IBS BA/MA Program for Brandeis Undergraduates
The Program
The Lemberg Master of Arts (MA) is a two-year graduate program of the International Business School. Qualified Brandeis undergraduates who wish to earn the MAief may pursue a special track that will allow for completion of the MA with one year of post-BA study. This program is commonly referred to as the BA/MA program.
What careers will the BA/MA prepare me for?
The Lemberg MA Program has traditionally prepared students for careers in international finance, economics, consulting, business and policymaking. It is especially relevant for positions that require strong analytical skills in international economics.
Graduates of the MA program have accepted permanent positions with firms such as AT&T, Bankers Trust Company, Chase Manhattan, Citicorp, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, International Data Group, KPMG Peat Marwick, Lazard Freres, McKinsey & Co., Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The World Bank and WorldStreet Corporation. Several graduates are employed by the central banks and finance ministries of the United States and other countries.
See more on careers for MAief graduates
How the Program Works
Brandeis undergraduates enter the program in their senior year and remain enrolled at Brandeis for one additional year of full-time graduate study leading to the MA. Undergraduates in the BA/MA Program are required to spend five years as a full-time student at Brandeis.
Students planning to complete their BA in the fall semester of their senior year should expect to remain in the MA Program for an additional three semesters. It is important to note that you are considered an undergraduate until you have successfully satisfied all of the requirements for your baccalaureate degree.
Study Overseas
One semester in the program may be spent at an
affiliated foreign university. The timing of foreign study is determined on a case-by-case basis. IBS has affiliations with leading universities around the world, including France, Denmark, Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Israel, Korea, Japan, China, and Singapore. (Please note: Students who go abroad during their undergraduate study are not exempt from the BA/MAief semester abroad requirement without departmental approval.)
Degree Requirements
A student's preparation for the Lemberg MAief Program should include:
- Introduction to Economics (2A)
- Analysis of Economic Problems (8b)
- Microeconomic Theory (80a)
- Statistics (83a)
The Lemberg MAief Program requirements are:
- Two years of full-time residency at Brandeis (during these two years, students must complete 16 courses, including any required to complete BA requirements). The MAief degree itself requires 16 ECON courses; upper level ECON courses taken before entering Lemberg can count toward this total.
- Foreign Language requirement (Brandeis language requirement satisfies this) and an International Experience requirement (semester study abroad at a partner university or working/living abroad for a substantial length of time)
Applying and Financing the Degree
Find out how to apply and about financing the degree.
How can I learn more about the program?
The following two documents give more detailed information on the BA/MA program:
You can also:
- Attend an Information Session held in the Sachar International Center.
- Discuss the program with an admission counselor or with the Director of the Lemberg MAief Program, Carol Osler
- Discuss your plans and questions with your economics instructors and/or advisor.
- Talk with a current student to get a student's perspective on the program. You can contact the Office of Admission if you would like to get in touch with a current student or alum.
- Visit program courses and seminars. Make sure to check the IBS bulletin board and this website for upcoming events.
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