Accelerated degree programs are designed for students who want to move seamlessly from undergraduate study into advanced graduate education. These programs combine bachelor’s and master’s level coursework in a related field, creating a streamlined pathway that allows qualified students to complete both degrees in about five years. By counting up to 15 graduate credits toward the bachelor’s degree, students can begin graduate study earlier while maximizing the value of their academic experience.

Program Offerings

Accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree programs are available in select disciplines across the university. Each pathway intentionally aligns an undergraduate major with a related graduate program, allowing up to 15 graduate credits to apply toward both degrees. Program availability varies by department, and students are encouraged to explore options early.

Explore accelerated programs View list in the university catalog
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Please refer to the FAQ for more information on the following topics.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. Some accelerated programs require a higher cumulative GPA for participation. Students are encouraged to meet with their undergraduate academic advisor, Graduate School admissions or faculty in their program of interest to learn whether an accelerated program is a good fit.

To apply, complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the Accelerated Degree Program Declaration Form
  2. Apply to NDSU Graduate School

Cost, Tuition & Fees

Students will be billed separately for undergraduate and graduate credits once graduate coursework begins. The tuition cap applies to undergraduate courses only but mandatory student fees are capped across both enrollments. Early planning with advisors or checking in with One Stop will help students understand how enrollment choices affect tuition.

Financial Aid & Funding

Until a bachelor’s degree is officially awarded, students in accelerated programs are considered undergraduates for financial aid purposes. Aid will not be awarded based on the graduate credits. Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year, most financial aid is based on a student’s enrollment status. Enrolling less than full time for any given term may reduce or eliminate certain financial aid awards.

Students enrolled in accelerated programs are eligible for Graduate Assistantships for teaching, research or service. Graduate Assistantships typically include a full tuition waiver for graduate courses and a stipend.

Next Steps

Incoming Undergraduate Students

Strong academic performance, early advising and thoughtful planning help position students for future eligibility. If you have an interest in accelerated programs, indicate your interest with your advisor during Class Registration and Orientation. Students do not need to commit immediately and may opt into an eligible accelerated program later in their undergraduate career, provided they meet program requirements.

Current Undergraduate Students

Students already enrolled at NDSU who are approaching 60 credits may be eligible to begin planning for an accelerated program. This is the appropriate time to review requirements, confirm GPA and connect with your advisor to develop an academic plan.

Follow the checklist to stay on track:

Early Undergraduate Years

Around 60 Credits Completed

Frequently Asked Questions

Most accelerated programs allow students to complete both degrees in approximately five years, depending on the program and course sequencing.

Up to 15 graduate credits may be applied toward both bachelor’s and master’s degrees with departmental approval.

Your undergraduate academic advisor is the best place to start for planning an accelerated degree pathway — connect with your academic advisor through Bison Advise. You should also connect with the Graduate School or faculty in the accelerated program you’re interested in to learn more.

You must have completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (some programs may require a higher GPA).

Qualified students must complete the Accelerated Degree Program Declaration Form.

  • This form requires you to obtain the signature of the participating department chair or head and to identify the graduate courses (up to a maximum of 15 credits) that will be taken and used as a substitute for undergraduate courses.
  • The declaration form does not automatically register you for the courses indicated. You must register for them in your graduate career per the usual process in Campus Connection.

If declaration is approved, submit an application to the NDSU Graduate School for your intended master’s degree program. The application requirements include:

  1. Online application
  2. Statement of purpose
  3. Resume
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. $35 application fee

After you submit your application to the NDSU Graduate School, the admissions team will add your official transcripts to your application file. This process can take a few days. You do not need to request transcripts.

Yes, until you have earned a bachelor’s degree and moved on to the graduate portion of your program, you are considered an undergraduate for financial aid purposes. Your graduate credits will not count towards financial aid eligibility, and you may need to utilize other sources for funding.

Accelerated students receiving financial aid also need to be aware that starting in the 2026-2027 award year, most financial aid awards are specifically based on the student’s enrollment status. Enrolling less than full time for any given term may reduce or eliminate certain financial aid awards.

The credits that count toward your undergraduate degree may include credits listed on the declaration form as courses being used toward the graduate and undergraduate degrees. It is important to plan which courses you will take in your last year of your undergraduate program to ensure you take at least six credits towards your bachelor’s degree each semester.

If you're enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs at the same time, you will be billed separately for each. The tuition cap applies to your undergraduate career if enrolled in thirteen or more credits; the tuition cap does not apply to graduate credits with the exception of architecture students. Mandatory student fees are capped across both careers.

Exception: Students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate architecture programs will have their tuition capped at the graduate tuition rate. Students with a graduate assistantship should refer to their academic college for tuition waiver eligibility.

Not all master’s programs offer graduate assistantships. But, if your program does offer assistantships, you simply check the box on the application that reads, “I am seeking an assistantship,” to be considered. A separate application for assistantship consideration is not required.

Accelerated students are admitted to the graduate program in conditional standing. To move to full standing, students must:

  • Complete the bachelor’s degree (Note: a student must complete a bachelor’s degree at least one semester prior to the term in which a graduate degree is to be conferred. Students cannot earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees in the same semester.)
  • Maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA in graduate classes
  • Complete any other conditions outlined in the graduate admission letter
  • Meet all admission requirements that would ordinarily be expected of those enrolled in the master’s program

  • View the Guidelines for Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs in the NDSU catalog for more important information.
  • No undergraduate courses can be counted toward a master’s degree.
  • Graduate courses will not be considered for undergraduate Dean’s List or undergraduate Graduation with Honor eligibility.
  • Before receipt of the bachelor’s degree, the graduate credit included on the declaration form will appear on the undergraduate record as NDSU transfer credit for inclusion on the undergraduate record for degree totals. A transcript note will be added to the NDSU graduate transfer credit to indicate this credit is applied to the undergraduate degree totals.
  • Students in an accelerated program cannot earn their bachelor’s and master's in the same semester. They must earn their bachelor's at least one semester prior to the master’s being earned.

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