What does an Accelerated Master’s Program Offer UVM Students?

In the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) we offer a variety of Accelerated Master's Programs (AMPs) to undergraduates at UVM.

The AMP allows early admission to graduate studies with up to 6 concurrent credits double-counted toward the bachelor's and master’s degrees, effectively a 6 credit scholarship for the graduate program. Some of our AMP programs also allow students to take an additional 3 credits (for a total of 9 credits) of graduate coursework while still in your undergraduate program.

Why It Makes Sense for You

• Accelerated master’s degrees UVM students to complete a CESS graduate degree in less time, meaning quicker entry into a variety of professions.
• Out of pocket expenses for an AMP program are much lower than completing a graduate program after college.
• For many positions in education and social services, entry into the profession with a master’s degree means starting higher on the salary schedule.

Who is Eligible?

UVM undergraduate students in any major who meet all of the following criteria:

• Currently Junior or Senior standing; 
• Have an expressed interest in advanced learning and professional preparation in education and social services;
• Have or will soon possess sufficient prerequisite coursework specific to the graduate program of interest (for example, programs leading to teacher certification will require sufficient content area background equivalent to ~25 credit hours of college coursework).

What AMP Graduate Degree Programs are Available in CESS?

Visit the web page of your choice to learn more about each program.

• Counseling (M.S.)

• Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)

• Middle Level Education (M.A.T.)

• Secondary Education (M.A.T.)

• Special Education (M.Ed.)

Course Prerequisites and Degree Requirements

Programs leading to licensure in a subject area tend to have more pre-requisite course criteria. 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.

Application Procedures

Step 1

Please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator (see email link in the table above) to learn more about the program, and to complete the AMP Permission Form. Completion of this form is part of the academic advising process particular to each AMP. Through their consultation and completion of this form, prospective students will learn what graduate courses may be taken while an undergraduate student, and when those courses are typically offered. This form requires signatures from both the AMP Program Coordinator, as well as the prospective student’s undergraduate advisor, among others. This form must be uploaded with their Application for Graduate Study.

Step 2

Prospective students must apply for admission through the Graduate College at the University of Vermont. Each graduate program maintains its own application deadline. Apply to your graduate 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 CESS faculty and staff to discuss application procedures.