Why Choose an Accelerated 4+1 Program?
- Save money: Automatically receive a scholarship from NYU GPH, and only pay tuition costs for one year of graduate study.
- Save time: Start taking graduate-level courses during your junior year of undergraduate study, saving a full year
- Engage in fulfilling research and practice: In Year 5, you'll enhance your research skills and connect with domestic and international organizations to gain real-world public health experience.
- Graduate with a competitive advantage: Gain professional experience, faculty mentorship, and a strong peer network, setting you up for career advancement in competitive fields like public health where a graduate degree is increasingly becoming the standard for entry-level roles.
- Stand out when applying to advanced degree programs: Become a more competitive applicant to medical school, law school, or PhD programs with a graduate degree from NYU GPH.
Why NYU School of Global Public Health?
At NYU GPH, our graduate programs are more than a collection of classes—they're a commitment to cultivating skills and perspectives that make students stronger professionals in any field. We prepare graduate students to understand complex systems, respond to crises, lead innovation, and build healthier, more equitable societies.
Whether you want to specialize in policy, research, education, ethics, or community-based practice—or strengthen your application for law school, med school, or a PhD track—our graduate programs and training equip you for real impact and long-term career mobility.
The 4+1 pathway is flexible and interdisciplinary, welcoming students from across the liberal arts, sciences, education, and beyond, so you can graduate ready to lead, adapt, and make change where it matters most.
How the 4+1 Degree Program Works
Graduate with two degrees faster, and with a clearer sense of your professional direction. We recommend following this 5-year course plan:
- Freshman Year: Enroll as an undergraduate in one of our partner NYU schools and take coursework.
- Sophomore Year: Continue undergraduate courses, speak with your academic advisor and an NYU GPH advisor about participating in the 4+1 degree program, and submit your 4+1 application no later than May 1st of your sophomore year for fall admission.
- Junior Year: Start graduate coursework at GPH and continue undergraduate courses.
- Senior Year: Continue taking graduate courses and finish undergraduate courses to graduate with your bachelor’s degree.
- Year 5: Complete your graduate courses and an internship to graduate with your master’s degree.
4+1 Events
4+1 Info Session
This information session is intended for undergraduate students in CAS, Gallatin, GLS, and Steinhardt interested in GPH's 4+1 programs.
4+1 Info Session
This information session is intended for undergraduate students in CAS, Gallatin, GLS, and Steinhardt interested in GPH's 4+1 programs.
4+1 Accelerated Programs, Partner Schools, and Degree Options
| NYU Gallatin/GPH 4+1 Programs | NYU Global Liberal Studies (GLS)/GPH 4+1 Programs | NYU Steinhardt/GPH 4+1 Program | NYU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)/GPH 4+1 Program |
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
BA/MPH, BS/MPH, and BA/MS students automatically receive a $10,000 scholarship from NYU GPH. Those pursuing the BA/MA in Bioethics automatically receive a scholarship covering 50% of up to 26 credits of their graduate tuition, significantly reducing the cost of their master’s degree.
Learn more about our scholarships, financial aid, and tuition.
Where Our Alumni Work
Our graduates work at these leading businesses and organizations:
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Access Health Policy Associate | The New York Immigration Coalition |
| Business Analyst | STEM |
| Clinical Research Coordinator II | Mount Sinai Health System |
| General Dentistry Resident | New York-Presbyterian Hospital |
| Global Health Research Fellow | GHSEN Global Research |
| Mental Health Program Manager | KIPP NYC |
| Partnership Specialist | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) |
| Research Fellow | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
| Research Manager | Maimonides Medical Center |
| Resident Physician | Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin |
| Resource Assistant | CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Senior Operations Analyst | NYU Langone Health |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a 4+1 program?
A 4+1 program is an accelerated degree program that allows students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years instead of the traditional six years. Students begin graduate-level courses during their junior year, enabling them to earn a master's degree in only one year of additional study instead of two. Students gain advanced knowledge, real-world experience, and earn a master's degree sooner, saving time and tuition costs while giving them a competitive edge in their careers.
Other common names for 4+1 degree programs include, but are not limited to, 4+1 accelerated pathways, accelerated master's programs, combined bachelor's and master's programs, accelerated bachelor's master's programs, and more.
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What majors offer a 4+1 program?
A 4+1 program is available to students enrolled in any bachelor's degree program at one of NYU GPH's partner schools: Gallatin School of Individualized Study, Global Liberal Studies, College of Arts and Sciences (with some restrictions), and Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Students from a wide range of academic backgrounds—including anthropology, liberal arts, sciences, education, and more—are encouraged to apply, reflecting the program's interdisciplinary approach to global public health.
Choosing the right accelerated master's program depends on several factors, including cost, format, location, accreditation, support services, your areas of interest, and more. Visit our Gallatin/GPH 4+1 Programs, Global Liberal Studies/GPH 4+1 Programs, College of Arts & Sciences/GPH BA/MA Bioethics Program, and Steinhardt/GPH BS/MPH in Nutrition pages to learn more about our 4+1 accelerated pathways.
