RIT and UR partner to create accelerated graduate degree pathways for education and counseling students

Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Liberal Arts and University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education have established new 3+2 and 4+1 admissions agreements, providing RIT undergraduate students with expedited pathways to launch their careers in teaching, higher education, or counseling. These agreements streamline the process for eligible students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within a five-year timeframe.

In the 3+2 program, RIT students admitted and enrolled through this pathway will complete all required coursework for undergraduate majors in three years. This paves the way for a smooth transition to the Warner School’s mental health counseling and school counseling master’s programs. The first year at the Warner School concurrently fulfills the final year of their bachelor’s degree.

Similarly, the 4+1 program offers RIT undergraduate students the opportunity to finish all coursework for their undergraduate major within four years as planned. However, students in qualifying bachelor’s degree programs at RIT can also begin graduate-level coursework in their fourth year, earning six credits toward their master’s degree in either higher education or a teacher preparation program at the Warner School.

“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to enrich the student experience at RIT,” said John Smithgall, assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “These programs play a crucial role in expanding students’ perspectives about what they can achieve in terms of their educational and career aspirations. This is particularly significant in dismantling barriers and stereotypes about certain professions, empowering students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to their chosen fields.”

Under the terms of the agreement, RIT students who meet the Warner School’s admissions requirements and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in their third year for the 3+2 program and fourth year for the 4+1 program can obtain both degrees in five years. Moreover, students will benefit from tuition scholarships toward their qualifying graduate degree programs at the Warner School.

“We are thrilled to partner with RIT in offering these innovative admissions pathways,” says Sarah Peyre, dean of the Warner School. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing students with accessible and accelerated pathways to pursue their passions for teaching, higher education, and counseling. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to empower students to excel in their academic journey and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

RIT’s College of Liberal Arts Interim Dean Kelly Norris Martin adds, “We have an incredibly diverse community of students in the College of Liberal Arts who all have unique visions for their futures. Through this new partnership, we’re able to expand the opportunities available to our students so they can follow their passions. Additionally, these new educational pathways can better prepare our students to fill the increased need for teachers and counselors in our communities.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for counselors and teachers are expected to increase through 2031. Whether individuals aspire to work in a K-12 school or clinical setting, or at the higher education level, RIT can provide students with a head start in becoming specialized educators or counselors. RIT’s culture of innovation and forward-thinking use of technology equips students to be adept at navigating and applying technological learning resources and tools to help their future students and clients excel.

From regional K-12 schools to top higher education and healthcare institutions, the Warner School’s graduate programs further prepare students to apply their comprehensive insights in classrooms, clinics, postsecondary institutions and communities worldwide to lead change for all. For more than 65 years, the Warner School has advanced the fields of education and counseling through innovative theories, experiences and leadership.

For more information about the accelerated pathways to careers in teaching, counseling and higher education, go to the Warner School’s partnerships program page or RIT’s College of Liberal Arts website.