What is the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's (BAM)?
BAM allows Mason Engineering undergraduate students to pursue a master’s degree through an accelerated program, and begin taking graduate courses as early as their junior year.
If you are academically strong and currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in the College of Engineering and Computing, you may be approved to take up to 12 credits that will apply to both your current undergraduate degree and a future graduate degree program through our Bachelors/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program. You may also complete an additional 6 graduate-only credits ahead of enrollment into a future Master’s. These graduate-only credits will not count towards your undergraduate degree.
Why Pursue BAM?
Successful completion of BAM allows you to secure enrollment in your Master’s and complete between 3 and 18 credits of grad level coursework during your undergrad. Ultimately, this can save you up to 12 credits of tuition at the graduate level. This also means that you will earn your Master’s in a condensed timeline helping you fast track your career. Finally, if you successfully complete BAM you do not have to submit a traditional graduate application saving you money on the application fee.
BAM Programs and Coursework
You may contact your department program administrator or advisor directly for information on available BAM coursework. Each department/program has a designated BAM advisor who's recommendation you will need for your application. Contact your undergraduate program's department to access your BAM advisor.
The plan of study for some BAM programs and advising can be found on the following department’s pages.
Application Process
Application Checklist
Make an appointment with your undergraduate academic advisor to verify your eligibility for the program before submitting an application.
- You may apply to the program once you have earned at minimum 60 credit hours in your relevant undergraduate program.
- Though you can apply to BAM with only 60 credits, you must complete at least 75 undergraduate credits before taking advanced standing graduate courses. Advanced standing courses double count towards your undergraduate and Master’s program.
- Apply at least one full semester prior to the semester in which you intend to graduate. This ensures that you will have at least two semesters to take the necessary courses for transitioning.
- Materials you will need to apply:
- Mason transcript from Patriot Web
- The name and GMU email address of your BAM advisor with your application.
- Additional criteria for admission to your specific desired program can be found on the University Catalog page.
How to Apply
- Meet with your undergraduate academic advisor. Bring an unofficial copy of your transcript (printed from Patriot Web). At this meeting, you will:
Receive guidance on which courses will best suit your desired program and interests and which master's level coursework may apply to your bachelor's degree.
- Complete the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Online Application. The application fee is automatically waived.
- Select the correct transition term when applying. Your transition term is the semester term in which you intend to start the master's degree program, upon completion of your undergraduate degree.
You can check your status in your Application Portal. Allow 2-3 weeks to process your application. Questions about your application may be directed to cecgrad@gmu.edu.
Deadlines
- December 1, if you would like to begin taking graduate courses in the following Spring term
- August 1, if you would like to begin taking graduate courses in the following Fall term
Notification and Registration
If your Accelerated Master's application is approved, you will receive an automated email from masongrad@gmu.edu to check your Application Portal. Your decision will be available to you on your Application Portal.
Approved students are able to register for graduate courses via Mason's Patriot Web system when they have reached at least 75 credits.
Note: Approval for the Accelerated Master's program only guarantees admission to a degree program at a later date if the student maintains the required GPA outlined in the University Catalog, and follows all of the policy requirements below.
Academic Policies
Academic Policies and Requirements
Students admitted to this program are required to:
- Complete a minimum of three (3) graduate credits in advanced standing while in the program.
- Take the courses approved on their application or listed in the appropriate University Catalog section related to Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Programs.
- Show satisfactory performance in the approved graduate courses taken while in undergraduate status.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, or as otherwise indicated by the University Catalog section related to your program.
Students who fail to meet these requirements will not be transitioned to the master’s program and will be required to apply as a regular master’s student.
BAM students must confer their undergraduate degree in the specified semester identified on their application for graduation and their transition form. BAM students are expected to enroll in the master’s program the very next semester.
Note: A one-semester deferral may be requested through the application portal to be approved by the Office of Graduate Studies. Please note, all graduate credit from advanced standing courses will be forfeit if the student fails to enroll in their deferred term.
Transitioning to your Master's Program
When you apply to graduate from your Bachelor's Degree, you must also complete and submit the form titled Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition found on the Registrar website.
You must:
- Submit this form in your final undergraduate semester to your undergraduate advisor no later than:
- September 15 (if graduating in the fall term)
- February 15 (if graduating in the spring term)
- Have a minimum grade of B- in every Advanced Standing course listed on the transition form.
- Receive approval from your undergraduate and graduate advisors.
- Follow your department’s procedures to electronically submit the form to the Coordinator for Graduate Academic Affairs, Hugh Miller at hmille15@gmu.edu.