4 + 1 Combined Degrees

Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the same time!

• Save time.
• Save money.
• Accelerate getting a master’s degree while getting your bachelor’s degree.

The 4+1 Combined Degree program at FDU sets you up for success

The 4+1 program allows students to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s in just 5 years. Students can save money by paying for graduate courses at the undergraduate rate — and save time by starting graduate classes their senior year. Students enrolled in an FDU 4+1 Combined Degree program start taking credits toward their master’s degree program during the senior year of their bachelor degree, saving time and expense.

Advantages of the 4+1 Combined Degree program

Advantage #1: Save time.

What is the benefit of getting both your bachelor’s and master’s degree with the FDU 4+1 program? First, you’ll save time. Students in the 4+1 program finish their master’s degree a year earlier than students earning separate bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The 4+1 program takes less time due to students taking fewer overall classes.

Advantage #2: Save money.

Second, you’ll save money. The 4+1 Combined Degree program lowers your total cost to attain two degrees. Because students pursuing a 4+1 Combined Degree work closely with their advisors on ensuring the requirements for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees are met, students wind up taking courses that can be applied to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. For most 4+1 programs, some courses will count as a requirement toward both degree — that adds up to savings!

The 4+1 program has many advantages but also requires early planning and organization. If you are interested in participating in the 4+1 Combined Degree Program, be sure to meet with your advisor to create to plan that can maximize all the program’s advantages.

If you are a prospective undergraduate student, our Admissions team can assist with any questions you might have.

How it works

Once admitted to the 4+1 program, your progress to complete your degrees looks like this:

Years 1, 2, and 3: Students complete their undergraduate course work through their junior year (3rd year).

Year 4: In senior year (4th year), students finish their undergraduate requirements while also completing some credits of graduate course work.

Year 5: During the fifth year of study, students complete the remaining graduate-level credits to meet the requirements for the master’s degree.

Students must be enrolled full time to take advantage of the time and cost saving advantages.

How to Apply

Each 4+1 Combined Degree Program applicant must receive a completed degree program review of their bachelor’s degree. Contact your academic advisor to request the degree program review.

Some programs may require a personal statement explaining the reason for pursuing a combined degree; this may include details about your professional journey, career goals or personal interests. Please reach out to your academic advisor about your specific program for more details.

4 plus 1 adds up

• Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.
• Accelerate your career and gain the attention of potential employers.
• Enjoy the flexibility to pursue your master’s degree at either the Florham or Metropolitan Campus.
• Choose from over 40 combined-degree programs including Accounting-MBA, Political Science-Public Administration, and the five-year QUEST teaching program.
• Gain admittance to select programs or begin taking graduate-level classes as early as freshman year.

Combined degrees create an affordable, accelerated path to becoming a successful professional. We can’t wait to see what it does for you!