Accelerated Bachelors to Masters

Save time and money. Earn two degrees at an accelerated pace. 

The Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Program (ABM) provides high-achieving ETSU undergraduate students an opportunity to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at a faster pace. 

With a little planning, you can earn both degrees in as little as five years, setting yourself up for greater career opportunities or further graduate study. Accelerated programs are ideal for motivated students who are ready to deepen their expertise and advance more quickly in their chosen field.  

Hear about our student's experience with the ABM program here: Accelerated Bachelor to Masters Program

What are the benefits of being in an ABM program? 

Illustration of three figures on upward arrows, looking through telescopes.

Graduate Faster

ABM programs are designed for you to complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in as little as five years. By overlapping some courses, you can enter the workforce or continue into advanced study more quickly than through a traditional degree.

Illustration of three figures on upward arrows, looking through telescopes.

Big Savings

Graduate-level courses taken while still enrolled as an undergraduate cost the same as undergraduate classes. This means you can complete up to 12 graduate credits at a much lower cost, saving you thousands of dollars over the course of the program. You can also use your undergraduate scholarships and financial aid while taking these graduate courses.

Illustration of three figures on upward arrows, looking through telescopes.

Maximizing Credit

Students who enter ETSU with advanced standing using dual enrollment or Advanced Placement credits can use those hours to fulfill undergraduate requirements earlier.

Quick Instructions/process (more detail in the 'How do I get started' FAQ section below):

Potential ABM students will need to work with their ETSU undergrad academic advisor, and the graduate program coordinator for the Master's degree to prepare a plan of study to complete their Bachelor’s degree, a plan of study to complete the Master’s degree, and the list of up to 12 - credits of graduate classes that will be double counted towards both degrees. Once these are prepared, the student needs to:

1. Submit an ABM application (in the ABM Portal). The application will require the student to enter the information about the double counted courses.

2. The undergraduate academic advisor will then be sent a form to submit the plan to complete the Bachelor’s degree.
    The graduate program coordinator will then be sent a form to submit the plan to complete the Master’s degree.

3. The Graduate School will then review the plan(s) to determine whether the plans fit within policy.

4. If approved, the student then submits an application immediately to the Graduate School for the semester after they plan to complete their Bachelor’s degree using the ETSU application portal.

**Do not submit an appliction for admission to the Graduate School until the ABM application has been approved.

 

Illustration of three figures on upward arrows, looking through telescopes.

A Head Start

You will gain early exposure to graduate-level expectations and academics while still receiving the benefits and support of being an undergrad. This experience builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking skills, and eases the transition to full-time graduate study.

asdf

Stronger Career Opportunities 

Completing a master’s degree sooner gives you a competitive edge in the job market, with qualifications that often lead to higher starting salaries or faster career advancement. If you’re considering doctoral or professional degrees, an accelerated master’s can be a better starting point.

Luke Weist

“Once I realized I could knock out both degrees faster and for less money, it seemed like a no-brainer. You save time, save money, and you don’t lose momentum between degrees.”

Luke Weist
B.S. in Computer Science to M.S. in Software Engineering

Anastasia Boris

“Both of my undergraduate and graduate advisors have been the kindest, most patient, and helpful ladies on the planet. When I first joined the program, they outlined every semester for me and answered every question I threw their way.”

Anastasia Boris
B.S. in Microbiology to MPH

 

Noah Wren

“The program has helped me feel more prepared for my future goals by allowing me to start networking and building skills earlier than I would have otherwise.”

Noah Wren
B.S. in Health Sciences to MPH 

What majors and graduate programs are eligible?

ETSU’s ABM Program provides flexibility for undergraduate majors and graduate programs. You will work with your undergraduate advisor and the graduate coordinator of your chosen graduate program to develop a plan of study that fits your background and career goals.  
 
Some students complete a master’s degree in the discipline of their undergraduate degree; for example, an undergraduate major in Computer Science may also complete the master's degree in Computer Science as an ABM student. 
 
Other students move from a related undergraduate major into a different master’s program; for example, a health sciences major may complete the master's degree in public health. This flexibility allows you to create a program that aligns with your specific career aspirations and passions. 
 
The ABM Program is highly flexible and dependent upon each student and their needs, and while some ABM pathways are more popular than others, it is possible for almost any undergraduate major to participate in the program. Reach out to your academic advisor to check if the ABM Program works with your academic goals. 
 
