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.
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 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
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 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.