Contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathways, also called “4+1 pathways” enable well-prepared undergraduate students to complete specific upper-division or graduate courses during the final stages of their undergraduate degree. These courses can later be applied toward a master’s degree after admission to the program. This path offers qualified undergraduate students increased opportunities for career and academic success. They allow students to deepen their knowledge in a field, complete both degree programs efficiently—often in less time—gain additional employment credentials, and enhance their competitiveness for admission to top doctoral programs. Students typically do not need to be enrolled in a specific major to pursue a contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathway.
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
The bioinformatics concentration of the Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics (BME) B.S. provides excellent preparation for a graduate program in bioinformatics. We offer a 4+1 contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathways that allows those students to complete the M.S. somewhat sooner than students with a less-tailored preparation. To apply for the combined pathway, students apply to the M.S. program through the normal graduate admission process in the fall of their senior year. If admitted into the graduate program, they are automatically included in the combined 4+1 pathway.
Computer Science and Engineering
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers a 4+1 contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathway, which gives a competitive edge to students who are completing their undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz. The pathway enables those with advanced preparation to move directly from the undergraduate to the graduate program and complete an M.S. degree with as few as seven courses beyond the bachelor’s degree. Baskin Engineering undergraduate students from any major can apply to the pathway.
Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a 4+1 contiguous bachelor’s/master’s degree path. Undergraduate students can apply to this program to earn a B.S. degree in their own major together with an M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering. Depending on the student’s progress, students can complete the combined path in five years.
Scientific Computing and Applied Mathematics
Undergraduate students currently enrolled in approved programs have the opportunity—any time between the start of their junior year and the end of the fall quarter of their senior year—to join the 4+1 contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathway leading to the SciCAM degree program. Qualified undergraduates from other undergraduate majors may also apply to this pathway, and their applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Statistics
The Department of Statistics offers a 4+1 contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathway in statistical science. Undergraduate students in certain majors can apply to the pathway in order to earn a B.S. degree in their own major together with an M.S. degree in statistical science. Depending on the student’s progress, the B.S./M.S. pathway can be completed in five years.