Accelerated Master’s Programs allow current University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate students to take up to 12 credit hours of designated UNL graduate courses to count toward both bachelor’s and master’s degrees – accelerating degree completion, particularly at the master's level.
Student Timeline
Eligibility and Advising
Meet with your Undergraduate Academic Advisor to confirm your eligibility and timeline, and complete the Accelerated Programs Course Worksheet (PDF).
- Confirm your overall Accelerated eligibility:
- Current full-time student in a UNL bachelor's degree program
- GPA 3.0 or higher
- Sophomore standing or higher
- One or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation
- Go over the details for your desired Accelerated program (see Programs below):
- Confirm that your bachelor's major and catalog year are eligible, and for the master's program you want.
- Decide which of the designated grad courses you want to take prior to receiving your bachelor's degree.
- Plan your timeline based on when you want to complete your bachelor's degree.
Application
After you have met with your undergrad advisor and completed the Course Worksheet:
- Application: Complete and submit your graduate application for admission:
- When selecting a program, select only from "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs".
- Upload your Course Worksheet and complete any other items required by this program.
- List all colleges/universities attended and upload transcripts from any non-NU schools.
- Include application fee payment (unless waived).
- Review: Allow time for your application to be reviewed by your academic department; schedules vary.
- Admission (if/when offered): Check your email for a decision notification, and accept the offer via your Decision Form.
Enrollment
After you've accepted the admission offer, for each term in which you want to take a grad class as an undergrad, once enrollment is open for that term:
- For each grad class you want to take as an undergrad, complete the Request for Grad Credit.
- Only your Accelerated program's designated courses can count toward both degrees.
- Any other grad-level courses you take may count toward one degree or the other, not both.
- Requests are routed for approval by the instructor and Graduate Studies. If approved, you will be enrolled in the class.
Programs
Select a program to view essential program-specific details for applying and enrolling.
ANR: Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BSES): Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)
Current Undergrad Program
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
- CRPL 800. Introduction to Planning (3cr, Spr/Fall, replaces CRPL 400)
- CRPL 830. Planning with GIS (3cr, Fall, replaces CRPL 430 or CRPL 433)
- CRPL 863. Land use and Transportation Planning (3cr, Spr/Sum/Fall, replaces CRPL 463)
- CRPL 870. Environmental Planning and Policy (3cr, Fall, replaces CRPL 470)
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
EHS: Child, Youth and Family Studies (BS) (Human Dev and Family Science option): Child, Youth and Family Studies (MS)
Current Undergrad Program
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Child, Youth and Family Studies (MS)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Personal Statement (required): In 1-2 pages: 1) describe 1 to 3 personal and professional goals or objectives and how this degree will help you achieve them; and 2) describe how your past experience (work, volunteer, research, etc.) provides a context for studying in this field.
- One Letter of Recommendation: The recommender must be someone in academia (professor, instructor, academic advisor, research supervisor) who can speak to your academic achievements, academic potential, and critical thinking skills.
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
For all courses listed below, the minimum grade to be countable toward a degree is C for the bachelor's degree and B for the master's degree.
Undergraduate Course Graduate Course Credit Hours Frequency Offered CYAF 413 CYAF 813. Global Case Studies in Refugee Health & Wellbeing 3 Spring CYAF 415 CYAF 815. Family Violence in the Global Context 3 Spring CYAF 446 CYAF 846. Addictions and Families 3 Summer/Fall CYAF 458 CYAF 858. Family Stress and Crisis, Coping and Recovery 3 Fall/Spring/Summer CYAF 498 CYAF 898. Research Experience in CYAF 3 Fall/Spring/Summer CYAF 493 CYAF 893. Special Topics in Contemporary Family Issues 3 Annually: semester varies CYAF 495 CYAF 895. Special Topics in Family & Cultural Diversity 3 Fall CYAF 482A CYAF 882A. Study Abroad 3 Annually: semester varies - Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
EHS: Secondary Education (BSEH) (Social Sciences Ed option): Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education (MA)
Current Undergrad Program
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education (MA)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Applicants must be taking or have completed TEAC 451W at the time of application.
- No resume or personal statement required.
Selection Procedures
Students will be assigned a social studies education graduate faculty advisor upon admission to accelerated masters program.
