Can I begin a grad. program before I finish my BS?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by cmt, Dec 21, 2003.

Loading...
  1. cmt

    cmt New Member

    I have emailed several schools, but I have not had any replies yet. I think this is due to the semester break though.

    I only need 6 credits (2 exams) to finish my BS and I wonder if I can get into a masters program before my conferral in March. I have a 4.0 GPA and I am confident that taking these last two exams will not do much to prepare me for graduate work.

    How should I petition the schools I am interested in? Or, must I simply wait?

    Oh, I'm looking at MBA and M.S. HR related degrees.
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Touro told me that I could take one semester of classes if COSC would send Touro a letter stating that my expected grad date was XXX and I would graduate before the second semester of Touro classes.

    Hope this makes sense.
     
  3. graduate credits while earing BA

    Most schools will allow you to take some graduate courses with approval. I earned my BA from CSULB and was able to take some graduate courses during my senior year. I don't think they will allow a freshman to enroll in graduate level courses, but usually will take a senior.:)
     
  4. Steve Levicoff

    Steve Levicoff Well-Known Member

    The answer is yes. The method is simple: Request "provisional admission contingent on [your] graduation."

    However, you should have completed all of your actual work on the bachelor's degree. Take the two exams, then make your application, noting that you have finished your work and are simply awaiting the completion of the administrative process.

    Does this work? Yes - I did it twice. First, I had completed my requirements at TESC and was admitted to a master's program several months before my actual graduation. (I did, however, graduate TESC before actual M.A. matriculation.)

    Then, after I presented my thesis for Vermont College (then part of Norwich U.), I requested admission to the Union Ph.D. program with matriculation prior to graduation. I presented my M.A. thesis in 1/89, started Union in 3/89, and due to the administrative process (committee and dean's review, signature on the diploma by the president of the university, etc.) did not officially graduate VC until 6/89. The "provisional/contingent" admission allowed me to keep working through the administrative slack at Norwich and, of course, once I graduated the admission moved to a full status with no loss of time.

    If anything, a grad school may request a validation that you have completed your work. This can usually be accomplished with a letter from the school or from your primary advisor.

    Remember, just as students are admitted to (traditional) college during their senior year of high school, undergrad students are admitted to grad school. As shown with my Norwich-to-Union transition, you can actually matriculate into the next program prior to graduation but your current program requirements should already have been fulfilled.
     
  5. cmt

    cmt New Member

    Thanks! Picking up the "administrative slack" is what I am aiming for. One thing I have learned with COSC is that everthing takes longer than I want it to, so I am just trying to reduce my down time.
     
  6. Morten

    Morten New Member

    Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, which is accredited, will let you start on their MBA without a BA or BS. Does anyone know of other schools that will let you do that?
     
  7. cmt

    cmt New Member

    Well, I received a reply to my email from Amberton University and, "You will need to have completed your bachelor degree prior to enrolling at Amberton."
     

Share This Page