in Psychology (39 credit hours)
- BSW in Social Work (40 credit hours)
- BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice (39 credit hours)
- BA in Childhood Studies (36 credit hours)
All students also complete an 18‑hour minor. Each major has recommended minors that fit the three‑year schedule and complement your career goals.
Academic advisers will work with you to choose a minor, map out all six semesters, and make sure that any courses that can count toward both the major and minor are used efficiently.
Why Finish your Bachelor’s in Three Years?
- Lower overall cost. Completing your degree in three years instead of four can reduce tuition and fees by about 25% and may significantly decrease your student loan debt.
- Reach your goals sooner. Enter the workforce or graduate school a full year earlier than students in traditional four‑year programs.
- Gain an extra year of experience. With three years of college plus an additional year available for full‑time work, you can start building your career and income sooner.
- Stay on track. A clear course sequence and proactive advising support on‑time graduation, especially for students balancing academics, work and family responsibilities.
Academic quality and frequently asked questions
Is this the Same as a Four‑Year Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes. Three‑year students complete the same general education, major and minor requirements as students in OLLU’s traditional four‑year programs. The bachelor’s degree awarded is the same BA or BSW.
Are Courses Shortened or Compressed?
No. Courses follow OLLU’s standard schedule and contact‑hour expectations. The three‑year model does not accelerate or compress individual courses; it reorganizes the overall degree plan and removes only select elective hours.
Do I need AP, IB, Dual‑Credit or Transfer Hours?
No prior college credit is required to enroll in a three‑year pathway. However, if you bring in approved credits, your adviser will help you apply them where they provide the most value.
What Kind of Course Load Should I Expect?
You should plan to take about 15–16 credit hours each fall and spring semester. Your adviser will help you build a balanced schedule that is rigorous but manageable.
Have questions about the three‑year bachelor’s pathways?
Contact John Gomez, Office of Academic Affairs:
jpgomez@ollusa.edu
Call or text: 210-201-4832