Accelerated Learning Opportunities
Accelerated Learning Opportunities
UAB offers several pathways for high-achieving undergraduates to reduce the time and cost required to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees. These options include Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) programs, Fast-Track programs, and Early Acceptance to graduate study. Additional information is available at: https://www.uab.edu/graduate/programs/accelerated-learning-opportunities.
Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) Program
The Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program allows qualified undergraduate students to take graduate-level coursework that applies toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Once admitted, ABM students may take up to 12 hours of approved 500/600-level graduate courses that count toward both degrees, reducing the time required to earn a master’s degree.
Requirements
UAB undergraduate degree-seeking students may begin the ABM program after earning 60 or more undergraduate hours, including at least 36 hours completed at UAB. Transfer students are eligible after earning 60 or more undergraduate hours, of which at least 24 hours must be completed at UAB. *
ABM applicants must have a minimum 3.5 UAB undergraduate GPA, or higher if required by the specific program. Individual programs may set stricter GPA requirements and may allow fewer than 12 shared credit hours. Post-baccalaureate students are not eligible for ABM or Fast-Track programs.
Permission to enroll in graduate courses is granted by the Graduate School once all eligibility criteria—and any additional program requirements—have been met. Upon admission, students begin an approved master’s program of study. ABM students must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate and graduate coursework. Programs may require higher GPAs or minimum grades in specific courses.
Undergraduate students enrolled in ABM must register for at least 6 undergraduate hours per term in addition to any graduate coursework. Approved shared-credit hours count toward this 6-hour minimum. Students enrolled in a summer term, or in their final undergraduate semester with fewer than 6 hours remaining, are exempt from this requirement.
ABM students must apply for degree and graduate in the semester in which all undergraduate requirements are completed, at which point they transition to graduate student status. Exceptions to this policy require Graduate School approval.
* All UAB undergraduate students must adhere to the residency requirement outlined in the undergraduate catalog.
How to Apply
Students who meet the requirements may apply after completing the following:
- Meet with the Accelerated Learning Opportunities Manager to confirm eligibility and review application requirements.
- Meet with the Undergraduate Advisor and relevant Graduate Program Director(s) to discuss degree requirements.
- Complete the ABM Form—including all required approvals—and submit it to the Graduate School.*
- Submit departmental application materials as required by the program.
* After approval, students may adjust future shared-credit courses only. Previously shared courses cannot be removed from the ABM plan. Exceptions require Graduate School approval.
Program Completion
Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, students are recertified as graduate-level degree-seeking students and charged graduate tuition rates.
Fast-Track Programs
Fast-Track programs allow qualified undergraduates to begin graduate coursework before completing the bachelor’s degree. Students pay undergraduate tuition for graduate courses taken while still classified as undergraduates, allowing them to complete a master’s degree more efficiently. Unlike ABM programs, credits cannot be shared between the undergraduate and graduate degrees; however, some master’s programs may waive equivalent course content completed during undergraduate study.
Requirements
Requirements vary by program but typically include:
- Completion of at least 60 undergraduate hours, including at least 36 hours earned at UAB.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA to enroll in master’s-level courses.
- Transfer students must have at least 24 UAB hours within the 60 total required.*
Programs may also specify prerequisite courses, limit eligibility to certain majors, or require completion of the bachelor’s degree before full admission.
Undergraduates in Fast-Track programs must enroll in at least 6 undergraduate hours per term in addition to any graduate coursework. Students enrolled in a summer term or in their final undergraduate semester with fewer than 6 hours remaining are exempt. Students must apply for degree and graduate in the term they complete all undergraduate requirements, after which they transition to graduate status. Exceptions require Graduate School approval.
* All UAB undergraduate students must adhere to the residency requirement in the undergraduate catalog.
Program Completion
After completing their undergraduate degree, students are recertified as graduate-level degree-seeking students and billed at the graduate tuition rate.
Early Acceptance to Graduate School
Early Acceptance programs are designed for academically superior high-school students and allow them to be conditionally admitted to the UAB Graduate School at the time they are admitted to an undergraduate program.
Requirements
Eligible students are notified of Early Acceptance status upon matriculation into their undergraduate degree. To maintain eligibility, students must:
- Earn a minimum 3.5 UAB undergraduate GPA
- Complete all required prerequisites for their intended graduate program
- Maintain continuous enrollment at UAB
Students must submit an online application to enter one of the participating master’s programs.
How to Apply
Eligible students may submit an Early Acceptance application after completing the following steps:
- Meet with the Student and Academic Services Manager to verify eligibility and review requirements.
- Meet with the relevant Graduate Program Director(s) to discuss graduate program expectations.
- Submit the Early Acceptance application by the program’s stated deadline.
Once prerequisites are verified and the application is submitted, eligible students are automatically admitted to the participating graduate program.