Skip to main content

Accelerated BS-MS Program

                 

About the Program

The CECS Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s (BS-to-MS) Programs allows high-achieving UCF current undergraduate students to simultaneously earn both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. Qualified students can begin their Master’s degree course work while they are undergraduate juniors/seniors and double-count up to 12 credit hours of specific graduate courses for both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree requirements. The intention of the program is to provide a framework for students to complete requirements for the Master’s degree in significantly less time than would normally be required if both BS and MS degrees were pursued separately.

 

General BS – to – MS Information Session: Monday, February 12th@ 4:30-5:30PM (VIA ZOOM)

BS – to – MS Group Advising Session: Monday, April 8th@ 5:00-7:00PM in Engineering 1-281

Please see the list of suggested graduate courses for Spring 2024.

      • Students must have a 3.0 UCF and Major GPA. Some programs require students to have higher GPAs.
      • Students must have completed at least 60 Credit Hours.
      • Students must have earned minimum grades in selected courses for each by program.
      • Students must have more than two semesters remaining in their undergraduate careers (not including the current term) to participate in this program.

Current UCF undergraduate students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Accelerated BS-to-MS program may still pursue graduate courses as a Senior Scholar. For more information, please contact Anna Canlon.

Benefits of the BS-MS Program:

      • Access to advanced course material
      • Cost of the MS degree is reduced by up to 40%
      • Program participants receive additional consideration for research opportunities
      • $31 graduate application processing fee is waived
      • Smaller classes sizes
      • Reduced time to complete graduate degree

Applying to the BS-to-MS Program:

      • Once you have completed these courses with a B or better and met the GPA/Credit hour requirements, the BS to MS Application will appear in your MyUCF Portal.
      • After signing into your myUCF account, please navigate to Student Self Service => Scholarship Application => Add a New Application => BS to MS Application (Please see the step-by-step guide found here.
      • No supplemental information is required to apply (undergraduate level)​
      • Admission decisions are sent to student’s UCF email ​
      • Acceptance into the BS to MS Program is NOT admission into the grad program​.  Students will need to apply, submit supporting materials, and be admitted to their graduate program.

BS to MS Application Deadlines:

      • Fall 2023 – October 15
      • Spring 2024 – March 15
      • Summer 2023 – July 15
    • Applications will be reviewed within a week of the application deadline listed above.
    • Students will be notified via their UCF email with an admission decision once the review is complete.

BS to MS Withdrawal Deadlines:

      • Fall 2023 – October 27, 2023
      • Summer 2023 – July 7, 2023
      • Spring 2024 – March 29, 2024
Accelerated BS-to-MS Programs*,** Program Catalog Program Website Program Coordinator
Aerospace Engineering Acc BS-to-MS AE MAE Dr. Jihua “Jan” Gou
Biomedical Engineering Acc BS-to-MS BME MAE Dr. Jihua “Jan” Gou
Civil Engineering Acc BS-to-MS CE CECE Dr. Andrew Randall
Computer Engineering Acc BS-to-MS CpE ECE Dr. Mingjie Lin
Computer Science Acc BS-to-MS CS CS Dr. Wei Zhang
Electrical Engineering Acc BS-to-MS EE ECE Dr. Mingjie Lin
Construction Engineering Acc BS-to-MS CnE CECE Dr. Andrew Randall
Environmental Engineering Acc BS-to-MS VE CECE Dr. Andrew Randall
Industrial Engineering Acc BS-to-MS IE IEMS Dr. Mansooreh Mollaghasemi
Materials Science and Engineering Acc BS-to-MS MSE MSE Dr. Jiyu Fang
Mechanical Engineering Acc BS-to-MS ME MAE Dr. Jihua “Jan” Gou

* All of CECS’s Accelerated BS-to-MS programs are available in the face-to-face modality; however, many of its graduate courses are available as either face-to-face (P), online (W), mixed (M), and/or reduced seat time (RA or RS).

** While licensure or certification may be available in this field of study, our program does not directly lead to such licensure or certification upon graduation. The professional preparation you receive in our program may still assist you in such pursuits; however, we are unable to confirm the specific licensure and certification requirements of each state, territory, or foreign entity in which professional credentialing may be possible. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we strongly advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its academic criteria. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact us at 407-823-2455 or gradengr@ucf.edu with questions in this regard and we will do our best to assist you in your career planning.

                  

Expectations for BS-to-MS Students:

  • Students admitted to the program are required to have the BS-to-MS Course Approval Form by the second semester following acceptance into the program.
  • Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA while in the program.
  • Student must complete at least 9 credit hours to apply to the accelerated track for their graduate admissions application. Only those that complete 9 credit hours can apply for a graduate application processing fee waiver.

Timeline for BS-to-MS Students:

After completing at least 60 credit hours, achieving a 3.0 UCF GPA or better, and completing the listed pre-requisite course work with a B or better, students can apply to the BS-to-MS Program online via the MyUCF Portal (https://my.ucf.edu). Navigating to the application starts with the Student Self Service Panel followed by the Scholarship Application Area. The application will appear there only for students who are eligible for the Accelerated BS-to-MS Program.

