SkyhawkADD helps students get their Master's degree cheaper and faster

By Mack Eon

Stonehill College’s Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree (ADD) program offers students a headstart on their graduate education, saving them both time and money while strengthening their edge in a competitive job market. 

Annie Yeaton, a graduate admissions counselor, called the SkyhawkADD program, “is a great way to start your master’s degree as an undergraduate, saving you both time and money in the long run.”  

The streamlined program allows undergraduates to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree, creating what Yeaton said is “a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate studies.” 

“It’s actually super easy,” Yeaton said. “As a first-year, you can apply either via the Common App, or fill out an application online, or even talk to your advisor. It’s an expedited application process, and you can apply at any point throughout your undergrad career.” 

To qualify, students must have completed at least 60 undergraduate credits, hold a minimum GPA of 3.0, and secure two faculty sponsors. Once accepted, they can begin taking up to two graduate-level courses tuition-free while still undergraduates. 

Yeaton said the creation of SkyhawkADD was driven in part by shifts in the job market.  

“One of our biggest notices was the need in the job market for master’s degrees, A lot of people go and get their bachelor’s, but as someone right out of the job market, you’re often competing with people who already have a master’s. We wanted to offer our students the opportunity to get their master’s in a shorter period,” she said.  

 Elizabeth Stringer Keefe, dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, who launched the program after stepping into her role in 2023, said that focusing on opportunity and accessibility was a major priority.  

“When I became dean in 2023, this was a top priority,” Keefe said. “I wanted to make sure we created an accessible and affordable pathway for our excellent Stonehill students to continue their education, expand their skill set, and increase their earning potential.” 

Keefe said that the program not only saves students time but also significantly lowers the cost of a graduate degree.  

“Undergraduates accepted into SkyhawkADD can take two free graduate courses and receive a 20% discount on the rest of their master’s tuition,” she said. “For example, a data analytics master’s that normally costs more than $20,000 ends up being just over $17,000. That’s a significant advantage.” 

Since launching in Fall 2023, roughly 60 students have enrolled in SkyhawkADD - a number Keefe said she expects to rise after the program was added to the Common App last year. 

 “Now, prospective students can apply for their master’s at the same time they apply as undergraduates. Last year, 25 new first-year students entered Stonehill already accepted to their master’s program,” she said. 

Keefe said that the benefits extend far beyond affordability.  

“Earning a master’s degree increases earning potential by 20–30%, depending on the discipline,” she said. “Accelerated programs like SkyhawkADD give students a real advantage; specialized knowledge, competitive experience, and access to internship and residency opportunities with our partner organizations.” 

Stonehill’s commitment to student success, she said, is about both retention and growth. 

 “We want to bring new students to Stonehill and retain our current ones,” Keefe said. “If we’re going to be competitors in the Massachusetts university space, we have to make sure we don’t lose our exceptional students to other institutions. Expanding programs like SkyhawkADD helps set us apart.” 

Students interested in learning more about the Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree program are encouraged to contact a Graduate Admissions Counselor or attend Stonehill’s Graduate Programs Open House on November 8. The event offers a chance to meet faculty, connect with alumni, and explore career outcomes. Those interested can also check out @stonehillgps on Instagram for additional information.