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 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. Courses are shared only during the last two semesters of your undergraduate studies.
✔ 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 pre-application form.
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).
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.
Shared Courses Information
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 452 Communication and the Art of Happiness
- COM 430 Leadership in Group Communication
Two courses (6 credits) from 500-level options:
- COM 504 Theories and Models in Communication
- COM 501 Research Methods 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. 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.