Plus 1
Plus 1
Accelerated Business Master’s Degree Program
Start building your future before you graduate. Get a head start on your master’s degree, save time and money, and graduate with specialized business expertise that employers value.
Why Choose Plus 1?
Go Further. Faster.
The Plus 1 program helps current University of Maryland undergraduate students get a head start on earning their business master’s degree at Smith. You can take up to 10 graduate credits while completing your bachelor’s degree, allowing you to finish most master’s programs in one additional year or less after graduation.
Earn a graduate degree sooner, increase the long-term value of your education and position yourself for greater career opportunities.
What Is Plus 1?
One Smart Plan. Two Degrees.
Plus 1 is an accelerated pathway that allows eligible UMD undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework before earning their bachelor's degree.
Through Plus 1, you can:
- Take up to 10 graduate credits at the undergraduate tuition rate. Once you officially enroll as a graduate student, your courses will be billed at Smith’s graduate tuition rate.
- Complete most Smith business master's degrees in one additional year or less.
- Benefit from waived GMAT and GRE test scores.
- Begin working toward your master's degree while you're still an undergraduate student.
- Receive guidance from dedicated Plus 1 advisors throughout the process.
Make Your Degree Pay Off
- Start Higher.
Smith business master’s graduates earned a median starting salary of $83K, approximately 20 percent higher than the national average for those with just a bachelor’s degree. - Earn More.
Nationally, master’s degree holders in general earn nearly 20 percent more over the course of their careers than those with only a bachelor’s degree. - Gain More.
A business master's degree delivers an estimated $680K higher lifetime return on investment than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Sources: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), U.S., 2025; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024; Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, 2022; UMD Smith Office of Career Services, 2025.
How Plus 1 Works
Get There in Five Steps
- Meet with a Plus 1 advisor to create your academic plan.
- Apply and receive approval for the Plus 1 program.
- Begin taking graduate courses while completing your bachelor's degree.
- Apply to your Smith master's program during your senior year.
- Finish your master's degree and launch your next opportunity.
Are You Eligible?
Review these eligibility requirements:
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Complete at least 60 credits and one semester of coursework
- Seek personalized support early with a Plus 1 advisor
- Consider your quantitative background for certain programs
Getting up to one-third of your degree cost at the undergraduate rate is a huge savings. Also, taking graduate-level courses that count toward both your graduate and undergraduate degrees saves you time and money.
Abby Benton
MS Accounting Graduate
Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Associate, KPMG
Have Questions?
Our Plus 1 advisors will help you understand your options, choose the right graduate courses and determine whether Plus 1 is the right fit for your goals.