BA/MA Frequently Asked Questions

Interested students wish to pursue a joint BA/MA degree should review our joint degree logistics and then meet with the Associate Dean of Students for Admissions in the Division of the Social Sciences (Lindsey Weglarz). However, below we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions that you may find helpful.

Degree Logistics

Do I need to complete my major before applying or matriculating?

No; however, we do recommend you have completed any coursework that cannot be double-counted as part of the MA degree (e.g. core courses and major required courses) before beginning the program. 

Is there a minimum credit requirement to enroll?

Yes. Enrolling students must be able to graduate from the College by the end of the end of the joint enrollment period. Typically, this means entering the program with at least 3300 credits (assuming all 9 graduate courses will double-count towards the BA). 

Can I count MA coursework towards my BA requirements?

Yes. The 9 courses completed through the MA program can be counted as general elective requirements or as major elective requirements. The latter requires the approval of your major.

I am anticipating graduating from the College a quarter other than a spring quarter. Can I still do the joint degree?

Yes. However, please review our joint degree policy for information related to how enrollment and aid are handled when a BA/MA student graduates from the College prior to completing the MA coursework. 

Can I count graduate level coursework completed before the joint enrollment year towards the MA?

No. All MA coursework must be completed in the joint enrollment year to count towards the MA.

Can I enroll in additional undergraduate courses to complete BA requirements?

Yes. Joint BA/MA students, like all undergraduates, are eligible to enroll in a fourth undergraduate course at no extra cost, and so in any given quarter can enroll in four (4) courses if needed to complete remaining undergraduate requirements (3 graduate courses + 1 undergraduate course). 

The Division does not recommend BA/MA students enroll in more than one additional undergraduate course. Please note that approval to enroll in additional undergraduate courses comes from the College, not the Division or MA program. 

Financial Aid and Tuition

I am receiving aid from the College. Will I be able to apply that towards my BA/MA?

Yes. Joint degree students retain aid eligibility. However, to remain eligible for Federal aid, students must enroll in two courses per quarter that count towards their undergraduate degree.

What is the tuition rate?

Effective with the 2026 – 2027 academic year, all joint Bx/Mx students are charged the standard Collegiate tuition rate, regardless of the tuition rate for their master’s program.

Admissions

When should I apply?

Prospective BA/MA students apply during the academic year before they would enroll in a joint degree program e.g. during their third year. We recommend students apply in Round 1 or Round 2 because space may be limited in later rounds.

Are the application requirements the same as for other MA applicants?

For MAPSS and CIR, BA/MA applicants only need to provide two (2) reference letters instead of three. GRE requirements and application fees are also waived for BA/MA applicants. Otherwise, all requirements are the same.

Can I apply for more than program?

Yes. A separate application is required but some materials can be reused upon request by emailing ssd-admissions@uchicago.edu for instructions. 

How do I submit the major approval form?

The major approval form should be submitted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, major advisor, or student affairs administrator for your major. If you are uncertain who should submit the form, you should contact your major. The form must be submitted via our application system by entering the email address for the appropriate individual.