Skip to main content
GCU Logo Mobile
Apply NowRequest Info
  • GCU Login
GCU LoginRequest Info
Grand Canyon University logo in bold purple uppercase text on a white background
  • Degree Programs
    • Areas of Study
      • Business
      • Teaching
      • Language
      • Counseling
      • Psychology
      • Healthcare
      • Nursing
      • Criminal Justice
      • Legal Studies
      • Engineering
      • Science
      • Technology
      • Theology
      • Ministry
      • Digital Arts
      • Digital Media
      • Fine Arts
    • Locations
      • Campus
      • Online
      • Evening
    • Degree Level
      • Bachelor's
      • Master's
      • Doctoral
      • Certificates
      • Bridge
      • Post-Master's
    • Other Course Options
      • Minors
      • Individual Courses
      • High School Dual Enrollment
      • Current Teacher Continuing Education
      All Majors & Programs
      All Majors & Programs
  • Academics
    • Colleges
      • Doctoral
      • Arts & Media
      • Business
      • Education
      • Engineering & Technology
      • Humanities & Social Sciences
      • Natural Sciences
      • Nursing & Health Care
      • Theology
      • Honors
    • More About GCU
      • Academic Catalog & Policies
      • University Accreditation & Regulation
      • Educational Alliances
      • Faculty Directory
      • Office of Assessment
      • Provost Message
      Academics
      Academics
  • Admissions
    • Admissions
      • Admission Requirements
      • Visit Campus
      • Undergraduate Admissions
      • College Transfer Center
      • Graduate & Doctoral Admissions
      • Campus Resources
      Admissions
      Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Tuition
      • Online & Evening
      • On-Campus
      • Housing & Meal Costs
      • Other Fees
      • Cost of Attendance
    • Financial Aid
      • FAFSA
      • Scholarships & Grants
      • Student Loans
      Tuition & Financial Aid
      Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Why GCU
    • Student Journey
      • Online Learning
      • Campus Life
      • Evening Classes
      • Hybrid Learning
      • Military & Veteran
      • ROTC
      • International Students
      • Native American
    • Our Story
      • University Spirit & Traditions
      • Christian Identity & Mission
      • History & Campus Growth
      • Community Outreach
    • About
      • Leadership Team
      • Campus Locations
      • Blog
      • Offices
      • Contact
      • Media & Branding
      Why GCU
      Why GCU
Apply NowRequest Info

Read time 3 minutes

Published on Oct 21, 2024


In This Article
  • Overview
  • Summer Accelerator Track
  • 3+1 Program
  • Earn College Credit in High School
  • Take Tests To Earn College Credit
  • Advantages of the 3+1 Program
  • Bottom Line
In This Article
Overview
Summer Accelerator Track
3+1 Program
Earn College Credit in High School
Take Tests To Earn College Credit
Advantages of the 3+1 Program
Bottom Line
Related Articles In
GCU Experience
Two teenage ballet dancers waiting to go on stage.

How To Overcome Performance Anxiety in the Arts

Performance anxiety can affect all types of performers. Discover strategies to manage stage fright and grow your confidence through GCU’s arts programs.

11/05/2025

|

5 min read

Student sitting on a couch at home, working on a laptop with headphones around neck, representing remote college application trends in 2025.

College Admission Trends for 2025: What Students Should Know

Get ahead with a look at college admissions trends for 2025. Learn what’s changing, how to prepare and when to start your application.

11/03/2025

|

6 min read

GCU students studying together outdoors with laptops and tablets on GCU campus, representing future-focused college majors and collaboration.

Best College Majors for the Future

Discover the best college majors for the future, from technology and healthcare to sustainability and business. Explore growing fields and apply to GCU to prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.

10/30/2025

|

6 min read

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to ApplyI Need More Information
GCU Logo White
1-855-GCU-LOPELive Chat
3300 West Camelback Road  - 
Phoenix, AZ 85017
Grand Canyon University © 2025
All Rights Reserved
  • Majors & Programs
  • Admission
  • Financial Resources
  • Academic Calendar
  • Academic Catalog & Policies
  • Online Learning
  • Why GCU
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Title IX
  • Media & Licensing
  • Consumer Information
  • Financial Disclosures
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cost of Attendance
Find Your Purpose Logo
Video from GCU
FacebookTwitter/XLinkedInInstagramYouTube
  • Current Students
    |
  • Alumni
    |
  • Athletics
    |
  • Arena
    |
  • GCU News
    |
  • Lope Shops
    |
  • GCBC
    |
  • Canyon Promotions
    |
  • Lope House
    |
  • GCU Golf

Privacy / Cookie Disclaimer: Our site uses cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features/ads and to analyze site traffic. We share information about your use of this site with our social media, advertising and analytics teams who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them. By continuing to navigate this site you are consenting to the collection of information via our use of cookies. For more information on our cookie collection and use please visit our Privacy Policy.

