The Bachelor's to Master's Accelerated (4+1) Program offers eligible Lehigh undergraduate students an opportunity to transition smoothly into a graduate program within the College of Arts and Sciences. Students can apply up to 12 credits earned during their undergraduate studies toward a master’s degree in political science or public policy.
This program allows students to take graduate-level courses (400 level) during their junior and senior years, all included in the Lehigh undergraduate tuition. This not only provides significant savings compared to a traditional master’s degree but also enables students to complete their master's coursework in just one additional year. Take the next step in your academic journey with the 4+1 Program!
Program of Study
Students can begin taking credits towards either a Master's in Political Science or a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP). It is recommended that core courses are taken first and then followed with additional coursework based on which degree path is chosen. These core courses will help students enter their graduate program with a solid foundation. It is recommended that POLS 400 (Research in Politics and Public Policy) and POLS 402 (Methods of Policy Analysis) be taken, followed by additional core courses that are discussed with your 4+1 advisor and based on your degree path.
Requirements
Students interested in the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master's Program must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 by the end of their fifth undergraduate semester. Please be aware that courses counted toward the master’s degree must exceed the requirements of the undergraduate degree and can not be counted towards your undergraduate degree.
Getting Started:
- Reach out: Students should contact one of the program's graduate directors to discuss the program and determine if it’s a good fit for you.
- Professor Anthony DiMaggio - Master’s in Political Science
- Professor Karen Beck Pooley - Master’s in Public Policy - Complete your declaration: After your meeting, complete the CAS 4+1 Declaration Form via DocuSign to have your participation in the program officially noted on your student record.
- Enroll in Graduate Courses: Plan ahead! You will need to complete a petition prior to registration. Taking graduate courses as an undergraduate requires you to complete a petition to the Committee on the Standing of Students (SOS) and submit it to inadvise@lehigh.edu. The petition will be reviewed by both SOS and SOGS.
- Credit overload: If necessary, students may need to request an overload to 19 or 20 credits (this is only permitted for 300-level courses or below).
- Reserve the credits: Make sure to formally reserve the credits for your graduate degree.
- Submit your graduate application: In your final undergraduate semester, submit your application for graduate study to officially enroll in the master’s program.
Deadlines
It is advised to submit your graduate application by June 1 for fall admission or November 1 for spring admission.
Application Requirements
- Essay
- Two letters of reference from faculty members
- Your Lehigh transcript
- CV