4+1 Master's Degree
The Department of Economics offers current SMU economics undergraduate students the opportunity to take graduate courses towards an M.A. degree in Applied Economics.
To get started, watch the video, view the program overview slides, or read the flyer.
4+1 Introduction Video 4+1 Program Overview Download the flyer
After reviewing the above information, please review the sample plans for a preview of what your overall 4+1 plan may look like.
For detailed guidance selecting courses, please view the course selection guide. If you still need help, contact the interim Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Salmon at tsalmon@smu.edu.
If you plan to enroll in 6000 level course(s) next semester, please complete the below form. You will need to confirm that you meet the requirements. If you are eligible, the graduate team will grant you permission to enroll in the course(s).
6000-Level Course Permission Request Form
4+1 FAQs
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What is the 4+1 Program?
The 4 + 1 Program is an accelerated program that permits students to take graduate level courses during their undergraduate years. These graduate courses will fulfill both undergraduate and graduate graduation requirements. The 4 + 1 program allows a student to save time and money and complete an MA degree in one year. It also provides students with advanced skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
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How do I get more information about the 4+1 program?
We have many program materials to help get you started. Please click here to view the program overview, sample plans, course selection guide, etc.
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How many graduate courses can I take that will count towards both my undergraduate degree and my MA degree?
You can take up to 3 graduate courses (9 hours) as an undergraduate student. These courses will fulfill both undergraduate and graduate requirements. Please view the program materials for more information.
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Am I still on track to graduate on time (with my undergraduate degree)?
The program does not require additional hours on top of your undergraduate degree (i.e. if you are on track with your undergraduate major, then you are in theory on track for the 4+1 program). However, as described in the “Course Selection Guide”, you must take a few 6000-level courses and avoid some of the 4000-level equivalents. If you are far along in your undergraduate career, it may not be possible to complete the program. Please contact the interim Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Salmon, at tsalmon@smu.edu if you have any questions about the course guide.
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Am I eligible for the 4+1 program?
Your 4+1 eligibility will not be formally checked until it is time to enroll in 6000-level courses. You may view the 6000-level permission form for a preview of those requirements. However, students initially expressing interest should be at or near a 3.0 ECO GPA as well as a 3.0 overall GPA. If it does not look attainable to reach both 3.0 GPAs by the semester in which 6000 level courses will be taken, you may be told that the program is not a good fit for you.
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How do I apply for the 4+1 program?
There is not an application for the 4+1 program. As described in #5 above, your eligibility will be checked periodically as you apply to enroll in 6000-level courses. You will, however, formally apply for the MA program (see #7 below) during your senior year.
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Do I still need to apply to the MA program if I am enrolled in the 4+1 program?
Yes, students enrolled in the 4+1 program will still need to apply to enroll in the MA program, typically in their last semester of their senior year.
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How do I know the likelihood of being admitted to the master’s program?
Admission to the Master's program cannot be guaranteed until you submit your application during your final semester as an undergraduate. However, each time you submit the 6000-level course form, you will be evaluated to determine whether you are on a trajectory that would lead to admission. You will only be allowed to register for those courses if you appear to be on track towards admission. Eventual admission is contingent on performance in those and other classes which is why a final admission decision cannot be made until near the end of your undergraduate program.
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Can I pursue the Master’s of Science (MS) program instead of the Master’s of Arts (MA) program as part of 4+1?
The 4+1 program is designed around the MA in Applied Economics, not the MS degree. If you go through the 4+1 program and are admitted to the Master's program, you can of course choose to obtain the MS degree instead, but it will require a few extra courses and you may not be able to complete it in the same time frame.
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What will happen if I take graduate courses and then decide not to pursue the MA degree?
You will not lose credits. The graduate courses will still fulfill your undergraduate degree requirements.
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I have other questions, but I’m not sure who to contact.
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For basic program information and help creating a rough 4+1 schedule, contact the undergraduate advisor, Alyssa Wong, at alyssawong@smu.edu.
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For detailed help selecting 6000 vs. 4000 level courses, use the “Course Selection Guide.”Please contact the interim Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Salmon, at tsalmon@smu.edu if you have any questions about the course guide.
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For questions about the master’s portion specifically (i.e. benefits of a master’s program, how to ultimately apply for the master’s program, the MA vs. the MS program, etc.), contact the graduate team at ECOmastersinfo@mail.smu.edu.