Fifth Year M.A. Pathway

The B.A./M.A. pathway is an option that allows students to complete the requirements for both degrees in five years, rather than the usual six.

How can this be?

The M.A. degree requires nine graduate seminars. These requirements can be completed in four quarters.

With instructor consent, students complete two to three five-credit philosophy graduate seminars during their senior year. These credits will count toward the undergraduate Philosophy major upper-division elective or senior seminar requirements (or toward overall degree credits for non-Philosophy majors) and, if admitted to the M.A. program, will also count toward the nine seminars required for the graduate degree.

Students will complete and defend a Master's Capstone Paper during spring quarter of the fifth year.

Who is eligible?

Interested Philosophy majors with a GPA of at least 3.5 should indicate their intention to participate in the pathway program to the undergraduate staff advisor no later than the seventh week of the spring quarter of their junior year (spring quarter advising week). 

Students from other majors are also welcome. Most likely these would be students from Linguistics, Legal Studies, Classics, Cognitive Science, or Literature who have some background in Philosophy. Attend faculty office hours to discuss the possibility of enrolling in a graduate seminar. 

Wait, how does this work?

Admission to the M.A. program is through the standard process via the Graduate Division. Note that you would be applying in the fall quarter of your senior year to be admitted as a graduate student the following fall - after receiving your undergraduate degree in spring (or summer).

Sample Academic Plan for Frosh Philosophy Major

Sample Academic Plan for Junior Transfer Philosophy Major

Fifth-year Graduate Coursework for both Frosh and Junior Transfer Students

Why would I want a Master's degree in Philosophy?

If you are interested in applying to a Ph.D. program then continuing your studies with the faculty here and now will allow you to develop a stronger application, writing sample and letters of recommendation.

Entering the job market with a graduate degree should translate to greater earning power with a wider array of career opportunities and a higher potential for future promotion. 

Expand your intellectual growth and spend another year at UC Santa Cruz with the subject you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

I will be graduating in the Fall. Can I apply to be a graduate student starting in winter or spring?

No. Unfortunately, the pathway only allows for a fall quarter start.

As an undergrad do I have to take the graduate seminars for a grade or Pass/No Pass?

Graduate seminars are to be enrolled in as Pass/No Pass (undergraduates) or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (graduate students). Students may petition a professor for an exception to receive a grade in a graduate seminar, however it is strongly discouraged. 

What is required for a graduate school application through this pathway?

1. Résumé
2. Writing Sample (4,000-6,000 words)
3. Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words) 
   1. Please describe your plans for graduate study or research (including who and what) and for your future occupation or profession. Recommended length is 500 - 1,000 words.
4. Personal History Statement (1-3 pages):
   1. Required of all applicants. This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 1-3 pages.
   2. UC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.
5. Application fee:
   1. In 2024, this fee is $135 for domestic applicants and $155 for international applicants.

No transcripts (from UCSC to UCSC) are required for the application.

For more information on application materials, please see the department’s Graduate Program Page.