Accelerated Program: W.P. Carey Business Communication B.A. and Online M.A. in Communication
Looking to speed up the time it takes to receive your degrees? Want to learn the advanced communication skills necessary to compete and succeed in the current job market? Our accelerated degree program allows you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time.
Degree Requirements
If taken separately, undergraduate degrees require 120 credit hours, and the Online MA in Communication graduate degree requires 30 credit hours. This accelerated degree allows for up to twelve shared credit hours. Thus, students will complete 138 overall credit hours for these accelerated degree programs.
Eligibility
B.A. Business Communication Major (Immersion or Online)
3.0 cumulative GPA
75+ hours completed toward a bachelor's degree
Timeline and Steps to Apply
Step 1: Meet with your undergraduate advisor to discuss the Accelerated Program. You are encouraged to schedule and attend this meeting no later than the first semester of your third (junior) year. Appointments can be made by visiting your MyASU page and clicking on the ASU Advising tab. Or contact Megan McLeroy
Step 2: Complete and sign the Accelerated Program Agreement/pre-application.
Step 3: After you have received approval, schedule a meeting with the Director of the Online MA graduate program Raena Quinlivan, PhD.
Step 4: Submit your MA program application for the semester following undergraduate graduation. After this step, you will formally be considered a graduate student.
Applications open for Fall Semester on September 1 and for Spring Semester on February 1* (see example below).
*Example: If you are supposed to start your graduate program in Fall 2024, you can apply for graduate college starting September 1, 2023.
Likewise, if you are supposed to start your graduate program in Spring 2025, you can submit your application for graduate college starting February 1, 2024.
Questions about this can be directed to the Director of the Online MA program, Raena Quinlivan, PhD.
Pre-Application Accelerated Program Materials (Step 2)
Pre-application form (please check and sign)
Required Online Graduate Application Materials (Step 4)
Graduate Admissions Application & Fee
After acceptance of the Accelerated Program Agreement/pre-application, submit a degree-seeking Graduate Admissions application online for the Online MA in Communication. Note that you will remain an undergraduate student until your BA graduation.
Resume
Yes (include employment and volunteer experience)
Statement of Purpose
1-2 pages letter of interest documenting the qualities, passions and goals the student possesses that make them a successful candidate for the accelerated program and goals for after graduate school (can be the same as the pre-application letter).
International Applicants
International Accelerated Program applicants must meet the English proficiency requirement or qualify for an exemption.
Required Standards for Remaining in the Accelerated Program
Your cumulative GPA must be at least 3.0 until you finish the bachelor’s degree. If your cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, you will be withdrawn from the Accelerated Program. As a graduate student, you must have 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). See to the right the list of shared course options. Please note that you cannot receive Accelerated Program credit for courses you previously took before being admitted into the Accelerated Program.
Two courses (6 credits) from the following 400-levels:
COM 400/403: Intercultural Business Communication -and-
COM 430: Leadership in Group Communication -or-
COM 452: Communication and the Art of Happiness
Two Courses (6 credits) from the following 500-levels:
COM 501: Research Methods in Communication
COM 504: Theories and Models in Communication
FAQs
Once I finish my bachelor’s program, can I take a break before starting the master’s portion of the Accelerated Program?
No, for this accelerated program students must immediately begin the master’s program after they graduate with their bachelor’s degree.
If I am an on-ground student, am I eligible for an Online Accelerated Program?
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.
Is there one combined graduation ceremony for Accelerated Program accelerated students?
No, there are two separate ceremonies for graduation. The bachelor’s ceremony is separate from the master’s ceremony.
Contact
W.P. Carey undergraduate contact person: Megan McLeroy
Email: ASUMegan.McLeroy@asu.edu
Phone number: 480-965-6662
HDSHC Online Graduate contact person: Raena Quinlivan
Email: raena.quinlivan@asu.edu