Undergraduate students at Southern can complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in less time by taking advantage of our accelerated pathway options. These pathways save students time and expense by allowing them to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework during their undergraduate degree.
Cost Efficiency
Graduate credits taken as part of your undergraduate tuition save on future tuition costs for graduate school.
Advanced Standing
These credits count toward both undergraduate and future graduate degree requirements, reducing the time needed to complete a graduate program.
Stronger Graduate Applications
Demonstrating success in graduate-level courses can make your application to graduate programs more competitive, showcasing your ability to handle advanced work.
Enhanced Skill Set
Graduate coursework fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills at a higher level, which can strengthen your academic foundation and professional preparedness.
Networking Opportunities
Taking classes alongside graduate students and faculty can expand your professional network, giving you access to potential mentors, collaborators, and career connections.
What to Know About Accelerated Graduate Pathways
Tuition Rate for Graduate Courses Taken as an Undergraduate
Students will pay undergraduate rates for all attempted courses, including graduate courses, while they are still enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program.
Applying to a Graduate Program
Students with an approved Graduate Course Plan are encouraged to apply to the School of Graduate & Professional Studies during the first semester of their senior year for early decision.
Transitioning to Graduate Student Status
Students in an accelerated program, concentration, or pathway will first complete the 120-credit bachelor’s degree program as undergraduate students. Students accepted to graduate school will transition to the master’s degree program as a graduate student after their bachelor’s degree has been awarded.
Financial Aid for Graduate Courses Taken as an Undergraduate
The student’s degree evaluation will include the graduate-level pathway courses as academic requirements of the undergraduate program; therefore, the courses are aid-eligible.