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Accelerated Master's Frequently Asked Questions

The “2” refers to two years of community college work many UMSL students complete before coming to campus. The “3” refers to the upper level undergraduate and graduate coursework pursued at UMSL.
Yes, it is possible and sample schedules are available. However, students who transfer in coursework from elsewhere and/or have other scheduling constraints might take longer.
You get two degrees, BS and MS, but they are awarded at the same time at the completion of the entire program. If this does not suit you, we recommend the traditional route with two graduation semesters (one for each degree).
12.
6 credit hours are typically accepted by the Graduate School. These will include any 4000 level courses taken while in provisional status.
Admission requirements are detailed in the bulletin (link pending). Briefly, you must have completed all courses in the biology, chemistry, math and physics cores of the BS BCBT program. CHEM/BIO 4712 must be in progress (or complete) at the time of application. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (both overall and in science courses). You must also submit two letters of recommendation (one instructor and one academic advisor is recommended).
Yes, but you cannot apply any courses applied to that prior to BS degree to your MS degree.
By completing and submitting the provisional form available at the Graduate School website.
Yes. That will mean you will not have a provisional term and if admitted, become a graduate student (and pay graduate tuition) in the next term.
Up to 6 graduate credit hours while you have provisional graduate status. These may count toward both degrees. You pay undergraduate tuition for all courses taken while still classified as an undergraduate.
Undergraduates must complete a C1 form before registering for a graduate course. Being in the 2+3 program does not eliminate this requirement.

At the Graduate School website

It must be signed by your undergraduate advisor, the Program Director, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate Dean. 

Typically this is one semester of coursework. Since you are still an undergraduate, this will probably be 12-15 credit hours. Only 6 credit hours taken while provisional can be applied to the MS program.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is needed to obtain an MS degree. If performance is not consistent with this goal, your application for formal admission may be denied.
Yes, as long as they appear as MS courses. This could be CHEM 4733 and/or CHEM 4722 for example.
You will apply during the semester before you begin taking mostly/all graduate courses. Standard MS application requirements and deadlines apply.
This process and requirements are identical for all MS BCBT students: You apply online.
No.
Yes. Once you are a graduate student, you pay graduate tuition on all courses you take. This is good incentive to get all of your undergraduate core and general education coursework completed while still classified as an undergraduate, as those credits will be cheaper.

Yes, up to the 12 hour limit mentioned above. There are two types of classes that can “count twice”:

  • 4000 level courses that appear in both programs as either electives or required courses; common choices would be CHEM 4722 and CHEM 4733, which are required for the BS and are also MS program courses. Electives in both programs are CHEM 4772 and BIOL 4842.

  • 5/6000 level courses that will typically be counted for both programs. These could include BIOL 6615 and either BIOL 6602 or BIOL 6612.
Yes. Anything in the BS program that is not also listed in the MS program (e.g. CHEM/BIOL 4797).
BCBT MS applicants to the dual program must have completed the core courses in biology, chemistry, math and physics and CHEM/BIOL 4712 must be completed or in progress. This is to ensure appropriate preparation for graduate work. It is also recommended that you complete your general education requirements.
No. For example, if you take CHEM 4733 before you apply to provisional status, it can count toward the graduate degree.
You may be able to work with your undergrad advisor to successfully navigate undergraduate requirements, but you may also work with another advisor to navigate the MS requirements.
Yes, provided you have met all BS requirements. However, any courses you apply to this degree cannot be applied toward any future graduate program.
No. In this program, both degrees are awarded at the same time. Therefore you cannot join this program once you have received your BS. If you chose to pursue the MS degree, it will proceed in the traditional way.