Bachelor's/Master's (BS/MS) Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Welcome to the WPI BS/MS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. This resource is designed to help you navigate the dual-degree program. Here, you'll find answers to common questions about the application process, including eligibility criteria and required documents.
We also provide a detailed timeline to help you plan your academic journey, from initial application to graduation.
Additionally, you'll discover valuable tips for academic planning, ensuring you can balance your coursework and research effectively.
Whether you're just starting to consider the BS/MS program or are already enrolled, make sure to also check out the Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program page for important information to know about the program.
Find questions about:
Application Process
How long does it take to get accepted into the BS/MS degree program?
The review process on average takes from two to four weeks. Expect delays during summer and winter breaks when review committees don’t meet as often.
Understand your four-year plan:
- Most majors at WPI require 15 terms or 45/3 units of course work to complete a four-year degree
- Most students have an open term built into their four-year plans
- Students who complete their PE requirement in fifteen terms gain an additional 1/3 unit of space in their four-year plan
- Students who can count two AP/Transfer/Retroactive courses toward their four-year degree can create a second open term
- WPI offers two summer terms each year: E1 & E2
Who should I contact to discuss my interest in the BS/MS program?
Your undergraduate academic advisor in the Office of Academic Advising (OAA) can assist you with planning or direct you to the assigned graduate coordinator for a specific department.
Where do I apply for the BS/MS program?
You can apply to the BS/MS program just like any other graduate program at WPI—through the grad application portal.
When do I apply for the BS/MS program?
Most departments suggest that students apply for the BS/MS program in the Spring of their third year, but requirements can vary by department or individual circumstances. Some programs require students to apply during the start of their fourth year. Students should check with the department program contact or their advisor for specific application timeline requirements.
WPI alumni are eligible to apply to the BS/MS program within five years of graduation.
Do I have to pay the grad application fee?
No, the grad application fee is waived.
Is a Graduate Records Exam (GRE) needed to apply to the BS/MS program?
No, current WPI undergraduates or WPI alumni do not need a GRE to apply to the BS/MS program.
What are the steps and requirements to apply to the BS/MS program?
Students interested in applying to the BS/MS program should visit the graduate admissions page and can learn about steps to apply to the graduate program. Students can also find additional application information on the application requirements page.
Students should contact their undergraduate academic advisor or BS/MS program graduate coordinator with additional questions.
What are the program-specific application requirements for my intended BS/MS program?
Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here. Some academic programs also have FAQs listed towards the bottom of this page. The Graduate Catalog also includes various academic program requirements and background information.
Students should contact their undergraduate academic advisor or BS/MS program graduate coordinator with additional questions.
Timeline and Completion
- Freshmen & Sophomore year: Connect with your academic Advisor on BS/MS options and attend department specific information session
- Sophomore & Junior year: Connect with the graduate coordinator of the department you are seeking to earn a BS/MS to identify course requirements
- Start your application by junior year (unless in BME then senior year)
- Work on your Plan of Study with the academic department
Is it possible to do BS/MS in less than 5 years?
Yes, it is possible but requires a substantial amount of planning well in advance of your admission to the BS/MS program, in addition to having a considerable amount of AP credit and potential overloading. Please consult your academic advisor for assistance.
If I want to complete my BS/MS degrees in four years, do I have to complete my BS degree in three years?
No, most students who complete their BS/MS in four years also complete some portion of their BS degree in their fourth year to maintain undergraduate financial aid status, usually 3/3 MQP. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for more information.
How long could it take me to complete the MS portion of my degree?
Complete your MS degree in six classes instead of the usual ten and potentially earn your MS in as little as nine months after earning your bachelor’s. Some programs require a longer time commitment of 1-3 years beyond earning your BS.
You will have 5 years from the date of matriculation into your MS to complete that portion, starting from when you are accepted into the BS/MS program.
When can I start to take graduate courses?
Students can begin to take graduate courses during their undergraduate years but should consult their advisor(s) about BS/MS degree requirements.
Can I walk at the graduate commencement ceremony if I have not yet finished the MS portion of my BS/MS degree?
Students can walk at the graduate commencement ceremony if they are no more than 6 credits short. Students who are completing an MS thesis are not eligible to walk if they have not submitted their electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) by the end of the semester deadline.
Academic Planning
What academic programs of study are available in the BS/MS program?
You can customize your academic path with 40+ options in engineering, computer science, business, and more. Students can earn various types of master’s degrees, including Master of Science (MS), Master of Engineering (MEng), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA), with many flexible program options.
