An Asian male scientist in a white lab coat and plastic gloves looks through a microscope in a lab

PlusOne and Accelerated Programs

The PlusOne program allows current Northeastern students the opportunity to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree successively in a condensed period of time. We also offer Accelerated PhD programs in Biology and Physics.

Overview

Students enrolled in a PlusOne program can accelerate their education by applying graduate-level coursework toward both their undergraduate and master’s degrees. This streamlined path allows them to earn both degrees in less time than it would take to complete each separately. 

In most programs, students who maintain strong academic progress typically earn their master’s degree just one year after finishing their undergraduate studies. 

PlusOne Programs

Northeastern University Helmuth lab technician Sahana Simonetti, a recent marine biology graduate, sets up a Trimble GPS on the shore of the Nahant campus on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The device helps Simonetti locate the robotic mussels dispersed along the shoreline.

Create Your Own PlusOne

If you would like to create a PlusOne program outside of the current offerings, a complete PlusOne application is required for review. 

Select Program ‘Create Your Own’ on the online application. Submit this form in the Program Plan section of the online application. The form should be signed by your undergraduate advisor and director from your home college. 

Accelerated PhD Programs

Students who are interested in advanced entry to the Biology or Physics Accelerated PhD programs should review the application requirements below and apply online. Undergraduate transcripts will be automatically uploaded by Graduate Student Services once the application is complete. No GRE or application fee is required.  

Biology PhD Accelerated Program

Students who are pursuing a BS in biology are eligible to apply for accelerated admission into the Biology PhD program.  

View the application requirements

Physics PhD Accelerated Program

Interested students should review eligibility, course, and application requirements below.

  • Students pursuing a BS Physics degrees 
  • Must be on spring co-op (Div BA) or skipping your last co-op 
  • Must have a 3.5+ GPA in physics courses 

Before finishing your BS, you’ll need to complete: 

  • PHYS 7321 and PHYS 7301 (two 7000-level graduate courses) 
  • PHYS 5318 (one 5000-level course) 
  • Grade of B or higher in all three 

Step 1 — Get Permission 

Email the Graduate Director by April 1 of your 3rd year for permission to take 7000-level courses. This gets you into the first stage but does not guarantee PhD admission. 

Step 2 — Apply to the PhD Program 

  • 4-year track: apply by December 1 of Year 4, finish BS at end of Year 4 
  • 5-year track: apply by December 1 of Year 5, finish BS at end of Year 5 

If you’ve met the GPA and course requirements, you only need: 

  • Personal statement 
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Transcript 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Count up to 17 eligible undergraduate credits toward a master’s degree 
  • Save up to 50% on graduate tuition 
  • Save time—complete BS and MS degrees in five years 
  • Complete a graduate co-op 

Including but not limited to:  

  • Cumulative GPA 3.0  
  • At least two semesters left in undergraduate plan of study (three academic semesters prior for Marine Biology) 

Apply to enter no earlier than your fifth academic semester and at least two semesters before expecting to earn your Bachelor of Science degree (three academic semesters prior for Marine Biology). 

Apply online starting in July. Include individual plan of study. No GRE, application fee, or transcripts required. 

Any financial aid a student may have received from the university while an undergraduate will not continue once the student obtains graduate status.  

PlusOne students are not eligible for the Double Husky Scholarship. 

Want to take the next step?

Application Requirements