3Year Honors Programs

In 1995, the 3Year Honors Program broke the mold for higher education.  The U.S. Department of Education asked the higher education community to find a way to improve the effectiveness - and reduce the cost - of undergraduate education. Southern New Hampshire University was the only private university in the country to win a federal grant to tackle this challenge.

For well over 300 years, higher education has taught us to believe that classroom seat-time was the constant for learning.  The 3Year Honors Program has proven that the constant for learning is the process by which you learn the material and the learning outcomes…not the seat time. 

This custom-designed, highly integrated academic experience is offered over the course of six-semesters, without attendance in summer, night or weekend courses.  Students typically take a course load of no more than five courses at a time and graduate with 120 credits; the same number as students in a traditional four-year degree program.

Purpose

The purpose is to create an environment in which a traditional four-year degree can be delivered in three years.

The program is based on the premise that learning occurs best when the academic objectives are clearly defined, measurable, attainable, and reinforced by the students. This program is designed for students who have the academic background and the desire to succeed in this intense educational environment.