Accelerated Master's Degree Plan
What is the accelerated MA history program?
This pathway allows you to begin graduate-level coursework during your undergraduate studies.
Those credits will apply toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Key features
- You may take up to nine (9) credit hours of graduate-level history courses while still an undergraduate student.
- Credits earned count toward both degrees, saving time and tuition.
- After you complete your bachelor's degree, you are automatically admitted to the MA in history program. You'll continue your graduate studies without submitting a separate graduate school application.
- The program is designed so that exceptional students can complete both degrees in approximately five years (10 semesters).
This program is ideal for motivated students seeking an accelerated path to advanced historical study and professional preparation.
Program eligibility
Are you an undergraduate student? You may be eligible for this program!
See if you meet the criteria below.
Eligible majors and minors:
- History (BA, BS, BSED).
- Global studies (BA).
- Minors in history, Asian studies, African-American studies or Ozarks studies.
Academic standing:
- Junior standing (typically completion of 60 or more credit hours).
GPA requirements:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
- Minimum GPA in the major of 3.40.
History coursework:
- Completion of at least 15 credit hours of undergraduate history courses.
- At least one history course completed at the 300-level or above.
If you are a strong academic performer, you may be a good fit for the accelerated master's pathway. You'll need to be prepared for the demands of graduate-level coursework while completing your undergraduate degree.
How to apply for the program
Apply during or before your junior year to ensure proper course planning.
Application materials:
- Letter of interest outlining academic and professional goals.
- Current résumé.
- Unofficial transcript.
Application process:
- Applications must be submitted through the Accelerated Grad Application, available on the the Graduate College — Admissions card through the Missouri State University portal.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Advising:
- You'll work closely with both your faculty advisor and the history Graduate Program Director to develop an appropriate course plan.
Registering for graduate courses (for current accelerated MA students)
Once you are accepted into the program, you are eligible to enroll in graduate-level coursework under the conditions listed below.
Course eligibility:
- You may take up to nine (9) credit hours of graduate-level history courses while completing your undergraduate degrees.
- Graduate courses must be at the 600-level.
- You can only enroll in 700-level courses after you have successfully completed six (6) credit hours of 600-level coursework.
Registration procedure:
- Make sure your credits count toward both degrees. To do this, you will need to complete the Mixed Credit form before registering for graduate courses.
- The form must be signed by both the Graduate Program Director and the Academic Unit Leader (Department Head).
Advising requirement:
- You will need to consult regularly with your academic advisor and the Graduate Program Director to ensure you meet all academic and administrative requirements.