Accelerated Program: W. P. Carey Business Communication BA and Online MA in Communication
Fast-track your education with our accelerated program
Are you looking to fast-track your education and reduce the time it takes to earn your degrees? Do you want to acquire advanced communication skills necessary to thrive in today's competitive job market? Our accelerated degree programs allow you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time, maximizing your career opportunities.
Degree Requirements
Typically, a bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours, while the Online MA in Communication graduate degree necessitates 30 credit hours. Our accelerated degree program permits up to twelve shared credit hours, enabling students to complete a total of 138 overall credit hours.
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. It is recommended to schedule this meeting by the first semester of your junior year. Appointments can be made through your MyASU page under the Advising tab or by contacting Megan McLeroy
Step 2: Complete and sign the Accelerated Program Agreement/pre-application.
Step 3: After receiving approval, schedule a meeting with Raena Quinlivan, the Director of the Online MA graduate program.
Step 4: Submit your MA program application for the semester following your undergraduate graduation. After this step, you will officially be considered a graduate student.
Applications open for the Fall Semester on September 1 and for the Spring Semester on February 1.
Example: If you plan to start your graduate program in Fall 2024, apply starting September 1, 2023. If you intend to begin in Spring 2025, submit your application starting February 1, 2024.
For inquiries, please contact Raena Quinlivan, the Director of the Online MA program.
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. You will remain an undergraduate student until your BA graduation.
Resume: Include relevant employment and volunteer experience.
Statement of Purpose: A 1-2 page letter detailing your qualities, passions, and goals that make you a strong candidate for the accelerated program and your aspirations 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
To remain in the Accelerated Program, your cumulative GPA must be 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 stay 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