Framingham State’s Graduate Education Council has approved the University’s first 4+1 programs in English and Biotechnology designed for high-achieving undergraduate students interested in earning a graduate degree in just one additional year.

The programs allow students who meet certain qualifications to begin taking graduate level courses during their senior year. These courses count toward both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, providing them with the opportunity to earn both in just five years.

“The 4+1 program is a wonderful opportunity for highly motivated undergraduate students who already know they would like to pursue a graduate degree,” says Dr. Yaser Najjar, Dean of Graduate Studies. “The arrangement allows students to save time and money and get a leg up on their peers enrolling in traditional graduate programs.”

The English 4+1 program leads to a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English, while the Biotechnology Program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree in Biotechnology.

Dr. Sunny Tam, director of FSU’s Professional Science Master’s Degree in Biotechnology, says that many undergraduate students have approached him in recent years seeking advice on how to break into the booming field of biotechnology. The interest was so strong that he decided to push for the 4+1 program, which is designed for undergraduate Biology majors, but can potentially be paired with students in other majors.

“This is a great opportunity for students to gain early entry and exposure into the industry,” says Tam. “Our graduate program is designed for professionals in the industry who are seeking to advance their careers, so students will have classmates working at places like Genzyme and GE. The mentorship and career opportunities are very strong.”

Similarly, the English Department’s 4+1 program offers students a low-cost, accelerated path to obtaining a graduate degree, which will prepare them for careers in communications, public relations, publishing, marketing, information sciences, human resources, and business and public administration. A 2015 survey of undergraduate English majors found that 69 percent would have been interested in applying to such a program had it been available at the time.

“In today’s knowledge-based economy, employees who can communicate well and think critically are more valued than ever – especially at the high tech companies in the MetroWest Region,” says Dr. Desmond McCarthy, chair of the English Department.

Learn more about Framingham State’s 4+1 Programs in English and Biotechnology.