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Accelerated Masters 4+1/4+2

Niagara University’s accelerated and 4+1/4+2 master’s degree programs allow undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses that count toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students can begin taking graduate coursework before officially starting a graduate degree. Students may pursue a graduate degree that differs from their undergraduate major. The minimum requirement for most of the accelerated programs is a 3.0 GPA.

Advantages

  • Easier transition: the program allows students to start taking graduate courses during their junior year (you can even apply during your sophomore year with approval from department).
  • Shortened timeframe: students can obtain an undergraduate and a graduate degree in much less time than it takes to complete separate degrees (4+1 = 4 years of undergrad plus 1 year of graduate school | 4+2 = 4 years of undergrad plus 2 years of graduate school).
  • Lower costs: graduate-level courses taken as an undergraduate are paid for through the undergraduate block tuition rate.
  • Enhanced marketability: many professions now require a master’s degree for entry-level positions.

Available Masters Programs

This program allows any student at Niagara University to earn graduate credits towards a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students in all majors at NU may apply for this program and, if qualified, may take graduate courses in the senior year, which allows them to complete the master’s program in one year. Students may take up to three graduate courses as a senior: at least one course offered by MAIS and up to two additional graduate courses from any program at NU. Students who successfully complete 9 graduate credits in their senior year will have 24 credits (8 courses) remaining to complete their MAIS degree in one year. MAIS enables all NU students to pursue a flexible curriculum to fulfill their career and/or academic interests.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an Entrance Request Form
  • Approval from graduate program director 

Benefits

  • Up to 9 graduate credit hours (3 courses) can count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining 24 credits (8 courses) in one year 

Graduate Courses

  • Students will take at least one of the two MAIS courses:
    • IDS 500 - Interdisciplinary Methods
    • IDS 520 - Fundraising Fundamentals
  • Students may take additional two courses from any graduate program at NU upon approval by the graduate director 
  • Graduate courses cannot fulfill General Education or major requirements. These courses may count towards Free or Advised Electives on the student's curriculum depending on the student's major in consultation with the students undergraduate advisor. 

Learn More

This 4+1 program is designed for undergraduate students from all majors interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Elementary Education to obtain initial teacher certification. This program allows students to complete a portion of their graduate coursework during their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate Education courses count as credits towards both the baccalaureate and master's degree.

Throughout the US, the demand for elementary teachers is expected to continue to grow over the next decade. This 39-credit hour program prepares students to obtain certification in Early Childhood & Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). It is designed for candidates who wish to become certified teachers in New York State. Core courses are offered that range from education foundations to student assessment, pedagogy and assessment, classroom management and teaching diverse and exceptional learners.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in one year

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 523 - Foundations in Education
  • EDU 536 - Human Learning, Development and Motivation

Spring Semester

  • EDU 539 - Characteristics of Students with Special Needs
  • EDU 505 - Educational Tests and Measurements

Learn More

This 4+1 program is designed for undergraduate students interested in becoming a middle or high school teacher, who are currently pursuing majors in one of the following areas: History, Math, English, Biology, Business (any major), Chemistry, Drama, Spanish, or French. This program allows students to complete a portion of their graduate coursework in the Master of Science in Education in Secondary Education program during their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate Education courses count as credits towards both the baccalaureate and master's degree.

The need for high school teachers is on the rise and will continue to increase over the next several years. This 39-credit hour program leads to certification in Middle Childhood and Adolescence (Grades 5-12). It is designed for students who wish to become certified teachers in NYS. Core courses are offered that range from education foundations to student assessment, pedagogy and assessment, classroom management, and teaching diverse and exceptional learners.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in one year

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 523 -Foundations in Education
  • EDU 536 - Human Learning, Development and Motivation

Spring Semester

  • EDU 539 - Characteristics of Students with Special Needs
  • EDU 505 - Educational Tests and Measurements

Learn More

This 4+2 program is for undergraduate Psychology majors interested in pursuing their Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This program allows students to complete their first year of the CMHC graduate program in their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate Counseling courses count both as credits towards the baccalaureate and masters’ degree.

According to the US Department of Labor, CMHC is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States and alumni of Niagara’s program are employed at a rate exceeding 90 percent. Examples of employment include programs such as family service, school-based intervention, alcohol and drugs, criminal justice correctional, hospitals and residential, employee assistance, crisis intervention, vocational and career development, private practices, and colleges and universities.

