Qualified Gardner-Webb Undergraduates Have the Option to Begin Graduate Work

Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) Offered in Several Academic Areas

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Qualified students at Gardner-Webb University can now begin work on a master’s degree while finishing their bachelor’s and earn credits toward both. Students may apply for admission into the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) during their junior year or after 60 to 90 credit hours, depending on the program. These students must also maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

While all undergraduate students benefit from the AMP option, the program is particularly helpful for students who enter Gardner-Webb with associate’s degrees or college credit. Sydney Brown, Dean of Graduate Studies, noted, “Students are coming in with many credits and might be finishing at an accelerated pace. In the same amount of time spent getting an undergraduate degree, they could get started on a graduate degree.”

Aside from saving time, another advantage to all undergraduate students admitted to the AMP program is the monetary savings. “They pay the undergraduate tuition rate to take graduate classes, and they can use their undergraduate funding to pay for those graduate classes,” Brown affirmed.

Additionally, many of Gardner-Webb’s graduate programs are offered online. This flexible format allows undergraduate students to incorporate the graduate courses into their schedule.    

Several programs offer the AMP option and seamless admission for Gardner-Webb undergraduates. “The seamless admission opportunity recognizes that we know these Gardner-Webb students, we value their abilities, and we want them to continue with us,” Brown explained. “Seamless admission programs reduce the application requirements and waive the application fee.”

Other programs don’t offer AMP but provide seamless admission and a smooth transition for Gardner-Webb undergraduates. “If you are a recent graduate, you can enter a graduate program with reduced application requirements,” Brown advised. “You might not have to turn in all the references, or you might not have to do a test.”

Further, students who enter a graduate program immediately after earning a bachelor’s degree have the advantage of maintaining the student mindset. “Doing it now while you are in student mode is a good time to earn your graduate degree if it’s something you think you might want later,” Brown observed.

Students should contact their advisor to learn more about applying to the AMP program.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.