While many consider attending college an essential milestone of a successful professional development, others find the soaring cost of education questionable. For this reason, many academic institutions have sought to diminish this by offering alternatives that strive to lessen the burden of financial strain and save time. One of the most long-lasting adaptations of this ideal includes accelerated programs. In “Rethinking Higher Education: The Rise of Accelerated Degree Programs”, John Watzke, the Dean of University of Portland, states: “Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs represent a pivotal shift in higher education, offering solutions to the challenges of affordability, time, and relevance in the 21st-century job market. These programs provide a viable alternative to traditional four-year degrees, promising not only financial and temporal efficiency but also high-quality educational outcomes. They are an indispensable part of the future landscape of higher education, poised to benefit students, institutions, and society at large”.
Committed to providing access at an affordable cost, CUNY has a number of accelerated pathways, the “4+1 Programs”–aiming to make education more affordable, while saving time. Each CUNY campus offers its own tailored version of these programs, with specific classes and degree tracks designed to align with the strengths and specialties of the institution, ultimately allowing students to choose a path that best fits their goals and interests.
Accelerated Opportunities: CUNY’s 4+1 Advantage
A 4+1 Program refers to an accelerated dual-degree program allowing students to earn both a bachelor and master’s degree in 5 years. Students are often encouraged to enroll in graduate-level courses during their undergraduate years. The main benefits of “4+1 Programs” include completing two degrees simultaneously by earning credits that go towards both academic tracks, while taking advantage of the overall lower cost of undergraduate education when compared to graduate rate of cost.
Although each CUNY campus offers unique 4+1 programs in accordance with the main study focus, there are several accelerated pathways that are applicable to each institution. For example, almost every CUNY campus is a partner in collaboration with the CUNY School of Public Health. The purpose of this ongoing collaboration is to provide students who are considering joining the public health workforce the opportunity to enroll in graduate courses prior to graduating college.
Similarly, the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism offers a journalism-themed 4+1 opportunity, where students can complete the master’s degree within one year of graduating as an undergraduate student. Allison Dubrow, one of the students who enrolled in the journalism 4+1 program, credits the opportunity as the platform that catapulted her dream career. When asked to share her insight on the opportunity, she states,
“I started stressing a little bit, wondering if I would be able to handle the workload. Trust the education you got at Brooklyn College. The J School will build on that and make it even better. It’s worth it”.
Beyond the Basics: CUNY’s Specialized 4+1 Programs
While all campuses share general partnerships within the CUNY system, each institution also fosters niche opportunities tailored to specific academic interests. As of this writing, there are approximately 80 active accelerated programs available to undergraduate students across various campuses. When asked to compare and contrast these programs, Dr. Mary Ruth Strzeszewski, Associate Provost of City College of New York, explained:
“Any major differences are unlikely, as the CUNY Office of Academic Affairs established the 4+1 program’s policies and procedures in 2018 and outlined them in a formal document. Institutions, including City College, have since implemented these guidelines with only minor, campus-specific adjustments.”
Nevertheless, notable differences do exist in the areas of study offered. For instance, Baruch College features an exceptional accelerated pathway that enables students to become certified public accountants. In contrast, Hunter College offers a range of health-related 4+1 programs, including options in nutrition, biotechnology, and chemistry. Lehman College’s accelerated nursing program, Brooklyn College’s BA/MD program, and York College’s three-year occupational therapy pathway further expand opportunities for students interested in medical careers.
City College, known for its emphasis on professional fields, offers up to a dozen engineering 4+1 programs, as well as a distinctive architecture pathway focused on urban planning. John Jay College stands out for its innovative dual-degree options, including programs in forensic science and even an accelerated law (JD) track—some of the most unique academic combinations in the system. Meanwhile, Queens College boasts an impressive 25 accelerated programs across nearly every area of education. With such variety, CUNY truly offers endless opportunities for motivated students.
The Next Step: Making Most of Opportunities
Your path to advanced opportunities can often begin with a simple conversation. As beautifully said by Dr. Mary Ruth Strzeszewski, “Don’t be intimidated—graduate work isn’t as out of reach as it may seem. Every program has its own admissions process, and a simple conversation with the coordinator could lead to unexpected opportunities, even beyond the 4+1. You might discover a passion for graduate study you hadn’t considered. For any motivated student, it’s a chance worth taking.” Whether you’re ready to commit or simply curious, these programs offer the flexibility, affordability, and access needed to take that next step—on your own terms.
