What is an Accelerated Master’s Program?
Boise State’s Accelerated Master’s Programs allow motivated undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework during their final year of undergraduate study. These programs are designed to shorten the time and reduce the cost of earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Many students complete both degrees in about five years, instead of the usual six or more.
While each accelerated program is unique, students may typically take up to nine graduate-level credits (typically 2-3 courses) during their senior year. These courses count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, creating a smooth pathway into graduate study.
Benefits
- Save Time: Earn a master’s degree faster by completing graduate coursework while finishing your bachelor’s.
- Save Money: Graduate courses taken during your undergraduate program reduce the overall cost of graduate school.
- Get Ahead: Gain earlier exposure to advanced coursework, research, or professional practice.
- Smooth transition: Continue directly into graduate study at Boise State with confidence and momentum.
Available Programs
The following programs currently offer an accelerated master’s option and new programs are being developed:
| Accelerated Master’s Program | Eligible Undergraduate Major(s) |
|---|---|
| Accountancy | Accountancy |
| Accountancy (Taxation) | Accountancy |
| Athletic Training | Kinesiology, emphasis in Athletic Training |
| Biomolecular Science | Physics |
| Business Administration Full-time (Career Track MBA) | All majors |
| Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Computer Science | Chemistry Computer Science Physics |
| Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Minor |
| Cyber Operations and Resilience | All majors |
| Cybersecurity | Computer Science Engineering Information Technology Management Mathematics |
| Digital Communications Management | All majors |
| Early and Special Education | All majors |
| Economics | All majors |
| Electrical and Computer Engineering | Chemistry Computer Science Electrical and Computer Engineering Physics |
| English Literature | English Literature |
| Environmental Management | Major within the School of Public Service |
| Materials Science and Engineering | Chemistry Computer Science Materials Science and Engineering Physics |
| Mathematics | Applied Mathematics Mathematics |
| Mechanical Engineering | Chemistry Computer Science Mechanical Engineering Physics |
| Music | Music |
| Political Science | Political Science |
| Public Administration | All majors |
| Public Health | Health Studies Public Health |
| Respiratory Care | Respiratory Care |
| Special Education | All majors |
Students should check program websites or reach out to program coordinators for specific eligibility and requirements.
How to Get Started
Explore Your Options
- Review the list of available accelerated programs.
- Talk with your undergraduate advisor about whether an accelerated pathway fits your goals.
Meet Program Requirements
- Eligibility requirements are unique to each program but typically include a minimum GPA (around 3.3 or higher), at least 75 undergraduate credits completed, and any program-specific prerequisites.
Apply for Admission
- Submit a Graduate Admission Application, selecting the “Accelerated Master’s Program” option.
- Application deadlines vary by program; check your program’s website or check with your program’s coordinator for details.
Register for Graduate Courses
- If admitted, you’ll complete a Permit for Seniors to Take Graduate Courses form to enroll in each graduate-level course during your senior year.
- Work with your undergraduate advisor to determine whether you will need to submit an academic adjustment to direct your graduate courses toward requirements in your undergraduate degree.
After You Complete Your Undergraduate Degree
When you finish your bachelor’s degree and it’s officially recorded by the Registrar, you’ll make the full transition into graduate school. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll become a graduate student: Your status will switch from undergraduate to graduate, and you’ll continue working toward your master’s degree.
- Your credits will carry over. The graduate courses you took in your senior year will now count toward your master’s program (as long as you met the grade requirements).
- Your financial aid will shift. Since you’re now a graduate student, your aid and scholarships will move to graduate-level funding. You may need to update your FAFSA and check on what scholarships or assistantships you qualify for.
- You’ll follow graduate program requirements. From this point forward, you’ll need to meet Graduate College academic policies and your program’s expectations for progress.
- You can apply for graduate assistantships. Many programs offer teaching, research, or service assistantships that provide funding and professional experience once you are officially a graduate student.
This step is where your accelerated pathway really pays off as you’ll already have a head start on your master’s degree and a clear path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credits can count toward both degrees?
The number of credits varies by program. Most commonly, students can apply up to 9 credits of graduate-level coursework to both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements through an accelerated program.
Do I pay undergraduate or graduate tuition for these courses?
Graduate courses taken during an accelerated program are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate plus a graduate premium (the difference between graduate and undergraduate per-credit costs).
Do I pay undergraduate or graduate tuition for these courses?
Graduate courses taken during an accelerated program are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate plus a graduate premium (the difference between graduate and undergraduate per-credit costs).
How do financial aid and scholarships work?
While you are still classified as an undergraduate, graduate credits taken through the accelerated program can count toward your undergraduate full-time status and eligibility for undergraduate financial aid, Pell Grants, and scholarships.
Once you officially graduate with your bachelor’s and are admitted fully to the graduate program, your aid and scholarships will shift to graduate-level eligibility.
Can all undergraduate scholarships be carried into graduate school?
Not always. Some scholarships only apply while you are an undergraduate. Others may allow renewal into graduate study. Students should check with Financial Aid Scholarships.
Will pursuing the accelerated pathway delay my bachelor’s degree?
No. Accelerated master’s programs are designed so you can complete your undergraduate degree on time (typically within four years) while starting graduate coursework.
What happens if I am not accepted into the accelerated program?
Students not admitted to the accelerated option can still apply to the master’s program through the regular admission process.
Next Steps & Support
- Undergraduate students: Review your program’s accelerated master’s option and talk with your academic advisor.
- Contact the program: Reach out to the graduate program coordinator in your field for detailed requirements and planning.
- Contact graduate admissions: Contact the Graduate College Recruiter for additional information and guidance as you consider your options.