The University Scholars Program offers students a chance to make the most of their four undergraduate years at the Capstone by completing a master’s degree in addition to an undergraduate degree in just four years.
The program, which started 10 years ago, is designed to give aspiring students a leg-up on the competition in the job market after leaving The University of Alabama. Many departments across many of the University’s colleges offer these programs, and many students are working hard to take advantage.
“We have about 70 first year students and 70 second year students who say they are interested in the program,” Billy Helms, head of the economics, finance and legal studies department, said. “We have been promoting the program to entering students a lot more in the last few years and hope that students continue to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity.”
Helms said USP students in the economics, finance and legal studies departments need a minimum of 138 hours to attain both degrees, including 30 hours of graduate courses. It is a significant course load to squeeze into four years, but Helms said USP students relish the challenge.
“Students have the opportunity to take more challenging classes than the typical undergraduate student,” he said. “This leads to a much better understanding of finance and economics. For those students interested in jobs, it translates into a greater chance of landing a very good job and/or a better starting salary.”
It is the opportunity to get out into the real world earlier that has Elizabeth Wilson, a sophomore majoring in finance, considering entering the program.
“It’s a rare opportunity to start my career early by taking a rigorous course schedule,” Wilson said. “Not many other schools have programs that let you complete a masters while you’re an undergrad.”
According to the UA catalog, students typically begin graduate coursework during their senior year after they have met course requirements for their undergraduate major. Some graduate courses, however, can be used to fulfill undergraduate requirements.
For students entering their freshman year with a good amount of college credit from AP tests or dual enrollment, the program allows for a more fruitful use of a traditional four years.
Chris Aud is a junior seeking both his undergraduate and master’s in economics and is currently taking his fourth graduate level class.
“I came in with a lot of credits and because I had a four-year scholarship, I wanted to use all four years,” Aud said. “So I could either triple major, or I could do this program. I felt like getting a master’s would be the best use of my time.”
There are University Scholars programs in more than 25 departments across almost every college, including biological sciences, English, mechanical engineering and many others. While specific requirements can vary by department, entry to most programs includes taking the Graduate Record Examination or GRE.
