Accelerated Bachelor's / Master's Program
The accelerated degree program is designed to let you start taking courses toward a master's degree at UMBC while still an undergraduate. Once admitted to a participating UMBC master's program, you can apply these graduate-level courses toward a master's degree.
Why an accelerated degree?
- It saves you time. The accelerated degree program lets you “double count” up to nine credits toward both the bachelor’s and master's degrees. Once admitted to the program to the program, you may take up to nine credits of graduate-level courses as an undergraduate, which can be counted later toward a master's degree.
- It saves you money. With education costs rising, why not keep your tuition dollars in the bank? Depending on the program, some students are able to complete a master’s degree in one year. And, the Graduate School application fee of $50(online submission) or $70(paper submisison) is waived for students applying to this program. program. Graduate courses taken in this program are billed at the undergraduate rate—a big savings!
- It saves you effort. UMBC’s graduate programs have strong reputations. Our faculty are nationally recognized and our research facilities are cutting-edge. Deciding to continue your studies at UMBC eliminates the long hours of research and complicated application processes you’ll go through when applying to other universities.
- It leads to good jobs. In many applied and technical areas, the master’s degree is considered among the most important credentials. Completion of an accelerated program will enhance your career, education and potential earnings.
What degrees are offered?
UMBC offers accelerated degree options in:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economic Policy Analysis
- Electrical Engineering
- Education
- Emergency Health Services
- Engineering Management
- Historical Studies
- Information Systems
- Instructional Systems Development-Training Systems
- Intercultural Communications
- Mathematics, Applied
- Mechanical Engineering
- Molecular Biology, Applied
- Physics, Applied
- Physics, Atmospheric
- Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
- Public Policy
- Sociology, Applied
- Statistics
Is an accelerated degree right for me?
Bachelor’s/Master’s programs are selective. You must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA to be considered, and remain in good academic standing throughout the course of your studies. Once admitted to the accelerated program, you will develop with the graduate program director a plan of study for the remainder of your undergraduate career.
Accelerated programs are flexible. You may apply to and enroll in a master’s program as a full-time or part-time student. You may also apply to a master’s program in a field other than your undergraduate major. You can even take a break between your bachelor's and master's careers, as long as the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate are used toward a master's degree within five years.
I’m interested. What next?
Contact the appropriate graduate program director or undergraduate advisor. Most departments have a designated contact person who will help you complete the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program application form. This is usually done early in the junior year, although some programs allow later admission. The application and a list of graduate program directors for each master’s program is available on the graduate school Web site, www.umbc.edu/gradschool. To take advantage of the fee waiver, you must submit a paper / hard-copy application rather than apply on-line.
You must apply to the Graduate School at least one semester prior to the completion of your bachelor's degree requirements. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is often waived for applicants, and some graduate programs waive other requirements as well (e.g., letters of recommendation). There is no retroactive admission to the program once you have received the bachelor's degree.
For more information, contact the Graduate School, your undergraduate advisor or the graduate program directorin the appropriate graduate program.