Accelerated Pathway Program
Get a head start on graduate studies while completing your undergraduate studies
What is the Accelerated Pathway Program?
The Accelerated Pathway Program is a flexible and individualized plan that allows you to pursue graduate studies coursework during the final year of your undergraduate studies. This program is a great way to experience graduate courses first-hand, and earn double-counted credits towards both your undergraduate and future master’s degree. Unsure about graduate studies? The Accelerated Pathway allows you to test the waters and decide whether the structure and learning environment of graduate-level courses is right for you.
Please note that participation in the Accelerated Pathway Program does not guarantee admission to a graduate program, but if you are admitted, your advanced standing will reduce your credit load by up to two courses (1.0 credit), and may shorten your time to completion. Beginning in fall 2026, course-based graduate programs (e.g., Master of Engineering) will adopt a course-based tuition model, so reducing the number of courses required to complete your program can reduce your total tuition fees.
Eligibility requirements
- You must be enrolled in an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Engineering and Design (FED) with the exception of programs in the School of Architecture and Urbanism and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Your CGPA is 10.0 (A-) or higher (9.0 or higher for Bachelor of Industrial Design students)
Upon approval for the Accelerated Pathway, and depending on the eligible graduate program you intend to apply for, you can replace a maximum of 1.0 credit (2 courses) of undergraduate electives with approved 5000-level courses. There is no added fee beyond existing undergraduate tuition fees.
Upon completion of the graduate course(s), and after you receive an offer of admission to an appropriate graduate program, you will receive advanced standing for the 5000-level courses in which you receive a grade of A- or higher (you will still receive undergraduate credit for a grade or B- or higher). For clarification on grading, credits and advanced standing on graduate program please contact us.
If you’re not sure if you are eligible, or want to learn more about the Program, please consult with your Department or School’s undergraduate or graduate advising team, ideally before you commence fourth-year studies.
How to apply to the Accelerated Pathway Program
In the summer before your final year:
- Please complete and submit the form below. You are also encouraged to consider your graduate application at this time, and talk with potential supervisors
- Undergraduate administrators will contact you to discuss course options and overrides and arrange for final approval by the unit’s undergraduate chair/advisor
- The department will be create an override request for you to use when registering
- Register for the graduate-level courses during your assigned registration time-ticket window
During your final year:
- Submit your graduate studies application, if applicable
- Review your audit after completing courses to make sure that credit is applied correctly
When you receive your Graduate Offer of Admission:
- Review your offer of admission to make sure that Advanced Standing for Accelerated Pathway courses have been applied to the offer
Accelerated Pathway Program application form
Connect With Us
If you have questions about the Accelerated Pathway program, graduate programs in general, other resources, or want to meet with us, please send an email to gradadmineng@carleton.ca