The MBA/Master of Arts in Political Science program is a combined program between the Graduate School of Management and the Graduate School. Efficiencies are built into the program to maximize the student’s time and energy while providing thorough coverage in each area. The Graduate School of Management will accept a maximum of 9 approved political science or international affairs credits toward MBA elective requirements. The Graduate School will accept a maximum of 9 MBA credits toward the MA degree. Students work with both programs to meet degree requirements. A maximum of 18 credits is double counted between the two degrees which saves the student about a year of coursework and tuition.
Students seeking admission to the joint program must apply separately to both the Graduate School of Management and the Graduate School. Students will be assigned an advisor in each program, and it is recommended that the student meet with each advisor prior to registration each semester.
Information about the MBA program is listed below. Political science and international affair requirements can be found at /polisci/grad_overview.shtml for political science and /polisci/maia.shtml for international affairs.
See the MBA curriculum page for more information.
The MBA/Master of Arts in Political Science program is a combined program between the Graduate School of Management and the Graduate School. Efficiencies are built into the program to maximize the student’s time and energy while providing thorough coverage in each area.
Dual degree students count 9 credits of course work in each program toward the required course work credits of the other program. Thus, 9 of the 33-39 credits required for the master of business administration degree can come from POSC courses, and 9 of the 30 credits required for the master of arts degree in political science or in international affairs can come from GSM courses.
Students must identify the courses being applied toward both degrees prior to completion of the programs by contacting their advisers in both programs.
Why would I want to do both degrees at the same time?
Efficiencies are built into the joint program to maximize the student’s time and energy while providing thorough coverage in each area.
Do I have to get both degrees at the same time?
No. You do need to be admitted to both programs at the same time to gain the maximum efficiencies but once you complete the requirements of one of the degrees you can earn that degree. You would them continue to work on the second degree.
How many credits can I save or double count?
The Graduate School of Management will accept a maximum of 9 approved political science or international affairs credits toward MBA elective requirements. The Graduate School will accept a maximum of 9 MBA credits toward the MA degree. Students work with both programs to meet degree requirements.
Can I use one application for both programs?
Unfortunately not. Students seeking admission to the joint program must apply separately to both the Graduate School of Management and the Graduate School. While the applications are similar they need to be complete for each program. You can use the same essay questions for both applications.
Do I need to pay the application fee twice?
No. You will pay the fee for the first application you complete and indicate on the second application that you have already paid the fee.
Are the tuition fees different for the two programs?
No. Tuition is paid on a per credit basis at the University’s graduate credit rate which is the same for both programs.
Will I have an advisor?
You will be assigned an advisor in each program. It is suggested that you meet with your advisor in each program prior to registration each term.
Do I have to take an entrance exam?
Yes, the GMAT is required. However, you can use the GMAT for both programs so you don’t have to take more than one exam.
