Combined Bachelor’s + Master’s Degrees

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DePaul’s combined bachelor’s + master’s degree programs allow you to earn both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in about five years (rather than the traditional six or more).

The courses you’ll take during your senior year will count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degree, saving you time and money, moving you seamlessly from your undergraduate classes right into your graduate coursework.

The following CDM master’s degrees can be combined with all current DePaul undergraduate majors. Other CDM master’s degrees are open only to CDM undergraduate majors.

  • MA in Animation
  • MS in Artificial Intelligence
  • MS in Computer Science
  • MS in Data Science
  • MS in Information Systems
  • MS in Health Informatics
  • MS in Business Information Technology

Find out which combined degree options are compatible with your CDM major:

If you are currently a CDM student and interested in combining your CDM bachelor’s degree with a non-CDM graduate degree, please contact the respective college for admission and application procedures.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Computing or the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies with a major in Computing joint degree programs between CDM and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible for this program. Interested students who meet the admission criteria for a combined degree should contact SCPS Academic Services for more information. Advanced programs (e.g., JD/MS, MFA, and PhD) are not eligible for the combined degree program.

Admission Criteria for CDM Combined Programs

  • Sophomore status (at least 44 quarter hours earned)
  • Minimum of 12 quarter hours earned at DePaul
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher in courses taken at DePaul
  • Full admission to the designated master’s program requires meeting admission requirements for that program
  • Faculty endorsement from a CDM full-time faculty advisor

Students should discuss their interest in a CDM combined degree program with a CDM faculty advisor. Before admission to the degree, students should work with the faculty advisor to identify a course plan for the combined degree program, including the list of courses to take and how the courses will be applied toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Non-CDM students can email the CDM advising office if interested in a combined degree with a CDM master’s degree.

Apply for a CDM Combined Degree

Program Structure

Students in the combined degree program take a maximum of three graduate level courses that count toward both their bachelor's and master's degree programs. The three graduate level courses cannot be introductory courses of the designated CDM master’s degree program. Students will receive the bachelor's degree after meeting all graduation requirements for that degree.

To earn the master's degree, the student must complete the requirements of the graduate degree, and will follow the master's degree program requirements for the term they are admitted to the program. Only graduate CDM courses may apply in the selected graduate CDM program.

It is extremely important that the student and faculty advisor work together on a course of study immediately upon admission to the combined degree program. If introductory courses are required for the intended graduate program, those courses should be completed during the undergraduate program by taking corresponding undergraduate courses. Additionally, a plan should be made early that (A) identifies appropriate graduate level courses (3 courses maximum) to be taken during the undergraduate program and (B) identifies exactly which undergraduate requirements those graduate level courses will replace. Failure to put together a solid plan can lead to extra coursework and a lengthening of the Combined Degree program.