BA + MA Program in Political Science

Undergraduate political science and international affairs majors at the University of Cincinnati have the opportunity to earn the MA in Political Science as a natural extension of their undergraduate work. The Master's degree could enhance job prospects in government service, admission to law school, and recruitment to public policy positions in government or private industry. Students with the Master's degree enter civil service positions at a significantly higher grade level than those with only a bachelor's degree.

The BA + MA program allows students who have elective hours in their senior year to begin taking graduate classes at that time. After earning the BA degree, students will be formally admitted to the Graduate School and continue their graduate coursework. Students who are able to complete two to three graduate courses in their senior year should be able to complete their Master's degree in one additional year. Note that undergraduate students may only enroll for a maximum of 15 graduate credits during their undergraduate studies.

Application Process

The admissions process involves two steps: 1) Students may apply for the program at any time during the junior year. If accepted, they begin taking courses for graduate credit with permission of the graduate director. 2) After completing all requirements for the bachelor's degree, students will be admitted to the Graduate School.

When taking graduate courses in the senior year, students will be charged undergraduate tuition for a full-time course load. After earning the BA degree, students will be formally admitted to the Graduate School and be charged graduate tuition for their coursework. Students in the BA + MA program receive a UGS tuition scholarship equal to 25% of graduate tuition for one year of full-time graduate study.

To apply for acceptance into the BA + MA program, students should submit the application form along with the required documents to the Political Science Office in Crosley 1110.

The BA + MA Program in Political Science — Requirements for Acceptance

Requirements for acceptance to the BA + MA program

Political science majors

  • Junior year status as a political science major
  • Completion of POL 253 and 254 with "B" or better
  • Overall GPA of 3.0
  • Political Science GPA of 3.33 (Recommended)
  • Unofficial transcript
  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member
  • Submission of application form by May 1 of the junior year (waived in 2009)

Non-political science majors may also apply

  • Junior year status for students
  • Overall GPA requirement of 3.0 and major GPA of 3.33
  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty
  • Completion of Political Science 253 and 254 or equivalent methodology courses in their major

Requirements for Formal Admission to the MA program

  • Confirmation of the BA degree
  • Submission of GRE or LSAT scores to the political science department
  • Completion of the Graduate Admissions form including the Statement of Purpose

Requirements of the MA program

Students in the BA + MA program must meet all the departmental requirements to earn the Master's degree including 45 credits of graduate work and all of the methods courses. Students are strongly encouraged to earn a certificate in Public Opinion and Survey Research, Security Studies, International Human Rights or Asian Studies through this combined program.

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