Accelerated Biology 4+1 Degree Program
Fast-track your path to a career in biology鈥攁nd save a year of tuition鈥攂y earning both a bachelor鈥檚 and a master鈥檚 degree in biology in just five years.
Why Earn Your Combined BA/BS and MS in Biology?
A combined bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree in biology is your launchpad for a rewarding scientific career. Whether you鈥檙e interested in further graduate study (such as medical, veterinary or dental school or a research doctorate) or a job in fast-growing fields like biotechnology, public health, pharmaceuticals, business or biomedical research, this accelerated biology degree program provides the hands-on experience and in-demand skill set you need to succeed.
Why Earn a Combined BA/BS and MS in Biology at Adelphi on Long Island in New York?
- 天美传媒鈥檚 accelerated biology program sets you up to complete both a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology and a master鈥檚 degree in biology in just five years鈥攇etting you on the fast track to a great career!
- Benefit from personalized attention from our world-class faculty, including a faculty mentor who will supervise you as you perform cutting-edge research in the lab, in the field or in silico, or conduct in-depth exploration of the current literature in your subfield of interest.
- Tailor your biology degree to your unique interests and career goals with our optional concentrations in Molecular Biology, Physiology, or Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology. You鈥檒l also have the opportunity to take courses in other Adelphi departments to broaden your capabilities.
- Take advantage of our flexible, convenient course schedule鈥攆eaturing evening and online options鈥攖o balance your studies with work or credit-bearing research projects.
Program Info
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
At 天美传媒 on Long Island in New York, we believe in learning by doing. Our 4+1 accelerated biology program offers plenty of opportunities to roll up your sleeves, from digging for dinosaur bones at a quarry in Wyoming to helping manage museum collections and collecting specimens at field sites around the world. You鈥檒l also be able to conduct important research alongside faculty in Adelphi鈥檚 on-campus laboratories, which contain state-of-the-art equipment for microscopy, physiology, molecular biology and cell culture.
In addition, students working or volunteering for a health or research organization regularly earn credit for their work. Adelphi鈥檚 location in the New York metropolitan area offers the option to find opportunities at such renowned institutions as:
This program has been the stepping stone for many students toward careers in the health professions, research, biotechnology and other scientific fields. The experience, knowledge and additional degree can help you stand out for jobs and graduate schools. Our small, close-knit program provides an excellent environment for academic and personal growth.
Alan Schoenfeld, PhD
Professor and Director of the Graduate Biology Program
An Adelphi student who earned his dual bachelor’s/master’s degree at Adelphi working in the lab.
Application Requirements
Students can apply to the 4+1 accelerated biology program at any point during their junior year, including the summer leading up to their senior year, if they meet the following requirements:
- A 3.0 GPA in the biology major, which must be maintained until matriculation into the graduate program
- Completion of BIO 222 (Genetics) and BIO 224 (Research Project Lab)
Up to 12 credits of biology courses at the 500 or 600 level taken as an undergraduate can count toward the MS in biology. Because of the degree鈥檚 condensed time frame, 4+1 students can only enter the thesis research track (MS in Biology: Research Thesis Option) if they have completed BIO 498 and BIO 499.
Speak to your adviser or the graduate director to learn more about the master鈥檚 degree in biology.
Understanding Costs and Savings
Learn about the costs you can expect, and discover how scholarships, grants and financial aid packages can put an Adelphi education within reach. For this 4+1 program, you will pay undergraduate tuition rates for years one through four, and the graduate tuition rate for your fifth and final year.
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:
- The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
FAQs: Accelerated Biology Degree
The Accelerated Biology 4+1 program allows biology majors to complete both a bachelor鈥檚 degree and a master鈥檚 degree in as few as five years. It works by allowing students to count up to 12 credits of graduate-level courses taken as part of the bachelor鈥檚 degree and also apply them to the master鈥檚 degree. Thus, fewer credits are needed to complete the master鈥檚 degree.
With careful planning, the master’s degree portion of the program can be completed in one year.
No, upon completing the bachelor鈥檚 degree program, you graduate with your BA or BS and can attend the Commencement ceremony as an undergraduate.
You then matriculate into the graduate program and, upon earning the MS, can attend the Commencement ceremony a second time!
Our 4+1 biology program allows biology majors who are doing undergraduate research to continue that research at the graduate level. It also allows students to complete concentrations that are more tailored to their interests. We also have faculty with diverse expertise who mentor students in either laboratory or library-based research. Each student in the program has a mentor.
Our master’s degree program has concentrations in , , , and
The combined BA/BS and MS program can be an excellent springboard for advanced graduate study (e.g., research doctorate, medical school or dental school), jobs in research (academic or industry), or positions in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or other industries, nonprofits, or governmental agencies. Having an MS is a distinct advantage when applying to all these jobs.
Yes. Taking biology courses at a higher level (and doing well), plus writing a thesis or scholarly paper, can show professional schools that you are ready for the rigors of an advanced degree. The coursework will also better prepare you for required standardized exams that they require. The 4+1 is also an excellent way to show that you are doing something to advance your knowledge during a gap year.
Awards & Recognition
Program Contact
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Contact
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516.877.4209
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Science Building 119