Get ahead with AGRADE or senior rule

For students who are considering graduate school, the Mike Ilitch School of Business offers two programs that provide the opportunity to start graduate coursework while still earning a bachelor’s degree, saving time and money.

The AGRADE accelerated graduate program allows students to start earning a master of business administration (M.B.A.), master of science in accounting (M.S.A.), master of science in finance or executive master of science in automotive supply chain management while completing undergraduate coursework.

To be eligible for the AGRADE program, students must be juniors or seniors (or have earned 90 credits), have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher, and have a major GPA of 3.6 or higher. Students on the AGRADE track are allowed to apply up to 12 credits of selected graduate courses as dual credit for undergraduate programs, in addition to taking graduate courses at undergraduate tuition rates.

Another option students have is the senior rule admissions program. Senior rule allows students in their last undergraduate semester to take graduate courses at undergraduate tuition rates toward a graduate business degree, as long as they have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who qualify for the senior rule must be registered for at least one credit toward their undergraduate degree. Students interested in utilizing the senior rule option must first apply for graduate admissions and be accepted to an Ilitch School graduate program.

Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs Kiantee Jones said she wants to make sure students are aware of these two opportunities so they can get a jump on a graduate degree. Jones said the programs are designed to help undergraduate students who are thinking about obtaining a graduate degree.

“Even for those who aren’t looking to go to graduate school, I still encourage them to look into AGRADE or senior rule because they never know if they might circle back for that graduate degree, especially if their company is encouraging them to pursue it” she said. “Graduate classes have a six-year expiration date which gives students plenty of time to think about their options, even after going out to work in their respective field for a year.”

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