6,050: Accelerated Program Guidelines
Revised: September 2021
Objective
Accelerated programs allow outstanding students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years by applying up to 12 graduate credits (600-799) to specific requirements within both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students are admitted to accelerated programs at the end of their junior year and enroll in 6-12 graduate credits during their senior year. Refer to specific accelerated program descriptions for information on the availability of thesis and/or non-thesis tracks.
Admission Requirements
Qualified undergraduate students must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, have completed at least 75 credits overall and designated major courses, and have earned a University of Βι¶ΉΣ³» grade point average of at least 3.0. If individual departments have established higher admission requirements, they are included in the specific accelerated program description in the General Catalog.
Interested students should submit the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Program Application to the department early in the second semester of their junior year. If the department recommends acceptance, it forwards the application to the Graduate School. Accepted students should submit an application for admission to the Graduate School during their senior year.
Continuation Requirements
To continue in an accelerated program, students must maintain a University of Βι¶ΉΣ³» grade point average of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate courses, and at least a 3.0 in graduate courses. Individual departments may establish higher standards for continuation in accelerated programs, in which case these standards are included in the specific accelerated program description in the General Catalog.
Students whose undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0 and/or whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation within the accelerated program for one semester. If they raise their GPA to meet the standards above, they will be removed from probation and returned to good standing. If after one semester, students are not able to raise their GPA sufficiently, they will be removed from the accelerated program. Students who have been removed from an accelerated program may pursue bachelor's and master's degrees through normal requirements.
Bachelor's Degree Completion
Students must complete a bachelor's degree before advancing to graduate standing and/or receiving research or teaching assistantships. Accelerated programs must allow completion of all baccalaureate degree requirements in a timeframe consistent with the recommended schedule for the corresponding undergraduate program. Students are expected to meet regularly with their advisor to ensure they are progressing appropriately.
Financial Issues
The 6-12 graduate credits approved to meet undergraduate degree requirements apply towards full-time status as an undergraduate student. Undergraduate financial aid is not available to students in accelerated programs after their undergraduate degree has been posted.
All students must pay graduate tuition and fees for graduate level courses regardless of student status.