B.A./B.S. in Political Science/M.A. in Security Studies

The B.A./B.S. in Political Science and M.A. in Security Studies accelerated degree program presents students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree, reducing time spent in the classroom. With careful academic planning, this program can be completed in 10 semesters (5 years), one year less than those pursuing their degrees independently.

What is Security Studies?

Security Studies is a rigorous interdisciplinary field for those interested in national security, international affairs, world politics, and transnational problems. Students range from recent graduates of traditional undergraduate programs, to field grade officers in the U.S. military. The diversity of experience among our students is one of its key strengths.

Learn more about Security Studies

 

Admission Requirements

The application process is the same as for any graduate program, except that completion of the bachelor's degree is not required. The following requirements must be met before a student can be admitted to the program:

• Currently seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science
• Completed a minimum of 90 credit hours towards the bachelor's degree in political science
• At least a 3.0 cumulative K-State undergraduate and political science GPA

Unsure whether you meet these requirements?

Talk with your academic advisor!

 

Financial Assistance

The Department of Political Science offers two types of financial assistance to support students in the accelerated degree programs: graduate assistantships and graduate scholarships/fellowships.

Learn more about scholarship & assistantship offerings

How to Apply?

Students interested in applying for the program must complete the following:

• Complete the Graduate School's online application for the Accelerated (or Concurrent) B.A./B.S. in Political Science and Master in Security Studies program
• Pay the application fee ($65 for domestic students)
• Prepare a "Statement of Objectives" (or Personal Statement) indicating goals relative to the M.A.
• Obtain three letters of recommendation
• Upload transcript(s) from all previous institution(s) attended
• A writing sample (10 pages minimum)

The earliest students can submit their application for admission is during their junior year (after five semesters).

 

 

Degree Requirements

The program requires 150 credit hours, 30 of which must be graduate hours. The bachelor's degree may be awarded at any time upon completion of undergraduate degree requirements, or simultaneously with the Master in Security Studies degree.

Note: A maximum of 9 credit hours from the graduate degree can also be counted towards the undergraduate degree, reducing the total number of required credit hours to 141.

View degree requirements

If a student enters the program but chooses not to finish the master's degree, completed graduate credit hours will be changed to reflect undergraduate credit.The student will receive a bachelor's degree once all other requirements are met.

 

Advising

Once admitted into the accelerated degree program, students will have the current Director of Security Studies assigned as their major professor (advisor).