This dual bachelor’s/master’s degree program provides successful undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in either eight or nine semesters, depending on their accumulated AP credits and/or summer courses. The last two years of undergraduate study are integrated with the first year of graduate work, reducing the time required to earn the two degrees. Successful completion of the BA/MA program may lead to enhanced career employment opportunities, professional training, or doctoral studies. BU English MAs have successfully pursued a variety of public, private, and not-for-profit career paths, including employment in teaching, not-for-profit administration, publishing, writing, research, and technology.

Applications must be received by March 1st of the junior year. Applicants must have completed at least five English courses at the time of application, and must have received a GPA of 3.5 or above in these courses. Applicants must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for the program. The application consists of a BU transcript, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample (10 pages, usually drawn from previous coursework), a plan of study, and a personal statement (usually 2-3 pages) describing the applicant’s interest in the program.

Please submit your transcript, writing sample, plan of study, and personal statement to the GRS application portal, and have your recommenders upload their letters directly on the portal as well. More information and a link to the BA/MA application can be found here.

Requirements for completion of the BA/MA include eight courses at the graduate level (two at the 500-600 level, six at the 700 level), and proficiency in a foreign language. One 500-600 level course can count for both the BA and the MA (reducing the required courses to seven). The CAS undergraduate foreign language requirement automatically satisfies the MA language requirement.

For further information about application procedures and program requirements for the BA/MA in English, please consult the Graduate Bulletin