Department of Philosophy at The George Washington University

Five-Year BA/MA Program

The Department offers a special program that combines two degrees: 1) the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and 2) the Master of Arts in Public Policy with a concentration in Philosophy and Social Policy. Students interested in the BA/MA Program should consult a departmental advisor as soon as possible.

Undergraduates in the philosophy major (public affairs option) may apply to the Program upon completing twelve hours of coursework in philosophy at the 100-level or higher, and must apply before completing seventy-five credits in the BA program.

To qualify for admission, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 and a grade point average of 3.5 in philosophy coursework.

A formal application must be submitted to Graduate Admissions, together with acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination and two letters of support from faculty in the Department of Philosophy.

Upon admission to the BA/MA Program, students must complete all the requirements for the BA with a major in Philosophy (public affairs option) as set out in the University Bulletin, with the exception that three courses (nine credits) from among the MA requirements must be taken as part of the BA program:

(a) at least one of these three courses must be selected from among the public policy core courses as listed in the description of the MA program in the University Bulletin, and will count towards the BA among the "required courses in related areas"; and
(b) at least one of these three courses must be selected from among the Philosophy core courses in the description of the MA in the University Bulletin, and will count towards the BA among the "electives selected in consultation with an advisor."

Students then must complete all the requirements for the MA in the field of public policy with a concentration in philosophy and social policy as set out in the University Bulletin, 'double-counting' the three courses mentioned above towards both the BA and the MA. Students receive both degrees by completing 147 credits in the non-thesis MA option or, if permitted to pursue the MA thesis option, 141 credits in all.