BS-MS: Accelerated Degree Program BS / MS
Save on tuition, start your career sooner, and earn more right after college. Get an accelerated graduate degree from the only school focused on freshwater sciences and water policy.
This fast-track program lets top students start their graduate degree during their senior year in the freshwater sciences program. You can apply up to 21 credits toward both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. The five-year program includes 3½ years as an undergraduate and 1½ years as a graduate.
You can customize your accelerated degree by combining aquatic science and/or water policy.
Program Type
Major, Accelerated Graduate Degree
Program Format
On Campus
Hear from a graduate of our Accelerated Graduate program.
Antoni grew up on lakes and loving the water. Now she’s learning how to protect that water for future generations with her freshwater sciences degree. She says supportive professors and hands-on learning experiences give her the confidence to succeed. And UWM’s friendly, welcoming community helps her have fun and make memories along the way.
Are you a top student who cares about the environment and protecting our waters? Our accelerated graduate program offers real experience that employers desire. You’ll follow a rigorous curriculum in aquatic science and water policy. This includes chances for undergraduate research, internships, and a senior project that addresses current freshwater and environmental issues.
Required career development courses help you gain key leadership skills. You’ll build connections through mock interviews, resume activities, elevator pitches, and mentorships with industry leaders and water organizations.
Our unique science, communication and public engagement course helps you make a difference. You’ll learn to share vital water science clearly. We show you how to adapt your message for different audiences and understanding levels.
To be considered for the accelerated graduate degree program, students must meet the minimum criteria for admission established by the Freshwater Sciences, MS: Aquatic Science (Professional) or Freshwater Sciences, MS: Water Policy (Professional) program, and the UWM Graduate School. They must also be in progress to complete 105 undergraduate credits prior to their first term as a graduate student.
Students who do not satisfactorily meet Graduate School admissions criteria may continue with their BS in Freshwater Sciences.
Start the process in your junior year and begin graduate courses in your senior year!
- Meet with your undergraduate academic advisor during your 5th semester to determine your eligibility for the program.
- Meet with the graduate program manager to discuss the accelerated graduate program and the application process by the end of your 5th semester.
- Apply to the graduate program between the end of your 5th semester and the start of your 6th semester.
- If you’re accepted to the master’s program, work with your undergraduate advisor to register for two graduate-level courses (6 credits) in your 7th semester. Note: to earn credit for these courses, you must receive a grade of “B” or better. You must also be in progress to complete 105 bachelor’s credits prior to your first term as a graduate student.
- You will be a graduate student and pay graduate tuition your 8th semester.
To be considered for the accelerated graduate degree program, students must meet the minimum criteria for admission established by the Freshwater Sciences, MS: Aquatic Science (Professional) or Freshwater Sciences, MS: Water Policy (Professional) program, and the UWM Graduate School. They must also be in progress to complete 105 undergraduate credits prior to their first term as a graduate student.
Students who do not satisfactorily meet Graduate School admissions criteria may continue with their BS in Freshwater Sciences.
Once you are admitted to the accelerated master’s program, you are required to meet the academic standards of the Graduate School. See the Graduate School policies and procedures.