Earn an Undergraduate and Graduate Degree
The Conservatory of Performing Arts offers a variety of options for students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree as part of our fast-track bachelor's to master's programs.
Some of the benefits of the fast-track program include:
- Saving time by completing graduate courses as an undergraduate allows you to finish your master’s degree sooner.
- Saving money by taking graduate courses as an undergrad: in fall and spring semesters, you are charged the same flat undergrad rate, as long as you do not take more than 18 credits. In those semesters, your graduate coursework is included for no additional tuition charge.*
- Trying out graduate study to confirm that it’s right for you.
- Flexibility, with both on-ground and online programs available.
- Some graduate classes may count toward your bachelor’s degree (consult your advisor/school/department to see if this applies to you).
- A 25% alumni discount on most graduate programs after graduation.
Some programs allow admitted students to start taking classes as soon as the summer before junior year, so it’s never too early to start thinking about graduate study! Students should apply for graduate program admission before starting to take graduate coursework; contact the Office of Graduate and Online Admission for details.
*Summer classes will incur additional charges; check with Financial Aid to make sure you are eligible and packaged for aid for the summer.
Fast-Track Offerings
B.F.A. + M.A. in Public Relations, Advertising and Social Media
Our distinctive fast-track program gives students an affordable opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Conservatory of Performing Arts — and a Master of Arts in public relations, advertising and social media from the School of Communication — in as little as four years.
B.F.A. + MBA
The Conservatory of Performing Arts and Rowland School of Business are one of the first to offer a new opportunity to students to earn two degrees in four years, plus one additional semester in the summer, as part of the fast-track master's program. This program gives students an affordable opportunity to earn both a B.F.A. from the Conservatory — and an MBA from the Rowland School of Business — in four years plus one additional semester in the summer.
B.A. or B.F.A./School of Education Master's Degrees (M.Ed. or M.A.)
The School of Education's fast-track programs offer highly motivated undergraduates in any degree program the opportunity to complete both their bachelor’s and Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees, including Pennsylvania teacher certification, within 4½ years, including summer terms. Fast-track program options include:
- M.Ed. in Pre-K to Grade 4 Education (with Pa. Certification)
- M.Ed. in Special Education Pre-K to Grade 12 (with Pa. Certification)
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education Grades 7–12 (with Pa. Certification)
- M.Ed. in Dance Education Pre-K to Grade 12 (with Pa. Certification; option for B.F.A. Dance students only)
- M.A. in Dance Education (non-certification program; option for B.F.A. Dance students only)
- M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching (non-certification program; begins junior year)
Students in the Pre-K to Grade 4, Special Education, Secondary Education and Dance Education tracks complete their in-person student teaching and certification requirements during the final fall semester of the program.
B.F.A. in Screenwriting or B.A. in Cinema Arts (Screenwriting Concentration) + M.F.A.
The Department of Film and Animation offers two fast-track bachelor's to master's programs to students interested in expanding their career options:
- B.F.A. in screenwriting and an M.F.A. in writing for the screen and stage
- B.A. in cinema arts (screenwriting concentration) and an M.F.A. in writing for the screen and stage
Undergraduate students in the B.F.A. or B.A. program apply to the M.F.A. program in their junior year and begin taking graduate-level courses in their senior year, followed by one additional year of study to complete the M.F.A. program.