大象传媒 Western is offering its first accelerated bachelor鈥檚 to master鈥檚 degree program this fall in the Department of Chemistry. The program will provide students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Natural Science/Chemical Business and a Master of Applied Science in Chemistry in five years instead of six.
鈥淭his provides graduates the opportunity to enter into the regional life sciences workforce, not only a year earlier, but with a master鈥檚,鈥� said Dr. Mike Ducey, professor of chemistry and department chair. 鈥淭hat, in turn, increases the earning potential for graduates.鈥�
In the program, students will take four years of undergraduate courses, with the last year a transitional year. That year, students will take both undergraduate and graduate courses. The graduate courses will apply as electives for the undergraduate degree. Once the students complete their fourth year, nine graduate credits will apply toward their master鈥檚 degree.
Students will be required to apply for the accelerated program their sophomore year.
Dr. Ducey noted that other academic departments on campus are developing similar accelerated programs, as well.