The Fifth Year Option

The Fifth Year Option

The Fifth Year Option at Lasell College allows undergraduate students with high academic standing to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in as little as five years.

Students may qualify to pursue a Master of Education in Elementary Education (M.Ed Elementary), a Master of Education in Moderate Disabilities (M.Ed. Moderate Disabilities) a Master of Science in Communication (MSC), Master of Science in Management (MSM), or a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) with approximately one additional year of study.

Students who wish to pursue the 5th Year Option must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or greater and inform their advisor during their freshman or sophomore year by completing the Fifth Year Option Declaration of Interest form.

Planning is essential to success in this program. In addition to the opportunity to complete one or two blended semesters, students may be eligible to waive two courses (6 credits) required in the core curriculum of the MSC, MSM, MSSM, or M.Ed. Students should select courses in close consultation with both their advisor and Chair of the relevant academic department. Program choice and course load may affect time to master's degree completion.

During each blended semester, students complete their undergraduate degree requirements and simultaneously enroll in one graduate course (3 credits) that will count toward their master's degree. Students must earn a grade of B (3.0 GPA) in their graduate classes. (Note: Graduate course credits cannot be applied toward the fulfillment of the student's 120 undergraduate degree credit requirement.)

In a blended semester, students are required to take a minimum of 12 under- graduate credits and one graduate course. In each blended semester, students are not permitted to enroll in more than 18 credits.

Senior students registering for their blended semester(s) need to complete a Graduate Course Eligibility form during pre-registration for their first semester senior year. This form is necessary for the Registrar's Office to determine student eligibility.

In the final semester of the senior year, Fifth Year Option students will submit an Application for Graduate Admission along with one letter of recommendation and a one page personal statement. The application fee is waived.

Students seeking further information regarding the Fifth Year Option should contact:

Lasell College, Office of Graduate Admission
1844 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02466
617-243-2400 gradinfo@lasell.edu