Save time and money on your education

Did you know you can get a head start on a graduate degree while you work toward your bachelor’s degree? 

Accelerated programs are an excellent way to immerse yourself in a field of study that you’re passionate about while paying undergraduate tuition for graduate-level or certificate courses. 

Natalie Scala, Director of Accelerated Programs at TU shares tips and benefits of applying for one of the 50+ accelerated programs offered at TU. 

Stand out in the job market

These programs provide you with the opportunity to prepare for professional advancement, engage in research and internship opportunities and shorten your overall time to complete both degrees.

“To have a graduate education on top of your undergrad, whether it’s a certificate or a master’s, will set you apart when you apply for jobs,” Scala says. “It gives you detailed knowledge in a specific area that can help you get your first job or advance in the career that you have.”

You can earn up to nine credits toward your master’s degree and up to six credits for a graduate certificate program while paying undergraduate tuition for those courses (AIT program excluded).

Flexible schedules 

You probably have a lot of responsibilities on your plate as an undergraduate student. The good news is it is entirely possible to balance an accelerated program with a job, course work and student-life commitments.

“A lot of students think that when they get a job, they won’t have time [to pursue another degree],” Scala says, “Thankfully, programs are flexible and you don’t have to be a full-time student.”

By taking an accelerated program, you’ll have fewer credits to complete once you earn your bachelor’s degree, immediately taking you several steps closer to your next professional or academic goal.

There are several course study schedules to investigate:

• Can shorten an entire semester of full-time graduate study 

• Full time graduate students: 3 classes per semester 

• Part time graduate students: 1 or 2 classes per semester 

How and when to apply 

To get the most benefit out of the program, Scala recommends students apply for their Accelerated Program of choice during their junior year. That way, you have ample time to organize your six to nine credits across your senior year.

Then, depending on your program of choice, you can apply for graduate school in your last semester of senior year instead of after you graduate.

Even if you’re a senior with only one semester left, you can still take advantage of the benefits of the accelerated programs.

Scala’s advice? Reach out to your academic adviser and department chair to discuss your options and timeline. To keep the wheels in motion, follow that up with an introduction to the director of the graduate program you’re interested in.

Find your program 

TU offers 50+ options across all six colleges. Whether you’d like to pursue a graduate degree or certificate program within your current college or would like to explore another field, getting connected with an accelerated program adviser is a great way to get started.

Scala’s team makes it easy to get connected. Express your interest here or reach out via email.