Accelerated Master's Programs

The UMass 4+1 accelerated master’s degree option allows undergraduate students 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.

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

Students who have entered UMass Amherst with multiple AP credits may be eligible to complete the program sooner. Please discuss this with an advisor.

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.

UMass Amherst 4+1 Accelerated Masters Degree Programs

The University of Massachusetts offers a wide variety of accelerated master's degree programs across many departments.