What is the AMP?

The AMP is an opportunity for students to closely coordinate their Bachelors and Masters degrees. The program allows students to count a limited number of upper level courses towards both degrees, allowing for faster completion of the two degrees. The number of courses which can be applied in this way varies from program to program. Within the English department programs, the number of courses allowed is two. This feature also produces a tuition savings because students do not need to pay for those courses twice. Further tuition savings are produced by taking a limited number of additional courses at the graduate level but at the undergraduate tuition rate. In the English department programs the number of such courses is generally one.

Who is eligible for the English AMP?

• Those students applying to begin the AMP program their freshman year must have a High School GPA of 3.5 and a score of 24 or higher on the ACT English subtest, or a 600 or higher on the SAT English Subtest.
• Those students applying to begin the AMP program after at least one semester of undergraduate work at UNA or another college or university must meet the above qualification AND have earned a 3.25 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in English courses.

What if I don’t join the program during freshman year; can I still participate?

The AMP program is designed around a first-year course schedule of 15 credit hours per semester with six credit hours earned during the summer term. Students entering the program after the freshman year should be able to “catch up” through summer coursework and additional hours in the fall and spring semesters. Many students will already be ahead of schedule through AP and early college credit.

What are the benefits?

Beyond the faster completion and tuition savings, students in the English AMP program receive advising specifically tailored to their academic and professional goals. Undergraduates are invited to participate in activities normally reserved for graduate students, such as professional development workshops and academic conferences, as well as study groups and reading groups. You will join an academic community with peers and mentors who can facilitate your success.

What support will the department provide to help me be successful in this program?

In addition to your undergraduate advisor and the strong faculty mentoring each student in the English department receives, you will also benefit from the guidance of the Graduate Coordinator for your program.

Will I be able to handle the level of work?

Students who meet the qualifications for entry into the program should have no difficulty with taking graduate courses during the junior and senior years of undergraduate study.