Combined bachelors and masters degree psychology online

Earn Your Advanced Degree Sooner

The accelerated degree program in psychology (BS+MS) allows students to begin taking graduate-level courses in their fourth year of undergraduate study with planned entry into graduate school upon completion of their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at the end of the fourth year. Because students have received a head start by completing a structured curriculum in their fourth year, they complete graduate coursework for the Master of Science (MS) degree in one year after the bachelor's degree. The BS +MS curriculum fits the four-year, one co-op option or the four-year, no co-op option.

• Eligibility: Freshmen / Current Students
• Requirements: Course Catalog
• Visit: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
• Adviser: Devon Thomas, .

The accelerated degree program in Psychology (BS + MS) provides an opportunity for select undergraduate psychology majors to complete their undergraduate education and psychology master's curriculum in just five years. Acceptance into the combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program generally occurs at two times:

1. Potential undergraduate students are identified when admitted as freshman psychology majors
2. Current undergraduate psychology majors in good standing may apply for the program in their third year of study

Students begin taking graduate-level courses in their fourth year of undergraduate study with planned entry into graduate school upon completion of their bachelor's (BS) degree at the end of the fourth year. Because students have received a head start by completing a structured curriculum in their fourth year, their graduate coursework for the master's (MS) degree can be completed in one year after the bachelor's degree. The BS +MS curriculum is designed to fit the 4-year, 1 co-op option or the 4-year, no co-op option.

Some exceptions may apply. If you have questions, please email Devon Thomas, , undergraduate adviser, to discuss your situation.

Accelerated Psychology Program Requirements

During the course of their undergraduate study, students in the combined bachelor's and master's degree in psychology will need to seek out a faculty member to serve as their mentor and program adviser, with whom they wish to continue working during their graduate training and completion of their graduate thesis.

Students may apply after completing between 90-120 hours at Drexel University and before the deadline for admission to the MS program: February 15th of their 3rd year. Students are encouraged to reach out to the undergraduate adviser, Devon Thomas, , as soon as possible.

If you have an interest in psychology but are not a psychology major, we still encourage you to pursue other graduate programs, such as the two-year MS program in Psychology.

Admission Requirements for Entering Freshmen

• Drexel's Test Optional Policy applies to all Fall 2023 first-year applicants.
• Combined SAT score of 1300 (Quantitative and Verbal scores only)
• High school GPA of at least 3.5
• Top 10% of graduating class

If these admission requirements are met, an additional application essay will be requested via email.

Admission Requirements & Procedures for 1st & 2nd Year Matriculated Psychology Students

Procedures:

• Before beginning the application process, speak with your adviser.
• Your adviser can tell you more about admission procedures.
• You and your adviser can discuss whether this program is right for you and when is the optimal time to apply based on your credits and plan of study.

Accelerated Psychology Program Timeline

First and Second Year at Drexel

During this time, students currently enrolled and interested in the program should:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than a "C"
• Confirm enrollment in a 4-year co-op or a 4-year non co-op program
• Contact the Accelerated Degree Program Adviser Devon Thomas, , to indicate your interest in the program
• Begin working in a research lab and/or seek out a faculty mentor to work with for the program, review the list of faculty member research interests.

Third Year at Drexel

Before beginning the application process in the fall term:

• Complete the pre-application checklist and meet with undergraduate adviser Devon Thomas,
• Contact the graduate assistant to the BS + MS program at to express your interest in the program

During this time, students currently enrolled and interested in the program should:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than a "C"
• Confirm enrollment in a four-year co-op, or a four-year non-co-op program. Again, some exceptions may apply. Please contact Devon Thomas, , to discuss your situation.
• Take GREs in the fall or early in the winter term to ensure admittance into the program
• Confirm your faculty mentor
• Complete the Accelerated Degree form provided by Drexel's Graduate College
• In the winter term, candidates should complete a formal application including: CV, letters of recommendation, and personal statement
• Once you have confirmed eligibility for the program with Devon Thomas and have completed the pre-application checklist, an application will be shared with you

If admitted into the program, follow this timeline:

Fourth Year at Drexel

• Contact the Graduate Administrative Coordinator Damaris Oquendo, , and the Accelerated Degree Program Adviser Devon Thomas, , to schedule your graduate courses before each term
• Complete all undergraduate psychology major requirements by the end of spring term
• Begin researching your thesis topic
• Continue research with faculty mentor

Graduate Fifth Year at Drexel

• Register for courses according to the suggested course sequence
• Continue research with faculty mentor
• Complete and defend thesis in time for June graduation

Suggested Course Sequence

Once students are enrolled in the program, the following is the suggested course sequence.

