Undergraduate students have the option to take two graduate classes during their bachelor’s degree with credits counting for both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. With two classes complete, students can earn both degrees in a total of five years (or sooner) vs. the traditional six or seven years.
Talk with your Advisor and our Graduate Admissions Department to learn more.
Request Information
I started seriously thinking about graduate school options at the end of my junior year. It wasn’t a hard decision to stay at GBC — the programs are strong, the flexibility fit my schedule, and I already felt comfortable and supported here. Taking graduate-level courses as an undergrad gave me a head start and helped me build confidence, understand the expectations, and feel more prepared to handle the workload. It was a great opportunity to earn both degrees in a shorter timeframe and save money along the way.
1. Tuition Savings
2. Maintain Momentum
3. Competitive Edge
4. +19% Earning Potential
5. Career Advancement
The 4+1 Pathway Program is available to students in nearly all GBC undergraduate programs and can lead to any of GBC’s eligible graduate business programs.
Students interested in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology: Eligible undergraduate students may complete two graduate-level Counseling Psychology courses that count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology follows a structured, two-year cohort format. Participating in the 4+1 Pathway allows students to earn graduate credits early but does not shorten the program’s required two-year sequence.
All students should meet with their Academic Advisor and Graduate Admissions early to confirm eligibility, select the appropriate graduate courses, and develop a personalized academic plan.
Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about the program benefits and process.
9/23/26 – 11:00am – 12:00pm
10/14/26 – 11:00am – 12:00pm
The program allows eligible undergraduate students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years or sooner, rather than the traditional six or seven years.
Students take two graduate-level courses during their senior year. The credits from these courses count toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
GBC undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Students should meet with their Academic Advisor and Graduate Admissions to discuss their eligibility, goals, and available graduate programs.
Students register for two graduate courses during their senior year. After completing their bachelor’s degree, they work with their Academic Advisor to plan the remaining graduate coursework for year five. Students apply for a graduate program during their Senior year with Graduate Admissions.
Yes. Because the two graduate courses taken as an undergraduate count toward both degrees, students may be able to apply their undergraduate financial aid to those credits while reducing the overall time and cost required to earn a master’s degree.
Tell your Academic Advisor that you’re interested in the program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and meet with Graduate Admissions. Your advisor will then help you register for the appropriate graduate courses and build your year-five schedule.
All undergraduate students are eligible, but if you’re in an accounting program, check in with your Advisor early, as this program can have limited electives and courses available to exchange for graduate credits.
Students interested in psychology can take two graduate-level psychology classes that count towards the MACP program during their senior year. The MACP is a cohort-based program, and even with the two graduate classes in an undergraduate program, it still requires 2 years of coursework and practicums.
Students taking graduate-level classes as undergraduates still pay the graduate-level tuition rate for these courses. It can be covered by undergraduate financial aid. There is no specific 4+1 scholarship, but students are encouraged to browse scholarships posted by the Office of Financial Aid.
Goldey-Beacom College is a Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Text Telephone/Teletypewriter (TTY) Relay Service: 711 or 800-232-5460 for English or 877-335-7595 for Spanish
