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College of Arts & Sciences
Texas A&M University Economics

5 Year Program Bush School 5-Year Degrees

Combination Degrees

Combination programs represent two degrees of different academic levels that are pursued and awarded simultaneously. Degrees are completed on an accelerated path involving a coordinated sequence of undergraduate and graduate coursework.

These programs are structured to save both time and money, allowing students to complete both degrees faster than if they were pursued separately. The Department of Economics Combination Programs allows students to finish their bachelor's degree in four years and complete the master's degree in just one extra year due to the "double-counting" of some coursework. 

Even though the programs are combined, students must satisfy the required hours of both programs.

Bush School Combination Programs

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Economics + Master of International Affairs- International Development & Economic Policy Track

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Economics + Master of Public Service & Administration- Public Policy Analysis Track

Program Description

Students begin their studies at Texas A&M University in the Economics department taking classes toward their undergraduate degree. Throughout the course of the student’s first three years at Texas A&M, the student works with their undergraduate advisor to ensure they satisfy all eligibility requirements listed below prior to applying to the Master of Public Service & Administration (MPSA) – Public Policy Analysis (PPA) track or Master of International Affairs (MIA) International Development & Economic Policy (IDEP) track, in the fall of their junior year.

If admitted students must ensure they fulfill the rest of the undergrad requirements listed below by the time they enter The Bush School in the fall of their senior year at Texas A&M University when classified as a U4. In the student’s fourth year, they take Bush School graduate level courses; 18 credit hours of which will double count toward their bachelor’s degree. In the student’s fifth year, they are re-classified as a G7 graduate student and take the remaining courses left to satisfy the requirements for the MPSA/MIA degree.

After successful completion of both degrees, students receive both Texas A&M degrees, earning a BA or BS in Economics and a Master of Public Service & Administration or Master of International Affairs at the end of their second year in The Bush School (fifth year). Although they earn both, students will only walk for the MPSA/MIA graduation.

Students who choose not to finish the MPSA/MIA degree after starting the 3+2 degree program may exit the program at any time. Completed Bush School courses will be applied to their bachelor’s degree in economics, as appropriate. Failure to complete the MPSA/MIA program will in no way impede a student’s ability to attain a bachelor’s degree when the requirements for that degree are completed.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply to the ECON + MPSA/MIA Program, students must:

  • be classified as a U3 majoring in Economics at Texas A&M University, and
  • have a 3.25 GPA or above by the start of the fall semester in which they will enter the 3+2 program (if admitted), and
  • work with their undergrad advisor to map out courses the student must complete prior to entry into the 3+2 program (if admitted), and
  • have approximately 66-78 credit hours completed by the time they apply to the 3+2 program in the fall semester of their junior year, and
  • have approximately 102 credit hours completed before entry into the 3+2 program in the fall of their senior year (including all required courses for ECON major, college, and Texas A&M), and
  • be in good academic standing with their undergrad department, and
  • not be expected to graduate during the academic year in which they are applying, and
  • understand that failure to satisfy ALL of these requirements will result in 3+2 admission (if offered) being revoked.

View the Program websites to stay current on admissions requirements for ECON + MPSA and ECON + MIA.

Advising

It is imperative for students interested in the Combined ECON + MPSA/MIA Programs work with their undergrad Economics advisor as soon as possible to ensure you are on track to complete all necessary courses prior to entry into the program, if admitted.

Economics

Questions pertaining to undergraduate courses or degree requirements in preparation for applying

Bush School

Questions pertaining to MPSA curriculum or courses

Questions pertaining to MIA curriculum or courses

Questions about admission and preparation for the Program

Resources