The Accelerated Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Program

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Biology is a five-year program that combines a thirty-credit hour Master of Arts degree with a Bachelor of Science degree. Students with a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate science courses, junior standing and permission of their academic advisor may apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Biology program by January 30 of their junior year. Acceptance notification will be by April 30. Applicants accepted into the program earn up to twelve hours of graduate work during the senior year. Nine of those grade hours will also count toward the undergraduate degree. In order to successfully complete the program in five years, students should enroll for an average of 16 semester hours of course work each term, and complete six hours of course work during summer sessions. This Master of Arts degree is also open to those who already have their bachelor's degree. See the graduate bulletin for more information.

1. Students will apply by January 30 of their Junior year. Students must meet the requirements for admission to the biology graduate program. Acceptance notification will be by April 15.
2. Complete the undergraduate program for a total of 120 hours. Up to 9 hours of graduate credit may be double counted for undergraduate and graduate requirements.
3. Students will complete 30 graduate hours required for MA in Biology. Nine of these hours can and should be counted toward the undergraduate degree.
4. Senior year will include 12 graduate hours.
5. Students should complete 6 hours during summers of the undergraduate program.
6. Fifth year - Fall semester, 9 graduate hours; Spring semester, 9 graduate hours and comprehensive exam.