Accelerated Degree Programs
Interested in speeding up the time it takes to complete 2 degrees? Your dream career may be closer than you think.
Through Mississippi State University’s Thrive in Five accelerated degree program, you can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 short years. While graduating faster than the typical 6 years, you’ll enter the workforce quickly and start earning sooner.
Is Thrive in Five right for you? MSU’s accelerated program attracts several different types of students such as:
- the self-motivated high school graduate with Advanced Placement courses who wants to continue a fast pace to the finish line
- the highly skilled community college graduate who’s looking for a flexible, fast way to climb the ladder and achieve career goals
- the eager college student who has some degree coursework and is looking for, but hasn’t quite found, the perfect degree program
Research shows that employees with a master’s degree earn an average of $689 more per week than workers with only a high school diploma. Over the course of a lifetime, this can make a huge difference in earnings and quality of life. Equipped with two degrees, you’ll also be seen by employers as a job candidate that possesses the critical thinking skills valued today in the global marketplace more than ever.
Programs
Qualified students can earn an undergraduate and graduate degree within 5 years through the Thrive in Five accelerated degree program at Mississippi State University.
Each degree program is designed to help undergraduate students earn both undergraduate and graduate credit concurrently. Up to 15 graduate hours can be applied toward each undergraduate and graduate degree. Requirements may vary depending on the program you choose. Please contact the advisor listed in the program links below to ensure the graduate-level courses you take will count toward the undergraduate degree requirements.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Animal and Dairy Science
Contact:
Jamie Larson, Associate Professor
jlarson@ads.msstate.edu
662-325-0040
Agribusiness Management
Contact:
Matthew Janzen, Instructor
mgj50@msstate.edu
662-325-0848
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fashion, Design, and Merchandising (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Catherine Black, Professor
School of Human Sciences
cmb1356@msstate.edu
662-325-6555
Human Development and Family Sciences (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Tommy Phillips, Associate Professor
School of Human Sciences
tom.phillips@msstate.edu
662-325-0655
Landscape Architecture (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Chou Li, Associate Professor & Graduate Coordinator
cl1004@msstate.edu
662-325-7898
Plant and Soil Sciences
Poultry Science
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
History
Mathematics and Statistics (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Mohammad Sepehrifar, Associate Professor & Associate Director
msepehrifar@math.msstate.edu
662-325-7145
Public Policy & Administration
College of Education
Educational Psychology (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Dan Gadke, Associate Professor & Head
Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations
dgadke@colled.msstate.edu
662-325-3312
Instructional Systems and Workforce Development
Bagley College of Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Biological Engineering
Contact:
Fei Yu, Graduate Coordinator
fyu@abe.msstate.edu
662-325-0206
Biomedical Engineering
Contact:
Steve Elder, Graduate Coordinator
selder@abe.msstate.edu
662-325-9107
Swalm School of Chemical Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Master of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Bagley College of Engineering / College of Business
Industrial and Systems Engineering / Master of Business Administration
College of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medical Science (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Larry Hanson, Professor
hanson@cvm.msstate.edu
662-325-1202
College of Forest Resources
Sustainable Bioproducts (Begins Fall 2020)
Contact:
Rubin Shmulsky, Professor & Head
rs26@msstate.edu
662-325-2116
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Why should I consider enrolling in a Thrive in Five accelerated program?
You can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 short years instead of the typical 6. This allows you to save time and money, while helping you reach that dream career faster, enter the workforce and begin earning sooner.
Who can enroll in a Thrive in Five accelerated program?
Any undergraduate student who has completed at least 60 hours of coursework and has at least a 3.00 GPA can apply to be a part of the Thrive in Five program. Each accelerated program has an advisor that can give you specific details on the one you are interested in and on whether the program is a good fit for you. Visit the Thrive in Five Programs page to learn more about the exciting programs offered in 6 colleges.
How do I apply to be in a Thrive in Five program?
Contact the Thrive in Five program advisor for the program you are interested in and the advisor will guide you through the application process. Admission criteria may differ between programs and are determined by the departments. Visit the Thrive in Five Programs page to find the program advisor.
Can I take graduate-level courses while I’m an undergraduate student and count them toward both my undergraduate degree and my graduate degree?
Yes. In fact, we encourage you to do so. Up to 15 graduate hours can be applied toward each undergraduate and graduate degree. Requirements may vary depending on the Thrive in Five Program you choose. Please contact the program advisor to make sure the graduate-level courses you take will count toward the undergraduate degree requirements.
Am I assured admission into the MSU Graduate School if I am accepted into a Thrive in Five program?
You apply to the MSU Graduate School as part of Thrive in Five. Each program offered has its own specific requirements for graduate admission and the advisor for your program will help you with this process. Visit the Thrive in Five programs page to find the advisor for each program.
Will I graduate with a bachelor's degree and master's degree at the same time as a Thrive in Five student?
No. You’ll graduate with your bachelor's degree prior to earning your graduate degree.
What if I take graduate courses as an undergrad and then decide I don’t want to continue on into graduate school?
That’s not a problem. You still will graduate with a bachelor’s degree because any graduate courses you’ve taken while in the Thrive in Five program will also satisfy your undergraduate requirements.