Fast-track Programs Accelerate Students to their Careers by Sean Flynt
Many students use their time at Samford to explore diverse academic disciplines and career options, and then create custom paths to the professional life they desire. Samford has long excelled in guiding students on that journey. But other students arrive on campus with a predetermined plan, knowing the graduate degree and career choice they want to pursue. In recent years, Samford has created multiple fast-track programs to serve those students. With early advising and careful scheduling, they can significantly reduce the time required to earn both degrees without sacrificing the quality of their education. Samford launched three new programs in the past year:
B.S. to Master of Architecture
The School of the Arts has expanded its offerings to include a five-year accelerated master's degree in architecture. Starting this fall, the program will offer students a terminal degree (upon NAAB accreditation) qualifying them to sit for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) on the way to careers in licensed architecture or related design fields. Growing out of the school’s respected interior design program, the fast-track program will equip students with the tools to enter the architecture field and
use their design skills to enhance the world around them.
B.A. to Master of Divinity
Samford’s interdenominational Beeson Divinity School has welcomed more than 250 Samford undergraduate alumni since its founding. The school’s new collaboration with Howard College of Arts and Sciences and School of the Arts makes this transition even more appealing, allowing for undergraduate students pursuing majors in biblical studies, religion or Christian ministry the opportunity to reduce the time traditionally allotted for a B.S. and M.Div. from seven years to six.
B.S. to Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics
The School of Public Health’s Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to plan,
build, analyze and run the digital foundations of modern health care. A recent alignment of the graduate program and the undergraduate major in the same subject allows students to earn their B.S. and M.S. degrees in a total of five years rather than the traditional six. ◗
Samford offers a total of 11 fast-track programs, equipping students to complete bachelor’s degrees in combination with: Doctor of Pharmacy Doctor of Physical Therapy Juris Doctor Master of Architecture Master of Accountancy Master of Business Administration Master of Divinity Master of Healthcare Administration Master of Public Health Master of Social Work Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics
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