Why Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs Make Sense

Student writes in a notebook with a laptop nearby

Thinking about graduate school? The Bachelor’s to Master’s (B2M) option lets you start your master’s degree while finishing your bachelor’s, saving time and money. 

Students who choose B2M often graduate sooner, reduce tuition costs, and enter the workforce with an advanced credential that boosts career opportunities.

How It Works

  • Apply early, usually in your junior year, but apply earlier to stay on track.
  • Take approved graduate-level courses that count toward both degrees.
  • Transition seamlessly into your master’s program after completing your bachelor’s.

Advantages of B2M

  • Save money: Count up to six credits of graduate-level courses taken as an undergraduate toward your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Full-time, in-state students can potentially complete graduate school for under $20,000 – not including financial aid or scholarships.
  • Save time: Some bachelor’s-to-master’s programs may be completed in as little as five years.
  • Easy transition: Application to transition is very simple. One letter of recommendation is all that is needed for most students who complete prerequisite courses (for most programs).
  • Built-in flexibility: Continue studying in your undergraduate discipline, or transition to another field. Almost every undergraduate major tracks to multiple options for graduate study. Customizing a program is also an option for many students.
  • Enter the workforce sooner:  Begin your career with an advanced degree and start earning more money and building your career.
  • Get the degree you’ll need: According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, jobs in occupations that typically require a master’s degree are expected to grow by about 10% from 2024 to 2034, more than three times faster than overall employment.

Costs/Financing

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 $5,500, while out-of-state/international students can save over $9,700, based on the 2025-2026 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.

Meet B2M Students

Sam DeLap delivers a presentation in front of a screen.
Sam DeLap '21
Biological Sciences, Mathematics

Sam DeLap ’21 went from an intern to a lead engineer in just one year at Science Applications International Corporation.

There’s a certain level of curiosity that developed while I was doing research that has served me very well.