Physics, BS / Physics, MS Accelerated Graduate Degree
Accelerated master’s degrees (AMDs) allow high-achieving students to begin graduate-level work before completion of the undergraduate degree. By double-counting some credits for both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree, students can earn both in five years total instead of the usual six.
The curriculum is quite structured in an AMD – specific classes need to be taken at specific times – so early planning is critical to be able to benefit from the time savings built into the program. Students should begin planning in their first year and be prepared to start at an advanced level of Physics that same year.
Students begin the program working on the undergraduate coursework needed for the bachelor’s degree. By the third year, students are taking advanced undergraduate coursework and some graduate coursework at the same time.
Admissions to the AMD will be determined at the start of junior year and is dependent upon meeting the normal criteria for graduate school admissions such as GPA. Students who aren’t admitted to the AMD can continue on in the undergraduate program to earn just the bachelor’s degree as long as they are in good academic standing.
You can read more about AMDs and our FAQ via the UWM Graduate School website.
This accelerated graduate degree involves the following bachelor’s and master’s degrees: Physics, BS and Physics, MS.
There are 6 (or 7) forward-shared credits and 15 backward-shared credits for a total of 21 (or 22) shared credits. As an exception to the usual forward sharing credit maximum, 7 forward-shared credits will be allowed if credits in PHYSICS 411G or PHYSICS 441G are forward-shared because these are 4-credit courses rather than 3-credit courses.
Eligible Forward-Shared Courses
Any Physics course at the 400-level or higher that can be taken at the G level is eligible for forward-sharing. Forward-shared Courses must be taken at the G level.
Eligible Backward-Shared Courses
Any graduate-level Physics course can be shared backward to fulfill a major required or elective course for the bachelor’s degree; and fulfill a required or elective course for the master’s degree.
Undergraduate Requirements
Interested students must meet with an academic advisor to determine eligibility for the accelerated graduate degree. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 in the major for admission to the accelerated program, with no active incompletes or retakes of Physics courses.
Undergraduate students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major area of study.
Graduate School Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into Graduate School prior to completing their bachelor’s degree, students must meet the minimum criteria for admission established by the MS in Physics and the UWM Graduate School and be in progress to complete 105 bachelor’s 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 Physics.
Program Type
Accelerated Graduate Degree
Program Format
On Campus
Advantages of an Accelerated Master’s Degree:
Rigorous Curriculum — the pace and courses are well-suited to gifted and advanced students
Cost Savings — finishing two degrees in five years instead of six saves one full year of tuition cost
Time Savings — completing both degrees a year early gets you started in your career faster
Boosted Salary — starting your career with a master’s degree can garner you a higher starting salary
Advancement to Major/Admission
Undergraduate Requirements
Interested students must meet with an academic advisor to determine eligibility for the accelerated graduate degree. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 in the major for admission to the accelerated program, with no active incompletes or retakes of Physics courses.
Undergraduate students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major area of study.
Graduate School Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into Graduate School prior to completing their bachelor’s degree, students must meet the minimum criteria for admission established by the MS in Physics and the UWM Graduate School and be in progress to complete 105 bachelor’s 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 Physics.
Double Counted Courses
This accelerated graduate degree involves the following bachelor's and master's degrees: Physics, BS and Physics, MS.
There are 6 (or 7) forward-shared credits and 15 backward-shared credits for a total of 21 (or 22) shared credits. As an exception to the usual forward sharing credit maximum, 7 forward-shared credits will be allowed if credits in PHYSICS 411G or PHYSICS 441G are forward-shared because these are 4-credit courses rather than 3-credit courses.
Eligible Forward-Shared Courses
Any Physics course at the 400-level or higher that can be taken at the G level is eligible for forward-sharing. Forward-shared Courses must be taken at the G level.
Eligible Backward-Shared Courses
Any graduate-level Physics course can be shared backward to fulfill a major required or elective course for the bachelor's degree; and fulfill a required or elective course for the master's degree.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Students are encouraged to supplement their classroom learning with experiential learning through relevant part-time jobs or internships. Experiential learning is built into the curriculum of the AMD but additional experiences will enhance a resume and better prepare students for their first professional job.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.