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5th Year Pathway to Graduate Degree - MBA/MEd

Earning a graduate degree doesn’t have to mean spending several extra years in school. At Texas Wesleyan University, for instance, our fifth-year program options allow you to complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time — saving money and accelerating your career. No matter if you want to launch your teaching career through our BA to MEd track or advance your business expertise with our BBA to MBA option, these programs let you build real-world experience while finishing your education.

What Is the 5th Year Option Program?

The five-year program is an innovative academic option that blends your final year of undergraduate study with graduate-level coursework. Students can choose from two tracks:

  • The BA to MEd pathway takes you from a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education to a Master of Education (MEd).
  • The BBA to MBA pathway advances you from a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) to a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Additionally, Texas Wesleyan’s “Faster Master’s” program allows you to earn both a BBA and MBA online in as little as four years as you prepare to advance into leadership roles. Transitioning directly into the MBA program following completion of your bachelor’s, you may then select among MBA concentrations like digital marketing, supply chain management, or data analytics.

How the Program Combines Undergraduate and Graduate Coursework

In a traditional path, students complete all undergraduate credits before starting graduate school. With Texas Wesleyan’s fifth-year option, however, qualified students can enroll in graduate-level coursework during their final undergraduate semesters. The result is a program and degree path that not only saves time but also provides a smoother transition into graduate-level expectations.

Who Qualifies for the Accelerated Pathway

Admission to the five-year program necessitates meeting specific admission requirements for your intended master’s program. This includes maintaining a strong GPA, completing prerequisite coursework, and demonstrating readiness for graduate-level study. Advisors work closely with students to review eligibility, recommend the best timeline for integrating graduate courses, and ensure that all requirements for both degrees are met on schedule.

Advantages of Earning a Master’s in One Extra Year

Completing your master’s just one year after your bachelor’s offers clear benefits:

  • Faster career entry and advancement – You could start working in your field as soon as you earn your bachelor’s, then quickly add a graduate credential to enhance your opportunities (or wait until after completing your master’s).
  • Practical application – You can immediately apply graduate-level concepts — in the classroom or the boardroom — while still completing your program.
  • Stronger competitive edge – Employers value candidates with advanced education, and earning a graduate degree in one year signals both efficiency and ambition.

Fewer Credits and Flexible Scheduling

Texas Wesleyan University’s fifth-year pathway program is built to work around your professional and personal commitments. Following either the BA or BS to MEd or BBA to MBA path, you can take advantage of a model that helps you fast-track your master’s degree and meet your career goals.

Options for Undergraduates

The program’s structure allows select graduate-level courses to be taken in the fourth year of schooling. In the accelerated MBA degree track, this might mean beginning advanced coursework in areas such as organizational strategy or financial decision-making. In the accelerated education degree track, graduate classes are designed to align with the realities of teaching — offered in the evenings during the school year and in the daytime over the summer — so educators can maintain their classroom responsibilities while progressing toward their master’s.

Online and Evening Classes for Busy Students

Graduate coursework is offered in flexible formats, including online and evening options, making it easier to balance academic and professional demands. For business students, this flexibility means you can gain high-level insights through business leadership courses while continuing to establish your work experience. For educators, it ensures your graduate studies complement your teaching schedule rather than compete with it, helping you stay focused on both your students and your career growth.

Customizing Your Course Load for Success

Every student’s pathway is unique, which is why Texas Wesleyan advisors help you select courses that fit your goals and timeline. Both the BA or BS to MEd and BBA to MBA paths are designed to be completed with only 30 hours of graduate coursework, compared to the traditional 36 hours.

MBA Pathway Highlights

Here’s how the BBA to MBA option at Texas Wesleyan University takes you from a Bachelor of Business Administration to a Master of Business Administration in just five years:

Business Core Courses That Count Toward Both Degrees

Through the combined bachelor’s and master’s degree format, the BBA to MBA pathway integrates key business courses that are intentionally chosen to give you a well-rounded understanding of business fundamentals — covering everything from financial planning and market strategy to operational efficiency and data interpretation. Core subjects include:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • General business
  • Marketing
  • Business analytics

These courses prepare you for advanced study and help establish a strong, versatile foundation for success in multiple industries and professional roles.

Building Leadership and Strategic Management Skills

The BBA to MBA path goes beyond foundational knowledge, giving you the chance to focus your studies and sharpen advanced professional skills. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your abilities in strategic planning, leadership communication, complex problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making. In five years, you can complete an MBA with a focus in:

  • Business administration
  • Accounting
  • Digital marketing
  • Supply chain management
  • Healthcare administration
  • Data analytics

These business leadership courses help you build the strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical abilities employers value.

Preparing for High-Demand Careers in Business

Graduates of the accelerated MBA degree pathway are ready for competitive roles in multiple industries, thanks to their advanced education and hands-on experience. Whether you’re seeking to work in finance, consulting, operations, or strategic planning, your degree opens doors to opportunities such as:

  • Accounting
  • Investment broker
  • Banking
  • Financial advisor/analyst/planner
  • Actuary

You’ll enter the workforce with advanced credentials that position you for leadership roles and long-term career growth.

