The Accelerated Master’s Degree Program (ADP) in Paper and Printing Science in the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering(ChP) allows undergraduate students an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace. These undergraduate students may count up to 12 (but not less than 6) credit hours of 5000-level courses taken during their undergraduate studies at WMU toward a Master of Science in Paper and Printing Science within 24 months of completing their bachelor’s degree in paper engineering (process option); chemical engineering (pulp & paper or inks & imaging options); or graphic and printing science. These students may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Paper and Printing Science degree under either the thesis option or the non-thesis option, which will allow them to complete an ADP degree by completing combined graduate and undergraduate credit hours.

Application to the ADP

A prospective student who meets the eligibility requirements (see Criteria for Admission) must set up a meeting with their undergraduate advisor and the ChP graduate advisor to develop Plans of Work for the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Before admission to an ADP can be finalized, students must submit the standard application for admission to the Office of Admissions/graduate admissions including:

• an application
• application fee
• a copy of all transcripts
• a Plan of Graduate Work, signed by the prospective student, the undergraduate advisor and the ChP graduate advisor

The Plan of Graduate Work for the master’s degree must clearly indicate:

• the 5000 level courses (a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours) that will be counted for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees,
• the graduation date for the master’s degree that meets the time limit for the ADP (i.e. obtaining a Master’s of Science in Paper and Printing Science  within 24 months of completing the bachelor’s degree). Any changes to the ADP Plan of Graduate Work must be submitted in writing and approved by the ChP graduate advisor and graduate dean.

Criteria for Admission to the ADP

Admission to the ADP is contingent on meeting the following eligibility requirements at the time of applying for the ADP:

• Students must have junior standing and have earned at least 30 hours at WMU, with a minimum of 15 credit hours in PAPR, GPS, or CHEG courses that were taught at WMU
• Students must have a minimum of accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) at WMU.
• Students must have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) in PAPR, GPS, or CHEG courses that were taught at WMU.
• International students must clarify their visa status with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services before submitting an admission application.

Admission to the ADP does not guarantee admission to the Graduate College. However, successful completion of an undergraduate degree under ADP (see Requirements for Participation and Graduation) will ensure admission to the Graduate College.

Requirements for Participation and Graduation

Students must complete the bachelor’s degree prior to entering the master’s program. Student in the ADP cannot elect to by-pass the bachelor’s degree.

Students will only be allowed to count a maximum of twelve (12) 5000-level credits taken during their undergraduate studies towards their master’s degree.

Students must receive a grade of “B” (3.00/4.00) or better in the 5000-level courses taken during their undergraduate studies. Courses with a grade of CB or below cannot be counted toward their master’s degree.

Students who do not meet the grade criterion of 3.00 will have the earned grade applied to their undergraduate program only, assuming the earned grade meets requirements for the undergraduate program. Students who do not meet the grade criterion as part of the ADP must apply for readmission into the graduate program.

Students who complete the undergraduate degree including a “B” or above in the specified 5000-level graduate courses will be admitted as graduate students (with the relevant graduate credit) in the next semester or session after receiving the bachelor’s degree.

Students who have completed the ADP will have it noted on their transcripts in keeping with registrar’s office policy.

No more than 12 credit hours of graduate work may be counted towards the requirements of both degrees.

Students must complete the master’s degree within 24 months from the completion of the bachelor’s degree. If the master’s program is not completed within these time limits, none of the 5000-level courses counted in the undergraduate program can be counted toward the master’s degree.

Continuing Eligibility

It is the responsibility of the student to recognize his/her eligibility status.

A student completing the bachelor’s degree requirements with an accumulated GPA of less than 3.00/4.00 is no longer eligible to count the 5000-level credit hours specified (see Eligible Courses for the ADP) toward the master’s degree and is automatically terminated from the ADP.

A student who is ineligible to participate in (or withdraws from) the ADP cannot count any of the courses specified (see Eligible Courses for the ADP) for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These courses, however, may be counted toward the student’s bachelor’s degree upon the discretion of the undergraduate advisor.

A student who becomes ineligible to participate in the ADP must be informed by the ChP graduate advisor in writing of his/her ineligibility. A copy of this letter to the student must be sent to the Graduate College and the undergraduate advisor.

Withdrawal

A student may at any time withdraw from an approved ADP by informing the director of undergraduate programs and the ChP graduate advisor in writing. A copy of this request to withdraw must be sent to the Graduate College for approval.