3-Year Program FAQs

What is an accelerated program of study?
Accelerated programs of study are designed for students who wish to complete their degree more quickly than they would if they were enrolled in a traditional program. At St. John’s University, such an opportunity is offered exclusively at the Staten Island campus, where the accelerated baccalaureate degree program allows students to complete their degree in three years.

How can a student earn her or his degree in three years?
Students will be able to reduce their time to graduation by accelerating their progress during the normal fall and spring semesters. Students will be required to complete 18 credits during each of six fall/spring semesters throughout their program. In addition, they will complete a minimum of 9 credits during each of the two summers in which they are matriculated at St. John’s – following their first year on campus, and following year two. In an effort to allow the three-year students to study in cohort with one another, core courses that are common to all degree programs will be required during the two summer sessions.

What characteristics must a student possess for such a program?
For this type of intensive and rigorous course of study, St. John’s wants to identify mature, articulate, academically-prepared students who possess a commitment to service and a passion for becoming a global leader. Applicants who are interested in a three-year program will have the opportunity to display such traits through an essay that will supplement the standard application process.

What majors may be completed through the accelerated, three-year option?
The following is a complete list of the 14 accelerated, three-year programs, according to the college through which they are offered:

St. John’s College
•  B.A. English
•  B.A. Government and Politics
•  B.A. Psychology
•  B.A. Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

College of Professional Studies
•  B.S. Criminal Justice
•  B.S. Legal Studies
•  B.A. Liberal Studies
•  B.S. Mass Communications
•  B.S. Sports Management

  
The School of Education
•  B.S.Ed. Adolescent Education
•  B.S.Ed. Childhood Education
Tobin College of Business
•  B.S. Finance
•  B.S. Management
•  B.S. Marketing


Will students in a three-year program have the same educational and extra-curricular opportunities as those who are in traditional programs of study?
Students who are enrolled in a three-year program will be allowed to take advantage of the extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities that are afforded all St. John’s students.

Will students in a three-year program have the opportunity to study abroad?
Yes.  Students in a three-year program will be required to study abroad during a summer session at either the Rome, Italy campus or the Paris, France location. The cost of tuition, room and board for the summer study abroad program (the student must reside on one of St. John's University sites), will be covered by the University.  The student will be responsible for any University fees, airfare, books and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

How will the accelerated, three-year option affect students’ financial aid eligibility?
There is no impact to a student's financial aid eligibility by enrolling in the three-year program.  Students can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and they will be reviewed for all sources of financial aid

What is the tuition for the three-year degree program?
For the entering class of 2011-12, the three-year degree program will have a three year fixed tuition rate of $38,500 per year. This means that for the next three years, the tuition for the three year program will never increase. (Note: Students enrolled in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, will have upon completion of 56 credits, an additional tuition charge). Tuition for summer attendance is covered under the yearly tuition rate, which means that the student will NOT have to pay tuition for summer enrollment at St. John's University. All students enrolling in the three-year program must complete the Staten Island Three-Year Degree Program Agreement, and return it to the Office of Student Financial Services

Is there a cost savings associated with a three-year program?
Yes. By graduating in three-years, versus the traditional four years, we estimate that at the time of graduation, the student will save an estimated $29,000 in tuition. In addition to savings in tuition, for those students borrowing student loans, or residing on campus, the savings will be even higher.

Aside from the cost savings, what other benefits are there to a three-year program?
Those enrolled in an accelerated, three-year program will have the opportunity to more quickly and efficiently transition to their career and/or graduate study. In addition, students will be able to study in cohort with likeminded, similarly motivated classmates as they pursue this very challenging and demanding, yet rewarding program.

What happens if a student opts to leave a three-year degree program?
Students who cease their enrollment in a three-year program may continue their studies at St. John’s University. However, failure to continue in a three-year program disqualifies a student from receiving the aforementioned benefits, including any associated tuition savings. The tuition charges for a student who leaves a three-year program will be adjusted to the current year’s status.

Are transfer students able to enroll in a three-year degree program?
Only first-time, full-time, baccalaureate-degree seeking students may enter a three-year program.  Degree completion for transfer students is determined by the number of credits with which a student enters the University in relation to the degree requirements for his or her program of study. Transfer students should consult with their dean or faculty advisor regarding their time to graduation.
 
Contact Information
Learn more about the accelerated programs of study at the Staten Island campus!

Office of Admission
300 Howard Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 390-4500
www.stjohns.edu/statenisland