How much funding does Five-Year BA/MA Program provide?

Five-Year BA/MA Program provides Tuition waived for two semesters of post-BA MA work in funding.

When is the deadline for Five-Year BA/MA Program?

The deadline is January 15, 2027.

Five-Year BA/MA Program

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Foundation Annual Grants for Education

Funding Amount

Tuition waived for two semesters of post-BA MA work

Deadline

January 15, 2027

182 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Five-Year BA/MA Program

Overview: A unique accelerated degree program allowing ambitious students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years instead of six, with significant cost savings.

Fields of Study:

Natural sciences

Mathematics

Psychology

Departments Offering Program:

Astronomy

Biology

Chemistry

College of Integrative Sciences

Earth & Environmental Sciences

Mathematics & Computer Science

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

Neuroscience & Behavior

Physics

Psychology

Program Structure:

Bachelor's degree (4 years) + Master's degree (1 year)

MA completed in two academic semesters of full-time study and research on campus

MA requires six or more credits in addition to the 32 required for Wesleyan BA

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) not required

Financial Aid:

Tuition waived for two semesters of post-BA work toward MA degree, including summer and winter sessions

Tuition waiver does not apply to study abroad courses or coursework beyond two semesters

Continuation fee of $250 per semester in exceptional cases where additional semester needed for thesis

BA/MA students are financially responsible for housing, food, health insurance, and graduate student activity fee

Health insurance required; students may opt for university graduate student health plan

Financial aid available for housing, food, and health insurance for students who received Wesleyan grant aid during final year of BA

Students not eligible for graduate stipend from university

Some students may work as TAs and receive hourly pay from department

International students: May qualify for financial aid if received Wesleyan grant aid during final BA year

Eligibility:

Must be a bachelor's degree candidate in eligible field

Strong academic record

Must apply before completing undergraduate studies

Careful planning with faculty advisor essential

Student Account must be in good financial standing after BA to continue to MA

Housing:

Eligible for Wesleyan graduate student housing

Housing not guaranteed

Priority given to applications submitted by May 1

May apply for summer housing if required by department for research

How to Apply

Application Process

Timeline and Deadlines:

Sep 1 - Jan 15: Application submission window (opens September 1, closes January 15 at 5:00 pm Eastern)

By Jan 31: Academic departments complete review and ranking of applications

By Feb 28: Director of Graduate Studies and BA/MA committee review applications; admission decisions released

Application Steps:

1. Create an online account
2. Submit online application through Wesleyan portal
3. Submit required supplemental materials
4. Application must be submitted to be reviewed; applications not editable after submission
5. Save work as needed before final submission

Required Supplemental Materials:

1. Statement of Purpose (2 pages maximum, single-spaced, 12-point font)
- Academic background, abilities, interests and objectives
- What attracted you to your chosen course of study
- Research experience (if any)
- Whether transcript and college record accurately reflect academic ability
- Why Wesleyan's BA/MA program suits academic and professional goals

2. Research Proposal (3 pages maximum, single-spaced, 12-point font, including optional figures and references)
- Problem your research will address
- How this work will lead to progress in the field
- Written in your own words
- Evaluated by committee of graduate faculty (may be outside department)

3. Letters of Recommendation: At least two required
- One from your faculty research advisor (required)
- One from an additional Wesleyan faculty member (required)

4. Transcript: Unofficial undergraduate transcript(s)
- Optional: Statement explaining why transcript may not be accurate reflection of ability

Application Notes:

Use both upper and lower-case letters appropriately

Applications must be submitted to be reviewed

Cannot edit after submission

Special requirements vary by department; contact your department for specifics

Course Requirements for MA:

Minimum six or more credits beyond the 32 required for BA

One credit each semester for Advanced Research (549/550) culminating in MA thesis

MA credit awarded only for courses with minimum grade of B-minus

Specific requirements vary by department (see University Catalog)

Thesis Requirements: