master's degree requirements
To earn a graduate degree, students must complete the following credit hours based on the specific degree earned:
MA or MS: 36 | Select master’s degrees: 30* to 60**
Specific requirements for each degree type are listed below.
requirements to earn your master's degree at Bellevue University.
- Satisfy graduate admissions requirements for the desired graduate major
- Satisfactorily complete all course requirements in the graduate major
- Earn a “C” or better in all required graduate courses
- Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in the graduate major
- Meet the minimum credit hours and cumulative credit requirements through Bellevue University coursework for their degree type:
- MA: 36 | Cumulative: 30
- MS in Management and Leadership: 32 | Cumulative: 26
- **MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 60
- All other Master of Science majors: 36 | Cumulative: 30
- MBA: 36 | Cumulative: 30
- MHA: 36 | Cumulative: 30
- MPM: 36 | Cumulative: 30
- *MPS: 30 | Cumulative: 18
All credit hours are stated in semester hours.
*Certain exceptions apply. Degree requirements can also be found in the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.
Time to complete
Graduate degrees at Bellevue University provide advanced study in a range of fields. On average, students complete a graduate degree in 2.4 years, based on data from academic years 2022, 2023, and 2024. Individual completion times will vary depending on the academic program, the number of transfer credits, academic course load taken and passed per term, the number of academic terms pursued per year, and any breaks in participation taken.
Concentrations
An area of focus and in-depth study within a master’s degree program is referred to as a concentration.
- 9 credit hours in most cases
- May be taken in addition to the master’s degree requirements
- In some degree programs concentration hours are counted in the required credit hours
Subsequent master’s degree
It may be easier than you think to earn a second graduate degree and further boost your professional credentials. Depending on your first degree and your educational goals, you may be eligible to earn a second master’s degree with as few as 18 credit hours.
If you were awarded a master’s degree and would like to earn a subsequent graduate degree follow these simple steps:
- Submit an admission application for the subsequent graduate degree.
- Satisfy all prevailing degree requirements of the subsequent graduate degree. Two graduate degrees may not be awarded simultaneously.
- Previous Bellevue University graduate credit earned in residence and not applied towards a conferred graduate degree may be applied toward subsequent graduate degrees.
- Subsequent graduate degree is comprised of a minimum of 18 credit hours in residence.
View examples of degree program combinations that are well-suited for this plan.
Contact your Graduate Student Coach to learn more: 1-800-756-7920.