Five-Year BA/MA Program

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

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:

• MA thesis required describing research carried out
• No prohibition against BA Honors thesis, but does not exempt from MA thesis requirement
• Many students choose not to write BA thesis since MA thesis will be more substantial based on same project