What Is a Combined Degree Program?
Canisius combined degree programs (including 4+1, 3+3 and other accelerated pathways) let you work toward a bachelor’s and master’s degree through one connected academic path.
Depending on the program, you may earn both degrees at Canisius or continue your master’s at one of our partner institutions.
The advantage is simple: less time, lower overall cost and a more direct path to an advanced degree.
Why Choose a Combined Degree?
You don't have to wait until senior year to start thinking about graduate school. A combined degree program lets you plan ahead and, in many cases, begin advanced coursework while you're still an undergraduate.
That can mean:
Finish faster.
Earn two degrees in less time than it would typically take to complete them separately.
Spend less.
Shared coursework and an accelerated timeline can reduce the overall cost of earning both degrees.
Make a seamless transition to graduate school
Instead of finishing one degree and starting the search and application process all over again, many combined programs offer a more direct path into graduate or professional study.
What Combined Degree Programs Are Available at Canisius?
Canisius offers several ways to combine your undergraduate degree with graduate or professional study. Some pathways allow you to earn both degrees at Canisius, while others connect your Canisius undergraduate education with an advanced degree at one of our partner universities.
Explore your options by academic area and degree pathway below.
Education Combined Degree Programs
All Canisius undergraduate education majors are eligible for the following 4+1 master's programs:
- Special Education MSED – Professional
- Physical Education MS – Professional Certification
- Literacy Education MSED
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Instructional Technologies and Curriculum Design MSED
- BA or BS + MSED in Adolescence Education: Students With Disabilities
Business, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity Combined Degrees
Several Canisius undergraduate majors can lead directly into an accelerated master's degree in business, analytics or technology. These pathways allow you to build advanced skills while completing your undergraduate degree and may reduce the total time needed to earn both credentials.
Data Analytics MS
Students in a wide range of undergraduate majors can pursue the Data Analytics 4+1 pathway.
Eligible Undergraduate Majors
- Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation
- Accounting
- Biology, BA or BS
- Computer Science
- Economics, BA or BS
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Psychology, BA or BS
Business Analytics MS
Eligible Undergraduate Majors
- Accounting
- Accounting Systems and Analytics
- Business
- Computer Science
- Economics, BA or BS
- Finance
- Marketing
- Psychology, BS
Cybersecurity MS
Eligible Undergraduate Majors
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mathematics
Business Graduate Degrees
Students in the Wehle School of Business can also pursue accelerated pathways into advanced business degrees, including:
Combined Degree Programs With Partner Universities
Some Canisius combined degree pathways begin with your undergraduate education at Canisius and continue into graduate or professional study at one of our partner institutions.
These agreements provide a defined academic pathway into fields such as medicine, law, engineering, healthcare and social work.
Available partner pathways include:
- Medical School BS-MD 6 Year Accelerated Pathway
- Master of Health Administration – Canisius + Boston College
- Occupational Therapy 4+2 – Canisius + St. Bonaventure University
- Law 3+3 BS/JD – Canisius + University at Buffalo
- Pre-Engineering 2+2
- Engineering and Computer Science 4+2 – Canisius + Syracuse University
- Psychology / Master in Social Work 3+2 – Canisius + University at Buffalo
What Are the Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree?
Master's degree holders earn more on average.
In 2025, full-time U.S. workers age 25 and older with a master's degree had median weekly earnings of $97,600 per year, compared with $82,100 for workers whose highest degree was a bachelor's; about 19% higher.Demand is growing in careers that require advanced education.
Employment in occupations that typically require a master's degree for entry is projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% across all occupations.
*Data courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Contact Us
Ready to get started or just have questions about combined degrees? We can help:
(716) 888-2200 or email @email