Accelerated Masters

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.

Apply Policies

Student Timeline

Student's plans

Bachelor's graduation term:

Accelerated enrollment terms: Term(s) to enroll in one or more of the designated Accelerated program courses to count toward both degrees. Must have Junior or Senior standing in these terms.

Results for your selections

Well before _____ starts, apply for Accelerated Master's admission for entry term _____.
If applying later, consult master's department about whether there is still time for master's admission ahead of graduate enrollment in the _____ course(s).

Eligibility and Advising

Meet with your Undergraduate Academic Advisor to confirm your eligibility and timeline, and complete the Accelerated Programs Course Worksheet (PDF).

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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).
  2. Review: Allow time for your application to be reviewed by your academic department; schedules vary.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • 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.

  • CAS: Biological Sciences (BS): Biological Sciences (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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • Resume/CV
      • Personal Statement
      • Letter of Recommendation: 1 minimum, 1 maximum

    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.

    Maximum of 12 credit hours may count toward the bachelor’s degree. 

    Select 4 courses from the list below.  

    Graduate Course

    Undergraduate Course

    Credit Hours

    Frequency Offered

    BIOS 826. Systems BiologyBIOS 4263Fall
    BIOS 820. Molecular GeneticsBIOS 4203Fall/Spring
    BIOS 812. Human GeneticsBIOS 4123Fall
    BIOS 821. Microbial DiversityBIOS 4213Spring
    BIOS 802. Cancer BiologyBIOS 4023Fall/Spring
    BIOS 843. ImmunologyBIOS 4433Fall
    BIOS 877. Bioinformatics and Molecular EvolutionBIOS 4773Spring 
    BIOS 816. Biodiversity ConservationBIOS 4163Spring
    BIOS 887. Field ParasitologyBIOS 4873Summer
    BIOS 854. Ecological InteractionsBIOS 4543Fall
    BIOS 862. Animal Behavior BIOS 4623Fall
    BIOS 815. Developmental BiologyBIOS 4153Spring
    BIOS 866. Neurobiology IIBIOS 4663Spring
  • CASNR: Biochemistry (BS): Biochemistry (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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • Resume/CV
      • One recommendation letter from the student’s prospective Masters advisor. This letter should (1) indicate that the prospective student is suitable for the accelerated Master’s degree program; (2) document that support and funding will be available for the prospective student’s research project; (3) Comment on the feasibility of the project; and (4) acknowledge that student funding (e.g. assistantships) has been discussed with the prospective student
      • Personal Statement: Your statement of purpose should be no longer than 2 pages. It should include a description of your previous research experiences (if any), how those experiences have shaped your current interests, and the types of research you would like to conduct during graduate school.

    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 Biochemical Analysis:

    For Cellular Biochemistry:

  • 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • Resume/CV
      • 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 CourseGraduate CourseCredit HoursFrequency Offered
    CYAF 413CYAF 813. Global Case Studies in Refugee Health & Wellbeing3Spring
    CYAF 415CYAF 815. Family Violence in the Global Context3Spring
    CYAF 446CYAF 846. Addictions and Families3Summer/Fall
    CYAF 458CYAF 858. Family Stress and Crisis, Coping and Recovery3Fall/Spring/Summer
    CYAF 498CYAF 898. Research Experience in CYAF3Fall/Spring/Summer
    CYAF 493CYAF 893. Special Topics in Contemporary Family Issues3Annually: semester varies
    CYAF 495CYAF 895. Special Topics in Family & Cultural Diversity3Fall
    CYAF 482ACYAF 882A. Study Abroad3Annually: semester varies
  • 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • Applicants must be taking or have completed TEAC 451W at the time of application.
      • No resume or personal statement required.

    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.

  • ENG: Bachelor of Science (multiple majors): Computer Science (MS) (see specializations)

    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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • 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

    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:

    Graduate CourseUndergraduate CourseCredit HoursFrequency Offered
    CSCE 811. Data Modeling for Systems DevelopmentCSCE 4113fall
    CSCE 813. Database SystemsCSCE 4133fall
    CSCE 823. Design and Analysis of AlgorithmsCSCE 4233fall, spring
    CSCE 828. Automata, Computation, and Formal LanguagesCSCE 4283fall, spring
    CSCE 838. Internet of Things CSCE 4383fall
    CSCE 840. Numerical AnalysisCSCE 4403fall, spring
    CSCE 845. Eye Tracking in Software Eng CSCE 4453spring
    CSCE 851. Operating Systems Principles CSCE 4513fall, spring
    CSCE 862. Communication Networks CSCE 4623fall, spring
    CSCE 863. Data and Network SecurityCSCE 4633spring
    CSCE 867. Testing, Verification and AnalysisCSCE 4673fall
    CSCE 876. Introduction to Artificial IntelligenceCSCE 4763fall
    CSCE 878. Introduction to Machine Learning CSCE 4783fall
    CSCE 879. Introduction to Deep LearningCSCE 4793spring