How do I know what courses from my BS will count toward my MS?
Eligible BS courses must have a letter grade of B or higher. From the Graduate Catalog, you can use the BS/MS section for your program as a guide to double counting courses. Please work with your academic advisor to ensure that you have an approved plan of study.
Students receiving both degrees at the same time should submit the Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form after their junior year for any completed courses. A new form with any courses from their senior year should be submitted with their graduate degree completion form at the beginning of their final semester.
How can I get my completed BS courses reflected on my MS record?
If you have already graduated from your BS, please populate the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form and work with your department for submission.
When will my BS courses be reflected on my MS record?
These courses will be reflected the semester after you complete your bachelor's and you have submitted the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form.
Students receiving both degrees at the same time should submit the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form after their junior year for any completed courses. A new form with any courses from their senior year should be submitted with their graduate degree completion form at the beginning of their final semester.
Students should be aware that any graduate course taken as an undergraduate student will remain on the BS record. Courses can only be copied to the MS degree record once they have been completed and graded.
Can the MS portion be done online?
Yes, if your program of study has an online offering.
Do I need to be a full-time student for the MS?
No, you can enroll as a part-time graduate student.
Do I have the same advisor for the MS?
In most cases, your department will assign you a graduate-specific advisor, who is usually different from your undergraduate advisor.
Can I do an MS Thesis while pursuing the BS/MS?
Yes, it is possible to pursue and successfully complete an MS Thesis as part of the BS/MS program.
Can I NR a graduate course?
Yes, if you are an undergraduate student. Graduate students are unable to NR a course.
Can I get an MS in a major other than my BS major?
Yes, with careful planning an interdisciplinary BS/MS is possible, but you must consult with each department and their specific requirements.
The Graduate Catalog includes various background program information. Students should also reach out to their academic advisor or program graduate coordinator with program-specific questions.
Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here.
How do MS courses differ from BS courses?
Although course workloads and delivery vary across programs, all MS courses require grades of C or higher for degree credit and there is no option to NR a course. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to confer your MS degree.
While I am an undergraduate student who has been accepted into the BS/MS program, can I take online graduate courses even when an on-campus version of the course is available?
Many academic programs and departments do not permit undergraduate students from enrolling in online graduate courses if an on-campus version is available.
How can I get my completed BS courses reflected on my MS record?
For BS courses that can double count for your master’s program, please populate the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form and work with your department for submission.
Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
As an undergraduate, if I take graduate courses that will ONLY apply to my master’s program, how/when will they be applied to my graduate degree?
You will use the Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form and fill out the bottom section for master’s only courses. These do not require approval, but registrar staff will need to confirm that the course(s) are not needed for your bachelor’s degree before applying the course(s) to your master’s degree.
What double-counted courses for my BS/MS program need department approval?
Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Courses that are not being used for BS degree requirements do not need approval.
How are MS course credits converted/used while earning my BS degree?
Courses that are 3 credit graduate level are converted to 4.5 on the BS record and then converted back to 3 credits when articulated to the MS degree record.
Courses that are 2 credit graduate level are converted to 3 on the BS record and then converted back to 2 credits when articulated to the MS degree record.
Please note that graduate independent studies (ISG), thesis credit, and directed research do not fall under the credit conversion policy and these credits will not be converted.
What are some examples of projects that BS/MS students have worked on?
Reach out to your academic advisor to connect you with a current BS/MS student in your intended program.
Where can I find resources to support my graduate student experience?
Students can visit the Graduate Student Resources page for a variety of information to assist in navigating graduate school at WPI. This page includes a link to Gompei’s Guide for graduate students and information for new and returning students on registering for classes, funding opportunities, thesis and dissertation resources, graduate student government, and Commencement.
New BS/MS students should also read the accepted students checklist for important information.
Returning Undergrad Alumni
How long do I have to apply for the BS/MS program after graduating with my BS degree?
You will have a maximum of five years from the date you graduate with your BS degree.
Can I double count BS credits if I apply for the BS/MS program after I graduate with my BS degree?
Yes, WPI alumni who graduated within the last 5 years can double count BS degree credits toward their MS degree.
Students receiving their MS after their BS should submit the Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form after receiving their BS.
Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
How can I get my completed BS courses from my BS degree reflected on my MS record?
If you have already graduated from your BS, please populate the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form and work with your department for submission.
Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
Are WPI alumni eligible for any tuition savings when pursuing a graduate degree at WPI?
