Accelerated BA/MA Program
The Accelerated Bachelor to Master (ABM) Program provides an opportunity for high-achieving undergraduate Communication majors to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor's degree. By allowing students to earn credit toward both degrees simultaneously, the program offers an efficient pathway to a Master of Arts in Communication.
Students accepted into the ABM program may apply up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees, reducing the time required to complete the graduate program after earning their undergraduate degree. The program is available for students pursuing the MA in Communication Studies or the MA in Film and Video Production and is designed for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and are considering graduate study.
Because participation requires careful academic planning, students interested in the Accelerated BA/MA Program are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor as early as possible—and before completing 90 credit hours—to determine their eligibility, develop a plan of study, and discuss whether the program aligns with their academic and professional goals.
For additional information about University requirements and administrative procedures, please visit the Graduate School's Accelerated BA/MA (ABM) Procedures page.
What is the ABM Program?
- Complete bachelor's and master's coursework simultaneously.
- Apply up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both degrees.
- Pay undergraduate tuition while enrolled as an undergraduate student in the ABM program.
- Available for students pursuing the MA in Communication Studies or Film and Video Production.
- Students continue into the MA after earning the bachelor's degree.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Accelerated Bachelor to Master (ABM) Program, students should:
- Have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.
- Apply before completing 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework.
- Be eligible for graduate-level coursework as determined by the Department of Communication & Film and University requirements.
- Work with their undergraduate academic advisor to develop an approved academic plan for completing both the bachelor's and master's degrees.
- Receive departmental approval to participate in the program.
Students interested in the Accelerated BA/MA Program are encouraged to discuss the option with their academic advisor as early as possible in their undergraduate studies. Early planning helps ensure students can meet program requirements, develop an appropriate course plan, and determine whether the ABM pathway aligns with their academic and professional goals.
Application Process
Students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply to the Accelerated BA/MA Program by following these steps:
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your interest in the program, confirm your eligibility, and develop a plan of study for your remaining undergraduate coursework.
- Complete the departmental ABM application with your advisor.
- Submit your completed application and two faculty recommendation letters to the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Andre Johnson.
- Await the Graduate Committee's decision. The committee will review your application and determine whether you are approved to participate in the ABM program.
- Apply for admission to the MA program during your senior year. Students participating in the ABM program must still complete the standard graduate admissions process.
Important: Participation in the Accelerated BA/MA Program does not guarantee admission to the Master of Arts program.
Course Planning
Students accepted into the Accelerated BA/MA Program work closely with their undergraduate academic advisor and the graduate program to develop an individualized plan of study. During the senior year, students complete their remaining bachelor's degree requirements while enrolling in approved graduate coursework. After earning the bachelor's degree, students continue into the master's program to complete the remaining degree requirements.
The sample course sequence below illustrates one possible pathway through the Accelerated BA/MA Program for Communication Studies students. Individual plans of study will vary based on each student's academic progress and should be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
Example Senior & Fifth Year Accelerated Program Sequence
Communication Studies
Senior Year
- COMM Focus Area Course (3)
- Upper-Division COMM Elective (3)
- Upper-Division Elective / COMM 7017 or COMM 8017 (3)
- Upper-Division Elective / Graduate Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
- COMM 4381 – Senior Capstone (3)
- Upper-Division COMM Elective (3)
- Upper-Division Elective / Graduate Elective (3)
- Upper-Division Elective / Graduate Elective (3)
Year Total: 27 credit hours, including 12 graduate credit hours
Fifth Year (MA)
- Theory Competency and/or Elective (3)
- Theory Competency and/or Elective (3)
- Graduate Electives (9)
- Thesis, Special Project, or Comprehensive Exam (3–6)
Year Total: 18–21 credit hours
Graduate Program Total: 30–33 credit hours
Note: This sample represents one possible pathway through the Accelerated BA/MA Program. Course selections and timelines vary based on each student's academic plan and should be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
Have questions? If you'd like to learn more about the Film Studies M.A. program or discuss your academic and professional goals, we'd be happy to help.
Dr. Andre E. Johnson, Director of Graduate Studies