Interested in earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting in a shorter time? If so, you might consider applying for the Fast-Track Master of Science (M.Sc) in Accounting program at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM).
This program is designed to accelerate the completion of both undergraduate (S1) and graduate (S2) degrees within five years.
Besides shortening the study duration for both degrees, the Fast-Track Master of Science in Accounting program also offers scholarships, reducing tuition fees by up to 50 percent.
Scholarship recipients are required to serve as teaching assistants during their studies.
Dr. Fu’ad Rakhman, the Head of the Master of Science in Accounting program, explained that the undergraduate program generally takes four years, and the master’s program lasts between two to three years.
The fast-track program allows students to complete both degrees simultaneously in a shorter period.
He noted that this program was first offered in the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, specifically in February 2024.
“The fast-track program aims to facilitate undergraduate students who possess strong academic abilities, motivation to continue their studies, a high commitment to timely completion, and involvement in research and publications,” Dr. Rakhman explained at FEB UGM on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Dr. Rakhman elaborated that the fast-track program is designed to equip students with strong writing skills through courses such as Scientific Writing and Publication Workshops.
The curriculum is structured to help students graduate successfully and produce writing, whether simple or scientific.
Graduates of this program have career opportunities in the industry and government sectors, in addition to becoming academics and researchers.
Survey results show that about one-third of graduates pursue careers as academics, while the majority enter non-academic fields.
“The skills taught are proven to be relevant and applicable to various sectors, allowing graduates to contribute broadly,” he said.
For scholarship recipients, Dr. Rakhman mentioned that the scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also provide valuable experience supporting faculty academic activities.
The fast-track program also offers a streamlined process for developing an undergraduate thesis based on a literature review, which is then expanded into a master’s thesis.
“The linearity between the thesis and master’s thesis topics, supported by the assignment of the same supervising professor, ensures that students receive consistent guidance throughout their studies. We maintain quality from the input stage and align students with supervisors and thesis topics within the same area. The goal is for them to complete both programs successfully and on time,” Dr. Rakhman added.
Furthermore, Dr. Rakhman explained that the fast-track program is available to undergraduate accounting students in their sixth or seventh semester.
These students are expected to have completed all courses except the thesis and have a GPA of at least 3.50 at the time of application.
Other requirements include a minimum score of 550 on the Academic Potential Test (TPA) and an English proficiency test score of at least 500, both valid for up to two years.
Prospective fast-track students must also submit additional documents, such as recommendation letters from two professors who have taught them in the courses they’ve passed.
Other administrative documents include a letter of approval from the student’s parents.
Interested applicants are expected to go through several stages before being accepted into the Fast-Track Master of Science in Accounting program.
“The application process begins with filling out a form and submitting documents to the admissions office. The study program will then review the files, and applicants will undergo an interview stage to ensure alignment between the topics of their undergraduate thesis and master’s thesis,” he explained.
Dr. Rakhman added that registration for this program is open in four rounds each academic year.
FEB UGM’s Master of Science and Doctoral (MD) programs also invite outstanding students to join through this fast-track program.
Reporters: FEB UGM/Shofi Hawa Anjani & Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien