Benefits of an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree has been discussed in this article, and all you need is read this article to the end.
A master’s degree becomes increasingly valuable when it comes to working your way to a high-paying career, but there is a downside: two extra years of school means more lost income and possibly more student debt as well. Accelerated Master’s degrees save specialist students the cost and time of studying for graduate entrance examinations, application fees, and additional courses. By applying for an accelerated master’s program, you can begin taking master’s degree courses in your first or senior year and gain credit for the dual course for both your undergraduate and master’s degree.
If you are looking for a good job with the potential to apply, you will likely discover that many employers will rarely give someone a chance if they do not have at least a college degree. But for many people, the typical four-year college pathway presents some challenges, the main of which are the need for work or concern for family obligations while studying. Fortunately, college can be completed more quickly than the expected four years. The Accelerated Undergraduate Degree Program is designed for students who work hard to achieve their goals of completing college in a shorter period. Here are some additional details about the accelerated college program and the benefits it can have.
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How to get a college degree in less than four years
The first question you might ask yourself is how to get a college degree in less than four years. The truth is, it is not for everyone. Some people go to college for more than just education. Instead, they enjoy going out and experiencing college life. However, if you are only in college to get your degree and that’s it, here are some ways you can do it quickly.
Conditions for admission to an accelerated master’s program
Accelerated master’s degrees often have strict admission criteria, and you generally have to wait until at least your second year of college to apply. Often, a GPA above 3.5 is necessary to be considered, and preference is given to students already enrolled in that university, says Advisor to the Resident Dean of Graduate Schools, Dr. Bill Weiner. The reason is that schools want to maintain the highest standard of students in their master’s programs; Students who achieve academic success in their university in their undergraduate courses are more likely to perform well in graduate school.
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Commitment
Before enrolling in the Accelerated Master’s Program, you will need to research your field thoroughly. You do not want to obtain a master’s degree and then discover through work experience that you prefer to follow a different career path. Thus, career planning begins today. Complete a summer internship, talk to career and academic advisors, and arrange shadow days.
Academically, take at least one course in your major per semester. Join professional organizations with campus student branches such as the American Marketing Association or the Association of Professional Journalists. These organizations provide great networking opportunities with professionals working in your potential career field.
Accreditation of courses
Some courses may count towards both degrees in your final year. Colleges have varying ranges of time required to complete your degree and the number of courses that will earn you double credit, but dual credit can help you complete your bachelor’s degree in May and masters as early as December of the same year.
For example, if you finish your undergraduate degree with 12 credit hours for graduates and your master’s degree requires 36 credit hours to complete, you can complete your graduate degree after your undergraduate graduation by earning 12 credit hours during the summer and 12 credit hours in the fall. If your university allows six dual-credit courses to count your degree with a 36-credit score, you may not complete your master’s degree in seven months, but at least you’ll still have a start of six credits.
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You must be very diligent to earn at least a “B” grade in dual credit courses. While a “C” in a course can earn you credit in an undergraduate program, many accelerated master’s programs require a “bachelor’s” degree or higher to earn credit and sometimes to avoid program expulsion.
Career advancement
The difference between BA and MA in postgraduate employment opportunities is enormous. Dr. Weiner says anyone enrolled in an accelerated master’s program in human resources can graduate as a hospital administrator rather than as a human resources director. Likewise, accounting majors need a master’s degree to become a chartered accountant. Additionally, studies show that workers with a master’s degree earn significantly during their careers. Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree helps for career advancement.
Cost-saving
One of the benefits of an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree is cost-saving. While annual costs vary by university, you can save a lot of money by reducing the school’s course requirements. The average cost of attendance (based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics), including tuition, fees, housing, and board for first-year, full-time, undergraduates in public schools is $ 19,204.
If you save six months by completing the credits one semester during your college degree, you can save more than $ 9,500. The actual amount you provide will vary based on the cost of tuition at your school, scholarships and grants awarded, and the number of credits required for a master’s degree.
Scholarships
One of the benefits of an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree is the availability of scholarships. Undergraduate scholarships are likely to cover graduate-level courses that count double in the undergraduate degree. However, you will need to apply for New Financial Aid when you officially graduate from the undergraduate part of your program. Once decided, you want to pursue an accelerated master’s degree program, and meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss top school scholarships, Stafford loans, scholarship programs, and loans. The earlier you start searching, the better off you will be.
The bottom line
If you know you want a master’s degree, especially in your major, express master’s programs can save you time and money. However, finishing faster does never mean giving up opportunities for career exploration. Make sure to anchor your career path with field study as soon as possible and do as many days of shadow and internships as possible. Balance your work experience by focusing on your GPA. With first-class degrees, education, and internships, you’ll navigate your first postgraduate position.
