Belmont University Accelerated Pathways
At Belmont University, students can streamline their education and launch their careers sooner. Belmont’s accelerated degree programs give eligible students a head start on graduate or professional study through coordinated undergraduate and advanced degree pathways.
Explore options across law, health sciences, social work, education, pharmacy and business, including 3+3 programs and 4+1 programs. These accelerated pathways can shorten the time it takes to reach your goals, with admission requirements and timelines specific to each program.
Important Note
Program requirements, admission standards and progression criteria vary by pathway. Students should consult admissions coordinators for the most current information.
Legal Studies (BA/BS) + Juris Doctor (JD)
Timeline: 6 years
Colleges: College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences + College of Law
- First year of law school counts toward undergraduate degree completion.
- Alternative academic evaluation available for eligible applicants.
Music Business (BBA) + Juris Doctor (JD)
Timeline: 6 years
Colleges: Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business + College of Law
- Begin law school during the fourth year of undergraduate study.
Note: Students are not guaranteed admission to Belmont's College of Law.
Find More About Music BusinessHealth Sciences (3+3)
Students in all of the following programs are eligible for:
- Guaranteed admission for students who have an overall and prerequisite GPA of 3.7, are on track to complete all program prerequisites, 50 hours of observation under contract, and have a successful in-person grad school interview.
- Entry into a graduate program after three years of undergraduate study.
- A 20% alumni discount on graduate tuition during the second year of their respective graduate program.
Biology (BS) + Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Timeline: 6 years
Colleges: College of Sciences & Mathematics + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Biology (BS) + Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Timeline: 6 years
Colleges: College of Sciences & Mathematics + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Exercise Science (BS) + Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Timeline: 6 years
College: College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Exercise Science (BS) + Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Timeline: 6 years
College: College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Social Work (4+1)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) + Master of Social Work (MSW)
Timeline: 5 years
Colleges: College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Complete the MSW in one additional year through advanced standing.
- Prepares graduates for licensure and advanced social work practice.
Faith and Social Justice (BA) + Master of Social Work (MSW)
Timeline: 5 years
College: College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Includes foundational social work coursework during undergraduate study.
Psychological Science (BA/BS) + Master of Social Work (MSW)
Timeline: 5 years
Colleges: College of Sciences & Mathematics + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Built-in social work coursework qualifies students for advanced standing.
Public Advocacy (BA/BS) + Master of Social Work (MSW)
Timeline: 5 years
College: College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Integrated social work curriculum enables advanced standing entry.
Education (4+1)
Bachelor's Degree + Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Timeline: 5 years
College: College of Education
- Earn a bachelor's degree in education policy, MAT and Tennessee teaching licensure in five years.
- Earn a bachelor's degree with an education minor, MAT and Tennessee teaching licensure in five years.
- Includes a year-long internship in diverse school settings.
- Multiple licensure options available, including elementary, middle, secondary, special education, ESL and integrated early childhood education.
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Studies (BS) + PharmD (3+4)
Timeline: 7 years
Colleges: College of Sciences & Mathematics + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Earn a BS while completing PharmD prerequisites in an accelerated format.
- Shortens undergraduate study by one year compared with a traditional 4+4 pathway.
PharmD (2+4) Early Assurance
Timeline: 6 years
Colleges: College of Sciences & Mathematics + College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Qualified first-year students can secure guaranteed admission to the PharmD program.
- Academic merit scholarships awarded to an incoming first-year student may continue for six years of pre-pharmacy/PharmD study.
- Pre-pharmacy route leading to PharmD admission after two years of prerequisite coursework.
Business
Accelerated MBA 4+1 (BBA + MBA)
Timeline: 5 years
College: Jack C. Massey College of Business
- Includes internship and electives in the student's areas of interest.
- STEM-designated curriculum available.
Integrated BBA/Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Timeline: 5 years
College: Jack C. Massey College of Business
- Continuous undergraduate-to-graduate accounting program.
- STEM-designated curriculum available.
- Begin MAcc courses during senior year.
Nursing
BSN-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Timeline: 3 years (full-time)
College: Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
- Designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses.
- Choose Leadership & Innovation or Family Nurse Practitioner track.
- FNP graduates are eligible for national certification exams.
FAQ
An accelerated degree program allows eligible students to complete their education in less time than a traditional sequence. At Belmont University, accelerated pathways connect undergraduate study with select graduate or professional programs, helping students begin advanced coursework sooner or fulfill degree requirements through a coordinated plan of study.
Accelerated degree programs coordinate undergraduate and graduate or professional coursework to shorten the overall time needed to complete a student’s education. Depending on the pathway, students may begin advanced coursework before completing their bachelor’s degree or qualify for a shorter graduate program through their undergraduate preparation. Admission and progression requirements vary by program.
A 3+3 degree pathway typically combines three years of undergraduate study with three years of graduate or professional study, allowing eligible students to earn both degrees in six years. Depending on the program, coursework from the first year of advanced study may also count toward completing the bachelor’s degree. Students must meet the pathway’s admission and progression requirements.
A 4+1 degree program allows eligible students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in approximately five years, typically through four years of undergraduate study followed by one year of graduate study. Depending on the program, students may begin graduate coursework during their senior year or complete undergraduate coursework that qualifies them for an accelerated master’s pathway.