Bachelor’s-to-Master’s ADD/4+1 Programs | Rohrer College of Business
Bachelor’s-to-Master’s ADD/4+1 Programs | Rohrer College of Business
Accelerated Dual Degree (ADD/4+1) Programs—Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Rowan’s bachelor’s-to-master’s Accelerated Dual Degrees (ADDs), commonly known as 4+1 programs, create coordinated pathways from selected undergraduate majors into either the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at the Rohrer College of Business. The 4+1 name reflects the common structure: about four years to complete the bachelor’s degree followed by approximately one additional year of full-time graduate study. Actual completion time varies based on a student’s starting point, course sequencing, academic eligibility, and pace of graduate study.
Students typically complete the undergraduate business preparation required for their pathway, including MBA Foundation requirements where applicable, during the third and fourth years. In the fourth year, eligible students take 12 approved graduate credits that apply toward both degrees and are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate, reducing the time and cost required to complete the connected master’s degree.
Explore the three pathways below, then use the program-specific page and connect with the appropriate advisor or coordinator to review eligibility, course sequencing, and next steps.
Choose Your ADD/4+1 Pathway
B.S. in Finance/M.S. in Finance ADD/4+1
Build on a broad undergraduate foundation in finance with graduate-level depth in financial analysis, modeling, investments, risk management, and data-informed decision-making. The combined pathway prepares students to move more quickly toward advanced roles in corporate finance, financial services, investment analysis, financial planning, fintech, and related fields where stronger technical and strategic capabilities can create an early career advantage.
B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies/MBA ADD/4+1
Turn interdisciplinary knowledge of environmental systems, policy, equity, and sustainability into the business capabilities needed to implement change inside organizations. MBA study adds strategy, finance, operations, entrepreneurship, leadership, and organizational decision-making, preparing graduates to advance sustainability initiatives in business, government, consulting, nonprofits, and mission-driven ventures rather than only analyze environmental challenges.
Explore the Environmental and Sustainability Studies/MBA ADD/4+1
B.A. in International Studies/MBA ADD/4+1
Combine global and cross-cultural understanding with the business expertise needed to make and implement decisions across markets and organizations. MBA study strengthens strategy, leadership, finance, marketing, and organizational decision-making, preparing graduates to translate knowledge of international politics, economies, cultures, and business practices into careers in global business, consulting, trade, finance, marketing, international development, and related fields.
Attend an ADD/4+1 Information Session
After exploring the available pathways, attend an information session to learn more about eligibility, academic planning, shared graduate credits, and the transition from undergraduate to graduate study. Students, families, counselors, advisors, and other supporters are welcome.
How an RCB ADD/4+1 Pathway Works
- Plan early:Review the requirements for your specific pathway with your undergraduate academic advisor and program coordinator. During the third and fourth years, plan the Foundation or prerequisite coursework and course sequence needed to preserve room for 12 shared graduate credits.
- Confirm eligibility and enter the pathway:Students who are approved for an ADD work with their advisor or program coordinator to complete the ADD Student Agreement and Confirmation Form at the appropriate point in their undergraduate studies.
- Complete 12 shared graduate credits:During the fourth year of undergraduate study, eligible students typically complete 12 approved graduate credits that apply toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees and are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate.
- Transition to graduate status:Students who remain academically eligible do not submit a separate full graduate application for the connected MBA or MS Finance program. After completing all undergraduate requirements and applying for undergraduate graduation, students work with their advisors to submit the ADD Transition Form.
- Complete the remaining master’s requirements:Students may commonly finish the graduate portion in approximately one additional year of full-time study. They may also complete it part time and have up to five years after transitioning to graduate status to finish the master’s portion.