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Do 4+1 programs include internships?
Yes. In the fifth year of 4+1 programs, graduate students engage in hands-on public health experiences through internships, fellowships, research projects, and collaborations with organizations both locally and globally. These opportunities allow students to apply what they've learned in the classroom, build professional skills, and grow their network in real-world public health settings.
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Are 4+1 public health programs accredited by CEPH?
Yes. The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree earned through NYU GPH's 4+1 program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This accreditation is important because it signifies that our curriculum meets the highest standards for public health education and prepares you for professional practice and leadership in the field. The accreditation can also impact financial aid, licensure, and employment opportunities.
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How long does a 4+1 program take?
A 4+1 program takes five years to complete, allowing you to earn both a bachelor's and graduate degree in a shorter timeframe than the usual six years or more.
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What are the eligibility requirements and GPA cutoff for the 4+1 program?
While undergraduate requirements vary by degree, generally, 4+1 pathway students must be in good academic standing and plan ahead to fulfill prerequisites within their remaining semesters at NYU.
To be eligible for the BA/MPH or BS/MPH, you must:
- Be in your sophomore year.
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA to apply.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA to enter GPH as a full-time master's student.
To be eligible for the BA/MA in Bioethics, you must:
- Have at least two undergraduate semesters remaining.
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA to apply.
- Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA to enter GPH as a full-time master's student.
To be eligible for the BA/MS in Biostatistics, you must:
- Be in your sophomore year.
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA to apply.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA to enter GPH as a full-time master's student.
- Have completed a college-level precalculus course (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of B.
You should also consult with your home school advisor to determine if an accelerated program aligns with their academic and career plans.
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How and when do I apply to the NYU GPH 4+1 program?
Submit your application no later than May 1st of your sophomore year at NYU for fall admission.
Before applying, you must:
- Contact and meet with Kristin Cutler (kristin.cutler@nyu.edu), the NYU GPH 4+1 degree program advisor.
- Receive approval to apply from your home school undergraduate academic advisor.
- Submit the NYU GPH - Request for Information - 4+1 Program form
- Complete the GPH 4+1 application, which we’ll send to you as a link via email after submitting the Request for Information form.
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What funding and scholarships are included with the 4+1 program?
BA/MPH, BS/MPH, and BA/MS students automatically receive a $10,000 scholarship from NYU GPH toward their graduate program. Those in the BA/MA in Bioethics pathway automatically receive a scholarship covering 50% of up to 26 credits of their graduate program tuition.
Completing an accelerated program can lead to reduced student debt due to receiving a scholarship and the shorter time frame for earning degrees and dual credits.
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Can you work while enrolled in a 4+1 program?
Yes, you can work while enrolled in a 4+1 degree program. Many students balance part-time jobs, research assistantships, or internships with their studies. Accelerated master's programs typically require a higher course load to condense the graduate program, so it's best suited for highly motivated and organized students who can manage their time effectively.
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Can international students apply for NYU’s 4+1 program?
Yes, international students who are enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at NYU Gallatin, Global Liberal Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, or Steinhardt and meet the eligibility criteria can apply to the 4+1 degree program. They must also maintain appropriate visa status and meet any additional requirements related to international students participating in an accelerated master’s program. Visit our International Students page to find more information and helpful resources and guides.
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Is the 4+1 public health program good for pre-med students?
Yes, the 4+1 public health program is an excellent option for pre-med students who want to strengthen their understanding of population health, research methods, and healthcare systems. Completing graduate-level work in public health can enhance medical school applications, provide real-world experience through internships and research, and give you a broader perspective on healthcare and policy. For example, many graduate students use the thesis requirement of our MA in Bioethics program as their writing sample for med school with success.
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Can I switch to a 4+1 program after starting undergrad?
Yes, you can switch to a 4+1 degree program after starting undergrad. We encourage qualified students to submit their application by May 1st of their sophomore year.
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Does NYU offer an online 4+1 program?
No. The 4+1 accelerated program is designed for current NYU undergraduates to take graduate-level coursework on campus. However, we do offer an online Master of Public Health (MPH) option.
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How does a 4+1 program differ from a dual degree program?
The main differences between a 4+1 degree program and a dual degree program are structure and degree levels. A 4+1 degree is a type of dual degree where you earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years, while a dual degree may involve pursuing two undergraduate degrees or two graduate degrees simultaneously and require more time.
A 4+1 degree program is for those who want to streamline their undergraduate and graduate education, and want to earn a graduate degree sooner. Dual degrees are better suited for students seeking advanced credentials in two distinct fields.
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More questions?
Contact the NYU GPH 4+1 program advisor, Kristin Cutler, at kristin.cutler@nyu.edu.