BAM Program Policy

Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's (BAM) Programs

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Effective Date: July 1, 2019
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Overview

Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's programs (BAMs) offer currently enrolled ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø undergraduate students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time. Students receive the bachelor's degree first, but begin taking graduate coursework as undergraduates, typically in their senior year. Because some courses are allowed to double count for both the bachelor's and the master's degrees, students receive a master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than if they were to enroll in a stand-alone master's degree program after completion of their baccalaureate degree. In addition, staying at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø to pursue a Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's program enables students to continue working with their established faculty mentors.

The Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's program is administered jointly by the Graduate School and the respective undergraduate school or college. The major department assumes primary administrative authority and responsibility, reflecting the full authority and standards of both the undergraduate and graduate degrees (including any minimum standards which may be unique to departmental BAMs).

Initial Acceptance

Initial acceptance to the Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's program typically occurs during the junior year with an intent application. Minimum standards for acceptance require a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and completion of all MAPS deficiencies.1 Additional acceptance criteria are determined by the individual departments in conjunction with the appropriate school or college deans and the Graduate School. An approved intent application enables the student to begin taking graduate courses as an undergraduate and to double-count select courses toward the bachelor's and master's degrees, in accordance with the requirements listed below. Students interested in a BAM program should contact the relevant department for advising and intent application information.

Bachelor's Degree Award

BAM students must apply online to graduate with their bachelor's degree for the semester in which degree requirements will be completed. They will be verified for graduation by their respective undergraduate dean's office.

Admission for Continuation to Master's Program

During the semester in which students are enrolled in the remaining requirements for the undergraduate degree, they must apply to be formally admitted to continue with the accelerated master's program. Students will be matriculated into the master's program without additional departmental review, provided they meet the basic continuation requirement of 3.0 cumulative GPA. International students must have approval from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) prior to matriculation.

Students must begin the master's program within one year of completing theirÌýbaccalaureate degree (three semesters, including summer, and depending on theÌýprogram), and must select their term of admission upon applying.

Financial Information

Prior to completing the baccalaureate degree, students areÌýassessed undergraduate tuition rates. Once admitted to the master's program, studentsÌýare assessed graduate tuition rates. (In-state graduate students are assessed residentÌýgraduate tuition, but do not receive COF.)ÌýIn addition, graduate students receivingÌýfinancial aid are considered for different types and amounts of aid. Graduate students are primarily offered student loans.

1 Students admitted to ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø prior to Summer 2023 only.

BAM Program Student Pathway

Eligibility

  • Student is a currently enrolled ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø undergraduate who meets BAM GPA and other eligibilityÌýrequirements.

Initial Acceptance with Intent Application

  • Student fills out an intent application, typically during the junior year.
  • Approved intent application enables undergraduate student to take up to and including 12 hours ofÌýcoursework (as an undergraduate and at undergraduate tuition rates) which can later be applied to theÌýaccelerated master's program.
  • The number of credits that can double-count for both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees as part ofÌýa BAM program is determined by the department's approved program proposal.

Conferral of Bachelor's Degree; Formal Admission to Master's Program

  • BAM student must apply to graduate for their bachelor's degree in the semester in which degreeÌýrequirements will be completed.
  • During the semester in which student is enrolled in the remaining requirements for the undergraduateÌýdegree, they also apply for formal admission/continuation to the master's program within one academicÌýyear. The student is admitted provided they meet the basic continuation requirement of 3.0 GPA.ÌýInternational students must have approval from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) prior toÌýformal admission.

Master's Coursework and Conferral of Master's Degree

  • The student has graduate status and completes remaining graduate coursework, with tuiton assessed atÌýgraduate tuition rates. Graduate students receiving financial aid are considered "independent" and areÌýeligible for aid and awards available to students at graduate status.
  • Once degree requirements are met, student applies to graduate with the master's degree.

BasicÌýRequirements and Minimum Standards forÌýBachelor's-Accelerated Master's Programs

  1. Only currently enrolled ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø undergraduate students may beÌýconsidered for acceptance to Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's (BAM) programs.
  2. Prior to earning the baccalaureate degree, students are subject to undergraduateÌýacademic rules and full-time/part-time standards in effect in their school or college,Ìýunless otherwise noted below. Students are expected to be full-time (with an average ofÌý24 credits per year), remain continuously enrolled, and they must maintain a minimumÌýcumulative GPA of 3.00.
  3. Once formally admitted to and enrolled in the Accelerated Master's program, studentsÌýa