4+1 Programs — Accelerated Bachelor plus Master Degrees

•  4+1 with the M.A. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy

• 4+1 with the Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  

• 4+1 with Master of Energy and Environmental Policy (MEEP)
  

The accelerated 4+1 programs allow advanced undergraduate students to complete an M.A. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy, a Master of Public Administration (MPA), or a Master of Energy & Environmental Policy (MEEP) degree while completing the requirements for their undergraduate degree.

Applicants for the M.A. or MPA must be Public Policy or Organizational & Community Leadership majors, and applicants for the MEEP 4+1 must be Energy & Environmental Policy majors. 

Insterested students must show promise of constructive involvement with faculty, staff, and other students in instruction, research, and public service. Consideration is also given to the student's potential for successful completion of his or her graduate program requirements. The Biden School seeks students with a mix of interests, backgrounds, and areas of competence.

Additional features of the 4+1 programs:

• Earn admission to either 4+1 program in the junior year.
• Take graduate courses while also pursuing an​ undergraduate Biden School major.
• Save one year of graduate tuition.
• Interact closely with graduate peers and faculty.
• Have a graduate faculty advisor after admission into either 4+1 program.
• Enjoy exposure to broad multicultural and interdisciplinary academic experiences.

Getting Started

It’s never too early to learn more about Biden School’s 4+1 programs or to start preparing application materials! Speak with your academic advisor or set up an appointment with one of the 4+1 program directors, and be sure to review the program admissions criteria.  

Because of the "hands on" aspect of the 4+1 programs, students can acquire professional skills and establish critical connections with practitioners early in their careers. Those who later wish to pursue a Ph.D. will have gained a background in research, organizational practices, and subject matter content.

​The M.A. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy prepares students to address critical policy challenges facing communities at all levels, from neighborhoods to the nation, including:

• health
• education
• housing
• civil rights
• poverty
• economic growth
• environmental quality
• the role of the media in citizenship and public policy

We understand that  planning and policy analysis are rapidly becoming integrated, intellectually and practically, into a single interdisciplinary field and profession.  The context of the program is distinctively urban.  It seeks to graduate individuals who combine the skills and theory to work in a variety of policy analysis/planning positions. The program equips our students with the diverse knowledge and experience needed to address policy challenges from creative vantage points, and we encourage them to adopt a truly global outlook on policy solutions.

M.A. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy Program Director: Danilo Yanich, Ph.D. dyanich@udel.edu

​​The Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares students for public management careers linked to government/nonprofit agencies, public advocacy groups or private sector organizations providing critical services directly related to the public good. The curriculum includes core subjects, area of specialization courses, and an internship experience. The MPA is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

MPA Program​ Director: Daniel Smith, Ph.D. dansmith@udel.edu​

The accelerated ENEP 4+1 BS/MS degree allows advanced undergraduate students to complete a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Policy while completing the requirements for the ENEP Bachelor's degree. Learn more about the MEEP 4+1.

MEEP Program Director: Ismat Shah, Ph.D. ismat@udel.edu

​​The certificate program in Historic Preservation is not a 4+1 degree, however, undergraduate students are eligible to apply and complete the certificate program concurrently with their undergraduate studies. This would result in a graduate certificate in addition to their bachelor's degree upon graduation from both programs. For more information on the Historic Preservation certificate program, please click here. Or, you may contact the program director, Chandra Reedy, directly with any questions.