COMBINED BA/MA IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
The combined BA/MA program allows undergraduate students to earn a master's degree in half the time and at half the price of a regular MA degree. Master's degrees are increasingly expected for many entry-level positions in the public and nonprofit sector as well as for acceptance in competitive PhD programs.
In February of the second semester of their junior year, qualified political science majors will be eligible to apply to earn an MA in political science in conjunction with their BA degree.
EXPLORE THE PROGRAM
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.3
- GPA of at least 3.3 in the major
- Completion of four foundational courses: American Government (PSC 1100), International Relations (PSC 1200), Comparative Politics (PSC 1300), Political Theory (PSC 1400)
- Completion of at least two focal and/or specialized courses
Interested students who meet the requirements may apply for one of a limited number of spaces by submitting a personal statement, Villanova transcript, resume, and three academic letters of recommendation to Fathe Allen.
Application Requirements
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (uploaded on the Academic History page of the application)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Goals (500-750 words): Please outline your topics of interest in political science, pertinent experience, prior research, and objectives in seeking your master's degree.
Application Deadlines
- To begin graduate courses next fall: March 15
- To begin graduate courses next spring: October 15
If you are accepted to the program, you will take three political science graduate courses along with your remaining undergraduate courses in your senior year. The three graduate courses will be applied to both the BA and MA degrees. You will take your remaining seven graduate courses in your fifth year, typically by taking one course over the summer and three courses each during the fall and spring semesters.