Academics

Rensselaer Introduces Co-Terminal Program

In May, Rensselaer announced a new program to better prepare students to meet the growing demands of industry and the marketplace. Called the co-terminal degree program, the initiative will offer undergraduate students the opportunity to extend their financial aid and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

This new program, one of the first of its kind in the nation to be incorporated with extended financial aid, will allow Rensselaer undergraduates in good academic standing to pursue a master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s degree. The two degrees may be in the same or different academic disciplines.

“I see real value in students using the co-terminal option to deepen their knowledge of a chosen field or to explore other disciplines of study,” says Prabhat Hajela, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education. “Graduate education is becoming increasingly important for career success and advancement. Our new co-terminal program will allow Rensselaer students an efficient, optimized path to earning a graduate degree.”

More than 75 percent of incoming Rensselaer freshmen surveyed last year indicated aspirations of earning a master’s degree following their undergraduate education. The value added of Rensselaer’s new co-terminal degree program is giving these students the opportunity to do so with extended financial assistance and minimal hassle.

Co-terminal students will receive both their bachelor’s and master’s degree at the end of their 10th semester. Undergraduate financial aid for co-terminal students will be extended for their ninth and 10th semesters of study.