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Accelerated BA/MA Program in Communication

This program allows outstanding undergraduates to begin the coursework for the Master of Arts in Communication during their senior year. Students interested in the ABM program should talk with their advisor as early in their studies as possible and apply before they have completed 90 credit hours. Working with their advisor, undergraduates accepted into this program begin a carefully tailored course of study which will allow them to complete their BA degree while they also beginning the coursework toward their MA. Up to 12 hours of graduate course work may be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate programs. To apply, students should have an overall minimum 3.25 grade point average.

How to Apply:

Once the student has discussed the ABM option with their advisor, here are the application steps:

1.      Meet with undergraduate advisor, confirm eligibility for the program, and make a plan of study for the last year of BA. Once the plan of study is finalized, the student and the advisor fill out the Application Form below.   

2.      Student sends the application form and two (2) faculty recommendation letters to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).  

3.      The Graduate Committee reviews the application and grants approval for participation in ABM.

4.      As the student makes satisfactory progress toward their Bachelor’s degree, the student will formally apply to the MA program during their senior year. Participation in the ABM program does not guarantee an automatic acceptance to the MA  program.  

For ABM Advisors

ABM ADVISOR CHECKLIST 


Forms and Links:

Application Form 

Graduate Director: Dr. Craig Stewart

Catalog Descriptions of MA Program –  
             Communication Studies
             Film and Video Production 


EXAMPLES OF SENIOR & FIFTH YEAR ACCELERATED PROGRAM SEQUENCE

COMMUNICATION STUDIES:

SENIOR YEAR 

COMM Focus Area Course 3 (3) 

UD COMM Elective (3) 

UD Elective/COMM 7017/8017 (3) 

UD Elective/ Graduate Elective (3) 

Elective (3) 

COMM 4381 - Senior Capstone  

UD COMM Elective (3) 

UD Elective/Graduate Elective (3) 

UD Elective/Graduate Elective (3) 

Year Totals 27 hours, 12 hours graduate 

FIFTH YEAR/MA 

Theory Competency/or Elective (3 hours) 

Theory Competency/or Elective (3 hours) 

Graduate Electives (9 hours) 

Thesis/ Project/Exam (3-6 hours)  

Year Total hours 18-21 hours, Graduate Total 30-33 hours 

FILM & VIDEO PRODUCTION:

SENIOR YEAR 

COMM Production/Writing Course/Graduate Cognate (3) 

UD COMM elective (3) 

UD Elective (3) 

Elective/Graduate Elective (3)   

COMM Production/Writing Course/Graduate Cognate (3) 

UD COMM elective (3) 

UD Elective/Graduate Elective (3) 

Elective/Graduate Elective (3) 

Year Totals 25 hours, 12 hours graduate 

FIFTH YEAR, MA 

Film/Video Production (3 hours) 

Culminating Project (3 hours) 

Elective/Graduate Electives (12 hours) 

Year Total hours 18 hours. Graduate total 30 hours