Fast Track Programs - Hardin-Simmons University

Fast Track Programs - Hardin-Simmons University
Fast Track Programs
Fast Track Programs
Two Ways to Earn Your
Degrees Faster at HSU
Fast Track Your Future at HSU
Our accelerated programs enable you to earn your undergraduate and advanced degree.
Save thousands:
Fewer semesters mean lower tuition and reduced costs.
Start your career sooner:
Enter the workforce and earn a salary earlier.
Gain a competitive edge:
Graduate with an advanced degree that sets you apart.
Stay focused:
Keep your academic momentum with no breaks between programs.
Dual-Degree Fast Track
Structured dual-degree pathways for HSU students
Complete in six years — one year faster than traditional paths
Years 1-3
B.S. in Biology at HSU
Years 4-6
DPT Program at HSU
Requirements:
Student applies and is admitted to the HSU undergraduate Biology program with less than 30 hours of completed transfer hours
Student satisfies the following requirements for acceptance into the HSU-PT Program:
Meets entry criteria established by HSU as a Biology major
Completes all prerequisite courses for the HSU-PT Program at HSU
Applies to the HSU-PT Program via the PTCAS and successfully completes application requirements prior to the interview with the faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy at HSU during the student’s sophomore/junior year.
Following successful completion of the required undergraduate curriculum at HSU, the student will enroll in the Department of Physical Therapy at HSU, contingent upon the following:
Student must have a “C” or better in all required prerequisite courses
Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above for all courses
Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.1 or above for all Science/Statistic prerequisite courses
Student must receive a positive recommendation of “admit” or “priority admit” by the HSU Physical Therapy Admissions Committee
Student must have a positive record of ethical behavior during enrollment at HSU
Following successful completion of the early admissions curriculum from HSU and the first semester of the Physical Therapy curriculum from HSU, the student will be granted a BS or BA degree in Biology from HSU if the student has completed all graduation requirements for the appropriate HSU catalog.
Find additional information here.
Click here for information.
Complete in five years — one year faster than traditional paths
Years 1-3
Exercise Science
or
Pre-Athletic Training
at HSU
Years 4-5
M.A.T. Online Program
at HSU
Program Features:
Combines online coursework with six one-week on-campus intensives
Flexibility to continue working through the first year
More than $1,500 in electronic textbooks at no cost
Clinical placement assistance for second-year experiences
Requirements:
Students complete most Exercise Science degree requirements, the Foundational Curriculum, and specific prerequisites before entering the M.A.T. program.
NO GRE required
Three letters of recommendation
Minimum 50 hours of observation with a licensed/certified athletic trainer
Completed ATCAS application
Personal interview (in-person or video conference)
Find additional information here.
Complete in seven years — one year faster than traditional paths
Years 1-3
B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at HSU
Years 4-7
PharmD at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Requirements:
Students successfully completing the degree program will graduate with a B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from HSU and either a Pharm.D. or Pharm.D./MBA from TTUHSC-SOP
Students from HSU who meet the requirements and deadlines of this agreement will be awarded early admission at TTUHSC-SOP
Students take their first three years of coursework at HSU, with their remaining four years at TTUHSC-SOP
Students entering the Pharm.D. program under this agreement will have their PCAT waived
Students must begin this program as a freshman and program acceptance criteria includes:
Texas resident
Minimum Math ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 550 and competency in trigonometry
Acceptable pre-entry interview
Pass a criminal background check
GPA of 3.6 during the first semester of enrollment at HSU
Maintain overall GPA of 3.7 at HSU
To matriculate into pharmacy school, you must score competitively on the Pharmacy College Admission Test. The test has five major sections:
Writing (Conventions of Language and Problem Solving)
Biological Processes (General Biology, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy & Physiology)
Chemical Processes (General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Basic Biochemistry)
Critical Reading (Comprehension, Analysis, and Evaluation)
Quantitative Reasoning (Basic Math, Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Precalculus, and Calculus)
Your performance on PCAT is reported as your percentage of rank, which indicates your performance relative to the current PCAT norm group. Most Texas pharmacy schools prefer a PCAT score of 50 or higher, but a competitive score for Texas pharmacy schools is typically above 70. You can find more information about the PCAT, including a yearly PCAT guide, on the
PCAT webpage
In addition to the prerequisite courses and competitive PCAT score, successful applicants should gain experience by shadowing pharmacists or volunteering at a health center or hospital. Additionally, it is recommended that pre-pharmacy students gain experience in a pharmacy setting as clerks or pharmacy technicians.
Find additional information here.
Master’s Fast Track
Use your senior year to jump-start your master’s through the Early Admission to Graduate Learning (EAGL) program.
Finish your bachelor’s degree first.
Take up to six hours of graduate-level courses in your senior year that count toward both degrees.
Choose from 100% online programs:
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
M.B.A. in Sport Management
M.S. in Criminal Justice
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.A. in Management
Why it’s awesome: Double-count credits, save time and money, and get your master’s degree faster — sometimes in just one calendar year if you take a full load.
Step 1:
Schedule a meeting with your Academic Counselor to discuss which program best fits your career goals and academic strengths.
Step 2:
Review the entrance requirements for your chosen program, map out your course sequence, and register for the classes that keep you on track — including any prerequisites you’ll need to meet early.
Step 3:
Submit your program application and any required materials (test scores, observation hours, recommendation letters, etc.) by the deadline, then stay connected with your advisor to make sure you’re meeting milestones along the way.
Can I complete a master’s degree in a calendar year in Athletic Training?
No — the Master of Athletic Training has specific clinical and on-campus requirements that extend beyond a single calendar year. Even with the accelerated format, the M.A.T. program takes two years to complete after your undergraduate coursework.
Can I complete a master’s degree in a calendar year?
Yes! Our master’s degree programs listed above can be completed in as little as one calendar year after completion of your bachelor’s degree. This timeline is possible if you take a full course load and plan your senior-year undergraduate credits accordingly.
Can I change my mind after starting a fast-track program?
Yes, but it’s important to discuss the decision with your Academic Counselor as soon as possible. Switching out of an accelerated program could change your graduation timeline, affect financial aid, and require additional coursework.
Can I work full-time while in the graduate program?
It depends on your program and workload. Some programs — such as the M.B.A. or M.S. in Criminal Justice — are designed for working professionals and offer flexible online formats. Others, like the DPT or M.A.T., have intensive academic and clinical schedules that may limit your ability to work.
What happens if I don’t meet the entrance requirements?
If you don’t meet the entrance requirements for your chosen accelerated program, you can still pursue your undergraduate degree on a traditional timeline. In many cases, you may reapply to the graduate program later through the standard admissions process once you’ve met the necessary prerequisites or GPA. Your Academic Counselor can help you identify any gaps and create a plan to become eligible in the future.