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Leavey School of Business Santa Clara University

2018-19

New 4 +1 Masters Program offered to SCU undergraduates starting Fall 2019

New 4 +1 Masters Program offered to SCU undergraduates starting Fall 2019

Interview with Ramie Fernandez, Senior Director, MS Programs, Business School Graduate Programs, about the 4+1 Programs (MSBA, MSFA, and MSIS) being launched in Fall Quarter, 2019

Who Should Apply to the 4 + 1 Program?

SCU students should apply after their junior year winter quarter grades post.  The Graduate Programs Office is looking to see how the students performed their winter quarter, and this should align with the May 1st application deadline.

This year, Juniors with GPA 3.3 + can apply to the program, to start in the fall of their senior year.  Depending on the program they choose and their undergraduate major, the Graduate Programs Office will customize the students’ graduate core classes they will have to take.

Freshmen and Sophomores should meet with the Graduate Admissions officer to make sure they understand the 4 + 1 program requirements. It is in their best interest to take as many quantitative and technology courses that their major, school or schedule allows them to take.  The strongest applicants will have quantitative and technology classes on their transcripts. When we talk to the freshmen and sophomores we want them to understand that by taking these courses and getting better grades in these courses they are strengthening their applications.

When should students plan on taking GRE/GMAT?

GRE/GMAT is not required if going through the early admission to this program and meet the requirements.  

How does the 4 +1 Program Works?

In the senior year students will start taking 4-6 units per quarter, one 4 unit class and in some quarters, an option to also take a 2-unit class. They would take their regular undergraduate load and would take the graduate courses in the evening, between 4pm to 7pm, most likely 5:45 PM time slot. There will not be any Saturday classes.  

Their senior year the students will take graduate core classes each quarter. By taking 3 1/2  to 4 classes their senior year, the students will shave time to shorten the program, and only have one full year of graduate school the following year. The students will have to pass the graduate courses with B or better to stay in the program.

MSBA, MSFA and MSIS are the three programs offered through 4 +1 program.  The types of core classes that the students will be taking is based on their background.  We will place them in classes where we feel they will do the best in, in hopes of not overwhelming them during their senior year.  MSBA is expected to be the most competitive program, but we are not setting a limit on the number of acceptances.

In their full year of graduate school the students will continue taking general core courses.   There are 8 to 10 core classes depending on the program. The students will get through core classes sooner, but they would still be taking core classes the fall quarter in their second year of graduate school.  

What are the differences between the three 4+1 programs?

There are very different core courses for each program.  For MSBA general core will include general business, math and programming.  The MSFA core will include several levels of finance courses and electives, and for MSIS the general core would consist of courses like object-oriented programming and networking.  

Why should students consider getting Master’s this early as opposed to after relevant experience?  

It depends on what a student plans to do after graduation.  If a student has not had access to business school courses, then the 4 +1 program will provide the student the opportunity to take these classes before they go into the real world, especially if they realize that business is their calling.  Additionally, 4+1 is a very compelling offer, as the students are taking classes earlier and finishing sooner than otherwise.

What do Master’s students do after getting their degree?

The graduate programs offer them an opportunity to go into any aspect of the business.   Business Analytics and Human Resources are very popular fields. Information Systems people are in high demand in consulting firms, accounting firms and in regular technology companies.  

How will tuition work with undergraduate and graduate fees during the senior year?  TBD

What scholarships are offered for undergraduate students applying into 4 + 1 program?

The undergraduate students are not eligible for scholarships their senior year. Graduate Programs can not give scholarships to undergraduate students, so undergraduate seniors would not be qualified for scholarships.  The following year, when they are full time graduate students, they can be considered for scholarship if they did extremely well academically in the graduate courses taken thus far.

What is the next step if interested in the 4+1 program?

  • Attend the first information session on Wednesday, February 20th from 11:30am to 1pm in Lucas Hall 106 or stop by the Benson Center during our tabling event. 
  • Make an appointment for a preliminary interview with the Graduate Programs Office.  The interview is important to understand the student’s strength and weakness before applying for 4 +1.   Email msadmissions@scu.edu to request an appointment.

How will the application process work?

  • Application deadline is May 1, 2019
  • Interview with a faculty director or a graduate school admission officer
  • Acceptance decision will be made within 3 weeks after the interview