BioE Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Accelerated 4+1 Degree Program
The Lehigh Bioengineering Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Accelerated Degree Program enables students to complete both a BS and MS degree in 5 years by integrating their undergraduate and part of their graduate studies. This program offers a unique opportunity to build new skills, expand existing skills, deepen fundamental understanding of advanced engineering topics, develop tools to independently tackle complex engineering problems, and strengthen the versatility of professional credentials. Degree completion through this model results in a large cost and time savings, situating our students for greater success as they step into the next phase of their life, education, and career.
Benefits of the 4+1 Program:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) in just five years.
- Reserve up to 12 credits of 300-level and 400-level coursework during your BS for your MS degree, making progress towards the 30-credit degree requirement.
- Save up to 40% on the MS degree tuition cost by leveraging undergraduate tuition costs for the reserved coursework, or receiving a tuition scholarship for the remaining amount of possible credits reserved.
- Enjoy a 7-month time savings in comparison to completing an independent MS degree.
Our accelerated BS/MS program is open to Lehigh BioE bachelor’s students as well as to students pursuing technical BS degrees in other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, chemical, materials, computer) or sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, biology, math). We have an established track record for successfully shepherding all admitted students through our graduate program, no matter their technical background. Our accelerated BS/MS program offers a unique opportunity for all students to expand their interdisciplinary learning and strengthen the versatility of their professional credentials for pursuing careers in medicine, academia, pharmaceutics, manufacturing, software, chemicals, and beyond.
Credit Requirements for the MS Degree:
Steps to Add the BioE 4+1 Program:
- Be on track to graduate with your undergraduate degree of choice, earning a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of your fifth undergraduate semester.
- Discuss your interest in the BioE 4+1 program with the BioE Director of Masters Programs, Dr. Susan Perry.
- Submit a Declaration of the 4+1 program, adding this program designation to your academic record.
- Complete up to 12 credits of 300-level and 400-level coursework with a grade of ‘B’ or better during your junior and senior year.
- Submit a petition to reserve the relevant 300-level and 400-level coursework towards your MS degree. This must happen before your official completion of the BS degree.
- Formally apply to the BioE MS program. This is a paired-down application that must be submitted before your official completion of the BS degree.
- The 4+1 application is a reduction of our normal M.S. application, requiring submission of only an updated resume and Lehigh University unofficial undergraduate transcript.
Reserving of Credits & Alumni Scholarship:
Undergraduate tuition is charged as a whole balance, meaning that you pay the same for 12 credits as you do for 12+ credits. Graduate tuition is charged per credit, meaning that the more credits you take the higher your bill is. Students who participate in the 4+1 program and only take 18 credits at the graduate tuition rate will pay tuition at a 40% tuition reduction.
NOTE: Even if students don’t reserve and take all 12 credits during their undergraduate degree, they are still eligible for this cost savings through an alumni scholarship, which is assessed upon MS program application.
Sample MS Degree Timeline(s)*:
| Sample Timeline |
Reserve all 12 grad credits, 18 grad credits remaining |
Reserve 6 grad credits, 24 grad credits remaining |
Reserve 0 grad credits, 30 grad credits remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergradate Degree | 12 | 6 | 0 |
| M.S. Semester 1 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| M.S. Semester 2 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| M.S. Semester 3 | - | 6 | 9 |
| M.S. Semester 4 | - | - | 3 |
| Total graduate credits | 30 | 30 | 30 |
*The above chart lists three possible M.S. degree timelines. Full-time student status is 9 credits per semester, but students may choose to take more or less than this depending on their goals and financial situations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which 300/400-level courses will “count” toward a 4+1 program?
This is program-dependent and must fit within the “Credit Requirements for the MS Degree” list above. Contact the program’s graduate coordinator to check course eligibility.
Am I allowed to use a course for both my BS and my master’s?
Unfortunately, Lehigh does not allow “double-counting” at this time.
As an undergraduate, how should I make my curricular plan to take advantage of an accelerated path?
Ensure that core courses are completed in a timely manner. Maximize your credits taken each semester.
Do I have to finish the Master’s in 1 year for the 4+1 program?
No! This is just an option. The tuition costs are based on credit hours, not time to degree.
Can I declare a 4+1 program as a first-year student?
You will need to declare your major first. 4+1 declarations typically happen during a student’s second or third year. After major declaration, you can indicate to your advisor that you are planning on this path.
Can I participate in the 4+1 even though I haven’t reserved any/all of the credits?
Yes! While it might save you the most time, you are welcome to jump into the 4+1 program at any time, as long as you submit the declaration form and MS application before you graduate.
What semester of the year can I start my 4+1?
We accept new MS students during any of the main semesters: Fall, Spring, or Summer.
Additional Resources:
- RCEAS Bachelor's to Master's Accelerated Program
- Graduate Education & Life, 4+1 Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs
- Lehigh, 4+1 Master of Science in Engineering, Overview
If you are a current Lehigh University udergraduate student with questions about the Bioengineering 4+1 program, please contact our department at inbioe@lehigh.edu.