The PlusOne Program allows students to accelerate their study by applying graduate credits taken as an undergraduate toward both an undergraduate and a graduate degree.

If you are a motivated and academically outstanding student, you can begin earning either a? Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science ?or a? Master of Public Administration (MPA) , in your junior or senior year while completing your Bachelors degree. This is achieved by allowing you to “double count” up to 15 graduate credits toward both your graduate and undergraduate degree requirements.

Why might this be Right for You?

There are three main reasons why this option might be right for you. First, professionals who enter the workforce with graduate level experience are often more competitive.

Second, the combined degree might make financial sense. Up to 15 graduate credits will count toward the completion of your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree at no additional cost. This can equal up to half the required credits for your graduate degree.

Finally, the combined degree program can accelerate your receipt of a graduate degree. In most cases a combined degree student can obtain both their undergraduate and graduate diplomas with only one additional year of study.

Are you Eligible to Apply?

If you are a Political Science major, and at least a first semester Junior with a QPA in Political Science of 3.50 or higher and an overall QPA of at least 3.33, then we welcome your application to this program.

When to Apply

You should apply in your junior year, as this will maximize the number of combined degree graduate credits you can enroll in. However, we will also review applications from Seniors.

How do I Apply?

Your first step should be to make an appointment with your academic advisor or the Department’s Coordinator of Graduate Programs to make sure the program is right for you. Once you complete this meeting, you will be given an Internal Admission Application for Combined Degree Programs. You will need to submit this form along with the items below to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office, 128 Meserve Hall.

• Personal Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation

What Graduate Courses can I take?

Because Political Science graduate courses are each worth 3 credits, you can complete up to 5 courses while completing your undergraduate degree requirements, for a total of 15 credits. You will be required to enroll in Quantitative Techniques (POLS-7202) and you can enroll in up to 2 graduate level courses per semester. Once you become a graduate student, you will be allowed to enroll in the same courses as other students in either the MA or MPA program.

Who do I contact for more Information?

You can either speak with your undergraduate academic advisor or the Academic or Administrative Coordinator of Graduate Programs.? Any of them will be able to go over the admissions process, give you more details about the program, and provide you with a curriculum plan to determine if this program is right for you.