Accelerated Master's Programs

Accelerated Master’s Programs allow University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate students to take 12 credits of UNL graduate courses that count toward both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree – accelerating degree completion, particularly at the master's level.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Current full-time UNL undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA.
  • Currently enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program approved for the Accelerated Master's program, as listed below.
  • Sophomore standing or higher, depending on specific program requirements.
  • One or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.

Programs

Select a program to view essential program-specific details for applying and enrolling.

  • Bachelor of Journalism (multiple majors): Journalism and Mass Communications (MA) (see specializations)

    Graduate Program

    Journalism and Mass Communications (MA)

    Graduate Chair

    Adam Wagler

    Administrative Unit/College

    Journalism and Mass Communications

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • For undergraduate students currently working on the Bachelor of Journalism degree in any of these four majors: Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR-BJ), Broadcasting (BRDC-BJ), Journalism (JOUR-BJ), or Sports Media and Communication (SPMC-BJ).
    • For accelerated entry into the Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications (JAMC-MA) with a specialization in either Integrated Media Communications (INMC) or Professional Journalism (PJRN).

    Selection Procedures

    Details coming soon.

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Approved courses differ by MA specialization:

  • Child, Youth and Family Studies (BS) (Human Dev and Family Science option): Child, Youth and Family Studies (MS)

    Graduate Program

    Child, Youth and Family Studies (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Rochelle Dalla

    Administrative Unit/College

    Education and Human Sciences

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • 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

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Any four of the following (12 credits total):

    Number UG

    Number Grad

    Course Title

    Credit Hours

    Frequency Offered

    Grade Requirement UG Course

    Grade Requirement Grad Course

    CYAF 413

    CYAF 813

    Global Case Studies in Refugee Health & Wellbeing

    3

    Spring

    C

    B

    CYAF 415

    CYAF 815

    Family Violence in the Global Context

    3

    Spring

    C

    B

    CYAF 446

    CYAF 846

    Addictions and Families

    3

    Summer/Fall

    C

    B

    CYAF 458

    CYAF 858

    Family Stress and Crisis, Coping and Recovery

    3

    Fall/Spring/Summer

    C

    B

    CYAF 498

    CYAF 898

    Research Experience in CYAF

    3

    Fall/Spring/Summer

    C

    B

    CYAF 493

    CYAF 893

    Special Topics in Contemporary Family Issues

    3

    Annually: semester varies

    C

    B

    CYAF 495

    CYAF 895

    Special Topics in Family & Cultural Diversity

    3

    Fall

    C

    B

    CYAF 482A

    CYAF 882A

    Study Abroad

    3

    Annually: semester varies

    C

    B

  • Civil Engineering (BCE/BSCE): Civil Engineering (MS)

    Graduate Program

    Civil Engineering (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Jiong Hu

    Undergraduate Program

    Civil Engineering

    Administrative Unit/College

    Engineering

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • Minimum grade of C+ in CIVE 221
    • Personal statement
    • Resume/CV
    • Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation

    Selection Procedures

    Details coming soon.

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Choose up to 12 credit hours from the list below.

    Graduate Course

    Undergraduate Course

    Course Title

    Credit Hrs

    Frequency of course offering

    CIVE 824

    CIVE 424

    Solid & Hazardous Waste Management

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 826

    CIVE 425

    Design of Water Treatment Facilities

    3

    Odd Years

    CIVE 827

    CIVE 427

    Design of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facilities

    3

    Even Years

    CIVE 836

    CIVE 436

    Foundation Engineering

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 843

    CIVE 443

    Advanced Structural Analysis

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 847

    CIVE 447

    Reinforced Concrete Design II

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 819

    CIVE 419

    Flow Systems Design

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 856

    CIVE 456

    Surface Water Hydrology

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 862

    CIVE 462

    Highway Design

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 863

    CIVE 463

    Traffic Engineering

    3

    Every Year

    CIVE 872

    CIVE 472

    Pavement Design and Evaluation

    3

    Every Year

  • Computer Engineering (BS): Computer Science (MS)

    Graduate Program

    Computer Science (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Mehmet Can Vuran

    Undergraduate Program

    Computer Engineering (BS)

    Administrative Unit/College

    Engineering

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • Completing at least 12 undergraduate credit hours in the master’s degree discipline with a grade of at least B in each course ,including at least on of the following: CSCE 310, CSCE 310H, CSCE 311, SOFT 260, SOFT 260H or RAIK 283H 
    • Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation

    Selection Procedures

    Details coming soon.

