Best Colleges With 4+1 Accelerated Master's Programs

The best colleges with 4+1 accelerated master's programs are accredited institutions that offer an online learning format for earning your degrees. Accelerated master's programs allow you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.

Featured School With 4+1 Degree Programs

Find out about schools with 4+1 degrees below.

1. Arizona State University

There are over 40 accelerated graduate programs at Arizona State University (ASU) that you can complete online. ASU offers accelerated programs in business, engineering, health and nursing, humanities and arts, science, and much more. See examples of a few study areas below:

• Geography
• Electrical engineering
• Organizational leadership

Other examples of ASU's 4+1 degrees include the Bachelor of Science to Master of Science in information technology degree and the BS to MS in psychology degree.

2. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Earn your BS and master's degree at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in five years. ERAU offers seven accelerated programs. Choose one of the following study areas:

• Aeronautics
• Aviation maintenance
• Emergency services
• Homeland security to human security and resilience
• Uncrewed and autonomous systems to uncrewed and autonomous systems

You can also choose to study from interdisciplinary studies to human security and resilience or safety management to occupational safety management. Online learning options may be available.

3. Florida International University

There are several 4+1 BS to MS degree programs at Florida International University (FIU) that you can complete in an online learning format. If you are interested in STEM, complete one of the following accelerated MS in engineering management degree programs below.

• Computer engineering and engineering management
• Information technology and engineering management
• Electrical engineering and engineering management

FIU also provides accelerated MS degree programs in criminal justice and hospitality management.

4. Regis University

Regis University offers six accelerated master's degree programs that consist of online coursework in five to eight-week terms. In five years, you can earn a BS in accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree or a BSBA and an MS in accounting degree. Other examples of accelerated programs include BS degrees in computer science or cybersecurity that lead to an MS in information and cyber security or software engineering degree.

5. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University (NAU) may have an online 4+1 degree program for you if you're interested in:

• Education
• Geography
• Justice Studies
• Public Administration

Earn your bachelor's and master's in education in career and technical education degrees or complete the bachelor's in geography environment and society and master's in geography program. NAU also offers accelerated studies in justice studies and organizational leadership emphasizing leadership in criminal justice administration and public administration.

6. Oregon State University

There are many accelerated programs that you can complete online at Oregon State University (OSU) to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. Find an accelerated degree program at Oregon State in study areas such as:

• Business
• Education
• Computer science
• Public policy

There are different admission requirements for each program. For example, the master in business degree program is eligible for more than one undergraduate degree program.

7. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

At the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst, find an accelerated master's degree program in:

• Accounting
• Business analytics
• Engineering management

UMass offers many other 4+1 accelerated degree programs as well. Many of the programs have an option for you to complete courses in an online format. For example, you can also study these online to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees:

• Microbiology
• Physics
• Political science
• Public policy and administration
• Resource economics

8. University of North Dakota

There are many 4+1 master's degree programs at the University of North Dakota (UND). For example, accelerate your bachelor's and master's degree in accountancy. You can complete your accountancy degree online in five years and the programs prepare you for the certified public accountant exam (CPA exam). Some other online accelerated degree programs include:

• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer science
• Early childhood education

UND also offers several accelerated degrees on campus.

9. University of San Francisco

Find an online 4+1 degree program at the University of San Francisco (USFCA). USFCA offers ten accelerated degree programs. See the example study areas below:

• Applied economics
• Clinical nurse leader
• International studies

You can also pursue an online teacher preparation dual degree or a bachelor's and master's degree in public health. When you become a junior in college, you will take graduate-level courses that will count toward your master's degree. Earn two degrees in five years.

10. Southern New Hampshire University

If you have an interest in communication, marketing, or sports management, select a 4+1 degree program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). SNHU offers six accelerated master's degree programs that you can complete in an online learning format. You can also earn your BS in:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Nursing

Once that is done, complete graduate courses that will count toward earning your master's degree in one year. For example, you will complete four graduate courses in your BS in finance degree program. See example graduate courses below:

• Risk management
• Global corporate finance
• Corporate financial management

FAQs About Earning a 4+1 Degree

Learn more about 4+1 degrees in the FAQs below.

What Is 4 Plus 1 in College?

A 4+1 in college is an accelerated program that involves taking graduate degree courses in your bachelor's degree program to achieve a corresponding master's degree faster.

You can typically earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in five years in a 4+1 program. Colleges and programs have individual rules and requirements.

Does NYU Have a 4+1 Program?

Yes, New York University (NYU) has several accelerated study programs that save time and money toward earning your bachelor's and master's degrees. The accelerated study programs at NYU may be available in a hybrid format consisting of online and on-campus requirements.

Does Vanderbilt Have a 4+1 Program?

No, Vanderbilt University does not have a 4+1 program.

How Does a 4+1 Program Work?

Colleges determine how a 4+1 program works. A 4+1 program requires full-time enrollment and includes graduate courses during your bachelor's degree program. Earn your bachelor's degree in four years and complete your graduate studies in one year by transferring credits from the graduate courses taken in your bachelor's degree program. Colleges and universities design 4+1 degree programs for you to achieve both a bachelor's and master's degree within five years.

What Is an Accelerated Degree Program?

An accelerated degree program is a program that saves you time and money toward earning your degree. An accelerated degree program is not always a 4+1 program, but you can always consider a 4+1 degree program an accelerated program.

Which Universities Offer the Best 4+1 Engineering Programs?

Many universities offer some of the best 4+1 engineering programs. Here are a few examples of accredited institutions that offer the best accelerated engineering programs:

• Arizona State University
• Oregon State University
• Regis University

Can I Apply for a 4+1 Program in My Junior Year of College?

Yes, several 4+1 degree programs allow you to apply in your junior year of college. One example is Oregon State University.

Which Colleges Offer a 4+1 MBA Program?

You can find a 4+1 MBA program at accredited institutions like Regis University and Oregon State University.

Can You Transfer Credits to a 4+1 Program from a Community College?

Most 4+1 degree programs accept transfer credits from a regionally accredited university. Consult with your college advisor about transferring credits.

What Financial Aid Options are Available for Students?

Graduate students pursuing a master's degree at a graduate school have several financial aid options. Similar to undergraduate programs, students may be eligible for:

• Scholarships
• Federal grants
• Work-study positions

Eligibility for financial aid may be dependent upon:

• The degree requirements
• A student's GPA
• Specific year of study

Start Your 4+1 Degree Program Today

Undergraduate students interested in earning their bachelor's and master's degrees within five years, consider enrolling in an online 4+1 degree program from an accredited college listed on this page today.