Alumni who already earned their BS degree at WPI, at any point in time, can save 20% on tuition for their MS or PhD degree through the Alumni Tuition Incentive, helping maximize their investment in a graduate degree.
BS alumni who graduated within the last five years can save time and money by taking advantage of the double-counting course option. Students should contact their academic advisor to see which BS courses can count towards their graduate degree.
Funding/Financial Aid
Will my undergraduate financial aid/scholarship pay for my MS degree?
Only if you complete your BS/MS in 16 terms or four years. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Is financial aid/assistance available for the graduate portion of the BS/MS?
Graduate students typically pay the discounted price out-of-pocket but there are other sources of financial aid possible: employee assistance, loans, etc. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for more information or the Bursar’s Office for questions about tuition discounts.
How does the BS/MS program impact my scholarship?
Undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships, is available for up to 16 terms or until you complete your undergraduate degree requirements, whichever comes first. Once those requirements are met, you will transition to graduate-level financial aid. For details on how this may affect your scholarship, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
How much does it cost to earn a BS/MS degree?
Learn about tuition and fees and graduate funding opportunities at these links or get more information with the Financial Aid Office. Students can save time and money by double-counting certain courses (a BS course also counting towards the MS degree).
Alumni who already earned their BS degree at WPI, at any point in time, can save 20% on tuition for their MS or PhD degree through the Alumni Tuition Incentive, helping maximize their investment in a graduate degree. Students can contact the Bursar’s Office with questions about tuition discounts.
Are alumni eligible for any tuition savings when pursuing a graduate degree at WPI?
Alumni who already earned their BS degree at WPI, at any point in time, can save 20% on tuition for their MS or PhD degree through the Alumni Tuition Incentive, helping maximize their investment in a graduate degree.
Transfer Students
If I am a transfer student to WPI, can I also apply to the BS/MS program?
Yes, if you are a WPI transfer student and you have at least two years of your WPI degree to complete, you are eligible for BS/MS.
When should I start planning my schedule for both my BS and MS degrees?
As soon as you transfer to WPI, connect with your academic advisor, the BS/MS coordinator in the program you would like to pursue, Graduate and Professional Studies, or Academic Advising to work out your BS/MS academic pathway that best meets your needs.
After I graduate with my bachelor's degree, can I start working a full-time job and still pursue my accelerated master's degree as part of the BS/MS program?
Yes, you can work full-time and continue pursuing the master's portion of your BS/MS program.
Where can I find resources and support as a BS/MS transfer student?
Students can visit the Graduate Student Resources page for a variety of information to assist in navigating graduate school at WPI. This page includes a link to Gompei’s Guide for graduate students and information for new and returning students on registering for classes, funding opportunities, thesis and dissertation resources, graduate student government, and Commencement.
New BS/MS students should also read the accepted students checklist for important information.
BS/MS Academic Program-Specific FAQs
*Note: Not all academic programs that offer a BS/MS degree have FAQs listed here. The Graduate Catalog includes various academic program-specific requirements and background information. Students should also reach out to their academic advisor or program graduate coordinator with program-specific questions.
Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here.
Find questions about:
BS/MS in Biotechnology
What should I know about the BS/MS program in biotechnology?
WPI's BS/MS combined degree in Biotechnology is a 5-year program that offers a strong base in both conceptual and technical knowledge. The flexibility of the program enables WPI students currently enrolled in Biology or a related life sciences major the ability to select skills-based courses and lab training to prepare for professional careers in the biotech industry, or alternatively to enhance their preparedness for medical school and PhD programs.
What is the application process and requirements to become a BS/MS biotechnology student?
Students interested in pursuing a combined BS/MS degree are expected to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and should apply to the Department of Biology and Biotechnology as early as their third year and no later than the fall of their 4th year. Students who have recently graduated from WPI can also take advantage of the double counting credit option as described above however, pending course availability, may not be able to complete the degree in a single extra year. Students interested in returning for this degree are encouraged to discuss the feasibility and timeline with the graduate coordinator.
Recommendation letters do not need to be submitted with the application. Instead, the applicant’s personal statement should include the names of three WPI professors from whom the graduate committee may request such letters. Letter-writers should be WPI (or WPI-affiliated) professors who can speak positively toward the applicant's scholarship, work ethic, and ability to handle the rigors of a combined BS/MS degree.
