PlusOne Accelerated Master's Program

Earn a Master's Degree in a Year

A master’s degree can provide you an additional level of expertise in an area aligned with your career goals. As a currently enrolled Bachelor of Science (BS) student at Northeastern, you have the opportunity to earn a Master of Science degree (MS) in an accelerated time period with the PlusOne program. Once accepted into the program in an approved PlusOne pathway, which is a BS and MS PlusOne combination, you can earn an MS degree with, in most cases, just one extra year of study beyond your undergraduate degree program.

How It Works

PlusOne is either a five-year program, including opportunity for two six-month co-op positions as part of the undergraduate curriculum, or a six-year program with three six-month co-op experiences as an undergraduate, or two co-ops as an undergraduate and one as a graduate student.

First earn your BS degree in your chosen four or five year plan, and, in most cases, graduate with your MS degree the following year. To earn an MS degree in one year in the PlusOne program rather than the traditional two years, you will use either two or four MS courses to fulfill some of your BS requirements, thus using those courses to meet both sets of degree requirements.

Apply for the PlusOne program anytime from the end of your fourth semester to the first week of your final semester in which you will complete your BS degree.

View the PlusOne Details and Policies page for eligibility, how to apply and more information.

The PlusOne Advantage

Accelerate Learning. Earn your BS degree, and, in most cases, one year later (rather than the traditional two years) graduate with an MS degree. Participate in co-op as an undergraduate for real-world experience.

Reduce Costs. Use some classes during your undergraduate program toward your master’s degree cutting the cost of earning your masters. Also take advantage of the MS for PlusOne COE Tuition Scholarship.

Get Two Degrees. BS conferral is independent of the MS degree so earning your BS degree is not affected by progress in the MS program.

Specialize or Pivot. Gain advanced knowledge in your field, specialize in a complementary high growth area, add management knowledge, or take a new path.

Gain a Competitive Edge. Select from a broad array of BS and MS PlusOne combinations within the College of Engineering and across the university to personalize your path and stand out with an advanced degree.

Pick Your PlusOne Pathway

There is a broad array of BS and MS PlusOne combinations within the College of Engineering and across the university, for you to choose. Students can take a master’s in their current field (e.g., BS in mechanical engineering and MS in mechanical engineering), specialize in a high growth area (such as robotics, data analytics engineering, information systems, and others), add management skills with the MS in engineering management, or pursue a new path altogether.

How To Find Your PlusOne Pathway

  • View your BS degree program web page to see the PlusOne pathways available with that BS degree.
  • Then, view the MS degree page(s) of the pathway(s) you are interested in to learn about the programs and select one that interests you.
  • Contact your academic advisor for assistance in selecting a pathway and your courses.

You can also view all College of Engineering MS degrees with a PlusOne pathway.

 

To learn about the graduate experience at Northeastern, visit the Graduate School of Engineering and connect with a student ambassador.

PlusOne Highlights

PlusOne Information Session

Attend the next PlusOne Information Session on April 3, 2025, at 12 pm (EST) in 346 CSC.

View the video of the Nov 7, 2024: PlusOne Information Session.

“What’s so valuable about the PlusOne Program is that it gives you the most potential to succeed. You can tell employers right off the bat, ‘Hey, this is where I worked [on co-op],’ and on top of that you have a master’s.” Daniel Simpson, E'24, mechanical Engineering, ME'25, robotics
"[Co-workers] admitted to me that they found the prospect of going back to school daunting. It seemed more in line with my goals to keep going [with the PlusOne]." Derek Smith, E’20, chemical engineering, ME’21, chemical engineering
“The PlusOne program is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in continuing their education, as it gives the flexibility to pursue advanced coursework at the undergraduate level, maximizing your time while at Northeastern." Michael Parrish, E'20, ME'20, bioengineering
“I think that you learn a lot of foundational knowledge at the undergraduate level, but then in the master’s program, you have the chance to apply this knowledge." Sarah Adamo, E'22, E'23, electrical engineering

Student Experiences

PlusOne Experiences

PlusOne Program Prepares Student for Leadership Roles

Isabella Serrano, E’25, chemical engineering, and MS’26, engineering management, has been able to pursue incredible academic and professional experiences throughout her years at Northeastern. From co-op opportunities and involvement in student organizations, she has developed new skills and abilities and is now prepared to enter the engineering industry after graduation.

Discovering a Passion for Research

Rania Alshawabkeh, E’25, MS’26, electrical and computer engineering, had the opportunity to be a part of four different research labs during her academic career. With each experience, she was able to expand her research skills and abilities and discover her passion for research.

A Passion for Sustainability Leads to Energy Systems Program

Alexandra Vergara-Anglim, E’25, MS’25, energy systems, was inspired by her Dialogue of Civilizations in Norway and interest in public policy to dedicate her studies to finding ways to make energy more sustainable to benefit Earth’s climate.

Kelso Fiedler working on his capstone in a dry lab

AerospaceNU Club and Co-op Create a Path for Innovation and Change

Kelso Fiedler, E’24, mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering, and MS’25, mechanical engineering, exploited the range of experiential learning opportunities and PlusOne master’s program to advance his knowledge, ultimately leading to a full-time job at his co-op employer.