Planning Your Next Step After Graduation?

Are you thinking about what comes after your bachelor’s degree? Whether you plan to enter the workforce or pursue advanced study, the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) Graduate Track Pathway (GTP) offers an accelerated way to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree.

EMSE prepares students to lead technical teams, manage complex systems, and make data-informed decisions in technology-driven organizations. Through the Graduate Track Pathway, eligible undergraduates from engineering, business, and related fields can strengthen their technical and leadership skills, save time and tuition, and position themselves for careers in industry, government, research, and academia.

Benefits

  • Finish Sooner - Complete your undergraduate and graduate credentials more efficiently.
  • Save Money - Many pathway courses are taken at the undergraduate tuition rate.
  • Maximize Coursework - Approved graduate-level courses may count toward both degrees.
  • Improve Career Readiness - Graduate credentials strengthen preparation for leadership, technical, and research roles in industry, government, and academia.

Who Can Apply?

Undergraduate students currently enrolled at Missouri S&T in any major may apply.

You do not need to be an EMSE major.

Students should be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher) and eligible to enroll in 5000-level courses.

Program Options

Students in the EMSE Graduate Track Pathway may choose between:

A) Accelerated Master’s Degree (4+1 Program)

Use GTP towards an M.S. in Engineering Management or Systems Engineering.

B) Accelerated Graduate Certificates

Earn professional credentials while completing your undergraduate degree. Use GTP towards any of the certificates offerings in the EMSE department, e.g.:

  • Engineering Management
  • Financial Engineering
  • Project Management
  • Systems Engineering

Our advisors can help you determine which option best fits your academic and career goals.

How the Pathway Works

The Graduate Track Pathway allows approved undergraduate coursework to count toward your graduate program.

Through the pathway, students may:

  • Take selected 5000-level or higher courses as undergraduates

  • Apply approved courses to both bachelor’s and graduate degrees

  • Begin graduate study while finishing the BS

All courses must be approved according to EMSE and Graduate Studies policies.

How Do I Apply?

Applying during your junior year is recommended. To apply for the EMSE Graduate Track Pathway:

  1. Review Eligibility (Confirm that you meet academic requirements.)
  2. Meet with an Advisor (Discuss your academic plan with your undergraduate advisor and EMSE graduate advisor.)
  3. Submit the GTP Application (Complete the Graduate Track Pathway application through the graduate admissions website.)

Next steps:

  1. Develop a Preliminary Plan of Study (Identify eligible 5000-level courses with your undergraduate and EMSE graduate advisor.)
  2. Receive Conditional Admission for the Graduate Program of your choice (Once approved, you will receive official confirmation and a link to submit the list of graduate-level courses that you would like to use.)
  3. Finish your undergraduate degree
  4. Submit the Intent to Enroll form to be fully admitted to the Graduate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Students from any major may apply if they meet eligibility requirements.

Students may double-count 9 credit hours of approved 5000-level or higher courses in accordance with university policy. 

In many cases, yes. Changes require advisor approval and should be discussed early.

Participation in GTP does not obligate you to complete a graduate program. Approved courses will still count toward your bachelor’s degree if applicable.

Visit the Graduate Education website for general information.

No. If you are admitted to the Graduate Track Pathway, you do not need to submit a separate graduate program application.

Approximately nine to two months before your expected graduation date (or sooner if you apply close to graduation), you will receive an Intent to Enroll email asking whether you still plan to continue into the graduate program. In your email timeline, this message will appear as:

“Action Required: Graduate Track Pathway Enrollment.”

By responding to this email and confirming your intent, you complete the transition from undergraduate to graduate status. No additional application is required.

Failure to respond may delay your transition into the graduate program.

Contact Information

Please reach out to our advisors via email or stop by during business hours. You can find us in 203 Engineering Management Building.