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. Reducing 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
Curriculum
The 4+1 programs allow bachelor’s seeking students to take up to twelve credit hours (4 classes) that count towards fulfilling their undergraduate degree requirements and count towards the completion of their master’s program. The bachelor’s degree is awarded after successful completion of all Undergraduate requirements. Once the bachelor’s degree is completed, a student is required to apply for the graduate program. Below students will find the program curriculum for the 4+1 course pairings offered.
4+1 Curriculum
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).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- 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.
