Marlboro Launches Accelerated Master’s Track

Undergraduate students at Marlboro have always found an engaging curriculum that feeds their academic interests and prepares them for a life of learning and civic engagement. Now, with the introduction of a new accelerated master’s track, they can also build on their undergraduate experience and earn a marketable graduate degree in teaching or management within a year or two of graduation, on the same familiar campus.

“The accelerated master’s track gives our students the best of both worlds, with great advantages for their future,” said Kevin Quigley, Marlboro College president. “Our students can go from the intellectual challenge of the Plan of Concentration to the more real-world challenges of teaching elementary school, working with refugees, running a business, or managing a nonprofit.”

“It’s a great opportunity, especially if the graduate school has a program that could relate to a student’s Plan, or even just help them along with their future,” said Cat Clauss ’17 (pictured, right), the first undergraduate to enroll in the program. Cat, who did her Plan in the psychology of career development, will continue to earn her MSM, with a concentration in Mission-Driven Organizations, this fall. The accelerated master’s track can also lead to MAT degrees in TESOL, ed tech, and social justice, as well as an MBA.

Students in the accelerated master’s track enroll by the end of their sophomore year, and can take up to three classes during their junior and senior year for dual undergraduate and graduate credit. Cat took graduate classes in project management, clear communication, and social media for social change, supporting her undergraduate work but also positioning her well on her way to her advanced degree.

“I’ll be technically starting as a new student in the fall, but I’m not new at all,” said Cat. “I have those nine credits. Plus they know me, and I’ve already taken classes with lots of the grad students.”

“Our graduate classes have many features familiar to Marlboro undergraduates,” said Kate Jellema, associate dean of graduate and professional studies. “With our small classes, collaborative work, and focus on clear communication, several Marlboro alumni have already successfully launched their future at the grad school. The accelerated master’s track program is just making this option more accessible and affordable.”

In addition to the dual credits available to Marlboro undergraduates, saving them time and money, the college offers a $5,000 Whetstone Fellowship toward their graduate tuition. With the professional placement available in most programs, the accelerated master’s track provides a welcome answer to the age-old question, “What are you going to do when you graduate?”