American University Students Fast-Track Studies with Combined Degree Program
College of Arts and Sciences students can fast-track their future with American University’s Bachelor’s/Master’s Combined Degree Program, a pathway that allows undergraduates to earn both degrees in less time—saving money along the way and gaining a head start in the job market.
The program offers clear benefits: students can save between $19,000 and $25,000 in tuition by sharing credits between degrees. Depending on the program, they may also avoid additional application fees or receive a waiver on various application items. And because graduate courses are taken while completing undergraduate requirements, a master’s can be finished in as little as one year.
“As I was progressing in my bachelor’s in CLEG (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government), I realized I wanted to have a more in depth understanding of economics,” says Kaitlyn Romprey, one of the program’s first participants. “Through the program, I am meeting new people in the field I want to pursue, and I’m learning more advanced concepts and how to apply them. Starting the program was an adjustment but I adapted quickly and feel it is aiming me on a trajectory towards my future goals.”
Giving Students an Edge
Students in the combined degree program can take 9–12 graduate credits that count toward both degrees. When they enter the master’s program, they’ll already have about a semester completed—significantly reducing the time to graduation.
“The master’s degree is the new bachelor’s,” explains Lauren Tabbara, assistant dean of Graduate Studies. “This allows students to leave AU in a more competitive position when entering the job market. Students are also admitted to the master’s as early as their junior year. Students like the security of knowing that they have been admitted early. Finally, many programs offer to waive specific items on the application (such as letters of recommendation), making it easier for their students to apply.”
Flexibility is another hallmark of the program. Students can often pursue a master’s degree in a different field from their undergraduate degree and may share some core courses. For example, a BS in Environmental Science could be paired with an MA in International Affairs, or a BS in Computer Science with an MS in Data Science.
For Grace Stevens, a student in the MA in Public Health Innovation and Practice, the program provided a chance to bring together several of her passions. “When the MA in Public Health Innovation and Practice program was first announced, it immediately stuck out to me as an opportunity to combine my passion for public health, advocacy, and creativity,” she says. “The Health Studies Department has connected me to valuable career opportunities where I’ve noticed the application of everything I’ve learned from this program so far. It’s gratifying to have your knowledge, experience, and passion poured into the real world as we navigate this challenging public health environment.”
Interested? What You Need to Know
Combined degree options are open in Anthropology; Art History; Arts Management; Audio Technology; Biology; Computer Science; Data Science; Economics; Environmental Science; Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights; Health Promotion; History, Literature; Nutrition Education; Philosophy; Psychology; Public Health Innovation and Practice; Sociology; Statistics; and TESOL.
To apply, students generally need to have completed 75 credits toward a bachelor’s degree and hold a 3.0 GPA or higher, though some programs allow earlier applications or have specific requirements. Once admitted, they receive support from undergraduate and graduate advisors, as well as from the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, to ensure they are making the most of the credit-sharing and cost-saving opportunities.
For More Information
For more information, visit Bachelor’s/Master’s Combined Degree Program or email Lauren Tabbara, tabbara@american.edu.