Park University 4+1 Program
Save time and money by taking 4+1 coursework.
Park University’s 4+1 program allows bachelor’s seeking students with at least 60 undergraduate credit hours and a GPA of 3.0+ to take graduate coursework for dual credit.
The 4+1 program reduces the time necessary to complete a graduate degree from two years to as little as one.
Current Students
In a competitive business environment, having a master’s degree can lead to higher-level positions, a competitive edge, and greater earning potential.
The 4+1 Program at Park University allows students to reduce the time to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in as little as five years. Students may share up to twelve specific credit hours between their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Graduate level courses share the same term schedule and same learning platform that current students are already familiar with.
Have specific questions about 4+1 before you apply? Contact fourplusone@park.edu or your assigned Advisor.
Current Students Apply Here
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
4+1 Policies
- Students must be aware and understand that by participating in this program they will be enrolled in an actual graduate level course, with graduate students, and therefore will be expected to perform at the graduate academic level.
- Students must maintain an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale while taking applicable graduate level courses.
- Students will have to apply to the graduate program of choice and meet the admission requirements to officially be reviewed for admission to the graduate program. It is recommended that students apply to the graduate program while enrolled in their final undergraduate semester.
- Students must adhere to graduate school policies while enrolled in graduate courses. Graduate school academic standards allow for a maximum of two “C”s throughout the program and no grade lower than a “C” in graduate courses taken at the time of graduation from the graduate program. When students enter Graduate School, all grades received in graduate courses taken for the 4+1 program will adhere to graduate academic standards and policies. Refer to graduate school academic standards in the current Graduate Catalog.
- Students can use VA Chapters 30, 31*, 33, 35 benefits, federal grants and loans, Cal grant, Missouri grant, Park University institutional scholarships, external scholarships, federal tuition assistance, third-party payments (if approved by the third-party), payment plans, and full pay out-of-pocket payment as methods of funding for the 4+1 graduate-level courses.
At this time, state tuition assistance cannot be used as a method of funding for 4+1.
*Students using VA Chapter 31 (Veterans Readiness and Employment Services) need VA counselor approval and would need to be listed on the P.O. (Purchase Order).
- What are the admissions/eligibility requirements?
Students must have completed at least 60 undergraduate credit hours and have a GPA of at least a 3.0 or higher.
- How do I apply for 4+1?
Current students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply here.
Students who have never attended Park University or who haven’t attended in the past 2 years can apply on 4+1 webpage labeled “Get Started” on the right-hand side of the webpage. This will ensure your Admissions Advisor knows that you are interested in Park and the 4+1 program from the start.
- How soon will I find out if I’m approved for 4+1?
Students who submit the 4+1 application will have their eligibility reviewed within 3 business days. Decisions will be communicated to students (via their Park academic e-mail) and to their assigned Advisor.
- How many classes can I take at the graduate level?
Students can take up to 4 graduate-level courses (12 credit hours).
- How many graduate level 4+1 courses can I take in an 8-week term?
Students can only take 1 graduate level 4+1 course in an 8-week term. Requests for exceptions should be sent to fourplusone@park.edu.
- What are the academic expectations of taking graduate-level coursework?
Students taking 4+1 graduate-level courses are expected to perform at a graduate-level, which includes research, writing, and collaborating with their peers. Communication with your professor and classmates is important to get the most out of your graduate course(s) and to build your network of professionals.
- How do I maintain my eligibility to continue taking 4+1 graduate level coursework?
Students must adhere to graduate school policies while enrolled in graduate courses. Graduate school academic standards allow for a maximum of two “C”s throughout the program and no grade lower than a “C” in graduate courses taken at the time of graduation from the graduate program. When students enter Graduate School, all grades received in graduate courses taken under the 4+1 program will adhere to Academic Standing – Graduate in the catalog. Students can also refer to the Graduate Admissions
- What sort of funding can I use to pay for my 4+1 graduate level coursework?
