Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's in Communication
Fast-track your education with our accelerated program
Interested in speeding up the time it takes to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees? Our accelerated program allows you to gain advanced communication skills, save money, and compete successfully in today’s job market.
Eligibility
BA or BS in Communication (online or immersion)
Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, at the time of application and through completion of undergraduate degree requirements.
and be admitted to 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
Step 1: Meet with an Advisor: Schedule an appointment with your undergraduate advisor to discuss the Accelerated Program by the first semester of your junior year (third year). Appointments can be made through your MyASU page under the Advising tab.
Step 2: Submit Pre-Application: Complete the Accelerated Program Agreement/pre-application.
Step 3: Meet with Graduate Program Director: Upon approval, schedule a meeting with Raena Quinlivan, Director of the Online MA in Communication.
Step 4: Submit Your Graduate Application: Submit your MA program application for the semester following your undergraduate graduation to officially transition to a graduate student.
Application Deadlines
Fall semester applications open on September 1 (e.g., for Fall 2024 graduate start, apply by September 1, 2023)
Spring semester applications open on February 1 (e.g., for Spring 2025 graduate start, apply by February 1, 2024)
Questions about this can be directed to Raena Quinlivan.
Required Online Graduate Application Materials
Graduate Admissions Application and fee: Complete an application for the Online MA in Communication at admission.asu.edu/apply.
Resume: Include relevant employment and volunteer experience.
Statement of Purpose: 1-2 pages explaining your fit for the program and your career goals after graduate school.
International Applicants: Must meet the English proficiency requirement or qualify for an exemption.
Shared Courses Information
Number of Shared Courses Allowed
Up to 4 courses (12 credits). See the list of shared course options below. Please note that you cannot receive Accelerated Program credit for courses you previously took before being admitted into the Accelerated Program.
Shared Course Levels Allowed
2 courses (6 credits) @ 400-level and 2 courses (6 credits) @ 500-level
Shared Courses GPA Requirement
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for your BA or BS degree
Shared Course Options**
Two Courses (6 credits) from the following 400-levels:
COM 400/403: Intercultural Business Communication
COM 452: Communication and the Art of Happiness
COM 430: Leadership in Group Communication
Two Courses (6 credits) from the following 500-levels:
COM 504: Theories and Models in Communication
COM 501: Research Methods in Communication
**This list is a sample of shared course options. Additional course offerings may be available; reach out to your advisor for more information.
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.
No. This program allows for an online or immersion BA or BS in Communication to Online MA in Communication. 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.
Contact Information
Undergraduate
Contact: The HDSHC Advisors
Email: communication@asu.edu
Phone number: 480-965-5095
Graduate
Contact: Raena Quinlivan, PhD
Email: Raena.quinlivan@asu.edu