COMBINED BA/MA IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
The combined BA/MA program in Political Science offers motivated undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in just one additional year. By beginning graduate coursework during your senior year, you can complete both degrees in only five years instead of the typical six. Because three of your graduate courses count toward both the BA and MA, you pay for only seven of the ten required graduate courses.
This accelerated path not only saves time and money, it also positions you for success in a competitive job market. A master’s degree is increasingly expected for many entry-level positions in public service, law, foreign affairs, journalism, education and the nonprofit and private sectors. It’s also excellent preparation for admission to highly competitive PhD programs. You’ll study with the same distinguished faculty who teach our undergraduate courses, benefit from small, discussion-based classes and build the advanced analytical and research skills that will set you apart.
Qualified Political Science majors should apply in February of their junior year to begin this challenging and rewarding program.
EXPLORE THE PROGRAM
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.3
- GPA of at least 3.3 in the major
- Completion of four foundational courses: American Government (PSC 1100), International Relations (PSC 1200), Comparative Politics (PSC 1300), Political Theory (PSC 1400)
- Completion of at least two PSC electives
Application Requirements
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (uploaded on the Academic History page)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Goals (500-750 words): Please directly address what you would like to study in the bachelor-master program and how you plan to apply what you learn in your master’s degree. Your statement should include:
- Specific topic(s) of interest on which you wish to focus in political science
- Pertinent experience you bring to the study of political science and your topic(s) of interest
- Prior research you have conducted in political science or related fields
- Longer-term career goals (i.e., how you plan to use the degree in a future career)
- Resume
Application Deadlines
- To begin graduate courses next fall: March 15
- To begin graduate courses next spring: October 15
If you are accepted into the program, you will take three graduate-level Political Science courses during your senior year alongside your remaining undergraduate requirements. These three courses (9 credits) count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees—which means you won’t pay for those 9 credits as part of your graduate tuition. You’ll then complete your remaining seven graduate courses in your fifth year, typically by taking one course over the summer and three courses each during the fall and spring semesters. By double-counting the three graduate courses, you save nearly $9,000 on the total cost of your MA degree.