ASU students pursuing accelerated master's degrees

Graduate student Meghan Moloney was intrigued with the possibility of earning her master's in chemical engineering in as little as one year.

ASU’s accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s (4+1) programs offer high-achieving students the chance to earn a master’s degree at an advanced pace, as reported in a recent Arizona Republic article. Those qualifying for the accelerated program can apply in their junior year and begin taking graduate-level courses during their senior year.

"One (more) year seemed a lot more manageable (than two)," says Moloney, who plans to graduate from ASU in May.

Anne Ryman of the Arizona Republic points out that “accelerated programs can save students thousands of dollars in tuition and other costs. ... (it) also means students can start their careers sooner, are more highly qualified when they enter the workforce and have the advantage of generally earning more money.”

Among the 45 programs offering an accelerated degree are biology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, communications, criminal justice, nanoscience and others.

The numbers in accelerated programs are small but growing, says Maria T. Allison, executive vice provost for Academic Affairs and dean of the Graduate College. More than 300 students are enrolled in accelerated master's programs at ASU.