BA/MA in International Studies

The combined Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Masters Degree program is designed for highly motivated students who have already completed the first two years of college (including all general education requirements) and want to earn a Bachelor of Arts on the path to a Masters Degree.

Students who wish to earn both a BA, and one of the Institute’s MA degrees, can do so usually in a total of three years.  At the end of the first year of study, students apply for the Masters Degree they desire.  Once admitted to the specific graduate school, they begin their graduate studies in their second year at the Institute.  The Bachelors Degree is in International Studies, while the Masters Degree comes from one of the Institute's specialized Master Degree programs.

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

A total of 120 credits (including up to 70 approved credits transferred from the first two years of university study) are required for graduation.  A sample study plan is as follows:

First Semester:

Introduction to Public Policy*
Public Policy Research Methods*
Global Politics
IPS Elective
Language Study
*Required courses for the first semester.

Second Semester:

Data Analysis for Public Policy
IPS Electives (8 - 12 credits)
Language Study

The third and subsequent semesters at the Institute are normally spent taking courses within the Master's program as well as finishing the BA language requirement (12 advanced credits or the equivalent).  Overall credits required for the BA program are 120 and a minimum of an additional 30 credits for the Master's program.  If a student completes all requirements, the MA is awarded at the end of the third year of study at the Institute.  Because the BA/MA sequence is accelerated, it is regarded as an "honors program."  To succeed in this demanding program, students should be well prepared, highly motivated, mature, and willing to follow the advice of the undergraduate program advisor.