4 + 1 Degree Programs

Philosophy (MA) 4+1 Degree Program

The Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) / Master’s degree in Philosophy (MA) 4+1 degree program gives students the option to earn a Master’s degree in five years instead of the typical six years. The 4+1 degree program offers a limited number of exceptional undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL) majors the opportunity to enroll in a master's degree program that specializes in Social, Political, Ethical and Legal Philosophy (SPEL).

Additional information about this fast-track BA-MA program is available on the Philosophy website.


Master of Public Administration (MPA) 4+1  Degree Program

The Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) / Master of Public Administration (MPA) 4+1 degree program gives students the option to earn a Master’s degree in five years instead of the typical six years. During the student’s senior year, 4+1 students enroll in five graduate courses in addition to his/her undergraduate course load. Students then complete their MPA during a fifth year of intensive graduate study.

The Master of Public Administration degree is ideal for students who have an interest in public service. MPA graduates pursue various avenues of success, often holding positions as city, county, or village managers, directors of nonprofit organizations, policy advisors, or analysts for the federal or state government, among others.

If you are interested in the PPL-MPA 4+1 degree program:

  • Students should apply for the 4+1 degree rogram no later than the beginning of the junior year, and admission decisions for the 4+1 degree program will be made no later than spring of the junior year. Application and admissions processes are through the Department of Public Administration and the Graduate School. Upon acceptance to the program, students will need to successfully complete the BA in year four (including all General Education and major requirements); earn a “B” or better in all graduate courses; and earn satisfactory reviews before completing the required MPA internship.
  • Once admitted into the 4+1 degree program, the student must take 18 credits of course work in the Department of Public Administration program during their senior year. These credits double-count as undergraduate elective credits and MPA credits.
  • The fifth year is devoted to graduate coursework to complete the master's degree. All requirements of the master's program must be met, including maintaining a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for graduate work.

Additional information about this 4+1 degree program is available on the 4+1 Degrees page on the DPA website.

Master of Sustainable Communities (SUST) 4+1 Degree Program

The Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL)/ Master of Sustainable Communities (SUST) 4+1 degree program allows students to earn a master's degree in five years instead of the typical six years. Students take undergraduate courses for their first three years. In their senior year, students combine bachelor- and master-level courses in their schedule and graduate with their bachelor's degree. In their fifth year, students are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on the coursework needed to complete the master's.

Binghamton University's Master in Sustainable Communities is an innovative program that integrates the three pillars of sustainability – environmental protection, economic vitality and social equity – to provide a balanced, holistic perspective to managing local governments, non-profit organizations and other parts of the community. 

Students interested in the 4+1degree program should inquire about pre-admission early in their junior year. By the completion of their junior year, eligible students:

  • Will have completed a majority of their undergraduate major requirements and all or a majority of general education requirements.
  • Will demonstrate evidence of superior undergraduate academic achievement, normally signified by having a minimum 3.5 GPA in PPL and a minimum 3.2 GPA overall, or a 3.5 GPA overall.
  • Will state their interest in the PPL/SUST program and set up a pre-interview with Graduate Director George Homsy.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) 4+1  Degree Program

The Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) / Master of Business Administration (MBA) 4+1 degree program gives students the option to earn a Master’s degree in five years instead of the typical six years.  Students take undergraduate courses for their first three years. In their senior year, students combine bachelor- and master-level courses in their schedule and graduate with their bachelor's degree. In their fifth year, students are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on the coursework needed to complete the master's.

Students should see their school advising office for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the School of Management Graduate Advising Office for questions regarding the MBA program.

Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs (MS SAA) 4+1  Degree Program

The Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) / Master of Higher Education and Student Affairs (MS SAA) 4+1 degree program gives students the option to earn a Master’s degree in five years instead of the typical six years.  Students take undergraduate courses for their first three years. In their senior year, students combine bachelor- and master-level courses in their schedule and graduate with their bachelor's degree. In their fifth year, students are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on the coursework needed to complete the master's.

Students should see their school advising office for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the graduate program director for questions regarding the MS SAA program. 

Master of Public Health (MPH) 4+1  Degree Program


The Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) / Master of Public Health (MPH) 4+1 degree program gives students the option to earn a Master’s degree in five years instead of the typical six years.  Students take undergraduate courses for their first three years. In their senior year, students combine bachelor- and master-level courses in their schedule and graduate with their bachelor's degree. In their fifth year, students are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on the coursework needed to complete the master's.

Students should see their school advising office for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the graduate program director for questions regarding the MPH program. 

More information about 4+1 programs at Binghamton University can be found at the graduate school website