Accelerated Program - W. P. Carey Business Communication BA and Online MA in Communication

Earn your bachelor’s and master’s faster with our accelerated program

Get ahead in today’s competitive job market by completing both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time. Our accelerated program saves you time and tuition while giving you advanced communication skills to maximize your career opportunities.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements at a glance

BA in Business Communication

120 credit hours (standard)

Online MA in Communication

30 credit hours (standard)

 

Accelerated program advantage

  • 12 shared credits count toward both degrees
  • 138 total credits to complete both (instead of 150)

Math: 120 (BA) + 30 (MA) − 12 (shared) = 138

Eligibility

  • BA Business Communication major - immersion or online
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of pre-application and through completion of undergraduate degree.
  • Minimum 75 credits to apply. Minimum 90 credits to start shared coursework and after being pre-approved for the Accelerated program. Please note that courses are shared only during the last two semesters of your undergraduate studies (traditionally known as your senior year).
  • Students admitted to the Accelerated Program must maintain a 3.0 GPA for all coursework on the graduate plan of study including shared 400-level courses and all 500-level coursework.

Timeline and Steps to Apply

  1. Meet with your undergraduate advisor Discuss the Accelerated Program, ideally by the first semester of your junior year. Schedule through your MyASU Advising tab.
  2. Complete the pre-application form Fill out and sign the Accelerated Pre-Application Form.
  3. Meet with the MA program director After receiving approval, schedule a meeting with Raena Quinlivan, Director of the Online MA in Communication.
  4. Submit your graduate application Apply for the MA program for the semester following your undergraduate graduation.

Application Deadlines

Applications open on September 1 for Fall admissions (e.g., for Fall 2026 graduate start, apply by September 1, 2025).
Applications open on February 1 for Spring admissions (e.g., for Spring 2026 graduate start, apply by February 1, 2025).

  • Spring 2026
    • Spring A: December 15, 2025 (start 1/12)
    • Spring B: February 16, 2026 (start 3/16)
  • Summer 2026
    • Summer A: April 20, 2026 (start 5/18)
    • Summer B: June 3, 2026 (start 7/1)
  • Fall 2026
    • Fall A: July 23, 2026 (start 8/20)
    • Fall B: September 16, 2026 (start 10/14)

Example: If you plan to begin in Fall A 2026, your application is due by July 23, 2026.

Required Online Graduate Application Materials

  • Graduate Admissions application and fee
  • Resume: Include relevant employment and volunteer experience.
  • Statement of Purpose: 1–2 pages explaining your relevant work or volunteer experience, fit for the program, and your career goals after graduate school.
  • International Applicants: Must meet the English proficiency requirement or qualify for an exemption.

Questions about this can be directed to Raena Quinlivan.

Required Standards for Remaining in the Accelerated Program

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 until you complete your bachelor’s degree.
  • If your GPA falls below 3.0, you will be withdrawn from the program.
  • As a graduate student, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at all times to remain in good standing.

Shared Course Options

 

Number of shared courses allowed

  • Up to 4 courses (12 credits)
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA on all shared courses
  • No accelerated credit for courses taken before admission to the program

Shared course options

Two courses (6 credits) from 400-level options:

  • COM 400/403 Intercultural Business Communication
  • COM 430 Leadership in Group Communication
  • COM 452 Communication and the Art of Happiness

Two courses (6 credits) from 500-level options:

  • COM 501 Research Methods in Communication
  • COM 504 Theories and Models in Communication

This is a sample plan. Additional options may be available. Check with your advisor.

FAQs

Yes, as long as you have completed all the requirements to graduate from your undergraduate program, you will still receive your bachelor’s degree.

No, for this accelerated program students must immediately begin the master’s program after they graduate with their bachelor’s degree.

Yes. Please be sure to meet with your graduate advisor to make sure you are registered appropriately. If you are an international student or a veteran student, please be sure to reach out to Financial Aid to ensure a modality shift has no academic or financial implications.

No, there are two separate ceremonies for graduation. The bachelor’s ceremony is separate from the master’s ceremony.

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