Accelerated BS to MS Degree Pathways

FAQs

• ​What are the benefits of the Accelerated Degree Pathway versus a traditional bachelor’s and master’s degree program path?

  The Accelerated Degree Pathway allows undergraduate students to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously and thus shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree. In addition, students can pursue a master’s degree in the same department as their bachelor’s or in a different department. This provides students with an opportunity to broaden their studies more quickly and efficiently and gives them a competitive edge when applying for the workforce. While most participating programs are Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, there is one eligible Bachelor of Arts (BA) program that may apply toward a Master of Science (MS).

• Is there a separate application for the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  Yes. Students interested should Initiate the online application through FIU Student Portal (navigate to the Admissions tile on the dashboard) and pay the $30 graduate application fee.

• Are there additional costs associated with applying to the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  Aside from the required application fee, there are no additional costs.

• When should/can I apply to the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  An application to the Accelerated Degree Pathway can be submitted once a student has completed their sophomore year and has reached at least 75 credits. The start date for the Accelerated Degree Pathway must be prior to the expected bachelor’s graduation term. Example: If expected bachelor’s degree graduation is Fall 2020, the application must be for Spring 2020. Please review the requirements to apply to the Accelerated Degree Pathway.

• What are the requirements to apply to the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  To be considered for admission to an accelerated pathway, applicants must have a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 75 credits towards their current in progress bachelor’s degree. Please note that some programs may have higher GPA requirements, so be sure to check the specific criteria for your intended program.

  The application is available on the MyFIU student portal, under the Admissions tab. Applications can be submitted as soon as the 75 credits are completed. Students need only apply once to the accelerated degree program.

• Which graduate level courses and how many credits can be applied to both the BS and MS degrees upon admission into the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  Only 5000-level or higher courses, and no more than the number of credits specified by the program catalog, may be applied toward both degrees.

• Are students in the Accelerated Degree Pathway eligible for graduate assistantships?

  A student admitted to the combined degree program will be considered to have undergraduate status until the student applies for graduation from their bachelor’s degree program. Upon conferral of the bachelor’s degree, the student will be granted graduate status and be eligible for graduate assistantships.

• When should I speak with my advisor about the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  The sooner the better! It is never too early to speak with your Undergraduate Advisor about the program. You can start planning for the Accelerated Degree Pathway as early as the first year of your bachelor’s degree.

• Are international students eligible for the Accelerated Degree Pathway?

  Yes, as long as they meet the program’s admission requirements.

• Do international students in the Accelerated Degree Pathway receive an updated I-20 once accepted?

  No, but upon conferral of the bachelor’s degree, the student will be granted graduate status hence an updated I-20 may be issued.

• Are international students eligible to complete OPT under the Accelerated Degree Pathway at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels?

  International students in the Accelerated Degree Pathway are only eligible to complete OPT at the master’s degree level as there is no break in courses between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.