Students can now double up on degrees

By Gary Hermann

One UK program offers students the unique opportunity to work towards earning both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the same time.

Currently, 28 master’s programs at UK participate in the University Scholars Program, director of Enrollment Management for the College of Arts and Sciences, Jason Pieratt said.

“Many master’s programs at UK do not currently participate in University Scholars,” said Pieratt, “but maybe with the Kernel article and other efforts to publicize this program more, other master’s programs at UK will consider becoming part of the University Scholars Program to provide this excellent opportunity to UK students.”

Pieratt himself is an example of the success a UK student can obtain through University Scholars.

“While simultaneously completing the master’s program in Statistics and bachelor’s in Communication, I had the chance to work as a TA for STA200 and STA570 and also worked as an RA graduate statistical consultant in the College of Agriculture,” Pieratt said. “I completed the Bachelor’s in August 2004 and master’s in December 2004.”

University Scholar participant Mark Taylor learned about the program through his advisor during his junior year.

“Encouraging advisers to spread the word about the University Scholars Program, especially to upperclassmen, is probably the best way for it to grow,” Taylor said.

The admissions requirements for the program are: an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, a major GPA of 3.5 or higher, senior standing by the first semester of the combined bachelor’s/master’s program (90 or more earned hours), students must be finished with University Studies requirements by the first semester of the combined bachelor’s/master’s program and apply to the Graduate School with the addition of completing the University Scholars form to note how graduate level coursework will count for transcript and tuition purposes.

Taylor is glad he overcame some initial anxiety about joining the program.

“First hearing about it seemed intimidating, because the first thing that came to mind was, ‘Does this lock me into a commitment to UK for grad school?’ But that is not the case,” Taylor said. “You can apply, be accepted and back down if you choose to do something else when you graduate.”

“You have nothing to lose but a little bit of your time in the application process, and so much to gain if UK becomes your choice for graduate school,” Taylor said.