4+1 Programs

Undergraduate students at UMass Amherst and the other colleges in the Five College Consortium can pursue a 4+1 option at the Isenberg School of Management, completing their undergraduate degree and a specialized master's degree in 5 years or less*. 4+1 programs are currently available for the following degrees:

• Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
• Master of Finance (MF)

The 4+1 option can be accelerated and up to 12 graduate credits (4 courses) from one of the specialized master’s programs can be taken while students complete their undergraduate degree, and depending on the program, up to 6 credits (2 courses) may be allowed to double-count for both the undergraduate degree and the graduate degree.

Undergraduate students who wish to accelerate their 4+1 program, should apply to one of the Isenberg specialized master’s programs in their junior year or early in their senior year.

Benefits of the accelerated 4+1 option are provided below:

• Efficiency: Complete your undergraduate and graduate degree in less than 5 years
• Cost savings: Double count up to 6 credits toward your undergraduate and graduate degrees (Does not apply to the MSA due to CPA Exam requirements)
• Internship opportunities: Start taking graduate courses early and secure an internship in the summer after you complete your undergraduate degree
• Career opportunities: Be better prepared to interview for jobs in the fall when you officially start your master's program

*The MSA degree with the Transitions Track can require 1.5 to 2 years to complete beyond the undergraduate degree if students do not have a degree in accounting and are not able to pursue an accelerated 4+1 schedule.