Accelerated Undergraduate Degree Programs at Nichols College
Get ahead of the curve with our undergraduate +1 and +3 degree programs, the accelerated bachelor’s degrees at Nichols College.Our leading private business college in Massachusetts offers ambitious students an affordable opportunity to complete both their bachelor's and master's in less time than getting those degrees separately.
Nichols is a recognized leader in business and professional education in New England, known for its strong return on investment and career outcomes. Our leading private business college in Massachusetts offers ambitious students an affordable opportunity to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s in less time than getting those degrees separately.
Our accelerated undergraduate and master’s degrees blend rigorous academics, hands-on experience, and real-world connections that prepare you to lead in accounting, finance, management and marketing.
Enroll in our 3+1 Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) Program, 4+1 MBA Program, 4+1 Master of Science in Counterterrorism (MSC) Program, 4+1 Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) Program, or 4+1 MSA Program, or 3+3 Law Program to pursue your passion and start your career ahead of the competition.
Why Choose an Accelerated Undergraduate Degree?
The accelerated undergraduate +1 and +3 degree programs at Nichols College help you reach your goals faster without sacrificing quality or opportunity. Students gain advanced business training, practical experience, and personal mentorship from expert faculty. Whether you want to move into management, earn your CPA, or begin a master’s program early, Nichols College’s accelerated options open the door to lifelong career success.
Plus, our program is AACSB-accredited—only six percent of institutions worldwide are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Earn your MBA, MSOL, MSC or MSA, or JD
Nichols College offers a range of accelerated academic pathways designed for motivated students who want to move confidently and efficiently toward their career goals. Whether you’re looking to fast-track a graduate business degree, pursue law school through a joint program or earn an advanced accounting credential, our accelerated options allow you to save time, gain valuable experience and graduate prepared for the next step. Explore our 4+1, 3+3, and Accelerated Accounting programs to find the pathway that best fits your ambitions.
Our 4+1 Programs
Through our 4+1 pathways, students begin working on their MBA, MSOL, MSC and MSA as an undergraduate senior, earning credits that count toward both degrees. With personalized advising and real-world projects, Nichols 4+1 students complete their degree with just one additional year of school, prepared for advanced roles in management, leadership, law and specialized business fields.
Our 3+3 Program
Through a partnership with UMass Law, Nichols College now offers a 3+3 joint degree program designed to accelerate the path to a bachelor’s and law degree. Academically qualified students may count their first year of law school in place of their final undergraduate year, reducing the total time to degree completion from seven years to six.
Our 3+1 Accelerated Accounting Program
Our Accelerated Master’s in Accounting is designed to help you stand out in a competitive field. The 3+1 track allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree on the traditional timeline while beginning master’s-level coursework in their senior year. The 3+1 option offers a more intensive, fast-paced curriculum for those looking to complete their accounting degrees in a shorter timeframe.
Support and Career Outcomes
Nichols College pairs academic rigor with personalized support. From your first semester through your master’s coursework, you’ll receive one-on-one advising, career coaching, and professional development through the Career and Professional Development Center.
Students complete internships with organizations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, gaining practical experience that leads to full-time employment. Graduates of Nichols’ accelerated programs benefit from the College’s 95% job and graduate school placement rate and join an alumni network of 16,000+ professionals throughout New England and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a traditional and an accelerated bachelor’s degree?
A traditional bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete before a student begins graduate study. An accelerated bachelor’s degree at Nichols College allows eligible students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree. Through Nichols 3+1, 4+1, and 3+3 pathways, students earn credits that count toward both degrees, reducing the total time and cost required to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s, or a bachelor’s and J.D.
Can I transfer credits into the Nichols accelerated bachelor’s degree program?
Yes! Nichols College accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions, and transfer coursework may apply toward accelerated undergraduate degree programs when appropriate. All transfer credits are reviewed individually by the admissions team to ensure alignment with program requirements and academic standards.
How long will it take to finish an accelerated business program?
Program length depends on the pathway you choose. Most 4+1 accelerated programs allow students to complete both degrees in approximately five years, while the 3+1 Master’s in Accounting pathway enables qualified students to complete both degrees in as little as four years. The 3+3 law degree requires students to take three years of study at Nichols and an additional three years at UMass Law School, completing a bachelor’s and law degree in six years. Timelines may vary based on transfer credits and course sequencing.
Are online or hybrid formats available?
Accelerated undergraduate coursework is primarily completed on campus in Dudley, MA with some graduate level courses offering online or hybrid options depending on the program. Availability varies by degree and term, and students should consult with academic advising to understand format options as they progress into graduate coursework.
