Is high school the time to think about graduate school? Hey, you’ve got enough pressure on you just trying to get into undergrad, right? True, but now may be exactly the right time to be thinking about earning your master’s degree.

Many colleges and universities offer five-year bachelor’s/master’s degree programs that you can apply for when you apply for freshman admission.

Should I consider a dual-degree program?
In general, you should be thinking about five-year undergraduate to graduate degree options if you know what you want to major in. But even if you’re not sure, it can’t hurt to apply – if the school offers a variety of majors you’re interested in, you can always change your major once you’ve begun classes. Half of all college students change their major at least once, with many changing more than once.

For most colleges and universities, you are not locked into the graduate degree when you apply for undergraduate admission. You must still apply for graduate admission, although graduate admission can be easier if you’re already in the five-year program.

If you think you might be interested in a graduate degree in your chosen field, it’s a good idea to check out your five-year degree options.

But why should I worry about this now?
Applying to a five-year dual-degree program has many benefits. You’ll often earn the master’s degree in less time than it would take you to get it separately – most master’s degree programs are at least two years. In addition to the time it saves, less time spent in school can also mean less money spent on tuition.

Admission to the master’s degree program may be a smoother transition process than if you were applying separately. You’ll have the benefit of attending graduate school at a place you’re already familiar with, and hopefully have had a great undergraduate experience. Your connections with faculty will be that much stronger – many professors will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses. You’ll also get to know your fellow students within the dual-degree program.

Just five years after graduating from high school, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce with a graduate degree – and depending on your chosen profession, that can mean a higher starting salary and improved job opportunities. In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau found that adults 18 and over with a master’s, professional or doctor degree earned an average of about $25,000 more per year than adults with just a bachelor’s degree.

Of course, just earning a bachelor’s degree is an accomplishment that can significantly raise your income level. The Census Bureau also found that those with a bachelor’s degree also earned over $25,000 more than those with a high school diploma. So if you’re considering going for a bachelor’s degree – you’re on the right track!

What majors offer these five-year programs?
Five-year undergraduate to graduate programs are offered in a variety of fields at a variety of schools. If you’re interested in teaching, many schools offer a five-year teacher education program in which you earn a bachelor of science or arts, and a master of education. Five year programs can also be offered in:

• Counseling
• Computer Science
• Athletic Training
• Chemistry
• International Affairs

They can be specific within a broader area of study, such as accounting within general business. If you’re thinking of becoming a Certified Public Accountant, for instance, the State of Texas requires 150 credit hours – more than most undergraduate programs require for graduation. With a five-year dual-degree program, you’ll have the necessary credit hours to sit for the Texas CPA exam.

This list is not nearly complete – when you’re looking at colleges, be sure to check out what five-year programs they offer. If you know what you want to study, and you put in that little extra effort now, it may save you time and money down the road. You can find a program that’s right for you!

Editorial provided by Amy Batheja, Communications Specialist with Texas Wesleyan University.

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