Often referred to by such names as 4+1s, 3+2s, or dual degrees, Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) programs are an important part of the UI landscape. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete two degrees, a bachelor's and a master's, in five years instead of six.

Frequently asked questions about Iowa's Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) programs. Please see the FAQs for a list of bachelor's degrees paired with master's degrees.

U2G pathway

Admission and Acceptance

Student submits an application to the Graduate College Admissions during the first or second semester of their junior year. See links below for specific application requirements for each program. 

*Minimum requirements:

  • Students who begin undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa complete at least 80 semester hours of undergraduate work (earned at the University of Iowa) prior to admission consideration.
  • Students who began undergraduate studies at another institution and transferred to the University of Iowa must complete at least 30 semester hours of undergraduate work (earned at the University of Iowa) prior to admission consideration.
  • UI cumulative GPA of 3.25
  • U2G or blended sessions are usually completed during the senior year (i.e., senior classification/standing)
  • UI cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater at the time the student transitions to graduate-only status

*Please note: some programs have more stringent requirements, e.g., GRE requirements. Please check with the department for specific requirements.

Students who are accepted into Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) programs will be notified by their program area. Students will normally receive an acceptance letter during the spring of their junior year.

Senior Year

Students are assessed undergraduate level tuition and fees during their first year of the Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) program (students' fourth or senior year), and until the bachelor's degree is conferred. Students should follow regular deadlines for submitting their undergraduate application for degree.

At the end of their first year, students will have completed all the requirements for their bachelor's degree and may participate in the commencement ceremony for conferral of their bachelor's degree.

Graduate Year

Students are assessed graduate-level tuition and fees beginning in the semester after the bachelor’s degree is conferred and until the graduate degree is completed.

During their second year of the program, the student will enroll fully into their graduate degree program. They will continue with their degree plan of study and should apply for graduation in accordance with the graduation application deadlines.

Program Complete

Once the master’s degree has been conferred, the program is complete. For some programs, a master’s degree is considered a terminal degree.

Undergraduate Majors

Some graduate programs require that U2G students are enrolled in a specific undergraduate major or degree objective, others do not have this requirement. The list below shows which undergraduate majors may be admitted to which graduate programs. Click on the graduate degree name to link to graduate program information, including program-specific admissions requirements.