The Accelerated Master's Programs (AMP) offer students a unique opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. These programs help you save time and tuition costs while advancing your knowledge. Whether you want to specialize further or broaden your skills, AMP prepares you to enter the workforce confidently and ahead of the curve.
This is your journey—accelerated.
Most students apply in their second or third year, once they've identified a graduate program that fits their goals.
Once admitted, you’ll take approved master’s-level courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree—these courses often count toward both degrees.
After completing your undergraduate requirements, you’ll continue as a graduate student to finish your remaining master’s coursework—usually in just one additional year.
Deepen your field of expertise or combine fields in creative ways, like biology and tourism, or media and public policy.
Some programs are major-specific, while others are open to all IU Bloomington undergraduates. Some AMP programs are open to all undergraduate majors, while others require specific majors or prerequisites. New programs launch each year, so check back often.
Looking to combine your major with a new field? These AMP degrees are open to all IU majors, regardless of background (some have minimal prerequisites):
AMP gave me a head start on my master's, incredible new experiences, and the flexibility to pursue internships and fellowships. I've grown personally and professionally because of this program.
Lalita Durbha, Master of Public Affairs (Nonprofit concentration)
An AMP can be a great fit if you’re highly motivated, have clear post-graduation goals, and want to save time and money by earning two degrees in five years. It may not be ideal if you're already ahead on credits or want to maximize undergraduate flexibility.
Talk with your advisor to determine if AMP aligns with your academic and career plans, they can help you map a degree plan. Career coaches can also help you explore how AMP might impact your future job opportunities or grad school plans.
Current IU undergraduates typically apply in their second or third year. Planning early gives you more options, especially if you’ve earned AP, IB, or dual credit. Each academic unit sets its own GPA, prerequisites, and application requirements. Contact your intended graduate program for details. You must be formally admitted before enrolling in graduate-level courses.
Planning ahead is key. Once admitted, you'll work with both undergraduate and graduate advisors to build a personalized plan that ensures all requirements are met. That includes determining whether AMP may affect double majors, study abroad, or honors programs; confirming eligibility; applying; and understanding which credits to “save” for graduate use.
AMP degrees follow the same requirements as traditional master’s programs, but students start graduate-level courses during undergrad. Most units allow master’s courses approved for early enrollment to count towards fulfilling requirements for both degrees simultaneously, but this is determined by each program. If available, AMP coursework can be completed in online or hybrid formats.
While you're still classified as an undergraduate, you can continue using federal undergraduate financial aid, such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans. Once the graduate program becomes the primary degree, or the student meets undergraduate graduation requirements, eligibility for undergraduate financial aid ends.
Yes, AMP grads often say their master’s helped them stand out and qualify for advanced roles faster. While some fields hire at the bachelor’s level, a graduate degree can unlock leadership paths, higher salaries, and specialized opportunities early in your career. An advisor or career coach can help you align your path with your goals.
Graduate courses cannot be counted toward three degrees simultaneously. Any overlapping courses used to fulfill both bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements cannot later be applied to an IU Ph.D. Students considering a Ph.D. should consult with their graduate advisor and the IU Ph.D. program.
Talk with your advisor to explore your options, confirm your eligibility, and start planning your AMP path.
For program-specific questions, students are encouraged to contact the offering department above. For all other questions about AMP, please contact us at ampiu@iu.edu.
