CUPPAAccelerated

Two Public Policy students available to answer questions

A joint degree program between Public Policy or Urban Studies majors and almost any master’s degree program within CUPPA

The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) offers multiple joint degrees between our undergraduate degree majors in Public Policy or Urban Studies and almost any master’s degree program within CUPPA. Through the CUPPAAccelerated program, you can earn your undergraduate and graduate degree faster and save money!

Diagram of Majors paired with Graduate Degree Programs.

CUPPAAccelerated is designed for Public Policy or Urban Studies majors who want to fast-track their graduate studies. Students will earn both a Bachelor of Art (BA) degree and a Master’s degree with nine hours of course work shared between the two degrees.

During their final terms of their respective undergraduate program, students in CUPPAAccelerated are granted access to enroll in and apply up to nine credit hours at the 400 level to our Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP), Civic Analytics (MSCA), or Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) graduate programs. This cross-department opportunity allows students the ability to expedite the time spent in their graduate program and save money in the process.

For more information and/or to speak to an advisor, email cuppa_advising@uic.edu.

  • Public Policy

    Major in Public Policy in CUPPA with a pathway to a graduate degree in Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP), Civic Analytics (MSCA), or Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP).

  • Urban Studies

    Major in Urban Studies in CUPPA with a pathway to a graduate degree in Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP), Civic Analytics (MSCA), or Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP).

How CUPPAAccelerated Works: From Bachelor's to Master’s Degree Heading link

  • Meet with your undergraduate advisor to indicate your interest in the CUPPAAccelerated program anywhere from second semester of junior year to second semester of senior year (the earlier the better).
  • Complete up to 9 credit hours of 400 level coursework related to your future master’s degree before you graduate.
  • Meet with your prospective graduate advisor to answer any questions and indicate which 400 level courses can transfer to the master’s program, for up to 9 shared credit hours.
  • Apply to the master’s degree by the appropriate deadline.
  • Students with a Major GPA of 3.4 complete their undergraduate degree of 120 credit hours.
  • During the first semester of your master’s program, meet with your graduate advisor to confirm which 400 level undergraduate courses will be shared with your master’s degree. There can only be up to nine shared credit hours between undergraduate and graduate degree.
  • Last, complete your master’s degree with your joint degree credit.

CUPPA Accelerated Joint Degree Intent Form

The table indicates the minimum hours needed to graduate between an undergraduate and master’s degree with the nine shared credit hours from the joint degree.
Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Total Hours: Bachelor's Degree Total Hours: Master's Degree Total Hours: Master's Degree via CUPPAAccelerated Total Hours: CUPPAAccelerated (Bachelor's and Master's)
BA Public Policy or BA Urban Studies Master of Science Civic Analytics 120 53 53-9 (shared hours) = 44 120+44=164
BA Public Policy or BA Urban Studies Master of Public Administration 120 53 53-9 (shared hours)=44 120+44=164
BA Public Policy or BA Urban Studies Master of Public Policy 120 53 53-9 (shared hours)=44 120+44=164
BA Public Policy or BA Urban Studies Master of Urban Planning and Policy 120 60 60-9 (shared hours)=51 120+51=171

Find out more about CUPPAAccelerated Heading link

Download your checklist to prepare for CUPPAAccelerated here.

Submit this survey to initiate your intent to participate in CUPPAAccelerated and begin the shared credit transfer process!

Questions? Reach out to CUPPA’s talented advising team cuppa_advising@uic.edu.

CUPPA Academic Advising