Build on Your LMU Experience With an Accelerated Master’s Program
What is an Accelerated Master’s Program?
Accelerated master’s programs, sometimes known as 4+1 programs, give eligible undergraduate students a way to earn both their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years. In these programs, students typically begin taking graduate-level courses during their senior year, then complete one additional year of full-time graduate study to earn their master’s degree. By starting graduate study early, students may save time and reduce the total cost of earning both degrees.
How Does Loyola Marymount University’s Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) Work?
LMU’s Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) helps eligible undergraduate students continue building on the academic direction they find at LMU while working toward both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. Across five colleges, LMU offers 18 AMPs in fields like liberal arts, business, education, entertainment, engineering, and computer science. Explore LMU’s Accelerated Master’s Programs.
Below is a breakdown of the AMP process at LMU.
Start at LMU as an Undergraduate Student
Explore classes and majors during your first two years of college to learn more about what interests you. If you are sure of a master’s degree track you want to pursue, you have the option to apply for your accelerated master’s program when applying for undergraduate admission at LMU. Acceptance to LMU as an undergraduate student does not guarantee acceptance into an accelerated master’s program.
Explore an AMP and Apply on Your Program’s Timeline
With the support of your academic advisor, explore programs you may be interested in based on your goals. Once you find your program, follow its application requirements and deadlines. If you applied for your AMP as a prospective LMU student, you will learn whether you have been accepted to it when you are a junior (or senior, depending on the program). Explore each AMP by college:
- Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- College of Business Administration
- School of Education
- School of Film and Television
- Seaver College of Science and Engineering
Take Graduate-Level Courses During Senior Year
If you are accepted into your program, you will begin taking graduate-level courses during your senior year.
Complete One Additional Year of Graduate Study
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will continue on to one more year of full-time graduate study to earn your master’s degree.
Benefits of Loyola Marymount University’s Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP)
Keep Learning With Classmates and Faculty Who Know You
Continuing your studies at LMU can help you deepen the academic relationships you already built. You can keep learning with faculty, advisors, and peers who understand your goals and can support your next step.
Start Your Career With a Master’s Degree
Through your studies in your AMP and the continued support of Career & Professional Development (CPD) at LMU, you will build skills, expand your professional network, and launch a career in your chosen path with a master’s degree.
Save Time
Rather than the usual six total years it takes to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree, you can earn both in five.
Reduce Overall Cost
Because undergraduate and graduate courses overlap in an AMP at LMU, the overall cost of earning both degrees is reduced.
Is an AMP at Loyola Marymount University Right For You?
An accelerated master’s program may be a strong fit for students who:
- Have a strong academic record
- Want to continue studying their major or field in greater depth
- Hope to deepen their relationships with faculty, mentors, and peers at LMU
- Feel ready for the challenge of graduate-level coursework during their senior year
- Want to connect their undergraduate experience to their academic and professional goals
- Want to save time and reduce the total cost of earning their master’s degree
- Plan to continue growing personally, academically, and professionally at LMU
You do not need to have your full path figured out by the time you get to LMU. During your first few years, you may discover a subject or career path that motivates you or gives you a sense of academic and professional purpose that you want to keep building on. If that happens, an AMP can give you a way to continue your momentum through advanced study while staying connected to the LMU community that helped shape your direction.
Frequently Asked Questions about LMU’s AMP
How Can an Accelerated Master’s Program Help Me Stand Out?
An accelerated master’s program can help you graduate with deeper academic preparation in your field. If you are considering a competitive career, specialized role, or doctoral program in the future, an AMP can help show focus, commitment, and readiness for advanced work.
Do I Have to Apply?
Yes, both prospective and current undergraduate students at LMU must apply and be accepted into their AMP.
When And How Do I Apply?
Participating colleges and programs within LMU have their own application requirements, qualifications, and deadlines. Explore each program:
- Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- College of Business Administration
- School of Education
- School of Film and Television
- Seaver College of Science and Engineering
Can High School Students Apply?
Yes, prospective LMU students who are still in high school can apply for an AMP when they apply for undergraduate admission. However, students will only potentially be accepted to their AMP when they are either a junior or senior, depending on their program.
How Do Credits Work in an AMP?
Graduate-level credits taken in an AMP at LMU count toward your master’s degree. In some programs, certain credits may count toward your bachelor’s degree as well.
How do Tuition and Financial Aid Work?
In some AMP programs, the cost of graduate credits taken during your senior year are covered by your undergraduate tuition. However, each program may limit the amount of classes you are able to take that year (for example, no more than two total).
The following year, your tuition rate will change to the graduate rate. Graduate students at LMU are still eligible to complete the FAFSA to potentially be considered for federal, state, and some LMU-specific financial aid. Explore financial aid for graduate students.
What Scholarships Are Available to AMP Students?
Some graduate programs at LMU offer departmental scholarships based on financial need and merit. Explore graduate scholarships by college at LMU.
Will I Receive Help Finding a Job After My AMP?
Yes. Personalized career support is always available to graduate students through Career & Professional Development (CPD). Whether you need resume and job interview help or an updated headshot for your LinkedIn profile, CPD can support your professional journey both during and after your AMP.