     

    For MS with specialization in Computer Engineering:

    Graduate CourseUndergraduate CourseCredit HoursFrequency Offered
    CSCE 811. Data Modeling for Systems DevelopmentCSCE 4113fall
    CSCE 823. Design and Analysis of AlgorithmsCSCE 4233fall, spring
    CSCE 829. Information TheoryCSCE 4293spring
    CSCE 830. Computer Architecture CSCE 4303fall, spring
    CSCE 836. Embedded Systems CSCE 4363spring
    CSCE 838. Internet of ThingsCSCE 4383fall
    CSCE 839. Robotics: Algorithms and ApplicationsCSCE 4393fall
    CSCE 845. Eye Tracking in Software Eng CSCE 4453spring
    CSCE 851. Operating Systems Principles CSCE 4513fall, spring
    CSCE 862. Communication NetworksCSCE 4623fall, spring
    CSCE 863. Data and Network SecurityCSCE 4633spring
    CSCE 865. Wireless Communication Networks CSCE 4653fall
    CSCE 878. Introduction to Machine Learning CSCE 4783fall
    CSCE 879. Introduction to Deep LearningCSCE 4793spring
  • ENG: Chemical Engineering (BS): Chemical 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:

    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.

    No more than 12 credit hours may count toward the bachelor’s degree.
    The list may include a limited selection of courses from which 12 credit hours are selected.
    Courses must be established and currently offered.
    900-level courses may not be included.
    Dual-listed courses (400/800) are acceptable, but not required.
    Detail the grading requirement for undergraduate and graduate courses respectively.

    Prefix/Number

    Course Title

    Credit Hours

    		Frequency of
    course offering
    CHME 842Chemical Reactor
    Engineering and Design
    (replaces CHME 442)

    3

    		Fall and Spring
    CHME 852Chemical Engineering
    Process Economics and
    Optimization (replaces
    CHME 452)

    3

    		Fall only
    CHME 853Chemical Engineering
    Process Design and Safety
    (replaces CHME 453)

    3

    		Spring only
    CHME 862Automatic Process Control
    (replaces CHME 462)

    3

    		Fall only
  • 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • 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.

  • ENG: Electrical Engineering (BS): Electrical 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:

      Students need to meet the admission requirements listed in the UNL’s Accelerated Master’s Program Guidelines. This accelerated master’s degree program has no additional admission requirements.”

      • Current full-time student in the stated UNL bachelor’s degree program
      • GPA 3.0
      • Sophomore standing or higher

      One or more enrollment terms remaining before bachelor’s degree graduation

    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.

    Coursework (Grading requirement for graduate course: minimum of B is required)

    Graduate CourseUndergraduate courseCredit HrsFrequency of course offering
    ECEN 821: Principles of Semiconductor Materials and Devices IECEN 4213Fall only
    ECEN 828: Power ElectronicsECEN 4283Fall only
    ECEN 850: BioinformaticsECEN 4503Fall only
    ECEN 863: Digital Signal ProcessingECEN 4633Fall only
    ECEN 870: Digital and Analog VLSI DesignECEN 4703Spring only
    ECEN 886: Fundamentals of PhotonicsECEN 4863Spring only
    ECEN 810: Multivariate Random ProcessesECEN 4103Fall only
    ECEN 844: Linear Control SystemsECEN 4443Fall only
    ECEN 874: Digital SystemsECEN 4743Spring only
  • 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

    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).
    • Program Specific Admission Requirements:
      • 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.

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 Husker Hub 402-472-2030. For additional information https://financialaid.unl.edu/accelerated-programs.

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: A student has questions about how financial aid works for accelerated masters programs, how do I guide them?

A: Encourage the student to contact Husker Hub, in addition to reviewing this information from OSFA.

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: A student has questions about how financial aid works for accelerated masters programs, how do I guide them?

A: Encourage the student to contact Husker Hub, in addition to reviewing this information from OSFA.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: See Policy: Accelerated Master's. Contact: Graduate Dean Debra Hope.