ANGOLA, Ind. (WLKI)- Trine University has introduced a new program designed to help undergraduate students earn bachelor's and advanced degrees in less time while reducing overall college costs.
The university's new Dual Advantage program combines several accelerated and direct-entry academic options into one program, giving students and families a clearer way to explore opportunities in business, health care, engineering, computing and law.
Depending on the academic pathway, students may begin graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree or follow an accelerated option that shortens the total time needed to earn both degrees.
Kim Bennett, Trine University's vice president for enrollment management, said the university has offered several of the pathways previously, but Dual Advantage brings them together in one place.
"We've offered several of these opportunities for years, but Dual Advantage brings them together under one program so students and families can more easily understand and explore the options available," Bennett said.
The Bachelor's Plus Master's pathway allows qualified students to begin graduate coursework before completing their bachelor's degree. Based on the specific program and student academic plan, participants may earn both degrees in as little as four years.
The program also includes Health Professions Direct Entry pathways. Those options allow students to complete an undergraduate degree at Trine's Angola campus before moving more quickly into a master's or doctoral program at Trine University's Brooks College of Health Professions in Fort Wayne.
Students interested in law can also pursue a pathway through select university partners. Under that option, students complete three years of undergraduate work at Trine before entering law school. The first year of law school fulfills the remaining requirements for a bachelor's degree.
Bennett said the program is intended to create additional value for students by helping them enter or advance in their careers sooner.
Information about the program is available at trine.edu/dual-advantage.