3-Year Accelerated Pathway to a Degree

Graduate in 3 Years—Accelerate Your Future at SFSU Earn Your Degree Faster. Save Time and Money. Launch Your Career Sooner.

San Francisco State University is proud to offer a 3-Year accelerated pathway designed for highly motivated students ready to fast-track their education  without compromising quality or depth of experience.

How it works

ou can complete your degree in just three years by enrolling year-round—including summer sessions. With a carefully designed course pathway and dedicated academic support, you’ll stay on track to graduate early and start your next chapter with confidence.

Why choose the 3-year path?

  • Save Time: Graduate a full year earlier than most students following a 4-year plan.
  • Save Money: Reduce housing and living expenses by finishing faster.
  • Stay Focused: Year-round enrollment helps you maintain academic momentum.
  • Jumpstart Your Career or Graduate Studies: Enter the job market or apply to grad school ahead of schedule.

3 Year Pathways

This unique opportunity is available students entering as freshmen, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in:

Criminal Justice Studies

Explore the connections between law, crime and justice systems through the lens of social justice. Hone critical thinking skills by discovering how ideas and systems influence individual and community experiences. Gain hands-on experience and learn to develop advocacy skills applicable to a wide range of public and private sector jobs.

History

Dive deep into the past to understand the present. Gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are valuable in education, public service, and beyond.

Race, Ethnicity, and Health

Examine how race and ethnicity impact health outcomes and healthcare systems. Prepare for impactful careers in public health, policy, and social justice.

Ready to Accelerate your Degree?

Learn more about how you can complete your degree in 3 years. If you are a first-year student connect with your advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center or the Educational Opportunity and Pathway Programs (for EOP students) to start building your personalized pathway today.

More Information

The 3-Year accelerated pathway is ideal for entering freshmen who:

  • are highly motivated and ready to commit to a year-round academic schedule
  • have Advanced Placement or college-level transfer credit at entry and are seeking a quicker path to graduation
  • are eager to enter the workforce or pursue graduate study earlier

Students enrolled in the Three-Year Accelerated Degree Pathway are encouraged to connect with the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss year-round funding options.

  • Federal Student Loans:
    If you haven’t used your full federal loan eligibility during the academic year, you may still have funds available for the summer term
  • Summer Enrollment:
    Enrolling in 6 or more units during summer keeps you on track toward your accelerated degree and helps you maintain financial aid eligibility.
  • Pell Grant:
    Students who receive a Pell Grant during fall and spring terms are typically eligible for additional Pell funding in summer.
  • State University Grant (SUG):
    If you receive the State University Grant during fall and spring, you will continue to receive it in summer—provided you enroll in 6 or more units.
  • Annual Loan Increases:
    As you successfully complete each year of coursework, you may qualify for a slightly higher annual loan limit, helping you stay on pace toward timely graduation.

Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to review your eligibility and make a plan.

Related Organizations

  • Financial Aid

    The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at SFSU is here to guide you through every step of the financial aid process—from applying for aid to accepting your award. We’re here to support you as you pursue your educational goals and build a bright future at SFSU.

  • Undergraduate Advising Center

    The Undergraduate Advising Center supports all SFSU undergrads with academic advising, including degree planning, class registration, major exploration and more — available in-person and virtually.

  • Educational Opportunity Program

    SFSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) improves access and retention of underserved low-income and first-generation college students. The program helps students graduate through outreach, admissions, academic and financial support.