Accelerated Master’s Pathways
The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) offeres several Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMPs) to undergraduate students at UVM. The AMP allows early admission to graduate studies with up to 9 credits double-counted toward both the bachelor's and master’s degrees.
Why It Makes Sense for You
- 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.
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 Programs are Available in CESS?
Visit the web page of your choice to learn more about each program.
Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (M.Ed.)
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) - Two Pathways: Middle Level Education or Secondary Education
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.
| CESS Graduate Program | GRE Required? | Credit Hours | Leads to State Licensure? | Program Coordinator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counseling (M.S.) *suspended | No | 60 | Yes | Lance Smith |
| Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (M.Ed.) | No | 33 | No | Tammy Kolbe |
| Middle Level Education (M.A.T.) | No | 33-37 | Yes | Jessica Demink-Carthew |
| Secondary Education (M.A.T.) | No | 31 | Yes | Tricia Brown |
| Special Education (M.Ed.) | No | 30-36 | Yes | Shana Haines |
Application Procedures
Step 1
Please contact the appropriate Program Coordinator (see email links for each of them in the table above) to learn more about the program, 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. 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 program faculty and staff to discuss application procedures.