MEd Pathway Highlights

The BA or BS to MEd route moves you from a Bachelor of Arts in Education to a Master of Education in five years. Designed for aspiring and current educators, this fast-track master’s degree allows you to begin teaching after completing your bachelor’s, then build on your expertise with graduate-level coursework tailored to your professional goals. The program’s structure includes:

Education Courses

Eligible bachelor’s programs include:

  • EC-6 Bilingual
  • EC-6 Generalist with ESL
  • Liberal Studies with EC-6 Education Cluster
  • Biology with Secondary Certification
  • English with Secondary Certification
  • History with Secondary Certification
  • Spanish with Secondary Certification

Advancing Teaching and Leadership Skills

The BA or BS to MEd pathway at Texas Wesleyan University is designed to strengthen both instructional expertise and leadership capabilities — so you can grow as an educator while you work toward your degree. Through graduate-level coursework, you’ll develop skills in:

  • Classroom management and student engagement
  • Instructional design for diverse learning needs
  • Assessment strategies to measure and support student growth
  • Educational technology integration
  • Leadership and team collaboration in school settings
  • Data-driven decision-making for improved learning outcomes

Allowing you to tailor your studies to match your teaching interests and long-term career goals, these skills prepare you for master’s concentrations such as Reading, Gifted and Talented Education, or Second Language Education and Culture.

Opportunities for Educational Administration and Policy

Graduates of the BA or BS to MEd program are equipped to pursue a variety of roles in education, both inside and outside the traditional K–12 classroom. These may include:

  • Community college instructor
  • Gifted and talented teacher
  • Reading specialist
  • Teacher for English abroad program
  • English instructor for adult learners

Such opportunities let you apply your expertise in instructional methods, cultural awareness, and leadership to impact students in diverse educational settings.

Career Benefits of the 5th Year Program

The five-year option at Texas Wesleyan University offers more than just an efficient academic plan: It delivers long-term professional advantages. Regardless of which pathway you choose, you’ll be better positioned for success with faster career entry, lower educational costs, and stronger credentials in your field.

Entering the Workforce With an Advanced Degree

By earning a graduate degree in just one year after your bachelor’s, you’ll enter the workforce with advanced knowledge and skills that many professionals spend years developing. Specifically:

  • Education majors can begin teaching right after completing their bachelor’s, then seamlessly progress into graduate-level coursework for an accelerated education degree.
  • Business students can take business leadership courses during their undergraduate studies and transition directly into an accelerated MBA degree, enabling them to apply advanced strategies in the workplace almost immediately.

Saving Time and Money Compared to Traditional Routes

Traditional master’s programs often require several years of study after completing a bachelor’s degree, along with full graduate tuition for all credits. In the fifth-year path, coursework shortens your academic timeline and reduces the total number of credits needed for your master’s. This efficient approach means you can start earning sooner while minimizing tuition costs — a wise investment for long-term career growth.

Gaining a Competitive Edge in the Job Market

Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative, advanced expertise, and the ability to manage challenging academic workloads. Completing a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years signals all three. With your advanced degree and practical experience, you’ll be ready to seize opportunities that might otherwise take years to reach.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step toward a fast-track master’s degree at Texas Wesleyan University is a strategic move that can accelerate your career. The process begins with understanding the admission requirements, collaborating with your academic advisor, and completing your application. Each stage is designed to ensure you’re ready for the academic rigor and professional opportunities that accompany an accelerated degree.

Admission Requirements for the 5th Year Pathway

While exact graduate school admission requirements vary between the MBA and MEd programs, both expect you to demonstrate academic readiness, professional potential, and a commitment to learning. Meeting these requirements prepares you for graduate-level coursework and can make a smooth transition into your graduate degree. In general, you should plan to have:

  • Coursework hours – Typically 90 hours of undergraduate work completed before starting the program
  • GPA minimum – For the MEd, a 3.0 cumulative GPA; for the MBA, a 3.0 in core courses and typically a 2.75 in your major
  • Letters of recommendation – From professors, supervisors, or professional mentors who can speak to your abilities and readiness for graduate study
  • Resume – Highlighting relevant academic achievements, work experience, and leadership roles
  • Writing sample – Demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and think critically
  • Interviews – With graduate admissions faculty to discuss your goals and fit for the program

Working With Academic Advisors to Plan Your Path

Your academic advisor will be your guide throughout the planning process, helping you maximize the benefits of the five-year option. Together, you’ll complete a Fifth-Year Intent Form, which serves as your formal declaration to pursue the combined bachelor’s and master’s degree track. Advisors will then help you design a plan of academic coursework that aligns with your undergraduate and graduate requirements, scheduling classes in a way that complements your professional or teaching schedule. This personalized plan keeps you on track to meet all program milestones while balancing your academic and personal commitments.

Next Steps for Applying to the Program

After reviewing the requirements and finalizing your academic plan, you can submit your application to the fifth-year program. The application process connects you directly with the graduate admissions team, who will review your materials and confirm your eligibility. Once accepted, you can register for your first graduate-level courses and begin experiencing the benefits of advanced learning.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

Ready to explore how Texas Wesleyan University’s on-campus and online programs can help you achieve your goals through an accelerated, five-year MBA or education degree pathway? Our team is here to guide you through every step — from admission requirements to graduation. With flexible formats and supportive faculty, you can earn your graduate degree in one year and position yourself for long-term success in business or education. Connect with us today to start your journey.