Accelerated Master’s (4+1)
Several departments in the School of Applied Sciences offer 4+1 programs which allows students to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in 5 years.
Earn a Master's degree in half the time
Accelerated master's programs (4+1) in the School of Applied Sciences allow qualified undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework during their senior year. Students can save time, reduce costs, and enter their careers with advanced credentials sooner.
Explore the 4+1 programs the School of Applied Sciences has to offer:
- Criminal Justice (M.C.J.)
- Exercise Science (M.S.)
- Food & Nutrition Services (M.S.)
- Hospitality Management and Leadership (M.S.)
- Public Health (M.P.H.)
- Sport Management (M.S.)
Should I pursue a Master's degree?
For many students, pursuing a master's degree comes down to return on investment. Accelerated master's students at the University of Mississippi can begin graduate coursework during their senior year, allowing them to earn credit toward their master's degree while still paying undergraduate tuition. By reducing a traditional six-year bachelor's-plus-master's path to approximately five years, students save both time and tuition while gaining the benefits of an advanced degree sooner.
In addition, students who earn a master's degree generally experience higher earnings and lower unemployment rates than those whose highest degree is a bachelor's. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master's degree holders earn significantly more on average and experience lower unemployment rates throughout their careers.
| Educational Attainment | Median Weekly Earnings ($) | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 2,278 | 1.2 |
| Professional Degree | 2,363 | 1.3 |
| Master's Degree | 1,840 | 2.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 1,543 | 2.5 |
| Associate's Degree | 1,099 | 2.8 |
| Some College, No Degree | 1,020 | 3.8 |
| High School Diploma | 930 | 4.2 |
| Less Than a High School Diploma | 738 | 6.2 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics