Bachelor's and Master's Degree (BAM)
The BAM pathways in Ethnic Studies and Education offer highly motivated students efficient routes to complete a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in a shorter time frame by double-counting coursework (3 courses) at the undergraduate tuition rate. In most cases, students graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnic Studies and a Master’s Degree in Education or Public Administration in 5 years (total).
The Department of Ethnic Studies offers three BAM opportunities:
- BA in Ethnic Studies and MEd in Educational Administration — Well suited for students interested in entry and mid-level administrative positions in higher education (e.g., student affairs, student services, housing, financial aid, admissions).
- BA in Ethnic Studies and MEd in Educational Foundations — Well suited for students interested in becoming an educator or research scholar intent on positively impacting education policy and practice.
- BA in Ethnic Studies and Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) — Well suited for students interested in leadership positions across government, nonprofit, and community organizations, equipping them to make an impact in Hawaiʻi, the U.S., and the Asia-Pacific region.
Additional Details
Students must apply at the beginning of their junior year or in the second to last year prior to completion of their undergraduate studies. Applications are submitted to the UH Graduate Division, which are then reviewed by the College of Education.
All applicants must:
- Have declared Ethnic Studies as an undergraduate major.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Have successfully completed ES 480 or ES 486 or ES 493 with a grade of B or better.
BAM students enjoy many benefits, including:
- Saving Money — Depending on the program selected, you may be able to complete your Master’s degree in just one to one-and-a-half additional years of study after receiving your Bachelor’s degree. Instead of the traditional six years, these accelerated programs could mean thousands of dollars in savings for you.
- Saving Time — BAM allows you to double-count three courses (9 credits) toward both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Gaining a Competitive Advantage — In an increasingly competitive job market, you will gain an edge by earning a Master’s degree from programs that have a track record of placing their students with employers and opening the door to a career in the academy.