Earn your bachelor's and master's degrees faster

The University of Iowa's Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) programs allow students to begin graduate coursework while finishing their undergraduate degree, often reducing the time needed to earn both degrees. Many students can complete a bachelor's and master's degree in five years instead of six. 

 

How U2G works

  • Plan Early
    • Students should explore U2G options as early as possible to ensure required coursework aligns with both degrees.
  • Apply During Junior Year
  • Complete the Blended Year
    • During the senior year, approved courses can count toward both degrees.
    • Students remain undergraduate students and pay undergraduate tuition.
  • Transition to Graduate Status
    • After the bachelor's degree is awarded, students enter full graduate standing and complete the remaining graduate requirements.

 

Eligibility highlights

 

To be considered for a U2G program, students generally must:

  • Be classified as a third- or fourth-year undergraduate student.
  • Have a cumulative UI GPA of 3.25 or higher when applying.
  • Maintain a cumulative UI GPA of 3.0 or higher to transition into graduate-only status.

Some programs may have additional admission requirements.

 

Why students choose U2G

  • Save time by accelerating your path to a graduate degree.
  • Double count selected courses toward both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, reducing the number of total credits needed.
  • Stay at undergraduate tuition rates during the blended U2G year until your bachelor's degree is officially awarded.
  • Transition smoothly from undergraduate study into a graduate program at Iowa.

Request Information about U2G Programs

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Hannah Crowell

“I chose to do the U2G program because I would be getting my master’s degree right away. Teachers automatically get paid more if they’re hired with a master’s degree, which was super beneficial for me."

Hannah Crowell, BA Chemistry, MAT Science Education

Chemistry teacher, Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School

Vincent Parcelli

“(U2G) helped further my knowledge from my undergraduate (studies). It made me more marketable than if I only had my bachelor’s degree. I learned so many skills in the U2G program.”

Vincent Parcelli, BBA, MS, Business Analytics

Data Analytics Developer, Kru-Marc, Inc., Naperville, Ill.

U2G Programs

A current list of UI graduate degree programs that offer a U2G option is below. Some require that students are enrolled in a specific undergraduate major or degree objective to be eligible while others do not have this application requirement, as shown below. Click on the link to navigate to degree program details including program-specific admissions requirements.

 

Carver College of Medicine

College of Business

Business Analytics (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) MS (any UI undergraduate major/degree, contact Tippie Graduate Programs at tippie-grad-programs@uiowa.edu for more information)

Business Analytics (Artificial Intelligence and Technology Management) MS  (any UI undergraduate major/degree, contact Tippie Graduate Programs at tippie-grad-programs@uiowa.edu for more information)

Business Analytics (Finance Analytics) MS (any UI undergraduate major/degree, contact Tippie Graduate Programs at tippie-grad-programs@uiowa.edufor more information)

College of Education

Contact College of Education admissions at ask-education@uiowa.edu for more information on any of their U2G programs.

College of Engineering

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

College of Nursing

College of Public Health

Contact College of Public Health admissions for more information on any of their U2G programs. MPH U2G programs accept applicants from Coe College, Cornell College, Grinnell College, and Luther College.

Graduate College

Key takeaway

U2G is designed for high-achieving students who want to accelerate their education, reduce time to a graduate credential, and gain a competitive edge in their careers while maximizing the value of their undergraduate experience

Additional questions? Please refer to our U2G student handbook or feel free to reach out to Academic Affairs in the Graduate College at gradcoll@uiowa.edu.