Political Science - Five Year BA/MA Dual Degree

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.

Students should apply before April 1st of their junior year. Applicants must complete the UNH graduate studies application, including two letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters must be from a member of the Political Science faculty. Applicants should have at least a 3.2 GPA, both within the Political Science major and overall at UNH.

Requirements

Fourth/Senior year

Three graduate level courses (12 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

Non-thesis option: Six classes (24 credits) and a capstone experience worth 4 credits (choose from POLT 995 Capstone Research or POLT 990 Internship Capstone).

Thesis option: Five classes (20 credits) and 8 thesis credits.

Notes

• Students must complete their BA before formally entering the 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.
• 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.