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
- TEAC 852W. Curriculum Principles and Practices Secondary Social Science (3 cr, fall only, replaces TEAC 452W)
- TEAC 813M. Teaching Multilingual Learners in Content Areas (3 cr, fall/summer, replaces TEAC 413M)
- SPED 801B. Accommodating Exceptional Learners in the Secondary School Classroom (3 cr, fall/summer, replaces SPED 401B)
- TEAC 803B. Student Teaching Seminar: Secondary Education (3 cr, spring only, replaces TEAC 403B)
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
ENG: Bachelor of Science (multiple majors): Computer Science (MS) (see specializations)
Current Undergrad Program
- BS in Computer Engineering (catalog 2023-24 or later)
- BS in Computer Science (catalog 2023-24 or later)
- BS in Software Engineering (catalog 2023-24 or later)
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Computer Science (MS)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Personal Statement: Your statement should include your research interests, your objectives, and names of potential faculty advisors.
- Prior to application, completing at least 12 undergrad credit hours in the master's degree discipline with a grade of at least B (including at least one of CSCE 310, CSCE 310H, CSCE 311, SOFT 260, SOFT 260H or RAIK 283H)
- Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation, resume
Selection Procedures
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
For MS with no specialization:
- CSCE 823. Design and Analysis of Algorithms (3 cr, Spring/Fall, replaces CSCE 423)
- CSCE 828. Automata, Computation, and Formal Languages (3 cr, Spring/Fall, replaces CSCE 428)
- CSCE 851. Operating Systems Principles (3 cr, Spring/Fall, replaces CSCE 451)
- CSCE 862. Communication Networks (3 cr, Spring/Fall, replaces CSCE 462)
For MS with specialization in Computer Engineering:
- CSCE 823. Design and Analysis of Algorithms (replaces CSCE 423)
- CSCE 830. Computer Architecture (replaces CSCE 430)
- CSCE 851. Operating Systems Principles (replaces CSCE 451)
- CSCE 862. Communication Networks (replaces CSCE 462)
ENG: Civil Engineering (BCE/BSCE): Civil Engineering (MS)
Current Undergrad Program
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Civil Engineering (MS)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Personal Statement: Your statement should include your career goals, research interests (if applicable), relevant experience, personal qualities, and name(s) of potential graduate faculty advisors.
- Resume/CV
- Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
Graduate Course Undergraduate Course Credit Hrs Frequency of course offering CIVE 824. Solid & Hazardous Waste Management CIVE 424 3 Every Year CIVE 826. Design of Water Treatment Facilities CIVE 425 3 Odd Years CIVE 827. Design of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facilities CIVE 427 3 Even Years CIVE 836. Foundation Engineering CIVE 436 3 Every Year CIVE 843. Advanced Structural Analysis CIVE 443 3 Every Year CIVE 847. Reinforced Concrete Design II CIVE 447 3 Every Year CIVE 819. Flow Systems Design CIVE 419 3 Every Year CIVE 856. Surface Water Hydrology CIVE 456 3 Every Year CIVE 862. Highway Design CIVE 462 3 Every Year CIVE 863. Traffic Engineering CIVE 463 3 Every Year CIVE 872. Pavement Design and Evaluation CIVE 472 3 Every Year - Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
ENG: Environmental Engineering (BSEV): Environmental Engineering (MS)
Current Undergrad Program
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Environmental Engineering (MS)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Personal Statement: Your statement should include your career goals, research interests (if applicable), relevant experience, personal qualities, and name(s) of potential graduate faculty advisors.
- Resume/CV
- Minimum grade of C+ in CIVE 221
- Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
- CIVE 824. Solid and Hazardous Waste Management (3 cr, replaces CIVE 424 or CIVE 489)
- CHME 889. Air Pollution, Assessment, and Control (3 cr, replaces CIVE 424 or CIVE 489)
- CIVE 819. Flow Systems Design (3 cr, replaces CIVE 419 or CIVE 452)
- CIVE 852. Water Resources Development (3 cr, replaces CIVE 419 or CIVE 452)
- CIVE 826. Design of Water Treatment Facilities (3 cr, replaces CIVE 425)
- CIVE 827. Design of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facilities (3 cr, replaces CIVE 427)
- ENVE 851. Soils, Water, and Environmental Chemistry (3 cr, replaces CIVE 491)
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
JMC: Bachelor of Journalism (multiple majors): Journalism and Mass Communications (MA) (see specializations)
Current Undergrad Program
- BJ in Advertising and Public Relations (catalog 2023-24 or later)
- BJ in Broadcasting (catalog 2023-24 or later)
- BJ in Journalism (catalog 2023-24 or later)
- BJ in Sports Media and Communication (catalog 2023-24 or later)
Students in earlier catalog years are welcome to apply if they change to an Accelerated-eligible catalog. Consult an undergraduate advisor about the impacts of a catalog change.Future Graduate Program
Journalism and Mass Communications (MA)Graduate Admission Application:
- Standard Accelerated requirements for eligibility and application: See above.
