Program Overview

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Introduction to the Fifth-Year Master's Degree Program

The Fifth-Year Master’s Degree Program is designed for Tufts School of Engineering undergraduates to earn their master’s degrees in an accelerated program after completing their bachelor’s degree, typically completing both degrees in just five years. This accelerated track allows students to complete their M.S. degree in as little as 9 months after earning their bachelor’s, offering a rigorous, innovative, and interdisciplinary path that builds on their undergraduate experience.

About the Program

• The program is open to Tufts University seniors.
• The Fall application deadline is January 15, and the Spring application deadline is November 15.
• Students accepted into the program must submit their graduation packet and Course Distribution Form.
• In this program, students must graduate and earn their bachelor's degree before beginning the M.S. program, completing all requirements for the master’s degree while maintaining continuous enrollment.
• Fifth-year students cannot defer their admission and are typically not eligible for additional discounts or scholarships.

Program Benefits

• Earn a master’s degree in typically less than one year.
• No application fee, deposit, or GRE scores required.
• Only two letters of recommendation required.
• Choose flexible full-time or part-time graduate enrollment.
• Continuous advising and streamlined transition from their bachelor’s degree to the M.S. program.

Eligible Degree Programs

All master’s degree programs that are offered by the School of Engineering are eligible for the Fifth-Year Master’s Degree. These include:

• Artificial Intelligence, M.S.
• Bioengineering, M.S.
• Biomedical Engineering, M.S.
• Biophotonics, M.S.
• Chemical Engineering, M.S.
• Civil and Environmental Engineering, M.S.
• Computer Engineering, M.S.
• Computer Science, M.S.
• Cybersecurity and Public Policy, M.S.
• Data Science, M.S.
• Dual Degree Program, M.S./M.S.
• Electrical Engineering, M.S.
• Engineering Management, M.S.
• Human Factors Engineering, M.S.
• Human-Robot Interaction, M.S.
• Innovation and Management, M.S.
• Materials Science and Engineering, M.S.
• Mechanical Engineering, M.S.
• Offshore Wind Energy Engineering, M.S.
• Software Systems Development, M.S.
• Technology, Management, and Leadership, M.S.

How to Apply

• Completed application.
• Resume/CV.
• Personal Statement.
• Transcripts.
• Two letters of recommendation (one from your Tufts Faculty Advisor).

Key Deadlines

Milestone	Deadline
Application Submission	Fall Priority - January 15 (senior year), Fall Final - April 1 (senior year), Spring Final - November 15 (senior year)
Course Distribution Form	Fall Entry - May 1 for May and August degree conferral, Spring Entry - January 15 for February conferral
Reserve Course Form Submission	Fall Entry - May 1, with undergraduate graduation packet, Spring Entry - January 15, with undergraduate graduation packet

Program Structure & Double-Counting/Course-Reserve Policy

• Tufts Undergraduate students have the option to double-count up to two graduate-level credits (100-level) toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements and may transfer in two reserved graduate-level courses towards their M.S. degree, for a maximum of four graduate-level courses.
• Courses may not be counted more than two times across certificates or degree programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fifth-Year Master's Degree Program?

The program allows Tufts undergraduate students to earn a master’s degree, typically in less than one year, after completing and conferring their bachelor’s degree.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only Tufts seniors are eligible for School of Engineering programs.

What programs are eligible for the SOE Fifth-Year Master's Program?

All master’s degree programs that are offered by the School of Engineering are eligible for the Fifth-Year Master’s Degree.

When is the application deadline?

Please see above.

Can I defer my admission to the Fifth-Year Master's Program?

No. Students must begin the M.S. program immediately after completing and conferring their bachelor's degree. Deferrals are not permitted, and continuous enrollment is required to maintain eligibility.

What does "double counting" mean in the SOE Fifth-Year Master's Program?

Double counting allows eligible students to apply up to two Tufts 100-level undergraduate courses toward both their bachelor's degree and M.S. requirements, with departmental and Graduate Education approval to ensure the courses fit the M.S. plan of study.

What does "reserved course" mean in the SOE Fifth-Year Master's Program?

A reserved course is a Tufts 100-level or graduate-level course you take as an undergraduate that is reserved for a future degree.

How does double counting work?

Please see above.

Can I change which courses I plan to double count later on?

Yes. Students can update their course selections by re-submitting the Course Distribution Form for approval anytime up to the deadline to add courses in the second semester of their M.S. program.

Are there limits on what courses can be shared or reserved?

Yes.

• Only courses that fulfill graduate program requirements are eligible to be shared.
• Courses cannot be retroactively reserved after the bachelor's degree is conferred.
• No course may be counted more than twice across any combination of degrees or certificates.

What forms are required and when are they due?

• Reserve Course Form – Due with the undergraduate graduation packet; must be submitted prior to completion of undergraduate program.
• Course Distribution Form – Must be submitted to Student Services by May 1 of their senior year, and any changes finalized by the deadline to add courses in the second semester of the M.S. program.

Do Fifth-Year Master's students pay undergraduate or graduate tuition?

Students are charged graduate tuition for all courses taken after completing their bachelor’s degree and enrolling in the M.S. program.

Can I enroll part-time in the M.S. portion of the program?

Yes. School of Engineering students may enroll full-time or part-time in the M.S. program.

How does the dual master's option work?

Fifth-year students pursuing two M.S. degrees must complete at least 16 additional courses (48 credits) beyond their bachelor's degree.

What are the benefits of the Fifth-Year Master's Program?

• Earn a master’s degree in typically less than one year.
• No application fee, deposit, or GRE scores required.
• Only two letters of recommendation required.
• Choose flexible full-time or part-time graduate enrollment.
• Continuous advising and streamlined transition from their bachelor’s degree to the M.S. program.

What will my tuition be like in the Fifth-Year Master's Degree Program?

SOE students will be charged graduate tuition, at the per-credit graduate tuition rate, upon enrollment in graduate courses during their master's degree program.

Is there a residency requirement?

Completing the Fifth-Year degree requires 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate residence.

Academic Departments

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Strategic Research Areas

• Energy, Water, and the Environment
• Human Health and Bioengineering
• Human-technology Interface
• Intelligent Systems
• Learning Science

Centers

• Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Center for Engineering Education and Outreach
• Center for STEM Diversity
• Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Technology
• Cybersecurity Center for the Public Good
• Initiative for Neural Science, Disease & Engineering
• Institute for Research on Learning and Instruction
• Tufts Gordon Institute
• Tufts Interdisciplinary Advanced Materials Center