Dual B.A.-M.A. Degree
The four-year bachelor's-master's degree program in anthropology is designed to enable exceptional or gifted undergraduates to earn two degrees simultaneously during their period of study at Brandeis University. The program provides a strong academic grounding for those students who aspire to a professional career in anthropology and anticipate continuing their studies elsewhere for the doctoral degree.
Eligibility for Admission
Eligibility for the program is normally limited to anthropology majors who have maintained a minimum 3.50 (B-plus) grade-point average overall and a 3.67 (A-minus) grade-point average in anthropology courses for the first six semesters of undergraduate study.
Requirements
Students admitted to the program must fulfill all the requirements for a major in anthropology with honors, as well as the special requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Anthropology for the dual bachelor's-master's degree. Specifically, they must complete:
- a minimum of three years residence on campus, one of which is at the graduate level;
- a total of 38 courses (vs. the 32 required for the bachelor's degree);
- six anthropology courses at the graduate level (100-plus numbered courses), including ANTH 201, beyond the 10 required for the honors major in anthropology, with a minimum grade of B-minus in each.
- an acceptable master's research paper, evaluated by the student's adviser and one additional anthropology faculty member (the honors thesis can serve this purpose).
Application Procedures
Students must apply to the Graduate School by completing the online application form at www.brandeis.edu/gsas/apply.
Supporting documents include:
- a short (two or three pages) statement of purpose that incorporates your honor thesis proposal
- a copy of your transcript
- a letter of recommendation
- The application must be done by May 1 of the student's junior year (usually the sixth semester at Brandeis). Transfer students should apply by the fourth semester in residence.