BS-MS: Accelerated Degree Program BS / MS
Save on tuition, launch your career sooner, and earn more right out of college with an accelerated graduate degree from the nation’s only school dedicated to freshwater sciences and water policy.
This fast-track program enables high-achieving students to begin their graduate degree in their senior year of the freshwater sciences program. Up to 21 credits can be applied toward both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. The five-year program consists of 3½ years in undergraduate status and 1½ years in graduate status.
You can customize your accelerated degree by combining aquatic science and/or water policy. See our Plans of Study tab for more information.
Program Type
Major, Accelerated Graduate
Program Format
On Campus
Are you a high-achieving student who is passionate about the environment and protecting our waters? Students accepted to our accelerated graduate degree program quickly gain real experience that employers are looking for through a rigorous aquatic science and water policy curriculum paired with undergraduate research opportunities, internships and a senior project that addresses current freshwater and environmental problems.
Required career development coursework helps you develop essential leadership skills and build workforce connections through mock interviews, resume-building activities, elevator pitches and mentorships with industry leaders and water-related organizations.
Our unique science, communication and public engagement course prepares you to make a difference in the world by teaching you how to effectively communicate the science behind critical water issues at different levels of complexity to diverse audiences.
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.
These documents are examples of plans of study. Students should work with their academic advisors for a personalized plan.