Accelerated Degree Options
Achieve beyond by accelerating your way to a graduate degree with our combined degree programs. These accelerated pathways allow you to start earning a graduate degree while an undergraduate student at UNI. The accelerated degree option is a faster, more affordable route to the benefits of graduate education. As an accelerated degree student, you will have the opportunity to:
- Challenge yourself with graduate-level coursework.
- Learn from exceptional graduate faculty who will mentor and guide you.
- Quickly gain advanced knowledge in your field.
- Join an active yet growing network of successful professionals, alumni, and distinguished scholars.
Discover our Accelerated Degree options
Athletic Training, MATR
UNI's athletic training program has a legacy of student success. The first accredited program in Iowa to offer the Master of Athletic Training (MATR), this program prepares you to make impactful contributions as a health care professional.
Communication & Media, MA
This accelerated MA provides students with graduate-level training to help them fulfill their academic and career goals, whether that’s obtaining professional employment, enrolling in a PhD program, or upskilling in a current profession.
English, MA
The English 4+1 program is designed for motivated students who want to earn both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in a total of five years. These students will be able to choose between specialization areas in English Studies, Literary Studies or Creative Writing.
Geography, MA
The Geography 4+1 program provides the opportunity to gain a broad strategic understanding of issues facing geospatial managers in today's turbulent economic environment with a graduate experience.
Upcoming accelerated degree options
The following accelerated programs are in the process of approval to admit students for upcoming cycles:
- Masters of Science in Applied Engineering
- Master of Arts in Mathematics Emphasis, Mathematics
Shorten your path to success
Your senior year will also be your first graduate year. While you're wrapping up your degree, you can enroll in graduate classes.
- At the end of the senior year, students will have completed the BA/BS requirements and may participate in the graduation ceremony of their bachelor’s degree.
- Students are assessed undergraduate tuition fees until the undergraduate degree is conferred.
- **The year-by-year cost of MATR differs from other accelerated degree programs**
This would be your second graduate year. After you finalize your undergrad degree, you'll be an official graduate student.
- During the second year of the program, students fully enroll into their graduate degree program.
- Students will be assessed graduate-level tuition and fees in the semester after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.
- Graduate students should complete a degree program and apply for graduation in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Graduate College.
Your senior year will also be your first graduate year. While you're wrapping up your degree, you can enroll in graduate classes.
- At the end of the senior year, students will have completed the BA/BS requirements and may participate in the graduation ceremony of their bachelor’s degree.
- Students are assessed undergraduate tuition fees until the undergraduate degree is conferred.
- **The year-by-year cost of MATR differs from other accelerated degree programs**
This would be your second graduate year. After you finalize your undergrad degree, you'll be an official graduate student.
- During the second year of the program, students fully enroll into their graduate degree program.
- Students will be assessed graduate-level tuition and fees in the semester after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.
- Graduate students should complete a degree program and apply for graduation in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Graduate College.
Next Steps
Admission
- Students must submit an application to Graduate Studies during their junior year or at the completion of 75 undergraduate hours (whichever comes first).
- Minimum number of completed undergraduate hours to begin enrollment in graduate courses: 90 hrs.
- Completion of undergraduate degree: 12 months from first day of the semester for which the student was admitted to the 4+1 (Ex: From beginning spring 2022 to the end of spring 2023.
Academic Regulations
- Admission with provisions does not apply.
- Students in combined degree during a transition period are also subject to graduate regulations/procedures.
- Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- A student on GPRE status (transition period) who fails to maintain good academic standing will be removed from the combined degree program.
- Students dismissed from the combined degrees program are eligible to pursue a traditional graduate degree program in accordance with the admission policies set by each program at UNI.
- One graduate culminating project (non-thesis research paper, thesis, etc.) is needed to fulfill the degree requirements.
FAQs
- When can I begin taking graduate-level courses?
During your senior year you can begin taking graduate-level courses. The maximum graduate academic load per semester is 15 hours (Fall and Spring). Courses taken at the 4000 level cannot be retaken at the 5000 level.
- Can I use undergraduate work towards my graduate degree?
An undergraduate honors thesis cannot be used to meet the graduate thesis/project requirements. Guided independent studies may also not be used toward your graduate degree completion
- Will my transfer credits count towards my graduate degree?
Transfer credits will not be accepted into the graduate component of your program.
- How can I fund my accelerated degree program?
The first year of graduate school (your senior year as an undergraduate) is covered by your undergraduate financial aid, loans, or scholarships. During your second year of graduate school, you become eligible for a tuition scholarship and may apply for graduate assistantship positions. Learn more about funding your graduate education by visiting our Funding page.
- When can I apply for my accelerated degree?
Students may submit an application for an accelerated degree to the Graduate College Admissions during the first or second semester of their junior year. Please indicate that you are applying for degree status and what semester/year you plan to begin. Applications should be submitted at least one semester before your intended start.