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The 4+1 Accelerated Graduate Degree Program at CUNY SPH is a flexible, accelerated pathway that allows eligible undergraduate CUNY students at partner CUNY colleges to get a jump start on graduate-level coursework.
This program is ideal for high-achieving students from partner CUNY colleges who want to launch their public health careers faster. This program gives you early access to graduate training and professional development that puts you ahead in the job market.
By getting an early start on your master’s degree, you can move more quickly into advanced public health training—saving time, reducing costs, and building momentum toward your career goals.
Complete your graduate degree in less time than the traditional track by taking graduate courses while completing your undergraduate studies.
Take classes once, count them twice—at undergrad tuition rates. Earn up to 18 graduate credits that apply to both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Connect with SPH faculty, tap into research and career resources, and build relationships with graduate peers before you even finish your undergrad.
Enter the workforce or a doctoral program faster—with advanced skills and credentials.
If you answer yes to all four requirements, you may be eligible for this program.
Are you an undergraduate student currently enrolled at one of our partner CUNY colleges or programs?
Will you have completed 60 undergraduate credits or more (75 for Medgar Evers College and City Tech students) by the time you apply?
Do you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (3.3 for Macaulay Honors College students; 3.2 for Medgar Evers College students)?
Do you have at least one free elective available in your course of study? Check with your undergraduate advisor.
To explore eligibility for the 4+1 Accelerated Graduate Degree Program, students should first speak with their undergraduate advisor. Participation is open to students at select partner institutions, and program requirements vary by campus.
For students who aim to graduate in five years, we recommend following the sequence below:
| Freshman Year | Student completes undergraduate coursework. |
| Sophomore Year | Student speaks with undergraduate advisor about participation in 4+1 Program. Student applies to 4+1 Program at end of sophomore year. |
| Junior Year | Student completes relevant SPH coursework alongside undergraduate coursework. |
| Senior Year | Student completes relevant SPH coursework alongside undergraduate coursework. Student graduates with bachelor’s degree. |
| Year One at CUNY SPH | Student matriculates as a CUNY SPH student and completes remaining coursework. Student graduates with master’s degree. |
While completing their undergraduate studies, students take their courses at CUNY SPH using the ePermit system. For more specific course information, please see the Course Sequences section below. We recommend students schedule a call with a CUNY SPH staff advisor for assistance in mapping out their MPH or MS degree requirements.
Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at one of our partner colleges, and have:
Macaulay Honors College students must apply using the Macaulay application.
Initially, eligible students will apply to their college’s 4+1 Admissions Committee with a personal statement. The Admissions Committee will look up the student’s transcript. The application deadline is January 1st for students planning to start in the spring semester, May 1st for students planning to start in the summer session, and August 1st for students planning to start in the fall session.
Students who are accepted through this initial process will be eligible to begin taking graduate courses at CUNY SPH via e-permit. Accepted students may earn up to 18 graduate credits (CityTech and Lehman College students can earn up to 12 graduate credits) that will apply toward their bachelor’s degree at their home campus, and a master’s degree at CUNY SPH.
Students will be provisionally admitted to CUNY SPH and will not be required to complete an application in SOPHAS (which is a sort of CommonApp for schools of public health). The GRE is waived for all applicants. All other requirements will apply. Application fees will be waived by CUNY SPH.
Final acceptance will be granted when students have completed at least 12 credits of SPH coursework, maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for both cumulative and SPH-specific coursework, and earned their bachelor’s degree. Students who have completed fewer than 12 credits of SPH courses while undergraduates will be reviewed for final acceptance.
The optional course sequences below are designed for full-time students who plan to complete the 4+1 program in five years. Part-time students are encouraged to meet with a CUNY SPH staff advisor to map out an appropriate plan of study.
Yes, if the courses count toward your undergraduate degree requirements, they are typically covered by financial aid such as TAP. Confirm with your financial aid office to ensure eligibility. Visit our financial aid page for more information.
The 4+1 accelerated graduate degree program is for students who are still completing their undergraduate degree. Speak with your undergraduate advisor about the best path for you to complete your graduate degree.
Students can apply as soon as they have completed 60 credits (75 for Medgar Evers College students).
Maximum number of credits is not as important as the courses you have left in your undergraduate degree. Courses taken at CUNY SPH while you are still an undergraduate student should count towards your undergraduate degree.
Yes, you may defer your admission. Ensure that the SPH courses you plan to take upon your return will still count toward your undergraduate degree requirements.
SPH will accept the undergraduate students to the SPH MPH or MS programs provisionally, with final acceptance to the SPH MPH or MS program granted when the students have successfully complete the SPH courses taken while they are undergraduate, maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as undergraduates (3.5 for Macaulay students), maintained a GPA in SPH coursework of 3.0 or better, completed their bachelor’s degrees, and met any additional admission criteria set by each SPH academic program. Students who have completed fewer than 12 credits of SPH courses while undergraduates will be reviewed for final acceptance on a case-by-case basis.
Course selection should align with your undergraduate degree requirements and be approved by your undergraduate advisor to ensure they fulfill necessary credits for both degrees.
Master of Public Health program sequences:
MPH in Community Health
MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
MPH in Health Policy and Management
MPH in Public Health Nutrition
Master of Science program sequences:
MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
MS in Health Communication for Social Change
MS in Population Health Informatics
Yes, you will have access to the CUNY SPH staff adviser, as well as a faculty advisor upon matriculation to the program.
Yes, you may ask to change your concentration. Contact the Office of Admissions with your intended SPH concentration.
Depending on your major, you may be able to substitute SPH courses for your undergraduate concentration courses. Speak with your undergraduate advisor about which SPH courses may count as your undergraduate courses.
No, the GRE requirement is waived for students entering the master’s program via the 4+1 pathway. For more detailed information and to discuss your individual circumstances, please consult with your undergraduate advisor and contact the CUNY SPH Office of Admissions.
After earning your bachelor’s degree and successfully completing SPH coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, you will be fully matriculated into the master’s program at CUNY SPH without the need to reapply through SOPHAS.