4+1 Master's Degree Program

Maximize your time during your senior year and save nearly $10,000. The 4+1 is an opportunity for academically talented undergraduate Florida Poly students to “level up” in their academic career by enrolling in two graduate- level courses in their senior year. The two graduate-level courses taken in senior year are billed at a discounted rate.

All Master of Science programs at Florida Poly have a 4+1 option. These programs include:

Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Admissions

Early admission to the graduate program (contingent upon performance).
No need to submit letters of recommendation or transcripts.
Application fee waiver.

Financial

Save over $1,800 on your first two graduate-level courses.
Earn up to $8,000 in scholarships for your master’s degree. Guaranteed the highest admission scholarship after undergraduate graduation for course-only pathway.

Perks

Graduate with your master's early.
Exclusive 4+1 regalia at undergraduate graduation.
Exclusive 4+1 T-shirt.

Consideration for the 4+1 is competitive. Students should reflect on whether the program is a good fit for their individual situation. The ideal 4+1 candidate:

Holds a 3.25 GPA or higher with no more than 24 credit hours remaining to complete their undergraduate degree at the start of senior year.
Has room in their senior schedule to add 2 graduate-level courses (one each semester), with no more than 12 undergraduate credits + 3 graduate credits in a given semester.
Is able to balance their undergraduate and graduate studies, without delaying or impeding their undergraduate completion.* Students should expect to dedicate 5-10 hours per week outside of the classroom for each graduate course enrolled.
Is not over the excess credit hour threshold for their undergraduate degree.
Understands and agrees to all financial aid implications**, including any additional charges in their senior year.

*Courses do not double-count. A student must earn 120 unique undergraduate credits and 30 unique graduate credits. Graduate courses in the senior year do not count toward full-time status. Full-time status is based on undergraduate credits enrolled.

** Students who plan to enroll in less than full-time should consult with the financial aid office. Graduate courses in senior year are discounted to the undergraduate tuition rate. This discount results in an overall savings of $1,847.58 on the two courses, and an out-of-pocket cost of $987.90 ($493.95 per course). If available, students may use their excess undergraduate financial aid to help cover the graduate courses. Students are not eligible for graduate aid until after they earn their bachelor's degree.

Eligible candidates are invited to apply at the end of their junior year. For questions about the program, please email elowers@floridapoly.edu

Offers to the 4+1 are contingent upon successful performance in both graduate and undergraduate courses. If dismissed from the 4+1, students may be allowed to reapply under the regular Master of Science admission process for the following academic year. Students in the 4+1 program are also subject to the same rules and policies of a traditional graduate student, specifically those outlined in FPU-5.00744AP Graduate Academic Standing, Academic Dismissal and Readmission. Students may be dismissed from the 4+1 for the following reasons:

Falling below 3.0 GPA in the graduate courses
Falling below 3.0 GPA in the undergraduate courses
Withdrawal from any coursework (graduate or undergraduate) in fall or spring of senior year
Scheduling changes which delay or inhibit undergraduate graduation

4+1 Discount

4+1 students are eligible to enroll in 6 graduate credit hours in their undergraduate senior year. Students will pay the undergraduate tuition rate of $164.65/credit hour for the graduate courses taken in senior year. The 4+1 discount results in cost savings of $1,847.58 for the two courses.

Admission Scholarship

After earning the bachelor's degree, students are charged graduate tuition and fees, and become eligible for graduate aid. As a benefit to the 4+1, students receive the highest possible admission scholarship of $8,000.00.

Out-of-Pocket Expectation by Term

With the 4+1 discount and the guaranteed admission scholarship after graduation, the out-of-pocket estimates for graduate courses are as follows:

Senior Year: $987.90

- Semester 1: $493.95

- Semester 2: $493.95

Graduate Year: $3,341.92

- Semester 1: $1,670.96

- Semester 2: $1,670.96

Total: $4,329.82

Application Process

How do I apply?

The application is by invitation only. Eligible students are invited to apply at the end of their junior year, as they go into senior year. Specific information on how to apply, as well as deadlines, will be shared with students in their initial invitation email.

What is required to be invited to apply to the 4+1 program?

Our review committee typically seeks students entering their senior year with no more than 12 undergraduate credit hours planned for the Fall and Spring Semesters and who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of a 3.25 or higher.

Is there an application fee?

No.

Do I need to submit additional materials along with the application?

A student generally only needs to submit the application itself, and answer all questions. In some situations, the committee may ask for additional materials to make a decision.

If admitted, is there a tuition deposit required to confirm my seat in the 4+1 program?

No. Students invited to join this inaugural class of the 4+1 program will have their deposit fee waived.

Courseload and Scheduling

I want to do this program, but don’t have room in my schedule. What should I do?

The 4+1 program is not for everyone. If a student’s senior year is too full, they should wait until after graduation to start the master’s program.

