Accelerated Graduate Program
Virginia Tech’s accelerated graduate programs let qualifying undergraduate engineering students begin graduate coursework early and count select credits toward both degrees — saving time and money while expanding research and career opportunities.
Why choose an accelerated master’s?
- Save time. Finish your graduate degree sooner by double-counting eligible graduate credits
- Reduce cost. Lower overall tuition and living expenses by taking fewer semesters for your graduate degree.
- Jump-start research and your future career. Begin graduate-level research, internships, and industry connections during your senior year.
- Opt for flexible pathways. Choose from multiple department tracks and combinations (M.S., thesis M.S., M.eng, and direct Ph.D.).
How do I sign up for the accelerated master’s program?
- Explore eligible programs and check your department’s BS→MS/MEng/PhD listings and requirements.
- Talk with your advisor and confirm that your plan (courses, double-count credits) fits your major’s curriculum.
- Apply to the graduate program by following the Grad School accelerated application process.
- Take approved graduate courses as an undergraduate and, with department approval, select grad courses that may double-count.
- Finish your B.S., then complete the M.S./M.Eng/Ph.D. requirements. Enjoy an expedited schedule and stronger research/career options.
Most programs accept applications in third year or early fourth year. Double-counting varies across programs and is decided at the department level. Computer science students graduating in three years may apply to the accelerated program as early as their sophomore year.
FAQs
A pathway that allows students to begin graduate coursework as undergraduates and count approved credits toward both degrees, shortening time to degree.
Most departments accept applications in your third year or early fourth year; confirm department deadlines and Grad School requirements. See Grad School application instructions.
Students can double-count classes in the last two semesters of undergraduate status (two semesters of senior status).
All programs allow for double counting of 12 credit hours.
Assistantships and financial support are department-specific. Review departmental funding pages or contact your department’s graduate team for current opportunities.
No, terms in which a student completes a co-op do not count as the two semesters of senior status.
When you are applying to the Virginia Tech Graduate School in Slate, choose the semester after your undergraduate graduation. This would be your first semester of graduate status.
Example:
Spring 2026 undergraduate degree awarded — apply to Graduate School for Fall 2026
Fall 2026 undergraduate degree awarded — apply to Graduate School for Spring 2027
Spring 2027 undergraduate degree awarded — apply to Graduate School for Fall 2027
All departments require a minimum GPA of 3.3 to be considered for the accelerated graduate program(s).
Student success stories and testimonials
Jacob Davis, aerospace engineering
“I like that the accelerated master's degree allowed me to onboard as a senior and take graduate-level work. The program has turned me into a researcher who can ask questions, run experiments, and analyze data — that’ll be very important for my future and my career.”
Reagan Fields, civil and environmental engineering
“Virginia Tech made it easy to continue my education through the accelerated master’s program. I’m able to earn both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in four years while gaining specialized knowledge in construction that will directly apply to my career. It’s a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge, work with new people, and opens the door to even more opportunities post-graduation.”
Casey Munk, computer science
“Coming into college, I was set on not getting a master's. But I think of the accelerated program as a 50% off coupon, because you get the same amount of knowledge, and you're doing it in one year. I decided to get a computer science degree on top of my biomedical bachelor’s degree to diversify my skill set. Especially with the tough job market now, it's really going to set me ahead of other people.
Catherine Caputo, construction engineering and management
Dual-counting some of my classes as a senior really helped me get ahead in my grad program. Also, the accelerated master’s program has given me time to study for my Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer, rather than trying to take time from a job to do that. I’m in the school mindset already—and I passed that first exam in January.