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.

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. Links to registration are forthcoming.

  • Online Information Session: January 14, 2025 @ 8 p.m.

REGISTER FOR THE January 14 INFO SESSION

  • Online Information Session:  March 10, 2025 @ 8 p.m.

REGISTER FOR THE March 10 INFO SESSION

  • Online Information Session:  April 14, 2025 @ 8 p.m.

REGISTER FOR THE April 14 INFO SESSION

Application Process

Who Can Apply

All undergraduate students in McCormick and Weinberg with a GPA over 3.000 may apply.

When to Apply

McCormick and Weinberg undergraduates with a GPA over 3.000 are eligible to apply the quarter they will finish with 5 or fewer units remaining towards their BS or BA. Students must be enrolled in the Bachelor’s/Master’s program for a least one quarter before graduating with their Bachelor’s degree.

Therefore, eligible students must complete the application no later than the quarter before they will graduate with their Bachelor’s degree.

     Spring Application Dates

  • Application portal opens: December 4, 2024
  • Application deadline: February 1, 2025

     Summer Application Dates

  • Application portal opens: March 13, 2025
  • Application deadline: May 1, 2025

     Fall Application Dates

  • Application portal opens: April 1, 2025
  • Application deadline: July 1, 2025

How to Apply

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.

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

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 an international BS(BA)/MS student, please let your OISS advisor know you are interested in the combined degree program and discuss how eligibility to work will work in your case.
  • If your ultimate goal is to complete a PhD, consider pursuing an MS with the thesis option.
  • 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.
    • Director of MS studies for each McCormick department:

Additional Questions?

Contact us at mccormick-gradprograms@northwestern.edu.