Combined B.A. in International Relations and M.A. in International Studies - the 4 plus 1 Degree Pathway

The combined BA/MA in International Relations and International Studies degree program allows highly qualified undergraduate students to pursue an accelerated MA degree in International Studies. Students accepted into this program will be able to complete the MA degree as much as one year sooner than would otherwise be possible. Students then accepted into the International Relations Honors Track are particularly encouraged to apply for this program.

To be accepted into the combined BA/MA degree program, students must submit an MA program application by March 15 in their junior year (to apply, students must already have completed 75 credits in their undergraduate degree program). A complete application requires:

  • Current enrollment in BA program in International Relations at FIU
  • Completion of 75 credits of undergraduate coursework
  • GRE
  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose discussing research interests

All components of the application must be complete by the March 15 application deadline. Students should consult the graduate catalog and the Politics and International Relations Department website for a more comprehensive discussion of admission requirements. If the application is approved, students will be admitted into the combined BA/MA degree program once they have successfully completed 90 credits in their undergraduate degree program. Students in the combined BA/MA degree program must apply for their undergraduate degree as soon as possible after having satisfied the degree requirements.

The program gives students the opportunity to take up to 9 credits of graduate coursework in their senior year that will count toward both the BA and the MA. Successful completion of the BA/MA program will therefore require a total of 147 credit hours. Students will take three 5000 level graduate courses in their senior year and follow the regular MA curriculum after they earn their BA degree. A typical course of study is as follows:

Undergraduate Junior Year: apply to the program (March 15 deadline)

Undergraduate Senior Year

Fall Semester – take 12 credits, including one 5000-level course Spring Semester – take 12 credits, including two 5000 level courses

Graduate Program

  • Summer – take 3 graduate credits (5000-level or higher)
  • Fall – take 9 graduate credits (5000-level or higher)
  • Spring – take 9 graduate credits (5000-level or higher)
  • Summer – take 6 graduate credits (thesis or comprehensive examination preparation)

Students in the combined BA/MA program in International Studies must complete all other requirements for the MA degree in International Studies (please consult the graduate catalog and the Politics and International Relations Department’s online graduate handbook).