BACHELOR'S + MASTER'SEarly Entry Programs

Students from any discipline are eligible to apply for early entry into the two master’s degree programs in the Department of Communication. This allows students to complete master’s level courses during their senior year and obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. In doing so, you will be earning your master's degree at a deeply discounted rate and accelerating your career and earning potential. The GRE is not required for admission to either program.

How it works: Students apply during their junior year and must have a minimum 3.2 GPA in any major and at least a B in Phil 101 and Math 200/205. If students meet these requirements they will take four graduate-level courses during their senior year at the undergraduate tuition rate and complete the final six graduate-level courses after earning their bachelor’s degree. The four graduate-level courses taken during their senior year count toward the undergraduate degree, meaning there is a nearly $9,000 discount on a graduate degree.

Master of Arts in Communication (MAC): Students will apply communication theory to contemporary organizational and social issues, and they’ll explore ethical and legal issues related to communication across all media. This program can be customized to fit your specific research interests and future career path.

Master of Science in Digital Media (MSDM): Students will create, evaluate, and utilize contemporary tools of communication and will explore digital innovations that are changing the way we do business. This program allows you to build a digital portfolio that will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

For more information, please contact:
Kyle S. Barnett, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Media Studies
Director of Graduate Programs, Department of Communication
(502) 272-7270 or kbarnett@bellarmine.edu

The Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education offers a competitively priced early entry program for our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for Middle School and/or Secondary Education. Bellarmine undergraduate students can begin taking graduate MAT courses their senior year and complete a master's level teaching certification in a fifth year. Students will have the option to complete an early entry MAT and teaching certification in Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary Education. Each grade level and content area have specific content and GPA requirements. To have your transcript reviewed for eligibility, please contact Graduate Admissions.

Bellarmine graduates are highly sought after. Starting salary varies depending on the school district in which one finds employment. For example, the 2019-2020 starting salary for a teacher in the Jefferson County School District with a master’s degree is $48,944. In the same district, the average teacher salary is $63,000 with top earners making almost $90,000 per year.

For more information, please contact:
Jessica T. Ivy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and MAT Chair
(502) 272-7809 or jivy@bellarmine.edu

The Early Entry MBA program offers Bellarmine undergraduate students of all majors an opportunity to complete both their bachelor's degree and an MBA in five years. After earning 75 credit hours, typically during their junior year, eligible students can apply for acceptance consideration. Applicants who have earned 90 credit hours can begin taking MBA courses as part of their undergraduate degree program as dual students. These shared credits apply towards both degrees, streamlining the academic journey and minimizing cost. Through this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of business principles while simultaneously completing their undergraduate major, preparing them for diverse leadership roles in a dynamic marketplace.

Early Entry MBA students should be aware of the following key points:

• Early Entry students have the option to enroll in either the Virtual MBA or Weekend MBA program as dual students.
• Upon the conferral of the bachelor’s degree (typically at the end of the fourth year), Early Entry MBA students will fulfill the MBA degree requirements as outlined in the graduate section of the catalog and confirmed by a faculty advisor from the Rubel School of Business.
• The MBA degree is typically awarded at the conclusion of the student’s fifth year.
• Upon admission, your academic advisor will develop a specific course plan to facilitate the completion of your undergraduate major(s) and minor(s), as well as up to 12 hours of dual MBA credit.
• Undergraduate tuition and financial aid cover all dual credit hours taken while still an undergraduate student, including MBA courses (up to 12 MBA hours). MBA credit hours taken during undergraduate studies count towards the 19-hour undergraduate cap. MBA core course fees are applicable to all Early Entry MBA students.
• Once a dual student completes their undergraduate degree program, the student becomes a graduate student. At that time, the student is responsible for all tuition at the graduate/MBA tuition rate (plus applicable fees). Early Entry MBA students are not eligible for the alumni tuition discount of 20%.

The Virtual/Weekend MBA program comprises 38 credit hours and has no prerequisites. The curriculum includes 11 core required courses along with three MBA electives. MBA students can opt to pursue one of three certificates utilizing elective courses to enhance their specialization.

The available certificates are:

1. Certificate in Applied Business Analytics
2. Certificate in Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
3. Certificate in Organizational and Marketing Dynamics

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jorge Pazmiño, Director of Graduate and Executive Education Programs
The Rubel School of Business
(502) 272-7240 or jpazmino@bellarmine.edu

Bellarmine University’s fully online, 30-hour M.Ed. program equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve in higher education. Combining higher education theory with social justice principles, the curriculum prepares graduates for entry- and mid-level roles in student life, academic affairs, athletics, administration, and more.

Career opportunities span traditional colleges and universities, community colleges, online institutions, and professional education settings, with additional pathways in advancement, business, and finance.

Students in the Exercise Science program Health and Wellness or Sport Performance tracks may apply for early entry to the Master of Health Science Health Promotion and Social Change track. Interested Exercise Science majors should apply during their junior year.

Admitted students complete 12 credit hours of graduate coursework during their senior year. They complete the remaining 18 credit hours in the summer, fall, and spring, earning their MHS one year after finishing their bachelor’s degree.