Accelerated Master's Programs
Save money. Graduate in less time.
Advance your graduate education with an accelerated master’s program at Missouri State, allowing you to earn graduate credits as an undergraduate student. These credits count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Am I eligible for the accelerated master's degree?
- Be a current Missouri State University, Evangel University or Southwest Baptist (SBU) undergraduate student. SBU is limited to the master of accountancy-accelerated.
- Be a junior (60+ credit hours already earned).
- Have at least one full remaining semester as an undergraduate student.
What accelerated degrees are available?
Select from the following list. Learn more about your program of interest and discover academic program's admission requirements:
What steps must be taken to earn both degrees?
1. Visit with your undergraduate advisor and the graduate program advisor.
We encourage you to meet with the program advisor to determine when you should apply for admission and discuss your course schedule.
2. Apply for admission to the accelerated program.
3. Register for classes.
Once you have received notification that you have been recommended for admission by the academic program of choice, you may register for both undergraduate and graduate level classes using our Mixed Credit form. You will complete a Mixed Credit form for each semester you intend to take graduate-level courses.
Please visit with your graduate advisor to determine which courses you should take to get the mixed credit signature approval.
Review the maximum mixed credit hours allowed per program.
3. Graduate with your undergraduate degree.
Upon graduating with your undergraduate degree at 120 credit hours, you are considered a graduate student. You will register for classes as a graduate student. You will then be eligible for graduate assistantships, scholarships, mentoring and more.
4. Complete your master's degree.
With the completion of all program requirements, you will be awarded a master's degree.
How to apply
What are the admission requirements?
Requirements vary from program to program. Review the Graduate Catalog for your program or the online application. Many programs do have different admission requirements for the accelerated program.
What is the application process?
- Log into your My Missouri State portal.
- Search for the Graduate College Admissions card.
- Select the link for the Accelerated Grad Application.
- Fill out the form and upload the required materials: an unofficial transcript, a resume, and a letter of interest.
- Complete the payment through the link provided in the application.
Please note: When filling out this application you will be asked to choose the semester in which you wish to be admitted as a graduate student. Select the semester and year following the semester in which you graduate with a bachelor's degree. For example, if you graduate with your bachelor's degree in Spring 2025, the semester and year you wish to be admitted as a graduate student would be Summer 2025 or Fall 2025.
When is the application deadline?
Accelerated program application deadlines vary. Please visit with an academic advisor to determine when you should apply to the program. You should have at least one full semester as an undergraduate student remaining.
I'm not eligible for the accelerated program, are there other options for taking graduate classes?
There are two options: General Mixed Credit and Senior Permission.
Both options allow you to take graduate-level classes while an undergraduate. For a full description of each, please review the Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Credit policy.
The main differences between the two options:
- General Mixed Credit allows you, as an undergraduate student, to earn graduate credit. This graduate credit also works toward the degree requirements for the undergraduate degree being pursued. It is two for one.
- Senior Permission allows you, as an undergraduate student, to earn graduate credit; however, the graduate credit cannot be applied toward meeting your undergraduate degree requirements.
Will I receive financial aid for graduate courses I take while I am an undergraduate?
General Mixed Credit is financial aid eligible because it also counts toward completing your undergraduate degree requirements. Senior Permission is not financial aid eligible because it does not work toward completing any degree requirements.
Where can I sign up for General Mixed Credit and Senior Permission?
Mixed Credit and Senior Permission use the same form. Access the Mixed Credit/Senior Permission form.
I'm approved, how do I register for courses?
- Consult with your advisors to determine which courses to take.
- Complete a Mixed Credit form. This form will need to be submitted each and every semester you intend to take graduate level couses.
- Collect the needed signatures from your department/program.
- Bring the Mixed Credit form to the Graduate College (Carrington, Rm. 306) or email the form to GraduateCollege@missouristate.edu.
- Take the Mixed Credit form to the Registrar (Carrington, Rm. 320).
- Register the following business day after taking the form to the Office of the Registrar.
Frequently asked questions