Accelerated Master's Programs

Earn your B.A. + M.A

The Accelerated Master’s Program provides a pathway for qualified political science undergraduate students (major and minor) to complete a Master of Arts (M.A.) in one year, completing both a B.A. and M.A. in just five years. Students of other majors who have completed 12 or more 300/400-level political science credits, with a grade of B or higher, are also eligible to apply.

classroom poli sci

Admission Process

Apply to Conditional Admission

  1. Find an advisor
  2. Attend an information session
  3. Meet with Graduate Coordinator to review the requirements and expectations to ensure that the student can complete the sequential program
  4. Completed 90 credits, including twelve (12) 300/400-level POLS credits
  5. Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
  6. POLS GPA of 3.25 of higher
  7. Grades of B or higher in all upper division POLS courses
  8. DOWNLOAD the checklist

Applications for conditional acceptance into the sequential degree program must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator of the Department of Political Science by May 31 of the year before the final B.A. year.

  • Complete B.A. coursework, as well as an additional 9 credits of 500-level regular graduate coursework that qualify towards the M.A., by the time student enrolls in the M.A. program.
  • Apply for Graduate School admission to the M.A. program. Check the specific AMP box when completing the application if you are applying for accelerated masters.

Contact

Questions? Contact Graduate Coordinator, Professor Matthew Hitt

Earn your B.A. + MPPA

Earn Your Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Five Years

Maximize your time at CSU by earning two degrees in as little as five years. The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) allows students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) in as little as five years.

The MPPA is a professional master's degree that prepares students for leadership in international organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits.

MPPA photos (4)

Program Pathway

BA + MPPA Program Pathway

1. Undergraduate: Junior Year

    • Submit Departmental 4+1 Application
    • Meet with MPPA advisor

2. Undergraduate: Senior Year

    • Apply for formal admission to Graduate School
    • Complete up to 9 credits of MPPA coursework selected with advisor approval
    • Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

3. Graduate School Year

    • Fall: 12 credits of graduate coursework
    • Spring: 12 credits of graduate coursework
    • Summer: 6 credits of internship and capstone
    • Earn your Master of Public Policy and Administration

Contact

Questions? Contact MPPA Assistant Professor Jessie Harney.

B.A. + M.A. Contact Information

For additional information about the B.A. and M.A. sequential degree program or to set up a virtual appointment, please contact Graduate Coordinator, Professor Matthew Hitt.

Matthew Hitt

  • Associate Professor

B.A. + MPPA Contact Information

For additional information about the B.A. and MPPA sequential degree program or to set up a virtual appointment, please contact MPPA Assistant Professor Jessie Harney.

Jessie Harney

  • Assistant Professor