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The 3+1 program is a demanding and accelerated track available only for select programs, where students typically attend classes year-round. This approach allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree in three years and focus your fourth year on earning a master’s degree, all while reducing overall costs. Courses are delivered in the same format as traditional campus programs with additional summer sessions — either in person or online — enabling you to potentially complete your bachelor’s degree in just three years. This opportunity may allow you to finish your undergraduate education in a shorter time frame, achieving the same rigorous coursework more swiftly.
At Grand Canyon University, you have the opportunity to benefit from a tight-knit, faith-based community and small classes while accelerating your educational journey with our programs. These accelerated pathways offer the chance to complete your degree faster than traditional routes, allowing you to potentially enter the workforce sooner.
Discover how you can get on the fast track and make the most of your time and investment with these educational options. Keep reading to learn about fast-track options that allow you to complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time.
High schoolers can speed up their college journey by taking AP or IB classes. AP courses offer college-level material at high school. Scoring well on these AP exams may help students earn college credit. Similarly, passing IB exams may also qualify for college credit. Additionally, individuals with expertise in a particular subject area may use tests like CLEP or DSST to grant college credit based on their existing knowledge. This can facilitate faster progress through a degree program.
Are you ready to accelerate your college journey? The Summer Accelerator Track may be right for driven individuals eager to complete their bachelor’s degree in as few as three years by adding summer courses and following the schedule provided. By joining this accelerated program, you’ll have the opportunity to take courses year-round, helping you reach your academic and career objectives more quickly.
This track also offers the opportunity to potentially reduce the overall cost of your education by minimizing summer living and tuition expenses associated with the traditional path.1
06/23/2025
6 min read
06/23/2025
5 min read
06/23/2025
5 min read
Taking advantage of options like AP and IB classes, dual enrollment, credit-by-exam and summer accelerator programs allows individuals to accumulate college credits even before stepping foot on a college campus. This approach can potentially shorten the time required to complete a degree, which may also provide a head start on achieving academic and career goals. Earning credits early can potentially reduce overall tuition costs and accelerate entry into the workforce, offering a head start on their academic and career goals.
High school students may have the opportunity to earn college credit ahead of time. Many high schools partner with local universities and community colleges to offer dual-enrollment courses. These classes, which may be taught by college instructors either on-site or at local institutions, can fulfill both high school graduation requirements and contribute to college credits.
If you’re eager to complete your degree quickly, GCU is committed to offering the resources and support necessary to fast-track your education journey. By utilizing tutoring services, the Student Success Center (SSC) and faculty office hours, you can save time and money while staying on track to achieve your goals. Take advantage of the resources to ensure an efficient path forward.
At Grand Canyon University, we offer accelerated programs that can help ambitious individuals align their undergraduate and graduate studies early in their college careers. With these accelerated options, participants won’t be taking an abridged or condensed course walk; instead, you’ll receive the same quality of education in a shorter timeframe. This can provide you with the chance to get started on your career journey faster.
Reach out to a university counselor to discuss how you can receive no-cost summer housing when you take summer classes to fast-track your learning. For more information about our accelerated tracks at GCU, use the Request Info button at the top of this page.
