Accelerated Master's Program (4+1) in Philosophy
Earn the undergraduate and master's degrees in 5 years instead of 6.
Accelerated Master's Program (4+1)
The Department of Philosophy & Religion offers students with excellent academic records the opportunity to apply for admission to an accelerated five-year B.A./M.A. degree program.
This program requires that students apply in the spring of their junior year. Admitted students then take graduate-level courses in their senior year working toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees in an expedited, five-year program.
About the Accelerated Master's Program with the Department of Philosophy
A master’s degree makes you more competitive in the job market, helps you more easily land promotions into management and leadership, and earn a higher salary.
It dramatically reinforces the benefits of being a life-long learner with improved core skills of research, analysis, and communication, allowing you to more easily tackle complex projects in all areas of your life.
Earnings and Unemployment Rates by Educational Attainment, 2023
| Type of Degree | Median Weekly Earnings ($) | Unemployment rate (%) |
| Doctoral | 2,109 | 1.6 |
| Professional | 2,206 | 1.2 |
| Master's | 1,737 | 2.0 |
| Bachelor's | 1,493 | 2.2 |
| Associate's | 1,058 | 2.7 |
| some college | 992 | 3.3 |
| High School diploma | 899 | 3.9 |
| Less than high school | 708 | 5.6 |
Source: Department of Labor Statistics
For many, earning a master’s degree is a decision about the return on investment for the time and money to earn a graduate degree. With our accelerated program, we shave a year off tuition and time from the typical path towards the master’s degree….making it a great return on investment!
Application Process
Requirements
In/after student's JUNIOR year (after 90 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA)
Students are allowed to apply to the Program for an Accelerated Advanced Degree (PAAD) as soon as they have earned 90 credit hours (with a GPA of 3.0). However, the PAAD program is best suited for students who have earned at least 102 credits before the start of their senior year (i.e. students who only need to earn 18 hours of undergraduate credit to reach the 120-hour minimum during their senior year).
1. Email the Philosophy Graduate Program Coordinator, Donovan Wishon at dwishon@olemiss.edu, the following information:
a) an unofficial copy of your transcript that shows at least 90 credit hours earned
b) a list of all the philosophy courses you have taken, along with the grade you received in each class
c) a brief, one-paragraph description of what you hope to achieve in the Philosophy PAAD program
2. If you are approved for the PAAD Philosophy program, set up a special advising appointment with the Chair of Philosophy and Religion, Steven Skultety at skultety@olemiss.edu.
In your SENIOR year
1. Finish all requirements for receiving a BA in Philosophy
2. In your Fall schedule, incorporate 6 hours of 500 level Phil classes
3. In your Spring schedule, incorporate 6 hours of 500 level Phil classes
4. By March 15th of the Spring semester, apply to the Graduate School to be a full time MA Philosophy student: https://philosophy.olemiss.edu/application-and-admission/
NOTE: PAAD students who have performed well during their senior year may apply for a competitive graduate funding package that includes a 100% tuition waiver and a TA stipend for the Masters/fifth year.
In your MASTERS/FIFTH year
1. For your Fall schedule, take 9 hours of 600-level classes; students writing a graduate thesis should take 6 hours of 600-level classes and 3 hours of Phil 697 Thesis.
2. For your Spring schedule, take 9 hours of 600-level classes
3. Graduate with a BA and MA in philosophy!
If you'd like more information about the Accelerated Master's Program (4+1) with the Department of Philosophy & Religion, we're happy to help.
Email the Philosophy Graduate Program Director, Donovan Wishon at dwishon@olemiss.edu.
If you are approved for the PAAD Philosophy program, set up a special advising appointment with the Chair of Philosophy and Religion, Steven Skultety at skultety@olemiss.edu.