Two females at CHSS convocation smiling with a red grad cap.

Combined Programs

Two Degrees. One Seamless Experience.

Why wait to take the next step? At Montclair State University, you can fast-track your future by working toward your bachelor's and master's degrees from day one. With New Jersey's largest selection of combined degree programs and dozens of disciplines to explore, you'll save time, stay motivated and graduate ahead of the game.

What is a Combined Program?

A combined degree program helps you earn your bachelor's and master's degrees seamlessly. It’s a great option if you already know you want to continue your education after earning your bachelor’s. Here's how it works:

  • As an undergraduate, you'll take 6–12 graduate-level credits (depending on the program).
  • Those “swing” credits count toward both your bachelor's and master's degrees.
  • That means you'll have fewer credits to complete once you begin graduate study, saving you time and money, and helping you reach your goals sooner.

Combined degree programs are a great option if you already know you want to continue your education after earning your bachelor's degree. Talk with your academic advisor to learn whether you're eligible and on track to apply.

What Are the Benefits of a Combined Degree?

  • Graduate early: Take graduate courses during your senior year that will count towards both your bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements.
  • Save money: On average, students save as much as $7,000 in pursuing a combined degree
  • No GRE or GMAT required: Standardized Test Scores are not required for admission to your graduate program: 
  • Free application to Graduate School: No application fee is required when applying to a combined program

What’s Next?

Programs of Study

Montclair State University offers combined programs across every college/school on campus:

Frequently Asked Questions

Combined degrees allow students to count graduate credits toward their bachelor’s degree and their graduate degree which allows for the completion of both degrees in less time. A combined degree program allows students to complete “swing-credits” (6-12 depending on the program) while enrolled as an undergraduate, which count for both their bachelor and master’s degrees.

Combined degree programs allow for students to complete their degrees in less time than a traditional program. Additionally, students typically experience a significant cost savings when pursuing a combined degree program at Montclair.

Students can apply to combined degree programs before starting their undergraduate studies, or transfer into the program during their sophomore year, or change their major during their junior year by working with their academic advisor.

Students enrolled in the Undergraduate Portion of their Combined Program will be advised when it’s time to apply to graduate school through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Provided that they meet their program’s unique verification criteria, their application will be expedited for admission.

If accepted into a combined degree program, students can take swing courses during their senior year.

Must be a Montclair Undergraduate student to be eligible. As an undergraduate applying for entry into a combination degree program, students who meet the program’s verification GPA or higher will enjoy an expedited application process. Students with a GPA below the program’s specified criteria can apply traditionally, submitting supplemental application materials such as a Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.

Yes – any grades earned in graduate courses can count towards the 120 credits required to earn an undergraduate degree at Montclair.

If a student continues to graduate school, they will save on the tuition costs for the swing credits taken while still classified as an undergraduate.

No, you do not. You can decide at anytime that you don’t want to continue here for graduate school via the traditional change of major process.

Montclair offers more programs than any other institution in New Jersey, and many of our academic departments are working on building new combined degrees. Please inquire with your academic department/advisor.

High schools students can apply via Undergraduate Admissions. Montclair undergrads should check with their academic advisor so they can change their major to the combined degree program (You can find out who your academic advisor is by logging onto NEST and viewing your degree audit on Degree Works.).

How to Apply

Applying to a Combined Program is simple! Whether you’re an incoming student or already enrolled at Montclair, we’ve made the process easy for you.

Incoming Freshmen and Transfers

  • Student applies to a Combined Program via Undergraduate Admissions. 
  • Minimum GPA needs to be maintained – varies by program.
  • Graduate Admissions will contact you at the appropriate time to let you know when it’s time to complete your application to the Graduate Portion of your Combined Program.

Current Montclair State University Undergraduates (Not Yet in a Combined Program)

  • Meet with Academic Advisor to make sure student is on track for the Combined Program.
  • Student completes the Combined Program Change of Major Form (available via NEST). Please submit the completed form to the Office of the Registrar.
  • Graduate Admissions will contact you at the appropriate time to let you know when it’s time to complete your application to the Graduate Portion of your Combined Program

Undergraduate Students Enrolled in a Combined Program

  • Maintain minimum GPA and additional requirements (varies by program)
  • Graduate Admissions will contact you at the appropriate time to let you know when it’s time to complete your application to the Graduate Portion of your Combined Program

Combined Program Timeline

Combined programs are an excellent option for students who are interested in continuing their education with a graduate degree after earning a Bachelor’s. There are some very compelling benefits that come with studying through a combined program, with two of the most noteworthy being a serious savings in time and overall cost. We encourage you to learn more and talk with your advisor to see if you are on track to be considered for a Combined program.

Curious about what the life cycle of a combined program at Montclair State University might look like? Take a look at the timeline below or view the Combined Program Flow Chart:

  • Senior year of High School –Student applies to a Combined Program via Undergraduate Admissions
  • Post-Admission as a Montclair State University undergraduate student – Student speaks to an advisor and completes the Combined Program Change of Major Form to enroll in the undergraduate portion of the combined program if certain conditions are met
  • End of Freshman year –Student receives academic advising to keep them on track for continued enrollment
  • Each semester of undergraduate studies – Academic department conducts review to ensure that only eligible students are in combined program. Advising intervention takes place each semester.
  • Junior year – Students should speak with an advisor and verify that they are currently enrolled in a combined program and if not, complete the Combined Program Change of Major Form.
  • First semester of Senior year –The student files for final audit for the undergraduate component of the degree and begins taking graduate level “Swing Courses”
  • Last semester of Senior Year – Student completes a Fast Application with The Graduate School to be admitted to the Master’s portion of the combined program.
  • Completion of Senior year – Student graduates with a Bachelor’s degree and becomes officially a graduate student.

Contact Us

Incoming Freshmen and Transfers

Undergraduate Admissions
Susan A. Cole Hall, Suite 100
973-655-4444
msuadm@montclair.edu

Current Montclair Undergraduate

Not in a Combined Program

Students who are interested in transferring into a Combined Program should contact their academic advisor with questions. You can find out who your academic advisor is by logging onto NEST and viewing their degree audit on Degree Works.

Already in a Combined Program

Office of Graduate Admissions
School of Nursing/The Graduate School 4th Floor
973-655-5147
graduate@montclair.edu