Integrated BAS/MA

Sociology + Public Policy (3+1)

Learn more about studying Sociology + Public Policy (3+1) as an international student.

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Simmons University (in partnership with Kaplan International) university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Bachelor's / Master's
  • Duration
    3 years / 1 year
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    46,900USD
  • Start date
    Aug
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Program overview

What Simmons University (in partnership with Kaplan International) says about their program:

Combining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Master of Arts in Public Policy, this highly interdisciplinary program is built on the belief that the political process can bring about social change.

The 3+1 Public Policy Program will uniquely position you to make a difference - at local, national, and global levels.

Coursework in the first three years draws on Simmons's vigorous liberal arts curriculum to provide an excellent foundation in sociology. Master's level coursework in public policy begins by the end of the third year and culminates in an intense and practical Capstone Project in Public Policy.

Using Boston's vibrant legislative, nonprofit, and advocacy resources as its classroom, the Capstone blends the outstanding internships that distinguish Simmons with the opportunity to address real policy issues in a substantial written work.

You'll graduate with a command of public policy analysis and a deep understanding of the different contexts in which public policy is developed and implemented. You'll head out prepared to affect public good

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs must have obtained a secondary school diploma that is eligible for further academic studies in the country where it was earned.

English proficiency

All applicants for whom English is not their first language must submit proof of English proficiency to be considered for admission:

  • TOEFL iBT

    83

  • IELTS

    6.5

  • Duolingo

    115

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)

    55

  • Kaplan (KiBT)

    89

  • SAT

    550 EBRW

  • ACT

    21 English

English proficiency waivers

First-year students where English is the language of instruction for the entirety of their secondary school education (3-4 years) AND who have not taken any ESL/ELL classes in 11th or 12th grades have satisfied the University's English proficiency requirement.

Documents required

  • Online application
  • Official Secondary School transcript(s)

    All transcripts need to be official (signed in original ink and stamped with a seal

  • Depending on which country you are applying from, we will need to see at least 2-3 years of secondary coursework with final or in progress grades, depending on your graduation date.
  • Translations
  • English Proficiency Test Scores
  • Two letters of recommendation

    The university requires one letter from a teacher and one from a counselor, advisor, or headmaster

  • Personal Essay
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Scholarships at Simmons University (in partnership with Kaplan International)

  • Kaplan Pathways Merit Scholarship

    Official page

    A renewable, automatic merit scholarship for international undergraduate students admitted to Simmons University through Kaplan International Pathways. No separate application is required — awards are decided based on academic performance, leadership achievement, community service, work experience, and other talents. First-year undergraduate applicants can receive up to USD $32,000 per year, worth up to $128,000 over four years; transfer applicants are eligible for renewable awards from about $3,000 to $20,000 per year. Applying early improves the chance of a higher award.

  • Simmons Kaplan Women's Leadership Scholarship

    Official page

    A renewable 50% undergraduate tuition scholarship for high-achieving female international students applying to Simmons University through Kaplan International Pathways, worth roughly $80,000+ over four years (up to about $22,000 per year). Awarded at the point of admission to a bachelor's degree and renewable annually for four years. Applicants must demonstrate interest in women's leadership by submitting a short video (up to 3 minutes), an essay, or completing a 15-minute interview, alongside criteria such as leadership potential, community involvement, and intellectual curiosity.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$46,900 per year

  • Undergraduate tuition (Nursing programs)

    US$51,388 per year

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What is the cost of living near Simmons University (in partnership with Kaplan International)?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,870
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$2,200
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$144
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$77
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$58Range: $30 to $100· Boston, Massachusetts average
Monthly public transport pass$91
Monthly grocery basket$229
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$16
Gym membership$90

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced) and numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Simmons University (in partnership with Kaplan International)

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.