Spotlight on 4PLUS Program

April Boulton, Ph.D., dean of The Graduate School answers questions about Hood's 4Plus dual-degree program.

Hood 4PLUS Program

Program

4PLUS B.A./MBA Program
4PLUS Information Technology Program (B.A., M.S.)
4PLUS Environmental Biology Program (B.A., M.S.)
4PLUS Biology (B.A.)/Biomedical Science (M.S.) Program
4PLUS Psychology (B.A.)/Counseling (M.S.) Program

Department

Biology
The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business
Computer Science & Information Technology
Psychology & Counseling

Faculty
Graduate School
Graduate Student
Undergraduate Student

Academics
Social Sciences & Humanities
Natural Sciences
Math & Computer Sciences

09/30/2020

"Students who are considering internships can leverage the 4Plus program to “scaffold” their experience by completing both an undergraduate and graduate level internship with an organization. This can lead to an offer from the company for a permanent position after graduation, before the student even completes their master’s degree."

Why has the 4Plus Program become so popular?

Undergraduate students are finding that even many entry level jobs require a master’s degree. In a competitive job market, prospects want every advantage possible as they pursue some of the most sought-after and higher-paying positions.

The 4Plus program can give them that advantage quickly and affordably.

What type of student is usually attracted to the program?

Savvy students who are focused on achievement and optimizing their resources. They want to save time and money, and they are highly motivated to obtain stable, well-paying careers in the most efficient manner possible.

The program is open to undergraduate students from all majors, which leads to a diverse blend of student backgrounds within the program.

Other than earning dual credit for undergraduate courses, how else does 4Plus program allow students to save time and money?

Students save on study time and fees associated with graduate admission tests, which are waived.

Application fees are also waived, and their Hood bachelor’s degree qualifies them to take their last three graduate credits at no cost as part of the ALTY Scholarship.

What are some other benefits to the program that students might not have considered?

Undergraduate students who are participating in the 4Plus program often find their undergraduate advising to be even more collaborative and meaningful than usual, as they plan out their courses in the most efficient manner possible with their advisor.

For example, students who originally planned on applying to medical school after completing their bachelor’s can increase the competitiveness of their application by completing an M.S. in Environmental Biology or Biomedical Science.

Students who are considering internships can leverage the 4Plus program to “scaffold” their experience by completing both an undergraduate and graduate level internship with an organization.

This can lead to an offer from the company for a permanent position after graduation, before the student even completes their master’s degree.

When should students start to think about participating in 4Plus?

The program is open to all majors at any time, but optimally undergraduates should begin firmly considering it after they declare a major by the end of their sophomore year.

The sooner a student decides, the more intentional they can be about structuring their schedule and the more efficient their progress through the program will be.

So, it really only takes 5 years? What are the 4Plus degree tracks that are available?

Keep in mind that in most cases, a master’s degree can be completed in the fifth year.

An additional semester beyond the fifth year could be required depending on summer enrollment and the student’s selected program.

Currently, the available degree tracks are:

Are you ready to #GOFURTHER with Hood’s 4Plus Program? Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Want a personal glimpse into the life of a successful 4Plus graduate? Get to know Hood MBA alumna, Holly Barnett.