Who is the program for?
Accelerated Programs give high-achieving Baylor undergraduate students the opportunity to get a head start on their graduate education and gain a competitive advantage in today’s job market.
Through approved bachelor's-to-master's pathways, you can earn both degrees in less time and money than pursuing them separately while building the knowledge, experience, and confidence to take the next step in your career. The Hankamer School of Business offers accelerated pathways leading to a Master of Accountancy, Master of Taxation, Master of Business Administration, MS in Business Analytics or MS in Economics, designed to help you move forward with purpose.
What Is an Accelerated Program?
An accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program also known as 4+1, allows undergraduate students to begin graduate-level coursework before earning their bachelor's degree.
By taking approved graduate courses as an undergraduate student, you can make progress toward both degrees simultaneously. Depending on your program, some coursework may count toward both your bachelor's and master's degree requirements.
The result is simple:
- Earn your master's degree sooner
- Maximize your time at Baylor
- Strengthen your career opportunities
- Increase the value of your education investment
View available accelerated program degree options below.
Accounting Accelerated Programs
Prepare for advanced careers in accounting, audit, assurance, advisory services, and financial reporting.
Develop specialized tax expertise and prepare for careers in public accounting, corporate taxation, consulting, and compliance.
Pair your accounting foundation with leadership, strategy, analytics, and management skills.
Economics Accelerated Programs
Build advanced expertise in economic analysis, forecasting, business strategy, and public policy.
Combine a broad academic foundation with graduate-level economics training.
Develop advanced quantitative and analytical skills for today's data-driven economy.
STEM-to-Business Accelerated Programs
Combine technical expertise with business leadership and strategic decision-making.
Prepare for leadership roles where business innovation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship intersect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Save Time & Money
- Time: By taking approved graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s, you can complete both degrees within one year of your planned undergraduate graduation date, depending on your academic pathway.
- Money: Less time can result in less tuition costs since some coursework counts towards both your bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements.
Maximize Scholarship Opportunities
Undergraduate merit scholarships continue through your eighth semester and may apply to approved graduate-level coursework for students in an accelerated program. Accelerated students who are then admitted to a master’s degree may receive graduate tuition scholarship support according to program guidelines. Visit the One-Stop Student Financial Services web page to learn more.
Gain a Competitive Career Advantage
A master's degree can help you develop specialized expertise, expand your professional network, and prepare for greater leadership responsibility. Graduate business students also receive support from a dedicated career team focused exclusively on graduate student success.
Step 1: Meet with Your Undergraduate Advisor
Determine eligibility. Students typically begin exploring accelerated master's degree opportunities after completing approximately 60 credit hours or upper-level coursework in their major.
Step 2: Submit an Accelerated Program Interest Form
Submit the Accelerated Program Interest Form. Students typically submit an Interest Form in their junior year and prior to registering for senior-year courses. This form is considered the student’s initial application for an accelerated program.
The Graduate Program Director for your intended master’s program will review your Interest Form to determine if you are approved to join the accelerated program. An interview may be required depending on the program.
Accelerated Program Interest Form
Participation in an accelerated program does not replace graduate admissions. A separate application for Graduate School is required. Eligibility for your intended master’s degree in Graduate School is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress as an accelerated student.
Step 3: Develop Your Academic Plan
Work with undergraduate and graduate advisors to identify approved graduate coursework and build a plan toward both degrees. Most accelerated students will complete their undergraduate degree prior to finishing their graduate degree requirements.
Step 4: Apply to Graduate School
At least one semester prior to completing your bachelor’s degree, apply to the Graduate School. Consult with your graduate program director to determine your desired term of entry for Graduate School. Some application materials that you submitted with your Interest Form may be used in place of required application materials. Follow instructions in the application for your intended master’s degree program.
Step 5: Transition Into Your Graduate Program
Upon admission to Graduate School, students work with their graduate program director to complete requirements for their master’s degree.
Admission decisions are based on a holistic review that may include:
- Academic performance
- GPA
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
- Program-specific requirements
- Interviews, if required
Eligibility requirements vary by graduate program.
The best graduate education does more than build expertise. It shapes leaders.
At Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, our graduate programs are grounded in faith, powered by integrity, and strengthened by a community committed to your success. We believe leadership is about more than personal achievement. It's about creating value for others, serving with purpose, and making a meaningful impact wherever you're called to lead.
A Baylor graduate business degree helps you gain the skills employers are seeking while developing the character organizations trust.
You already have the ambition. Now you have the opportunity to accelerate it.
Explore Baylor's Accelerated Programs in Business and discover how an accelerated pathway can help you earn your bachelor's and master's degree, save time, and prepare for what's next.
