THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
BA/MA Program for UChicago Undergraduates
Current University of Chicago undergraduate students are eligible to enroll in CIR through the joint BA/MA program in International Relations. The joint program is an excellent opportunity for high-performing undergraduates to complete a graduate program without any additional enrollment at the University. Interested students should reach out to Lindsey Weglarz, Associate Dean of Students by Autumn Quarter of their 3rd year to discuss the program. Admission to the joint degree is competitive, and students are encouraged to apply during the Early Action or Round 1 deadlines; admission during Round 2 is on a space-available basis only.
A detailed overview of the BA/MA policy in the Social Sciences Division is available on the Division’s website. Any questions about CIR specifically can be directed to Student Affairs Administrator Sabrina Biggus.
The dual BA/MA program is a four-year program and is distinct from the UChicago Advanced Scholars (4+1) program, which takes five years to complete.
BA/MA students are strongly encouraged have completed all College Core requirements before their 4th year. During the BA/MA year students must meet all MA degree requirements in CIR during the dual enrollment year, including:
- Two core seminars
- Three courses in one area of study
- Three courses in a second area of study
- A faculty-approved MA thesis
The Committee on International Relations allows BA/MA students to count prior coursework towards their program distribution requirements. This does not mean students can take fewer graduate level courses during their BA/MA year, but does allow them increased flexibility in designing their MA curriculum. For example, if a student has previously completed 3 courses that are listed as meeting requirements for the CIR field of study “Research Methods in the Social Sciences”, even if they enrolled in the undergraduate section, they would need only complete three courses in their second field of study. Their remaining four graduate courses could be for any field of study. All BA/MA students must successfully complete 9 graduate courses during their joint year regardless of whether prior coursework is being used to satisfy the program distribution requirement. Students with questions should reach out Lindsey Weglarz, Associate Dean of Students.
By default, the 9 MA-level courses can be double-counted as general elective credit towards the bachelor’s degree. BA/MA students may choose instead to double-count MA courses towards BA major or minor electives or requirements, with department approval. Questions regarding double-counting or degree logistics should be directed to Lindsey Weglarz, Associate Dean of Students.
It may be possible to write a single thesis to meet requirements for both the MA degree and the undergraduate major. See the Division of the Social Sciences website, and request a petition from the Student Affairs Administrator in the MA program. Please note that students anticipating this should confirm their major approves when securing approval to apply to the BA/MA.
All BA/MA students must meet all BA requirements and graduate by June of their fourth year. BA/MA students may complete their thesis and graduate with the MA in the August. BA/MA students must graduate with the MA in August or they cannot receive the MA.
Before beginning an application, potential BA/MA students should schedule an appointment with Lindsey Weglarz, Associate Dean of Students, to discuss eligibility and degree logistics.
Please see the Division of the Social Sciences for application requirements and process. BA/MA students can apply during any of the three application rounds, but we strongly encourage applying during Early Action or Round 1, as Round 2 is on a space-available basis only.
In addition to the standard application requirements, you will need to provide the following additional forms which you must upload to your online application:
- BA/MA Approval Form (signed by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for your major or majors)
- BA/MA Planned Curriculum Form (view relevant course list)
BA/MA students are assessed graduate level tuition but retain their College financial aid package. They are therefore not eligible for funding from the Division of Social Sciences. Interested students should speak with their financial aid advisor if they have concerns regarding their aid.
"CIR helps me to define my future goals by offering numerous, but precious, opportunities to collaborate and learn from people with diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. In curriculums, the opportunity to work closely with knowledgeable instructors in a wide range of courses enables me to deepen my understanding of the complex dynamics of international relations. In core seminars, discussing and debating with peers on specific topics developed my communication and public speaking skills which are highly valued in academic and professional settings.
For the thesis, a core of the program curriculum, working with the faculty adviser and the weekly thesis workshop equips me with the analytical and methodological skills necessary for success in academic IR research. And equally important, this process enables me to become an “expert” to explore a particular area and make a meaningful primary contribution."
- Jiarui Zhang