Overview
The College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Political Science offer outstanding undergraduate students an accelerated path to completion of a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The “BA/MA” and “BA/MPA” programs employ an accelerated curriculum that allows undergraduate students to take up to 12 graduate credits while completing their BA, which can be applied to an MA or MPA in Political Science at UNR, contingent upon acceptance to the graduate program. The MA and MPA degrees are suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in public service, public administration, non-governmental organizations, or further study in a PhD program.
Admission Requirements and Process
Students should apply to an accelerated program during their junior year so that they can begin graduate coursework in their senior year. Before applying, students must 1) have completed 75 credits toward their BA degree, 2) be a Political Science Major or International Affairs Major or other approved social science major at UNR, 3) have a 3.0 GPA overall and a strong record within the Department 4) consult with both the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) about their interest in an accelerated program.
Once they have discussed their intent to apply with the DUS and DGS, students must complete an “Application to Pursue Accelerated Degree Program” form and have it approved. The Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of Graduate Studies will review applicants to the accelerated program on a rolling basis. Students hoping to include Graduate Courses in the following semester must meet with the DGS and DUS as well as fill out the “Application to Pursue Accelerated Degree Program” prior to the start of enrollment for the following semester.
Importantly, being accepted into an accelerated program does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Students must apply to a graduate program separately, per the regular process outlined on the Political Science and Graduate School websites, once they have fulfilled all undergraduate degree requirements. Graduate credits taken while in the accelerated program will count toward the completion of a graduate degree. Undergraduate credits are not applicable toward a graduate degree.
Program Guidelines
Students must be admitted to the accelerated program before any graduate courses can be taken. Students begin graduate coursework in the first semester of their senior year. Students should take PSC 780 (MPA) or PSC 781 (MA) as soon as possible after being admitted.
Twelve credits of graduate work may apply to both the BA and MA/MPA degrees (if the student later applies and is accepted into one of these graduate programs). Graduate credits completed in the student’s senior year of undergraduate studies may apply towards the University credit total (120) and specific Political Science major requirements, as approved by the Department. Students are encouraged to work with the College of Liberal Arts Advising Office to ensure that they have met all University and College requirements before beginning the process.
View the Accelerated Degree Form
View program requirements for the Political Science, B.A.
View program requirements for the Political Science, M.A.
View program requirements for the Public Administration and Policy, M.P.A