CLAS Accelerated Programs

With Accelerated Programs at UMaine, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) undergraduate students in any major can combine their bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree, and typically earn both degrees with only one extra year of coursework! Double Up students begin taking graduate-level courses in their junior or senior year. Not only will they graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but they can also save a year of tuition and, for most programs, their undergraduate aid and scholarships continue to cover part of their graduate classes.

All students seeking a bachelor’s degree in CLAS are eligible to apply for a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree program in the following accelerated programs:

  • School of Computing and Information Science 4+1 MS in Spatial Information Science and Engineering program — This on-campus program can be started in the undergraduate junior year. The non-thesis degree is aimed at students who wish to focus primarily on course work rather than research at the master’s level. Interested students must apply by the first semester of their junior year and carry a minimum 3.25 GPA.
  • School of Computing and Information Science 4+1 MS in Spatial Informatics program — This online only program can be started in the undergraduate junior year. Students build on foundations in computer science, mathematics, physics, geography, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, engineering and related fields to study spatio-temporal phenomena and design intelligent spatial information systems. Interested students must apply by the first semester of their junior year and carry a minimum 3.25 GPA.
  • School of Computing and Information Science 4+1 MS in Information Systems program — This online or on-campus program can be started in the undergraduate junior year. Students focus on technical, managerial and policy issues associated with constructing and managing computer-based information systems for modern organizations. Interested students must apply by the first semester of their junior year and carry a minimum 3.25 GPA.
  • Maine School of Business 4+1 MBA program — This condensed one-year program provides students with essential business knowledge in accounting, finance, marketing, and management, as well as to advance skills in leadership, critical thinking and analysis, and global engagement. Interested students must apply by the second semester of their junior year and carry a minimum 3.20 GPA.
  • School of Law 3+3 JD Program — This accelerated program allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree from UMaine and a law degree from Maine Law in just six years total. Interested students must apply by the first semester of their junior year.
  • MA Intermedia Art Accelerated Program — The Intermedia Program offers the opportunity for
    students to earn a non-thesis project based Master of Arts degree structured around
    interdisciplinary foundational courses culminating in an individualized creative research
    project. Students can apply the second semester of their junior year, and begin classes during
    the undergraduate senior year. A number of the required classes are available as online
    offerings.

CLAS students in select majors may also be eligible for the following Double Up programs:

  • Students earning a degree in History also have the option of applying to the Department of History’s 4+1 MA program, a highly selective program intended for students seeking credentials in entry-level employment in jobs which emphasize research, analytical skills, and critical thinking. Interested students must apply during their junior year and carry a minimum 3.50 GPA.
  • Students earning a degree in Mathematics also have the option of applying to the Department of Mathematics & Statistics’ 4+1 MA program (non-thesis option) or 4+2 program (thesis option), which prepare students in teaching or industry, with many students continuing into PhD programs. Interested students must apply during their junior year and carry a minimum 3.00 GPA.
  • Students earning a degree in Political Science or International Affairs also have the option of applying to the School of Policy & International Affair’s 4+1 MA in Global Policy program, designed to provide students with the analytical tools and professional skills necessary to help deal with some of the most pressing global challenges. Interested students must apply during their junior year and carry a minimum 3.50 GPA.

Please follow the links above or from the side menu to learn more about each program and their specific requirements.

As a CLAS undergraduate student you have an advantage when applying to attend graduate school at UMaine. Not only will your application process be streamlined, but you can start taking graduate classes in your junior year, thanks to UMaine Accelerated Programs!