The Master of Science degree in CMHC is designed for persons seeking employment in an agency counseling setting. The 60-credit-hour program qualifies students for New York State Licensure - Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Individuals can also seek licensure in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. and is ideal for those seeking employment in an agency counseling setting.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Must be psychology major
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor /faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in two years instead of three

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 651 - Introduction to Counseling
  • EDU 654 - Counseling Theory & Practice

Spring Semester

  • EDU 658 - Counseling Process
  • EDU 673 - Foundations & Ethics of Mental Health Counseling

Learn More

A master’s degree in criminal justice can prepare students for employment in law enforcement (local, state, and federal), social services, the banking industry, private security, and social research. It can also enhance student’s future applications to law school or doctorate programs. Interested students can work with faculty members on research projects and be eligible for substantial graduate scholarships.

The 4+1 master’s program in criminal justice allows eligible students to attain their master’s degree in 5 years (4 years for a bachelor's & 1 year to finish the master's degree). Students typically begin taking graduate courses during their senior year, starting with 1 course during the fall semester and 2 courses during the spring semester. (We also allow students to take all 3 graduate courses during the second semester of their senior year if needed). These 3 courses count for both undergraduate and graduate credit. Students then graduate as an undergrad with 9 credits counting towards graduate school. Students take the remaining 24 credits during their 5th year to earn a master's degree. If you decide you don't want to do the 5th year, those 9 graduate credits still count as graduate credits.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form 
  • Approval from graduate advisor /faculty member

Benefits

  • Up to 9 graduate credit hours count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining 24 credits (8 courses) in one year

Graduate Courses (students can select 3 of the following courses or any offered elective) 

  • CRJ 500 System Issues 
  • CRJ 510 CJ Administration 
  • CRJ 520 Statistics 
  • CRJ 530 Ethics
  • CRJ 540 Research Methods 
  • Course List 

Learn More

Enrolling in the 4+1 program provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to complete a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree in as little as one year. The degree focuses on an advanced study of corporate finance, investments and accounting.

Eligible students can take two graduate courses in your senior year; one in fall and one in spring semester. Upon completion of these two courses, you will have eight courses remaining in the MSF degree.

While completing the MSF program, students choose a concentration in one of the following areas: Certified Public Accounting, Certified Financial Planner, or Financial Risk Management. This enables students to advance on your academic knowledge while properly preparing for your career path.

Courses for this program are offered in several delivery modes such as in-person, Saturdays, hybrid, or online. In order to enroll in the 4+1 program, students need the appropriate prerequisites and complete the admissions process.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit your admissions application (Make sure to apply for the semester after your undergraduate graduation, not for the semester you are going to begin these courses as an undergraduate) 
  • Must be a business major/ or complete the appropriate prerequisites courses 

Benefits

  • Waives GMAT entrance exam
  • Up to 6 graduate credit hours count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining 24 credits (8 courses) in one year

Suggested Graduate Courses to Complete in Senior Year 

  • ACC 601/ ACC 602
  • FIN 644

Learn More

  • Submit an entrance request form 
  • Discuss with undergraduate advisor to ensure your schedule is open for these courses 
  • Contact our Graduate Business Office for more information at 716.286.8596 or gradbusiness@niagara.edu 

The Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics (ISDF) degree is designed to instill students and professionals with the knowledge necessary for the Certified Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP) certification.

This 4+1 program is designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics.  Students have the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in as little as one year after they have received their undergraduate degree. The program is structured so that students can take three graduate courses to fulfill three requirements for their undergraduate degree in Computer & Information Sciences and can then apply these courses toward their graduate degree in Information Security and Digital Forensics.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an Entrance Request Form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • Up to 9 graduate credit hours (3 courses) can count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining 27 credits of the program (9 courses) in one year

Graduate Courses

  • CSO 500 – Principles of Information Security and Federal Law 
  • CSO 565 – Computer Forensics I (Fall semester) 
  • CSO 585 – Computer Forensics II (Spring semester) 

Learn More

This 4+1 program is designed for undergraduate Education majors interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Literacy Instruction. In this program, students are able to complete the first year of the Literacy Instruction program during their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate Education courses are applied both as credits towards the baccalaureate and master's degree.

