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Combined (Fast-Track) BA-MPA Program
The Department of Public Administration offers several combined-degree programs, also called fast-track programs, that are designed for exceptional Binghamton University students who want to combine a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree over five years.
The requirements for completion of the combined bachelor’s-master’s degree program are identical to those for completion of the two separate degrees. Because a set number of credits for coursework taken for the master’s degree (500-600 level) also count for the undergraduate degree, students are able to complete the course requirements for the bachelor’s degree in four years and the course requirements for the combined bachelor’s-master’s degree in five years. By completing the bachelor’s degree requirements during their first four years, students are assured of the bachelor’s degree if, for any reason, they do not complete the fifth year.
The MPA can be combined with the following undergraduate majors:
Political Science (BA) - MPA
Theatre (BA) - MPA
Asian and Asian American Studies (BA) – MPA
French (BA) – MPA
Spanish (BA) – MPA
Italian (BA) – MPA
For more information and application procedures, click here.
The combined-degree program is especially appropriate for students who:
- have AP credit, and so an advanced start on college-level work
- have good time-management skills
- know their undergraduate major early on
- have some idea of their immediate career goals
The combined-degree program is appropriate for you if you want to:
- Increase your marketability. Graduate degrees hone job-related skills (e.g., in communication, research methods, data analysis, team-work, big-picture thinking).Employers are constantly looking for people who have such training.
- Increase your earning potential. Salaries for people with master’s degrees are on average $10,000 higher than for those with bachelor’s degrees. Over a lifetime, that makes quite a difference.
- Save time. Earn your master’s degree in just one additional year instead of two.
- Save money. Pay graduate tuition for only one (the fifth) year.
- Cap your liberal arts education with a professional degree. The combination of a liberal arts education (for breadth and development as a citizen-scholar) and a professional master’s degree (for specialized application) will empower you and serve you well in our global society.
- Obtain outstanding value. Binghamton offers an Ivy-caliber education – undergraduate and graduate – at state university prices.
Applying to the Combined Degree Program
Students should declare their interest in the combined-degree program as soon as possible, e.g., freshmen or sophomore year. Students apply during their junior year.
A limited number of students are accepted into the program by the end of the junior year. Admission into the program is based on academic performance, applicant’s personal essay, letters of recommendation from faculty and an interview with the MPA Director of Graduate Studies. Students should apply during their junior year.
Applicants should have most of the undergraduate major completed, and all or almost all of their general education requirements completed. Applicants should have at least a 3.5 GPA in their undergraduate major and at least a 3.2 GPA overall. They need to provide two letters of recommendation from people who have the expertise to evaluate their potential in a graduate research program. They need to submit a statement (300-500 words) indicating their career goals and why they desire this program. Students should apply online to the Graduate School) and indicate that they are applying for a combined bachelor’s-master’s degree program. All requirements of applicants by the Graduate School and department must be met.