Students enrolled in the BS/MS program must satisfy all the program requirements for their BS degree, which could be in Biology and Biotechnology or another major, in addition to the requirements of the M.S. in Biotechnology. As part of the application process, and in consultation with the student’s major Academic Advisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator, the student will prepare a proposed Plan of Study outlining the selections made to satisfy the BS/MS degree requirements, including the courses that will be double-counted. This Plan of Study must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator before acceptance to the program. All courses must be at the 500 or 4000 level and no more than 9 credits may be at the 4000 level (MQP credits cannot be used toward the MS).
What are the credit and course requirements as a BS/MS student in biotechnology?
30 Credit requirements:
- 24 credits within the Biology and Biotechnology Department, or related department per approval of the graduate committee. These credits must include a minimum of 9 credits of skills-based courses, as indicated in the graduate catalog.
- 6 credits of BB-related or elective courses
Up to 9 graduate equivalent credits at the 4000-level courses can be used toward the 30 credit requirements, provided a grade of B or higher is earned.
A maximum of 6 credits of directed research (BB598) can count toward the skills-based course requirement. A student may not register for directed research credit (BB598) until after they have completed 1 full unit of MQP.
WPI expects graduate students to put in 56 hours of effort per one graduate-credit-hour earned. Thus, if a student is registering for BB598 during a seven-week term, the department will expect students to put in eight hours of research effort per week per credit-hour earned in BB598. (See page 14 of the 2021–22 graduate catalog).
The Biology and Biotechnology Department offers courses that are run on three different schedules: 7-week terms (A, B, C, and D term), 14-week semesters (fall corresponds with A+B terms, spring corresponds with C+D terms), and 10-week trimesters (which are primarily online delivery). BS/MS students are encouraged to explore courses in all these formats when planning their schedule and to reach out to their academic advisor or the graduate coordinator with questions.
How can I double count courses for my BS/MS degree in biotechnology?
BS/MS students are able to double-count up to 9 of the 30 graduate credits required for the MS degree in Biotechnology towards both the BS and the MS in Biotechnology degree. The remaining 21 credits required for the MS in Biotechnology degree must be distinct from the credits required for the undergraduate degree.
For undergraduate students, the university registrar counts both 4xxx-level courses and 5xx-level courses at 1.5x the credit hours that would be earned if being counted toward a graduate degree. For example, a 3-credit (4000 level) undergraduate course is valued at 2 credits toward a graduate degree while a 3-credit (500-level) graduate course is valued at 4.5 credits toward an undergraduate degree. Since students in a combined BS/MS program have not yet earned an undergraduate degree, courses will remain listed on transcripts at the undergraduate level of effort even though courses applied toward the MS degree will be considered at the graduate equivalent value.
What is an example of a schedule for a BS/MS biotechnology student?
13 credits BB/BB-related courses
8 credits 4000-level courses, double counted
9 credits skills based 500-level courses (or 6 credits of BB598 + 3 credits skills-based 500-level course)
Total = 30 credits
| Year | Fall (A+B terms) | Spring (C+D terms) | Cr | ||||
| 3 | CH4110 2cr | CH4120 2cr | 4 | ||||
| 4 | BB554 1cr | BCB4001 2cr | BB554 1cr | BB590 2cr | BB4260 2cr | 8 | |
| 5 | BB5XX 3cr | BB5XX 3cr | BB598 3cr | BB5XX 3cr | BB5XX 3cr | BB598 3cr | 18 |
| 30 | |||||||
BS/MS in Business
Can I get an MBA through the BS/MS program?
No, the MBA program is not part of the BS/MS option.
Can I get a MS degree in Financial Technology through the BS/MS program?
No, the MS in Financial Technology (FinTech) program is not part of the BS/MS option. You can begin the FinTech program when your BS is complete.
Can I get a Business School MS if I am a STEM major? What about double counting courses?
Yes, you can get a MS if you are a STEM major. The Business School MS accepts only graduate credits to double count between the BS and MS. No undergraduate credit may be counted toward a graduate business degree.
When should I apply for the Business MS?
Students should apply for The Business School MS during their sophomore year. The earliest a student's application will be reviewed is after they have completed C-term of their sophomore year.
When can I start taking graduate courses as a BS/MS business student?
Students can take graduate business courses once they have been accepted into the graduate program.
BS/MS in other academic programs
The academic program I’m interested in does not have any program-specific FAQs listed on this page. Where can I get my program-specific questions answered?
The Graduate Catalog includes various academic program requirements and background information. Students should also reach out to their academic advisor or program graduate coordinator with program-specific questions.
Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here.