Earn Your Master’s Faster in a 4+1 Program at IUP

Financial Benefits

Students who enroll in a 4+1 program will be charged at the undergraduate tuition rate until they earn their bachelor’s degree. Because graduate classes during your senior year count toward both degrees, the setup of this program can result in significant cost savings for you.

More specifically, you will save on graduate tuition for every master’s-level class you take during your senior year. If you take 12 credits (4 classes) during that year, you will save more than $8,500 in graduate tuition.

Because tuition rises slightly most years, these cost savings could be even more significant once you reach your senior year.

To calculate master’s-level tuition rates, visit our Graduate Costs and Financial Aid page. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for any potential implications on your existing aid.

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Participating Programs

Currently, four programs participate in our 4+1 program. The class sequence to graduate within five years is pre-determined, and you can talk to your advisor about how to schedule your classes when that time comes.

Criminology, BA and Criminology, MA

Develop your skills and knowledge criminal justice in our Criminology BA with a wide range of courses that range from Juvenile Justice to Cybersecurity. By the time you earn your bachelor’s degree, you will be well on your way to become a leader in the criminal justice system thanks to our Criminology MA, which can prepare you for a career in the field or doctoral studies.

Early Childhood Education, BSEd and Literacy, MEd

Our Early Childhood Education programs prepare you to become an effective teacher for all types of learners through eighth grade. Meanwhile, our MEd in Literacy is specifically designed to help current and aspiring teachers improve in literacy theories, research, and instructional practices. Combine both, and you get everything you need for a long and successful career.

Kinesiology, BSEd or BS, and Sport Science, MS

Students in any kinesiology major except for Athletic Training can fast-track their master’s degree in either Sport Management or Exercise Science. Either track significantly increases your career chances in the vast field of sport science. Graduate assistantships and an a vast internship network ensure practical experience before you start your career.

Special Education, BSEd and Literacy, MEd

Use your Special Education major and teaching certification to help millions of children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. Then, increase your teaching qualifications with a master’s degree in Literacy. A master’s degree will not just increase your salary, but is actually required to continue teaching after your first few years in most states.

If your program of interest is not among the above, you can still take advantage of many benefits provided by our 4+1 program. During your junior year in college, you will become eligible for Early Admission to a wider range of master’s programs. You will have to apply to the program at that point, but can still take graduate classes during your senior year.

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FAQ

How do I indicate my interest in pursuing the 4+1?

You need to do nothing right now! Students with an outstanding academic record who are admitted to relevant programs are automatically eligible for our 4+1 option. The threshold for students eligible to receive a 4+1 admission offer is a high school GPA of 3.25 or greater, as well as an SAT score greater than 1,000.

Students admitted to the program will be able to discuss their continued eligibility, and next steps necessarily, with their faculty advisor. After completing your first 90 credit hours at IUP, you will receive an electronic form to fill out, which will confirm your interest in pursuing your master’s degree.

Will my advisor know if I was offered 4+1 admission?

Yes. If you have been admitted to the 4+1 program, your faculty advisor and the coordinator of the master’s program for which you will eventually enroll will be notified, and receive copies of your invitation to the 4+1 option. You can discuss your interest in the program and what classes to take with your advisor once you get to campus.

What if I change my mind during my senior year, after starting graduate coursework?

In that case, your progress towards earning a bachelor’s degree will not suffer. The graduate courses you take during your senior years are specifically designed to apply toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Prior to scheduling your senior-year classes, you will meet with both your undergraduate and graduate advisors to determine which classes meet these criteria. Once you complete your first graduate classes, you will be eligible to earn your Bachelor’s degree even if you choose not to move forward.

What is my tuition rate when I’m taking graduate course work as an undergraduate?

IUP students are billed at their official “level”. Therefore, you will be billed at the undergraduate rate for any classes you complete before earning your bachelor’s degree. You will only be billed at the graduate rate once you are officially a graduate student, during your 5th and final year of study.

This tuition structure can result in significant savings for you. If you take 12 credits (4 classes) of master’s-level coursework during your senior year in college, you could save more than $8,500 in graduate tuition and fees!

What if I want to change my major?

The 4+1 option is designed for a specific course sequence that takes you through your bachelor’s and master’s degree studies. As a result, changing your major would nullify your 4+1 offer.

However, IUP offers “Early Admission” to some master’s-level programs. Under this option, you may still be eligible to take graduate course work at the undergraduate level, which will apply to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Learn more about our Early Admissions program.

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