What is an Accelerated Master's Program?

You’re working toward a bachelor’s degree and want to jump right into a master's program after you graduate. But did you know there’s a way to work on both degrees while you’re still an undergraduate student?

It’s called an accelerated master’s program.

What is the Difference Between Accelerated Master’s and Normal Master’s Degrees?

An accelerated master’s degree and a typical master’s degree are similar in that you’ll come out the other side with a diploma. But you may be able to finish an accelerated master’s program a couple of terms faster — and for slightly less money.

“An accelerated program is an opportunity for students to pursue both their undergrad and graduate classes at the same time,” said Jade Bell, a graduate admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Basically, there may be a few graduate-level courses available to you as an undergraduate student. If you’re familiar with dual enrollment — where you can take college classes as a high school student — it’s a similar concept.

There are specific requirements you must meet to become eligible for an accelerated master’s program, and those requirements could vary by school and by program.

According to Bell, they could include:

• Minimum grade point average (GPA)
• Number of completed undergraduate credits
• Your school’s academic calendar and course schedule

“The accelerated program is ideal for highly motivated students who want to get a head start on those graduate studies,” Bell said.

How Long is an Accelerated Master’s Program?

An accelerated master’s program may involve longer terms than you’re used to at the bachelor’s degree level, but it can shave months off your overall journey to a master’s degree.

For instance, at SNHU, graduate terms are two weeks longer than undergraduate terms. That can be an important consideration if you decide to take master’s courses as an undergraduate student.

“But for the students that are ready to take that next step and jump into something that offers a smart way to reach those educational goals and career goals faster, it's a great opportunity,” Bell said.

Most master’s programs take about 30-36 credits to complete, according to Hayden Mailloux, who is also a graduate admission counselor at SNHU. In a standard master's degree program, that typically equates to one or two years of coursework.

If you're earning your master’s degree as part of an accelerated program, you may be able to complete 6-12 graduate credits as an undergraduate student — potentially putting you a third of the way through a master's program before you even have your bachelor's diploma.

You can also opt to be a part-time student, taking half the number of courses each term that full-time students take. At SNHU, part-time students take one course at a time while two courses is considered full-time. Your pacing will affect how long it’ll take for you to reach graduation day, but it’s something you can talk to your advisor about to decide what option works best for you.

Depending on your undergraduate program, the graduate courses you take may count toward your free electives, according to Mailloux. And it's likely you'll take them in the final year of your bachelor's program.

"It really comes down to timing, course availability and what works best for the student’s goals and schedule," he said.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Accelerated Degrees?

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when it comes to accelerated degrees. One of the greatest advantages relates to tuition; although you’d be in a master’s-level course, you’d continue to pay the undergraduate tuition rate, according to Bell.

Other pros include the ability to complete your degree faster. That means you can put your diploma to work sooner, whether you're looking to start, change or advance your career.

One challenge relates to time commitment. You might find the courses a bit more challenging, introducing you to what to expect as a graduate student. So, to ensure you meet assignment deadlines, Mailloux said you may have to carve out more time each week for coursework.

It's also possible you'll be enrolled in both an undergraduate and graduate term at the same time, making time management and planning ahead crucial.

The good news is that the course structure will likely stay the same, according to Mailloux. That means you'll know what to expect week-to-week and class-to-class. Plus, you may find there's a week off between each graduate term that allows students to take a short break before diving into the next course.

Another consideration is that accelerated options may only be available to specific programs. At SNHU, for instance, you might qualify for accelerated pacing if you’re earning a bachelor’s degree in:

• Accounting
• Communication
• Finance
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Sport management

If you’re in one of these programs, you can ask your advisor about your options and what an accelerated program could mean for you.

Read more: Pursuing a Master’s Degree: What It’s Like to Be a Graduate Student

Is an Accelerated Master’s Worth It?

The answer comes down to your goals:

• Are you planning to jump right into grad school?
• Does your school offer a bachelor’s-to-master's program that interests you?
• Are you willing to challenge yourself?
• Are you looking to save as much time and money as possible?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s definitely worth looking into an accelerated master’s program.

Rebecca LeBoeuf Blanchette '18 '22G is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she fulfills her love of learning daily through conversations with professionals across a range of fields. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing at SNHU’s campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, and followed her love of storytelling into the online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.