Three Year Pathways
The University of Northern Iowa now offers accelerated Three-Year Degree Pathways that allow motivated students to complete a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree in just three years. These pathways follow a carefully designed plan of study that keeps students on track from their first semester through graduation. With more than 30 participating majors, students can pursue a wide range of careers in less time.
While the program is designed for completion in three years, participants may transition to the traditional four-year pathway at any time if their academic goals or schedules change. For ambitious students ready to move quickly toward graduate school or the workforce, UNI’s Three Year Degree Pathways offer a fast, focused route to a degree.
Start strong at UNI
Students who are motivated, organized, and ready for a full academic schedule can maximize their time at UNI and graduate in three years.
Keeping you on track
Follow a prescribed academic plan designed by UNI faculty to help you complete all degree requirements efficiently while maintaining the same high-quality education.
Accelerate your degree
Accelerating your degree means entering the workforce or graduate school earlier while reducing the overall cost of your education.
Three Year Pathway Offerings
Arts & Humanities
Social Sciences & Public Service
Science, Technology & Health
Questions about a certain major?
If you have questions, select the major you are interested in from the list above to view the individual webpage for that major. Each webpage will have more details, and contact information for that specific major.
Is a three year pathway right for me?
Three-Year Degree Pathways are ideal for students who enter UNI with college credit from Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, or community college coursework, but exceptional students without prior credit may also qualify. Students admitted to the pathway follow a structured academic plan and must meet specific readiness benchmarks, such as appropriate ALEKS placement scores for math-intensive programs, to ensure success in the accelerated timeline.
Your Journey to a Degree in Three
Year 1
- Fall semester 15 credits
- Winter break (as needed)* 3 credits
- Spring semester 16 credits
- Summer break 9 credits
*Winter break classes dependent on incoming college credit.
Year 2
- Fall semester 15 credits
- Winter break (as needed)* 3 credits
- Spring semester 16 credits
- Summer break 9 credits
*Winter break classes dependent on incoming college credit.
Year 3
- Fall semester 15 credits
- Winter break (as needed)* 3 credits
- Spring semester 16 credits
*Winter break classes dependent on incoming college credit.
Total credits = 120