4+1 BS/MS Programs

The 4+1 program offers students an opportunity to earn both a Bachelors and a Masters degree within five years, at a lower cost compared to doing both degrees separately. Students can obtain one of two Master’s degrees:

Students graduate with the BS and officially matriculate into the MS program upon completion of College graduation requirements.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Both graduate programs provide excellent training in applied economic research and data analysis that can be used in a variety of careers. Graduates of the MS Applied Economics program are particularly well-trained for roles in technology or consulting firms in the private sector or as policy analysts in the public sector. Graduates of the MS International and Development Economics pursue internationally-oriented careers working in public policy, NGOs, or business in developing countries. The BS/MS program also makes excellent preparation for a Ph.D. program in economics or in related fields such as business, public policy, or political science.

4 + 1 Program Pathways

BS in economics pathway

Minor in economics pathway

  • Economics Minor & MS in Applied Economics

  • Economics Minor & MS in International & Development Economics

MSAE Pathway

How to Join the 4+1 BS/MS Program: Step-by-Step Guide

 

1. Indicate Your Interest in the 4+1 Pathway

If you would like to join any of the 4+1 pathways, please email econ@usfca.edu to indicate your interest and include the following information: 

  • USF CWID
  • Program of interest
  • Current academic standing
  • Expected Bachelor's completion date 


2. Meet with the 4+1 Faculty Advisor 

Connect with the 4+1 Faculty Advisor, Prof. Arman Khachiyan at akhachiyan@usfca.edu to discuss your academic plan, course sequencing, and your eligibility for the 4+1 program. 
 

3. Submit the CoAp Form (After 4+1 Faculty Advisor Approval)

After meeting with Prof. Khachiyan, you will be instructed to submit a Change of Academic Program (CoAP) form. 

Please note: You must meet with Prof Khachiyan and receive his approval first before completing and submitting the CoAP form. 


4. Graduate Program Application Creation 

In the semester before you complete your Bachelor's degree, the graduate program application will be created for you. The application fee and the required materials (such as resume, and letters of recommendation) will be waived. 

 

Notes: 

  • Students may begin to take graduate-level courses once they reach junior standing at the university. Please consult with Prof. Khachiyan to plan your coursework. 
  • Students graduate with the BS degree and officially matriculate into the MS program upon completion of college graduation requirements. 
  • If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, please contact the ISSS office to request a new I-20 for your graduate study. 
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The rules around units enumerated above can be confusing. Here is how the arithmetic works, assuming you want to minimize your graduate tuition costs. While in undergraduate status, you take 44 units for the BS major, and 18 units for the MS.  Since up to 8 of those units can overlap (as long as they are grad-level economics classes), that means you might be able to take as few as 54 economics units (44+18-8=54).  After graduating with your BS, you complete the MS in one year by doing an additional 18 units of coursework (generally 8-12 per semester).

Contact

For general admission inquiries or questions, please email Michelle Huang (yhuang205@usfca.edu), Economics Graduate Program Director.

For questions about the BS/MS Program Curriculum, please contact 4+1 Faculty Advisor, Prof. Arman Khachiyan at akhachiyan@usfca.edu.