Accelerated Master’s Program (formerly “Co‑Term”)

Earn your Master’s in one extra year while staying at RPI with the faculty, labs, and advising team you already know. If you started at RPI Fall 2024 or later, you’ll apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program (the new name). If you began before Fall 2024, you’ll follow the Co‑Terminal Program policies. 

Why stay at RPI for an extra year?

• Tuition support: Students in the Accelerated Master’s Program may receive an award equal to 50% of tuition charges during their graduate semesters (after the BS is awarded). 
  Students who started before Fall 2024 can keep Rensselaer financial aid for up to two additional graduate semesters under Co‑Term policies.
• Finish faster: Plan ahead, begin graduate coursework as a senior, and complete the MS in ~1 additional year.
• Stay with your network: Continue working with HASS faculty, labs, studios, and your advising team.
• Career momentum: A master’s builds advanced skills and specialization for roles in industry, NGOs, government, and creative sectors.

How it works

• Apply in junior or senior year (departments may set earlier internal deadlines). Minimum 3.0 GPA; plan to finish the BS in eight semesters (ten for B.Arch).
• Transition to graduate status after your BS is conferred; your graduate award (for eligible cohorts in the Accelerated Master’s Program) replaces undergraduate aid.

Programs in HASS you can pursue

Examples include Critical Game Design (MS), Economics (MS), Science & Technology Studies (MS), Cognitive Science (MS) and Communication and Rhetoric (MS). Check department pages or meet with the HASS Hub.

Tuition & aid (quick guide)

• Accelerated Master’s (Fall 2024+ starters): 50% tuition award during graduate semesters; undergraduate scholarships/grants do not continue once you’re a graduate student. File FAFSA first as an undergrad, then as a grad.
• Co‑Term (prior to Fall 2024 starters): May maintain RPI financial aid for up to two graduate semesters (three for certain MBA options) after completing BS. FAFSA and planning requirements apply.

Note: NYS TAP only applies to undergraduate study (max eight semesters); graduate funding follows different rules. [financialaid.rpi.edu]

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Meet your HASS advisor to confirm BS completion timeline and MS goals.
2. Discuss with the Graduate Program Director (GPD) the program's fit, requirements, and any internal deadlines that may have been established earlier.
3. Review financial aid details for your cohort (Accelerated Master’s vs. Co‑Term).
4. Prepare your plan (4th/5th‑year planner & Graduate Plan of Study) and submit via Slate with required signatures

Want to apply? Next Steps!

• Meet with the HASS Hub: hassgrad@rpi.edu
• Explore Accelerated Master’s details (Graduate Education): Program page
• Financial Aid specifics: Accelerated Master’s | Co‑Term (pre‑Fall 2024)