Collage of graduate students and alumni in school classrooms and at Commencements

Accelerated Master’s Pathways

The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) offers several Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMPs) to undergraduate students at UVM. The AMP allows early admission to graduate studies with up to 6-9 credits double-counted toward both the bachelor's and master’s degrees. 

Accelerated master’s degrees allow you to save money and complete a graduate degree in less time, meaning quicker entry into a variety of professions. For many positions in education and social services, entry into the profession with a master’s degree means starting higher on the salary scale.

Eligibility Criteria

  • UVM undergraduate students with Junior or Senior standing
  • Have an expressed interest in advanced learning and professional preparation in education and social services
  • Currently have or will soon possess sufficient prerequisite coursework specific to the graduate program of interest

What AMPs are available in CESS?

Course Prerequisites and Degree Requirements

Prospective students should consult with the Graduate Program Coordinator for the particular program to determine the prerequisites (see table below for links). Students that do not meet pre-requisites may be given conditional admission to the AMP, but would have to complete these courses in addition to the credits applied to the Master's degree.

CESS Accelerated Master's Degree Pathways (AMPs)
CESS Graduate ProgramGRE Required?Credit HoursLeads to State Licensure?AMP Program Coordinator
Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed)No30Certain StrandsGillian Homsted
Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (MEd)No30NoGillian Homsted
Middle Level Education (MAT)No33-37YesGillian Homsted
Secondary Education (MATNo31YesGillian Homsted
Special Education (MEd)No30-36YesKelly Swindlehurst

Application Procedures

Step 1

Please contact the appropriate AMP Coordinator (see email links for each of them in the table above) to schedule an appointment to learn more about the program, what graduate courses may be taken while an undergraduate student and when they are offered, and to complete the AMP permission form required by the UVM Graduate College. Completion of this form is part of the academic advising process particular to each AMP and requires signatures from both the AMP Program Coordinator and the prospective student’s undergraduate advisor. This form must be uploaded to the Application for Graduate Study.

Step 2

Prospective students must apply for admission through the UVM Graduate College. Each graduate program maintains its own application deadline. Apply to your program of interest the semester prior to their intended start time. For example, spring course taking as an AMP student requires completion of all paperwork and securing of acceptances during the preceding fall semester. Prospective AMP students are strongly encouraged to be in contact with Gillian Homsted to discuss application procedures.

  • Sandra King

    AMP Success Spotlight: Sandra King, M.Ed.

    “I wanted to become a teacher my whole life, since kindergarten, actually,” says Sandra King G'23, who completed the accelerated master’s pathway in special education after earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Sandra is deeply committed to the field and the holistic wellness of youth, families, and communities through inclusive and culturally responsive practices.

Information Session

Learn more about our AMPs in one of our virtual information sessions:

See Dates & Register

 

Contact Us

For questions about our graduate programs or application procedures, contact Gillian Homsted at email at Gillian.Homsted@uvm.edu or call 802-656-1446. You can also connect with our Office of Graduate Student & Program Services.

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