Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways (4+1)

Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees on an accelerated timeline while saving time, reducing tuition costs, and preparing for leadership opportunities before graduation.

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Program Overview

Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways (4 +1) | Bushnell University | Online and On-Campus

Bushnell University’s Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways allow you to begin graduate coursework while completing your bachelor’s degree, helping you earn two degrees in less time and at a lower overall cost.

Designed for ambitious students who want to accelerate their education and career growth, the program combines undergraduate study, graduate-level coursework, faculty mentorship, professional development, and real-world experience into one streamlined pathway.

Eligible students can pursue accelerated pathways connecting undergraduate programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Coaching & Athletic Administration, and Teacher Education with graduate degrees in Business Administration, Sports Management, and Education. By beginning graduate coursework during your senior year, you’ll gain advanced knowledge, save time, and transition seamlessly into graduate study after completing your bachelor’s degree.


This program is designed for motivated students who want to maximize their undergraduate experience while accelerating progress toward graduate education and career advancement.

You’ll begin building graduate-level expertise while completing your bachelor’s degree, allowing you to earn advanced credentials faster and enter the workforce with a competitive advantage. Through faculty mentorship, graduate coursework, assistantships, internships, and professional development opportunities, you’ll strengthen leadership skills, expand your professional network, and prepare for long-term success.

Why Choose a Dual Degree Pathway at Bushnell?

Accelerated learning. Faculty mentorship. Career-focused graduate preparation. Bushnell’s Dual Degree Pathways help you earn advanced credentials faster while building leadership experience and professional skills that prepare you for long-term career success.

You’ll begin graduate coursework during your senior undergraduate year while working closely with faculty mentors who provide personalized guidance, professional insight, and individualized support throughout the pathway. Small class sizes and flexible online or in-person options help you balance academics, work experience, leadership development, and graduate preparation.

The program also provides opportunities for graduate assistantships, workplace experience, and accelerated degree completion while helping students reduce overall tuition costs by taking graduate-level courses at undergraduate tuition rates. Graduates leave prepared with advanced credentials, professional connections, leadership experience, and practical skills that support career advancement across business, sports management, education, and organizational leadership fields.

2

Degrees earned on an accelerated timeline through one streamlined academic pathway

$4,000+

Potential tuition savings by taking graduate coursework at undergraduate tuition rates

25%

Possible graduate tuition reduction through competitive assistantship opportunities

A young soccer coach holds a soccer ball as athletes practice behind her

How the Pathway Works

You’ll complete your bachelor’s degree while beginning approved graduate coursework during your senior year. Depending on your pathway, you’ll take graduate courses in business, leadership, sports management, or education while receiving ongoing faculty mentorship and professional guidance.

After completing your undergraduate degree requirements, you’ll transition directly into your graduate program, allowing you to continue building advanced knowledge and career-ready skills without a separate admissions process.

Available Accelerated Degree Pathways

MBA Pathways

Earn your bachelor’s degree while beginning graduate-level business coursework that prepares you for leadership, management, and advancement. You’ll strengthen your strategic thinking, communication, financial decision-making, and leadership skills while accelerating progress toward graduate education.

Available pathways:

  • Accounting + MBA
  • Business Administration + MBA
  • Accounting (Online) + MBA
  • Business (Online) + MBA

M.Ed. & Graduate Certificate Pathways

Earn your teaching license while beginning graduate coursework that develops specialized expertise and leadership skills. Through master’s degree and graduate certificate options, you’ll accelerate progress toward graduate study while strengthening your understanding of teaching, learning, and leadership.

Available pathways:

  • Teacher Education + M.Ed. in ESOL
  • Teacher Education + M.Ed. in Physical Education
  • Teacher Education + ESOL Graduate Certificate
  • Teacher Education + Physical Education Graduate Certificate

M.A. in Sports Management Pathways

Combine business knowledge with athletic leadership preparation while building expertise in sports organizations, coaching environments, event operations, and organizational management. You’ll develop specialized skills that prepare you for careers in athletics, recreation, and sports-related industries.

Available pathways:

  • Business Administration + M.A. in Sports Management
  • Coaching & Athletic Administration + M.A. in Sports Management

M.A. in Leadership Pathways

Develop advanced leadership, communication, and organizational skills while earning graduate-level credentials on an accelerated timeline. You’ll learn how to lead teams, organizations, and mission-driven initiatives while preparing for leadership opportunities across a variety of industries and professional settings.

Available pathways:

  • Business (Online) + M.A. in Leadership
  • Accounting (Online) + M.A. in Leadership

Career Connections & Industry Partners

Bushnell’s Dual Degree Pathways connect students with professional experiences, mentorship opportunities, and industry relationships that support long-term career growth. Through assistantships, internships, and workplace partnerships, students gain practical experience while building professional networks across the fields of business, sports management, education, finance, and organizational leadership.

Students and graduates have worked with organizations including Disney, the Phoenix Suns, Columbia Bank, Moss Adams, Northwest Community Credit Union, Kidsports, Holt International, Roseburg Forest Products, Edward Jones, and local schools, nonprofits, and business organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

These professional connections help students strengthen workplace skills, gain leadership experience, and transition confidently into graduate school and career opportunities after graduation. 

Admission Requirements

Students interested in Bushnell’s Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways must be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program with at least one year remaining in their bachelor’s degree and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Accepted students begin graduate coursework after completing at least 90 undergraduate credits while working closely with assigned faculty mentors throughout the pathway.

To remain eligible, students must maintain academic standing, complete graduate orientation requirements, and meet regularly with faculty mentors during both undergraduate and graduate study. The pathway is available for qualifying on-campus and online students pursuing approved business, sports management, or education degree pathways.

“The 4+1 Dual Degree program allowed me to deepen my connections at Bushnell while beginning my master’s degree as an undergraduate student. The flexibility of the program helped me stay involved across campus while preparing for my future career through mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on experience.”
Jamison Hanson ’24
“The 4+1 program gave me the opportunity to begin my MBA while finishing my undergraduate degree, helping me save money, gain professional experience, and accelerate my path toward graduation. The assistantship experience and mentorship I received at Bushnell helped prepare me for my future career.”
Leslie Reynaga ’24
Female student posing in a Bushnell sweater on campus
“This program gave me the opportunity to begin graduate coursework early while building stronger relationships with professors who invested in my professional growth. The graduate-level classes challenged me academically and helped expand my knowledge in business and leadership.”
Halle Neumann ’24
“The 4+1 pathway helped me get a jumpstart on my master’s degree while saving money by taking graduate classes at undergraduate tuition rates. The mentorship and support I received made the transition into graduate coursework and online learning much easier.”
Peyton Ritchie ’24
“Bushnell’s Accelerated Dual Degree program allowed me to complete my MBA on a faster timeline while learning from professors who genuinely care about students’ success. I’ve grown professionally, academically, and personally through the support and community I found at Bushnell.”
McKayla Williams ’24
“The Accelerated Dual Degree program helped me save on tuition costs while completing both undergraduate and graduate coursework more efficiently. Through the program, I gained valuable business knowledge, practical experience, and analytical skills that continue to prepare me for my future career.”
Savannah Marler ’23
“As a full-time employee, wife, and mother, the Accelerated Dual Degree program gave me the flexibility to continue my education while balancing work and family responsibilities. The online format made it possible for me to move through the program quickly and continue advancing my career.”
Jennifer Violette ’24

Frequently Asked Questions?

Contact Us

Office of Admissions

Have questions about Bushnell’s Dual Degree pathway program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.

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Peter Diffenderfer
Professor of Business
Chair of Graduate Business Programs


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Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
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