Five year POLT BA/MA Dual Degree Program
GOALS
Highly motivated students with a strong academic record can complete both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Political Science in just five years. Given that both a BA and an MA can be attained in 10 semesters, undergraduates may well find the five-year program financially attractive and beneficial.
Five-year BA/MA program students must fulfill ALL program requirements for both the BA and MA programs in order to receive both degrees. Students admitted to the five-year program can take three graduate-level courses in their senior year, thereby starting their graduate studies as they complete their undergraduate education.
How to Apply
Students should apply before February 15 of their junior year.
Applicants must complete the UNH graduate studies application, including three letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters must be from a member of the Political Science faculty member. Applicants should have at least a 3.2 GPA, both within the Political Science major and overall at UNH.
Program of Study
Fourth/Senior year:
Three graduate level courses (9 credits) taken in the senior year.
All three “double-count” toward both BA and MA degrees.
In order to earn graduate-level credit for a course, students must achieve at least a B-.
Fifth year would then include the following:
Non-thesis option: Seven classes (21 credits) and a comprehensive exam in late spring.
Thesis option: Five classes (15 credits) and 6 thesis credits.
Program Notes:
-- Students must complete BA before formally entering MA program.
-- For most students, the non-thesis option is more likely than the thesis option to result in graduation in May of their fifth year of studies.
-- Summer classes can be used to complete either/both degrees.
-- Students in the five-year program who successfully complete an approved Political Science undergraduate course in statistics with at least a B- can waive the statistics requirement for the MA program, having completed the undergraduate version of the course. They still must take the same number of credits for the MA degree.
-- Unsatisfactory performance in the fourth year of studies will terminate participation in the five-year program. Students must achieve B- or better in all Political Science courses and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2.
For more information, contact Tama Andrews (tama.andrews@unh.edu) or Prof. Stacy VanDeveer (stacy.vandeveer@unh.edu)