4+1 accelerated master's program

The CS@VT 4+1 accelerated master's program jumpstarts your career, letting you earn a bachelor’s degree plus a master’s degree in just five years.

Program Overview

Earn both your B.S. and a master’s degree (M.S. or M.Eng.) in just five years through the Accelerated 4+1 Program. During your senior year, you may take up to 12 credits of graduate-level Computer Science courses that count toward both degrees.

Degree Options

Accelerated Master of Science (M.S.)

• Requires 7 graduate courses
• Includes a research thesis

Additionally, competitive Accelerated M.S. applicants must identify a CS faculty member who has agreed to supervise their research. Admission to the MS program is unlikely without a confirmed faculty advisor, as we cannot adequately support a student's research goals without this foundational relationship. Admitting a student without an advisor in place would likely result in delays in academic progress and degree completion.

Accelerated Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

• Requires 10 graduate courses
• Coursework only, no thesis

Application Timeline

When should I apply?  Ideally, students should apply one year before completing their bachelor’s degree. Applying early gives you two semesters to take graduate-level courses that can count toward both your undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Students may also apply one semester before graduation, but in that case only courses taken during the final undergraduate semester may be double-counted.

Course Requirements for Double-Counting

• Courses must be completed for a grade (B or higher)
• No more than 12 credits can be double counted toward both degrees
• Courses such as CS 5974, 5994, and 5944 are not eligible for double counting
• Double-counted courses must:
  • Be taken within the final 12 months of your undergraduate program
  • Be approved in advance on the Accelerated UG/GR Degree and Course Designation Form before enrollment
    • The accelerated UG/GR course designation and degree form must first be signed by the student and their undergraduate advisor. Once those signatures are complete, submit your UG/GR Course Designation form through the CS Graduate Forms Portal. The Graduate Program Office will obtain the remaining department signatures for you. 
    • Please do not email signature requests directly to the CS Department Head or Graduate Program Director.         

How to Apply

1. Submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School application

2. Choose your start term Select the term immediately after you finish your B.S. For example, if you graduate in Spring 2027, choose Fall 2027 as your graduate start term.

3. No GRE or TOEFL required These tests are not needed for the Accelerated 4+1 application.

4. Upload your unofficial transcript A PDF from Hokie SPA is acceptable—no need to request or pay for an official transcript

5. M.Eng. applicants Upload the Accelerated UG/G (UGG) Form, signed by your undergraduate advisor. 
   •   The accelerated UG/GR course designation and degree form must first be signed by the student and their undergraduate advisor. Once those signatures are complete, submit your UG/GR Course Designation form through the CS Graduate Forms Portal. The Graduate Program Office will obtain the remaining department signatures for you. 
   • Please do not email signature requests directly to the CS Department Head or Graduate Program Director.    Questions? Contact: techtalent@vt.edu 
6. Application review Applications are reviewed after final grades are submitted for the semester you apply. Decisions are communicated via email.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

• M.S.: 3.3
  • Completed CS 3114 with B- or better
• M.Eng.: 3.3
  • Complete CS 2114 or CS 3114 with a B- or better

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

• M.S.  A minimum of three letters of recommendation is required. At least one must come from a CS@VT faculty member.
• M.Eng. At least one letter of recommendation is required, preferably from an academic source.

Can I apply if I’ve already completed my B.S.?

•  No. Applicants must submit their application prior to completing their undergraduate degree. Applications submitted after graduation will not be considered.

Is research experience required? 

• Not required for M.Eng. applicants
• Competitive M.S. applicants will demonstate research insterests and reasearch experience. As well as, a strong background in CS and Math. A grade of B- or better in CS 3114 Data Structures & Algorithms is expected.

The MS program is a research-focused degree, and having a faculty advisor is an important part of supporting a student's research and academic goals. Accelerated MS students who are still exploring research interests during their senior year and have not yet identified a faculty advisor are encouraged to enroll in CS 5914 MS Research Symposium (CRN: 83742) in Fall 2026. This course may be included on the UG/GR Accelerated Course Designation form.