Start your master's before you finish your bachelor's.
Qualified SAU undergraduates can earn graduate credit while completing their bachelor’s degree — then apply it toward an SAU master’s.
graduate credit hours you can earn before your bachelor’s is awarded
participating master’s programs: MAT, MBA, MCIS, and MPA
undergraduate-to-graduate pathways across the university
What Is SAU's Accelerated Master's Program?
Southern Arkansas University’s Accelerated Master’s Program allows qualified SAU undergraduate students to begin earning graduate-level credit while completing their bachelor’s degree. Depending on the participating program, eligible students may earn up to 12 graduate credit hours that can later apply toward an SAU master’s degree.
How Does the Accelerated Master's Program Work?
Eligible undergraduate students take approved graduate courses that align with both their undergraduate degree and intended SAU master’s program. These courses are completed before the bachelor’s degree is awarded and may later apply toward the participating master’s degree.
The number of eligible graduate hours and approved courses varies by pathway.
Benefits of an Accelerated Master's
Begin making progress toward a master’s degree before completing your bachelor’s degree.
Earn up to 12 graduate credit hours at undergraduate tuition rates.
Save time and money while completing an advanced degree.
Transition more seamlessly from undergraduate to graduate study.
Complete your master’s degree sooner and strengthen your qualifications for career advancement.
Start with your current major below. Each card lists the graduate program it leads to.
Available Accelerated Master's Pathways
Each pathway pairs an SAU bachelor’s degree with the master’s it leads to. Find your major, then request information from that program’s director.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Prepare for a teaching career in your current field of study or another high-demand area.
- Art and Design: Studio Art, BFA → MAT
- Biology, BS → MAT
- History/Political Science: History, BA → MAT
- History/Political Science: Political Science, BA → MAT
- Mathematics, BS → MAT
- Modern Languages: English, BA → MAT
- Modern Languages: Foreign Language, BA → MAT
- Modern Languages: Spanish, BA → MAT
- Modern Languages: Writing, BA → MAT
- Performing Arts: Technical Theatre, BFA → MAT
- Performing Arts: Theatre–Acting, BFA → MAT
- University Studies, BUS → MAT
Licensure note: Arkansas licensure rules limit MAT students to 6 credit hours before passing the required licensure exam. The MAT Program Director will advise on course sequencing and requirements.
Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
Build a strong foundation in computer systems and software while specializing in Data Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity & Privacy, or Artificial Intelligence.
- Computer Science, BS → MS
- Data Science
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Artificial Intelligence
Master of Business Administration
Develop in-demand skills for careers in finance, management, analytics, healthcare, and more through an AACSB-accredited program.
- Business Administration, BBA → MBA
- Criminal Justice, BS → MBA
- Mass Communication: Mass Media, BA → MBA
- History/Political Science: History, BA → MBA
- History/Political Science: Political Science, BA → MBA
- Psychology, BS → MBA
- Modern Languages: English, BA → MBA
- Modern Languages: Writing, BA → MBA
- Dr. Esther Mead
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Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Data Science / Business Graduate Director
Master of Public Administration
Gain the skills needed for careers in government, nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and public service.
- Criminal Justice, BS → MPA
- History/Political Science: History, BA → MPA
- History/Political Science: Political Science, BA → MPA
- Mass Communication: Mass Media, BA → MPA
- Psychology, BS → MPA
- Modern Languages: English, BA → MPA
- Modern Languages: Writing, BA → MPA
How to Get Started
Review the available undergraduate-to-graduate pathways.
Contact the advisor for your intended graduate program.
Confirm your eligibility and identify the approved graduate courses for your pathway.
Complete the required approval and enrollment process with your advisor.
Apply for admission to the graduate program according to the program’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SAU's Accelerated Master's Program?
Eligibility requirements vary by graduate program. Students should consult the appropriate program advisor to confirm GPA, classification, prerequisite, and course requirements.
How many graduate hours can I earn as an undergraduate?
Depending on the participating program, eligible students may earn up to 12 graduate credit hours while completing their bachelor’s degree. Some pathways, particularly programs leading to professional licensure, may have different limits.
Will my graduate courses count toward both degrees?
Approved courses may satisfy requirements established for a participating accelerated pathway. Students must work with both their undergraduate and graduate program advisors to determine how each course will apply.
How much do Accelerated Master's courses cost?
Approved graduate courses completed through an accelerated pathway may be charged at the applicable undergraduate tuition rate. Students should confirm current tuition, fees, and financial-aid implications before enrolling.
When should I contact a program advisor?
Students should begin discussing the program with an advisor during their junior year or as soon as they become interested. Planning early helps ensure that approved graduate courses fit within the undergraduate degree plan.
Does participating guarantee admission to graduate school?
No. Students must meet the admission requirements for their intended SAU graduate program and complete the applicable graduate application process.
Ready to get a head start?
Talk with the director of the graduate program you have in mind. They will confirm your eligibility and map the approved courses to your degree plan.
