For students aiming to complete their degree in as little as 18 months, FSCJ offers the Accelerated College program.

The program is geared toward those who would like to graduate quickly for a number of reasons, including needing a degree for advancement in their current field. Accelerated College is available at all campuses. At Open Campus/Deerwood Center, students are also able to take these classes online.

By accelerating their studies, students follow an individual academic degree plan which outlines a sequence of courses for them to take each term. In addition to academic planning and accelerated curriculums, Accelerated College also allows students to gain college credit for what they’ve previously learned through a prior learning assessment (PLA). This could be from previous workforce training, military experience or scores from exams such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

“I would say it’s a great degree for working adults,” said Sheri Litt, dean of arts and sciences at Open Campus/Deerwood Center. “But it’s someone that’s going to be able to dedicate a lot of time because they’re taking four courses over a fall term, a spring term and so on and so forth.”

For students who do have the time to complete their degree in such a short time, the program is a financially appealing option, offering them the opportunity to earn their degree with less cost than by traditional methods.

Accelerated College Manager Keith Seagle said a student could potentially save $11,000 in room and board, transportation and personal expenses by completing their degree program a year earlier.

Because the Accelerated College program requires more coursework in less time than the traditional Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, students interested in pursuing this option should be driven to complete their program in the 18-month period. 

“It’s probably best for someone who is very motivated for whatever reason that may be, for advancement or perhaps they’re anxious to move on with baccalaureate studies, but they’re interested in accelerating because it makes sense for their work-life balance,” Litt said.

For more information on how Accelerated College works, click here.