Early Entry to M.S. Program

The Accelerated Early Entry program leads to completion of all requirements for the B.S. and M.S. degrees in only five academic years plus a final summer. In this program, students begin graduate coursework during the final semester of their senior year. Up to six credit hours (at the 5000 or 6000 level) may be double-counted towards both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Students earn a B.S. degree at the end of this semester, and are generally able to complete a Master’s degree after another year and a summer of full-time study and research.

Chemistry B.S. students desiring admission to the Accelerated Early Entry Master’s program must have a 3.2 overall GPA and at least a 3.0 in their chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses, and they must have completed the B.S. curriculum through at least Physical Chemistry. Although Accelerated Early Entry students are not required to take placement exams, the application process and all required documentation (e.g., test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation) are otherwise the same as for regular applicants to the program. The status of the accepted Accelerated Early Entry applicant is provisional pending completion of the B.S. degree-at the very latest, students must complete their B.S. requirements by the time they have completed 15 credit hours of graduate work.

Interested students should consult with the Graduate Coordinator during their junior year about their eligibility for this program and to discuss requirements for selection of a research advisor.

Download Sample Course Schedule to get an idea of which courses you’ll take during your college career. Note that this is not a strict schedule, this is merely a guide.