BA/MA Program for UChicago Undergraduates

Students currently enrolled in the University of Chicago College can pursue a dual BA/MA degree during their fourth year in the College. Interested students should consult first with their College Adviser, and then with Lindsey Weglarz, Assistant Dean of Students for Admissions in the Division of the Social Sciences.

A detailed overview of the BA/MA policy in the Social Sciences Division is available on the Division’s website.

Any questions about MAPSS can be directed to Student Affairs Administrator E.G. Enbar.

The dual BA/MA program is a four-year program and is distinct from the UChicago Advanced Scholars (4+1) program, which takes five years to complete.

BA/MA students are strongly encouraged have completed all College Core requirements before their 4th year. During the BA/MA year students must meet all MA degree requirements in MAPSS during the dual enrollment year, including:

• A total of 9 graduate courses, including the core course “Perspectives in Social Science Analysis” and one graduate methods requirement
• A faculty-approved MA thesis

By default, the 9 MA-level courses can be double-counted as general elective credit towards the bachelor’s degree. BA/MA students may choose instead to double-count MA courses towards BA major or minor electives or requirements, with department approval. Questions regarding double-counting or degree logistics should be directed to Lindsey Weglarz, Assistant Dean of Students (lweglarz @ uchicago.edu).

It may be possible to write a single thesis to meet requirements for both the MA degree and the undergraduate major. Please review this page and request a petition from the Student Affairs Administrator in the MA program. Please note that students anticipating this should confirm their major approves when securing approval to apply to the BA/MA.

All BA/MA students must meet all BA requirements and graduate by June of their fourth year. BA/MA students may complete their thesis and graduate with the MA in the August. BA/MA students must graduate with the MA in August or they cannot receive the MA.

Before beginning an application, potential BA/MA students should schedule an appointment with Lindsey Weglarz, Assistant Dean of Students, (lweglarz @ uchicago.edu) to discuss eligibility and degree logistics.

Please see the Division of the Social Sciences for application requirements and process. BA/MA students can apply during any of the three application rounds, but we strongly encourage applying during Early Action or Round 1, as Round 2 is on a space-available basis only.

BA/MA students are assessed graduate level tuition but retain their College financial aid package. They are therefore not eligible for funding from MAPSS. Interested students should speak with their financial aid advisor if they have concerns regarding their aid. Odyssey Scholars: Please contact Assistant Dean of Students Lindsey Weglarz for more information regarding aid.