Niagara University's master's degree program in literacy instruction includes the most current theory and practice in literacy education and is designed to develop highly qualified literacy educators who can guide K-12 students to excellence in literacy. Students may concentrate their studies on either childhood (B-6) or adolescent (5-12) literacy development through their selection of certification tracks and elective courses. Graduates will be qualified for New York State certification as reading specialists. This program also prepares initially certified teachers for professional certification in New York State.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in one year

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 555 - Literacy Foundations
  • EDU 562 - Literacy: Intermediate Grades

Spring Semester

  • EDU 552 - Applied Children’s & Adolescent Literature
  • EDU 561 - Language & Literacy Development for Diverse Young Learners (B-6 program)
  • EDU 575 - Literacy: Upper Grades (5-12 program)

Learn More

Enrolling in the 4+1 program provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to complete a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree in as little as one year. Our MBA focuses on advancing your skills within a broad area of business to develop transferable skills across all industries and professions.

Eligible students can take two graduate courses in your senior year; one in fall and one in spring semester. Upon completion of these two courses, you will have nine courses remaining in the MBA degree.

Students in the program have an option to concentrate in one of several areas of business, such as Marketing, Management, Supply Chain Management. 

Courses for this program are offered in several delivery modes such as in-person, Saturdays, hybrid, or fully online. In order to enroll in the 4+1 program, students need the appropriate prerequisites and complete the admissions process. 

Requirements

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit your admissions application (Make sure to apply for the semester after your undergraduate graduation, not for the semester you are going to begin these courses as an undergraduate)
  • Must be a business major/ or complete the appropriate prerequisites courses

Benefits

  • Waives GMAT entrance exam 
  • Up to 6 graduate credit hours count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining 27 credits (9 courses) in one year

Graduate Course Options to Complete in Senior Year 

  • ACC 601/ ACC 602
  • MGT 651            
  • MGT 670
  • MKG 631

Learn More

  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Discuss with undergraduate advisor to ensure your schedule is open for these courses 
  • Contact our Graduate Business Office for more information at 716.286.8596 or gradbusiness@niagara.edu 

This 4+2 program is for undergraduate students interested in pursuing their M.S. Ed in School Counseling who are enrolled in one of the following majors: Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or Social Work. This program allows students to complete a portion of their graduate coursework during their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate Counseling courses are eligible to satisfy both baccalaureate and master’s degree program requirements.

The mission of the NU school counseling program is to develop skilled, ethical school counselors who advocate for positive change by learning, leading, and serving students, families, schools, and communities; especially those who are disadvantaged or marginalized. Graduates of the school counseling program will be able to address the academic, career, and personal/social needs of pre-K to 12 students.

This program is approved by the New York State Department of Education and is designed for persons seeking provisional and permanent certification in school counseling. Upon completion of this 48-credit hour program, graduates are eligible for provisional certification. This program also prepares initially certified teachers for professional certification in New York State.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours are applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in two years

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 651 Introduction to Counseling
  • EDU 654 Counseling Theory and Practice

Spring Semester

  • EDU 536 Human Learning, Development and Motivation
  • EDU 539 Characteristics of Students with Special Needs

Learn More

The Master of Science in Sport Management degree is a focused, yet flexible, 36-credit hour graduate program designed to meet the needs of today’s graduate student, while developing skilled professionals for the sport industry. The program is structured to offer small class sizes, a flexible format for content delivery and interaction with industry professionals and full-time faculty.

This 4+1 program is designed for any undergraduate student interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Management. Students have the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in as little as one year after they have received their undergraduate degree. The program is structured so that students can take two graduate courses in each of the final two semesters of their undergraduate program, and apply these courses toward their graduate degree.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor /faculty member

Benefits

  • Up to 12 graduate credit hours (4 courses) can count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining 24 credits (8 courses) in one year

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • SPM 545 – Research Methods
  • SPM 595 – Structure and Function of Sport Organizations

Spring Semester

  • SPM 573 – Event and Facility Management
  • SPM 525 – Strategic Sport Management

Learn More

This 4+1 program is designed for undergraduate students in the College of Education who are interested in pursuing their Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This program allows students to complete their first year of the TESOL graduate program during their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate education courses count both as credits towards the baccalaureate and master's degree.

