Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs

Undergraduates save time and money by transitioning into a UMass Lowell master’s program, and the process is seamless. 

There is no need to take tests (except for education majors, who must take the MTEL), and there is no application process. 

Tips for the smoothest transition are:

• Get started by clicking on “Learn More” on this page. Almost every undergraduate program has an option for double-counting coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. A bachelor’s-to-master’s program coach can help.
• As early as possible, identify a B2M pathway.
  • Current students: Want a master’s degree, but not sure which one? See the “B2M Paths” tab on this page.
  • Incoming new undergraduates/undeclared majors: Want a specific master’s degree, and unsure how to get there? Explore undergraduate majors that easily track to it. See “B2M Paths” tab on this page.
• Once the undergraduate major is chosen: 
  • Contact your undergraduate advisor, to map out the best pathway for a smooth transition to the master’s program. When to take necessary prerequisite courses, as well as which graduate-level courses to take during the undergraduate years, are among the considerations. 
• Request additional recommendation. The Graduate Program Coordinator may request additional recommendations to fully evaluate your bachelors to master’s application. If you are asked to submit an additional recommendation, make a request to your class professor to submit her/his recommendation.
• In the 2nd through 4th undergraduate years: 
  • Take the prerequisite undergraduate courses that are required for admission to your chosen graduate program.
  • Take the graduate courses that can double count toward both degrees. 
• In the 3rd undergraduate/junior year:
  • Obtain a letter of recommendation to the graduate program, from an undergraduate faculty member.
  • Submit the letter to the graduate admissions office who will review the undergraduate GPA, performance in required prerequisite courses, and the recommendation letter in making an admission decision. Other factors may also be considered.
  • Certain programs have additional requirements, notably education, which requires students to pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to graduate admission. 
• Admission decisions are within a number of weeks of submitting application, for those who’ve followed the above timeline. The final undergraduate year of study is when students would typically be taking graduate courses, which would count toward the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

• Get the degree you will need. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment in master’s-level occupations is projected to grow by almost 17 percent from 2016 to 2026, the fastest of any education level.” 
• Only 12% of Americans have a graduate degree: set yourself apart by being one of them. The New England region’s workforce has a high percentage of bachelor’s degree holders, and the “knowledge economy” rewards those who are more educated.

Students may be able to complete a bachelor’s-to-master’s program in as little as five years. In-state students can save more than $5,000, while out-of-state/international students can save just over $9,000, based on the 2022 per-credit costs of a UMass Lowell master’s program.

High-achieving students may also be eligible for fellowships and other types of graduate school assistance.

For more information, visit Costs & Aid for Graduate Programs. Tuition and fees are set annually and are subject to change.

Undergrads: Popular B2M Paths

Many students have saved time and money by earning master’s degrees at UMass Lowell in their undergraduate field of study, or another field. Here are some of the popular pathways River Hawks have chosen to become double River Hawks. Contact us by clicking on the "Learn More" button on this page to explore these options, or other graduate program options, further.

Ways to Get to a Specific Grad Program

Want a specific master’s degree, and unsure how to get there? Multiple undergraduate majors will readily track to many graduate programs, via a bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway. Do not hesitate to contact the graduate admissions office for assistance, by clicking on “Learn More” on this page.