A.B./M.A. Programs
The A.B./M.A. Degree Program allows students the unique opportunity to work towards their bachelor’s and master’s degrees concurrently and to count up to two courses towards both degrees.
A.B./M.A. Degree Programs
Deadlines for Applying
The deadline for initial submission of the workplan (the bottom of the linked webpage) to the Undergraduate Dean's Office is determined by the applying student’s situation, but no later than Feb. 5 of the applicant's junior year. 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.
Application Process for the A.B./M.A. Program
Applying for the A.B./M.A. program is a three-step process:
#1: Development of an A.B./M.A. work plan
Students must develop an A.B./M.A. workplan with their major's advisor. This workplan should be signed by the major advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies in the relevant M.A. program.
#2: Application to the Undergraduate Dean's Office
Students submit the completed workplan signed by the major advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies in the relevant M.A. program to the Dean of Student Success in the Undergraduate Dean's Office and the workplan will then be reviewed by the Undergraduate Special Cases Committee.
If the workplan is approved by the Undergraduate Special Cases Committee, Dean of Student Success will notify the applicant and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
#3: Application to GSAS
After receiving the approval from the Undergraduate Dean's Office, the applicant may apply to GSAS as instructed below:
- Complete the GSAS A.B./M.A. online application form. This application includes a resume and personal essay describing your reasons for choosing to pursue a graduate degree in your field of interest. In the essay, discuss your career goals and indicate which personal, vocational, and/or educational experiences have influenced your choice. Personal statements should be 1-2 pages long and should be uploaded as a Word document or PDF (preferably PDF).
- Complete the first section of the fillable A.B./M.A. Recommendation Form and send it to your two recommenders. Recommenders should return the form to the GSAS Office by email.
Items that are waived for A.B./M.A. applications:
- Application fee
- GRE and TOEFL scores
The GSAS office will communicate the admission decision to the applicant after their application is reviewed by both the relevant department and the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Things to Keep in Mind
- 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.
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 Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for approval. This needs to happen before registering for the semester in which the change will take place.
- All A.B./M.A. students must register through BIONIC during the window designated by the Registrar for GSAS students.
- No registration can be approved until all outstanding balances are cleared.
If you 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 the GSAS tuition. If you are completing your degree in a fifth year and need to maintain full-time student status, you should submit the Declaration of Full-Time Study.
This one-page PDF file (updated 03/30/2023) summarizes important general information about the A.B./M.A. program for interested students, which may be helpful for major information sessions, academic advising, and academic fairs.