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)
Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Journalism in ADPR or Broadcasting or Journalism or Sports Media
Administrative Unit/College
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:
- (INMC or PJRN) ADPR 850. PR Management & Case Studies (3cr, Fall/Sum, replaces ADPR 450)
- (INMC or PJRN) JOMC 886. Mass Media Law (3cr, Fall/Spr/Sum, replaces JOMC 486)
- (INMC or PJRN) JOMC 887. Media, Ethics and Society (3cr, Fall/Spr/Sum, replaces JOMC 487)
- (INMC) ADPR 866. Social Media Theory & Practice (3cr, Spr/Sum, replaces ADPR 466)
- (INMC) ADPR 834. Digital Insights and Analytics (3cr, Fall/Sum, replaces ADPR 434)
- (INMC) ADPR 884. Brands & Branding (3cr, Spring, replaces ADPR 484)
- (PJRN) JGRD 819. Graduate Writing, Reporting and Editing (3cr, Spring, replaces JOUR 4XX)
- (PJRN) JOMC 820. Financial Communications (3cr, Fall, replaces JOMC 420)
- (PJRN) JOMC 822. Race, Gender, Media (3cr, Fall, replaces JOMC 422)
Child, Youth and Family Studies (BS) (Human Dev and Family Science option): Child, Youth and Family Studies (MS)
Undergraduate Program
Child, Youth and Family Studies: Human Development and Family Science Option (BS)
Administrative Unit/College
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
Global Case Studies in Refugee Health & Wellbeing
3
Spring
C
B
Family Violence in the Global Context
3
Spring
C
B
Addictions and Families
3
Summer/Fall
C
B
Family Stress and Crisis, Coping and Recovery
3
Fall/Spring/Summer
C
B
Research Experience in CYAF
3
Fall/Spring/Summer
C
B
Special Topics in Contemporary Family Issues
3
Annually: semester varies
C
B
Special Topics in Family & Cultural Diversity
3
Fall
C
B
Study Abroad
3
Annually: semester varies
C
B
Civil Engineering (BCE/BSCE): Civil Engineering (MS)
Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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
Solid & Hazardous Waste Management
3
Every Year
Design of Water Treatment Facilities
3
Odd Years
Design of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facilities
3
Even Years
Foundation Engineering
3
Every Year
Advanced Structural Analysis
3
Every Year
Reinforced Concrete Design II
3
Every Year
Flow Systems Design
3
Every Year
Surface Water Hydrology
3
Every Year
Highway Design
3
Every Year
Traffic Engineering
3
Every Year
Pavement Design and Evaluation
3
Every Year
Computer Engineering (BS): Computer Science (MS)
Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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 Courses Graduate 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)
Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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:
- Personal Statement: Your statement should include your research interests, your objectives, and names of potential faculty advisors.
- Coursework: Applicant Worksheet for Accelerated Computer Science (MS)
- Not required: GRE, letters of recommendation
- 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 Courses Graduate 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)
Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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 Courses Graduate 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)
Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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)Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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 Course Graduate Course CRPL 400: Introduction to Planning CRPL 800: Introduction to Planning CRPL 430: Planning with GIS
or CRPL 433: GIS in Environmental Design and PlanningCRPL 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)Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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
Undergraduate Program
Administrative Unit/College
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 Courses Graduate 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
How to Apply
- Consult your Undergraduate Academic Advisor.
- Complete the Applicant Worksheet with your advisor. Program-specific worksheets are linked via program details above.
- Decide your expected graduation timeline, so you know which Master's admission term to choose on your application for admission.
- Bachelor's graduation in Spring: Master's admission in Summer or Fall.
- Bachelor's graduation in Summer: Master's admission in Fall.
- Bachelor's graduation in Fall: Master's admission in Spring.
- Complete and submit your graduate application for admission with payment of its $25 application fee.
How to Enroll
- After you accept an admission offer into an accelerated master's program, Graduate Studies will contact you about this.
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: 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 if the student meets eligibility requirements and facilitate the completion of the Student/Advisor Worksheet.
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: Creating a New Accelerated Master’s Program
- Complete and submit the AMP proposal worksheet
- The undergraduate program must identify which courses will be replaced with graduate courses
- Contact: Graduate Dean Debra Hope
Q: Do I have to identify the specific undergraduate courses being replaced by the graduate courses?
A: Yes
Policy