B.A./M.A. in Policy Analytics
4+1 Accelerated Master's Program
Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵'s B.A./M.A. in Policy Analytics 4+1 program lets eligible undergraduate students
begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor's degree. Designed for students
who want to use data, research, and analytical tools to understand policy challenges
and drive evidence-based decision-making, this program helps you save time, reduce
costs, and enter your career with an advanced degree in hand.
Who can apply?
Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵ undergraduates who have completed a minimum of 45 undergraduate credits may
apply.
How does the 4+1 Accelerated Master's Program work?
Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵ undergraduates can double count up to 15 credits of M.A. in Policy Analytics coursework toward both their master’s degree and bachelor’s degree.
Graduate credits taken as part of the accelerated program are billed at the undergraduate
tuition rate while the student is still completing their B.A. Once students graduate
with their B.A., they will have already made significant progress toward their M.A.
As graduate students, they pay graduate tuition.
Why Choose the Policy Analytics 4+1 Program?
This 4+1 program provides specialized expertise, advanced leadership training, and
research opportunities, enhancing students’ competitiveness in the job market. Additionally,
it fosters networking, leadership skills, and career flexibility, making it a valuable
choice for those passionate about a career in policy analytics.
How to apply
We operate under a rolling admissions model for the accelerated master's program. Interested Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵ undergraduates must provide the following:
- Completed specific to the accelerated master's program (no application fee required).
- Your most current cumulative Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵ GPA, information regarding your major and/or minor, and anticipated undergraduate graduation date.
- A minimum of one letter of recommendation to be completed by someone who knows you well enough professionally or academically to give an informed opinion of your intellectual ability, capacity for sustained self-directed study, personal qualifications, and professional potential. The recommendation process is completed online through the graduate admission portal.
- Your Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵advisor’s name and email.
- A written essay (1-2 pages, double-spaced in 12 pt font) answering the following question:
What are your professional goals, and how will this accelerated master’s program help
you achieve them?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many graduate credits can I double count?
Eligible students may double count up to 15 credits of M.A. in Policy Analytics coursework toward both their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.
Are graduate courses billed at the undergraduate rate?
Graduate credits taken as part of the accelerated program are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate while the student is still completing their B.A. After graduating with the B.A., students pay graduate tuition.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for the accelerated master’s program.
When will I know my admission status?
Applicants typically receive an admission decision within 3–5 business days of submitting a complete application.
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact the program director, Stefanie Kasparek, at stefanie.kasparek@goucher.edu with program or application questions.