Students can use VA Chapters 30, 31*, 33, 35 benefits, federal grants and loans, Cal grant, Missouri grant, Park University institutional scholarships, external scholarships, federal tuition assistance, third-party payments (if approved by the third-party), payment plans, and full pay out-of-pocket payment as methods of funding for the 4+1 graduate-level courses.
At this time, state tuition assistance cannot be used as a method of funding for 4+1.
*Students using VA Chapter 31 (Veterans Readiness and Employment Services) need VA counselor approval and would need to be listed on the P.O. (Purchase Order).
- How much will I actually save?
Savings depend on multiple factors: tuition rate, graduate program selection, and number of 4+1 courses taken (up to 12 credit hours). Please contact your assigned Advisor who can give you an estimate based on the factors outlined above.
- I’m using VA Chapter 33, what do I need to know?
4+1 graduate coursework is considered “substitutes” for undergraduate degree program requirements. Therefore, students are certified in their undergraduate program for the tuition of their graduate 4+1 course. Students taking a total of 6 credit hours (can be a combination of undergraduate and graduate credit hours) will be certified as full-time for an 8-week term.
- I’m using Tuition Assistance, what do I need to know?
Tuition Assistance is typically paid to students at $250 a credit hour. Students taking a graduate level course are charged the graduate level tuition rate. Therefore, there is typically a difference that TA will not cover. In this case, we recommend considering additional funding options to cover the difference. See current tuition rates.
- Can I use my Access to Education (A2E) discount for graduate-level coursework?
Yes, discounts can be used towards both undergraduate and graduate coursework. See Park Partners for a list of our A2E partners.
- When do I need to apply to graduate school?
Students admitted into the 4+1 program should apply for graduate school at least 1 semester prior to graduation.
- How do I apply to graduate school?
Students can either on the 4+1 webpage under “Get Started”, which is located to the right of the webpage, or they can apply directly at park.edu/apply.
Once on the application page:
- Log in using your original email and password (reset if need be)
- Click on “application history” in the navigation bar along the top of the screen
- Click “create new application”
- Click “application” in the top red navigation bar
- Fill out new application for graduate study
Application fee waived for Park University Graduates. Call (816) 559-5625 BEFORE getting started for the application fee waiver code.
- Will I have to take the GMAT or GRE?
Park University’s College of Management does not require GMAT or GRE for admission into graduate school.
Have additional questions about admissions requirements? Contact Graduate Admissions at (816) 559-5625 or e-mail graduateadmissions@park.edu.
- What career resources are available to Park students?
The goal of the Career Development Center (CDC) is to provide career planning tools to insure a lifetime of career success. No matter where you attend Park University – at one of our campus centers or online – we’re here to help you succeed. Take advantage of this free resource whether you’re just starting out or transitioning to a different career. The CDC offers services for all stages of career development, including:
- How to network and use social media in the job search including Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest
- Resume and cover letter assistance and review: what is a “good” resume
- Interview tips and preparation
- Resources for career exploration and planning
- Graduation school selection and admissions information
- Network opportunities only for Park students and alumni including Handshake and visits with employers
Contact the Career Development Center for more information.
- Where can I find information to help me with my job or internship search?
Whether you are on the hunt for an internship or full-time position, we’ve got you covered! Let’s talk – the search, application, and interviewing. See Career Services.
Have additional questions not in the FAQ’s? E-mail fourplusone@park.edu or contact your assigned Advisor.
INCREASE KNOWLEDGE. OPEN OPPORTUNITIES. UNLOCK POTENTIAL.
- Save time and money by earning 2 degrees in as little as 5 years.
- Earn up to twelve credits towards your master’s degree.
- Gain a competitive edge by earning the necessary credentials and competencies for a successful career.
- Network with industry professionals in your graduate courses.
- Change your life and those that depend upon you.
Don’t just take our word for it, this is what the research shows:
- Potential life-time earnings of $2.9M for those holding a graduate degree1
- 2% unemployment rate for those with a graduate degree2
- Master graduates’ make 26% higher starting salary than bachelor graduates3
1 Source: Tamborini, Christopher R., Chang Hwan Kim, and Arthur Sakamoto. 2015. “Education and Lifetime Earnings in the United States.” Demography 52: 1383-1407.
