Global Studies (4+1), BA/MA

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The International Studies (4+1), BA/MA program will save you both time and tuition by allowing you to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in only five years. You can start taking courses toward your master’s in your junior or senior year and earn a master’s degree with just 26 additional units of course work, compared to 34 units for two-year students.

Admission

Students can apply for admission to the 4+1 program if they fulfill the following requirements:

GSBA student with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major
Apply no later than Spring of Junior year or once the student has completed 64 units; early application strongly encouraged to prepare for graduate coursework

Applicants will be notified of decisions no later than the semester after their application is received. Students can officially matriculate into the MA program upon completion of their college graduation requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop a critical interdisciplinary understanding of the major historical, structural, and cultural power relations that have shaped global dynamics
Develop a critical interdisciplinary understanding of the major historical, structural, and cultural power relations that have shaped global dynamics
Demonstrate an ability to critically engage cultural difference and diversity and evaluate their significance in the contemporary world
Generate a self-directed, designed and executed interdisciplinary capstone or thesis project
Demonstrate analytical and practical skills relevant for working in the field of global affairs

Global Studies Major Requirements (48 units)

Students complete the 48-unit GSBA degree. Please see the Global Studies, Major for undergraduate requirements.

Note: GSBA 399 - GSBA Internship is required for the BA for 4+1 students, to be completed by the end of their 4th year. Students can apply to the 4+1 program before completing this course.

Global Studies MA Major Requirements (34 units)

The GSMA degree is 34 units. Please see the Global Studies, MA for graduate requirements.

For the 4+1 program:

8 units overlap between the undergraduate and graduate programs:
One GSMA seminar elective taken by undergraduates can be counted towards both the GSBA degree and the GSMA degree.
GSBA 301 - Research Methods with a grade of B+ or better substitutes for GSMA 625 - Research & Project Design toward the graduate degree. If students do not receive a B+ or better, students must take GSMA 625 in addition to other 4+1 requirements.