Current UCF undergraduate students can begin taking graduate courses by completing an Override Form. It must be approved by your department’s undergraduate program director. Afterwards, it can be submitted digitally to Anna Canlon at anna.canlon@ucf.edu. This must be completed prior to the first week of classes for any given semester.

  • Students must complete a course approval form before submitting overrides for the graduate courses. The course approval form must have all appropriate signatures from the department. This form can be revised as you progress in the program.
  • Complete your online application to the graduate program. If you have completed or will complete 9 graduate credit hours, please contact Anna Canlon at anna.canlon@ucf.edu to request a waiver code. You must request this code BEFORE submitting your application.
  • Begin your graduate program and during your first semester you must complete a Graduate Program of Study to formally transfer your graduate courses you successfully completed during your undergraduate career toward your graduate degree.

Senior Scholars:

The Senior Scholars Program is an opportunity for outstanding undergraduate students to complete graduate level coursework prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree.  This is ideal for eligible BS to MS students that do not have at least two semesters left in their undergraduate career.

Senior Scholar students must meet the following conditions:

  • Students must have a 3.0 UCF and Major GPA. Computer, Electrical, Civil and Environmental students must have a 3.2 Major GPA.
  • Earn a B or better in the graduate course’s prerequisite course work.
  • Submit an approved override form to Anna Canlon.

There is NOT a formal application for this program.  Qualified students can complete up to 9 credit hours of graduate course work, but no more than 2 graduate classes per term.

CS PhD Admission Requirements
• A strong undergraduate background in Computer Science or closely related areas (e.g. Software Engineering, IT, Computer and Electrical Engineering) • 3.0 GPA • GRE: No minimum but preferably Q:160, V:150 or above • TOEFL80/IELTS 7 (only for international students)
ECE PhD Admission Requirements
• Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BSCpE) with 3.0 or Greater GPA • GRE at Least 308 on the Quantitative & Verbal Sections: (Q+V)>=308 • Three Letters of Recommendation for PhD – from your professors • Résumé • A Statement of Educational, Research, & Professional Career Objectives
Industrial PhD Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater • Official transcript • An official, competitive GRE score taken within the last 5 years • Three letters of recommendations • Resume • Goal Statement
Materials Science PhD Admission Requirements
• Earned a bachelor’s or master's degree • Earned a 3.0 GPA or better • GRE is required • Application form • Official Transcript • Resume • Personal statement • Three recommendation letters
MAE PhD Admission Requirements
• Resume • Personal Essay • 3 Letters of Recommendation • Transcripts • WES/Josep Silny Evaluations • TOEFL (>=80) and IELTS (>=6.5) for International Applicants
CECE PhD Admission Requirements
3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only) • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants • No GRE required for admission; is required for some fellowships • Spring 2024 Admission: GRE will be required and the WES evaluation will not be required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials • 3 Letters of reference
CECE PhD Admission Requirements
3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only) • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants • No GRE required for admission; is required for some fellowships • Spring 2024 Admission: GRE will be required and the WES evaluation will not be required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries • Screening Process for International Students delays admission process weeks or, sometimes, a month or two • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials • 3 Letters of reference
Overlay Image
CS MS Admission Requirements
• A strong undergraduate background in Computer Science or closely related areas (e.g. Software Engineering, IT, Computer and Electrical Engineering) • 3.0 GPA • GRE: No minimum, but preferably Q:160, V:150 or above • TOEFL 80/IELTS 7 (only for international students) • Lacking the background, • a prospective applicant can take the following prerequisite courses as non-degree seeking and scoring “B” or better in all of these course: • EEL 4768C Computer Architecture • COP 4020 Programming Languages I • COP 4600 Operating Systems • COT 4210 Discrete Computational Structures • and/or related industry experience.
CECE MS Admission Requirements
• 3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only) • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants • No GRE required for admission; for some fellowships but mostly those are for PhD students • Spring 2024 Admission: GRE will be required and the WES evaluation will not be required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries College of Engineering and Computer Science MS Admission • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials • 3 Letters of reference
ECE MS Admission Requirements
• Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BS-CpE) with 3.0 or Greater GPA • Two Letters of Recommendation • No GRE is required • Résumé • A Statement of Educational, Research, & Professional Career Objectives
Industrial MS Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater • Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent) • An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics • Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, C, C++, Visual BASIC, Java, etc.) • Official transcripts • Two letters of recommendations • Resume • Goal Statement
Materials Science MS Admission Requirements
• Earned a bachelor’s degree • Earned a 3.0 GPA or better in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student • Application form • Official Transcript • Resume • Personal statement • Recommendation letters
Computer Vision MS Admission Requirements
• General UCF graduate application requirements • For admission, a 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Mathematics is desirable but not required. Applicants without a strong undergraduate background in Computer Science must demonstrate an understanding of the material covered in the following undergraduate courses, by either taking these courses or by being tested on the material. 1. EEL 4768C Computer Architecture 2. COP 4020 Programming Languages I 3. COP 4600 Operating Systems 4. COT 4210 Discrete Computational Structures • Applicants who lack background in the above courses may show knowledge in the following: 1. CAP 4453 Intro to Robot Vision 2. COP 3503C Computer Science II 3. MAS 3105 Matrix Algebra (also need Calculus 1 and 2) 4. STA 4163 Statistical Methods I
Cyber Security MS Admission Requirements
• An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to cyber security, or have taken several basic computer or cyber security courses in Bachelor study, or have obtained one or two cyber security related professional certificates. • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in all work attempted as an undergraduate student or in the last 60 attempted hours for the Bachelor's degree. • A personal statement (essay) not exceeding 500 words describing the applicant's academic and professional experiences and goals. • One letter of recommendation assessing the applicant's potential to do master's-level work. • Résumé. • GRE is NOT required.
Digital Forensics MS Admission Requirements
• An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in all work attempted as an undergraduate student or in the last 60 attempted hours for the Bachelor's degree, or, a graduate degree or professional degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited US institution in a field related to digital forensics • A personal statement (essay) not exceeding 500 words describing the applicant's academic and professional experiences and goals. • One letter of recommendation assessing the applicant's potential to do master's-level work. • Résumé.
Modeling and Sim MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae • Goal statement: The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous academic, research, and/or teaching experience. • Two letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation should: 1. Address the educational and career goals of the applicant. 2. Clearly address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level study and research. 3. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
Modeling and Sim PhD Admission Requirements
• A competitive score on the GRE, taken within the past five years. • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae • Goal statement: The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous academic, research, and/or teaching experience. • Three letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation should: 1. Address the educational and career goals of the applicant. 2. Clearly address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level study and research. 3. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
Trasportation Engineering Admission Requirements
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
  • A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or another closely related engineering degree.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
The GRE is not required, however, taking the GRE is highly recommended for students wishing to pursue a thesis. In order to be considered for any fellowships, a GRE score is required. 

