The coterminal degree program allows Stanford undergraduates to study for the MA degree while completing their bachelor's degree(s) in a different department. Juniors and seniors may apply. This generally entails an additional year of study at Stanford beyond the usual four years.

University requirements for coterminal degrees are described in the Stanford Bulletin. Rules and application forms may be found at the Publications and Online Guides website.

 

admissions

Application deadline:  January 5, 2016

Application: Stanford Undergraduates apply for the Coterminal degree through the Registrar's Office.

Admission standards are the same for coterms as for external applicants to the MA program. To qualify, in addition to completing the university requirements for the bachelor's degree, a student must:

  1. Submit a coterminal application for admission to the program no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the undergraduate degree, normally Winter Quarter prior to Spring Quarter graduation. Students with advanced placement and transfer credit must apply at least four quarters before the expected master's degree conferral date.
  2. Include in the application a program which outlines, by quarter, the schedule of courses the student plans to complete toward the MA degree. The student should meet with the CREEES associate director in drafting this schedule. The application also should include:
    • a current Stanford transcript
    • a one-page statement of purpose
    • three letters of recommendation from Stanford faculty (one may be from a language instructor)
    • a writing sample of 20 pages or less in English on an academic topic in Russian, East European, or Eurasian Studies
  3. Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (B). Coterminal applicants must take the general test of the Graduate Record Examination and have the results sent to Graduate Admissions, Office of the University Registrar.
  4. Complete 15 full-time quarters or the equivalent, or three quarters in full-time residence after completing 180 units; and complete, in addition to the 180 units required for the bachelor's degree, a minimum of 48 units for the master's degree.

The same courses may not be counted to meet both undergraduate and graduate requirements, and no courses taken before the junior year may be used to meet the course requirements for the MA degree.

 

further information

For information on degree requirements and financial aid/funding opportunities, please see the MA program page. If eligible, coterms are encouraged to apply for the Academic Year FLAS Fellowship concurrently with their coterm application.