The B.A./M.A. program is an excellent option for students seeking advanced training in English at a nationally ranked Research 1 graduate program. The B.A./M.A. will advance the critical and analytical skills of students intending to pursue professional training outside the humanities—for example, law, medicine and business. It will also advance students toward the Ph.D. in English, as well as a number of related academic fields.
B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
Admission Requirements
The B.A./M.A. program is an excellent option for students seeking advanced training in English at a nationally ranked Research 1 graduate program. The B.A./M.A. will advance the critical and analytical skills of students intending to pursue professional training outside the humanities in law, medicine and business, for example. It will also advance students toward the Ph.D. in English, as well as a number of related academic fields.
To be eligible for the program, students must have completed 116 credits, including all requirements for the English major, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 overall and 3.7 in the major.
Applications are due November 15 for early admission or April 15; those accepted in the Fall are invited to take up to two graduate courses in the final semester of their senior year. Those applying in the Spring will complete all graduate requirements within the fifth year of the B.A./M.A. program. (At the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, an otherwise qualified student who is still completing an honors thesis may apply for conditional admission). No courses used to satisfy the B.A. requirements may be applied toward the M.A.
The Graduate Record Exams--both General Test and Subject Test in English Literature--are required and must be taken before the end of the final semester of undergraduate study.
The application comprises:
- The Indiana University Application for Graduate School;
- a 300-500 word statement of the applicant's academic interests and goals;
- two letters of recommendation;
- Graduate Record Examination scores;
- and a representative critical essay of 15-20 pages.
The program requires that applicants submit their primary applications online. The online application may be found here. Supplemental materials (such as the writing sample) should be submitted to:
Bev Hankins
IU English Department
Ballantine Hall 442
1020 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405-7103
Deadline for Application Materials: November 15th/April 15th
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Applying for Admission to the B.A./M.A. Program in English
- What is the B.A./M.A.?
The B.A./M.A. program in English allows high-achieving English majors early admission to our top ranking graduate program. It is designed so that students can finish both the undergraduate and graduate degree in five years, although there is no requirement to finish in this period.
- What are some advantages of the B.A./M.A. program?
The B.A./M.A. program (1) reduces the time and therefore the cost of the graduate degree; (2) provides job seekers with a competitive edge and increased earnings potential; 3) offers invaluable training for students pursuing a number of professional fields, especially law; (4) advances students toward the Ph.D. and adds substantially to the qualifications of Ph.D. applicants.
- When can I apply?
Undergraduates should apply in the semester in which they are completing their 116th credit hour (making sure that all English major requirements are complete)—either November 15 for Spring admission or April 15 for Fall admission.
- Must I have completed all of my B.A. general education requirements (Foreign language, Math, Distribution or Breadth of Inquiry, e.g.) to be eligible for admission to the B.A./M.A.?
No. It is possible for students to complete their final general education requirements after acceptance to the B.A./M.A. program. All requirements in English must be complete, however.
- May I count courses toward both the graduate and undergraduate programs?
No. B.A./M.A. students are still required to complete the total undergraduate hours toward the B.A., and no courses used to satisfy the B.A. requirements may be applied toward the M.A.
- Will I be able to apply for departmental support (fellowships, teaching assistantships) while I am working toward my M.A.?
No. B.A./M.A. students do not qualify for departmental support.
- Can I earn a Ph.D. after my B.A./M.A.?
It is generally advisable for students who have completed the B.A./M.A. at IU to pursue the doctorate elsewhere; however, under certain circumstances a B.A./M.A. student may benefit from doctoral study here, in which case, she may apply for admission to the department’s Ph.D. program through the standard application process. Past training is no guarantee of admission; the IU Ph.D. program is highly selective.
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