BA + MA Program (4+1)

Undergraduate majors from SPIA and beyond 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 can 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.

This program significantly reduces the cost of a graduate degree. When taking graduate courses in the senior year, students will be charged undergraduate tuition for a full-time course load. During the following +1 year, students will be charged graduate tuition for their coursework but will receive a tuition scholarship equal to 25% of graduate tuition for two semesters of full-time graduate study.

Requirements

The BA + MA program (4+1) allows students who have room in their undergraduate schedule in their senior year to begin taking graduate classes at that time. 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.

Application Process

During the spring of their junior year, students apply directly to the Master’s program through the graduate college admission system. Application requirements include 3 recommendation letters, undergraduate transcripts, and a statement of purpose. GRE Scores and a writing sample are recommended.

For acceptance to the BA + MA program

Political Science or International Affairs Major
  •  Junior year status as a political science major
  • POL 3001C with "B" or better
  • Overall GPA of 3.0
  • Political Science GPA of 3.33 (Recommended
Majors other than Political Science or International Affairs may also apply
  • Junior year status for students
  • Overall GPA requirement of 3.0 and major GPA of 3.33
  • Completion of Political Science 3001C or equivalent methodology course(s) in their major

Requirements of the MA program

Students in the BA + MA program must meet all the program requirements to earn the Master's degree including 30 credits of graduate work. See the programs's MA requirements page for details.