Accelerated Baccalaureate-to-Graduate Degree Program Guidelines

The Accelerated Baccalaureate-to-Graduate Degree Program (Accelerated Program) option provides outstanding Lewis University undergraduate students enrolled in selected baccalaureate programs the opportunity to begin taking graduate coursework in their senior year (completion of 90+ credit hours). The student accepted into an approved accelerated program may begin fulfilling selected graduate degree requirements while still completing requirements for the baccalaureate degree.


Requirements

  • Students must complete all University graduation requirements applicable to undergraduate students and to graduate students.
  • Students admitted to an accelerated to graduate program may take up to 50% of the credit hours in their graduate program as an undergraduate student.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 21 hours while enrolled as a graduate student.
  • Graduate classes students take as an undergraduate fulfill program, course, and credit hour requirements for both the bachelor's and graduate prgoram

Eligibility

  • Departments may determine program-specific prerequisites for admission into accelerated bachelor's to graduate programs in addition to University requirements.
  • In addition to department-determined program admission requirements, the student must complete at least 75 credit hours before they are permitted to apply and be formally accepted into a University approved bachelor's-to-graduate degree program.
  • The student must complete an application to the accelerated bachelor's to graduate program and be approved by the program/department. Final approval prior to enrolling in graduate courses must be granted by the dean of Graduate, Professional, and Continuing Education, assuring compliance with University policy.
  • Student must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher to enroll in graduate level coursework.
  • An accelerated bachelor's to graduate program may require additional evidence of readiness, such as faculty recommendations, additional approvals, or higher GPA.

Student Status

  • The student continues to be classified as an undergraduate student, with all rights and responsibilities, until all degree requirements for the baccalaureate degree are completed.
  • To maintain full-time status as an undergraduate student, 12 or more semester hours must be taken each term.
  • Admission to an accelerated baccalaureate-to-graduate degree program does not replace official application and admission to the graduate program. Application must be made to the graduate program consistent with University policy as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.