Earn your bachelor's and master's in five years.

Most graduate students spend six or more years getting to the same place. With SIU's 4+1 programs, you can finish both degrees in five — without cutting corners on the experience. You get the hands-on preparation SIU is known for, and you get there faster.

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Last Updated: Jun 08, 2026, 12:05 PM

Why 4+1

A head start that actually matters.

A master's degree opens doors. It signals to employers and graduate programs that you've gone further, learned more, and are ready to do the work at a higher level. The 4+1 path gets you there without the gap year, without the lost momentum, and without the added cost of a traditional five- or six-year track.

You'll move through your undergraduate coursework and into graduate-level study in a sequence designed to build on itself. By the time you walk, you'll have credentials that set you apart.

  • One year faster

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    Finish a master's degree in five years instead of the typical six or more.

  • Advanced credentials sooner

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    Enter the workforce or further graduate study with a master's already in hand.

  • Real value from your investment

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    Two degrees in five years means better returns on your time and tuition.

Available Programs

Find your field.

SIU offers 4+1 pathways across a wide range of disciplines — from engineering and computer science to social sciences, humanities, and beyond. Programs are offered through their respective academic units, so you get the depth and rigor of your department alongside the Graduate School's support.

Program list current as of June 2026. Contact the Graduate School to confirm current availability.

How It Works

What to expect.

The path looks a little different depending on your program, but the structure is consistent: you apply for the 4+1 track while you're still an undergraduate, get accepted through your academic unit and the Graduate School, and then complete your graduate coursework as part of a continuous five-year plan.

  • 1) Talk to your advisor or academic unit

    Admission requirements and application procedures vary by program. Your department is the best place to start — they'll tell you what's required and when to apply.

  • 2) Apply before you finish your bachelor's

    Acceptance into a 4+1 program must be approved by the SIU Graduate School Dean before you complete your undergraduate degree. Timing matters — don't wait until your final semester.

  • 3) Complete both degrees in five years

    Once accepted, you'll move through a structured sequence designed to build your graduate coursework on top of your undergraduate foundation — continuously, without starting over.

Ready to move faster?

Get Started

If you're an SIU undergraduate thinking about graduate school, the 4+1 option is worth exploring early. The sooner you know it's a fit, the more flexibility you have in how you plan your coursework.

If you're a prospective student, look for the 4+1 option when you're researching programs. Choosing a school where you can stay and finish both degrees in five years is a decision worth factoring in from the start.

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The right people are ready to help.

Contact the SIU Graduate School for general questions about the 4+1 pathway, or reach out directly to the academic unit for the program you're interested in. Requirements vary, so the earlier you ask, the better.

Questions about a specific program? Start with your department — they'll walk you through the application process and let you know if you're on the right track.

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