Student teacher in class

Buffalo State's 4+1 Pathways

With its Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Pathways, Buffalo State offers motivated students a way to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years. Save on tuition costs and advance your earning potential in less time!

How Does It Work?

Accepted 4+1 Pathways students are provided with seamless master's program entry and an accelerated course of study toward an advanced degree.

After acceptance, Buffalo State undergraduates get a head start by taking graduate-level courses during their senior year.

A maximum of 9 credit hours (divided between the first and second semesters) may be taken during the senior year.

Students commit to follow the curriculum (i.e., academic roadmap) detailed by the respective 4+1 Pathway and must maintain academic eligibility, as outlined by the program's admission requirements.  

How to Apply

Meet with your undergraduate adviser for approval. After receiving approval, complete the 4+1 Pathway Application for your chosen degree.

Candidates are required to submit a statement indicating their intent to remain at Buffalo State through their undergraduate and graduate studies. 

4+1 Pathway Application

 

When to Apply

You may apply as early as your first year, but generally no later than your sophomore year. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the junior year of study and before a student will be permitted to enroll in eligible graduate courses.

Undergraduate MajorGraduate Program 
   
Biology, B.A.

Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S.

Science Education, M.S.Ed.

 
Business Administration, B.S.Data Science & Analytics, M.S. 
Chemistry, B.S.Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S.

Science Education, M.S.Ed.
 
Childhood Education, B.S.Childhood and Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.

Literacy Specialist (Early Admission)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), C.A.S.
 
 
Communication Studies, B.A.Data Science & Analytics, M.S.

Data Science & Analytics in Multidisciplinary Studies, M.S.
 
Computer Information Systems, B.S.Data Science & Analytics, M.S. 
Criminal Justice, B.S.Data Science & Analytics, M.S. 
Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, B.S.Adult Education, M.S. 
Early Childhood Education, B.S.

Childhood and Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.

Early Childhood Exceptional Education, M.S.Ed.

Literacy Specialist (Early Admission)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), C.A.S.

 
Early Childhood & Childhood Education (Combined Program), B.S.

Childhood and Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.

Literacy Specialist (Early Admission)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), C.A.S.

 
Earth Sciences, B.S.Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S.

Science Education, M.S.Ed.
 
Exceptional Education and Childhood Education, B.S.Ed.Literacy Specialist (Early Admission) 
Geography, B.A.Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S. 
Geology, B.A.Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S. 
Health and Wellness, B.S.Adult Education, M.S. 
Mathematics, B.A. or Mathematics, Applied, B.S.Data Science & Analytics, M.S. 
Mathematics Education, B.S.Mathematics Education, M.S.Ed. 
Music Education, Mus.B.Literacy Specialist (Early Admission) 
Public Administration and Nonprofit Management (Minor)Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, M.P.A. 
Special Education and Childhood Education, B.S.Ed.Early Childhood Special Education, M.S.Ed.

Generalist Grades 7-12 Special Education, M.S.Ed.
 

Faster

4+1 programs allow students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in just five years, rather than the usual six or seven.

Smarter

SUNY Buffalo State's unique graduate programs provide students with more career options and the ability to advance quickly in their chosen field.

Our distinctive, accredited graduate degrees and certificate programs provide practical training and critical skills for advancement in today’s competitive job market.

Affordable

Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate are billed at undergraduate tuition rates and subject to undergraduate financial aid guidelines.

The graduate application fee is waived for approved 4+1 students, plus, you'll save on a full year of tuition costs and fees.