Accelerate Your Education with Wesleyan’s Dual Degree Pathways
Bachelor’s to Master’s
Same Admission Process. Same High-Quality Curriculum.
Undergraduate-to-Graduate Pathways
North Carolina Wesleyan University offers accelerated 3+1 and 4+1 degree pathways designed to help students earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree faster and more efficiently than traditional programs. These flexible Undergraduate-to-Graduate dual‑degree options provide a streamlined route to advanced credentials, making NCWU a top choice for students seeking affordable, career‑focused accelerated degrees.
The 3+1 accelerated pathway allows motivated students—including adult learners and transfer students—to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as four years. This fast‑track option helps students save time, reduce tuition costs, and gain a competitive edge by entering the workforce with a graduate‑level credential.
With NCWU’s 4+1 Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways (ADDPs), students can earn both degrees in five years, following a carefully aligned curriculum that prepares them for graduate‑level work. Supportive faculty and dedicated advisors ensure a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate study, providing guidance every step of the way.
Whether you pursue the 3+1 or 4+1 track, these accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate programs offer an efficient, affordable, and high‑quality path toward professional growth. NCWU’s dual‑degree pathways empower students to graduate sooner, advance faster, and enter the job market with stronger qualifications.
Request more info about Undergraduate-to-Graduate pathways or Apply Today!
Why Pursue a Dual Undergraduate-to-Graduate Degree?
Pathway Features & Highlights:
Convenient
Easy application process and NO application fees! Accelerated courses online, seated or in a hybrid format. One simple admissions process.
Flexible
Tailored pathway to get the skills and expertise you need to elevate your career and enter the workforce equipped with an advanced degree.
Affordable
Tuition is benchmarked against private institutions and there are minimal fees. Plus, financial aid and scholarships are available.
Experienced
Our engaging faculty have real-world professional experience to ensure you are challenged and supported through practical coursework.
Undergraduate-to-Graduate Dual Degree Pathways Overview
The 3+1 Accelerated Degree Pathway offers multiple combinations of Undergraduate-to-Graduate degrees. Students can complete a bachelor’s degree in one of several majors and continue directly into a graduate program in either the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Science in Information Technology Management (MSITM) or an Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL). Available pathways include:
- Accounting + MBA
- Business Administration + MBA
- Computer Information Systems + MBA
- Computer Information Systems + MSITM
- Criminal Justice + MSCJ
- Healthcare Administration + MBA
- Marketing + MBA
- Organizational Leadership + MBA
- Sports Administration + MBA
- Supply Chain Management + MBA
NOTE: Concentrations for the MBA and MSCJ programs are available. Please visit our Graduate Programs for additional information.
How the 3+1 Accelerated Degree Pathway Works
Our Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways are designed for full-time students who are ready to take charge of their future. By attending year-round – including summer terms – you can complete a bachelor’s in three years and a master’s in one, earning two degrees in just four years.
- Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees faster through the 3+1 model (3+1 Accelerated Degree Pathway)
- Receive the same high-quality curriculum as traditional degree tracks
- No extra admissions steps – just express your interest, and an advisor will help you create a personalized plan
- Community college graduates can take advantage of an even faster option by completing their undergraduate and graduate degrees in just 2 to 2.5 years
Requirements:
- Complete 40 semester hours per year (including summers)
- Successfully follow three-year personalized academic plan to completion
- Students must meet all GPA requirements for satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the college catalog.
Acceptance to the graduate programs is competitive and contingent on the student successfully meeting all undergraduate requirements, applying for graduation, bachelor degree conferral and meeting graduate admissions criteria.
Cost & Aid
4+1 Master of Public Health (MPH)
Prepare for impactful roles in public health, policy, and community wellness with a streamlined path to advanced training.
4+1 Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL)
Develop high‑level leadership, communication, and organizational strategy skills to elevate your career across industries.
4+1 Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Gain advanced business, management, and decision‑making skills that position you for leadership roles in today’s competitive marketplace.
4+1 Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
Build expertise in criminal justice theory, leadership, and data‑driven practice to advance in law enforcement or justice administration.
Start your 4+1 journey today and accelerate your path to success.
How the 4+1 Accelerated Degree Pathway Works
By attending year-round – including summer terms – you can complete a bachelor’s in four years and a master’s in one, earning two degrees in just five years.
- Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees faster through the 4+1 model for specific programs
- Receive the same high-quality curriculum as traditional degree tracks
- No extra admissions steps – just express your interest, and an advisor will help you create a personalized plan
Requirements:
- Complete 40 semester hours per year (including summers)
- Successfully follow three-year personalized academic plan to completion
- Students must meet all GPA requirements for satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the college catalog.
Acceptance to the graduate programs is competitive and contingent on the student successfully meeting all undergraduate requirements, applying for graduation, bachelor degree conferral and meeting graduate admissions criteria.
