What is UC’s 4 + 1 program?

One advantage of UC's 4 + 1 Program is its cost. Tuition typically increases annually at institutions, but this pathway addresses that with programs offering undergraduate tuition for courses taken during senior year and a 25% scholarship for post-graduate courses taken.

 While scholarships are enticing, the challenge of studying subjects in greater depth grab the attention of high-achieving students even more.

For Sydney Barger, who graduated with a psychology degree this year, the 4 + 1 Program captured her interest immediately.

“I love being challenged and try to take up opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone and enhance my professional skills. The master of psychology program gave me this opportunity, and I eagerly embraced it,” Barger said.

“Upon my graduation in Spring 2024, I will be commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant. When I first heard about the 4+1 program, I was immediately intrigued by the opportunity to engage in an accelerated curriculum.”

Faculty work with students to ensure their experience is professionally and socially beneficial as well, with many programs emphasizing mentorships and in-depth collaborative work, which is what Barger said she appreciates.

Usually, completion of a master’s degree takes two years post-baccalaureate study.

Adrianna Henderson completed communication degree in one in 2022.

“It's extremely important to take advantage of any pathway that can set you apart from other applicants. The 4+1 program enabled me to get a master’s degree in half the time it normally takes, and I was able to secure an assistantship that paid for my tuition and paid me during this time.”

Henderson puts her experience to good use as an associate communication and engagement specialist with Kroger Co.'s corporate headquarters in Cincinnati.

Her experience was transformative, she says, and eye-opening as well.

“Not only has it helped me secure a career but it also has broadened my perspective and thought processes on a variety of social and world issues we currently face,” she says. 

Even still, you may recall hearing your parents or grandparents discuss securing their bachelor’s and then returning to school for advanced degrees years later. But this path is growing less desirable to Gen-Zers

In 2021, 24% of Americans age 25 and older held a bachelor’s degree. Another 14% had an advanced degree, according to the U.S. Census Bureau figures.

“The MA is the new BA,” says Evan Torner, UC professor and undergraduate director of German studies.

“For public school teaching, as a very real example, a principal will not hire you with a BA and no teaching certification, but they will hire you if you have an MA in the subject area. An MA means you have a solid grasp of your subject area, and employers like to believe they're hiring experts.”