The UMass 4+1 Accelerated Master’s degree option allows undergraduate students with top academic records to remain at UMass Amherst for a graduate degree, enabling you to earn a higher degree more quickly and cost-effectively. The reduction in calendar time does not result from a reduction in content. The requirements for the bachelor’s and Master’s degrees remain unchanged; what changes is how they are organized. You are encouraged to apply by November 30 of your junior year. The UMass Graduate School  is a resource for more information.

The College of Social & Behavioral Science (SBS) 4+1 Programs consist of five areas of study: Data Analytics & Computational Social Science, Political Science, Public Policy, Regional Planning, and Resource Economics.  

The Department of Political Science Accelerated Master's Program is a flexible and individualized plan of graduate study for undergraduate students at UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, Amherst College, and Smith College.To learn more about the Political Science 4+1 Program, schedule an appointment with Ariel Travis at atravis@umass.edu.