TESOL/ESL teachers support English language learners (ELLs) in the classroom environment. As English continues to expand as a medium for global communication, the demand for qualified TESOL teachers increases. Likewise, as the non-native English-speaking immigrant population increases in this country, teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL/TESOL) are needed to provide linguistic and cultural support in K-12 schools. These factors have led to a rich job market for TESOL certified teachers. Niagara's TESOL programs will prepare students to meet certification requirements and will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of English language learners.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in one year

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 578 Bilingual Education & TESOL Foundations
  • EDU 579 Developing ESL Literacy

Spring Semester

  • EDU 580 ESL Language & Linguistics
  • EDU 581 TESL Sociolinguistic Considerations

Learn More

This 4+1 program is designed for undergraduate students interested in teaching theater at the elementary or high school level. This program allows students to complete a portion of their graduate coursework in the Master of Science in Education in Theater Education program during their senior year of undergraduate study. Graduate Education courses count as credits towards both the baccalaureate and master's degree.

Requirements

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Submit an entrance request form
  • Approval from graduate advisor/faculty member

Benefits

  • 12 graduate credit hours applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Complete remaining credits in one year

Graduate Courses

Fall Semester

  • EDU 523 -Foundations in Education
  • EDU 536 - Human Learning, Development and Motivation

Spring Semester

  • EDU 539 - Characteristics of Students with Special Needs
  • EDU 505 - Educational Tests and Measurements

Learn More

This policy enables qualified undergraduate students not in an approved 4+1/2 program to take up to two graduate courses in their senior year. The student must be registered, and remain registered, for a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits and total credits for each semester cannot exceed 18 credit hours. These courses cannot satisfy undergraduate degree requirements and must be beyond your degree requirements outlined in your degree audit. They must be extra courses that don't fit on your undergraduate curriculum card.

Requirements

  • Full time matriculated undergrad with at least 84 completed credit hours
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Undergraduate junior or rising senior
  • Recommendation from advisor
  • Permission from graduate program director and dean of graduate program

Benefits

  • Can transfer credits into a Niagara University graduate program if approved by dean’s office
  • Up to 6 graduate credit hours can be taken at your undergraduate block tuition rate (no extra cost)

Learn More

Next Steps

  • Undergraduate senior seeks advisement during which a graduate course is selected.  This is added to the advisement card.
  • Student comes to the records office to get the Permission to Enroll in a Graduate Course form before the semester starts.  The current course enrollment number for the graduate course is added to the form.
  • Student takes form to the graduate program director and the dean for approval.
  • Student brings completed form (with add slip if necessary) to the records office no earlier than two days prior to the start of classes for processing.
  • If the student decides to matriculate into one of the offered graduate programs, the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate may be listed on the graduate transcript with course number, title, credit hours and grade.  The courses are subject to approval by the director/dean of the graduate program.
  • If the student decides to attend another institution and needs the two courses to appear on a graduate transcript, the student must submit a graduate non-matriculated application to one of NU’s graduate divisions.  That division will send records the transfer credit form. 

Articulation Agreements with Other Universities

Pre-Law students at Niagara University have access to two accelerated pathways to a law degree. Specifically, under agreements with the University at Buffalo and St. John's University, qualifying students can enter law school after just three years at Niagara. Students who meet the program's requirements will thus have the chance to earn their bachelor's degree from Niagara and their juris doctor degree from either UB Law School or St. John's Law School in a total of six years instead of the usual seven. 

Requirements

  • Must be a Criminal Justice, English, History, International Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, or Sociology major
  • LSAT or GRE score at threshold set by law school partners
  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Approval from advisor

Benefits

  • Each department (listed above) has established an accelerated curriculum for qualifying students
  • Complete degree in 6 years instead of 7 years
  • Minor in Law and Jurisprudence
  • Receive resources to help navigate the path to law school (including free LSAT prep materials)

Learn More

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Get an Early Start

Get a head start on graduate school by earning graduate course credits while completing your bachelor’s degree with Niagara University’s accelerated master’s degrees!

Accelerated Masters Programs Information Sheet

Entrance Request Form