Share This Story
FacebookTwitter/XLinkedInShare via Email

  1. Home/
  2. Blog/
  3. GCU Experience/
  4. Accelerated Programs: Get On The Fast Track

Accelerated Programs: Get on the Fast Track

college graduates throwing caps
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Make a selection
Select One
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral
Bridge
Make a selection
First select a degree level
Make a selection
First select a degree level and how you would like to attend
Make a selection
First select degree level, modality, and area of interest
Make a selection
Select One
Yes
No
Make a selection
Select One
Yes
No
Make a selection
Select One
Yes
No
West Valley (Phoenix, AZ) ABSN
Select One
Albuquerque, NM ABSN
Boise (Meridian, ID) ABSN
Denver (Englewood, CO) ABSN
East Valley (Chandler, AZ) ABSN
Las Vegas (Henderson, NV) ABSN
Miramar (Miami, FL) ABSN
Orlando (Lake Mary, FL) ABSN
Salt Lake (Sandy, UT) ABSN
St. Louis, MO ABSN
Sun City, AZ ABSN
Tucson, AZ ABSN
West Valley (Phoenix, AZ) ABSN
Make a selection
Select One
Still in High School
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate Degree or over 60 credits
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or Higher
Bachelor's with Cert. & Experience
BS in Nursing
Make a selection
Select One
2029
2028
2027
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956
1955
1954
1953
1952
1951
1950
1949
1948
1947
1946
1945
1944
1943
1942
1941
1940
1939
1938
1937
1936
1935
U.S. Citizen
U.S. Citizen
Non-U.S. Citizen
No military affiliation
Make a selection
No military affiliation
Active
Spouse
Retired
Veteran
United States
United States
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua And Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cote D'ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island And Mcdonald Islands
Holy See (vatican City State)
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran, Islamic Republic Of
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea, Democratic People's Republic Of
Korea, Republic Of
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic Of
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia, Federated States Of
Moldova, Republic Of
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts And Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Pierre And Miquelon
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome And Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard And Jan Mayen
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan, Province Of China
Tajikistan
Tanzania, United Republic Of
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad And Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks And Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Viet Nam
Virgin Islands, British
Virgin Islands, U.s.
Wallis And Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

By clicking submit, you give GCU consent to use automated technology to call and text you regarding educational services. Your consent is not required to receive educational services. GCU will never sell your information. By submitting this form, you agree to GCU's privacy policy.

Related Resources

Online Degrees
Admission
Scholarships & Grants
Transfer Center
Unlock Your Potential

Speak with a University Counselor today.

Apply Now
  1. Excludes level one through four pre-licensure nursing students in the clinical portion of their program. 

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

Take Tests To Earn College Credit

High schoolers can speed up their college journey by taking AP or IB classes. AP courses offer college-level material at high school. Scoring well on these AP exams may help students earn college credit. Similarly, passing IB exams may also qualify for college credit. Additionally, individuals with expertise in a particular subject area may use tests like CLEP or DSST to grant college credit based on their existing knowledge. This can facilitate faster progress through a degree program.

Bottom Line

If you’re eager to complete your degree quickly, GCU is committed to offering the resources and support necessary to fast-track your education journey. By utilizing tutoring services, the Student Success Center (SSC) and faculty office hours, you can save time and money while staying on track to achieve your goals. Take advantage of the resources to ensure an efficient path forward. 

At Grand Canyon University, we offer accelerated programs that can help ambitious individuals align their undergraduate and graduate studies early in their college careers. With these accelerated options, participants won’t be taking an abridged or condensed course walk; instead, you’ll receive the same quality of education in a shorter timeframe. This can provide you with the chance to get started on your career journey faster. 

Reach out to a university counselor to discuss how you can receive no-cost summer housing when you take summer classes to fast-track your learning. For more information about our accelerated tracks at GCU, use the Request Info button at the top of this page.

 

 
Accelerate Your Education 
Discover GCU's accelerated track options designed to help you finish college faster and get started on your next journey.
Request More Information

 

Advantages of the 3+1 Program

Taking advantage of options like AP and IB classes, dual enrollment, credit-by-exam and summer accelerator programs allows individuals to accumulate college credits even before stepping foot on a college campus. This approach can potentially shorten the time required to complete a degree, which may also provide a head start on achieving academic and career goals. Earning credits early can potentially reduce overall tuition costs and accelerate entry into the workforce, offering a head start on their academic and career goals.

At Grand Canyon University, you have the opportunity to benefit from a tight-knit, faith-based community and small classes while accelerating your educational journey with our programs. These accelerated pathways offer the chance to complete your degree faster than traditional routes, allowing you to potentially enter the workforce sooner. 

Discover how you can get on the fast track and make the most of your time and investment with these educational options. Keep reading to learn about fast-track options that allow you to complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time.

Earn College Credit in High School

High school students may have the opportunity to earn college credit ahead of time. Many high schools partner with local universities and community colleges to offer dual-enrollment courses. These classes, which may be taught by college instructors either on-site or at local institutions, can fulfill both high school graduation requirements and contribute to college credits.

3+1 Program

The 3+1 program is a demanding and accelerated track available only for select programs, where students typically attend classes year-round. This approach allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree in three years and focus your fourth year on earning a master’s degree, all while reducing overall costs. Courses are delivered in the same format as traditional campus programs with additional summer sessions — either in person or online — enabling you to potentially complete your bachelor’s degree in just three years. This opportunity may allow you to finish your undergraduate education in a shorter time frame, achieving the same rigorous coursework more swiftly.

Summer Accelerator Track

Are you ready to accelerate your college journey? The Summer Accelerator Track may be right for driven individuals eager to complete their bachelor’s degree in as few as three years by adding summer courses and following the schedule provided. By joining this accelerated program, you’ll have the opportunity to take courses year-round, helping you reach your academic and career objectives more quickly. 

This track also offers the opportunity to potentially reduce the overall cost of your education by minimizing summer living and tuition expenses associated with the traditional path.1