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Undergraduate CoursesGraduate Courses
    CSCE 423: Design and Analysis of Algorithms CSCE 823: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
    CSCE 428: Automata, Computation, and Formal Languages CSCE 828: Automata, Computation, and Formal Languages
    CSCE 451: Operating Systems Principles CSCE 851: Operating Systems Principles
    CSCE 462: Communication Networks CSCE 862: Communication Networks

  • Computer Science (BSCS): Computer Science (MS)

    Graduate Program

    Computer Science (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Mehmet Can Vuran

    Undergraduate Program

    Computer Science (BSCS)

    Administrative Unit/College

    Engineering

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • For students currently pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, with major in Computer Science (CMPS-BSCS or JECM-BSCS).
    • For accelerated pursuit of the Master of Science degree, with major in Computer Science (COMP-MS). In your application for admission to this master's program:
    • Additionally: Complete at least 12 undergraduate credit hours in the master's degree discipline with a grade of B or better, including at least one of CSCE 310, CSCE 310H, CSCE 311, SOFT 260, SOFT 260H or RAIK 283H.

    Selection Procedures

    All eligible students (who meet the minimum and additional requirements) will be informed of their eligibility and invited to a recruitment event hosted especially for this group. In order to better recruit students from diverse backgrounds, this program will be widely advertised via our vibrant student organizations, our CSCE 10 course which all students are required to take, and professors will be requested to recommend this program to promising students in their courses. All eligible students must formally apply for admission to the MS program. All eligible students who apply will be admitted. Retention of students is being considered at all levels of our programs and one goal of this degree is to encourage all students to consider graduate school as an accessible path.

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Undergraduate CoursesGraduate Courses
    CSCE 423: Design and Analysis of Algorithms CSCE 823: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
    CSCE 428: Automata, Computation, and Formal Languages CSCE 828: Automata, Computation, and Formal Languages
    CSCE 451: Operating Systems Principles CSCE 851: Operating Systems Principles
    CSCE 462: Communication Networks CSCE 862: Communication Networks
  • Computer Science (BSCS): Computer Science (MS) with specialization in Computer Engineering (MS)

    Graduate Program

    Computer Science (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Mehmet Can Vuran

    Undergraduate Program

    Computer Science (BSCS)

    Administrative Unit/College

    Engineering

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • Completing at least 12 undergraduate credit hours in the master’s degree discipline with a grade of at least B in each course.
    • Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Undergraduate CoursesGraduate Courses
    CSCE 423: Design and Analysis of Algorithms CSCE 823: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
    CSCE 430: Computer Architecture CSCE 830: Computer Architecture
    CSCE 451: Operating Systems Principles CSCE 851: Operating Systems Principles
    CSCE 462: Communication Networks CSCE 862: Communication Networks
  • Environmental Engineering (BSEV): Environmental Engineering (MS)

    Graduate Program

    Environmental Engineering (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Bruce Dvorak

    Undergraduate Program

    Environmental Engineering

    Administrative Unit/College

    Engineering

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    Details coming soon.

  • Environmental Studies (BSES): Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)

    Graduate Program

    Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)

    Graduate Chair

    Zhenghong Tang

    Administrative Unit/College

    Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • For students currently pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies degree in CASNR, with major in Environmental Studies (ENVR-B1ES). New major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies [ENSU-B1SU] is pending approval for this accelerated program.
    • For accelerated pursuit of the Master of Community and Regional Planning degree, with major in Community and Regional Planning (CRPL-MCRP). In your application for admission to this master's program:

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Undergraduate CourseGraduate Course
    CRPL 400: Introduction to Planning CRPL 800: Introduction to Planning

    CRPL 430: Planning with GIS
    or CRPL 433: GIS in Environmental Design and Planning

    CRPL 830: Planning with GIS
    CRPL 463: Land use and Transportation Planning CRPL 863: Land use and Transportation Planning
    CRPL 470: Environmental Planning & Policy CRPL 870: Environmental Planning & Policy
  • Secondary Education (BSEH) (Social Sciences Ed option): Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education (MA)

    Graduate Program

    Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education (MA)

    Graduate Chair

    Jenelle Reeves

    Administrative Unit/College

    Education and Human Sciences

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    Details coming soon.

  • Software Engineering (BS): Computer Science (MS) with specialization in Computer Engineering

    Graduate Program

    Computer Science (MS)

    Graduate Chair

    Mehmet Can Vuran

    Undergraduate Program

    Software Engineering (BS)

    Administrative Unit/College

    Engineering

    Application Requirements

    For All Accelerated Programs

    • Eligibility: Current full-time UNL undergraduate student, GPA 3.0 or higher, sophomore standing or higher, with one or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor's degree graduation.
    • Application: Application for Admission with application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

    Additional Program-Specific Requirements

    • Completing at least 12 undergraduate credit hours in the master’s degree discipline with a grade of at least B in each course.
    • Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation

    Courses

    In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. The following courses are approved for this program:

    Undergraduate CoursesGraduate Courses
    CSCE 423: Design and Analysis of Algorithms CSCE 823: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
    CSCE 430: Computer Architecture CSCE 830: Computer Architecture
    CSCE 451: Operating Systems Principles CSCE 851: Operating Systems Principles
    CSCE 462: Communication Networks CSCE 862: Communication Networks