Accelerated 4+1 Programs a Fast-Track to a Graduate Degree

With the launch this spring of its new, accelerated 4+1 programs, Isenberg is continuing on its path of innovating to help students reach their academic and career goals.

Undergraduate students at UMass Amherst and the other colleges in the Five College Consortium can pursue a 4+1 program option at the Isenberg School of Management, which gives students the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in just one additional year. 4+1 programs are currently available for the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Finance.

“Our 4+1 programs provide a great complement to a wide-range of undergraduate degrees, enabling students to pursue their passion, while preparing for a rewarding career," says Traci Hess, Associate Dean, Graduate and Professional Programs. "Many undergraduate students have room in their schedule to take graduate classes and thus can get a head start on a master’s degree. They are then perfectly positioned for internships and full-time career opportunities.”

The 4+1 option can now be accelerated and up to 12 graduate credits (4 courses) from a specialized master’s program can be taken while students complete their undergraduate degree, and depending on the program, up to 6 credits (2 courses) may be allowed to double-count for both the undergraduate degree and the graduate degree. The benefits of accelerating include completing your undergraduate and graduate degree in less than 5 years, cost savings by double counting up to 6 credits, the possibility of securing an internship in the summer after completing your undergraduate degree, and being better prepared to interview for jobs in the fall when you officially start your master's program

Undergraduate students who wish to accelerate their 4+1 program should apply to one of the Isenberg specialized master’s programs in their junior year or early in their senior year, says Hess.

“Our accelerated 4+1 programs let students fast-track a graduate education and leave UMass Amherst with two degrees and a future full of opportunity.”