5 Years, Two Degrees: Your Complete Guide to UAlbany’s Combined Programs

A young woman with long hair wearing a black shirt, looking confidently at the camera.
by Smrithy Mudavangattil Sajan, MS in Information Science UAlbany Student

The idea of a combined undergraduate and graduate program may sound intimidating, and it initially did to me, but many faculty members and peers will be there to guide you. The combined program allows students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in less time than it would take to do them separately by allowing undergraduate students to take graduate classes while pursuing their bachelor’s degree and using those credits towards both degrees. 

I came across the combined program for the Informatics BS/Information Science MS, as I was looking at different master’s programs the Graduate School offers. Below is some information that may help guide you as you explore some combined programs: 

How to apply to a combined program:

  • Take a look at UAlbany’s current combined programs and see if any of them align with your interests based on your bachelor's degree.
  • Once you are a junior with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (required GPA for most combined programs) you are eligible to apply for the program.
  • Make sure to review the required application materials and deadlines for the application.

Advantages of a combined program:

  • Most of the time the GRE requirements are waived.
  • Save time! You can take up to 12 credits of graduate-level courses that will double count towards your bachelor's and master's degree possibly allowing you to complete your master’s degree in as little as one year Save money! The graduate credits are charged at an undergraduate rate and the enrollment deposit is waived.
  • Gain early exposure to graduate-level coursework.
  • Increase career opportunities as you can tackle graduate-level coursework.

Things I wish I knew:

  • Speak with current combined program students to gain insight into their experiences.
  • Apply to the graduate program as soon as you are a junior, this way you can have at least 3-4 semesters to take 12 credits of graduate-level courses.
  • Faculty members in combined programs sometimes teach both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Try to obtain a letter of recommendation from them if you have them as a professor.
  • Ensure that at least two of your letters of recommendation come from professors who know you well and can talk about your academic abilities. 

And if you have any questions along the way, make sure to contact your undergraduate advisor or the Graduate School!