The following course sequence for the last two years of the program is provided to aid the Accelerated MS student in curriculum planning. Although substitutions or changes in the sequence can be made (with the approval of the faculty mentor, program director and relevant course instructor), the following sequence is designed to provide core courses at the optimal point in the student's educational process, while encouraging individualized course of study. Upon entry into the program, it will be important to meet with the program director to decide if this outlined sequence of courses is fine-tuned to your interests and schedule.

First Year (4th undergraduate year)- 18 Credits

Please note that these courses should be taken in addition to any courses needed to complete BS requirement

Fall Term
PSY 610- Data Analysis I
PSY 865- Independent Study

Winter Term
PSY 510- Research Methods I
PSY 710- Data Analysis II (Section 002)

Spring Term
PSY 511- Research Methods II
PSY 711- Data Analysis III or other elective course approved by mentor and director

Second Year in the Program (Fifth year at Drexel)- 27 Credits

Fall Term
PSY 512- Cognitive Psychology or PSY 520- Psychopathology or an alternative elective course approved by both the student's mentor and director
PSY 898- Master's Thesis (Section 002)
Elective course approved by mentor and director

Winter Term
PSY 898- Master's Thesis (Section 002)
PSY 624- Behavior Analysis
Elective course approved by mentor and director

Spring Term
PSY 898- Master's Thesis (Section NB2)
Elective course approved by mentor and director
Elective course approved by mentor and director

Required Courses (Total: 45 credits)

PSY 510 Research Methods I
PSY 511 Research Methods II
PSY 512 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 610 Data Analysis I
PSY 624 Behavior Analysis
PSY 710 Data Analysis II
PSY 898 Master's Thesis in Psychology
PSY 898 Master's Thesis in Psychology
PSY 898 Master's Thesis in Psychology
Additional Electives: 18 credits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply to the BS + MS program once I'm already enrolled in Drexel?

Yes. There are several criteria that you need to meet before applying to the program:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher with no grade lower than a "C" in any class
• Currently enrolled in a 4-year 1 co-op or 4-year no co-op. (Some exceptions may apply. If you have questions about this, please reach out Devon Thomas (), undergraduate adviser, to discuss your situation.)
• Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum score of 302 (Quantitative and Verbal scores)

You must apply during your third year at Drexel University before the regular graduate admission deadline (February 15th).

Can I still continue to take undergraduate courses during the 5th and final year of the BS + MS program?

No, you will not be able to take undergraduate courses during the final year. You officially graduate from that program at the end of the spring term of your 4th year.

How will the BS + MS program affect my financial aid?

Your first four years of the program will be financed through undergraduate means (e.g. A.J Drexel scholarship, Pell Grant). During the 5th and final year, you will pay graduate tuition, which is a by-credit based system.

How do I find research supervision?

Please consult the list of faculty members (drexel.edu/coas/academics/departments-centers/psychology/faculty/). You may also find more information on their individual lab websites.

If I want to be a therapist, is this the program for me?

This program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced education in scientific psychology (i.e., obtain a PhD) or work in a job setting in which a terminal, research MS in psychology is desired. No clinical training is offered. So this is not the appropriate program if you would like to become a practicing therapist with a master's degree only.

Are there opportunities for teaching within the program?

There are opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for lectures, or a course design assistant (CDA) for online classes.

ACCELERATED BS + MS IN PSYCHOLOGY HANDBOOK (PDF)

ACCELERATED BS + MS PROGRAM STUDENT FORMS (PDF)