Accelerated Master's

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The Accelerated Master’s Program allows undergraduate students to integrate graduate credits into their schedules, letting them earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. Set yourself apart early in your professional career through advanced coursework, expert faculty mentorship and flexible scheduling that helps you pursue real-world opportunities. 

Two Unique Specializations

Integrated Media Communications

A Big Ten master's degree in integrated media communication strengthens your credentials for the rapidly growing advertising and public relations industries. 

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Professional Journalism

A Big Ten master's degree in professional journalism reinforces your credentials while making you a more marketable job candidate.

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Benefits

Take Different Classes, Not More Classes

The Accelerated Master’s Program allows you to swap undergraduate coursework with grad-level classes and double-count up to 12 hours of credits toward both degrees.

Choose What Works For You

With hybrid and fully online options available for grad-level classes, you’ll make progress on your degree on your terms.

Application Requirements

  • Must be admitted to an undergraduate program in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications

  • Have at least sophomore standing

  • 3.0 GPA or higher

  • Current, full-time student

  • Have one or more terms of enrollment remaining before completing bachelor’s degree

Courses

Students in the accelerated program may count up to 12 credit hours of the following graduate courses toward both their current bachelor’s degree and their accelerated master’s degree, subject to each degree’s minimum grade requirements.

For MA with specialization in Integrated Media Communications:

For MA with specialization in Professional Journalism:

  • ADPR 834: Digital Insights and Analytics 

  • ADPR 850: PR Management & Case Studies 

  • ADPR 866: Social Media Theory & Practice 

  • ADPR 884: Brands & Branding

  • JOMC 886: Mass Media Law

  • JOMC 887: Media, Ethics and Society

  • ADPR 850: PR Management & Case Studies

  • JRGD 819: Graduate Writing, Reporting and Editing 

  • JOMC 820: Financial Communications

  • JOMC 822: Race, Gender, Media 

  • JOMC 886: Mass Media Law

  • JOMC 887: Media, Ethics and Society

Next Steps

Meet with your advisor

Meet with your undergraduate academic advisor to confirm your eligibility and timeline.

Review your desired program

Review details for your desired accelerated program.

  1. Confirm that your bachelor’s major and catalog year are eligible for the master’s program you want.
  2. Decide which of the designated grad courses you want to take prior to receiving your bachelor’s degree.

Plan your timeline

Plan your timeline based on when you want to complete your bachelor’s degree.

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