Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees FAQs

Students can complete their Combined Accelerated program faster than pursuing the bachelor’s and master’s degrees separately by either the double counting of courses towards both degrees or by completing undergraduate courses with a grade of B or above approved to waive graduate requirements. Some undergraduate programs with required co-ops may waive one co-op requirement in order to allow further acceleration. Details are available at our Accelerated Degree Programs page.

A full list of all active Combined Accelerated programs is available on our Accelerated Degree Programs page. Programs with a diploma icon offer the conditional early acceptance option. All programs have eligible entry through the Enrolled Student Pathway after arrival at RIT.

Students interested in Combined Accelerated programs without a conditional early acceptance option may apply to join during their second or third year of undergraduate study through the Enrolled Student Pathway. Criteria and timing varies, so students should work with their academic advisor to confirm their eligibility and steps needed to apply.

No, each Combined Accelerated program has a specific curriculum that has been designed by academic departments and completed an approval process. 

Students who are interested in a bachelor’s / master’s degree combination that is not approved would not benefit from the double counting of courses, or course and/or co-op waivers. They would need to apply for their desired graduate program through Graduate Admissions and begin their study upon completion of their undergraduate program. However, all recent RIT alumni are eligible for the 40% graduate tuition scholarship through the RIT Master Plan and the application and review process is streamlined for our alumni!

Only students in the Business Exploration program in the Saunders College of Business are eligible to be in the Combined Accelerated program, working towards the +1 MBA pathway. Students in all other Exploration programs should first choose their undergraduate program. If the program has a Combined Accelerated pathway associated with it, students may apply to join through their department during their second or third year of study, as specified by the department through the Enrolled Student Pathway.

AP and transfer credits can be used towards undergraduate degree requirements. Specifics as to how they can be used will be determined by the academic department. The department will also determine whether these credits will allow students to complete their programs faster. In many cases, AP and transfer credits often allow students additional room in their plan of study for additional electives but does not guarantee faster completion of your degree(s). Review the Transfer and Test Credit equivalencies for more information. 

The first 1-2 years of our accelerated programs are typically similar to the undergraduate program alone. As students progress through their program, they will begin to incorporate graduate courses into their plan of study, which tend to be more challenging, covering advanced subject matter and a focus on research and self directed exploration. In addition, students are held to higher academic standards once they reach graduate status. There are academic support services available to all students throughout their studies. View Master’s Degree Graduation Requirements and Repeating Courses to Raise Low Grades policies for more information.

Accelerated Scholars can find details on each of RIT’s undergraduate programs, including the number of years and credits needed to complete the degree can be found on the individual program pages. Accelerated Scholars will find the same information about any accelerated pathways associated with their undergraduate degree by scrolling down the page.

Yes, the majority are Master of Science programs, which are generally research-based. Some Master’s programs have developed options for capstone or project-based culminating experiences as an alternative to research. Students should connect with their graduate program contact to discuss options for their program.

Due to the double counting of courses or course waivers, Accelerated Scholars take fewer courses overall than students who pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees separately. However, departments ensure that all the same content is mastered when designing the curriculum for accelerated programs.

When Accelerated Scholars transition from undergraduate to graduate status, undergraduate aid and scholarships are no longer awarded and tuition changes. The point at which you transition to graduate status and receive your 40% graduate level scholarship depends on your specific pathway and study plan. 

Details of the timing of this transition can be found on the Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Financial Aid page. Students should work with their financial aid counselor to discuss questions about their specific financial situation.

For enrolled students, the number of credits required to complete undergraduate degree requirements can be found on the student’s Academic Advisement Report (AAR) on the Student Information System (SIS). Students may run this report by following this path:

SIS Student Home page > Academic Records > My Academic Requirements > Degree Credit Check

Students can also look up the number of credits for their bachelor’s degree and combined bachelor’s/master’s on the individual bachelor’s degree program page.

In rare circumstances academic departments may award additional scholarship toward graduate study, but it is uncommon. Many graduate students secure campus employment, or a research, teaching or administrative assistantship to help off-set the cost of attendance. Other opportunities exist through a paid co-op or seeking outside funding. Visit How To Fund Your Graduate Education for more details.

No, students who join the Combined Accelerated program through either conditional early acceptance or as an enrolled student will receive the 40% graduate scholarship once they reach graduate status in their program.

Current rates for graduate students can be found on the Graduate & PhD Students Tuition and Fees page.

Yes, US citizens and permanent residents can submit the FAFSA for graduate study. Learn more about filing the FAFSA as a graduate student on the Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Financial Aid page.

Typically, our Accelerated Scholars are highly achieving students involved in community, performing arts, athletics and other school activities who place within the top quartile of their applicant cohort for their respective RIT major. 

Accelerated Scholars who join through the conditional early acceptance entry pathway are guaranteed a spot in their graduate program if they meet their conditional admission requirements at the time of their department review. Students who apply to join through the enrolled student pathway are subject to current capacity in the graduate program when they apply.

Students who do not receive a conditional early acceptance offer may apply to join during their second or third year of undergraduate study through the Enrolled Student Pathway. Criteria varies, so students should work with their academic advisor to confirm their eligibility, timing, and steps needed to apply.

All graduate programs consider GPA and completion of a specified amount of coursework. Some programs also consider completion of required co-ops or performance in key courses necessary for success in graduate coursework. View the specific requirements for continuance in a particular Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s degree.

Talk with your academic advisor about ways to raise your GPA to see if they recommend repeating a course. For undergraduate courses, the new grade in a repeated course replaces the old grade in the cumulative GPA which may improve your GPA.

Accelerated Scholars can also access academic resources such as peer mentoring, academic success courses, and Math and Physics tutoring through the Academic Success Center, as well as any department specific tutoring or other in-class supports.

Students can calculate their projected GPA by entering estimated final grades into a GPA calculator. One option is a GPA calculator on TigerCenter made by RIT student developers.

Many undergraduate programs at RIT do require co-ops, but not all. Co-op requirements can be found on the individual program pages. Accelerated Scholars will find the same information about any accelerated pathways associated with their undergraduate degree by scrolling down this page.

Required co-ops are factored into the timeline for each accelerated program. Details can be found on the individual program pages. Accelerated Scholars will find the same information about any accelerated pathways associated with their undergraduate degree by scrolling down this page. Note that some pathways offer co-op waivers which result in students completing their BS/MS in the same amount of time as doing the BS alone. 

This is possible in many cases. Students are encouraged to discuss options with their academic department.

Accelerated Scholars may opt-out of the accelerated program at any time and complete their bachelor’s degree alone. A bachelor’s degree from RIT is an excellent credential! There are no financial penalties for opting out, but students should talk with their academic advisor to discuss how this change may impact course planning or co-op schedules.