- Important: In the application's Program Selection page, select from the "UNL Undergraduates: Accelerated Master's Programs" section — otherwise you will be applying to a non-Accelerated program (with different application requirements).
- Specific to this program:
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Not required for this program: Portfolio, letters of recommendation
Courses
A student in this Accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both the current bachelor's degree and the later master's degree, subject to each degree's minimum grade requirements.
For MA with specialization in Integrated Media Communications:
- ADPR 834. Digital Insights and Analytics (3cr, Fall/Sum, replaces ADPR 434)
- ADPR 850. PR Management & Case Studies (3cr, Fall/Sum, replaces ADPR 450)
- ADPR 866. Social Media Theory & Practice (3cr, Spr/Sum, replaces ADPR 466)
- ADPR 884. Brands & Branding (3cr, Spring, replaces ADPR 484)
- JOMC 886. Mass Media Law (3cr, Fall/Spr/Sum, replaces JOMC 486)
- JOMC 887. Media, Ethics and Society (3cr, Fall/Spr/Sum, replaces JOMC 487)
For MA with specialization in Professional Journalism:
- ADPR 850. PR Management & Case Studies (3cr, Fall/Sum, replaces ADPR 450)
- JGRD 819. Graduate Writing, Reporting and Editing (3cr, Spring, replaces JOUR 4xx)
- JOMC 820. Financial Communications (3cr, Fall, replaces JOMC 420)
- JOMC 822. Race, Gender, Media (3cr, Fall, replaces JOMC 422)
- JOMC 886. Mass Media Law (3cr, Fall/Spr/Sum, replaces JOMC 486)
- JOMC 887. Media, Ethics and Society (3cr, Fall/Spr/Sum, replaces JOMC 487)
Frequently Asked Questions
Students
Q: When can I apply?
A: As soon as you reach sophomore standing. Programs may have specific timelines; contact the program's Graduate Chair for information.
Q: Why would a student do this?
A: A student can double-count up to 12 credit hours, making progress toward bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously.
Q: How is this different from Graduate Credit for Undergraduates?
A: In accelerated master's programs, graduate credit is applied to both the bachelor's and master's degrees. With general Graduate Credit for Undergraduates, the graduate course does not apply to both.
Q: Can any undergraduate student participate?
A: Students must be admitted into one of the listed undergraduate programs, have a 3.0 GPA, be a current and full-time student, and have one or more terms of enrollment remaining before completing the bachelor's degree.
Q: If my catalog year is earlier than the one listed for the accelerated program, can I apply?
A: You can apply if you change your catalog to an accelerated-eligible year. Consult your undergraduate advisor about impacts.
Q: Do I need to meet with the graduate advisor before applying?
A: Consulting the master's program's Graduate Chair (named in program details above) is encouraged, but not a requirement for acceptance.
Q: How do I prepare my application materials.
A: UNL Career Services provide support for undergraduate students applying to graduate school.
Q: Am I billed at the graduate or undergraduate tuition rate?
A: Graduate credits are billed at the graduate rate.
Q: Does my scholarship and/or financial aid cover graduate tuition?
A: Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and/or the external scholarship provider.
Q: Am I an admitted graduate student?
A: Students are admitted for future entry into the graduate program, becoming graduate students after conferral of the bachelor's degree.
Q: How will the graduate courses appear on my undergraduate degree audit?
A: These graduate courses will satisfy specific undergraduate course requirements, as shown in program-specific tables above.
Undergraduate Advisors
Q: An advisee has expressed interest in an accelerated master's program, how do I guide them?
A: Determine whether the student meets eligibility requirements and facilitate the completion of the Student/Advisor Worksheet. In particular, make sure the student's undergraduate major and catalog year are approved for their desired accelerated program, as some students will need to change to become eligible.
Q: Do students need to meet with a graduate advisor before applying?
A: Consulting the master's program's Graduate Chair (named in program details above) is encouraged, but not a requirement for acceptance.
Q: When can a student apply?
A: As soon as the student reaches sophomore standing. Programs may have specific timelines; contact the program's Graduate Chair for information.
Graduate Chairs
Q: How do I implement an Accelerated Master’s Program?
A: To propose the creation of a new Accelerated Master’s Program, complete and submit the AMP proposal worksheet.
Q: Do I have to identify the specific undergraduate courses being replaced by the graduate courses?
A: The undergraduate program must identify which undergraduate courses will be replaced with graduate courses.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: See Policy: Accelerated Master's. Contact: Graduate Dean Debra Hope.