Is Degree In Three Right For You?

Many motivated students, particularly those with college credit earned in high school, can graduate from Florida State University in less than four years. In considering this possibility, the important question you should ask is whether it is appropriate for you.

There are three issues that should be addressed:

Motivation Is this something that you want enough to make the extra effort that will be necessary? Depending on the intended major, this may mean working extra closely with an advisor, taking heavy academic loads, attending summer school, and giving up electives that may otherwise be part of a program of study.

Goals Do you have clearly established academic goals that are based on your interests and academic talents? Many academically talented students have diverse interests and might be better advised to take the time to explore the many possibilities before settling on one major. Finishing in less than four years usually means staying clearly focused and following a structured program of study. Ask yourself if this is right for you.

Feasibility and appropriateness Is it possible to complete your chosen major in a restricted time frame or are there limitations that would make this unlikely or inappropriate? Factors that may relate are: the nature of the major (some majors are very flexible, others highly structured), whether the major is "limited access" (meaning that certain requirements must be met in order to enter into the major at the junior level), and the actual courses required and how previous credit earned relates to those requirements. In addition, you should take into consideration your goals after college and how an accelerated program would relate to those goals.

If you are a motivated student with clear academic goals and feel that an accelerated degree program could be right for you, we encourage you to participate in Degree in Three. As a participant you will meet with an advisor in your area of interest to determine if an accelerated program is appropriate and to develop an individualized program of study. Once the program of study is on file, you will be given priority registration. We will provide ongoing academic advising and monitor your academic progress to assure that you are on track for receiving that "Degree in Three."

You may choose to continue your education beyond the baccalaureate level. Degree in Three will help you explore graduate/professional education and learn about the application process. There are master's degree programs that are one year in length, so some of our students may be able to complete "Two (degrees) in Four (years)."

For more information, please contact:

Tan Perry
Advising First
A3200 University Center
E-mail: thperry@admin.fsu.edu
Phone: (850) 644-3430