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

The Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's (BAM) program lets information science majors earn both the BS and the MS in about five years. As an undergraduate you take up to 13 graduate credit hours, and six of them count toward both degrees. You apply around junior year with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, a 3.5 major GPA, an intent form, a resume, a two-page statement, and two letters from INFO faculty.

How to apply

Apply in your junior year through the Office of the Registrar's BAM intent application.

Upload with the form:

  • A resume or CV
  • A statement of interest, two pages maximum, naming your goals and the faculty member(s) willing to supervise your graduate research project

Separately:

  • Ask two current Information Science faculty members for letters of recommendation.
    • One letter should come from your prospective graduate research supervisor.
    • Faculty will send letters directly to the admissions committee.

Applications are due February 1.

Requirements

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and a major GPA of 3.5 for admission.
    • You must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the program.
  • Completed MAPS requirements.
  • An established relationship with a faculty advisor who will supervise your research project, reflected in your statement and letters.
  • Courses double-counted toward both degrees cannot later count toward a doctoral or additional master's program at CU Boulder.

Plan of Study

  • 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.”

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. The subject that most excites me about INFO is UX research and design because one of the most intriguing parts of the field is getting to learn about and from people’s experiences. The BAM program allows me to have dedicated research focused on people and their perspectives. INFO does a great job of allowing space for those voices and allowing us as students to create with them in mind."

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."  

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

Contact the Department of Information Science

Department of Information Science:

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  CMDI Department of Information Science (INFO)
1045 18th Street, UCB 315
Boulder, CO 80309

   303-735-7581