Accelerated M.A. in The Study of The Americas
4+1 Programs are available to students in the following undergraduate programs:
- B.A. Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- B.A. Social Justice and Urban Live
The 4+1 program will enable talented and motivated undergraduate students in the B.A. Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences or in the B.A. Social Justice and Urban Life programs to enroll in courses in the M.A. The Study of The Americas program, to connect their concentration area to a broader study of The Americas, and to complete this M.A. degree soon after receiving a Bachelor’s degree. By receiving an advanced degree more quickly, successful participating students will be more competitive for jobs and admissions to further graduate programs, such as PhD programs.
What are the admissions requirements for the Accelerated M.A. option?
- Be a current B.A. student in either the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences or Social Justice and Urban Life program;
- Have at least 60 credits;
- For Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: have completed the major courses:
- IAS 24200 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies;
- IAS 23324 Advanced Composition or IAS 23304 The Essay;
- SPAN 22504 Intermediate Spanish; and
- the concentration foundational requirements;
- For Social Justice and Urban Life: have completed the three required major courses:
- IAS 25000 Right to the City;
- IAS 26000 Writing the City; and
- IAS 31704 Inequality and Social Justice;
- Have an overall GPA of 3.0.
How do I apply?
To apply, submit the following to [email protected] :
- completed application form (download form)
- a transcript
- two letters of recommendation from a faculty member (at least one of whom must be from the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences)
- personal statement describing your interest in The Study of The Americas and its connection to their concentration area.
What is the accelerated M.A. option? Undergraduate students accepted into the Accelerated M.A. option in The Study of The Americas may apply up to 12 credits of graduate courses in The Study of The Americas toward both their undergraduate and graduate requirements. The department will allow all The Study of The Americas courses (other than independent study, thesis, and capstone courses, or courses taken on e-permit) to count towards elective requirements for the B.A. programs.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA to stay in the accelerated M.A. option? Yes. Undergraduate students in the Accelerated M.A. option are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 in both undergraduate courses and Master’s level courses.
Students who are not making good progress toward the requirements or whose GPA falls below 3.0 in either undergraduate or graduate courses will be given one term to rectify the situation. Students unable to do so will be dismissed from the accelerated option.
How will I be billed for the M.A. classes I take while I am still an undergrad? Full-time undergraduate New York state residents will pay the full-time undergraduate tuition rate until they reach 120 credits (regardless of whether the courses are M.A. or B.A.). Part-time undergraduate students will pay the graduate tuition rate when taking an M.A. course.
Who will advise me? You will be advised on the undergraduate requirements and course selection by your assigned Academic Advisor and on the graduate requirements and course selection by the Graduate Director.
Last Updated: 05/04/2026 14:53