4 + 1 Master's Program
The 4+1 Master's Program creates an opportunity for University of Idaho students to earn a non-thesis master’s degree in one year when they enroll in a graduate program similar to their undergraduate major immediately following their undergraduate program.
How the 4+1 program works
The 4+1 program allows students to complete a non-thesis master’s degree with up to 12 credits from their undergraduate work. Six of the credits can be shared or counted on both the undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and up to six can be reserved for the graduate transcript (400 or above and B or better) if the student has earned over the program minimum for the undergraduate degree.
Students in the 4+1 Master’s Program are eligible for the regular undergraduate rate tuition through their first year of graduate school. Course, lab or online fees still apply. If the student does not complete the master’s degree in one year, subsequent years will be charged at the regular graduate tuition rate.
The 4+1 program with the tuition benefit is limited to Idaho residents. Non-residents may be eligible for Idaho residency.
4 + 1 program benefits
- Gain expedited admission into the graduate program
- Skip the graduate application fee
- Bypass the letters of recommendation requirement
- Share six credits between undergraduate and graduate programs
- Pay undergraduate tuition during your first year of graduate study
- Follow an accelerated, customized curriculum to finish in one year
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from U of I
- Major in a related field
- 3.0 GPA (minimum)
- Statement of purpose
- Idaho residency for tuition purposes at the time you start your graduate program
Students who meet the minimum admission criteria receive direct entry into a non-thesis graduate program without additional departmental review. Selected programs may choose to review all applications, including those that meet the GPA and the requirements for majors in a related field. Reasons for departmental review may include (but not be limited to) a review of prerequisites, program capacity or strict admission deadlines.
Students who do not meet the minimum requirements of 3.0 GPA and undergraduate major in a similar or related field may be asked to provide additional documents or one to three letters of recommendation. The applications will be reviewed for admission by the academic program.
Eligible programs
- Bioinformatics and computational biology M.S.
- Biological engineering M.Engr.
- Chemical engineering M.Engr.
- Chemistry M.S.
- Civil engineering M.Engr.
- Computer science M.S.
- Criminology M.S.
- Cybersecurity M.S.
- Curriculum and instruction M.Ed.
- English M.A.
- Geographic information science | Geospatial aspects of sustainable planning M.S.
- Geographic information science | Geospatial habitat assessment application area M.S.
- Geographic information science | Geospatial intelligence application area M.S.
- Geographic information science | Geotechnician application area M.S.
- Geographic information science | GIS programming application area M.S.
- Geographic information science | Natural hazards and emergency planning application area M.S.
- Geographic information science | Remote sensing application area M.S.
- Groundwater hydrology M.S.
- Kinesiology M.S.
- Mechanical engineering M.Engr.
- Nuclear engineering M.Engr. (requires background in mechanical engineering)
- Physical education M.Ed.
- Public administration M.P.A.
- Special education M.Ed.
Apply today
Finish your master's degree early by applying to join the 4 + 1 program.
Frequently asked questions
What does the program offer?
Students earn a master’s degree in one year if continuously enrolled after their undergraduate degree.
Seamless admission process for eligible students. The application fee, letters of recommendation and the GRE are waived.
Who qualifies?
U of I undergraduate students in senior status who are earning a bachelor’s degree qualify. You are also encouraged to reach out to your current academic advisor, the Graduate Admissions Office or the academic program of your interest.
What is my first step to be considered for the 4+1 Master’s Program?
Your first step when considering a 4+1 Master’s Program is to talk to your academic advisor. You are also encouraged to connect with the director of graduate studies for the graduate program of your interest to determine which courses you will share between your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Is departmental funding TA/RA available for the 4+1 master’s?
Students in the 4+1 master’s program are not eligible for departmental teaching or research assistantship (TA/RA) but may apply for other types of scholarship through Financial Aid.
What happens if I am not able to complete my master’s degree in one year?
If you are not able to finish your master’s in one year, you can continue taking courses until you complete your graduation requirements. The undergraduate tuition rate only applies to the first year of graduate school so you will be paying graduate fees for the rest of the program. Although you will no longer be eligible for undergraduate tuition, you will be able to earn your degree while studying at your own pace.
Do I need to be an Idaho resident to qualify for the 4+1 Master's Program?
One of the requirements for the 4+1 master's is Idaho residency. Students who are non-residents for tuition purposes during their undergraduate studies can become eligible for the accelerated master's if they apply and are approved for Idaho residency.
Can I apply for Idaho residency for tuition purposes as an international student?
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens may apply for Idaho residency for tuition purposes by submitting the residency worksheet. They must also read and complete the attestation of lawful presence and include it with their worksheet and documentation.
If I am graduating from U of I, do I still need to submit an Idaho residency worksheet?
Even if you are currently enrolled at the U of I and have resided in Idaho for the last year of your undergraduate program, a residency worksheet is required to determine your in-state residency status. If selecting pathway 8, we recommend you wait to submit your residency application until you have completed your undergraduate degree but no later than the first day of your graduate program.
I am an international student. Can I apply for the 4+1 program?
International students could qualify for the 4+1 track when they apply and are approved for Idaho residency for tuition purposes as non-citizens lawfully present in the U.S. Find more information on the Idaho residency for tuition purposes here.
4 + 1 master's program contact
Polly Tohaneanu
Director of Graduate Admissions
Morrill Hall 206
208-885-4001
polixeniat@uidaho.edu