Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program
The combined bachelor's/master's degree program is designed for superior students who have the ability to pursue an accelerated program in political science leading to the Master of Arts in Political Science or the Master of Arts in Political Science-International Relations. This program is not generally recommended for students considering a Ph.D. program in Political Science at the University of Florida.
Students in the combined program may pursue the general M.A. in Political Science, the M.A. in Political Science - International Relations, or the certificate programs in Public Affairs, Political Campaigning, and International Development Policy and Administration.
Program Features
The main feature of the program is that up to 12 semester hours of approved graduate level political science courses may be used as dual credit for both the undergraduate and graduate degree. All other requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree must be met.
Application to Program
Applicants to the program will present:
- A score of 1200 or above on the GRE (verbal and quantitative portions combined).
- Completion of at least 24 semester hours at the University of Florida (including at least 12 semester hours of Political Science) with a GPA of 3.7 or better.
- Letters of recommendation from two faculty members in the Department of Political Science.
- A completed application form.
Admission to the program will be determined jointly by the Undergraduate Coordinator and the Graduate Coordinator. Either (or both) may request an interview prior to admitting the student to the program.
Retention in the Program
After admission into the accelerated program and before admission into the graduate program, students will:
- Obtain approval by the Undergraduate and Graduate Coordinators of a proposed program of study to fulfill the requirements for both the B.A. and M.A. degrees, which may include up to 12 semester hours of approved graduate level course work as dual credit toward both degrees, and
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better in all course work, and a GPA of 3.5 or better in Political Science course work.
- After completing 90 hours and before completing 110 hours of course work, accelerated students will apply for admission to the Graduate program.
Awarding of Degrees
Upon completion of all requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, such degree will be awarded to the student by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Subsequently, after the student has completed the requirements for the Master of Arts degree (including the dual credit courses), such degree will be awarded to the student by the Graduate School.
Sample Schedule for a Combined Program
General M.A. in Political Science or International Relations (Thesis Option)
Fourth Year - Fall
- POS/INR/PAD/CPO/PUP/POT 5935*
- POS 6736 Conduct of Inquiry*
Fourth Year - Spring
- STA 6126**
- POS/INR/PAD/CPO/PUP/POT 6xxx*
Summer
- Thesis Credit (3 hours) or POS/INR/PAD/CPO/PUP/POT 5935
Fifth Year - Fall
- Nine graduate hours
- POS 6736 Conduct of Inquiry*
Fifth Year - Spring
- Nine graduate hours or
- Six graduate hours plus thesis credit (3)
* Double counts toward B.A. and M.A. degrees
** Double counts toward B.A. and M.A. degrees, and satisfies Statistics requirement in both degree programs.
