Fifth-Year M.A. Program
Application Deadline: February 1
The Fifth-Year M.A. program allows selected students to earn both a B.A. or B.S. in Psychology or Neuroscience and an M.A. in Psychology in five years. Boston College undergraduate majors may apply to continue their studies beyond the B.A. or B.S. and earn an M.A. with the equivalent of a fifth, consecutive year of full-time study. The purpose of the program is to allow students a greater opportunity for concentrated study and research training. Such training is excellent preparation for application to a Ph.D. program.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the exception of Statistics, we generally offer graduate courses every other year.
Yes.
Students must begin research during their senior year so that it is completed by the end of their fifth year. However, only the two courses (6 credits) listed above under Fourth Year count as credit for the Master's degree.
Research conducted in the fifth year through Research Workshop and Independent Study courses counts for credit.
Yes, students may be enrolled in both the Psychology Honors Program and the Fifth Year M.A. program. The Master's research project may be an extension of the research constituting the undergraduate honors thesis.
Use the standard form for applying to the graduate program, and choose the Ph.D. option. After you apply your application will be handled as an M.A. application.
Scott Slotnick, the Graduate Program Director.