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.

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.

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.

Find the Right PlusOne Pathway for You

Apply for an accelerated master’s degree with 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. 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.

To select a 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.

Pathways for PlusOne master’s degrees outside of COE are on the university website.

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

View the video of the Oct 19, 2023: 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

Expanding Career Opportunities Through the Galante Engineering Business Program

Through continued interest in the field, Tejas Karwa, E’23, industrial engineering, MS’24, data analytics engineering, joined the Galante Engineering Business Program to expand his knowledge of the engineering industry and broaden his career prospects.

How This PlusOne Student Used Opportunities at Northeastern To Fulfill Her Passion for Service

Driven by a passion for giving back to her community, Alex Lewis, E’22, industrial engineering, MS’23, engineering management, engaged with multiple Northeastern organizations to serve and volunteer while completing her degrees, including the Galante Engineering Business Program.

Creating a Sustainable Future Through Engineering Management

Paul Van Trotsenburg, E’22, mechanical engineering, MS’23, engineering management, plans to fully utilize his two degrees by working to create sustainable energy solutions and help address the climate crisis.

Working for an Environmental Engineering Opportunity Worth Having

Between two co-ops both abroad and in Boston, Charlotte Andrews, E’24, environmental engineering, MS’25, engineering and public policy, has figured out what role she wants to play in the environmental engineering field.