The BA/MA option is available only to current Columbia Undergraduates (Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College).   This option allows students to complete both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree (BA/MA) in a shorter period of time; thus, providing an option that is financially advantageous. 

Applicants interested in the BA/MA option should apply at least two months prior to the semester in which they intend to begin taking courses that will count towards the MA.  Students must consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Ronald NeathThis consultation is a required part of the application process and must take place before the BA/MA application may be submitted.

For application instructions and details visit our Application ProceduresFor BA/MA applications, the GRE is not required.  

  • Applicants who wish to begin taking courses for graduate credit during the Spring 2024 semester must submit the BA/MA application by November 16, 2023.
  • Applicants who wish to begin taking courses for graduate credit during the Fall 2024 semester must submit the BA/MA application by April 18, 2024

Qualifying students typically apply to the program during their junior year or the first semester of their senior year. In the graduate portion of the program, admitted students can be hired as RAs or Graders in their first semester.  We also offer a small number of BA/MA summer bridge research internships. The program is ideal for students whose career goals will be furthered by graduate-level training and who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in statistics or another field. 

Only upon enrollment in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) can a BA/MA student receive transfer credit for up to three courses (9-12 credits) and up to 0.50 RU for graduate courses (4000-level and above) taken in excess of the 124-credit requirement for the Columbia or Barnard Bachelor’s Degree (i.e., courses that did not count toward the undergraduate major, concentration, or general education requirements).

For questions, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Ronald Neath.

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