BAM: Information Science Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's

Increase the return on your investment by earning a bachelor's degree and master's degree at an accelerated pace. The Information Science Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's ("BAM") degree at CU Boulder prepares graduates to pursue diverse careers such as data analyst, information architect, UX designer, systems analyst, knowledge manager, or digital librarian. With the growing importance of data in all sectors, information science professionals are in high demand across industries including technology, healthcare, finance, education, and government.

The BAM has the same number of required credits as a regular bachelor's degree and master's program. The difference comes from being able to complete several of your master's degree courses while you are still completing your undergraduate courses.

Students may take up to and including 13 credit hours while in the undergraduate program which can later be used toward Master’s degree requirements. Six credits may be double-counted toward both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.  Double counted courses may not be used toward a subsequent doctoral program (or additional master’s program) at CU Boulder.

Process for Admission to the Program with “Intent” Form:

  • Around junior year, students must apply to a BAM degree program through the Office of the Registrar by filling out the “intent” form
  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better; a major GPA of 3.5 is required for admission
  • Students must have completed MAPS requirements
  • Students should attach to their intent form:
    • Students must submit a resume or CV
    • A statement of interest (maximum of 2 pages) for applying to the BAM program, identifying your goals and the faculty member(s) willing to supervise your graduate research project
  • Two letters of recommendation should be requested from current information science core or courtesy faculty, to be sent directly to the admissions committee.
  • An established faculty advisor relationship (reflected in the statement of interest and the recommendation letters) is essential
  • Applications must be received by Feb. 1
  • Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at all times in the program
  • Students must apply to graduate at the beginning of the semester in which they will complete the bachelor’s degree requirements
  • Students must apply to continue with the master’s degree program
  • Students will be matriculated into the master’s program without further program review
  • Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA while in the master’s program, including in the courses being used toward the master’s degree

Graduate courses will not be counted as satisfying program requirements unless a grade of “B” or higher is earned.

Student Voices: Why CU?

Kaeden Stander, BAM student

“Through the Information Science BAM program, I have been able to connect my interest in technology with a deeper focus on people, ethics, and real-world impact. Working with Chris Carruth has been especially meaningful in shaping how I think about technology from a more critical and human-centered perspective. The program has given me the space to grow as both a student and a builder, while sharpening the skills and sense of purpose I want to carry into the future of responsible AI and data governance.”

Parker Burt, BAM student

"I fell into Information Science almost by accident, but with each class I took I became more infatuated with the field and its unique perspectives. When the opportunity to become a BAM student arose, it felt foolish not to pursue it. There is such a variety of material available in this program that facilitates the pursuit of all kinds of topics and ideas. All of the faculty I've learned from have been nothing but kind, informative and diligent in teaching their classes. Information Science has enabled me to answer questions that I've had my whole life, and has given me skills that I intend to utilize long after my time at CU. The BAM program in particular grants the opportunity to learn skills that pertain to your specific goals at a higher level, and it is worth every second of effort."  

Ella Krelovich, BAM student

"The INFO department has shown me how my love for life and care for others can be integrated into technology and design in a way that I never thought possible. The BAM program allows me to grow in my skills and research while diving into the subjects that I have loved in INFO the most."

Example Plan of Study

For students accepted into the BAM program. 

Third Year (BS)

Fall Semester
Spring Semester

(application to the BAM program)

Fourth Year (BS)

Fall Semester

(admittance to the BAM program)

  • INFO Graduate Elective (5000-level)—3
  • Grad-level breadth course (5000-level)—3

(additional courses to complete BS)

Spring Semester

 

  • INFO Graduate Elective (5000-level)—3
  • INFO Graduate Seminar (INFO 6500)—1

(additional courses to complete BS)  

Fifth Year (MS)

Fall Semester
  • INFO grad-level methods course—3 credit hours
  • Grad-level breadth courses—3
  • MS Thesis (INFO 6950)/Project (INFO 6940)—3
  • INFO Graduate Seminar (INFO 6500)—1
Spring Semester
  • INFO grad-level [design] theory—3 credit hours
  • Grad-level breadth course—3
  • MS Thesis (INFO 6950)/Project (INFO 6940)—3
  • INFO Graduate Seminar (INFO 6500)—1