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, one year before you finish your bachelor’s degree—this gives you two semesester to take graduate-level courses that count toward both degrees. 

You may also apply one semester in advance and double-count courses from your final undergraduate semester.

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

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 2026, choose Fall 2026 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. 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.: 3.5
  • 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.

Additionally, 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.