University Policies & Processes for Accelerated UG/GR Programs
Application & Admission Process
The new policy requires us to identify three types of students.
- Juniors who are beginning the accelerated program: These are the students approved for the alternate degree plan who will begin taking graduate courses as seniors. They should not complete a normal graduate application. Rather:
- They should indicate their desire for the accelerated program by completing this form. GPDs may make the form publicly available or reserve it for select students as desired.
- The form will collect the basic information needed to identify and track the students and will include an approval process as shown in the attached flowchart.
- Graduating seniors who are continuing the accelerated program: These students will complete the normal graduate application (in Slate, CAS, or SOPHAS). No significant changes for them.
- Seniors who are continuing the accelerated program but not finishing their undergraduate degree prior to the 5th year: This should be a small group. The students will complete the normal graduate application, will be individually approved by the GPD and Graduate School, and will be identified appropriately in Banner.
Financial Aid (Tuition Remission)
Beginning Fiscal Year 2025 (Summer/Fall 2024)
- Continuation of Undergraduate Aid: Undergraduates receive an eight-semester funding package as part of their admission to Baylor. This support will continue for students who are approved for an accelerated program. Their undergraduate aid will continue through the 8th semester and be applied to all courses taken, regardless of academic level.
- Graduate Tuition Remission: Graduate tuition support will begin after the student has exhausted the eight-semester funding package. This timing will normally correspond with being awarded the bachelor’s degree and formally entering graduate school. Beginning in the 9th semester, graduate tuition support will cover all classes taken, regardless of academic level. Students who do not complete the undergraduate degree by the end of the 8th semester will still follow this funding pattern.
Graduate School Policies and Accelerating Seniors (New Catalog Statement)
Undergraduate students approved for accelerated masters’ programs are subject to all Graduate School policies and expectations throughout their time in the program, including the semesters prior to formal acceptance into the Graduate School. These expectations include the GPA-related probation and dismissal policies, as well as the policies for professional conduct and academic progress. Students in violation of these policies may be dismissed from an accelerated program without being dismissed from the undergraduate program.