The University Scholars Program for the English Department at the University of Kentucky is designed to offer exceptional undergraduate students an accelerated pathway to obtain both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Arts (MA) in English. This combined program allows students to integrate graduate coursework into their senior undergraduate year, enabling them to complete both degrees within an approximate five-year timeframe. Students interested in legal careers are encouraged to explore the UK BLUE program which is a combined BA/JD 6 year program. For more information see here.

Program Highlights:

• Accelerated Learning: Students in the University Scholars Program can begin taking graduate-level courses during their senior year, which count toward both the BA and MA degrees. This dual-credit approach shortens the overall time required to obtain both degrees.
• Flexible Curriculum: The program offers curricular flexibility, allowing students to tailor their graduate coursework to align with their academic interests and career goals, while also fulfilling the core requirements for both degrees.
• Professional and Academic Advancement: Graduates of the combined BA/MA program are well-prepared for advanced academic pursuits, such as doctoral programs, or for entering professional fields where a master's degree is increasingly a baseline requirement.
• Eligibility and Application: Students typically apply in their junior year, having completed a substantial portion of their undergraduate degree requirements. See the application for more information.

This program is ideal for students who are committed to deepening their expertise in English and who wish to accelerate their academic and professional trajectories. By offering a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies, the University Scholars Program embodies the department's commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for advanced career opportunities.

For more detailed information about admission requirements and the application process, interested students are encouraged to consult with the English Department's director of undergraduate studies, Dr. Matt Godbey (Literature) or Dr. Shauna Morgan (Creative Writing).