Undergraduate Study
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Programs
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Honors & Combined Degrees
Combined Bachelor's / Master's Program

McCormick’s Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree.

With careful planning, students may commence work on their master’s degree before completing their bachelor’s degree. For some students, it may be possible to earn both degrees at the same time, in just four years. In the last several years, over 30 BS/MS students have completed both degrees in four years.

Students can pursue master’s degrees in the same department as their bachelor’s or in a different department.

See our list of recommended undergraduate courses

Upcoming Online Information Sessions

Please consider joining an upcoming BS/MS, BA/MS online information session where we will discuss the program and application process.

Application Process

Who Can Apply

All students in McCormick and Weinberg with a GPA over 3.000 may apply once they are within five credits or fewer of completing their BA or BS requirements.

When you are eligible to apply for the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program, please email mccormick-gradprograms@northwestern.edu for your application fee waiver code.

How to Apply

Application for the Combined Degree Program (more commonly known as BA/MS or BS/MS) occurs in the quarter in which you are within five credits or fewer of completing your BA or BS requirements.

Summer Application

  • Application portal opens: February 28, 2024
  • Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Fall Application

  • Application portal opens: April 1, 2024
  • Application deadline: July 1, 2024

To apply, access the upcoming quarter's application via the online portal

Application Requirements

  • Academic statement
  • Unofficial Northwestern transcript
  • Resume
  • Two recommendations
  • Program plan grid with future undergraduate courses you will take to complete your BS or BA degree with your undergraduate adviser’s signature

For more information about applying to the Combined Degree Program, please contact mccormick-gradprograms@northwestern.edu.

Important Suggestions

  • If you plan to seek a master’s degree in another department, please review the list of recommended undergraduate courses that you should take as an undergraduate.
  • If you are interested in the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program, work closely with your undergraduate adviser and the MS Director of the relevant department as listed below.
    • Your Undergraduate adviser must sign a document to be uploaded with your application outlining the number of courses remaining in your BS or BA degree.
    • The MS Director may assist with creating a potential MS plan of study. Please bring your four-year undergraduate plan to advising appointments with the MS Director.
    • If your ultimate goal is to complete a PhD, consider pursuing an MS with the thesis option.

Director of MS studies for each McCormick department:

Additional Questions?

Contact us at mccormick-gradprograms@northwestern.edu.