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4+1 Programs

Mercy University offers 4+1 programs that let you earn your bachelor's and master's degree together in five years.

Academics
4+1 Programs

What if there was a way to speed things up?

Depending on the career you want, you may already know you will pursue a master's degree after undergrad. The traditional path is to attend four years of college, and then two years or more in a master's program, which equals at least six years of education.

With a 4+1 program, you can cut down a year of schooling, and you don't have to go through the process of applying for grad school after graduating with your bachelor's. Ready to start pursuing both of your degrees? Graduate faster and experience a world-class education when you become a Mercy University Maverick.

What Is a 4+1 Program?

A 4+1 program is a special option that lets you earn your bachelor's and master's degrees together in five years at the same school. Yes, you can get two degrees by staying at Mercy for just one extra year.

With a 4+1 program, you'll start taking graduate-level classes during your final year of undergrad. The credits from these classes will apply toward both degrees, and during your fifth year, you will only take graduate-level courses.

Five Years

With a 4+1 degree you are able to earn both your bachelor's and master's degree in five years.

Cost Savings

Get started on your master's degree while still and undergraduate and earn up to 12 graduate credits at significantly lower undergrad tuition rate.

Competitive Edge

Gain valuable insights and higher level skills in your field sooner, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Benefits of a 4+1 Program

One of the biggest advantages of a 4+1 program is the time and money you save. You can enjoy a smoother application process since your school will admit you to the 4+1 program with your undergraduate application, which means only one application fee for both degrees. You will also complete both degrees at the same school — no need to start the whole process over again and possibly relocate after undergrad.

Knocking off that sixth year of school can also mean thousands in savings. Since you are taking graduate classes as an undergraduate student you can continue to receive financial aid and merit scholarships as well as pay a lower undergraduate tuition rate. That's potential cost savings on up to 1/3 of your graduate degree.

Here are some additional reasons why many students choose a 4+1 program:

Career Advancement

It's no secret that a higher degree can open more doors throughout your career. From higher earning opportunities to more chances for promotions, a graduate degree can be the golden ticket to the career you've been dreaming of. To make the deal even sweeter, by graduating in five years instead of six, you start your career a year early and could start at a higher-paying role thanks to your master's degree.

FAST TRACK TO YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE

Accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree programs give you the ability to get started on your graduate degree while you are still an undergraduate student, in some programs as early as junior year. This means that you will be able to build in-depth knowledge and higher level skills in your field of study faster. All this hustle will pay off as you'll have the ability to handle whatever your career throws at you, which employers will find impressive as well.

How to Tell if a 4+1 Program Is Right for You

While only you can answer if a 4+1 program is right for you, a good starting point is your “why.” If you have a clear idea of your career plans, a 4+1 program can be a great way to get where you need to go sooner. But if you're unsure about your long-term plans or want to explore other interests, a 4+1 program may not be the best choice.

Here are some other elements to think about as you explore 4+1 programs:

Speed
Since a 4+1 option cuts out a year of school, it moves much faster than a traditional degree program. This stacked schedule can mean juggling multiple courses at once, so this faster pace is important to keep in mind.

Flexibility
The goal of 4+1 degree programs is to take as many of your core classes as possible, meaning you may be limited when selecting or scheduling courses. Since every 4+1 program is different, it's a good idea to chat with your advisor to determine what courses and times work best with your schedule.

Work-Life Balance
Fast-tracking your degree may mean that college becomes your main focus for five years. Balancing school with your other responsibilities is totally possible, but may take some time and patience. The team at Mercy is always here to help you, and we can work with you to help you strike that balance.

4+1 Programs at Mercy

School of Education

If you are getting a bachelor's degree in English, mathematics, Spanish or history, you can enroll in our 4+1 program to earn a B.A. in your chosen field and a M.S. in Adolescence Education or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. You can also earn your bachelor's in psychology or behavioral science and combine it with a master's in early childhood education or childhood education.

Business Administration MBA Program

Get your bachelor's degree in business administration in specialized fields such as data analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, general business, management, marketing or sports management. Then, graduate with your MBA in just one additional year.

Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences

If you are seeking a degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity, you can combine a B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science (Data Science or Software Development) or a B.S. and M.S. in Cybersecurity.

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

With our 4+1 program, you can earn dual bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology or health services management.

Transitioning into a 4+1 Program

While some students start at Mercy knowing that they want to pursue a degree in a 4+1 program many of our students transition in once they have started here. If you decide that one of these programs is the right fit you can easily transition into one of our 4+1 programs. You should meet with your advisor to discuss a change of major.

Many students also transfer to Mercy from community colleges. We have partnerships with many community colleges in order to help students maximize the credits they are able to transfer to Mercy. For students who have already completed their associate’s degree our 4+1 programs allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree (2 years) and master’s degree (1 year). We'll help you stay on track toward your goals.

We know that plans change and life happens. If you start the 4+1 program and decide it isn't the right fit, we're happy to help you adjust. You can exit the 4+1 plan anytime and still graduate on time with a bachelor's degree. We're here to support you and work together no matter what path you choose to take.

Why Make Mercy Your Home for the Next 5 Years?

When choosing a college, you consider more than just academics. That's why we offer a well-rounded experience with the chance to engage in multiple extracurricular activities. Whether you want to participate in our Division II sports teams or join one of our many clubs on campus, we make it easy to pursue your passions and find like-minded students to connect with.

We understand how important it is to have a solid support system throughout your time at college. At Mercy, you can take advantage of many student support services. From career development to counseling services, we're here for you to help create a positive college experience.