4+1 Programs
Accelerate your future with two degrees in five years.
Begin graduate coursework during your senior year and build on your undergraduate foundation with advanced credentials valued by employers, helping you save time and money.
Why Choose a 4+1 Program?
Save Time
Earn both your bachelor's and master's degree in five years.
Secure Your Future
Guarantee admission to a masters program.
Save Money
Eliminate an entire year of of graduate tuition.
Get Ahead
Gain valuable insights and higher level skills sooner, giving you a competitive edge.
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. 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. On top of that, you enter the workforce or a doctoral program faster — with advanced skills and credentials.
4+1 Degree Options
Each of these programs supports interdisciplinary learning, professional advancement, and alignment with employer demand.
B.S. Computer Science + M.S. in Management of Technology
This program provides engineering students with the knowledge and tools needed to lead innovation-driven organizations. Students gain expertise in technology strategy, project and product management, and entrepreneurship. The program serves students interested in bridging technical and managerial roles, with senior-year coursework serving as an effective bridge to graduate study.
B.F.A Studio Art (Steinhardt) + M.S. in Integrated Design & Media
The proposed B.S. in Studio Art + M.S. in IDM pathway opens a high-impact trajectory for students interested in interactive media, creative technology, and digital storytelling. IDM blends art, design, computation, and engineering, preparing students to work in roles spanning UX design, AR/VR, computational aesthetics, and digital production. This graduate degree enhances the creative and technical dimensions of a studio art background and offers students new pathways into cutting-edge creative industries.
How the Program Works
Incoming first-year undergraduates indicate their interest in pursuing the 4+1 pathway at the time of application to NYU. Students are guaranteed admission to the linked Tandon M.S. program, contingent upon meeting program benchmarks such as strong academic performance in relevant coursework and any program-specific prerequisites.
Prior to the start of the junior year, students must formally reconfirm their intent to continue in the pathway before enrolling in graduate-level courses during the junior and senior years. Students who ultimately choose not to pursue the fifth-year master’s component may seamlessly transition back to the standard bachelor's track without penalty.
Admission to the master's degree is formalized at the end of the undergraduate program, after the bachelor’s degree is conferred.
4+1 and BS/MS program comparison
Our BS/MS and 4+1 programs both allow undergraduate students to earn credit during their undergraduate years to be applied towards their graduate program, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree. How are the programs different?
4 + 1 Program
- Highly structured
- Expected completion in 5 years
- Allows double-counting of up to 15 credits depending on the program
- UG tuition for 4 years; graduate tuition in year 5
BS/MS Program
- Flexible, student-initiated
- May extend beyond 5 years
- No double-counting (credits transfer to MS)
- UG tuition through BS; 50% MS tuition scholarship in year 5; standard graduate tuition year 6+ (if needed)