Accelerated Programs banner

Steady progress. Early completion. Next chapter.

Colorado State University is excited to provide programs for students to graduate by the end of their third spring or summer term for select programs of study. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years plus 6-9 credits over two or three summer sessions.


Interested students

Students will meet with the program advisor or academic support coordinator to discuss whether an accelerated program is realistic and beneficial based on their life situation as well as academic and career goals.

While pursuing Accelerated Programs has many benefits, there are considerations.

  • Participating students will make steady academic progress, complete their degree early, and be on their way to their next chapter in life.
  • This provides the opportunity to enter a graduate or professional degree program or begin earning a professional salary earlier, potentially enhancing lifetime earnings.
  • To graduate in three or three and a half years, students will need to invest in summer tuition, fees, and related expenses.
  • Students have the opportunity to reduce their overall cost of attendance.
  • While completing 120 credits within the shorter time frame, students may not have the opportunity to explore majors and add additional programs of study, such as minors or second majors.
  • Many of the current Accelerated Programs allow for flexibility. If students change their major, an accelerated path may no longer work for them.

What if a student no longer wants to pursue an accelerated program?

Students no longer intending to pursue their degree at an accelerated pace need to

    1. Meet with their advisor to discuss taking more time for degree completion
    2. Complete the online Accelerated Program Cancelation form to indicate they are no longer planning to participate in the accelerated program
    3. If using financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid about their change of plans, and
    4. If the student decides to change majors, they must go through the Major / Minor / Concentration / Certification Changes process through the Office of the Registrar.

Transfer Student Resources

Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. This includes students who began at a two-year Colorado institution following Transfer Agreements & Guarantees.

General Questions

For general questions regarding the Accelerated Programs, contact us. We work with Accelerated Programs as part of the CSU Summer Office.

Former Student Testimonials


Current Accelerated Programs

*Students seeking a program not listed are encouraged to contact the program advisor to discuss if an accelerated pace is possible. Because of specific requirements and course sequences, certain programs may not be options for accelerated completion.

Business Administration – Concentrations in:

  • Accounting
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Finance
  • Financial Planning
  • Marketing
  • Management and Innovation
  • Real Estate

Communication Studies

Economics

Health and Exercise Science – Concentrations in:

History – Concentrations in:

  • General History
  • Language
  • Digital and Public History

Human Development and Family Studies – Concentrations in:

  • Early Childhood Professions
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Leadership and Entrepreneurial Professions
  • Pre-health Professions
  • Prevention and Intervention Sciences

Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts

International Studies – Concentrations in:

  • Asian Studies
  • European Studies
  • Latin American Studies
  • Middle East and North African Studies

Journalism & Media Communication

Languages, Literatures and Cultures – Concentration in:

  • Spanish for the Professions

Mathematics – Concentrations in:

  • Education
  • General

Microbiology and Infectious Disease Concentration

Natural Resource Tourism – This program provides the opportunity for a 3+1 degree, through which a baccalaureate degree and master’s degree can be earned in four years.

Political Science – This program provides the opportunity for a 3+1 degree, through which a baccalaureate degree and master’s degree can be earned in four years.

Concentrations in:

  • Environmental Politics and Policy
  • General Political Science
  • Global Politics and Policy
  • U.S. Government, Law, and Policy

Psychology

  • General Concentration