Accelerated PSCI MA Program

4+1 Program BA to MA with just 1 more year CU Denver Political Science Department logo

What is the 4 + 1 program?

The 4+1 accelerated Master’s program in Political Science is an expedited program of study that allows students to complete a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Political Science in as few as 5 years.

Who is the 4 + 1 program for? 

Students in the 4 + 1 program must be:

  • undergraduate majors in either Political Science or International Studies
  • hard-working and high-achieving students
  • undergraduates who have demonstrated an ability to do graduate-quality work 

What is the process?

  1. Declare intent to pursue the 4 + 1 program anytime after achieving junior standing.
  2. Meet with the undergraduate major advisor and program directors.
  3. Complete the Intent to Complete Bachelor's to Master's Form 
  4. Complete graduate-level courses during the remaining semesters of undergraduate study. (Note: These classes count BOTH towards satisfying the requirements of the BA major and the Master’s degree in Political Science.)
  5. 4 + 1 students must apply to the CU Denver Graduate School during their senior year of undergraduate studies. 
Please note: Declaring intent to pursue this program does not guarantee admission to the CU Denver Graduate School.  

Contact Us!

4+1 Intent to Enroll Form

Apply to the PSCI MA Program

Benefit from...

  • Award-winning faculty in such fields as International Studies, Local Civic Engagement & Public Leadership, Community Organizing & Development, and Indigenous Politics.  
  • Completing 15 of 30 required graduate credits concurrently with undergraduate studies
  • Enhanced Career Prospects as a Master of Political Science
  • Guided Research with Faculty Mentor
  • Opportunities for professional internships and community-based action research
  • Funded teaching & research assistant positions

Start your 4+1 journey:

  • Must have be a Junior (or 60 credits completed) with GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Must be an active CU Denver student with one semester completed.
  • Must have completed at least 2 PSCI courses.
  • Meet with advisors.
  • Apply to PSCI MA program before completion of BA degree.