Can the graduate courses count toward some of my undergraduate requirements?

No. Courses do not double-count. A student must earn 120 unique undergraduate credits and 30 unique graduate credits.

Are the graduate courses difficult to manage?

Graduate courses are more rigorous than undergraduate courses. Students should expect to dedicate 5-10 hours per week outside of the classroom for each graduate course enrolled.

Can I just take one graduate class in my senior year instead of two?

No, 4+1 students must take 2 graduate level courses.

Can I enroll in more than 12 undergraduate credit hours along with the graduate class in a given semester?

No. This would result in too much courseload. Keep in mind that graduate coursework is much more rigorous than undergraduate. The 4+1 should not inhibit a student’s ability to keep up with their studies. If a student cannot fit the graduate coursework into their senior schedule, they should wait to begin the master’s program until after graduation.

What graduate courses can I take?

Courses are selected based on availability and student’s prerequisites. Upon acceptance to the 4+1, students are provided 2 course suggestions for their senior year. If the student commits to the program, they will be manually registered for the courses by the Office of Graduate Studies.

What will my full-time graduate courseload be after I’ve completed my senior-year courses and graduated with my bachelor’s degree?

After earning their bachelor’s degree, 4+1 students will then complete 12 graduate credit hours in each of the following fall and spring semesters to complete their master’s degree.

Financial Aid

I’m an undergraduate student trying to get up to full-time in my senior year for financial aid purposes. Can I take 9 undergraduate credits and 3 graduate credits to equal full-time?

No. The graduate coursework will not count toward undergraduate full-time status. A student must enroll in 12 undergraduate credit hours to be considered full-time.

Can I do the 4+1 and then become a GA the following year?

Yes! Keep in mind, Graduate Assistants (GAs) must declare the Thesis pathway. Though the 4+1 is designed to be completed in the Course-only pathway, which does not require a Thesis, students can apply for Thesis/GA later through a separate admission process. Being in the 4+1 and being a GA are not mutually exclusive.

What should I expect to pay out of pocket for the graduate courses in the 4+1 program, after scholarships and discounts?

Our master’s programs are incredibly affordable, especially for 4+1 students. With the 4+1 discount and the guaranteed admission scholarship after graduation, the out-of-pocket estimates for graduate courses are as follows:

Senior Year: $987.90

- Semester 1: $493.95

- Semester 2: $493.95

Graduate Year: $3,341.92

- Semester 1: $1,670.96

- Semester 2: $1,670.96

Total: $4,329.82

In my senior year, will my Bright Futures go toward the 2 graduate classes?

Your undergraduate financial aid award is based on undergraduate hours enrolled. If you are enrolled in 12 undergraduate credits and 3 graduate credits, Bright Futures will be disbursed based on the 12 credit hours. If you have excess from your undergraduate aid, that can be used to help pay for the graduate courses.

In my senior year, will my undergraduate loans go toward the 2 graduate classes?

Your undergraduate financial aid award is based on undergraduate hours enrolled. If you have excess from your undergraduate aid, that can be used to help pay for the graduate courses.

I have Florida Prepaid. In my senior year, will my Florida Prepaid go toward the 2 graduate classes?

Florida Prepaid should apply to the graduate courses, but at the undergraduate rate.

Maintaining Eligibility

What is required to continue through the 4 + 1 program?

Students are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate and graduate-level coursework and maintain a proven ability to successfully complete the courseload required. Students must also not withdraw from any required coursework in their senior year (graduate or undergraduate), nor exceed the excess credit hour threshold for their undergraduate degree.

What if a 4+1 student withdraws from their graduate course in the fall or spring term of senior year?

Students may be dismissed from the 4+1 if they withdraw from any required coursework (graduate or undergraduate) in fall or spring of senior year.

What if a 4+1 student withdraws from a BS degree requirement during the fall or spring term of senior year?

Students may be dismissed from the 4+1 if they withdraw from any required coursework (graduate or undergraduate) in fall or spring of senior year.

What happens if I am dismissed from the 4+1?

If dismissed from the 4+1, students may be allowed to reapply under the regular Master of Science admission process for the following academic year.

What happens if I start the 4+1, but later decide that the courseload is too difficult, and then withdraw from the program?

Before applying, students should reflect on whether the program is a good fit for them. Students should expect to dedicate 5-10 hours per week outside of the classroom for each graduate course enrolled. Students may be dismissed from the 4+1 if they withdraw from any required coursework (graduate or undergraduate) in fall or spring of senior year. If dismissed from the 4+1, students may be allowed to reapply under the regular Master of Science admission process for the following academic year.

At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education. Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.

The Internship Experience

At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.

Capstone Design

Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.

Alumni Making an Impact

Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.

4+1 Master's Degree Program

Earn your master’s degree in just one year!

Benefits of a 4+1 Master's Degree