Accelerated Programs

Take Control of Your Future
with an Accelerated Master’s Degree

The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers several options for our undergraduate students to start working on their Master's degree while completing their Bachelor's degree.

Five Reasons to Accelerate Your Degree

  1. Cost Savings:
    By choosing an accelerated degree program, you’ll pay undergraduate tuition rates for graduate coursework taken in your junior and senior years, saving you thousands of dollars in comparison to a traditional degree program. You can earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees within five years, saving you time, and you’ll pay no application fees for your graduate program.

     
  2. More Job Opportunities:
    In recent years, 74% of employers raised their educational standards, with many now preferring or requiring candidates with master’s degrees over bachelor's degrees. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predict jobs requiring master’s degrees to grow almost 17% by 2026, the fastest of all education levels.
     
  3. Improved Chances for Promotion:
    Most people pursue an advanced degree to help them move to the next stage in their career. Pursuing an accelerated master’s degree ideally positions you to move to roles with higher responsibility and leadership much more quickly. Senior positions in many companies often ask for substantial experience, however they often will accept less experience if paired with a master’s degree.
     
  4. Supportive Environment: 
    Choosing to pursue an accelerated master’s gives you the opportunity to stay connected to the faculty and staff who have advised and encouraged you, while expanding your knowledge, skills, and network as you transition to your master’s coursework. This combination provides you with an environment dedicated to ensuring your success.
     
  5. Higher Compensation: 
    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earning potential for someone with an advanced degree (master’s or professional) has been steadily rising since 2011. Data shows that master’s degree recipients can earn 23-25% more per year than bachelor’s degree recipients, though the percentage can vary by industry.

Available Programs in CVPA

Completing one of the degree paths above opens doors throughout the world of the visual and performing arts, where graduates can pursue careers as performing artists, entrepreneurs, gallery directors, curators, managing directors, professors, artistic directors, teachers, and more!


Curious? To Learn More:

Contact the program advisors:

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact artsgrad@gmu.edu or speak with your undergraduate advisor at any time. 

Admissions Requirements

Students who are interested in pursuing the accelerated route should talk to their undergraduate advisor to see if it would work with their current degree plan. Students must apply to the Accelerated Master's option when they have earned at least 60 credits. For more information about policies and procedures, students should refer to the university catalog

Applicants receive a waiver of the graduate application fee and admitted students may obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree after satisfactory completion of at least 138 credits (total number of required credits depends on the degree program).

Learn More About Program Requirements.

Find Out More on the Admissions Process.