Fast-track your education with the RST BS-MS accelerated degree! This program lets you combine your bachelor’s and master’s, taking graduate courses during your final undergraduate year and finishing your master’s in just one additional year.
If you’re an RST major with a 3.5 GPA, you can apply at the start of your junior year. To ensure a smooth path, contact RST undergraduate advising early to plan your coursework. You’ll earn both degrees at once, but you can still walk in your bachelor’s graduation ceremony after completing 120 credits.
Interested? Contact Jason Schroeder in RST undergraduate advising at schroe24@illinois.edu to begin planning for this joint degree option.
RST BS-MS Application Information and Instructions
BS-MS applications are accepted until November 7, 2025.
Online Application
Once logged in, the BS-MS application is located under the Recreation, Sport and Tourism (RST) section.
Under “Proposed Program Information”, follow these prompts:
- Select “Recreation Sport and Tourism” as the proposed program.
- Select “Recreation Sport and Tourism – BS/MS” as the degree.
- Select the semester that you start your BS/MS – this will be the term that you start your BS/MS portion.
Academic History
Please provide information and upload unofficial transcripts for all universities and colleges you’ve attended, including community colleges.
Test Scores
Test scores (ex: GRE) are not required.
Resume
Please upload a current version of your resume or CV.
Academic Statements of Purpose
All applicants are required to submit an academic statement and a personal statement.
Academic Statement
Please write a statement that answers the following questions (1,000 words max):
- How has your academic and professional background, including professional training, prepared you for graduate study?
- How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
- What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?
Personal Statement
Applicants will be asked to respond to the following:
We are committed to developing graduates who are responsible citizens and leaders, valuing knowledge, creativity, global awareness, and diverse cultures. We encourage applicants to show how they’ll contribute to our goal of fostering an excellent environment for discovery, teaching, and research, where everyone feels safe and empowered to achieve their best.
Personal statement essays 1 and 2 are required for all applicants (250 words maximum for each).
- Tell us about the pivotal experiences, opportunities, or challenges, including any related to finances or access to education, that have impacted your academic and professional journey.
- We believe in fostering a community of inclusion and respect at Illinois, where our graduate students can learn and work together effectively. Describe a time you engaged with a diverse group of students or colleagues (different perspectives, abilities, experiences) to reach a positive result, and what that experience taught you.
Personal statement essays 3 and 4 are optional. Your decision to answer them won’t affect your admissions outcome (250 words maximum for each).
- If your academic record doesn’t fully reflect your abilities, please explain why. You can also discuss any gaps in your academic or professional history.
- This is your opportunity to share any further details with the admissions committee or to elaborate on topics from your earlier essays.
Fees
The RST 5-Year BS-MS program has a two-part application process:
- Junior Year: Submit the free Phase 1 application.
- Senior Year: Submit the Phase 2 application, which includes a non-refundable fee.
References
- Three letters of recommendation are required. At least two of the letters should be from faculty, either within or outside RST.
- Submit your application even if your letters of recommendation aren’t complete yet. They’ll automatically update in the online system once they’re sent. We recommend submitting your application well before the deadline, even if your letters haven’t come in yet.
