The Accelerated Masters Programs are intended to encourage qualified undergraduate students in the Cullen College of Engineering to pursue a Master’s degree and gain cutting-edge expertise and skills that enable them to more easily secure leadership positions in industry, government, consulting, and the private sector. Students in this program can complete up to 2 graduate courses (6 graduate hours) in their undergraduate degrees that can be used toward both the Bachelor’s and the Master’s degrees. This allows students to begin their Master’s program with 6 credit hours already completed, leaving only 8 courses (24 credit hours) remaining. The Master’s degree can then be completed on a full-time basis in 2 long semesters.
Eligibility Requirements:
- An overall GPA of 3.2 or higher is required (A GPA of 3.2 or higher in the major and/or GPA of 3.2 or higher in the last 60 hours may also be considered.) Some departments may have additional criteria.
- Approval of application and course plan by student’s department. If planning to pursue a master’s degree in a program different from the undergraduate program, the student should also have their course plan approved by the graduate program.
- Enrollment in graduate courses as an undergraduate must be approved by the course instructor and department graduate advisor.
- Student must enroll in their accepted graduate program the semester after completing the undergraduate degree for the coursework to count towards Master’s degree.
Important Information:
Please be sure to review your department’s criteria and application process. You should be approved for the program before taking the graduate courses.
To be eligible to use the 6 credit hours of graduate coursework taken as an undergraduate for both degrees, students must have their course plan approved before beginning the graduate program, and preferably before taking the graduate courses. Courses must be eligible to be used on both degree plans.
Students admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Program are expected to apply to the graduate program they intend to pursue no later than one semester prior to graduation. Students are encouraged to visit the webpages of their intended major of study on the College website and the Graduate School application portal.