Accelerated Master's Programs

The UMass 4+1 accelerated master’s degree option allows undergraduate students with top academic records to remain at UMass Amherst for a graduate degree, enabling you to earn a higher degree more quickly and cost-effectively. The reduction in calendar time does not result from a reduction in content. The requirements for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees remain unchanged; what changes is how they are organized.

Please note: The terms 'accelerated masters program' and '4+1 program' are used interchangeably.

Political Science 4+1 Accelerated Master's Program

The Political Science department offers a flexible and individualized plan of graduate study for undergraduate students at UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, Amherst College, and Smith College.

To learn more about the Political Science 4+1 program, schedule an appointment with Chris Scanlon, Associate Director of Academic Programs.

Admission information and application can be found here. Application Deadlines: December 15 and April 15.

To apply, you will need the following for your 4+1 Accelerated Master's admission:

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement of Interest
Writing Sample
GREs are *NOT* required
Minimum of 3.5 overall GPA

College of Social & Behavioral Science (SBS) 4+1 Programs

The SBS College offers accelerated master's degrees in five areas of study: data analytics & computational social science, political science, public policy, regional planning, and resource economics.