University Curriculum Committee
GUIDELINES FOR COMBINED/ACCELERATED BACHELORS TO MASTERS PROGRAMS
NDSU offers combined/accelerated programs of study in a variety of academic disciplines. These programs provide an opportunity for highly-qualified students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a cost-effective, high-quality and timely manner.
The following guidelines set the minimal expectations for combined/accelerated students and programs. Academic departments may set more stringent standards.
- Students must complete at least 60 credits, of which at least 30 credits must be earned at NDSU prior to conditional admission to the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at NDSU to be eligible for conditional graduate admission to a combined/accelerated program.
- Interested and eligible students must submit a Petition to Apply for a Combined/Accelerated Program to the academic program of choice.
- All admissions to the Graduate College will be conditional. The minimum condition is completion of the bachelor’s degree prior to full standing in master’s program. Other conditions related to academic performance may be added.
- No undergraduate course may be counted toward a master’s degree.
- A maximum of 15 credits in the master’s program can be used to meet the requirements for the bachelor’s degree (actual number set by program department).
- Students entering the master’s degree with a bachelor’s degree in hand may not use courses earned as part of the bachelors program for master’s requirements.
- Students must meet all of the requirements that would ordinarily be expected of those enrolled in the master’s program.
NDSU Accelerated/Combined Programs of Study Procedures
NOTE: Other programs that allow students to begin graduate studies prior to earning a baccalaureate degree include Architecture and Exercise Science/Athletic Training. However, these programs are not considered combined/accelerated as they do not allow for the double-counting of undergraduate/graduate credit.
Approved by Graduate Council, 2/13/2013
Approved by University Academic Affairs Committee, 4/16/2013
