The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences invites JHU undergraduates for a fifth year MS studies. This program allows undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years.
The 4+1 program is designed for students in good academic standing interested in the processes that shape Earth and other planets, and it combines coursework with hands-on research. Building on select upper-level undergraduate courses, students can transition into graduate-level study and earn their master’s degree in just one additional year, saving both time and tuition compared to a traditional two-year program.
Students will conduct independent research at the graduate level through the completion of a master’s level capstone project, supervised by a faculty advisor in the department.
Program fast facts
Together with their academic advisor(s), students will design a personalized plan of research and study that aligns with their career and research goals. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences offers a range of courses relevant to master’s-level studies. These courses rotate and evolve in response to current dynamics of the field.
- Duration: 9-12 months
- Mode of Study: In person, at Homewood campus (Baltimore, MD)
- Visa Eligible
- Tuition: Learn more about tuition and fees
- Credit Requirements: at least 36 credits
12 of these credits can be transferred from undergraduate studies, allowing students to focus on 24 credits as full-time graduate students during the 5th year. These 5th year credits can be a combination of course and research credits (minimum 12 graduate research credits).
With the supervision of a faculty member or program director, students will take a mix of:
- Coursework specific to their field of interest
- Independent Research to develop research and professional skills
This model ensures that every student will graduate with a strong foundation, specialized knowledge, and practical skills for their chosen career path.
Admissions and eligibility
Admission is selective and based on academic performance, preparedness, and alignment with the program’s requirement. The application deadline is March 15th.
Who Can Apply
Current JHU undergraduates
- EPS B.A. and ENVS B.S. majors in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) are eligible to apply directly.
- Undergraduate students outside the KSAS EPS department may also apply. In particular, we welcome applications from undergraduate students pursuing their B.A., B.S. or similar, from other related departments at Johns Hopkins University (e.g., physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, applied math, behavioral biology), if they have the appropriate background and complete prerequisite courses.
If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Avolio ([email protected]) and Jerry Burgess ([email protected]).