4+1 Master’s Degree Program

A graduate degree in half the time

Friends University’s 4+1 program allows students from various majors to start earning credits toward a master’s degree while they are still enrolled in an undergraduate program. Earn up to 12 graduate credit hours that count toward BOTH your undergraduate degree as well as accelerate your master’s degree program for a faster, cost-effective way to earn a master’s degree. If you’re thinking about pursuing a master’s immediately following your bachelor’s this option might be the right choice for you.

Earn your graduate degree.

Program Highlights

A graduate degree in half the time

Our 4+1 program allows students from various majors to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just five years.

Save Time and Money

With the 4+1 graduate program, you can save time and money getting your master’s degree.

No GMAT or GRE required

No GMAT or GRE required.

Flexibility and convenience

On campus, online or real-time virtual classes.

Help every step of the way

Your advisors and academic success coach will guide you through the program.

Complete your master’s degree sooner

As an undergraduate you can earn 3 -12 credits hours toward a graduate degree.

Great options

Multiple master’s degrees to choose from.

4+1 FAQs

Admissions FAQs

How do I enroll into 4+1?  

  • Apply to Graduate School here. Even current Friends University students need to apply to Graduate School to complete the 4+1 program
  • Please utilize the registration form on this page to opt-in to the 4+1 program 

What Graduate Degrees are available in the 4+1?  

What are the concentrations in the MBA and GMBA graduate programs?  

  • Accounting 
  • Change Management
  • Human Resources 
  • Project Management 
  • Sports Administration 
  • Supply Chain Management 

Why should I consider getting a concentration versus obtaining a General Business Administration concentration?  

A concentration defines a specialized area that you have dedicated your education. Completion of a concentration area is documented on your Academic Transcript and can be a great resume builder for particular business positions. Whereas, the General Business Administration concentration is flexible and allows you to explore different areas of business.  

Graduate Classes FAQs

When should I start taking graduate classes?  

Depending on your advised academic plan, one may start taking Graduate classes as soon as their Junior status.  

How many graduate credits can I get as an undergraduate student?  

Undergraduate students can take up to 12 graduate credit hours 

Who should I talk to about my class schedule?  

Your assigned undergraduate advisor will continue to oversee your undergraduate academic plan until completion of your undergraduate degree. When preparing to transition from undergraduate to graduate school and/or defining your graduate concentration area, it is recommended that you connect with the Graduate School advisor to ensure that the undergraduate and graduate advising plans overlap and progress smoothly.  

Questions on Transition from Undergraduate to Graduate School 

When do I need to complete a Graduate School application?  

Students can apply for graduate school one year out from your first semester as a graduate student. For example, if you graduate with your Bachelor’s degree in May of 2024, and plan to continue with graduate school in Summer of 2024, you can apply for graduate school in Summer of 2023.  

How do I apply to Graduate School?  

Students will need to submit an application here.  

After submitting your application, a Graduate School Recruiter will contact you with next steps. 

Do I need to pay the admission fee for Graduate School?  

Application fees can be waived. Please connect with a Graduate School Recruiter for waiver code.  

Finance FAQs

How much does graduate school cost?  

Graduate class at Friends University is paid per credit hour. Please keep in mind that credit hours will vary depending on how many credits were completed as an undergraduate student.  Please visit our Graduate Cost Info page here.  

How can I pay for graduate school? 

Graduate students can utilize financial aid to pay for school, as well as any outside scholarships. Payment plans can be set-up through the Student Account Services.  

Are there any scholarships?  

Friends offers one scholarship for graduate students, which is the Gerald E. Literhland Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded once a year to support the Global MBA business residency abroad. For questions about this particular scholarship, please contact Dr. Kneeland Brown at kneeland_brown@friends.edu or call 316-295-5926.  

Career FAQs

How do I find and apply for an internship? 

Friends University uses a program called Handshake which is a job posting platform available to universities to connect students and employers. Employers load internships and job opportunities as well as host interview dates and events. Students can create a profile and apply for jobs through the platform. Login at friends.joinhandshake.com or download the app today on the App Store or Google Play. 

What career ready resources are available for students? 

The Career Services Department assists in providing resources and services to students and alumni including career exploration and assessments, career planning, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, networking, gaining experience, job/internship searching, job shadowing, mentorship, graduate school planning and other areas. 

How do I connect with the Career Services Office? 

Students can make an appointment with the Career Services office through the Career Services Moodle page or by visiting https://friends-university-career-services.appointlet.com/. Drop-in visits are also accepted in our office which is located in the Davis Building, room 216. The connect with the Career Services office you can call 316-295-5885 or email at career@friends.edu.  

How do I find additional information around careers and the Career Services Office? 

Please visit https://friends.edu/students/career-services/ for more information. 

Contact Information

For more information and questions regarding classes, scheduling, and advising, contact the Adult Recruitment team at adultrecruitment@friends.edu or call 316-295-5100. Additionally you can contact Dr. Preston Todd, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success at 316-295-5623 or Preston_todd@friends.edu.

Business Options

Professional MBA, Master of Business Administration

Professional MBA, Master of Business Administration

The professional MBA program, offered in Wichita, Topeka and online, includes significant learning experiences through case-studies, simulations, thought-provoking individual and collaborative projects, and stimulating classes taught by remarkable faculty and business leaders.

Global MBA, Global Master of Business Administration

Global MBA, Global Master of Business Administration

Our Global MBA degree program is designed for working professionals, just like you. You’ll gain the leadership and cross-cultural communication skills necessary to take your career international. Complete your degree in as little as one year, either on-campus or online.

Master of Health Care Leadership

Master of Health Care Leadership

The MHCL program will prepare students for responsible positions of professional leadership in the health care environment. The coursework was developed by leaders in the health care industry and specifically designed to encompass all phases of health care leadership, including acute and long-term care, clinic and hospital management, and home health and hospice agencies.

Master of Management Information Systems

Master of Management Information Systems

The master of management information systems (MMIS), offered in Wichita and online, is a professional degree that integrates the information systems and business cultures. During their program of study, students focus on the strategic role information systems plays in a business organization.

Master of Science in Strategic Leadership

Master of Science in Strategic Leadership

The Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) prepares students for leadership roles in many occupational fields. MSSL graduates will be prepared to be change agents who can create meaningful organizational improvements through effective communication and highly developed emotional intelligence. The purpose of this program is to develop transformative leaders to serve in profit and non-profit organizations.

Education Options

Master of Education

Master of Education

The new METL degree program includes a revised, cutting-edge core focused on the common core, learning, performance and assessment. Beyond the core, you will select 12 workshops from more than 100 potential choices to fully customize the remainder of the program of study.

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