2Source: Current Population Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Figure based on January 2020 data.
3Source: NACE. December 2019. Data from July 1, 2018 – June 30,2019.
Disclaimer: The content within this message is not intended to be an implicit or explicit promise or guarantee of future professional success.
Program Descriptions
Master of Business Administration, M.B.A – Park University’s Master of Business Administration degree program was founded in 1998. Park’s MBA program offers a student-centered learning environment to produce responsible, innovative business leaders in an ever-changing global environment. It prepares students as entrepreneurial thinkers to enhance business competitiveness in a global environment. Significance is placed on applying business knowledge and techniques to implement decisions.
The MBA curriculum is designed with the working professional in mind. Students are expected to engage in team assignments and are given the opportunity to obtain hands on knowledge through projects and case study analysis.
Master of Healthcare, M.H.A. – The Master of Healthcare Administration program is in the School of Business which is housed within the College of Management and is designed for those individuals who are currently, or who aspire to be, leaders in a variety of health settings. Today’s health organizations need administrators who can manage the current components of healthcare, as well as lead the health sector in new directions. The MHA program offers students the opportunity to understand and master the organizational, legal, financial, political and managerial aspects of health systems management. The MHA program offers a unique curriculum that is designed specifically to meet the career needs of future health leaders.
Master of Public Administration, M.P.A. – Launched in 1982, the Master in Public Administration was the first graduate degree offered at Park University. Our values-grounded, liberal arts-based professional master’s program is designed to develop your leadership skills. You’ll build your knowledge base, decision-making capabilities, critical thinking and governing expertise across government, business, industry and nonprofit sectors.
Master of Science, Information Systems and Business Analytics, I.S.B.A. M.S. – Park University’s Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics provides students with the technical, managerial, and strategic acumen necessary to leverage information technology and data to maintain a competitive advantage and improve operational outcomes.
| Programs | Locations |
|---|---|
| MPA 4+1 Program | Online, Blended (in the Kansas City area), and Gilbert |
| MHA 4+1 Program | Online, Blended (in the Kansas City area), and El Paso |
| MBA 4+1 Program | Online, Blended (in the Kansas City area), Austin, Camp Pendleton (CA), DSCC (OH), and El Paso (TX) |
| ISBA 4+1 Program | Online, Blended (in the Kansas City area), and El Paso |
Testimonials
Students
“I am in the last week of my first MBA course under the 4+1 Program. I took MBA515 with Dr. Scroggins via zoom. It has been a great experience.”
– Anonymous
“I learned about the 4+1 program when I was looking for a college to transfer to last spring. It was an important decision factor and probably the second most important reason why I chose Park University over other universities. Esports was my number one reason. It’s a good program for those that want to save money on tuition and want to graduate faster. Students who have already decided what graduate degree they want to pursue will benefit.”
– Richard Oles
“Of the courses that I have so far attended, the difficulty of the material has been pretty good. Not too difficult, but not too easy that I feel I am not learning the material. I would recommend it to other students especially those athletes affected by Covid who have an extra year of eligibility.”
– Zachery Swanson
Faculty
“I am excited about Park’s unique 4+1 offering for undergraduate students! Park University’s 4+1 Program provides students a tremendous opportunity to take graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Qualified students accepted to the 4+1 Program will have the opportunity to enroll in graduate courses and receive credit towards their undergraduate degree while simultaneously receiving credit towards Park’s nationally accredited graduate programs. While students will be challenged in these graduate courses, I believe that they will be rewarded through their engagement with peers and an engaged faculty body.
I believe that one of the greatest benefits to this program is that students are paying one price, but receiving the benefit of credit towards both their undergraduate degree and graduate program. Leveraging the 4+1 opportunity affords the student the ability to begin working towards a graduate degree during their undergraduate studies. Upon graduation as an undergraduate, students taking advantage of the courses available in the 4+1 would have up to 12 credit hours earned towards their graduate degree. For individuals considering a graduate degree, I can’t think of a better opportunity for advancing their individual studies.”
– Greg Moore, D.B.A., Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in Business