Dual Advantage

Begin your graduate coursework as part of your undergraduate program as early as your junior year. You'll pay the lower undergraduate tuition rate for your graduate classes and may be able to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as four years.

These accelerated direct entry pathways allow you to complete both bachelor's and graduate degrees in less time than traditional routes. You can earn both bachelor's and doctoral degrees in as little as six years in the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy pathways. In the Master of Physician Assistant Studies pathway, you can earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as five years.

Through partnerships with select law schools, you can complete your bachelor's and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees in as little as six years instead of the traditional seven. In this accelerated pathway, you will complete three years of undergraduate coursework at Trine before beginning law school, with your first year of law school also fulfilling the remaining requirements for your bachelor's degree. This streamlined approach allows you to enter the legal profession sooner while reducing the overall time and cost required to earn both degrees.

Dual Advantage allows you to begin earning credits toward an advanced degree while completing your bachelor's degree.

A double major allows you to complete two areas of study within your bachelor's degree, while dual enrollment allows you to earn college credit while you are still in high school.

Dual Advantage is different because you can shorten the path from your bachelor's degree to a master's or doctoral degree.

In the Bachelor's + Master's option, you will begin graduate courses as part of your bachelor's program. In the Health Professions Direct Entry and Law Pathway, your first year of your graduate program counts as the last year of your bachelor's degree.

Work with your academic advisor to map our your undergraduate and graduate coursework early.

Academic requirements vary by Dual Advantage pathway and graduate program. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, specific prerequisite courses or other admission requirements before you can begin graduate-level coursework.

Your academic advisor can help you understand the requirements for your intended pathway and make sure you are on track.

For Bachelor’s + Master’s pathways, you are automatically eligible to begin graduate work once you have junior standing (at least 60 undergraduate credit hours) and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For Health Professions Direct Entry pathways, you will apply specifically to the direct entry program you are pursuing. Visit the Direct Entry webpage for more information.

If you are interested in the Law pathway, contact Mike Hess, 3+3 law program coordinator, as soon as possible after starting at Trine to map out coursework and graduate school application.

Bachelor's + Master's: You may still qualify for undergraduate financial aid while completing graduate-level coursework as part of your undergraduate program. Because each situation is different, contact finaid@trine.edu to confirm eligibility.

Health Professions Direct Entry: Trine institutional scholarships apply only during the undergraduate portion.

• 3+3 Path: Trine scholarships are not available in years 4–6.
• 4+3 Path: Trine scholarships are not available in years 5–7.

Law: Trine undergraduate financial aid only applies during your coursework at Trine.

In all pathways, you may qualify as a graduate student for federal financial aid and outside scholarships.

These credits can help you complete the undergraduate portion of Dual Advantage sooner.

Dual Advantage is designed to give you flexibility. If you change your major or decide not to continue into the graduate program, you can still complete your bachelor’s degree.

Any graduate-level courses you have already completed may apply differently depending on your new academic path, so it is important to talk with your academic advisor before making a change.