What is an Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) Program?

An Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) bachelor’s to graduate program permits accepted undergraduate students of freshman standing to declare a first and second major with the intent to complete graduate coursework that may apply to both Slippery Rock University (SRU) undergraduate and graduate programs. (Examples would include but are not limited to the Biology Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) 3+2, Exercise Science Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) 3+3, and Health Care Administration and Management Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 programs).

What are the Provisional Graduate Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) Program?

A student may be accepted into an Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) undergraduate program if they meet undergraduate admission criteria. Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) students must declare a first major in addition to the corresponding Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) undergraduate program (second major). (An example would include Biology-Professional (first major) and Biology-Pre-PA-SRU 3+2 (second major)).

• The Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) option is for first-semester freshmen or transfer military student only (restricted to fall-entry).
• Students must maintain the Accelerated Three-plus (3+) program’s specified undergraduate GPA to continue in the Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) undergraduate program. This will be evaluated each semester and if a student’s Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) GPA falls below the specified GPA, they will be removed from the Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) program and remain in the first major unless they process a “change of first major” form.
• Students must satisfy all Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) program requirements within three academic years from commencing the program.
• Students can only be enrolled in an Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) program for a maximum of three (3) years, full-time continuous enrollment (fall/spring).
• Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) programs require students to apply for the associated SRU graduate program separately from the undergraduate admission process. Admission to the SRU graduate program is not guaranteed.
• A final determination for SRU graduate program admission is independent of the undergraduate admission process and shall be in accordance with each SRU graduate program’s established policies, standards, and procedures.

What are the Standards for an Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) Program?

• For SRU graduate credits to satisfy undergraduate program requirements, students must apply and be formally admitted to the respective SRU graduate program in accordance with that program’s admissions criteria; then complete the required undergraduate degree coursework (a minimum of 120 credits though some programs may require more). Please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.
• To continue in the SRU graduate program, students must meet the graduate program’s academic standards. Please refer to the relevant graduate program guide.
• If the student does not meet the academic standards to progress in the SRU graduate program for courses needed to complete their undergraduate program, the undergraduate program Department Chairperson will determine which, if any, ARU graduate courses will count toward the completion of the undergraduate degree. Additionally, student must complete any unfulfilled requirements of their undergraduate major.
• Grades earned in SRU graduate courses as part of the Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) Program will be entered into the student’s overall undergraduate and graduate grade point averages.
• Degree requirements at both the undergraduate and graduate levels shall adhere to academic standards set forth for respective degree programs.
• Undergraduate credits may not be applied to satisfy the requirements for the graduate degree.
• The requirement of at least 48 credits of advance coursework required for a baccalaureate degree, and at least 50 percent of coursework (excluding thesis, research, or internship hours) to complete a master’s degree must still be satisfied.
• Undergraduate student in their 4^th year of an Accelerated Three=Plus (3+) program are eligible for undergraduate financial aid and renewable scholarships however, they pay graduate tuition.
• Undergraduate student in their 4^th year of an Accelerated Three-Plus (3+) program will not be eligible for graduate financial aid until they complete their bachelor’s degree.