4+1 Option

The 4+1 option is available to UC undergraduate students majoring (BA/BS) in Psychology or non-majors taking a minimum of 18 hours in Psychology (equivalent to but not necessarily completing a Psychology minor). 

The program allows students completing their Bachelor’s degree to obtain a Master’s degree in one additional year (15 hours per semester).
Since students doing the 4+1 option take two graduate courses before applying to the MAP program, they only have to take 12 credits per semester as a MAP student. For qualifying students, the graduate year of study is paid at a discounted tuition rate (typically a 25% discount).  Completion of the 4+1 program assumes the following:

• The student completes two graduate-level (MAP) courses for graduate credit prior to completing their BA/BS.  (Note:  This means that 4+1 students may not graduate with their BA/BS with less than 126 hours, 6 of which are GR-level courses that apply to the MAP degree).  Grades for the graduate level classes must average 3.0 (with no grade lower than a B-). Curriculum can be found here.
• These graduate courses taken during undergraduate years do not guarantee admission into the MAP program. Letters of recommendation, personal statements, and GPA are also taken into account.
• Students must apply for the MAP program during the last year of their undergraduate studies. Students do not need to apply for the MAP program in order to take the two graduate classes during their undergraduate year. 
• The student enrolls in the MAP program full-time and thus usually completes the graduate year in two semesters.

The two are the same, both have the same courses and require the same work. The only difference is that the 4+1 option allows students to get a head start on MAP classes by taking graduate courses during their undergraduate years. Admitted students into the MAP program who have completed the 4+1 also receive a 25% discount if the MAP program is completed in one year.

• Please email Dr. Furst-Holloway (furstse@ucmail.uc.edu) or our graduate advisor Kitley (kernka@mail.uc.edu) to set up an appointment.
  • Either Dr. Furst-Holloway or the graduate advisor who you meet with will collect your contact information so that we may communicate program updates and information to you (e.g., when the application portal is open). We can also review the program and admissions process and when to schedule your graduation.  Most importantly, we can advise you on what graduate classes are available.
  • If after meeting with Dr. Furst-Holloway or the graduate advisor, you plan to apply to the MA Psychology program, you will be asked to sign a letter of intent stating that you plan to apply to the MAP program your senior year.  This letter will also outline the next steps for you to follow.  For example, you will need to contact Holly-Kristina Averette (averethm@ucmailuc.edu) to unblock you for registering for the graduate courses taken in your senior year of undergraduate study.
  • You should apply for the MA in Psychology degree through the Graduate College application portal by the January 15th deadline of your senior year.  There will be a question on the application asking whether you have completed or are working on the 4+1 option. Select “yes.” If the option to select "yes" is no longer available, you may mention your intention to finish the 4+1 option in your personal statement.

After having met with our graduate assistant, are you ready to apply? ... If you are interested in completing the 4+1 option, we ask that you complete a declaration of intent form after your meeting.

After filling out the declaration of intent and completing the two required graduate courses (cannot count towards undergraduate degree) you will be ready to apply for the MAP program! Applications are online through the Graduate College. Completion of the two MAP graduate courses during your senior year does not guarantee admission into the MAP program.