<p>How popular are combined BA/MA programs at American University? If I come into AU with around 40 credits (30 from AP 9 or so from College courses) can I get a masters in 4 years If I do a BA/MA program? How is the BA/MPA program in SPA? And finally, does AU offer funding for grad students who come from this program? Thanks</p>
<p>kool321,</p>
<p>Well… realistically, let me tell you that if you’re 22 and you have a Masters you probably won’t get a job and even if you do you won’t be taken seriously. Just telling it how it is.</p>
<p>BA/MA programs aren’t too popular. Many freshman have the notion that they want to apply to it and then realize they don’t want to do their Masters at AU or even just tie themselves down to 1 school. You apply to the BA/MA program during your junior year anyways… so it’s a LONG way down the road. </p>
<p>The maximum number of courses you can transfer are 30 from AP credits. Anyways, considering you come in as a sophomore and finish in 3 years and apply to the BA/MA in your junior year (by credits), then yes it’s completely possible to get the MA in 4 years. However, you should recognize that the BA/MA is also something you apply for and not just something you can claim. Plus, if you do the 1 year MA it’s not just 1 year it’s 1 year and your summer and you won’t be going home. It’s kind of like a prolonged hell… why would you really want to do it? Not saying AU is a bad school, but you’ll want to explore possibilities outside of AU once you’re actually here.</p>
<p>I know nothing about the BA/MPA but the MPA program is very highly looked upon. </p>
<p>All graduate students at AU, upon submission of application, are considered for merit awards. After working at one of the admissions offices for a program, I can tell you that that number is very small (obviously). You should realize right now that graduate school is pretty much $50k going out of your pocket every year unless you’re damn impressive to get that merit scholarship.</p>
<p>Also note that if you get a four-year scholarship (Dean’s, Presidential, etc), it can only be used for undergraduate study. I believe you can take a certain number of credits as an undergrad that are also applicable towards a graduate degree, but I gather you’d need to work closely with your advisors to make sure you didn’t wind up in a situation where your scholarship was no longer available to you.</p>