Degree in Three

No. The degree you earn by following the degree-in-three plan will be the same as the bachelor of arts degree that traditionally takes four years to complete. The requirements are the same: 120 credits overall and whatever your major requires within that. By following the degree-in-three plan, the schedule and timing of your classes will differ from the four-year plan so that you can complete all of the requirements in three years.

No. Completing your degree in three years is just one option. You may prefer to spend the traditional four years at Morris, and that's okay! It's important that you choose the pathway that's right for you.

Yes! If you do not have prior college credit you will likely need to take classes during the summer session to complete your degree in three years. Work with your academic adviser to ensure that you complete all of your required courses.

Yes. Depending on how many credits you transfer over, you can reduce the amount of time it takes for you to graduate.

On average, you would need to take 40 credits per year: 16 for fall; 16 for spring; 8 for summer. 

Explore three- and four-year plans for all majors

While it would be helpful for financial aid purposes to know at the start if this is the intention, we understand that plans change. You do not need to know your graduation plan prior to your first year, but if you are planning on graduating in three years, we strongly recommend following our sample plans.

While it’s helpful to know your major right away, as with the traditional four-year path, you do not need to declare your major right away. Changing your major may or may not affect whether you can graduate in three years, depending on several factors. This would be the same for a student following the four-year plan. We understand that plans change, and that is allowed.

Yes. The three- and four-year plans are guidelines. You can switch at any time to the plan that works best for you. We understand that plans change, and that is allowed. 

Most degrees are structured so that a student can complete them in four years without taking summer courses. But to help achieve a degree in three years, it is likely that you will need to take summer courses.

Yes. The three-year plans work the same way for international students as they do for domestic students. 

Yes. You may even choose to study away during the May session at the end of your third year. If so, keep in mind that you will not be able to apply to graduate until the end of the May session.

Earning a degree in three years will not affect your federal or state financial aid eligibility. If you decide to continue to a fourth year, your financial aid eligibility may shift, depending on when you make that decision. Consult with One Stop Student Services to learn about your ongoing eligibility for federal and state aid in your fourth year.

The effect on external scholarships will be largely dependent on the donor or organization that is providing the funds for the scholarship.

Your Academic Achievement Award each year will be the same amount, whether you follow the three- or four-year plan. Academic Achievement Awards are disbursed evenly during the academic year during the fall and spring semesters. There is not a separate summer disbursement.

Yes. Summer financial aid is based on the number of credits you are enrolled in and your overall financial need. The amount of aid that you receive during the academic year will impact the amount of aid that you receive during the summer term. It is recommended that you meet with a One Stop counselor to determine your eligibility prior to enrolling in classes.