The Four-Plus-One ("4 + 1") Mathematics Program

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B.S. in Mathematics		M.S. in Applied Mathematics

What is the "4 + 1" Program?

The "4 + 1" degree program is designed to provide a student working towards a Bachelorof Science in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics a means to complete the requirements for their undergraduate degree as well as a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics in a period of five years. Essentially, a student in the "4+1" program will enroll in several 500-level courses during their senior year, an anticipated two in the fall and two in the spring. These graduate level courses will count as Math Electives in the fulfillment of their B.S. degree and will be credited as "advanced placement" towards their M.S. degree.  After receiving their Bachelor's Degree at the end of their senior year, the student will return as a graduate student for an additional year of graduate-level course work in order to complete their Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics.

Why should I participate?

Why pursue an advanced degree,let alone one in Applied Mathematics? Check out a few of these comments taken from the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Who's Eligible to Apply to the "4 + 1" Program?

In order to apply for admission to the "4 + 1" Program, a student must

• Be in the B.S. Program in Mathematics (Applied or Traditional Option);
• Have completed a minimum of seventy-five (75) and a maximum of ninety-six (96) credit hours in their undergraduate programs, including credits earned from high school advanced placement, i.e. students will normally apply when they have completed the criteria for junior classification standing; and
• Have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 at WCU.

What do I need to do? A Proposed Time-line

Discuss the "4 + 1" Program option with your advisor. If you believe that you are qualified and would like to participate in the program, you and your advisor should do the following:

During Your Sophomore Year

• Adjust your projected course schedule to allow for the twelve (12) hours of the eligible 500-level classes during your senior year.

During the Second Semesterof Your Junior Year

• Complete your Degree Audit and your Application for Graduation.
• Meet with the Department Head and the Graduate Coordinator to complete the application for "4 + 1" Program. At this time, you will finalize a projected schedule for the four terms (2 senior year, 2 in 5th year). These are the courses you will need to complete with the grade of a B or better to satisfy the "4 + 1" Program requirements.
• Submit an application to the Graduate School. If you have not taken the GRE to date, you may postpone submitting this portion of your application to a later date.
• Your "4 + 1" Program Application will then be forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate School for final approval. Once signed by the Dean of the Graduate School, you will be accepted to the "4 + 1" Program in Mathematics. (Note: Acceptance into the "4+1" Program does not guarantee acceptance into Graduate School at WCU. You still have to meet the entrance requirements as stated in the Graduate Catalog.)

During Your Senior Year

• Take up to twelve (12) credit hours from MATH 522, 523, 524, 541, 561, 562, or 570.
• Complete all Graduate School entrance requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog that were not satisfied in your initial Graduate School Application.

After Admission to the Master's Program

• The designated courses in which you earned grades of B or better may be applied toward the requirements of the M.S. in Applied Mathematics.
• Fulfill the rest of the requirements for the M.S. in Applied Mathematics as stated in the Graduate Catalog and predetermined in your "4 + 1" Application. (Note: If you do not complete the "4 + 1" Program within 3 years, no courses that were counted in the BS degree will be counted towards the MS degree.)

• "4 + 1" Program General Information Sheet
• An Example of a Possible "4 + 1" Course Schedule
• "4 + 1" Application Form
• Mathematics and Computer Science Department's Home Page

• Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
  ATTN: 4+1 Mathematics Program
  305 Stillwell Building
  Western Carolina University
  (828) 227-7245
  
  Email