Accelerated MA in Sociology

Mona Rad

Why did you choose to do a BAM program?

I was already passionate about getting my master’s degree from my earlier years in my undergraduate degree at Mason, and decided that a BAM would be timely, efficient, and help me get a head start. It's a great idea to help you attain advanced standing and reach your goals in an opportune manner.

What has been your favorite class or experience in the program?

My favorite experience has been taking elective master’s courses while in my undergraduate program. I partook in graduate level courses that helped me get a jump start on important courses that have helped me immensely as a full-time graduate student. For example, I took a graduate level feminist research methods class that helped me understand important methodological concepts, ultimately helping me a lot in my research projects throughout my undergraduate degree and my current graduate program.

What experiences have you had outside of the classroom?

Over the summer, I had the privilege of attending the Berlin Summer School in Social Sciences. This program works with researchers to link theory and empirical research through lectures and group discussions. In the second week, all participants have the opportunity to present and discuss their current research project in depth and to receive feedback and advice for the methodological challenges that arise. I've also interned as an executive assistant to the president of the non-profit Devotion to Children for the last two years.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself in a Sociology PhD program. Completing my master’s through the accelerated pathway will help me get because it provides academic training that helps produce the early foundations of what makes a great scholar. It also helps students understand what kind of work ethic you need in order to go forward in the world of academia.