4+1 Curriculum

4+1 is a program designed to accelerate SCU undergraduates' path to a master of science degree.  All SCU undergraduate students can apply to this program in their junior year and, upon acceptance, can take four graduate units per quarter during their senior year with a cap of 12 units. Doing so allows the student to complete their graduate program as soon as ten months once admitted to the graduate school.

Typical students who apply for this program are but are not limited to those with a: strong background in math, who have had exposure to technical courses, who want access to classes currently available at the undergraduate level, and students who want to move toward careers more in line with analytics.  The process for admission is as follows:

  • Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors should attend information sessions and/or schedule an advising appointment.
  • Students with a minimum of 3.3 GPA at the time of application can apply in their junior year once winter quarter grades have been posted.
  • They must have taken relevant coursework that prepares them for a STEM degree (all MS degrees are STEM-certified). This varies based on the Undergraduate major of each student and should be discussed with an admissions officer early in the student's undergraduate year.
  • The GMAT/GRE is not required and will be waived for admission.
  • Admitted students start to take graduate classes during their senior year.
  • MS Programs Office will enroll the 4+1 students in one 4-unit class per quarter or two 2-unit courses.
  • 4+1 students must receive a grade of B or higher in their graduate courses to continue the program
  • In May 2024, 4+1 students will receive an email regarding their intent to continue as graduate students. If they agree to continue, they do not have to reapply to the MS program as a new applicant. The graduate credits in their senior year will be applied to their graduate program.
  • Those who do not continue their studies as graduate students starting in Fall 2024 term will have to reapply as new applicants. Graduate-level courses taken as an undergraduate may be applicable up to a maximum of 3 years.