17³Ô¹ÏÍø

In Fall 2025, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø became one of the first universities in the nation to launch a three-year, career-focused bachelor’s degree. Three-year degrees are currently offered in Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Design and Hospitality Management, and 17³Ô¹ÏÍø plans to expand to other academic programs, preparing students in multiple industries to launch their careers even sooner.

Explore 17³Ô¹ÏÍø's Three-Year Degree Programs

With a novel concept like this, students and their families have some curiousity and concerns about the three-year degree. Here, we answer ten common questions.

1. Will I have to load up on classes year-round to keep pace?

No! 17³Ô¹ÏÍø’s three-year degree is not an accelerated version of a traditional four-year program. You'll take the normal four courses per semester, finishing in only six semesters instead of eight semesters. Rather than adding to your workload, the three-year degree focuses on the essential courses you need to succeed in your field.

With fewer total classes than in a traditional four-year program and focusing on your core academic requirements, you’ll have summers off to focus on part-time jobs, summer internships, and building friendships and networks.

2. Will employers recognize three-year degrees?

Three-year degrees are designed for industry needs and are taught by the same industry-experienced faculty as those teaching in our four-year programs. That means they deliver the same rigorous academics and specialized career pathways as our four-year programs.

Before offering this degree option, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø consulted with our industry partners, many of whom have a long history working with 17³Ô¹ÏÍø students and alumni. Employers confidently say they would strongly consider candidates holding a three-year bachelor’s degree and believe that our three-year bachelor’s degree programs will effectively prepare graduates for the workforce.

3. Are three-year degrees only for honors students?

Nope! You don’t need any special requirements, grades or prerequisites to apply for a three-year degree. When completing your 17³Ô¹ÏÍø application, simply select the three-year version of your major. You can always change your preference to a four-year degree at any point in the application process.

4. Will I have time to study abroad or add a minor?

Although semester-based study abroad programs and minors are not included within the three-year bachelor’s degree curriculum, students still have the opportunity to explore Study Abroad experiences during summer terms. Students wishing to add a minor or a second major can pursue them by adding time to their course of study — potentially still graduating ahead of their pears.

5. Does a three-year degree really save you money?

Absolutely. Students and their families have been seeking more affordable degrees, and this is 17³Ô¹ÏÍø’s way of helping to make that happen. Three-year degrees allow you to save up to 25% on tuition and fees, as well as any room and board, during what would have been your fourth year.

6. Will I miss out on the college experience?

Not so, Wildcat! All extracurricular offerings, including athletics, clubs and organizations, are available to all students regardless of their academic timeline. You can still pursue the opportunities you want outside of your classroom or work/internship site, and when you graduate, you’ll have equal access to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø’s expansive alumni network and career connections.

7. Is a three-year degree more focused on core requirements?

Yes. By focusing your courses on what matter the most to your career path, you can avoid unnecessary or unrelated courses that don’t align with your career goals.

8. Can I still get real-world experience outside the classroom?

Yes! Outside of the classroom, you'll complete 600 hours of Work-Integrated Learning. These experiences range from internships and part-time jobs to volunteering and attending industry conferences. These career-related activities counts toward your degree, so you'll build a résumé and professional portfolio before graduation.

9. Besides saving money, what's the value of a three-year degree?

Entering the workforce sooner provides you with a competitive advantage. You'll stand out from your peers by being ready to work, and feeling academically prepared, a year earlier than students pursuing four-year degrees.

10. How come three-year degrees aren't already a thing?

They've been in the works for years; Johnson & Wales just happens to be on the forefront of a growing movement. With rising costs for higher education threatening accessibility, more and more institutions are seeking approval to launch three-year degrees of their own — and Wildcats are ahead of the curve.

Still have questions? Our admissions representatives are happy to help you better understand 17³Ô¹ÏÍø’s three-year degree. Contact our team so you can get the information you need to make the best decision for yourself.

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