These pathways are designed for high-achieving students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees efficiently and economically. Learn about Loras’ programs and our pathway partnerships.
3+1 NURSING DUAL DEGREE BA/BS+BSN
Mercy College Partnership
Earn a bachelor’s degree from Loras College (BA or BS) and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from Mercy College of Health Sciences in four years, all on the Loras College campus.
You can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam) after completing the nursing requirements.
How does it work?
Students participating in the 3+1 program take coursework for their BA or BS degree in the first three years of the program, which includes the prerequisite courses needed to qualify for admission to the BSN program.
Students apply for admission to Mercy College’s accelerated BSN program in the third year and if accepted, begin the nursing program at Loras the summer following the third year of undergraduate coursework.
View additional nursing program opportunities.
3+2 ATHLETIC TRAINING BS+MAT
Loras College Program
Gain expertise in prevention, recognition, evaluation, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions for a wide variety of musculoskeletal, orthopedics, and general medical illness and injury for an active population.
Pursuing a degree in athletic training will prepare your for a career that incorporates healthcare, sport, wellness, and an overall focus on an active population.
How does it work?
Complete much of the undergraduate kinesiology major required during your first three years. In your fourth year, you will then begin the graduate portion of your studies.
In addition to completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years instead of 6, you will be charged undergraduate tuition and eligible for undergraduate financial aid in years 1-4 which greatly reduces the total program cost.
This accelerated program prepares you to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
3+2.5 PHYSICAL THERAPY BA/BS+DPT
St. Ambrose Partnership
The collaboration between Loras College and St. Ambrose University allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree in five and a half years instead of the typical seven.
- Dual degrees earned: Loras College BS/BA, St. Ambrose University DPT
- Guarantees interviews at St. Ambrose for the top five Loras applicants
How does it work?
Students who pursue this pathway complete three years of undergraduate study at Loras College and apply to for admission to the St. Ambrose DPT program during the third year.
If accepted into the DPT program, you will transition to the St. Ambrose campus in your fourth year to begin the DPT program. The credits earned during the fourth year transfer back to Loras College to complete your bachelor’s degree. St. Ambrose University awards the DPT degree upon successful completion of the DPT program after an additional year and a half of coursework.
3+3/4+3 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BA/BS+OTD
St. Ambrose Partnership
Loras College students have the option of pursuing early admission and/or shortened pathways into the accredited St. Ambrose University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. Students can select their preferred location, either St. Ambrose’s campus in Davenport, Iowa, or Loras’ campus in Dubuque, Iowa.
How does it work?
In addition to the traditional 4+3 route, Loras College students have the option of selecting a 3+2.5 option, which allows you to complete the bachelor’s and doctoral degree in five and a half years instead of seven.
4+1 Exercise Physiology BA/BS+MSEP
St. Ambrose Partnership
The collaboration between Loras College and St. Ambrose University creates an opportunity for students with an interest in kinesiology and exercise science to complete a bachelor’s degree from Loras and a master of science in exercise physiology (MSEP) degree from St. Ambrose in five years.
How does it work?
Students who pursue this pathway typically major in kinesiology, though other majors are possible so long as the student completes the prerequisite science coursework for admission to the MSEP graduate program. Students earn their undergraduate degree from Loras before attending St. Ambrose University for one year to earn the MSEP degree. Loras students may transfer up to six credits to St. Ambrose toward the advanced degree.
- Two spots in the MSEP program are reserved for highly qualified Loras applicants.
- Transfer up to 6 credits to SAU toward the MSEP.
- Students who apply during the fourth year have the GRE requirement waived.
4+1 Social Work BA+MSW
St. Ambrose Partnership
The collaboration between Loras College and St. Ambrose University creates an opportunity for students who are pursuing a Social Work major at Loras to complete a bachelor’s degree from Loras and a master of social work (MSW) degree from St. Ambrose in five years. The Loras College Social Work major instills the values, ethics, practice strategies, communication, diversity, and knowledge required for students to become effective generalist social workers. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students who pursue this accelerated dual degree program will continue to study social work at the graduate level through a model of social justice and advocacy with fieldwork occurring two days each in the fall and spring semesters.
How does it work?
Students who pursue this pathway earn their undergraduate degree from Loras before attending St. Ambrose University for one year to earn the MSW degree.