An Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Within 5 Years
Contact Dr. Axel: axel@marshall.edu
Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Master’s Degree program can begin taking master’s level classes while still in the undergraduate program. Up to 12 graduate credits can be used to fulfill requirements for both the undergraduate and the master’s degrees, effectively reducing the cost of, and time to, degree. Graduates of this program will be prepared for direct entry into the job market or continuation of graduate study towards an M.D. or Ph.D or other professional program.
A student can complete the bachelor’s degree in biological sciences by substituting twelve 500- and 600-level graduate credits (that will apply towards the master’s degree) for 12 hours of 400-level credits that were required at the undergraduate level. All BSC 400-level courses are co-listed as 500-level courses. In each area of emphasis, students may select 500-level electives in lieu of 400-level courses to satisfy the master’s degree. Alternately, a student who chooses not to pursue an area of emphasis may chose 500- or 600-level courses to satisfy credits that will apply to the master’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements for Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
- completed at least 90 hours toward the bachelor’s degree;
- at least a 3.30 overall undergraduate GPA;
- at least a 3.30 GPA in the major;
- Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen graduate degree program, apart from the receipt of a bachelor’s degree;
- Students must earn a bachelor’s degree to be fully admitted into the graduate degree program.
How to Apply
- During the junior or senior year, eligible students should meet with their Undergraduate Advisor and faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences to identify an advisor for their graduate degree. The student and their graduate advisor should then develop an AGD plan of study. Any changes to the AGD plan of study must be approved by the undergraduate advisor and the Department of Biological Sciences in writing to the dean of the college housing the graduate program;
- Students should apply for the AGD using the Accelerated Graduate Degree Application online form available through Graduate Studies Forms and Information;
- The student’s acceptance into the AGD program is subject to the approval of the plan of study by the dean of the college housing the graduate program;
- Students accepted into the AGD program should apply for admission to the chosen graduate degree program for the first semester after the bachelor’s degree is awarded. Admission applications should be submitted during the last semester of the senior year.