College of Science and Health > Academics > Pre-Health Program > Accelerated Degree Option

Accelerated Degree Option: 3+

Finish a year early and save on tuition.

Accelerated degree programs enable Pathways Honors students an opportunity to finish their undergraduate education at DePaul in three years and immediately begin graduate work toward a professional degree in the fourth year. That’s why we call it “3+.”

We’ve teamed up with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, one of the largest health care universities in the Midwest, and our School of Nursing to offer streamlined curricular paths into several health care fields. 

Available 3+ Degrees

The accelerated degree in Medicine is available to students pursuing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track) at DePaul. Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a four-year MD at Chicago Medical School at RFUMS.

Chicago Medical School is dedicated to innovative patient care and scientific discovery. Emphasizing collaboration across medical professions, the curriculum is designed to orient students to the culture of healthcare. Chicago Medical School has trained more than 17,000 physicians in 100 years and is recognized for: 

  • Innovative health and biomedical education
  • Cutting-edge research, focused on disease prevention
  • Outstanding clinical programs
  • Compassionate community service 

Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Accelerated (3+) Medicine (MD) Early Opportunity Program Curriculum curriculum 

The accelerated degree in Pharmacy is available to students pursing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track) or a BA in Chemistry at DePaul. Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a four-year PharmD through The College of Pharmacy at RFUMS.

The College of Pharmacy offers an interprofessional experience that prepares you for pharmacy careers in health systems, community pharmacy, industry, academia, public health and more. The college is recognized for:

  • First-rate science and health facilities
  • Well-established networks of community partners
  • Strong relationships with the pharmaceutical industry

Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Pharmacy Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Curriculum - Health Sciences Major

Sample Pharmacy Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Curriculum - Chemistry Major

The accelerated degree in Podiatric Medicine is available to students pursing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track). Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a four-year DPM from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at RFUMS.

The college is recognized as one of the most distinguished podiatric institutions in the U.S., educating more the one-third of all podiatric physicians in the nation. It is also considered the leader in podiatric research. The college offers interprofessional experiences focused on patient-centered care.

Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Podiatry Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Program Curriculum

The accelerated degree is available to students pursing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track) at DePaul. Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a two-year MS in Physician Assistant Studies.

Physician Assistants provide care to millions of Americans in all types of health care settings — from clinics to long-term care facilities. They are trained to perform many of the responsibilities traditionally administered by physicians. Family practice physicians typically utilize PAs in primary care settings; but PAs assist in a range of fields including surgery, orthopedics, radiology and internal medicine. Rosalind Franklin’s curriculum is designed to prepare you to work in the highly collaborative and growing profession.

Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Physicians Assistant Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Program Curriculum

The accelerated Pathologists’ Assistant degree program is available to students pursing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track) at DePaul. Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a two-year MS in Pathologists' Assistant Studies at the College of Health Professions at RFUMS.

RFUMS’ Pathologists’ Assistant program will prepare you for the professional practice of surgical and autopsy pathology in a continually evolving health care environment. The program is a recognized leader in the field for:

  • Curricular innovation
  • Scholarly research
  • Community service

Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Pathologists' Assistant Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Program Curriculum

The accelerated degree in Physical Therapy is available to students pursing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track) at DePaul. Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a three-year DPT at the College of Health Professions at RFUMS.

The RFUMS curriculum is designed to provide an in-depth and universal view of this profession, with an emphasis on clinical judgment. The program:

  • Emphasizes culturally sensitive clinical care
  • Includes integrated and collaborative curriculum
  • Provides opportunities for specialization
  • Incorporates group learning

Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Physical Therapy Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Program Curriculum

The accelerated degree in Nursing is available to students pursing a BS in Health Sciences with a Bioscience Concentration (General Track). Following three years of study at DePaul, you’ll begin work on a two-year MS in Generalist Nursing at DePaul's School of Nursing.

The MS in Generalist Nursing program provides advanced education for general professional practice.  The program prepares students for:

  • Licensure by examination (NCLEX-RN) required for entry into professional nursing practice
  • Advanced professional practice and leadership in health promotion and illness care
  • Collaboration and scholarship with others to meet the present and future health needs of society
  • Community service for vulnerable populations in the Vincentian tradition
  • Continuing academic and clinical education at the post-graduate and doctoral levels

 Review a list of frequently asked questions about this program.

Sample Nursing Accelerated (3+) Early Opportunity Program Curriculum

Who is the 3+ for?

Any qualified Pathways Honors student is eligible for the accelerated degree option.

Rich Systems of Support

You’ll have a dedicated pre-health advising team supporting you.  Learn more about pre-health advising.

Admission Process

Admission for accelerated degrees takes place at the end of your sophomore year at DePaul. Pre-health advisors will help you prepare your application and assist with helping you practice for your interview with the RFUMS admissions team. ​