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Accelerated BA/MA

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Accelerated BA/MA

CIS Convocation

The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in International Studies is an accelerated program designed for exceptional students to earn both the BA and MA in International Studies in 5 years of study.  National Merit Scholars are the ideal candidates for a 5-year accelerated BA/MA program, although the program is open to all OU students who qualify.

General Requirements


See checksheet for more rules, regulations and minimum requirements.

TOTAL HOURS: A minimum of 146 semester hours acceptable toward graduation must be completed.

DOUBLE MAJORS AND MINORS: Only in rare and exceptional cases are BA/MA students allowed to add a second undergraduate major with another department. One minor program, either within or outside IAS, is allowed. For exceptions to these rules, BA/MA students must petition the IAS Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Studies Committee. If a BA/MA student is granted permission to add a second undergraduate major, it must be within a department in the College of Arts and Sciences. Entering a second undergraduate program in another College will require the completion of a dual-degree rather than a double major, and will require an additional 30 credit hours.

BA/MA Checksheet
Sample course plan

Application Procedure

Applications are due by the spring of the sophomore year or fall of the junior year.
Application materials include:

  • Application form*
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
  • Official Transcript

Application Requirements

  • Students must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA for admission
  • Students are expected to apply to the BA/MA accelerated program no later than the first semester of their junior year, although application by the second semester of the sophomore year is preferred.

Application deadlines

  • October 15 for spring admission
  • February 15 for fall admission


*PLEASE APPLY USING THE FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

If you need to submit letters of recommendation or transcripts separately, please email to Katie Watkins at kwatkins@ou.edu or mail to:

Department of International and Area Studies
BA/MA Applications
729 Elm Ave. Room 304
Norman, OK 73019

Application Form

Fill out my online form.