The accelerated master’s program gives highly motivated undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years.
Through select New College majors, you can begin taking graduate-level courses during your senior year that count toward both degrees. This shared-credit option saves time, reduces costs, and lets you start your advanced studies sooner—helping you launch your career or continue your education with a competitive edge.
Why pursue an accelerated master's degree?
The accelerated master’s program lets you take graduate-level courses during your senior year—courses that count toward both degrees. You’ll save time, lower your overall cost, and graduate with an advanced degree that gives you a competitive edge in the job market or a strong start toward a PhD.
- Take graduate-level courses at the undergraduate tuition rate, reducing total program cost
- Use undergraduate scholarships to cover part of your master’s degree (some limitations apply)
- Reduce student loans and graduate with less debt
- Earn more after graduation — starting salaries for master’s graduates average 31% higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree
- Finish your master’s degree in as little as one year (in select programs)
- Complete both degrees in about five years, instead of the usual six or more
- Get a head start on your career or graduate studies
- Spend less time in class and more time applying your skills in the real world
- Stand out to employers as a highly motivated, competitive candidate
- Build advanced skills and experience earlier in your career
- Qualify sooner for leadership roles or specialized opportunities
- Prepare for future graduate study — an accelerated master’s can fast-track your path to a PhD
- Job growth for master’s-level positions is projected to increase 17% from 2016–2026
Steps to accelerate
Ready to accelerate your degree? Follow these simple steps to find the right program and connect with our team.
Explore your options
- Ready to see which programs can help you earn your degrees faster? Visit the ASU degree search to find New College majors with an accelerated master’s track.
- Starting with your undergraduate degree? Search for and select your program, then choose “Accelerated program options” in the menu to see which master’s degrees pair with it.
- Interested in a specific master’s program? Search for that graduate degree, then select “Accelerated program options” to find which undergraduate majors qualify.
Connect with us
- Have questions or want personalized guidance? Choose the option that works best for you:
- Attend an information session. See upcoming dates above and get your questions answered live.
- Submit a request for information form. Tell us about your interests and we’ll follow up with details.
- Email us directly at [email protected], we’re happy to help one-on-one.
Plan your path
- Once you’ve found your program, your academic advisor will help you confirm eligibility, plan your courses, and apply to the accelerated track — setting you up to start graduate coursework during your senior year.
