Accelerated Business Degree Programs

Accelerated BS to MBA & BS to MS programs

The accelerated BS to MBA and BS to MS programs are integrated degree programs in which qualified students can earn a bachelor’s degree and also a master’s degree. As an undergraduate student, you can take up to 9 credits from approved Charlton College of Business graduate courses. As long as you earn a minimum grade of B or higher in the graduate-level courses, these courses will count toward your MBA or MS program, which will reduce the overall time required to complete an MBA or MS degree.

BS to MBA & BS to MS program advantages

The accelerated BS/MBA and BS/MS programs are designed for highly motivated and qualified undergraduates who wish to pursue an advanced degree.

Both accelerated degree programs offer:

  • the ability to “double count classes” and earn an advanced degree in less time
  • reduction of cost: graduate coursework “double-counted” is at the undergraduate tuition and fee rate, in addition, students can reduce graduate course load by up to 3 courses
  • greater flexibility to schedule courses to complete the prerequisites for advanced study
  • a seamless transition to the master’s degree
  • ability to improve the efficiency of your college studies and experiences

Admission requirements

Interested undergraduate students may apply for an accelerated program after they have earned at least 75 credits in the undergraduate program. The program is competitive and admission is based on overall academic performance, paid and volunteer work experience, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose.

GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS test scores are not required.

Eligibility and admission criteria

  • Current enrollment in a Business BS program at UMassD
  • Completed at least 75 undergraduate credit hours
  • Transfer students: Completed a minimum of 30 credit hours
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework at the time of application

Application process

Interested students should complete an Accelerated Baccalaureate/Master’s Program Application Form and submit it to the relevant Graduate Program Director or Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. Once pre-approved, you will submit your complete graduate application to the Office of Graduate Studies and Admissions.

Apply online.

  • Completed application form
  • Unofficial UMass Dartmouth transcript
  • Résumé
  • Brief statement of purpose explaining reason(s) for pursuing a graduate study
  • One letter of recommendation

Applications will be evaluated using the same method as applications to the Master of Business Administration (MBA), MS in Accounting, MS in Finance, MS in Healthcare Management, or MS in Technology Management programs. Students admitted to a program will be assigned an advisor.

Applicants should consult with their undergraduate academic advisor and appropriate graduate program director, as soon as they are considering the combined BS/MBA or BS/MS program. This will allow students to best prepare what electives to take during their undergraduate program.

During the second semester of their junior year or earlier students should work with their undergraduate advisor to complete the Accelerated Baccalaureate/Master’s Program Application Form, as well as meet with the appropriate graduate program director. Once the student meets the application requirements, they should submit their application.

Degree requirements

The master’s requirements for the accelerated BS/MBA and BS/MS degrees stay the same for students pursuing the master’s degrees separately. All students must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours (core and elective courses), plus foundation courses where required and satisfy all other program requirements.

Students can count up to 9 approved credits of Charlton College of Business graduate coursework toward fulfilling their bachelor’s degree (business or non-business elective(s). These credits also count toward fulfilling the chosen master’s degree without the need to replicate the coursework. A grade of B or higher is required in any graduate course to be applied to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. The academic advisor and appropriate Graduate Program Director must identify and approve the recommended graduate course credits.

Sample courses that may meet eligibility toward fulfilling the undergraduate and accelerated degree requirements:

  • ACT 650: Accounting for Decision Making
  • ACT 671: Strategic Cost Management
  • FIN 650: Finance for Decision Making
  • FIN 670: Investment Analysis
  • MGT 650: Advanced Organizational Behavior
  • MKT 650: Marketing Strategy
  • MIS 650: Information Technology Management
  • MIS: 675: Managing Projects for Healthcare
  • POM 651: Creating Value Through Operations Analysis
  • POM 679: Management of Healthcare Operations
  • Other graduate course(s) approved by the Graduate Assistant Dean