Students can now earn master’s and bachelor’s degrees in five years, receive fifth year of financial aid

Troy, N.Y. — To better prepare students to meet the growing demands of industry and the marketplace, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will now offer undergraduates the opportunity to extend their financial aid and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

This new co-terminal degree program, one of the first of its kind in the nation to be incorporated with extended financial aid, will allow Rensselaer undergraduates in good academic standing to pursue a master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s degree. The two degrees may be in the same or different academic disciplines.

“I see real value in students using the co-terminal option to deepen their knowledge of a chosen field or to explore other disciplines of study,” said Prabhat Hajela, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education at Rensselaer. “Graduate education is becoming increasingly important for career success and advancement. Our new co-terminal program will allow Rensselaer students an efficient, optimized path to earning a graduate degree.”

More than 75 percent of incoming Rensselaer freshman surveyed last year indicated aspirations of earning a master’s degree following their undergraduate education. The value added of Rensselaer’s new co-terminal degree program is giving these students the opportunity to do so with extended financial assistance and minimal hassle.

Undergraduate students looking to pursue a co-terminal degree may apply to the Graduate Admissions Office near the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year. Admission standards for the co-terminal program will be identical to standards for admission to the Rensselaer’s traditional master’s programs. 

Co-terminal students will receive both their bachelor’s and master’s degree at the end of their 10th semester. Undergraduate financial aid for co-terminal students will be extended for their ninth and 10th semesters of study.

For more information on Rensselaer’s new co-terminal degree program, visit: http://undergrad.rpi.edu.