Each year, NU offers a select group of outstanding high school seniors the opportunity to secure a seat in one of the university’s graduate programs as incoming freshmen. Accelerated Scholars, as they’re known on campus, are able to push the boundaries of research, creativity, and career preparation by combining the achievement of both a bachelor’s and master’s degree into a single accelerated experience.
The combined bachelor’s/master’s degree pathway enables you to enroll at Niagara University for an undergraduate degree as an incoming first-year student and receive direct, conditional admission into a graduate degree program as well.
NU’s accelerated pathway allows incoming freshmen the opportunity to get a jump on their career and ultimately achieve their goals faster, with less monetary investment.
» You’ll eliminate the need to submit numerous graduate school applications (and wait for the acceptance letters).
» Due to waived or double-counted courses, the accelerated pathway empowers you to complete two degrees and get into your career field (i.e., earn a salary) sooner.
» Having unique access to our esteemed faculty and joining a group of students with similar interests will help you build your skills and explore your interests.
As an NU Accelerated Scholar, you’ll enter as an undergraduate and begin your degree program along with other first year NU students.
Throughout your time at NU, you’ll work with your academic advisor to follow your study plan and select the required courses for your undergraduate degree and future grad courses, as well as general education and elective classes.
After a your second or third year of study (this will vary according to program and pathway), your academic department will evaluate your academic record to determine your eligibility to continue in the Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s degree. Conditional requirements vary by degree pathway and entry term. You will be notified just prior to your time of review and then notified of the review outcome.
If you are approved to continue to the graduate portion of their studies, you must confirm your acceptance and indicate your understanding of tuition and financial aid changes once you reach graduate status.
If a your plans or goals change throughout your undergraduate years, you can opt-out at any time.
Upon successful completion of requirements for your bachelor’s and master’s, you’ll graduate from NU with two degrees.
» All first-year applicants applying to eligible programs would be considered. No additional application is required.
» Both early decision and regular decision applicants are considered.
» Students will first be offered acceptance into their desired program.
» Students selected for to be an NU Accelerated Scholar will be notified via email and postal mail following their standard acceptance.
» Students who choose not to accept the invitation or who do not receive an invitation can pursue combined accelerated degree after in their 2nd or 3rd year as an undergrad, via the traditional Accelerated pathway.
» The Accelerated Scholar opportunity is 100% optional, and does not affect your admission into the undergraduate program of your choice in any way.
The 4+1 master’s program in criminal justice allows eligible students to attain their master’s degree in five years (four years for a bachelor’s & one year to finish the master’s degree). Students typically begin taking graduate courses during their senior year, starting with one course during the fall semester and two courses during the spring semester. (We also allow students to take all three graduate courses during the second semester of their senior year if needed). These three courses count for both undergraduate and graduate credit. Students then graduate as an undergrad with nine credits counting toward graduate school. Students take the remaining 24 credits during their fifth year to earn a master’s degree. If you decide you don’t want to do the fifth year, those nine graduate credits still count as graduate credits.
Talia Harmon, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
» Contact Info
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NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in three to four weeks. What's stopping you?
