News
News
Introducing JWU’s New Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program: What You Need to Know
Johnson & Wales University is excited to launch a new option for motivated students to earn a career-focused bachelor’s degree in just three years. Starting in Fall 2025, students at our Providence Campus can complete a fully in-person, 90-96 credit program accredited by the New England Commission for Higher Education. This new bachelor’s program is designed to help students save time, reduce costs and get a head start in their careers.
Here’s how it works, what to expect and why it could be a great fit for students with a clear career path in mind.
How the Program Works
JWU’s three-year bachelor’s degrees are designed for students who know what they want to study and are ready to dive into their field from day one. This streamlined 90-credit approach focuses on your major’s essentials while providing hands-on learning experiences that keep you connected to real-world applications from the start. Our new three-year bachelor’s degree options include: Computer Science (B.S.), Criminal Justice (B.S.), Graphic Design (B.S.) and Hospitality Management (B.S.).
Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D., whose insights led to the program’s creation, sees it as an important response to the growing concerns about college affordability and value. “Higher education has been under attack by some who question the value of the investment,” she says. “This is our opportunity to respond to the call for action to reduce tuition costs and overall student financial burden. When you offer programs like we do that integrate hands-on, applied learning in fields with high growth potential, you have real opportunity for students to accelerate their learning.”
What Makes JWU’s Three-Year Bachelor’s Program Different
For students who are highly motivated and career-focused, JWU’s three-year bachelor’s degree is built to provide value without cutting corners. These programs have been streamlined but retain the rigorous academics, critical thinking and experiential learning opportunities of our traditional four-year degrees.
Meredith Twombly, vice president of undergraduate enrollment management, emphasizes that affordability is a key benefit. “I know from talking to families at every income level, just about everyone is concerned about the cost of college these days,” she says. “For the student who knows what degree and career track they want to pursue, this degree option gives them the most direct and efficient path toward their goal without sacrificing high-quality, in-person learning, faculty mentorship and a traditional residential campus experience.”
What Each Program Offers
Here’s what you can expect from each three-year bachelor's degree program:
Computer Science:
“Our Computer Science program uniquely blends foundational theory with practical application, equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges,” says Kathryn Parchesco, associate professor and computer science department chair. “With focused courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud computing, students engage in collaborative projects and competitions that sharpen their expertise and prepare them for impactful careers in technology.”
Criminal Justice:
“The Criminal Justice program at JWU is distinguished by its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement,” says Paul Sylvestre, Ph.D., professor and criminal justice department chair. “Our industry-experienced faculty guide students through a holistic understanding and appreciation of criminal justice, which includes hands-on experiences in forensic analysis and crime scene processing, ensuring they graduate with the skills and insights necessary to make a positive impact in the field.”
Graphic Design:
“Our Graphic Design program provides a career-focused education, immersing students in industry-relevant, project-based learning,” says Deana Marzocchi, associate professor and design department chair. “By working on real-world client projects, students develop practical skills and collaborate in professional environments. Through peer critiques and hands-on design challenges, they build a robust portfolio and refine their personal brand, positioning themselves for success in the creative industry. Graduates are fully prepared to enter the workforce, equipped with the experience and knowledge necessary to make an immediate and impactful contribution in the field of design.”
Hospitality Management:
“Our Hospitality Management program offers a comprehensive education across food and beverage, hotel and resort, and sustainable tourism,” says Jane Boyland, associate professor and hospitality management department chair. “Through events, internships and real-world projects, we connect students with industry leaders, equipping them with the skills and networks needed to thrive in a range of exciting hospitality careers."
Real-World Learning with Career Impact
Graduates of JWU’s three-year bachelor’s programs gain real-world experience through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), a unique program requirement that helps students apply what they’re learning to real work experiences early and often. This could mean part-time employment on or off campus, volunteer work, research or a summer internship.
“Our students will complete the same general education core requirements as our traditional four-year model students,” says Jennifer Galipeau, associate provost for academic affairs. “Unlike the dedicated semester for internships, the three-year bachelor’s degree students will engage in the world of work throughout their program of study and while they’re taking their required classes.”
To support students’ career success, JWU faculty and career advisors from Experiential Education & Career Services will offer career management coursework and career advising. This ensures students develop essential workplace skills such as teamwork, time management and problem-solving that employers value.
Is the Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Right for You?
If you’re certain about your major and career goals, a three-year bachelor’s degree can be a fast, affordable way to earn a high-quality degree and jumpstart your career. Plus, with reduced tuition cost and access to scholarships, financial flexibility is built in.
The application process is straightforward, with no application fee. Simply choose the three-year bachelor option in your desired major through the Common Application or JWU’s application. If you prefer a four-year path, JWU continues to offer traditional bachelor’s degrees in more than 40 majors, providing flexibility to explore additional courses outside of your program.
As Chancellor Mim L. Runey puts it: “Johnson & Wales is at the forefront of this innovation. We are answering the call from our students and their future employers. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Our students deserve it, and we are well-equipped with a strong and dedicated faculty and staff who along with our students make a JWU education valuable for what lies ahead.”
