Accelerated Dual-Degree
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Visit the College of Arts & SciencesFrom the latest Alzheimer’s breakthrough to the limitless potential of stem cells, the specialized field of molecular and cell biology provides some of the most significant innovations in medical science today.
Before we can cure the most challenging diseases of our time, we need to understand their root causes at the molecular and cellular levels. This dual degree BS/MS program allows current undergraduates in a science major to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in four years. You’ll gain the specialized skills and knowledge you’ll need to join the fight against HIV, Parkinson’s and cancer, and you’ll be ready to join the next generation of leaders in growing industries such as biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals.
You’ll build a basic foundation in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics during the undergraduate portion of the program, preparing you for the more advanced graduate-level work of your fourth year. Connecticut is also home to a number of prominent biotech and biomedical firms, which can provide experiential learning opportunities throughout your time at Quinnipiac.
In our cutting-edge labs and facilities, you’ll learn to analyze genes using modern instrumentation such as thermal cyclers, and examine biological and chemical material with a variety of sophisticated microscopes and other lab technology. Our faculty members come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and offer a blend of traditional lectures and hands-on lab courses. You also will benefit from an array of guest lectures by local scientists from pharmaceutical and biomedical firms as well as medical schools.
Median annual wage for biological scientists. (U.S. of Bureau Labor Statistics, 2024)
As a 3+1 student, you will have the flexibility to participate in experiential learning, internships and study abroad opportunities. These experiences play a large role in career development and are central to this dual-degree program. Our students have a strong support system that includes dedicated faculty and staff, alumni connections and a career development office that works to develop job preparation and interview skills.
Our accelerated dual-degree (3+1) program enables you to earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in the most efficient and economical way possible, positioning you for success in a competitive landscape. This approach to earning your degrees advances on traditional higher education models by focusing on rigorous, interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
The benefits include:
Saving time and money: You’ll complete your degrees sooner, save on tuition costs and enter the workforce at least one year earlier, with a graduate degree
Competitive career positioning: Your graduate degree will give you an advantage in a competitive landscape
Scholarships: Your Quinnipiac merit scholarships are available throughout your master’s degree program*
Dedicated guidance: You’ll be partnered with the director of the program within the school who will also be your academic adviser
Experiential learning: You’ll have access to special programming and networking opportunities for program students
Course overload fees are waived during the Fall and Spring semesters for students in accelerated dual-degree programs up to 19 credits per term (or up to 20 credits per term for up to two semesters for students engaging in a study abroad program). Summer and/or January term courses may be required to earn the accelerated graduate degree and are also offered at no cost to students in accelerated dual-degree programs.**
*This only applies to the one graduate program associated with your chosen dual-degree.
**Not to exceed a seven-credit limit per Summer (Summer 1 and Summer 2 combined) or a three-credit limit per January term in which you enroll in courses. Any additional credits in a Summer or January term will have associated credit hour costs. Please see the tuition and fee schedule on the webpage for specific costs per program.
Want to experience a day in the life of a Quinnipiac student in the College of Arts & Sciences? Join Jeremiah Bruscianelli '25 for a quick preview of the Accelerated Dual-Degree Molecular and Cell Biology program.
Our Living-Learning Communities offer the opportunity for first-year students to live and engage in a community of like-minded peers. Bolstered by mentorship from faculty and staff, these communities provide a strong foundation for students to develop — both academically and personally — into professionals, leaders, citizens and lifelong learners.
Accelerated dual-degree students, like all students, are required to live on campus for their first three years of enrollment.
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.