A number of companies are placing a greater emphasis on advanced education. As an undergraduate at the University of Florida, you can participate in a combined degree program. This will allow you to graduate with both a B.S. and a M.S. or M.E. degree. There are currently two programs available to ISE students, as follows.
BS/MS in ISE Program
The BS/MS in ISE Program allows a student to begin completing requirements towards a master’s degree (M.S. or M.E.) while completing their undergraduate education.
Requirements
The BS/MS in ISE Program requirements are the same as the individual B.S. and M.S. (or M.E.) programs. However, three courses (up to 10 credits) may be treated as overlapping. That is, the following graduate courses can be used as substitutes in the undergraduate curriculum.
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Admissions
The admissions process for the combined degree program is a two step process. The first step in this process should be completed in the semester before your final year of study and requires a plan of study (which graduate courses you are going to substitute for the undergraduate curriculum), a statement of purpose, and a resume. Applications are available in the advising office.
The second step of the process requires that you apply for graduate school. Note that this application is the same for all students, regardless of whether they participate in the combined degree program or not. Plan to take the GRE exam and get three letters of recommendation. The online application is available through the Graduate School. See the admissions guidelines for prospective students on the ISE website for more details. Once you are in the graduate program, you must transfer the graduate credits used in your undergraduate program to your graduate program.
Note that if you complete the undergraduate program (with graduate course substitutions) but do not pursue graduate school or are not admitted to the graduate school, then you will graduate with only a B.S. in ISE.
BS/MSM Program
The BS/MSM program allows a student to begin completing requirements towards a M.S. in Management degree while completing their undergraduate B.S. in ISE degree.
Requirements
Current University of Florida students can apply to the Combined MSM option and, if accepted, they can begin MSM coursework in their undergraduate Senior year. Students can apply up to 12 credits of graduate coursework to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to the 12 credits counting towards both degrees, students may take an additional 9 credit hours to count only towards their M.S. while still an undergraduate. The MSM program is then pursued full-time after the Bachelor’s degree is earned. If you choose to apply, you are encouraged to meet with an MSM advisor in the Hough Graduate School of Business to understand how the Combined option would work best for your particular needs.
Bright Futures and Combined Degree Programs
Bright Futures will pay up to the undergraduate tuition rate for your graduate courses if you have yet to receive your Bachelor’s degree. You are responsible for paying the difference, as graduate tuitions credits are more expensive than undergraduate tuition credits. Therefore, it is critical that you plan out your courses so you graduate with both degrees at the same time. You can also apply for an extension of Bright Futures for up to 12 credits.