To obtain more information or discuss what your course plan in the 4+1 program could be, please contact:
Dr. Julio Aráuz, Graduate Director. Phone: 740 593 4917, email: arauz@ohio.edu
4+1 Program
ITS/CSO & MITS in 5 years
4 + 1 Program, B.S. in ITS or CSO and MITS
Motivated students in the ITS undergraduate program (or its tracks in cybersecurity or VRGD) or in the Cybersecurity Operations undergraduate program can apply for admission to the ITS 4 + 1 Bachelor’s/Master’s degree program. Students successfully completing the program will receive a bachelor’s degree following four years of study, and a Master’s degree after one additional year of study. The ITS 4 + 1 program is open to all ITS degree seeking undergraduate students with sophomore status in good standing who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
The program allows students to begin taking classes for graduate credit as undergraduate students, so that students will complete two graduate courses during their undergraduate senior year. While the thesis or professional project options are available to students, completing the Master’s degree in one year will require the completion of a comprehensive exam.
Save on tuition
Master’s degree in two semesters rather than three. Complete some graduate courses in your senior year.
Continuity
Avoid future life disruptions by staying in Athens after your ITS or CSO degree. Maintain continuity with faculty and laboratory facilities.
Financial Aid
Gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Financial aid for the year of graduate study may be available (competitive application).
Senior for Graduate Credit Process
To be eligible for graduate credit as a Senior, you must have been admitted into the 4+1 program, and be on track for graduation. During your Senior year, you will take two graduate courses, but before you can take those courses you must apply to the Graduate College. This form must be signed by the School’s Graduate Director and the College Dean, and then delivered in person to the Graduate College Office (with the required $10 submission fee).
Finally, you will have to apply to the Graduate College for the MITS program for the semester you wish to start. Details about the application process and deadlines.
When to apply
Students interested in applying should first schedule an advising meeting with Dr. Julio Aráuz, Graduate Director of the MITS program. Students are encouraged to consider the 4+1 program early in their ITS or CSO degree during their sophomore year or early during their junior year.
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Students in the 4+1 program obtain specialized skills in information networking that will allow them to pursue advanced careers in the field. | ||
Through the 4+1 program ITS undergraduates have the opportunity to take two graduate courses (8 graduate credit hours) in their senior year. Thereafter, students complete the remaining course requirements for the MITS program (remaining 28 credit hours).
Once admitted into the 4+1 program, students coordinate with their graduate academic advisor the scheduling of graduate courses for their senior year and their graduate year.
During their senior year, students typically complete one graduate ITS elective and one graduate course from the MITS program core.
In consultation with faculty, 4+1 students are also regularly given the opportunity to conduct graduate Independent Study (ITS 6930) courses. These option allows students to focus on specific topics of their interest.
Sample Plan of Study
Once admitted into the program, 4+1 students take two graduate level classes during their senior undergraduate year. These graduate level classes correspond to 8 graduate credit hours.
Senior year as undergraduate
| Undergrad Senior Year | Graduate Course | Description | Graduate Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Research Methods | 4 | |
| Spring | ITS Elective | Graduate ITS Elective | 4 |
| Summer | Students interested in completing a professional project are encouraged to start working on it during the summer after B.S. degree. | - | |
| Total | 8 | ||
"+1" year
During their "+1" year, students complete the remaining 28 graduate credit hours. Students that have started to work on professional projects in the summer semester after their B.S. degree, can elect to complete ITS 6945 Professional Project in the fall or spring semester.
| Semester | Course | Description | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Information Networks | 4 | |
| Strategic Issues in Information and Telecommunication Systems | 4 | ||
| Cognate | Course(s) taken outside the MITS program or a graduate ITS elective | 4 | |
| Spring | ITS Elective | Graduate ITS Elective | 4 |
| ITS Elective | Graduate ITS Elective | 4 | |
| ITS Elective | Graduate ITS Elective | 4 | |
| Final experience | Comprehensive exam or Professional project or Thesis | 4 | |
| Total | 28 | ||
Details of the classes are available in the latest version of the . The 4+1 program requires two semesters to complete after the B.S. degree. The elective courses available to students will depend on the year and semester of enrollment.
Career Opportunities
The 4+1 program helps students gain a competitive edge for the job market by providing students with advanced problem solving skills in information networking, wireless communications, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, compliance or data privacy. These skills help students pursue professional careers in specialized fields. Students graduating from the program have joined large enterprises such as Amazon's AWS, J.P. Morgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, Spectrum or Oracle.
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