ACCEL
ACCEL is an accelerated plan of study for students who wish to graduate after three years. The ACCEL program is open to students in the Schools of Engineering, Science, Management and Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Students will work with their Hub and academic advisors to develop a successful academic plan.
ACCEL+
ACCEL+ allows students to complete BS and MS degrees within four years, graduating first with a BS degree; this is known as a co-terminal degree.
Admission to a co-terminal degree program is by application only. Students who wish to pursue a co-terminal degree must follow regular co-terminal degree application requirements and deadlines. Detailed information on the co-terminal program can be found on the website of the Office of Graduate Education.
ACCEL Opt-In Form
Eligible students who began at Rensselaer in fall 2023 and wish to participate in the ACCEL program are asked to consult with their academic advisor and to complete an opt-in form. The deadline for first-year students to complete the opt-in form for fall 2024 early registration/early ARCH is February 15, 2024. The Opt-In Form can be accessed here until February 15. Opt-in forms will be reviewed by academic advisors after the February 15 deadline and applicants will be notified of their status by March 1.
Students who opt-in to ACCEL will automatically be placed in early ARCH for the summer following freshman year and will be expected to complete the ARCH semester away during the summer following sophomore year. Students who wish to apply for early ARCH without opting into ACCEL should complete the Early Arch Form; details can be found on the ARCH website, here.
Recorded Information Sessions
Please click on the links below to watch prerecorded ACCEL/ACCEL+ information sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
ACCEL is an accelerated plan of study for students who wish to graduate after three years. ACCEL+ allows students to complete BS and MS degrees within four years, graduating first with a BS degree; this is known as a co-terminal degree.
The program is open to students in the Schools of Engineering*, Science, Management and Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Students will work with their academic advisors to develop a successful academic plan.
*An accelerated degree program may not be feasible in all SoE majors. Interested students should consult with the SoE Advising Hub.
No. Admission to a co-terminal degree program is by application only. Students who wish to pursue a co-terminal degree must follow regular co-terminal degree application requirements and deadlines. Detailed information on the co-terminal program can be found on the website of the Office of Graduate Education.
Students must bring in a minimum of 12 AP/transfer credits in STEM or other relevant fields prior to freshmen year and must maintain good academic standing. Credits must be approved by the student's academic advisor subject to Institute transfer credit policies.
Students should consult with their academic advisors to discuss their academic plan and possible path for accelerated degree completion.
Students are advised to consult with their academic advisors once they have completed their first semester at Rensselaer to discuss whether an accelerated degree program may be a viable option.
Yes, any student who is ahead with their degree requirements may be eligible and should consult with their academic advisors to discuss their options.
Students will only pay for semesters in which they are enrolled for credit. For example, if a student completes all degree requirements within seven semesters, they will only pay tuition for seven semesters.
Students will remain eligible for all regular financial aid while pursuing their BS degree, and for up to an additional two semesters of Rensselaer funding if eligible and accepted into a Master’s program through the co-terminal program (or up to three additional semesters of funding for MBA students). Financial aid questions should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.
Students will participate in the Arch during the summer following their first year (early Arch) and will participate in the Arch semester away during the summer following their second year. Students who opt-in to ACCEL do not need to apply for early ARCH; they will automatically be placed in early ARCH (summer after first year) and will be expected to complete the ARCH semester away during the summer following sophomore year.
No, students who opt-in to ACCEL will automatically placed in early ARCH (summer after freshman year) and expected to complete the ARCH semester away during the summer following sophomore year.
Yes, the flexible structure of the ACCEL programs will allow students to opt in after the fall semester of their freshmen year, and to opt out at any time. Students who opt out will continue with their degree requirements following a traditional four-year timeline.
ACCEL students may participate in internship opportunities during their Arch semester away (i.e the summer after their second year). Students who are pursuing a co-terminal degree in the ACCEL+ program may also undertake an internship in the summer following the third year. Please direct any questions to co-op@rpi.edu
Most students in the ACCEL program will be eligible to graduate in December, but all students should consult with their academic advisors to develop a complete academic plan.
Students who are on a path to accelerated degree completion will be eligible for early registration each semester. First year students should complete an opt-in form no later than February 15 in order to be considered for early registration for the following fall term. The opt-in form can be accessed here.
Yes, Students will have the opportunity to participate in study abroad, internships, and campus life, building a robust three-year college experience.
Please consult with your academic advisors with any questions regarding your academic program and academic planning.