MARSLAC BA/MA Program

Program Overview and Application Process

Interested students should apply at least two months prior to the semester in which they intend to begin taking courses that will count toward the MA. Accepted students may begin coursework for the MA in their senior year as they complete undergraduate degrees in their respective departments. Students accepted into the program must discuss graduate course selection (course 4000-level and above) with the Program Director (DGS) before beginning their coursework. Requirements for the MA program are the same as those for the MARSLAC Degree.

Students may apply in the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. Students must have a demonstrated interest in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Applicants admitted via the BA/MA option receive permission to commence MA coursework for the program of their choice, with a promise of official admission to the MA program following the conferral of the undergraduate degree.

The Spring 2027 deadline for a first-semester senior to apply for the 4+1 BA/MA Pathway option is November 19, 2026. 

BA/MA applicants should apply through the Admissions Office of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). Application materials include a statement of purpose, resume, writing sample, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

The only way for students to access the 4+1 BA/MA Pathway application is via the URL provided on the 4+1 BA/MA Pathway webpage. Please direct all interested applicants to this page to review important information and create their 4+1 BA/MA Pathway application.

Start an application

Transfer Credit

Upon enrollment in GSAS, BA/MA students may be granted up to four courses (12-15 credits) of transfer credit and up to 1 Residence Unit (RU) for graduate courses (4000-level and above). Students transferring fewer than four credits will be granted a partial RU based on the number of credits.

Transfer credit will be granted ONLY for courses taken in excess of the 124-credit requirement for the Columbia or Barnard bachelor's degree (i.e., courses that did not count toward undergraduate major, concentration, minor, or general education requirements). 

Transfer credit courses must be taken for a letter grade, and the grade received must be B or better.

Please visit the GSAS BA/MA Program webpage for additional information on the application process and transfer credit details.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for answers to common questions about the MARSLAC program and application process.