Accelerated Pathways at Queens

Ready to go further, faster? Queens University of Charlotte offers accelerated pathways designed for students who want a streamlined route from an undergraduate degree to a master’s degree.

If you qualify, you can receive early notification, specialized advising, and a clear academic plan that helps you reach your goals sooner — while still getting the full Queens experience.

What is an accelerated pathway?

An accelerated pathway is an option that helps you earn your bachelor’s degree and your master’s degree on a faster, more efficient timeline.

At Queens, accelerated pathways are designed to give you:

A clear plan for what to take and when
Early advising support so you stay on track
A smoother transition into graduate study after you complete your bachelor’s degree

How the Accelerated Pathway Process Works

Queens identifies students who may be a good fit for an accelerated pathway after they’re admitted to the university. If you qualify, you’ll receive early communication and a clear set of next steps so you can decide whether you want to pursue the accelerated option.

Step 1: Qualify for a pathway

To be considered, you’ll need to meet the qualifications for your intended track:

Accelerated MA in Communication (MACom)

3.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Intended bachelor’s degree in the Knight School of Communication

Accelerated MS in Financial Analytics (MSFA)

3.0 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Intended bachelor’s degree in Finance

Step 2: Confirm your intent

Students who qualify will receive:

A notification letting them know they meet the criteria
An intent-to-enroll form outlining pathway expectations

If you want to pursue the pathway, you’ll sign and submit the form.

Step 3: Receive early advising support

Once you submit your intent-to-enroll form, you’ll receive specialized advising the summer before your first year and at Orientation to help you plan your coursework and stay on track for the accelerated timeline.

Step 4: Officially apply at the end of sophomore year

You’re not fully enrolled in the accelerated pathway right away. By the end of your sophomore year, you’ll complete the official application process for your pathway.
To move forward, you’ll need to meet the application requirements for your intended pathway.

Application Requirements

Accelerated MACom (MA in Communication)

By the end of sophomore year, students will submit:

Graduate school application
Queens GPA of 3.0 or higher
Statement of purpose
Resume
Two letters of recommendation — including at least one from a Queens faculty member

Accelerated MSFA (MS in Financial Analytics)

By the end of sophomore year, students will submit:

Graduate school application (a version created for this pathway group)
Queens GPA of 3.0 or higher
Statement of purpose
Two letters of recommendation — including at least one from a Queens faculty member
Interview (may be requested)

Frequently Asked Questions

These pathways are designed to help you finish your bachelor’s and master’s degrees on an accelerated timeline:

Accelerated MACom: 3.5 + 1 format
Bachelor’s degree in 3.5 years + Master’s degree in 1 year

Accelerated MSFA: 3 + 1 format
Bachelor’s degree in 3 years + Master’s degree in 1 year

Students begin graduate classes after completing the bachelor’s degree. Queens currently does not allow undergraduates to take graduate courses — though this may change in the future.

No. The intent-to-enroll form helps you plan early, but you’re not fully enrolled in the accelerated pathway until you complete the official application process — usually by the end of your sophomore year.

Current Queens students can request to enter these pathways. The recommended time to do that is by fall of sophomore year. If you don’t declare intent in your first year, it may be difficult to stay on track to finish early.

Accelerated Pathways at Queens University of Charlotte