The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program allows current UNL undergraduate students to begin taking graduate courses during their junior and senior year. With thoughtful planning, students can complete a Master of Science (MS) degree with just one additional year of coursework—saving time and tuition.
Explore our Accelerated Master’s Programs
Architectural Engineering (MAE)
Focus Areas: building structural systems, mechanical and acoustical systems, lighting and electrical systems. Ideal for students who want to design high-performing, sustainable buildings and lead interdisciplinary teams from concept through construction.
Great for careers in building design, consulting engineering, sustainable systems, and integrated project delivery.
Computer Science (MS)
Focus Areas: Software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, data science
Perfect for students interested in high-tech industries or research careers.
Research or coursework-based options
Great prep for industry or PhD
Computer Science (MS) – Computer Engineering
Focus Areas: Embedded systems, computer architecture, hardware-software integration, machine learning at the edge. Ideal for students passionate about designing and optimizing the hardware-software interface in high-performance and smart systems.
Great for careers in robotics, automation, chip design, and IoT
Civil Engineering (MS)
Focus Areas: Structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical, materials
Ideal for students pursuing PE licensure or leadership in infrastructure.
Tailored for licensed and practicing engineers
High impact for sustainable design career
Environmental Engineering (MS)
Focus Areas: Water quality, air pollution, environmental modeling
Great for those passionate about sustainability, policy, and clean tech.
Emphasis on environmental systems research
Designed for cross-disciplinary thinkers
Start Planning in Your Junior Year
Important Notes:
- Must apply before graduating with BS
- Minimum GPA typically required (e.g., 3.0+)
- Not all undergrad courses qualify for dual credit—plan early!
How to Apply
Simple Steps to Get Started
Meet with your undergraduate academic advisor
Connect with the graduate program coordinator
Complete the Accelerated Programs Course worksheet
Submit application to the accelerated MS program through Graduate Studies
Submit the request for Grad Credit for every graduate class taken as an undergraduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Students
Q: When can I apply?
A: As soon as you reach sophomore standing. Programs may have specific timelines; contact the program's Graduate Chair for information.
Q: Why would a student do this?
A: A student can double-count up to 12 credit hours, making progress toward bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously.
Q: How is this different from Graduate Credit for Undergraduates?
A: In accelerated master's programs, graduate credit is applied to both the bachelor's and master's degrees. With general Graduate Credit for Undergraduates, the graduate course does not apply to both.
Q: Can any undergraduate student participate?
A: Students must be admitted into one of the listed undergraduate programs, have a 3.0 GPA, be a current and full-time student, and have one or more terms of enrollment remaining before completing the bachelor's degree.
Q: If my catalog year is earlier than the one listed for the accelerated program, can I apply?
A: You can apply if you change your catalog to an accelerated-eligible year. Consult your undergraduate advisor about impacts.
Q: Do I need to meet with the graduate advisor before applying?
A: Consulting the master's program's Graduate Chair (named in program details above) is encouraged, but not a requirement for acceptance.
Q: How do I prepare my application materials.
A: UNL Career Services provide support for undergraduate students applying to graduate school.
Q: Am I billed at the graduate or undergraduate tuition rate?
A: Graduate credits are billed at the graduate rate.
Q: Does my scholarship and/or financial aid cover graduate tuition?
A: Contact Husker Hub 402-472-2030. For additional information https://financialaid.unl.edu/accelerated-programs.
Q: Am I an admitted graduate student?
A: Students are admitted for future entry into the graduate program, becoming graduate students after conferral of the bachelor's degree.
Q: How will the graduate courses appear on my undergraduate degree audit?
A: These graduate courses will satisfy specific undergraduate course requirements, as shown in program-specific tables above.
Undergraduate Advisors
Q: An advisee has expressed interest in an accelerated master's program, how do I guide them?
A: Determine whether the student meets eligibility requirements and facilitate the completion of the Student/Advisor Worksheet. In particular, make sure the student's undergraduate major and catalog year are approved for their desired accelerated program, as some students will need to change to become eligible.
Q: Do students need to meet with a graduate advisor before applying?
A: Consulting the master's program's Graduate Chair (named in program details above) is encouraged, but not a requirement for acceptance.
Q: A student has questions about how financial aid works for accelerated masters programs, how do I guide them?
A: Encourage the student to contact Husker Hub, in addition to reviewing this information from OSFA.
Q: When can a student apply?
A: As soon as the student reaches sophomore standing. Programs may have specific timelines; contact the program's Graduate Chair for information.
Graduate Chairs
Q: How do I implement an Accelerated Master’s Program?
A: To propose the creation of a new Accelerated Master’s Program, complete and submit the AMP proposal worksheet.
Q: Do I have to identify the specific undergraduate courses being replaced by the graduate courses?
A: The undergraduate program must identify which undergraduate courses will be replaced with graduate courses.
Q: A student has questions about how financial aid works for accelerated masters programs, how do I guide them?
A: Encourage the student to contact Husker Hub, in addition to reviewing this information from OSFA.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: See Policy: Accelerated Master's. Contact: Graduate Dean Debra Hope.