Combined Programs Offer Express to Success

Heather Adamcewicz, a 22-year-old Montclair State student from Old Bridge, is getting an early start to professional success. She will earn a bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and a master’s in 2022 as a student in the BS/MS combined program in Nutrition and Food Science. With both degrees in hand, she plans on becoming a registered dietitian and working clinical dietitian in a hospital or long-term care setting.

“Considering my major, it was in my best interest to get my master’s now rather than later,” says Adamcewicz.

Adamcewicz is among the many students across dozens of disciplines – from business to psychology to education and more – who are enjoying the benefits of the University’s combined programs through The Graduate School, which provides students a way to earn two degrees in just five years.

“Number one, you’ll be able to graduate early,” says Chase Montani, digital marketing coordinator for The Graduate School. “You’ll be able to get your master’s degree sooner than you would if you had taken a traditional route because you’re taking graduate courses during your senior year that will count toward both your bachelor’s and your master’s degree.”

Combined programs also work for the financial bottom line, saving students as much as $7,000 in tuition costs overall, in addition to saving on application fees.

Going the combined program route also streamlines and simplifies the process. In fact, most programs do not require standardized tests. “It’s great for the students to be able to seamlessly transition from their undergraduate studies into graduate education,” says Montani.

Ashley Vitiello of Saddle Brook will graduate with her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) this May with an Elementary Education K-6 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Dual Degree/Dual Certification from the Teacher Education program. “There was no better way to become an educator than through this program,” says Vitiello, 22. “Having the opportunity to have dual certifications to teach all students, including students with disabilities, was such a great opportunity.” She adds, “I believe all students should be included in classroom environments and I saw how Montclair State’s dual degree program emphasized those practices and principles.”

Parker Santos, 21, is in the combined BA/MAT program for Teacher of Students with Disabilities and is on track to graduate with a bachelor’s in May 2021 and master’s in May 2022. “I chose the program because I wanted to get a variety of certifications so that I can branch out and not be limited in my teaching career.” Plus, Santos adds, “Getting my master’s in only a year appealed to me greatly.”

Taking both bachelor’s and master’s courses was “a huge transition,” says Santos, “but my professors have supported me every step of the way. I am learning a great deal through this program and feel that my expertise as a teacher has grown tremendously due to being in the dual program.”

Adamcewicz agrees and notes an upside to the challenge: “The rigor of the graduate courses is helping me do better in my undergraduate classes. Additionally, having classes with most of the same people who are also in the program makes it feel like you are really in a cohort.”

Geena Falconi, age 23 of Glen Ridge, is in the 4+1 accelerated MBA program. After graduating, she plans to work in the human resources field. Falconi says that the high-quality virtual graduate classes – which predated the pandemic – have helped her to juggle her studies and her job. “Avoiding the commute after work has saved me time to either do homework or attend Zoom classes at night.”

Falconi says that not only will she graduate earlier and start earning more sooner, going through the program will also help her to stand out from the crowd when looking for a job. “The Combined MBA program gives students the opportunity to be able to network with other students in the program and with professionals in different areas of business, giving you the exposure to possible potential future employers.”

Talk with your advisor to see if you are on track to be considered for a Combined program (minimum GPA varies by program). Visit the Combined Program website for more information.

Story by Staff Writer Mary Barr Mann