Why Pursue BAM?
The Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s program allows selected students to secure enrollment into a master’s program and complete 3 to 18 credits of graduate level coursework while enrolled as undergraduates at George Mason. BAM undergraduates do not have to submit a traditional graduate application, which saves money on the application fee. BAM students can also earn their master’s degrees in a condensed timeline, allowing graduates to enter their careers sooner. And, since tuition rates vary between undergraduate and graduate credits, BAM students save money on tuition (for up to 12 credits) as they take graduate courses while enrolled as undergraduates.
BAM Programs and Coursework
Interested undergraduates should contact their department program administrator or advisor directly for information on available BAM coursework. Each department/program has a designated BAM advisor whose recommendation is required for the application. Contact your undergraduate program's department to access your BAM advisor.
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 a minimum of 60 credits 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 before transitioning to full-time graduate studies.
- Materials you will need to apply:
- George Mason transcript from Patriot Web
- The name and GMU email address of your BAM advisor
- Additional criteria for admission to your desired program can be found on the University Catalog.
- Review the Application Deadlines and Requirements.
How to Apply
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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 courses needed for your desired program 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 "Start Application" under the Degree Seeking and Accelerated Masters option.
- Select "4 - Accelerated Masters (for Mason Undergraduate Students Only" from the drop-down menu for the question "What level are you applying for?"
- 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 application's 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, to begin taking graduate courses in the following Spring term
- August 1, 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 for your decision.
Approved students are able to register for graduate courses via George Mason's Patriot Web system when they have completed 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 academic policies below.
Academic Policies
Academic Policies and Requirements
BAM students are required to:
- Complete a minimum of three (3) graduate credits in advanced standing as undergraduates.
- 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 their approved graduate courses taken while undergraduates.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, or as otherwise indicated by the University Catalog section related to their 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 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 after graduating from their bachelor's degree program.
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 credits from advanced standing courses will be forfeited if the student fails to enroll in their deferred term.
Transitioning to the Master's Program
When BAM students apply to graduate from their bachelor's degree programs, they must also complete and submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form found on the Registrar website. Students must sign and submit their forms by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester.
BAM students in their last semester as undergraduates must:
- Submit the transition form to their undergraduate advisor no later than:
- September 2 (if graduating in the fall term)
- January 28 (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 their undergraduate and graduate advisors.
- Follow their department’s procedures to electronically submit the form to the Coordinator for Graduate Academic Affairs, Hugh Miller at hmille15@gmu.edu.