What are the advantages of obtaining a combined BA/MA vs. obtaining a BA and an MA separately?
There are two advantages. First students can obtain their BA and MA in five (5) years rather than spending a minimum of six (6) years acquiring both separately through the traditional approach. Second, students will save the cost of the sixth year of tuition. In addition, students pay undergraduate autumn rates for the first semester of the MA program, an additional savings of approximately $5,000.00.
What skills can I expect to develop as a student in the program?
This BA/MA program is research intensive. Students will be mentored for two years by a research faculty in the psychology department. In addition, students will receive intensive training and supervision through their coursework in research methods, including research design, data collection, analysis, manipulation and data mining, as well as the preparation of publishable manuscripts. At the conclusion of the program, students will be prepared to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and write up their findings for presentation and publication.
What kinds of employment opportunities can I expect after obtaining the BA/MA degree?
The research design and analysis skills that students will obtain from the program are marketable in any number of fields that collect and maintain information as part of their research and marketing strategy. This includes the pharmaceutical industry, food and health industries and advertising, to name a few.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program takes five years to complete. The undergraduate degree will take three years and the graduate degree will take two years. Undergraduate coursework will be completed simultaneously with the first semester of graduate coursework, hence the five-year program.
How many credits is the program?
The BA/MA program requires a total of 143 credits to complete. The undergraduate psychology program requires 120 credits and the graduate psychology program require 35 credits. Also, nine credits out of the graduate credits count toward both the undergraduate major requirements and the graduate degree requirements. The general education requirements for all undergraduate Montclair State University programs remain the same.
Is there a deadline by which to submit an application?
Yes, there are different deadlines depending on the application. High school seniors must follow all Montclair State University application deadlines. As a prospective student, your application to BA/MA is due by January 17th of academic year. For current Montclair State University student application to BA/MA is due by Feb 1st of sophomore year.
*Application is accepted during second semester of sophomore year only.
Are any courses offered online?
Psychology major courses are offered online, however BA/MA students are strongly encouraged to take courses in face-to-face format.
Can I take courses during the summer for this program?
If relevant courses are available, yes.
Is it possible to reapply if I am not accepted the first time?
Reapplication is possible only if you apply as a prospective Montclair State University student. All reapplications are due the February first of sophomore year.
I am a transfer student, is this program for me?
Most students will enter upon matriculation in their freshman year. Students can also apply to the program in the spring of their Sophomore year at Montclair State. Transfer students must contact a member of the BA/MA committee to determine eligibility.
What will my diploma look like? Will have one for my BA and one for MA, or will there be one for both?
You will have two diplomas; one for BA, one for MA.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
- A minimum psychology major GPA of 3.5
- A grade of B or better in PSYC 220
- Completion of all core psychology courses for the undergraduate Psychology major: PSYC 101, 203, 220, 301 (by the end of the sophomore year)
- An ability to complete 108 credits by fall of the senior year.
- Two letters of recommendation from Montclair State faculty
- Copy of SAT scores (if available)
- A personal essay
- An additional writing sample PSYC 203
What academic standards must I maintain in order to remain in the program?
In both undergraduate and graduate program successful applicants will have demonstrated excellent academic preparation and study skills. These skills are expected to be maintained in the graduate program. Specifically, all students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or better in undergraduate component of program and receive no grade lower than a B in any psychology courses. Students must also maintain 3.0 GPA in graduate component program. In addition, all students must satisfy graduate component of program on time.
What happens if I do not meet those standards or fail to complete courses on time?
If students do not meet those standards or fail to complete the prescribed number of credits in a timely manner they will be transferred to regular BA in Psychology. The first four semesters of the BA/MA program overlaps completely with the BA in Psychology course sequence.