Applying for the A.B./M.A. program is a three-part process.
First, a student must develop an A.B./M.A. curricular work plan with their major's advisor. Next, students submit an application to the Undergraduate Dean's Office, which will then be submitted to the Undergraduate Special Cases Committee for approval. If your application is successful, you must then apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. That application will be reviewed by both the appropriate department and the Dean of Graduate Studies.
How to Apply to the GSAS
After being approved by the undergraduate Dean's Office:
- Complete the GSAS A.B./M.A. online application form.
- Complete the first section of the fillable A.B./M.A. Recommendation Form or print the standard PDF of the form and send to your two recommenders. Recommenders should return the form to the GSAS Office by email or mail.
Items that are waived for A.B./M.A. applicants:
- Application fee
- GRE and TOEFL scores
Deadline for Applying
Deadlines for initial submission of the workplan are determined by the applying student’s situation. GSAS applications to the A.B./M.A. program are considered on a rolling basis, and the GSAS will accept applications through the end of each semester.
Things to Keep in Mind
The M.A. degree requires:
- Six courses for graduate credit
- Skills and/or language requirements
- M.A. thesis, and either an oral or written defense of your work
In some programs additional work may be required. Review the degree requirements to learn more. In order to complete the thesis requirement you have to be a candidate for the M.A., which requires completing an Application for M.A. Candidacy.
- All A.B./M.A. students must register through BIONIC during the window designated by the Registrar for GSAS students.
- It is important to follow the original workplan that was approved during your application process. If the workplan must be changed, you need to submit a new workplan, complete with the necessary signatures, to the Graduate Dean for approval. This needs to happen before registering for the semester in which the change will take place.
- No registration can be approved until all outstanding balances are cleared.
- Note: if you do complete the M.A. degree within the four years of your undergraduate enrollment, you will not be charged graduate tuition. If, however, you enroll for additional semesters, you will be responsible for paying GSAS tuition and fees. If you are completing your degree in a fifth year, you should consider submitting a Declaration of Full-Time Study.