BS/MBS "4+1" Program

Exceptional Rutgers undergraduates can earn a Master of Business and Science degree in just one additional year*— applying up to 12 undergraduate credits toward the MBS degree.
 

Apply to the "4+1" Program Meet with an Advisor

43

TOTAL MBS DEGREE CREDITS
(19 BUSINESS + 24 SCIENCE)

12

UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS
TRANSFERABLE TO MBS DEGREE

1+

ADDITIONAL YEAR BEYOND
YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE

How You Qualify & What You Gain

Do I qualify for the "4+1" program?

✔ I am a currently enrolled Rutgers undergraduate student
✔ My cumulative GPA is 3.3 or above
✔ I am currently approaching completion of 90 credits

If you check these boxes, you’re ready to apply!

Application Requirements

  • Copy of your most recent Rutgers transcript
  • Essay (500 words or fewer) explaining how the MBS degree aligns with your career goals
  • Your latest resume
  • One letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor
  • Meeting with the "4+1" advisor

Program Advantages

  • Apply up to 12 undergraduate credits toward your MBS degree
    • See "How the 12-Credit Transfer Rule Works" below
  • Access to the MBS Externship Program — real science industry experience

Your Path to Graduation

 
1
Junior Year

2nd semester

2
Apply

Essay + transcript +

letter of recommendation + resume

3
Meeting

with "4+1" advisor

4
Senior Year

Take 400-level credits

5
Graduate

BS + MBS degree

 

 

How the 12-Credit Transfer Rule Works

If you earn 132 total credits for your BS degree, up to 12 credits of relevant 400-level science coursework in your intended graduate area of study (graded B or better) may be applied toward your MBS degree, reducing the credits you need to complete during your graduate studies. You are not required to finish the MBS degree in a single academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Students are not required, nor encouraged, to complete the MBS degree in one academic year. The "4+1" name refers to the typical structure, but you can take additional time as needed to complete your graduate coursework.

Credits must meet all four criteria: (1) not included in the 120 credits required for your undergraduate degree — meaning you must earn more than 120 credits total; (2) earned in a 400-level science class or higher; (3) graded a B or better; and (4) relevant to your graduate area of study.

Qualified and interested students should apply during the second semester of their junior year or when you complete 90 credits. This timing ensures you can plan your senior year courses to maximize the undergraduate credits that qualify for transfer toward the MBS degree.

The MBS degree Externship Exchange gives students access to short-term, industry-based work experiences in science and business sectors. As a "4+1" student, you can participate in the program and build professional experience alongside your coursework. Visit the Externship Exchange page for details.

Yes, you can defer up to two semesters. Please make sure you notify PSMAdmissions@docs.rutgers.edu if you decide to do so.

The MBS Program offers exceptional flexibility; choose fully online or in-person/hybrid.


 

You can take business courses after you complete your undergraduate degree.

Executive Coaching Sessions and Networking Events

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

"The MBS "4+1" program allowed me to start taking graduate-level courses while completing my bachelor's degree and apply them to my master's. I'm saving time and money while joining a community that offers mentorship and support. MBS degree advisors and executive coaches are there every step of the way, helping me choose my classes, prep for interviews, and expand my network."

Ethan Vito

MBS Degree, Class of 2026
Biotechnology and Genomics

Ready to get started?

 

Apply to the "4+1" Meet a "4+1" Advisor