/College of Arts and Sciences
Department of English

The Combined BA/MA in English

A BA/MA program (Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts program) is an accelerated academic pathway that allows qualified undergraduate students to begin taking graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelor's degree. The program is designed to streamline the transition from undergraduate to graduate study, enabling students to earn both degrees in a shorter period of time than if they pursued them separately. 

Benefits of the BA/MA Program

The BA/MA Program provides qualified students with the opportunity to begin graduate study while completing their undergraduate degree. Benefits of participating in the program include:

  • Accelerated progress toward the MA degree by allowing students to complete up to four of the ten required graduate courses for the MA degree while still completing their undergraduate studies, prior to officially matriculating into the graduate program. 
  • Potential reduction in time and coursework required after graduation, as eligible graduate courses may apply toward both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements depending on course selection.
  • Early exposure to graduate-level course-work, allowing students to become familiar with advanced research, writing, and academic expectations.
  • A streamlined transition into the MA program by providing a structured pathway from undergraduate study into graduate education so you don’t need to apply to the graduate program separately.
  • Cost-effective: The four graduate courses will be charged at the undergraduate tuition rate. 

Students should work closely with the English Department Academic Coordinator and faculty advisors to select graduate courses that best support their academic goals and degree requirements.

Questions 

If you have any questions please contact charles.j.ewards@stonybrook.edu who is the current Academic Coordinator for the Department of English.

To be eligible for admission, students must:

  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in English major coursework.
  • Have taken at least 1 level 300 English course at Stony Brook. 
  • Apply no earlier than the second semester of the sophomore year or the first semester of the junior year, or have accumulated 60 total credits. 
  • Have sufficient room in their undergraduate degree plan to complete four graduate courses before graduating (typically over four semesters, including summer terms if needed).
  • Two letters of recommendation from English faculty members expressing the students’ ability to complete graduate-level coursework. 

Admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. The only firm deadline is that the department must submit the student's admission request to the Graduate School prior to the semester in which the student wishes to begin the BA/MA Program.

The admission process is as follows:

  1. The student meets with the English Department Academic Coordinator to review eligibility and discuss program requirements.
  2. If the student meets the eligibility requirements, they request two letters of recommendation from English faculty members.
  3. Faculty members submit their recommendation letters directly to the Academic Coordinator.
  4. Once both letters have been received, the Academic Coordinator prepares the student's admission materials and forwards them to the Graduate Program Director for review.
  5. If approved by the department, the student will receive an admission letter to sign from the department. The department will then submit the admission request to the Graduate School for final review and approval. 

Students admitted to the BA/MA Program are expected to:

  • Complete four graduate-level courses prior to completing the bachelor's degree.
  • Enroll in no more than one graduate course during any Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA throughout the program. Falling below this standard may result in a probationary period or dismissal from the BA/MA Program.
  • Work with their advisor to select graduate courses that satisfy both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements whenever possible. If undergraduate major requirements have largely been completed, it is acceptable for a graduate course to count only toward the MA degree requirements.

Before each registration period, students should meet with the Undergraduate Coordinator to obtain approval for their graduate course selection.

After departmental approval, students will complete the required Graduate School APP Course Enrollment Form. The Graduate School will coordinate with the Registrar's Office to enroll the student in the approved graduate course.

Once all undergraduate degree requirements have been completed and the student is ready to transition to graduate status, the student will meet with the Academic Coordinator to review their academic record and confirm eligibility for matriculation.

Following departmental approval, the student will submit an application for matriculation through Slate to officially enter the MA program as a graduate student.