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The Graduate College Vaquero Pathway Program (VPP) is a program that offers outstanding UTRGV undergraduate students an expedited path to graduate studies at UTRGV by facilitating their entry into a participating graduate degree program. The VPP program is limited to specific graduate programs. See the list of participating graduate degree programs listed below.
Why VPP
- Streamlined Admission: Skip the usual application process and secure your spot in a participating graduate degree program.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: By pursuing your Master's degree now, you'll quickly acquire advanced knowledge and skills, giving you a competitive advantage that will put your resume at the top.
- Stay in School Mode: You're already in the academic mindset, and joining your peers in graduate studies is a seamless transition. Returning to school after a hiatus can be challenging, but you're already in the groove.
How VPP Works
- UTRGV identifies eligible students and their direct match for a graduate program.
- VPP eligible students will be sent their admission letter. Congratulations, You’re In!
Admission offers are contingent on earning an undergraduate degree at UTRGV. VPP Candidates must have been awarded their bachelor's degree before starting their graduate program.
What are the VPP eligibility requirements?
- Must be a UTRGV degree-seeking student.
- Must be enrolled in the last semester of undergraduate coursework.
- Must have a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.30 and be in good academic standing.
Participating Graduate Programs
UTRGV graduates with one of the undergraduate majors listed below and meet the VPP eligibility requirements may be eligible for automatic admission into the respective master’s program listed below.
| Undergraduate Programs | Master's Program | Master's Program Specialization/Modality |
|---|---|---|
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Accountancy (BBA) |
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Accelerated Online |
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Accelerated Online |
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| Undergraduate Programs | Master's Program | Master's Program Specialization / Modality |
|
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Undergraduate Programs
Master's Program
Civil Engineering (BS)
Computer Engineering (BSCE)
Computer Science (BSCS)
Cybersecurity (BS)*
Electrical Engineering (BSEE)*
Engineering Technology (BS)*
- Engineering Management (MS)
- Manufacturing Engineering (MSE)
- Mechanical Engineering (MSE) - General Concentration
Manufacturing Engineering (BSMF)*
Mechanical Engineering (BSME)*
- Biomedical Engineering (MS)
- Mechanical Engineering (MSE) - General Concentration
Various undergraduate programs within the College of Sciences, Engineering and Computer Science and Health Professions programs.
Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Caruntu (Dumitru.caruntu@utrgv.edu), for more information.
Undergraduate Programs
Master's Program
Master's Program Concentration
Undergraduate Programs
Master's Program
Master's Program Concentration
Biology (BS)
Chemistry (BS)
* For students in these undergraduate programs, an email notification will be sent to prompt them to visit the Vaquero Pathway Program Selection Request Form. Here, students can choose from the available programs, concentrations, or modalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
In your last semester before graduation.
Yes, if you cannot attend in the semester or module of admission, you may request a one-time deferral by submitting the online deferral form before the start of the term.
No, if you are not interested in the program(s) being offered to you, you are still able to submit a regular admission application for your Graduate Program of interest at https://www.utrgv.edu/gradapply/
For additional questions on the Vaquero Pathway Program, email gradrecruitment@utrgv.edu.