Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts

students in a classroom discussing political science

Where your ambition meets our unique programs

If you’re a high-achieving student who is motivated to accelerate your career, our combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (4+1) program could be the perfect fit. There are two options for this program – concurrent degree or sequential degree.

With this program, it’s possible to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science in five years – possibly four years – with college credits earned while in high school. That means you save time and money by taking classes that apply to both degrees. For Iowa students paying in-state tuition, the 4+1 option creates an incredibly affordable value for a master’s degree.

Instead of a thesis, students in the 4+1 program have the option of completing an applied project applicable to careers outside of academia.

The concurrent-degree option

Under this option, you are simultaneously an undergraduate student finishing up your bachelor’s degree and a graduate student working toward your master’s degree. You can take additional graduate classes that count toward a master’s degree while still finishing your bachelor’s degree. You are allowed to double-count two classes (6 credits) of 4000- or 5000-level political science courses (or sometimes 3000- or 4000-level courses in related disciplines), applying them to both degrees.

The sequential-degree option

This program allows you to proceed directly to the Master of Arts program at Iowa State upon earning your bachelor’s degree in political science or another field. As with the concurrent-degree option, you may double-count two classes from your undergraduate degree, leaving only 24 remaining credits to earn your master’s degree. You can achieve this by taking 9 credits per semester during the fall and spring, and 6 credits during the summer.

Which program is best for me?

It depends on your situation. If you still need to fulfill many requirements for your undergraduate degree program as graduation approaches, the sequential-degree program makes more sense. If, on the other hand, you have mostly electives remaining, you can use those to work on the concurrent-degree program.

Also, some students have scholarships or financial aid that require them to be an undergraduate. Those funds could be at risk with the concurrent-degree program. The concurrent-degree program also requires you to pay the higher graduate tuition rate. However, you may be eligible for an assistantship to help pay for graduate coursework.

So, the sequential-degree program may be a better option for you, unless the concurrent plan allows you to reduce one semester of classes. We’re happy to offer guidance and help you explore what option makes most sense for you.

Next steps

Please contact Mack Shelley, graduate director, for more information.