Undergraduate Advising

Three-Year Pathways

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Finish your degree faster with an accelerated plan

Want to finish your degree a little faster? Some majors at UC Santa Cruz offer three-year pathways that give first-year students a clear plan to graduate in less time. These accelerated options can help you save on costs and get an earlier start on your career or graduate school.

About Three-Year Pathways: Is it Right for You?

Some of the most popular majors at UC Santa Cruz have developed pathways that allow a first-year entry student to complete requirements in three years. Three-year pathways are best suited for students who:

  • Enter UCSC as first-year
  • Plan to complete a single major
  • Satisfy the Entry-Level Writing Requirement before their first quarter
  • Commit to enrolling in Summer Session courses

These pathways assume that the UC American History & Institutions requirement has already been met, typically through California high school coursework. Modifying sample plans requires careful consideration of downstream impacts—such as whether a different course fulfills a GE requirement, has a different credit count, or is affected by math or language placement (when applicable to the program).

Students with transfer credit from AP/IBH exams or college classes taken while in high school may be especially well-positioned to pursue a three-year pathway, though the sample plans do not require any prior college credit.

What Should I Expect from a Three-Year Pathway? 

One benefit of completing a degree in three years is financial – by paying tuition, fees, and housing costs for fewer quarters, the cost of earning your degree will be less. Further, by graduating early and getting a head start on graduate school or your career, you can maximize your lifetime earnings.

A challenge of pursuing a three year pathway is that you’ll have to make some important decisions early in your college career. You’ll choose and qualify for a major earlier than most of your fellow classmates. Most students who pursue a three year pathway will have to enroll in summer classes every year, meaning there are fewer opportunities for summer work or internships. It’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges associated with a three year pathway. Your academic advisors can help you decide whether it is a good fit for you.

Last modified: Sep 18, 2025