Accelerated Masters Programs

4+1 Accelerated Masters

An accelerated graduate degree creates an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students to obtain both their undergraduate and graduate degrees by completing some undergraduate course requirements at the graduate level leading to a substantial savings in time and money. The graduate credit hours that satisfy undergraduate degree requirements also reduce the credit hours needed for the graduate degree and are typically referred to as double counting or credit sharing. Accelerated programs that rely on double counting to reduce time-to-degree are often referred to as “4+1 accelerated masters”.

Double counting

The maximum number of graduate level credits that can be counted toward an undergraduate degree program is 16 credit hours in an accelerated program. Each double counted course will apply to the graduate degree in total credit hours (e.g. a 3-credit course has to be counted at 3 credits) and not split or divided into partial credits. Accelerated program proposals must specify which courses in the graduate curriculum can be double counted with the undergraduate requirements and how they fit into the undergraduate program of study. Typically, graduate programs designate graduate courses with similar subject matter to undergraduate degree requirements. Only courses at the 500 level or higher can be counted toward master's programs. Graduate level double counted courses are delivered at a higher level of rigor and should not be taken until students are officially admitted into the accelerated program. Once the maximum of 16 credit hours of graduate coursework has been completed, a student in an accelerated program cannot continue to take graduate level courses until they have completed their undergraduate graduation and they formally matriculate into the graduate program. Undergraduate students who exceed this maximum will be administratively dropped from their graduate courses.

Double Counted and Transfer Graduate Credits Limit

The maximum number of double-counted and transferred graduate credits must not exceed 16. 

Admission

Undergraduate students can be considered for admission into an accelerated master’s program after they have earned 60 credit hours, typically in the junior year. Given the condensed nature of the program, a higher GPA is expected for admission. Individual programs can set their own admission requirements to ensure student success in the accelerated program.

Specifics of the admission process can be found on the 4+1 Programs webpage or by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Student Status (Undergraduate/Graduate)

Accelerated students remain classified as continuing undergraduate students until they complete their undergraduate degree requirements and apply for and are granted their bachelor’s degree. They are counted as a new graduate student the term after they graduate from their undergraduate program. 

Financial Aid Eligibility

Accelerated students taking graduate courses to complete the requirements of their undergraduate degree remain eligible for financial aid as undergraduate students. Once 4+1 students earn their undergraduate degree, they transition to graduate student status and are considered for financial aid as graduate students.  Most financial aid available to graduate students consists of federal loans; however, they may also be eligible for certain institutional scholarships. To maximize their financial aid eligibility, students should use DegreeWorks to confirm whether their selected courses count toward their undergraduate program of study.

Tuition

Undergraduate students electing approved double-counted graduate courses (those numbered 500 and above) will be assessed at the undergraduate tuition rate while still pursuing their undergraduate degree. However, any relevant graduate-equivalent premiums and lab fees will be added. When 4+1 students obtain their undergraduate degree and they transition to new graduate student status, graduate tuition rates will be assessed.  

Graduation Timing

Accelerated students must apply for their undergraduate degree credential as soon as the degree requirements have been completed. Students who are unable to complete their graduate degree are still eligible to complete the requirements of the undergraduate degree and apply for their bachelor’s degree.

Minimum Grade Requirements

Students must meet the minimum grade requirements of their graduate program and respective accelerated option.

Not all masters programs offer an accelerated option.  Approved accelerated programs are itemized throughout the catalog or at the Graduate Programs webpage.