The School of Social Service Administration (SSA) offers students an opportunity to begin their professional training in social work and social welfare administration and policy while still in the College. Qualified students who wish to pursue a joint MA degree at SSA should consult with the BA/MA adviser in the College and with the director of admissions at SSA as soon as their second year, but no later than early in their third year.

Applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.25 or higher and to have completed all of their general education requirements. To be admitted to the joint program, students must have no more than two courses remaining in their undergraduate degree major by the end of their third year. Those two courses may be taken during the Autumn and Winter Quarters of the fourth year and may be counted toward the College major with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the major.

BA/MA students take nine courses in their fourth College year: seven SSA Core courses and two electives. Students will also complete two field placements (an evaluated internship): one in the first year of joint residence (College year four) and one in the second year of joint residence. Because this constitutes a demanding curriculum, students are encouraged to complete their BA projects before beginning their graduate course work.

BA/MA students enter joint residence status during the three quarters prior to the anticipated date of College graduation, during which time they will be charged tuition at SSA’s graduate rates.

For more information, visit ssa.uchicago.edu/ab-am-program.