Cost & Aid
Accelerated Degree Pathway Comparision
3+1 Accelerated Pathway |
4+1 Accelerated Dual Degree Pathway |
| Complete bachelor’s + master’s in 4 years | Complete bachelor’s + master’s in 5 years |
| Fastest route for motivated students | More traditional pacing with accelerated structure |
| Ideal for traditional, adult, and transfer students | Strong advising and continuity |
| Save time and cut costs | Undergrad courses prepare for graduate-level success |
| Undergrad courses aligned with 1-year master’s | Master’s degree earned in one additional year |
| Transfer students with associate degree may finish in ~3 years | Ideal for students who want structured support |
| Enter the workforce sooner with advanced credentials |
Undergraduate‑to‑Graduate Degree Pathways FAQs
What is an accelerated degree pathway?
How does the Dual Degree Pathways at NCWU work?
The 3+1 pathway allows you to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree, followed by one year to earn your master’s. The 4+1 pathway allows you to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by one year to earn your master’s. You’ll work closely with an academic advisor to follow a personalized course plan, ensuring you meet all credit and GPA requirements each year.
What are the requirements for these pathways?
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Undergraduate‑to‑Graduate Degree Pathways allow students to complete a bachelor’s (BA/BS) and master’s (MA/MS) degree in a streamlined, accelerated format. These are not combined programs, but structured pathways that help motivated students move efficiently from undergraduate to graduate study.
Students must complete at least 150 total credit hours to earn both degrees.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
- Earn 120 unique credit hours that meet all undergraduate program requirements.
- Complete at least 90 undergraduate credit hours before taking graduate‑level courses.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for graduate coursework.
- Graduate courses that count toward undergraduate requirements must have pre‑approved course equivalencies.
Master’s Degree Requirements
- Earn 30 unique graduate credit hours and meet all graduate program requirements.
- Undergraduate courses cannot count toward graduate credits under any circumstances.
- Students must complete the bachelor’s degree before officially enrolling in the graduate program.
- Graduate enrollment must last for at least one semester before the degree is awarded.
Important Note
Credit hours cannot be double‑counted. Undergraduate and graduate degree requirements must be met with separate, unique credits.
How many credits are required to complete both degrees?
Students must complete at least 150 total credit hours to earn both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Can any credit hours count for both degrees?
No. Credit hours cannot be double‑counted. Undergraduate and graduate requirements must be fulfilled using separate, unique credits.
When can I begin taking graduate‑level courses?
You may take approved graduate courses after completing 90 undergraduate credit hours and maintaining a 3.0 GPA, provided the courses have been formally approved to meet undergraduate requirements.
Who can enroll in the accelerated bachelor’s and master’s program?
Traditional first-year students, adult learners, and transfer students – including those from community colleges – are eligible to pursue this accelerated undergraduate program. Associate degree holders can qualify for a 2+1 path, completing both degrees in as little as 2 to 2.5 years.
What are the benefits of enrolling in an accelerated degree pathway?
You can enter the workforce faster, save money on tuition and fees, and gain a competitive edge with an advanced degree. The pathway eliminates the need for a separate graduate admissions process and helps reduce costs related to applications, tests, and extra coursework.
Is the curriculum different from a traditional degree path?
No. You receive the same high-quality curriculum as students in standard programs. The accelerated timeline is achieved through a year-round course load and efficient credit planning and not by cutting content or course quality.
Are courses available online or seated?
Many of these courses and tracks are available in seated, hybrid, and online formats. We would be happy to connect you with an academic advisor to review your educational goals and needs so you can learn how NCWU can set you up for success.
What graduate degrees can I earn through these pathways?
The Accelerated Degree Pathways offer multiple combinations of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can complete a bachelor’s degree in one of several majors and continue directly into a graduate program in either the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Science in Information Technology Management (MSITM) or an Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL). Available pathways include:
- Accounting + MBA
- Business Administration + MBA
- Computer Information Systems + MBA
- Computer Information Systems + MSITM
- Criminal Justice + MSCJ
- Healthcare Administration + MBA
- Marketing + MBA
- Organizational Leadership + MBA
- Sports Administration + MBA
- Supply Chain Management + MBA
- 4+1 Master of Public Health (MPH)
- 4+1 Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL)
- 4+1 Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4+1 Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
What kind of support will I receive?
From day one, students are assigned an academic advisor who will help build a three-year academic plan and monitor their progress. You’ll also have access to NCWU’s career coaches and faculty mentors throughout both degrees.
Does the pathway cost more than a traditional degree path?
No. In fact, the Dual Degree pathways can be more affordable. You’ll save on tuition over time by earning your degrees faster and reducing the total number of semesters enrolled. Plus, NCWU offers financial aid, scholarships, and minimal fees.
