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 Medicine (MD) 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 Physician Assistant (MS) 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 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 (DPT) 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 Health Sciences (BS) Curriculum.pdf
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.