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.

Healthcare Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent)
  • An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics
  • Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, C, C++, Visual BASIC, Java, etc.)
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendations
  • Resume
  • Goal Statement

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.


Computer Forensics Admission Requirements

Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Admission to the program is competitive on a space-available basis. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance and the applicant's potential for completing the certificate.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.

Project Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Quality Assurance Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

  • In addition, applicants to this certificate must provide: Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc only.
Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Mixed Reality Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF with a minimum GPA of 3.0. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition, applicants to this certificate must provide:

  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
  • Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.
For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Guidance Control and Dynamics Admission Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline with a minimum GPA 3.0
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Travel Technology and Analytics Admission Requirements
  • The GRE/GMAT is not required
  • A goal statement. This is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally in the future.
  • Updated résumé.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL is required if an applicant is from a country where English is not the official language, or if an applicant’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, or if an applicant did not earn a degree in a country where English is the official language or a university where English is the official language of instruction. Although we prefer the TOEFL, we will accept IELTS scores of 6.5.
Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vita
  • Goal statement
    • The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous research and/or teaching experience. The statement should explain the motivation behind the pursuit of an MSSE. Future educational and career goals after the completion of the applicant’s master study should be discussed.
    • If the applicant is interested in completing a Master thesis, then the applicant must clearly describe the particular area of research interest. The applicant should identify at least one UCF faculty member who shares a similar research focus and is believed to be best suited to serve as a potential thesis advisor. 
    • The goal statement should between 500 and 1,000 words.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • The letters of recommendation should be from faculty members, university administrators, and employers with a supervisory role of the applicant. The letters, which must be current to the application and must not be for another degree program, should address the educational and career goals of the applicant. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. Letters for Master’s thesis students must discuss the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level research.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Data Analytics Admission Requirements
    • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
    • Résumé.
    • 2 Letters of recommendation
    • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering is desirable but not required. Applicants without a strong undergraduate background in Computer Science and Statistics must demonstrate an understanding of the material covered in upper-division undergraduate courses listed under the Articulation Section of the Curriculum Information. Applicants may choose to demonstrate their knowledge of these courses by taking these courses as non-degree seeking and scoring “B” or better in all of them.

Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree in Biomedical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Aerospace Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only
Biomedical Engineering PhD Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
  • Résumé.
  • A written statement of experience and research, areas of current and future potential research interests, and future career goals.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
Master in FinTech Admission Requirements
• General UCF graduate application requirements • For admission, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or Natural Sciences is required. • A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience is also required for MS in Fintech Online. • Official Trancript(s) • Goal statement of 500 words or less • Current Resume
Masters in Engineering Management Admission Requirements
• General UCF graduate application requirements • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended • Résumé or Curriculum Vita • Goal statement • Two letters of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.