Accelerated Bachelor of General Studies / Master of Education

Accelerate your journey towards becoming a special education teacher.

Complete a master's degree within 12 months of completing a bachelor's degree.

The accelerated bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) / master of Education (M.Ed.) 4+1 program allows students to complete requirements for both a bachelor of science in General Studies and a master of Education in Special Education at an accelerated pace. Students will also complete an undergraduate minor in Special Education. Admitted students may double count up to twelve (12) graduate-level credits, which makes it possible to obtain a master's degree within 12 months of completing the bachelor's degree.

This is a cross-department accelerated bachelor and master program. Students must speak with and gain approval from the departments listed below in order to enroll in the program. 

• College of Arts & Sciences (B.G.S.)
• College of Education & Human Development (M.Ed.)

Degree Progression

Below is an approximate outline of the steps needed to complete the accelerated B.G.S./M.Ed. degree program. All students are encouraged to reach out to their advisor with questions.

1. Apply and gain admission into the bachelor of General Studies program of study.
2. Complete requirements of the B.G.S. degree as well as the Special Education minor.
3. Apply to the master of Education 4+1 in SPED after completing 60 undergraduate credits.
   • Students must meet with their advisor and complete the Accelerated/Combined Program of Study form.
   • Associate degree holders do not have to wait to accrue credits at UND before applying.
4. Complete the Graduate Registration for Accelerated or Combined Students form when registering for any graduate level course. This form must be completed and submitted each semester that the student is enrolled in graduate courses that will be double counted towards both degrees.

Program Requirements

A list of program requirements are available online; however, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor for a recommended program of study.

Special Education Resident Teacher Program

Students who reside in North Dakota are eligible to apply to the Special Education Resident Teacher Program (SERTP) while enrolled in the M.Ed. 4+1 portion of the program (graduate studies). All students in the B.G.S./M.Ed. degree program may apply, but admission to SERTP is not guaranteed. Paraeducators are highly encouraged to apply.

Special Education Resident Teacher Program

Questions?