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Description:

The 4+1 is a great MSc program for our exceptional undergraduates who want to gain more rigorous skills in economic and statistical analysis. However, this is a very intensive program that requires strong training in mathematical and statistics to succeed. Our graduate-level economics courses build heavily on these foundations.

Eligibility:

We seek applicants who are motivated students with strong quantitative skills. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who do not meet this GPA guideline may apply, but they should only do so after consultation with their academic advisor and the Graduate Program Director.

Students are required to earn 120 credits from their undergraduate program plus 30 master’s level credits. Credits cannot be shared between the undergraduate degree and graduate degree. To be eligible, applicants must be able to complete all the degree requirements for their undergraduate program and 9 credits for their graduate program by the end of their senior year. These undergraduate degree requirements include University requirements (120 credits, 2.0 GPA, Gen Ed curriculum), college requirements, and major requirements.

To ensure sufficient quantitative training, we strongly suggest that 4+1 applicants take Math 131, 132, 233, 235 and RESECON 312. Grades of B+ and above in these courses will be taken as evidence of sufficient quantitative training. Students who have not taken these courses may still apply. However, these students should either have (a) equivalent or higherlevel mathematics and statistics training, or (b) they should have concrete plans to take these courses before enrolling in graduate-level coursework. In the latter case, students may be “conditionally” admitted to the 4+1 program, pending satisfactory grades in the aforementioned courses.

Timing and Application Process:

Applying to the 4+1 program is a two-step process. In their junior year, students seek approval from the Graduate Studies Committee to apply for the 4+1 program. If approved, in their senior year, students must then submit a regular application through the Graduate School in order to officially apply to the MS program.

  • Step 1: Junior Year
    • Students may apply for the 4+1 program during their junior year. We strongly recommend that students apply by March 15 of their junior year, so that they are able to receive a response before course enrollments for senior year. They should apply no later than May 1 of their junior year. *
    • The Graduate Studies Committee will review applications on a rolling basis. We will strive to respond to applicants within 15 working days.
    • Required materials:
      • The applicant should submit the following application materials via email to their academic advisor and the Graduate Program Director (gpd@resecon.umass.edu) 
        1. A short, 1-to-2-paragraph statement about their interest in the program.
        2. Unofficial transcript
        3. If the student has not yet completed Math 131, 132, 233, 235 and RES-ECON 312, they should provide a brief statement describing (a) how their academic record already covers the skills from these prescribed courses or (b) their plans to complete these courses before enrollment in graduate coursework.
        4. Names and contact information for three academic references
          1. At least two of these references should be faculty in the Resource Economics department. (Accommodations available in special cases, such as transfer students.)
          2. We strongly recommend that students choose at least two references who will be able to speak to your ability to succeed in rigorous, quantitative coursework.
  • Step Two: Senior Year
    • ​​​​​​​Students must submit the standard application through the Graduate School by Feb 1st of their senior year in order to officially apply to the MS program. The standard application procedures for admission to graduate programs also apply to the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Degree Option.
      • Tips:
        • ​​​​​​​Applications are due February 1st of their senior year.
        • There is no separate 4+1 program application. Applicants should enter “Accelerated Masters” as their specialization on the standard application.
        • Students should select the fall term after they’ll complete their baccalaureate degree as their admit term.

* In exceptional circumstances, students who have completed all necessary requirements may apply in the first semester of their senior year with special approval from their academic advisor and the Graduate Program Director.