Highly motivated students who wish to do so can plan ahead for completing an undergraduate and a graduate degree program, such as the AB + MA, the AB + MS, the AB + MAT, the AB + MBA, or the AB + MD. Planning well in advance for bundling two programs can enable students to complete all prerequisites for the graduate program while they are completing their baccalaureate degree and thus reduce the amount of time required for completing both programs. Those students who choose to complete their baccalaureate degree programs in three years can, in some instances, complete a master's program in only one additional year (e.g., the MAT). Such "3 + 1" plans enable students to complete baccalaureate and master's programs in four years, the time it conventionally takes to complete only an undergraduate degree.

Students wishing to bundle an undergraduate and graduate program should begin as early as possible to work closely with advisors in their undergraduate and graduate degree programs in scheduling the courses required for completing both degrees.