Plan Based on Your Starting Point
The best time and way to begin depends on where you are in your undergraduate journey. Review the guidance for your starting point, then use the program-specific page above to explore the pathway in greater detail.Prospective First-Year Students
Explore the undergraduate major that interests you and keep the ADD/4+1 option in view from the beginning. Early academic planning provides the greatest flexibility to complete the required undergraduate coursework, MBA Foundation or MS Finance prerequisite preparation, and 12 shared graduate credits within the intended sequence. Bring the pathway into your advising conversations during your first or second year.
Current Rowan Undergraduate Students
Begin with the program-specific page above, then meet with your academic advisor or program coordinator before changing your course schedule or submitting ADD forms. They can review your academic progress, determine whether the pathway still fits your degree plan, and identify the appropriate timing for required preparation, graduate coursework, and the ADD Student Agreement and Confirmation Form.
Transfer Students
Community college and other transfer students may be able to pursue an ADD/4+1 pathway. Feasibility depends on when you transfer, how accepted credits apply to the bachelor’s degree, and whether your remaining academic plan has room for required Foundation or prerequisite coursework and 12 shared graduate credits. Begin exploring the pathway early, before finalizing transfer courses or assuming a five-year completion timeline.
Plan Foundation and Prerequisite Requirements Early
Students pursuing the Environmental and Sustainability Studies/MBA or International Studies/MBA pathways must plan for the MBA Foundation requirements as part of their undergraduate course sequence.The MBA Foundation requirements are consistent across the MBA program, but the recommended order may differ based on the undergraduate major and the student’s remaining requirements. Work with your academic advisor to complete them within the correct timeframe.
The Finance ADD/4+1 follows its own MS Finance Foundation, prerequisite, and course-sequencing plan. Finance students should use the program-specific planning page rather than applying the MBA guidance to the MS Finance pathway.
Review Official ADD Forms and Policies
Begin with your academic advisor or pathway coordinator before completing an ADD form. Your program team will help determine your eligibility and the appropriate time to submit each document.
Use the Office of the University Registrar’s ADD resources for official forms, student-record procedures, registration requirements, and university policies.
What If You Discover the Opportunity Too Late?
Senior Privilege may provide another way for an eligible Rowan undergraduate to begin limited graduate business coursework when the complete 12-credit ADD/4+1 pathway no longer fits into the undergraduate plan.
Senior Privilege is not an ADD and does not provide the full 12-credit ADD structure. Students participating in an ADD cannot use Senior Privilege to add more graduate credits during undergraduate study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 4+1 Mean I Must Complete Both Degrees in Exactly Five Years?
No. The name describes the common model: approximately four years for the bachelor’s degree followed by about one additional year of full-time graduate study. Students may complete the remaining MBA or MS Finance requirements part time and have up to five years after transitioning to graduate status to finish the master’s portion.
Do I Need to Submit a Graduate Application?
Students who have been admitted to the ADD, remain academically eligible, and complete the requirements of their specific pathway do not submit a separate full application to the connected MBA or MS Finance program. Students must apply for undergraduate graduation and work with their advisors to submit the ADD Transition Form before moving formally into graduate status.
Will All 12 Graduate Credits Be Charged at the Undergraduate Rate?
The three current RCB ADD/4+1 pathways allow students to complete 12 approved graduate credits during undergraduate study at the undergraduate tuition rate. After students earn the bachelor’s degree and transition to graduate status, the applicable graduate tuition and fees apply to their remaining master’s coursework.
Can I Use Senior Privilege and an ADD/4+1 at the Same Time?
No. Students in an ADD cannot use Senior Privilege to complete graduate credits beyond the amount approved for their ADD.
Looking for a Graduate or Professional Degree Combination?
Already pursuing a graduate or professional degree? Explore Rowan pathways that pair the MBA or STEM MBA with another graduate degree, professional degree, or approved graduate credential.
Need Individual Planning Support?
For general RCB ADD/4+1 questions or help identifying the appropriate contact, email GraduateBusinessStudies@rowan.edu. For detailed course planning, use the program-specific page to connect with the undergraduate coordinator or specialized advisor for your pathway.
