Fast-Track to a Master’s Degree!
August 20, 2026 | Jenny Feysa | jfeysa1@uwf.edu
Are you thinking about earning a master’s degree, but feeling overwhelmed by application deadlines, gathering references, or extra semesters? If you are currently completing your bachelor’s degree at UWF, you have access to streamlined pathways designed to make advancing your education seamless and affordable.
Depending on your specific major, you can take advantage of our specialized Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) option in Instructional Design & Technology or qualify for Express Admission across our other education programs.
🚀 Here is how you can leverage your undergraduate momentum into a graduate degree within the School of Education.
⚡ Option 1: Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) — Exclusive to IDT Majors
If you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design & Technology (IDT), you have access to the School of Education's only ABM pathway. An Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program allows high-achieving undergraduate students to begin earning graduate credit while finishing their bachelor’s degree.
How the Accelerated IDPT Pathway Works
- Dual-Credit Advantage: Qualified IDT undergraduates can take up to 12 credit hours of approved 5000/6000-level graduate courses during their junior and senior years. These credits count toward both your bachelor’s degree and your future MEd in Instructional Design and Performance Technology (IDPT).
- Cost & Time Savings: By completing up to one-third of your master’s coursework as an undergraduate, you save on overall tuition and can graduate with your master’s degree up to two semesters faster.
- Eligibility: You must maintain a qualifying GPA and coordinate your course plan with your advisor prior to enrolling in graduate-level coursework.
🎟️ Option 2: Express Admission — For All School of Ed Majors
For students in all of our undergraduate majors, including Elementary Education, ESE/Elementary, UWF-Teach, ISS Community Education and Instructional Design & Technology, the Express Admission pathway offers a hassle-free transition into a UWF master’s program upon graduation.
Express Admission is an expedited process that allows high-performing UWF seniors to move straight into select graduate programs without standard application hurdles.
Key Benefits of Express Admission
- No Application Fee: Skip standard application processing fees.
- Bypass Testing & Extra Paperwork: For qualifying students.
- Streamlined Entry: Transition smoothly into your graduate program.
Who Is Eligible?
High-performing UWF seniors with a strong academic standing (typically a 3.0 overall GPA or higher) who have an active graduation application on file can take advantage of Express Admission for up to four semesters after graduating from UWF.
(Note: Applying as a regular degree-seeking student elsewhere or taking classes at another university after graduation disqualifies you from Express Admission, so be sure to speak with your School of Education advisor before submitting external applications!)
🧩 Which Pathway Applies to You?
- Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Majors: You can apply for the ABM pathway to start taking courses toward the MEd in IDPT during your undergraduate program.
- All School of Education Majors: You can utilize Express Admission as a senior to secure a streamlined, fee-waived transition into graduate school after earning your bachelor’s degree.
📌 Next Steps: Talk to Your School of Education Advisor
Whether you are aiming for the IDPT ABM program or looking ahead toward Express Admission, early planning ensures your GPA and coursework align with program requirements.
- Review your degree audit in MyUWF.
- Review eligibility requirements:
- Schedule an advising appointment with your School of Education advisor to map out your post-graduation goals!
We look forward to assisting you in meeting your goals!
Coming next month: Building an Effective Study Routine
