Earn your Master’s degree in less time and for less money
At the University of San Diego’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, we believe in empowering our students to reach their professional goals faster. Our combined degree programs (often referred to as 4+1 programs) allow high-achieving undergraduate students to begin working toward a Master’s degree while completing their Bachelor’s. Specific units can count toward both degrees, which means you can graduate with a Master’s in as little as one additional year.
What is a Combined Degree?
A combined degree program is an accelerated academic path designed for students who know they want to pursue graduate-level expertise. Instead of finishing a four-year (or 4.5) undergraduate degree and then starting a separate two-year Master’s program, you bridge the two.
During your senior year, you take graduate-level courses that fulfill your remaining undergraduate requirements while simultaneously earning credit toward your Master’s degree.
Why Choose a Combined Path?
- Save Time: Complete two degrees in five years instead of the traditional six. Enter the professional workforce with a Master's degree a full year ahead of your peers.
- Save Money: With units that count toward both your Bachelor’s and Master’s, you pay undergraduate tuition rates for a portion of your graduate credits, significantly reducing the overall cost of your Master’s degree.
- Competitive Edge: In today’s job market, a Master’s degree is increasingly becoming the standard for leadership roles. Graduate with the specialized skills employers are looking for right now.
- Seamless Transition: Stay within the USD community you love. There is no need to move, adjust to a new campus, or navigate a completely different administrative system.
Eligibility & Getting Started
While requirements vary slightly by department, general eligibility for USD combined degree programs includes:
- Current Enrollment: You must be a currently enrolled USD undergraduate student.
- Academic Standing: Most programs require a minimum cumulative GPA (typically 3.0 or higher).
- Timing: Students usually apply during their junior year to begin graduate coursework in their senior year.
- Prerequisites: Completion of specific foundational undergraduate courses related to the graduate field of study. Check each program for more details.
Explore Our Combined Degree Programs
Select a program below to view specific curriculum details, application deadlines and department-specific requirements.
MS in Applied Data Science (MS-ADS) Combined Degree
Eligible Undergraduate Program: Computer Science
Best for: Students who want to turn big data into actionable insights through coding, statistics, and machine learning.
Outcome: Launch a career as a data scientist or data analyst across virtually any industry.
MS in Cyber Security Engineering (MS-CSE) Combined Degree
Eligible Undergraduate Programs: Computer Science and Integrated Engineering
Best for: Students passionate about protecting digital infrastructure and mastering the technical side of cybersecurity.
Outcome: Transition into high-demand roles as security architects, engineers or analysts.
MS in Engineering for Sustainability and Health (MSESH) Combined Degree
Eligible Undergraduate Program: Integrated Engineering
Best for: Students looking to solve complex environmental and social challenges through a transdisciplinary lens.
Outcome: Prepare for leadership roles in sustainable development, global health and environmental engineering.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don't wait until graduation to think about your future. By planning your path now, you can maximize your time at USD and set yourself up for long-term success.