Apply to a 4+1 Master’s Program

WSU’s 4+1 accelerated degree programs allow eligible undergraduate students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree while sharing up to six credits between the two degrees. This myWSU pathway lets you apply to a 4+1 master’s program at no cost — no GradCAS or EngineeringCAS application fee required. Review the table of current programs below to see if your undergraduate program qualifies, then follow the step-by-step instructions to apply.

Undergraduate Degree*CampusMaster’s Degree*Campus**OptionsGraduate Coordinator
BA in Journalism & Media Production[P, G]MA in Health Communication & Promotion[G]NTJeremy Watson
BA in Journalism & Media Production[P, G]MA in Strategic Communication[G]NTJeremy Watson
BA in Strategic Communication[E, G, P, V]MA in Health Communication & Promotion[G]NTJeremy Watson
BA in Strategic Communication[E, G, P, V]MA in Strategic Communication[G]NTJeremy Watson
BS in Computer Science[V]MS in Computer Science[V]T or NTDiego Murillo
BS in Electrical Engineering[V]MS in Electrical Engineering[V]T or NTClaire Potter
BA in Sociology[P]MA in Sociology[P]TAlana Williams
BS in Architectural Studies[P]Master of Architecture[P]NTBrittanie Halvorson
BS in Sports Medicine[P]Masters in Athletic Training[P]NTInvitation Only
BS in Computer Science[P]MS in Artificial Intelligence[P]T or NTSmitha Bose
BS in Software Engineering[P]MS in Artificial Intelligence[P]T or NTSmitha Bose
BS in Computer Engineering[P]MS in Artificial Intelligence[P]T or NTSmitha Bose
BS in Cybersecurity[P]MS in Artificial Intelligence[P]T or NTSmitha Bose
BS in Kinesiology[P]MS in Kinesiology[P]T or NTKjelda Berg
*Campus Code: E = Everett, G = Global, P = Pullman, T = Tri-Cities, S = Spokane, V =Vancouver
**NT = Non-Thesis, T= Thesis

Student – How to Apply

1. Log in to myWSU. On the student homepage, navigate to the Profile tab.

2. On the profile page, click the Service Requests tab on the left side of the screen.

3. On the View Student Service Requests page, click the Create New Request button in the right pane.

4. On the resulting page, choose Apply to a 4+1 Master’s Degree Program and click Next.

5. Choose a Request Type and click Next.

  • Note Campus Code: E = Everett, G = Global, P = Pullman, T = Tri-Cities, S = Spokane, V =Vancouver

6. Choose a Request Subtype (the term you are applying for) and click Next.

7. On the Request Details page, enter your residency information in the comment box and click Submit.

Once your service request has been submitted, your departmental graduate coordinator will review it. If approved, an application will be created in myWSU. Check with the graduate coordinator listed in the programs table above to determine your status in the application process.

Graduate Coordinator – How to Manage 4+1 Admissions

The 4+1 accelerated degree pathway allows eligible undergraduate students to transition to a master’s program while bypassing the application and fee in GradCAS or EngineeringCAS. No graduate application exists initially—the undergraduate Service Request triggers the creation of the graduate record.

Part 1: Service Request Review (Undergraduate Level)

When a student submits a 4+1 Service Request, you will receive an email notification.

1. Navigate to Service Requests in myWSU.
2. Locate the row with the status 01_Submitted (Submitted by Student).
3. Add a single new row and select one of the following statuses:
  • 05_4PLUS_APP – Approve: Initiates the automated background process to generate a graduate application record in myWSU.
  • 21_DENY_RTS – Deny: Denies the request (e.g., student does not meet credit or semester standing requirements).
  • 23_INFO_RTS – Return to Student: Sends the request back to the student for corrections or term clarification.
Critical Rules for Approvals:
  • Approve only once: Approving a second time or re-submitting disrupts the routing system.
  • Do not add comments to the 05_4PLUS_APP approval row.
  • Do not check “Display Comment to Student.” Adding text or checking this box corrupts the automated staging script.
4. Allow 1–2 business days for the automated overnight staging process to run and generate the graduate application record.

Part 2: Application Evaluation & Admission Recommendation (Graduate Level)

Once the application clears staging, it transitions from the undergraduate record into your graduate evaluation queue.

1. Navigate to myWSU Application Evaluation.
2. Locate the applicant under the new Graduate Program line.
3. Upload Supporting Documents: Upload the recommendation letter and any required department materials directly to this evaluation page. (Do not email documents to Graduate School Admissions.)
4. Submit Recommendation: Select Recommend to Admit (or Deny) following standard graduate admissions procedures.
5. Matriculation & Immediate Enrollment:
  • Once the Graduate School processes the admission decision, the student is officially matriculated.
  • Because 4+1 admits often occur close to the start of the term, coordinators should assist the student with course enrollment immediately to ensure prompt Canvas access and prevent late registration fees.

Troubleshooting & Common Pitfalls

Issue Cause Action Required
No Grad Application visible yet Record is still processing in staging. Wait 24–48 hours after approving the Service Request before checking Application Evaluation.
System error during staging Notes added to approval row or multiple approvals submitted. Contact the Graduate School/ITS to clear duplicate or corrupted staging rows.
Student applied for multiple terms Duplicate Service Requests submitted. Use 23_INFO_RTS to clarify or 21_DENY_RTS on invalid terms before approving the correct one.
Student missing Canvas access Student is matriculated but not yet enrolled in sections. Department coordinator should enroll the student directly in myWSU.