Accelerated Master's
The Accelerated Master’s Platform (AMP) in Botany and Plant Pathology allows current high achieving undergraduate majors to take graduate classes, apply those credits to their current undergraduate degree, and also transfer them into a MS program. Students apply to the program in the junior year and take up to 22 graduate credits during their senior year. With careful planning, students can then complete a master’s degree with one additional year of graduate school.
Successful applicants are allowed to apply a maximum of 22 graduate credits (taken for a letter grade and not including blanket-numbered courses) to both their undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Admission Requirements
- Have completed at least 105 credits of the required 180 credits for a bachelor's degree. This is equivalent to junior standing.
- A 3.25 grade point average for completed undergraduate coursework. The courses that will apply to the graduate degree must be 3.0 or better.
- Agreement of a Botany and Plant Pathology graduate faculty member to serve as major professor/thesis advisor.
- Approval of the Botany and Plant Pathology AMP Coordinator.
Participating Programs
- Undergraduate program: BS in Botany, BS in Biological Data Sciences
- Graduate program: MS in Botany and Plant Pathology
Application Process and Timeline
Junior undergraduate year
- Identify a faculty member willing to serve as your AMP and graduate advisor.
- Work with your faculty advisor to develop your proposed MS thesis research plan and a tentative program of study that includes the 22 credits that will apply towards the graduate degree.
- Meet with your academic advisor to ensure that these 22 credits will also fulfill your remaining undergraduate degree requirements.
- Apply to the Graduate School using the Accelerated Master's Platform for admission into the AMP in fall term of your senior year.
Senior undergraduate year
- Complete up to 22 graduate credits.
- Continue to work with your graduate advisor to plan or conduct your thesis research and finalize your graduate program of study.
First year of graduate school
- Start graduate school transferring up to 22 graduate credits earned as an undergraduate.
Application
All application materials are submitted through the online OSU Graduate Application System by May 1st. Review details on starting the AMP application process. The application fee will be waived.
- Three letters of reference. One of the reference letters must be from the applicant’s potential graduate advisor confirming agreement to serve as major professor.
- A 1-2 page statement that outlines your research and professional interests, as well as your interest in the OSU Botany and Plant Pathology Graduate Program.
- Transcripts of all previous academic coursework.
- The application code provided by the AMP Coordinator.
- A statement of graduate research or project objectives (no more than 500 words).
The AMP Pre-Admission Form which identifies the 22 credits that will apply towards the graduate degree and planned courses for the graduate degree.