Three-Year Reduced-Hour Bachelor's Degrees
Three-Year Reduced-Hour Bachelor’s Degrees at Our Lady of the Lake University
Earn a bachelor’s degree in three years through accredited reduced-hour pathways designed to lower time and cost while preserving OLLU’s core bachelor-level learning requirements.
These structured degree plans are designed for students who want a more direct path to graduation. Students who enter OLLU with approved AP, IB, Dual Credit or transfer credit may be able to complete the degree in less than three years.
How the Three-Year Pathway Works
Credit Hours
Students complete approximately 91-96 total credit hours over six semesters.
Typical Schedule
Most students take 15-16 credit hours, or about five courses, during fall and spring semesters.
Program Structure
Degree plans include general education, the major, and a minor in a more structured format.
Academic structure: Three-year reduced-hour degrees preserve the same general education, major and minor components as OLLU’s traditional bachelor’s degrees. The shorter timeline is achieved through degree-plan design and removal of select elective hours that are not tied to specific student learning outcomes.
Available Degree Options
The three-year reduced-hour degree option is currently available in the following 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)
Students also complete an 18-hour minor. Academic advisers help students choose a minor and follow a six-semester degree plan.
Why Choose a Three-Year Degree?
- Lower overall cost. Completing a degree in three years instead of four can reduce tuition and fee costs by about 25 percent.
- Faster completion. Students can enter the workforce or continue their education sooner.
- Clear academic path. Structured degree plans help students stay on track to graduate on time.
- Same core degree components. Students complete general education, a major and a minor.
Important Degree Details
What students should know
These are reduced-hour bachelor’s degrees. While they preserve core bachelor-level learning requirements, they may not meet admission or prerequisite requirements for some graduate or professional programs, and they may not meet expectations of some employers.
Students should review their long-term goals with an academic adviser before choosing this pathway.
Have questions about the Three-Year Reduced-Hour Bachelor’s Degrees?
Contact John Gomez, Office of Academic Affairs:
jpgomez@ollusa.edu
Call or text: 210-414-2674