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What Are the Benefits of an Accelerated Graduate Degree?

A student wearing a graduation cap, shrugging their shoulders and holding their palms up as if asking a question

Are you looking for a pathway to a career that saves time and money, and sets you up for long-term success and fulfillment? An accelerated master’s or doctoral program (3+1, 3+2, 3+3, 4+1, 5+2) may be your answer.

For many, the idea of finishing four years of college can feel overwhelming. Adding two more years or more can seem even more daunting.

Fortunately, accelerated programs allow you to fast track your education. They also provide a clearly defined pathway so you can start your career immediately upon graduation.

You can explore many programs tailored to your career of choice. Some can result in a master’s or even a doctoral degree. These programs include internships, clinicals, and other real-world learning opportunities.

Reasons to Fast Track Your Degree

There are plenty of benefits associated with pursuing an accelerated graduate degree. You can enter the workforce earlier, as a graduate degree will help you qualify for well-paying, in-demand jobs.

Completing your graduate degree more quickly may impress future employers. They will view you as motivated, successful, and hard-working. This gives you an advantage in the job market.

Other major reasons are saving time and money. A shorter time frame means that in the long run, you save significantly on both tuition and living expenses.

Experience an Accelerated Degree Program as a Simmons Student

Two Simmons students walking and talking on a campus path

Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, offers accelerated graduate programs in a number of fields. These programs are part of the Simmons Edge, which offers a mix of academic and hands-on experiences.

The Edge offers direct educational pathways for students who know exactly where they want to take their career and new exploratory pathways for those who want time to explore options.

Either journey helps you get a faster return on your educational investment. You’ll save an average of 25% compared to getting separate undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Discover the Simmons Edge


Nanette and Raneem

“I was able to do independent research with [faculty] guidance, but they let me use my creativity and ideas and lead it on my own. Professors are also doing their own research and will often let you join them.”

Read Raneem’s story

— Raneem Emad Amer Mousa ’25, who is pursuing the 3+2 in Engineering



Amoli Vad ’28 standing in a flower garden

“I really enjoy it here in Boston, and Simmons is affiliated with prestigious hospitals in the area. Being able to study exercise science and play division three tennis makes Simmons perfect for me!”

Read Amoli’s story

— Amoli Vad ’28, who is pursuing the Accelerated Program in Health and Exercise Science + Physical Therapy (3+3)


Accelerated Degree Success Stories

Amanda Michel ’23, ’25DPT in action in the PT lab at Simmons

PT Student Embraces Disability-Centric Approach

Bringing a distinctive methodology to her profession, Amanda Michel ’23, ’25DPT has already made headlines, gracing the cover story of American Physical Therapy Association magazine (July 2024). We spoke with her about disability-informed research, her love of dance, and the supportive atmosphere of Simmons.


Kayla Pringle ’26 standing among the book stacks in the Simmons library

The Simmons Edge Accelerates Academic and Career Success

Accelerated graduate education is a key feature that drew Kayla Pringle ’26 to Simmons. With the launch of the Simmons Edge, all undergraduate students will have the opportunity to graduate with an advanced degree in a wide selection of fields in as few as four or five years.


Annie Doherty

Building a Family History at Simmons

Nearly a century ago, Anna T. Kenney attended Simmons College, majoring in Secretarial Studies. Now, Kenney’s great-granddaughter, Annie Doherty ’26, has followed in her great-grandmother's footsteps to Simmons.


Lauren Stenmon wearing a Simmons softball uniform, holding a softball and glove

3+3 Exercise Science/PT Student Shares the Gift of Sports

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Simmons Shark Lauren Stenmon ’28 ’30DPT shares how she balances the intense studies of her accelerated degree program with her athletics schedule.


The 2025 cohort of Bonner Leaders

Simmons Welcomes New Cohort of Bonner Community Leaders

The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. We spoke with Ellie Foss ’28, Jocelyn Miranda Landaverde ’28, Bridget Swezey ’28, and Soraya Timas ’28 about what drew them to the program.


The Passionate Leaders Scholars, Fall 2024 Cohort

Celebrating the 2024-25 Passionate Leaders Scholars

Six Simmons undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected to join the 2024-2025 Passionate Leaders Project cohort.


Image of the Simmons MCB exterior

Students Discuss Archival Internship in The Pilot

Students Emily Greco and James Kaeser recently concluded fall semester internships at the Archdiocese of Boston Archives. They shared their reflections about this unique experience in a published interview with The Pilot.


Amoli Vad ’28 standing in a flower garden

Student in Health and Exercise Science and Physical Therapy Accelerated 3+3 Program Publishes Paper in Peer-Reviewed Journal

Amoli Vad ’28 has published her first paper in a peer-reviewed journal. We spoke with Vad about what inspired her research and why she chose the 3+3 accelerated program at Simmons.


Publish Date

Author

Laura Pedulli