4+1 Master's Degree

The 4+1 program offers eligible SMU economics undergraduates an accelerated pathway to an M.A. in Applied Economics, allowing students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree.

 

Step 1: To get started, view the program overview slides, or read the flyer.

 4+1 Program Overview Download Brochure 

Step 2: Contact your academic advisor to determine if it is feasible to take on nine graduate hours (i.e. three courses) in addition to all undergraduate requirements (i.e. a minimum of 129 hours upon graduating with your bachelor's degree).  Discuss potential delays in your undergraduate graduation timing.

Step 3: If you plan to enroll in graduate course(s) (i.e. 6000-level courses) next semester, please complete the below form. You will need to confirm that you meet the requirements. If you are eligible, the graduate team will grant you permission to enroll in the course(s). If you are unsure which graduate course(s) to take next semester, please contact us at ECOmastersinfo@smu.edu.

6000-Level Course Permission Request Form

 

FAQ

Students interested in the program should have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 3.0 GPA in economics coursework and a 3.0 overall GPA before enrolling in 6000-level courses. Students who are unlikely to meet both requirements may not be eligible to participate in the program.

There is not a formal application to begin taking graduate courses other than the graduate course approval form described above. Your eligibility will be checked at that time.  However, you will formally apply for the MA program typically in your last semester of your senior year.

You will take three graduate courses (nine credit hours) as an undergraduate student. The graduate courses will be taken as additional courses while pursuing your undergraduate degree. (Note: Students must complete their bachelor's degree with a minimum of 129 credit hours).

The 4+1 program is structured around the M.A. in Applied Economics, not the M.S. degree. If you participate in the 4+1 program, you must apply to the M.A. program. Once admitted and officially enrolled, if you later decide to pursue the M.S. in Applied Economics and Predictive Analysis, you will need to complete the "change-of-major" process.