The Accelerated Master's Program*, (formally known as the Coterminal Master's Program), allows Rensselaer undergraduates to complete their Bachelor’s degree within eight semesters with the option to receive an award equal to 50% of their tuition charges during their additional semesters of graduate study, depending on academic performance.
*The Accelerated Master's Program award policies described here apply to students whose first term of undergraduate enrollment at RPI is Fall 2024 or later. Students beginning enrollment at RPI prior to the Fall 2024 semester will have opportunity to attain their Master's Degree through the Co-Terminal Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Applicants must secure a Graduate Research Advisor prior to applying. The Graduate Research Advisor will assist with course planning, research assignments, and provide advice for graduate school.
It is recommended that applicants review suggestions found in Find a graduate research advisor.
Yes.
Once a student begins enrollment in the Accelerated Master's Program, they will no longer receive their undergraduate scholarships and grants. These funds will be replaced by an award that will be equal to 50% of their tuition charges.
The Federal Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) are both reserved for undergraduate students and therefore will not be available.
Work Study will still be available, if eligible.
Students will be eligible for graduate level Federal Direct Student Loans once s/he is considered a graduate student and will also be eligible to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Students’ parents will no longer be eligible to apply for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan once the student is a graduate student.
The MANE Department requires a 3.3 gpa. If your GPA meets the Institute requirement of 3.0, but is below a 3.3, you may still submit your application. When your completed application is going through the review process, MANE will ask you for the name of a faculty member that can provide a letter of recommendation for you. This is requested by MANE; not the applicant.
Graduation Requirements: 30 credits
√ All courses used to earn the master’s degree must be taken at the 4000 or 6000 level.
√ 24 course-work credits minimum. (course credit does not include research credit.
√ A minimum of 12 course-work credits must be completed at the 6000 level.
√ One (1) 4000- 6000 level MATH or MATP course is required.
√ A minimum of 15 course-credits must be from MANE.
√ Students must register for 6 research credits: thesis (MANE 6990) or project (MANE 6980)
√ If a 4000 level course is cross-listed with a 6000 level, only the 6000 level may be applied to a graduate degree.
- Meet with Financial Aid to determine financial impact of completing a Master’s through the Co-term program.
- Meet with your undergraduate advisor to ensure you are on track to complete your undergraduate course requirements within 8 semesters.
- Secure a research position. Find a graduate research advisor.
- Complete the Graduate Plan of Study and Course Planner – student should meet with their graduate research advisor for assistance in graduate course selection for the Plan of Study (pdf) and 4th/5th Year Course Planner. In preparing these forms, applicants should inform themselves of the MANE Masters requirements, which may be found at http://mane.rpi.edu/graduate.
- Submit the completed Graduate Plan of Study (signed by your advisor) and Course Planner to maceyb2@rpi.edu. *Note – all forms must be completed electronically.
- MANE Graduate Student Services will review your submission and prepare additional documents necessary for the application. Once approved, the signed forms and supporting documents will be returned to you with instructions to complete the on-line application.
- All Accelerated Master's students are required to attend academic orientation during the final semester of their undergraduate program. Orientations are typically held the week prior to the start of classes.
**APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE UPLOADED OR SUBMITTED UNTIL APPROVAL AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE SENT FROM THE MANE DEPARTMENT. **
For more information, contact: Beth Ann Macey, Sr. Student Administrator, maceyb2@rpi.edu
**MANE's application deadlines are not the same as Institute deadlines!
Graduating Seniors
- October 1 of final semester (fall graduates)
- February 1 of final semester (spring graduates)
All others who are eligible to apply
- Fall term: November 1
- Spring term: April15
Attend an information session to learn about the exciting research opportunities, program requirements, funding options & application processes to MANE’s graduate programs.
Thursday, September 18th: 10:00–11:00 a.m. in JEC-3117
Monday, September 29th: 2:00-3:00 p.m. in JEC-3117
Wednesday, October 15th: 10:00–11:00 a.m. in JEC-3117
The application period has closed for F26 admissions.
Be sure to visit MANE's Graduate Student Services page for additional resources.
