Starting his undergraduate degree at the age of 22, Charlie Wagner ‘23 wanted a way to get his business degree not long after his peers.
He found that option in Regis College’s three-year degree program, which gives students the opportunity to save nearly a full year of tuition, housing and food costs, and start their career or master’s degree studies a year early.
“I wanted to use my time and money more efficiently, and finish faster,” says Wagner, who is in his second year. “It has been great.”
The North Reading, Massachusetts native has good reason for getting a later start to his undergrad degree; he joined the U.S. Marines right out of high school. “I wanted to try something new, go places I had never been before, and grow as a person,” Wagner said.
He served for four years, primarily based in North Carolina but traveled to Italy, Spain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Syria. When his service was complete, Wagner said he was looking at applying to state schools in Massachusetts. But after a conversation with the Sloane School of Business and Communications Dean Bill Koehler, Wagner realized what he could accomplish at Regis.
“I have really enjoyed my classes,” said Wagner. “I’m studying business because of the variety found in the field, whether it is analytics or finance or marketing. It gets your foot in the door.”
The three-year program is part of the Regis Fast Track Program, along with an accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing degree for non-nursing graduates, and a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree option. The three-year degree is a fully accredited program that offers the same high academic standards as four-year degrees by blending traditional curriculum with year-round programing and outside-the-classroom experience.
Students in the three-year program also complete three internships, which can range from a few weeks to an entire summer.
“Regis’ three-year option provides students with a unique opportunity to accelerate their degree and undertake post-graduate life sooner,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Mary Erina Driscoll. “The accelerated structure also provides multiple opportunities for internships as well, allowing students to build their resume with real life experiences.”
A key part of the three-year track is Regis’ various intercessions. Wagner, who took “Religious Hope and the Future” last year said he enjoys being able to push through a lot of material in just a short period of time. “I would recommend winter intercession to everyone, not just those in the three-year program,” he said.
