UMass 4+1 Accelerated Master's Degree Programs
Jumpstart your future career with UMass 4+1
UMass 4+1 accelerated master's programs allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree plus your master’s degree in a combined effort.
- Gain a competitive edge by getting ahead in your career path.
- Get more from your time at UMass.
- Graduate faster, earn two degrees in as few as five years.
- Multiple degree options available to achieve your career goals.
The UMass 4+1 difference
Simplifying your path to graduate school
- No GRE required.
- $0 application fees.*
- Seamless transition.
Get started sooner and save!
- Convenient, cost-effective way to start your career.
- Save time: earn two degrees in a total of five years (or sooner*) vs. the traditional six or seven.
- Save money: get two degrees for a lower cost/investment than separately.
Greater job opportunities
- Gain a competitive edge.
- Greater income potential over time.
- Combine interests to broaden your educational experience as well as career prospects.
Why UMass 4+1?
The UMass 4+1 accelerated master's program has provided me with the necessary tools to be successful as a young woman leader, through a curriculum that facilitates confidence, growth, and empowerment. I will be able to enter the workforce quickly with an advanced degree, tangible skills, and a strong passion for making a difference in my community.
Julia Fox, UMass 4+1 Master of Public Policy
The UMass 4+1 program has been rigorously preparing me with necessary skills all within the timeline that works best for me. On top of that, the DACSS curriculum emphasizes critical applications of quantitative methodologies, which, for me, is imperative for anyone interested in using data for social good.
Leah Dion, UMass 4+1 Master of Data Analytics and Computational Social Science
Discover UMass 4+1 accelerated master's programs
What is UMass 4+1?
UMass 4+1 is the program that gives academic credit towards your undergraduate degree, while at the same time fulfilling some of the course requirements of the graduate degree.
What is an accelerated master's program?
An accelerated master’s degree is an explicit arrangement of graduate admissions, courses and requirements to enable you to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree and a specified master’s degree in less calendar time (accelerated) than would be required through normal sequential enrollment.
Could I earn more with a master's degree?
Absolutely. According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, “Each level of education you complete may help you develop more skills, give you access to higher paying occupations, and signal that you’re able to follow through on important tasks, such as planning ahead and meeting deadlines, that employers value.”
Are there remote or flexible learning options for UMass 4+1?
Yes! At UMass Amherst, we holistically work to support your learning goals. Many courses and programs have hybrid and flexible learning options, powered by UMass Flex, to optimize the experience and support equitable learning. Inquire of the specific UMass 4+1 accelerated master's program your interest and ask what’s available for online, hybrid or UMass Flex.
How do I apply to a UMass 4+1 program?
The standard application procedures for admission to UMass 4+1 remains conditional until the applicant completes the baccalaureate degree and fulfills the Graduate School and graduate program’s requirements for admission. Once you are ready to learn more, contact the specific school that offers the program. Current students can review the Transfer Credits form.
Do I have to be a UMass Amherst student to enroll?
Undergraduate students at UMass Amherst and the other colleges in the Five College Consortium including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College are welcome to apply to UMass 4+1, seamlessly continue their graduate studies and finish their degree.
Is UMass 4+1 right for me?
Have your questions answered.
UMass 4+1 students can be applicable to complete the program sooner by accelerating their studies (specifically, students that enter UMass Amherst with multiple AP credits) – check with the individual program to discuss different opportunities for you.
UMass 4+1: UMass 4+1 is a portfolio of masters programs specific to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Open to UMass students as well as other colleges in the Five College Consortium.
Accelerated Masters: An accelerated Masters degree option is an explicit arrangement of graduate admissions and courses and other requirements to enable a student to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree and a specified Masters degree in less calendar time than would be required through normal sequential enrollment.
Specialized Masters: A portfolio of Masters degree programs that are available as Accelerated Masters programs for UMass 4+1.
Application Fee Waiver: Current UMass Amherst and other Five College undergraduate students applying to a masters only program, excluding MFA programs. The fee is automatically waived, no additional documentation is necessary.