4+1 Accelerated Programs

Complete your bachelor’s degree and your Master of Public Administration (MPA) in just five years.

  • Save time. Earn your master’s degree in one year instead of two.
  • Save money. Pay graduate tuition for only one year.
  • Take advantage of the value: ßÙßÇÂþ»­ offers an Ivy-caliber education at a state university tuition.
  • Strengthen your marketability. Graduate degrees hone job-related skills in communications, research methods, data analysis, teamwork and big-picture thinking — skills sought out by employers worldwide.
  • Increase your earning potential. Salaries for master’s degrees are, on average, $10,000 higher than those with bachelor’s degrees.

The accelerated/4+1 Master of Public Administration (MPA) program allows you to take undergraduate classes for your first three years. In your fourth year, you combine bachelor- and master-level courses into your schedule and graduate with your bachelor’s degree. In your fifth year, you are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on the coursework to complete your master’s degree.

Check If you are eligIble for the MPA 4+1 based on your ßÙßÇÂþ»­ undergraduate major 

Admissions process and timeline

It’s best to start thinking about applying to the accelerated MPA program early. You must inquire about pre-admission by your third year to be eligible to enroll in master's degree classes during year four.

Third year

  • You have completed a majority of your undergraduate major requirements and all, or a majority, of general education requirements. 
  • You must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in your undergraduate major and a minimum 3.2 GPA overall or a cumulative 3.5 GPA.
  • State your interest in the accelerated MPA program and meet with the Director of Admissions (dpap@binghamton.edu).

After your meeting, you will submit the following documents via "4+1 intent application" (my.binghamton.edu portal)

  • Personal statement (2-3 double-spaced pages, stating your interests in the program and career goals)
  • Current résumé
  • A letter of recommendation from a University faculty member or instructor

Fourth-year (if accepted for pre-admission)

  • Register for MPA courses during the first semester of your senior year.
  • Apply to the Graduate School (88+ undergraduate credits) and submit the online application and all required application materials, including any required letters of recommendation.