New initiative accelerates path to master’s degrees

KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 11, 2021

Kennesaw State University has launched Double Owl Pathways, enabling students to combine undergraduate and graduate programs and complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at an accelerated rate.

Through a Double Owl Pathway, undergraduate students can take up to nine credit hours of graduate-level courses, which will simultaneously count toward both their undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Students will save time and money by earning a master’s degree in about a year instead of two, after completing their bachelor’s degree.

“Double Owl combines two of our priorities at Kennesaw State – offering meaningful degree programs to our students and keeping students on track to graduate in a timely manner,” said KSU President Pamela Whitten. “This initiative enables students to fast-track their careers by combining undergraduate and graduate degrees in specific fields and entering today’s highly competitive workforce sooner than some of their peers.”

Kennesaw State currently has more than 30 pathways in disciplines such as computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, software engineering, business administration and criminal justice. Visit the Double Owl website for information about each pathway and to apply.

“Providing these degree programs as Double Owl Pathways is just the beginning,” Provost Kathy Schwaig said. “We will continue to grow Double Owl by adding pathways in a number of other academic programs. While many students still will prefer the traditional model of earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees, this provides another option for students to select the path that is best for them.”

All undergraduate students are eligible to apply for a Double Owl Pathway. Students need to have earned 30 KSU credit hours before they can apply to one of the pathways and should meet with their advisor for more information.

– Paul Floeckher


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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.