Communication, Accelerated 4+1 BA/MACTM

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This accelerated program enables students to earn both a Bachelor’s in Communication and a Master’s degree in Applied Communication Theory and Methodology in 5 years. The program allows a School of Communication student to take up to 12 credit hours of designated COM graduate courses and count these courses both toward the Bachelor’s and the Master’s degrees in COM. High performing undergraduate students may apply for this 5-year program as early as the end of their sophomore year. Students must apply before the spring semester of their third (junior) year of undergraduate study and, if accepted, start COM graduate coursework during their fourth (senior) year. Students may then complete all remaining COM graduate coursework in one year of full-time graduate study.

Admission to Program

A student is eligible to apply for the accelerated program if the following conditions are satisfied:

The student has been accepted as a COM major and:

The student has completed at least 65 credit hours (at least 16 hours in COM and at least 30 credit hours earned at CSU);
The student has at least junior standing at CSU; and
The student has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 or better and a minimum average of 3.25 in COM courses. Students must maintain a 3.25 to stay in the program.

In addition, students must apply to the accelerated COM program before the completion of 100 credit hours towards the undergraduate degree, including transfer credits. Typically, such applications should be made at the end of the junior year. Transfer students need to have taken at least 30 hours at CSU and to have a 3.4 GPA or better. Also, admission to the Accelerated COM program does not require completion of GRE or equivalent tests.

To apply students must submit the following:

A completed Application form
A statement of intent describing why and how the Strategic Communication program will enhance the student’s scholarly and career goals.
Two letters of recommendation from CSU School of Communication faculty

For more information about the program, please consult the COM department (216-687-6430) or go to the department website at http://www.csuohio.edu/class/communication/communication.

Students who are accepted for an accelerated 4+1 program may apply or transfer a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours taken while an undergraduate. No additional graduate credit hours taken as an undergraduate may be applied or transferred to the graduate record.

Program Requirements

Core (6 Credits)

COM 501 - Pro Seminar In Communication
COM 512 - Communication Research Methods

Communication Theory (6 Credits)

Two of the following required:

COM 610 - Organizational Communication Theory
COM 640 - Persuasive Communication

Research Methods (6 Credits)

Two of the following required:

COM 631 - Multivariate Statistical Methods
COM 634 - Qualitative Research Methods

Elective Courses (12 Credits)

Four of the following required:

Note: Any course not counted towards a theory or research methods requirement may also be counted as an elective.

COM 548 - Managing Organizational Teams
COM 555 - Communication Campaigns
COM 564 - Media Metrics & Analytics
COM 595 - Special Topics in Communication Theory & Methodology
COM 645 - Strategic Messaging and Communication
COM 660 - Strategic Communication

Exit Options (3 Credits)

COM 689 - Collaborative Research Project
COM 698 - Research Project