The combined program provides an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill integrated requirements of undergraduate and master's degree programs from the beginning of the junior year. The BA in Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology or Economics can be combined with the MPA. The BA in Political Science or Public Policy can be combined with the MPP.

Students in the combined programs complete all of the coursework normally required for the MPP or MPA degree. In qualifying for the MPP or MPA, students must meet all University and school requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion of a minimum of 40 graduate credits and any other conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, professional experience, and residency requirements.

Students are able to apply a maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework toward the 120 credits required to complete the BA. This essentially shortens the length of time it takes to complete the BA by one semester.

• For BA Public Policy majors, the 12 credits of graduate coursework may be substituted for specific core or concentration courses required for the major.

• Undergraduate students in other departments should check with their academic advisor to see if any coursework from the MPA or MPP program can be substituted for requirements in their undergraduate major.

• For students in any major, the 12 credits of graduate level coursework may be applied as general electives to meet the 120 credits needed to graduate.

• Students in the combined program are still required to meet all University and undergraduate department requirements in qualifying for the BA, including general education requirements and residency requirements.

Students are considered as undergraduates until completion of 120 graduation credits and satisfactory completion of all BA requirements. Upon meeting BA requirements, students are automatically considered as graduate students.

Students may apply to the combined degree program after the successful completion of 56 credits. A cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher is required for consideration.

Students apply to the combined programs through the same process as any student applying for graduate study at the University at Albany. For more information go to: http://www.albany.edu/graduate/forms.shtml#download.

Students applying to the combined program are waived from taking the GRE. Be sure to write “Combined BA/MPA” or “Combined BA/MPP” at the top of your application so there will not be a delay while waiting for GRE scores.