4+1 BS to MS

Earn your BS and MS degrees in 5 years

Ramapo College gives you a unique interdisciplinary experience with exciting opportunities to combine your undergraduate degree with any of the Master’s programs offered within the Center of DMC.

Benefits

Earning your Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or Computer Science in only one extra year.
Earn graduate credits towards your 128 credit Bachelor’s degree.
30% savings on your graduate tuition.
Take up to three graduate courses in your 4th year.
Double count up to three courses towards both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Up to three graduate courses billed at the undergraduate tuition rate.
No risk to your Bachelor’s degree if you choose not to pursue the 5th year Master’s degree.
No obligation to continue directly into the 5th year.
You may complete the 5th year courses later.
Puts you ahead in your career while it is just starting.

Enrollment

Any student majoring in Computer Science, Data Science, or Mathematics is eligible to enroll in any of our DMC 4+1 programs. In addition, Bioinformatics majors are eligible to enroll in the 4+1 program for Data Science. Once enrolled (see below), you will have a secondary academic advisor assigned to help you select the best courses to prepare yourself for your senior year. You will receive priority registration for the three graduate courses you will enroll in during your senior year. After graduating with your BS, you will be automatically accepted into the MS program (you must meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0) and be able to register for graduate courses to complete your MS.

4+1 MSDS Declaration Form Details

Freshmen, Sophomore, and Juniors can submit this form to add an Masters program to their major.

Email your declaration form to any of the following:

Registrar – registrar@ramapo.edu
Dr. Scott Frees (MS in Data Science or Computer Science) – sfrees@ramapo.edu
Dr. Amanda Beecher (MS in Applied Mathematics) – abeecher@ramapo.edu

Frequently asked questions about DMC 4+1 programs

What is the 4+1 program?

A student has the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in a total of five years. This is achieved by taking some graduate coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student.

What courses do I need to take?

Five Year plans are available alongside the Four Year Plans. Five Year plans and guidelines are also at the bottom of this page.

What are the benefits to enrolling in the 4+1 program?

Earning a masters gives you greater opportunities for higher salaries and higher level positions.
Shorter timeline to Master’s: 1 year after undergraduate rather than 2 years.
Cost savings of about $11,000 or 30% of total Master’s degree, because 3 graduate courses are taken and billed at the undergraduate rate.
Double count up to three courses towards both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Graduate courses are in the evening, which is ideal for working professionals. Thus, it does not prevent students from entering into the workforce right after undergraduate graduation.

How do I enroll in the 4+1 program?

Complete the 4+1 Graduate Major Declaration Form

Do I transition from the undergraduate program to the graduate program?

If you earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, then you will be eligible to transition to the graduate program.
Admissions has established a seamless transition process from undergraduate to graduate student that you will complete during your last semester as an undergraduate student.

When can I enroll in the 4+1 program?

Anytime prior to your last two semesters before undergraduate graduation (typically before spring semester junior year)

Can I still graduate with my friends in 4 years?

Yes! Celebrate your achievements with your friends, family, and faculty at commencement!
Yes! You must apply for and earn your Bachelor’s degree before continuing into the graduate program.

What if I enroll and decide to not enter the Master’s program?

No risk to your Bachelor’s degree if you choose not to pursue the 5th year Master’s degree.
No obligation to continue directly into the 5th year.

How does advisement change when I enroll?

You will continue with your current academic advisor for your major.
The program director will also be a Master’s advisor to help you navigate the pathway.

Required undergraduate coursework

MS in Data Science

All Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Data Science, and Computer Science majors are eligible for entry into the 4+1 MSDS program. All students must complete the following courses prior to their 4th year:

During your fourth year of undergraduate, you will enroll in the following graduate courses.

Note – Computer Science students are encouraged to select MATH 262 and MATH 370 as their two mathematics electives required for the BS in Computer Science. CMPS 530 will also count towards one of the seven Computer Science electives required.

After graduating with your BS, you will fulfill the remaining requirements of the MSDS program.

MS in Applied Mathematics

Data Science and Mathematics majors are eligible for entry into the MSAM program without any additional undergraduate coursework. Computer Science majors are required to select MATH 262 - LINEAR ALGEBRA and MATH 370 - APPLIED STATISTICS as their two mathematics electives required for the BS in Computer Science.

During your fourth year of undergraduate, you will enroll in the following graduate courses.

After graduating with your BS, you will fulfill the remaining requirements of the MSAM program.

MS in Computer Science

Computer Science majors are eligible for entry into the MSCS program without any additional undergraduate coursework. Mathematics majors must complete either CMPS 148 - COMPUTER SCIENCE II OR CMPS 240 - DATA ANALYTICS IN PYTHON. Mathematics and Data Science students must also complete THREE of the following courses before their fourth year as undergraduates.

During your fourth year of undergraduate, you will enroll in the following graduate courses.

After graduating with your BS, you will fulfill the remaining requirements of the MSCS program.

Example 5-Year Plans

Below are some examples of ways to complete your BS and MS degrees in 5 years, based on the typical Fall/Spring schedule. Once you’ve enrolled in a 4+1 program you will be assigned an extra academic advisor to help customize your plan to best suit your needs.

MS in Data Science

MS in Applied Mathematics

Data Science BS to MSAM
Mathematics BS to MSAM
Computer Science BS to MSAM