FAQ’s on BX/MX Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs enable undergraduates to pursue both a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and a master’s degree (MA/MS) simultaneously, typically within five years. Students interested in such programs should review the specific requirements on the program’s website, consult with their academic adviser, and reach out to the program early in their undergraduate studies to determine if an accelerated program is the right choice.
Are all accelerated programs open to any Evanston undergraduate?
No. Some programs are open to any Evanston undergraduate and some only to students in specific schools. Review the website of the accelerated program carefully to determine your eligibility.
Can I apply to an accelerated program at any time?
No. Most programs have specific quarters for applying and varying rules for what year in school a student must be to apply.
Are there rules about how many credits have to be completed before I apply?
Yes. Most programs require particular courses and number of courses to be completed prior to applying, identified on their accelerated program description website.
Is there a GPA requirement to apply?
Most programs have a minimum GPA requirement to apply, although some programs are more flexible.
Can a course count toward both the bachelor's and the master's degree?
Some programs allow co-counting a course toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degree, although there are often restrictions. Review the accelerated program website and discuss with faculty in charge of the program.
Can i just apply, or do I need to receive approval to apply?
Many programs, although not all, require approval by the program to apply. Details can be found on the program description website.
Is completing a research program before applying required?
Not for most programs, although some programs, such as Chemistry, do have specific research requirements before applying.
Do I need to complete both a senior thesis and a master’s thesis?
Some programs expect both a senior thesis and a master’s thesis, although the master’s thesis can extend the analysis presented in the senior thesis while still clearly being a new research project. Some programs allow completion of a single thesis, while other programs do not have a thesis requirement.
Can I complete an accelerated bachelor's and master’s degree in four years?
With careful planning, some programs can be completed within four years, although many will take additional quarters and up to five years to complete.