Introduction
The BA-MA Honors (Political Science) program, adopted in 1987 and implemented in 1990, is designed to develop and strengthen the training of competent political scientists. It is a five-year honors program that combines Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees that are offered by the department. It is designed to develop and strengthen the training of competent political scientists in the substantive fields of Political Science through the development of their research skills.
Students are admitted into the program after their second year in the BA (Political Science) program. They are then expected to complete the BA Honors component of the BA-MA program within two years before completing the MA Honors component within one additional year. In the process, students will be required to take four readings courses (POLSC 140 series) in place of taking the comprehensive exams required under the regular MA (Political Science) program in addition to the requirements of the regular BA (Political Science) program. They will also begin taking graduate level classes during their fourth year. Lastly, BA-MA Honors students are expected to complete both an undergraduate and graduate thesis in their fourth and fifth years respectively.
Program Outcomes
The BA-MA Honors (Political Science) Program Outcomes consist of the following:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the breadth of seminal theories in the different areas of Political Science;
- Design, develop, and implement research using a variety of applicable methods to analyze historical and contemporary political issues in local, national, regional and global concerns;
- Communicate advanced knowledge in Political Science to various publics and audiences; and
- Commit to critical thinking, scholarly excellence, and ethical conduct in teaching, research, and public service.
Curriculum
Admission and Retention
Admission is by invitation. To be invited, you
- Must be in second-year standing
- Must have completed at least 63 units
- Must have a GWA of at least 1.75
- Must not have incurred a grade of 4.00, 5.00, or F (except PE, NSTP, and Math 20)
- Must not have been underloaded in any semester
If you are not invited by the midyear term of your second year, talk to your adviser.
To be retained in the program, you
- Must have a GWA of at least 1.75 at the end of each semester
- Must not incur a grade of DRP, INC, 4.00, 5.00, or F at the end of each semester
- Must not be underloaded in each semester
- Must finish the BA Honors component in 2 academic years (4 semesters and only one midyear term in your third year; you cannot take a midyear term in your fourth year)
- Must finish the MA Honors component in one academic year (2 semesters only; you must finish by the second semester)
Additionally:
- Your BA and MA theses must be approved by the CSSP Ethics Review Board
- You may not join in any exchange program at any point (because you must finish on time)
If you do not meet our retention rules, you will be reverted to the BA (Political Science) program.
Other Documents
BA-MA Program Coordinator
 | Edcel John A. Ibarra Assistant Professor of Political Science BA-MA Honors Program Coordinator |