The Combination BS/MS Degree Program allows high-achieving undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in significantly less time than pursuing each degree separately.
By double-counting up to 12 approved graduate credits toward both degrees, students can reduce the total time to completion by one to two semesters while gaining early exposure to graduate-level coursework and research.
Why Consider a Combination BS/MS Program?
A combined bachelor’s and master’s degree can open doors to advanced technical roles, research positions, and leadership opportunities. This pathway allows you to:
- Take graduate-level courses during your senior year
- Tailor advanced electives to a specific industry or research interest
- Explore graduate study within or outside Chemical Engineering, such as Biomedical, Environmental, or Materials Science
That said, the value of a master’s degree depends on your career goals. In some industries, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient. Likewise, students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering should note that most Ph.D. programs accept students directly from a BS and provide full funding.
Not sure if this program is right for you?
We strongly encourage discussing your goals with your undergraduate advisor and the Master’s Program Coordinator.
Program Structure & Degree Requirements
(Applies to All Combination BS/MS Programs)
The requirements for the combination degree are the same as earning each degree separately, with the added benefit of approved double-counted coursework.
Students must:
- Complete all BS degree requirements
- Complete all MS degree requirements
- Receive prior approval to double-count up to 12 graduate credits
- Meet all Graduate School and departmental standards
Both degrees may be awarded simultaneously upon meeting all requirements.
If a student leaves the program before completing the MS but finishes the BS requirements, the BS degree will still be awarded.
Financial Considerations
(General UF Policies)
Students should carefully consider the financial implications of enrolling in graduate-level courses as undergraduates.
- Most undergraduate financial aid applies only to undergraduate tuition rates
- Programs such as Bright Futures may cover up to 12 graduate credits at the undergraduate rate
- Students are responsible for the tuition difference between undergraduate and graduate rates
For detailed guidance, refer to UF Combination Degree Program policies and consult your advisor early.
How to Apply
(General Application Process)
Applications are submitted through the UF Graduate School.
Applicants must:
- Indicate they are applying to a Combination BS/MS Degree Program
- Meet application deadlines for the specific MS program (some as early as sophomore year)
- Inform their undergraduate advisor of their intent to pursue the combination degree
Important reminders:
- Courses intended for double-counting must be approved before BS graduation
- Combination degrees across different disciplines may require additional approval time
Academic Performance Requirements
(Applies to All Combination BS/MS Programs)
To remain in good standing in the program, students must maintain:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA across all graduate-level coursework
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in graduate courses within the MS major
Students who do not meet these standards will be removed from the BS/MS program, and earned graduate credits may be applied to the BS degree where applicable.
Combination BS/MS in Chemical Engineering
(Department-Specific Requirements)
The following requirements apply specifically to students pursuing the Combination BS/MS within the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Recommended Admission Timeline
Students are encouraged to apply during the first semester of their senior year.
Admission Requirements
(Chemical Engineering–Specific)
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least six ECH-prefixed undergraduate core courses at UF
- Upper-division GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Minimum 3.2 GPA in Chemical Engineering courses
- Satisfaction of UF Graduate School and departmental requirements
- Three letters of recommendation from Chemical Engineering faculty
Double-Counted Graduate Courses
(Chemical Engineering Only, With Prior Approval)
The following graduate courses may be double-counted toward both degrees (with prior approval):
- ECH 6272 – Molecular Thermodynamics
- ECH 6285 – Transport Phenomena
- ECH 6506 – Chemical Engineering Kinetics
- ECH 6709 – Electrochemical Engineering Fundamentals and Design
- ECH 6828 – Polymer Science and Engineering
- ECH 6843 – Design and Analysis of Experiments
- ECH 6845 – Chemical Process Data Science
- ECH 6847 – Advanced Mathematics for Chemical Engineering
- ECH 6851 – Impedance Spectroscopy
- ECH 6937 – Topics in Chemical Engineering (various approved topics)
Notes:
- Courses with undergraduate and graduate sections must be taken at the graduate level
- Additional courses may be approved on a case-by-case basis
Questions or Interested in Applying?
Students considering the Combination BS/MS in Chemical Engineering are encouraged to contact:
Dr. Dmitry Kopelevich
dkopelevich@che.ufl.edu
Dr. Sumant Patankar
spatankar@ufl.edu