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4+1 Program

ABOUT THE COMBINED B.A./M.A. (4+1) PROGRAM

The College of Arts & Science's 4+1 program offers the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years, instead of the usual six. The program is ideal for highly motivated, exceptional students who:

  • Need a master's degree to pursue a particular career
  • Want to strengthen their applications for graduate or professional school
  • Are deeply interested in their field of study and want to pursue more advanced inquiry

Compared to a traditional path to a master's degree, the 4+1 program allows you to save both time and money through an accelerated course of study.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Availability of the program varies by department. Currently, a 4+1 option is available in the following areas of study:

The list of participating departments changes periodically. If you are interested in earning a 4+1 degree in a department that is not listed above, we encourage you to discuss the possibility with the department's Director of Graduate Studies.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Admission to the 4+1 program is through the relevant department and is highly selective. You should have an accomplished academic record, demonstrate a commitment to pursue graduate study, and obtain a strong endorsement from faculty. Prior to applying to the program, meet with your academic adviser to discuss your long-term goals and determine whether the 4+1 program is the right choice for you.

Each department sets its own admissions requirements and policies. However, the admissions process generally follows the steps below. Note that specific deadlines vary by program.

Typical admissions process:
  1. Download and complete the Petition to Apply to the Combined BA/MA (4+1) Degree Program.
  2. Meet with your faculty adviser to obtain his or her signature on the form.
  3. Meet with the department's designated contact (usually the Director of Graduate Studies) to discuss admission to the program.
  4. If the department admits you to its program, the DGS or designated contact will deliver your petition to the Dean's Office for approval.
  5. Following approval from the Dean's Office,  apply online  for admission to the Graduate School. A copy of your approved petition must accompany your application.
  6. If admitted, you will be granted provisional graduate student status until you have completed the requirements for the B.A.
Degree Requirements

To earn a 4+1 degree, you must satisfy the requirements for  both  the B.A. and the M.A., as determined by the department. There is no double-counting of credits. The principal distinction between the 4+1 program and the standard graduate program is twofold: (1) you are allowed to take master’s-level courses while completing the bachelor’s degree; and (2) you are thereby enabled to complete both degrees within five years instead of six. 

Generally, a minimum of 30 semester hours is required for the master's degree. This includes enrollment in at least 24 semester hours of formal coursework, plus enrollment in 6 hours of coursework or research. Most departments participating in this program have a non-thesis option for the master's degree. 

In order to complete the program in five years, you should plan to fulfill most, if not all, of the requirements for your undergraduate degree by the end of the first semester of your senior year. You should also plan to start taking graduate courses in the second semester of your senior year.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Undergraduate financial aid generally only applies to the completion of the bachelor's degree and the first four years of study. If you want to pursue the 4+1 option, you will need to obtain support for your fifth year of study through student loans and other outside sources.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mario Rewers
Assistant Dean
350 Buttrick Hall
mario.rewers@vanderbilt.edu