Juniors and first-semester seniors currently working toward BA or BS degrees with a major in Physics at UMass Amherst may apply to the Accelerated MS program, also called a 4+1 program.
What is the 4+1 program?
- Students obtain both their bachelor's and master of science (MS) degrees in five years.
- Students take graduate level courses to complete their degree. No thesis is required.
- Graduation requirements are the same as for the course-based MS program.
- Information about tuition and costs can found on the Bursar's website.
How is this different from the traditional MS program?
- Of 30 credits required for the degree, up to 12 credits (500-level and above) can be transferred from undergraduate work. The traditional MS allows only 6 transfer credits.
- Up to 6 credits of work at the 500-level or above can be used to satisfy both the undergraduate and graduate degrees (grade must be B or higher).
Who can apply?
- Juniors, as well as seniors in their first semester, currently working toward a BA or BS degree in Physics at UMass Amherst.
- Students must have completed at least two 400-level courses by the end of the semester in which they apply.
Before you apply:
- Speak with your Academic Advisor! That person will provide one of your three letters of recommendation to the Admissions Committee.
- Speak with an MS Advisor, Irene Dujove or Shuang Zhou.
- Make a plan for the completing the BS and MS in five years. You will need to write this plan into your personal statement, and also ask your advisor for a reference letter confirming this plan.
How to apply:
- The standard application procedures for admission to graduate programs apply to the Accelerated Master's Degree Option.
- Students should apply at the earliest possible time to be sure to graduate in five years and make full use of the program.
- Students must inform the Graduate Program Manager, Katie Bryant, of their intention to apply for 4+1 status. Email the GPM at @email.
Application deadlines:
- For Juniors, application review begins on November 30, with a deadline for application of April 1 of your Junior year.
- For Seniors, application review begins on November 30. Your application must be received by January 3 or you cannot be considered for the accelerated program.
What should I include in my personal statement?
- Your motivation for studying to complete an MS in physics
- What you would like to get out of your degree
- A plan for completing the MS in one year post-baccalaureate
- Any specific research or topical interests or experience
How many reference letters do I need, and what should they include?
- You will need three letters.
- One of these letters must be from an academic advisor at UMass. This letter should confirm that you have a plan to complete the BS and MS in five years.