Recent ABM students have completed programs in computer sciences, business, brand and media strategy, chemistry, health administration, speech-language pathology, teacher education, and more.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I qualify for an ABM program? 

    To qualify for the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Program, you must: 

    • Have a minimum ETSU undergraduate GPA of 3.25. Individual programs may have higher GPA requirements. 
    • Have completed 75 credits in your undergraduate program, including credits earned from dual enrollment or Advanced Placement prior to starting the ABM Program. Transfer students must have completed at 24 credits at ETSU prior to starting the ABM Program. 
    • Complete an application, pay the application fee, and be accepted to the accelerated program (including acceptance into the graduate program) prior to earning the undergraduate degree. 
  • How do I get started? 

    The ETSU Graduate School recommends these initial steps: 

    1. Learn More about the ABM Program and it's requirements on the ABM policies page.

    2. Plan ahead! Contact your undergraduate advisor and the master's program coordinator of your interested program to schedule a meeting to create an ABM plan and proposal. This is an important step to ensure the undergraduate program and graduate program can align accordingly.

    **An email to both the undergraduate academic advisor AND graduate program coordinator at the same time is a great way to begin the discussion.

    **Find your Undergraduate Academic Advisor

    **Find your Graduate Program Coordinator

    3. Submit the ABM plan and proposal (created with your undergraduate academic advisor (UAG) and graduate program coordinator) on the ETSU Accelerated Bachelor to Master's Portal

    **The applicant will receive confirmation that the ABM application has been submitted.

    **The undergraduate academic advisor will then be sent a form to submit the plan to complete the Bachelor’s degree.
    **The graduate program coordinator will then be sent a form to submit the plan to complete the Master’s degree.

    4. Once the ABM proposal is approved by the Graduate School, the student will submit a Graduate School Application  immediately.

    **The applicant will receive confirmation that the plan has been approved.

    **Master's start term selection - The student submits an application to the Graduate School to begin their Master's program the semester after they will complete their Bachelor’s degree using the ETSU APPLICATION..

    **Do not submit the application for admission to the Graduate School before the ABM application is approved as there are technical steps required to complete 'behind the scenes' to ensure DegreeWorks is accurate for financial aid and the registrar's office to enroll and be 'double counted' in the approved courses.

    5. Learn more about the ABM Program and its requirements on the ABM policies page. 

    6. Contact Graduate Admissions to get answers to any further questions you may have, or join our next ABM Virtual Info Session here. 

  • When should I start planning if I’m interested in the ABM Program? 
    Ideally, you should start exploring options by your sophomore year, but you can contact your academic advisor about the program as early as your first semester. Early planning maximizes the overlap between your bachelor’s and master’s requirements. Starting the process too late may not allow time for the ABM program to be completed. 
  • Can I receive financial aid while in the ABM Program? 

    Yes, but it depends on your classification:   

    While still classified as an undergraduate, you remain eligible for undergraduate financial aid.   

    Once you have completed your undergraduate program and are officially enrolled into your graduate program, you'll transition to graduate financial aid options.   

    HOPE scholarships can be used for your ABM program, and any remaining eligibility can be applied to your master's degree.

    Our Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will help ensure a smooth transition between statuses.  

  • Can I pursue internships or study abroad as part of this program? 

    Yes, with careful planning. Because of the compressed timeline, it’s essential to coordinate internships or study abroad experiences early with your advisor to make sure they align with your academic plan.  

  • How will this program benefit my career?   
    • A competitive edge in the job market with a master’s degree  
    • Earlier access to advanced coursework and faculty mentors  
    • Expanded earning potential and leadership opportunities  
    • Employers often seek candidates with graduate-level expertise, and this program speeds up your path to those opportunities 
    • Tuition savings/less debt right out of college 
  • Can I switch to a traditional graduate program later if I change my mind? 
    Yes. If you decide to finish your undergraduate degree and apply to a master’s program separately, your completed graduate-level coursework may still count toward your master’s degree, depending on timing and departmental policies.   

Ready to get started?

  1. Contact your undergraduate advisor and the master's program coordinator of your interested program to schedule a meeting to create an ABM proposal. 
  2. Learn more about the ABM Program and its requirements on the ABM policies page.
  3. Contact Graduate Admissions to get answers to any further questions you may have, or join our next ABM Virtual Info Session here.