SCAI Accelerated Master's Application

This page outlines the steps to apply and plan for an accelerated ("4+1") track as a current undergraduate SCAI student. Students should thoroughly review the information on this page before submitting an application.

 
Please email SCAI.Accelerated@asu.edu for assistance. 

Overview & Benefits

Accelerated master's students at ASU have the opportunity to double-count/share credits between undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. In some cases students may also opt to reserve additional pre-admission credits towards their master's degree. 

No Fee.* There are no fees to apply or begin the accelerated track. If students later decide not to continue into the graduate program, any completed 5XX level credits can still satisfy undergraduate degree requirements. There is no penalty if students do not complete the master's. 

Save Money.  Any shared or reserved graduate credits earned in the undergraduate career will be charged at the undergraduate tuition rate, thus students may use any undergraduate funding, including financial aid and/or scholarships, to pay for the cost of these credits. Remaining NAMU scholarship awards may also be carried into to a campus-based graduate program to help save even more on tuition.  

Additionally, Arizona residents may be eligible to receive the Accelerated Master's Award for a maximum of two semesters of the graduate program. 

Save Time. Students have the opportunity to earn their master's within one year after graduation.

Gain Competitive Edge. Accelerated students possess the drive for high academic achievement and earning a master's degree increases opportunity for career advancement. See current US Census numbers.

*Note, this application process is for candidacy for the accelerated track. An ASU Graduate Admissions Application (and fee) will also be required for official graduate admissions (to be completed later in the senior year).

Step 1: Review Degree Pairing Options 

The below programs are available for students within SCAI undergraduate programs. All students may review ASU Accelerated Programs or connect with your advising department for options available to you. 


Computer Science (BS):  

Tempe


Online


Computer Systems Engineering (BSE):  


Engineering Management (BSE), Tempe & Online campus:  


Industrial Engineering (BSE):  


Informatics (BS):  


Software Engineering (BS), Polytechnic campus:  

In-Person:  


Online:


Computer Science (BA):  


*Undergraduate Computer Science & Computer Systems students may not have a concentration (Cybersecurity or Software Engineering) to complete accelerated track in RAS (AI), CEN, or DSAE.  

**Engineering Management students are required to complete the Career Focus Area in Business Analytics and must take IEE 470 in place of IEE 474.

***Informatics students should plan to meet with advising as early as possible to plan for accelerated track in RAS(AI).

****Software Engineering students need to take CSE 340 as a tech elective for the MCS.


Additional Resources: 

Step 2: Review Eligibility

Check that you are applying during the right semester. 

Students should apply while in term 6/the semester just before Capstone I.  Students must be going into the final year of their bachelors degree. Early applications will not be accepted; however, late applications may be accepted on a case by case basis. Note: late applicants may have reduced opportunity to share or "double count" credits, which is a major benefit of the accelerated track. Approval is not guaranteed. 

Check that you have the minimum Cumulative GPA for the corresponding graduate program. 

Decisions are based on overall academic performance to determine the likelihood of success in graduate level coursework as a continuing undergraduate level student. Below are some of the academic performance areas considered: 


Step 3: Review Recommended Track & Shared Courses

Graduate Program 4xx & Shared Credit Limits:

Please review the table above for specific degree programs and eligible pre-admission credits. Shared/double-count credits refer to eligible courses that may apply towards undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. If a student’s program allows for a “reserved” graduate course, this course will not count towards undergraduate program or degree requirements. "Reserved" courses still count towards undergraduate & graduate GPA. Students must complete “reserved” courses with a “B” or better grade for them to apply to the student’s graduate program. Students are expected to inform advisors of courses being used for “reserved” credit.


Each program & degree plan is different - please check in with advising if you have questions regarding applicable pre-admission credits for your program. 

Step 4: Complete Quiz

After you have thoroughly reviewed the information on this page, complete the steps below. 

Step 5: Complete Application

You may access the Accelerated Application here and is due May 12, 2025 for students beginning Capstone 1 in Summer or Fall 2025. Students should expect to have 1 year (2 semesters) remaining for their undergraduate program. SCAI.Accelerated@asu.edu with any concerns. 


Apply for Global Management (Including Concentrations), MGM: Contact Ivy Smith at irsmith4@thunderbird.asu.edu to schedule an appointment




Note, the SCAI Accelerated Master's Application process is for candidacy for the accelerated track only. An ASU Graduate Admissions Application will also be required for official graduate admissions (to be completed later in the senior year). As a reminder, early accelerated track applications will not be accepted.

Beyond The Application

Checklist for Approved SCAI Accelerated Masters Students

(Click to download checklist)


It is important to plan ahead in order to meet timely milestones of the accelerated track. Please carefully review the below checklist throughout your undergraduate and graduate careers. Your academic advisors are here to support you if you have any questions along the way!


Undergrad Checklist: 




Graduate Checklist:




Please seek advising if there are concerns or questions regarding any steps. 

For general questions regarding eligibility and application process, email scai.accelerated@asu.edu .