4+1 accelerated master's degree

Accelerated 4+1 Master's Program Guide for Current Students

Welcome to the Accelerated 4+1 Master's (4+1) program in Computer Science at Virginia Tech! This page is for students who have already been admitted to the program and are working toward completing both degrees.

Looking for information about how to apply or program eligibility? Visit the official 4+1 accelerated master's degree for prospective students

Understand Your Dual Status 

As an accelerated student, you're balancing two degree programs simultaneously. You are currently:

• An undergraduate student finishing your degree at VT or a partner university
• Conditionally admitted graduate student in the M.S. or M.Eng. degree program

Once your bachelor's degree is awarded, your graduate-level status becomes fully active, and you’ll complete the remaining master's degree requirements.

Planning Your Coursework

You may double-count up to 12 credits (VT students) or up to 6 credits (partner university) of approved graduate-level coursework toward both your bachelor's and master's degrees.

Double-counted coursework 

• Must be approved by your advisor and the graduate school through the Accelerated UG/GR Degree and Course Designation form prior to enrollment in these credits
• Be taken while you are still an undergraduate
• Earn a B or higher in each double-counted course

Stay in Good Standing

To remain in the accelerated 4+1 master's degree program and be eligible to double-count credits, you must:

• Maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher
• Continue making satisfactory progress in both undergraduate and graduate courses

Transition to Graduate Status

After your bachelor's degree is awarded:

• Your status becomes fully admitted to the graduate degree program
• You’ll complete the remaining degree requirements for the M.S. or M.Eng. program

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a break between my undergrad degree and master's degree programs?  No. The accelerated program is designed for continuous enrollment.

Can I take CS 5944 Graduate Seminar as an undergrad? Yes, but this course cannot be double counted nor can it be substituted for CS senior seminar 

My undergrad graduation is delayed, what should I do? If your graduation timeline changes (e.g., you need an extra semester or two to finish your BS), contact your CS Graduate Program Advisor right away. Your graduate start term must be updated so you can remain in good standing with the Graduate School. 

Am I eligible for funding as an accelerated master's student? M.Eng. students are not eligible for funding.  Accelerated M.S. students are eligible for funding, but it’s not guaranteed.  Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) are very competitive and rarely awarded to accelerated students. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) may be available, but are offered at the discretion of individual faculty members—not the department. If you're interested in GRA funding, start building relationships with faculty early.

Can I change my degree program after admission? If you're in the M.S. program, you may request a change to the M.Eng. program if you decide not to pursue a thesis. This is allowed with approval from the M.Eng. Graduate Program Director and a Change of degree level request form.

However, students admitted to the M.Eng. program are not permitted to transfer into the M.S. program unless a CS faculty member formally agrees to serve as your thesis advisor and provides Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) funding for the remainder of your degree. Because M.S. admission is based on research alignment and advising capacity, changes from M.Eng. to M.S. are not allowed without both a research commitment and financial sponsorship from a faculty member.